With My Own Eyes

I have listened to the audio version of this book time and time again.  It never gets old.  Brother Yun was a leader in planting underground churches in Communist China.  He is a prime illustration of my personal conviction that God’s power is for God’s mission, and those sold out to God’s mission will be those who personally experience God’s power. This gentleman laid his life on the line time and time again for the sake of the Gospel. The truth is that my commitment to the mission is not to be any different, just because I live in a different context.  I too am called to sacrifice.  Because of how Brother Yun’s commitment to the Gospel challenges me to go deeper, The Heavenly Man makes the cut of 20 “Must Pack Books”.

Romans 12:9b

[9] Abhor what is evil;

“Abhor” = to regard with disgust and hatred.

Not only must we have eyes to see people the way God does with love (see previous post), we must also have eyes to see sin the way God does with disgust.

That word “abhor” is STRONG.  We are to hate sin, to be disgusted by it.  Too often we choose to be entertained by it.

Romans 12:9

[9] Let love be genuine.  (ESV)

Scenario:  You publicly “make nice” with someone you inwardly despise, giving the appearance of love for them.  You then turn around and privately talk about them in a way that is anything but loving.  In this scenario there is a disconnect between the public and the private–a lack of wholeness.  The word “integer” from which we get our word integrity refers to personal wholeness–who we are publicly is who we are privately.  We are whole.  Our lack of genuine love is ultimately a lack of integrity.  I must confess that as a pastor I have gotten pretty good at the fake love mentioned in this scenario.  I can play the part of the caring shepherd without the genuine heart.  I need an infusion of God’s genuine love–the capacity to see people as He sees them and to love them the way He loves them.

All right.  I know this is cheating to claim a whole series for one of my top 20 “must pack” books, but this is my blog and I can do what I want.  John MacArthur and I disagree on some things, especially in regard to the ministry of the Holy Spirit today.  However, his commentaries are consistently my “go to” for in-depth and yet practical biblical exegesis.  No fluffy stuff here, just good biblical scholarship.  I am a better student of the Bible because of his commentaries.  Therefore, his set of commentaries makes the cut of 20 “must pack” books.

I was confronted by Romans 12:9-21 in my Bible reading today.  The section has the sub-title “The Marks of a Christian”.  If that is true (and of course it is) then there is a lot of room for self-examination and repentance here.  The bar is high and it goes far deeper than outward appearance and penetrates to the very depths of our hearts. Take a moment to read this rich passage and maybe do a little bit of personal inventory of your own:

Romans 12:9-21

[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.  [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (ESV)

Over the next few weeks my intent is to take each of these characteristics and write a bit about my own struggle and progress.  Next post on this will address “Let love be genuine.”  Would love to hear from you as well.

This book is the antidote for so much of what ails marriage in our society today. Somewhere along the way we bought into the idea that the primary purpose for marriage is our own personal happiness.  That is what is ultimate.  So, when we determine we are no longer made happy by our spouse, we go looking for happiness in someone else.  Author Gary Thomas’ assertion is:  “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?”  His point is that marriage (like everything else) is ultimately about God and not ourselves.  And guess what happens when we seek first God and His Kingdom?  We find the happiness that previously was so elusive.  My how marriage would look different if that became our focus.  So, for being a much needed perspective changer, Sacred Marriage makes the cut of 20 “must pack” books.

I rejoice with my church family in Ojai today over the confirmation of Nick Ostermann as Lead Pastor.  I believe Nick is uniquely gifted to lead the church into its next season of impacting the Ojai Valley with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I especially want to to thank the Search Committee for being so conscientious and diligent in this process.  First Baptist is blessed with an incredible team of Elders.  They have served exceedingly well.

Philippians 1:3-7

[3] I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, [4] always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. [6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. [7] It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. (ESV)

If there is one pastor after which I would desire to model my ministry, it is probably John Piper.  He has a pastor’s heart,  and also a deep, unwavering conviction for truth.   His book A Hunger for God is a thorough and practical explanation of the spiritual discipline of fasting.   Its premise is summed up by the following quote:  “If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied.  It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world.  Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.  God did not create you for this.  There is an appetite for God.  And it can be awakened.  I invite you to turn from the dulling effects of food and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast:  ‘This much, O God, I want you.'”  For inspiring quotes like this and accompanying instruction, A Hunger for God makes the cut of 20 “Must Pack” books.