Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Mercy, Grace and Gibeonites
When asking many Christians to define "mercy" and "grace" you will very likely get a look that communicates the thought, "There's a difference? Aren't they the same?" A careful study of Scripture shows us that while they are closely related they are not synonyms. They may be opposite sides of the same coin but they are not interchangeable.
Joshua 9 gives us a beautiful picture of how God's mercy and grace work in concert with one another to bring Him glory. The Gibeonites, as descendants of Canaan, Noah's grandson, are condemned to destruction. As Joshua leads the people in conquest of Canaan the Gibeonites approach them with a desire for a treaty. The Gibeonites put on an elaborate ruse of old clothes, moldy food, and a story of a long journey. As the story is told and Joshua observes the physical evidence he makes a decision prior to consulting Jehovah. After just three days the deceit is uncovered, as it always is, and the people are incensed. A decision must be made. Is Joshua going to honor the treaty and spare the Gibeonites or will the cities be razed? Joshua abides by the treaty because he has taken an oath in the name of the LORD however, the Gibeonites are made the servants of the Israel. The Gibeonites, a doomed people, are given God's mercy and are spared.
Now enters God's grace. As Joshua pronounces punishment on them for their deceit he tells them that though they are going to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water" they are also going to be employed in the service of the Tabernacle. So, instead of being outcasts and slaves they find themselves serving God in the center of the camp and joining with the priests and Levites in the Tabernacle ministry. A people once doomed to God's judgment are given new life AND a place of ministry. Isn't that just like God to show mercy to sinful men and to give them the opportunity to serve Him? "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."
Joshua 9 gives us a beautiful picture of how God's mercy and grace work in concert with one another to bring Him glory. The Gibeonites, as descendants of Canaan, Noah's grandson, are condemned to destruction. As Joshua leads the people in conquest of Canaan the Gibeonites approach them with a desire for a treaty. The Gibeonites put on an elaborate ruse of old clothes, moldy food, and a story of a long journey. As the story is told and Joshua observes the physical evidence he makes a decision prior to consulting Jehovah. After just three days the deceit is uncovered, as it always is, and the people are incensed. A decision must be made. Is Joshua going to honor the treaty and spare the Gibeonites or will the cities be razed? Joshua abides by the treaty because he has taken an oath in the name of the LORD however, the Gibeonites are made the servants of the Israel. The Gibeonites, a doomed people, are given God's mercy and are spared.
Now enters God's grace. As Joshua pronounces punishment on them for their deceit he tells them that though they are going to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water" they are also going to be employed in the service of the Tabernacle. So, instead of being outcasts and slaves they find themselves serving God in the center of the camp and joining with the priests and Levites in the Tabernacle ministry. A people once doomed to God's judgment are given new life AND a place of ministry. Isn't that just like God to show mercy to sinful men and to give them the opportunity to serve Him? "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Differences and Deference
Any time there is a gathering of people, for any length of time and for any purpose, differences are going to arise. To find out that people have different takes on various topics is no real surprise but to realize the degree to which those differences can become difficulties and ultimately divisions is often shocking.
As Paul begins to draw his letter to the believers at Rome to a close (Romans 14:1-15:13) he is directed by the Holy Spirit to tackle a subject that has become one of the most hotly debated and misunderstood in all of Christendom. If you want to have a long talk, and possibly a heated debated, bring up the subject of Christian liberty. Just exactly what is to be our position on this matter? When studied in context with the preceding paragraph (Romans 13:8-14) the subject is seen in a light far different than what many would practice today. As you approach the subject of liberty it must be done with the realization that Paul has just reminded believers that we are to love God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and love our neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). To try to understand Christian liberty without first taking into consideration the matter of loving God and loving other will certainly lead to erroneous and hurtful conclusions.
Paul's description of the "weak" and the "stronger" is an obvious statement that there are going to be differences that arise among God's children. How to handle those differences is what should set believers apart from the rest of society. The differences among spiritual brothers and sisters, just as in a physical family, is what makes the family unique, special and productive. The differences are not to cause division but should be greeted with deference.
When Paul uses the term "receive" he is commanding Christians to admit to friendship and familial unity those who may approach certain matters of spiritual practice differently than you. The burden to demonstrate deference is clearly placed upon the "stronger" in Paul's exhortation. If there is division instead of deference it is probably because there is not love; love for God and love for others.
It is not important that we are all alike; it is important that we are all like Christ.
As Paul begins to draw his letter to the believers at Rome to a close (Romans 14:1-15:13) he is directed by the Holy Spirit to tackle a subject that has become one of the most hotly debated and misunderstood in all of Christendom. If you want to have a long talk, and possibly a heated debated, bring up the subject of Christian liberty. Just exactly what is to be our position on this matter? When studied in context with the preceding paragraph (Romans 13:8-14) the subject is seen in a light far different than what many would practice today. As you approach the subject of liberty it must be done with the realization that Paul has just reminded believers that we are to love God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and love our neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). To try to understand Christian liberty without first taking into consideration the matter of loving God and loving other will certainly lead to erroneous and hurtful conclusions.
Paul's description of the "weak" and the "stronger" is an obvious statement that there are going to be differences that arise among God's children. How to handle those differences is what should set believers apart from the rest of society. The differences among spiritual brothers and sisters, just as in a physical family, is what makes the family unique, special and productive. The differences are not to cause division but should be greeted with deference.
When Paul uses the term "receive" he is commanding Christians to admit to friendship and familial unity those who may approach certain matters of spiritual practice differently than you. The burden to demonstrate deference is clearly placed upon the "stronger" in Paul's exhortation. If there is division instead of deference it is probably because there is not love; love for God and love for others.
It is not important that we are all alike; it is important that we are all like Christ.
"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in everything, love."
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Bible Conference Blessings
Why take the time for Bible Conference when there are so many things already vying for our attention? Is it really necessary or needful? Can't the time be better spent in other ways?
These are just a few of the questions that have a tendency to plague our thinking when we consider what impact a three or four day set of meetings will have on our lives. Have I occasionally contemplated any of these thoughts or wondered if all the preparation and effort was really going to be worth it? Yes, but I have always come to the same conclusion . . . what impact will it have if we don't take the time, expend the energy and make the commitment to "come apart" for a season of concentrated time on God's Word.
Once again I have been blessed and spiritually refreshed through the preaching of the timeless Truths of God's Word and my conviction has been strengthened that these times are indeed needful. The ministry of Evangelist Todd Sivnksty and Pastor Leigh Oslin during this past week was such an encouragement. There is, after all, a Biblical precedent for such meetings. We see clearly the principle put into place in the Old Testament (Exodus 23:14; Deut 16:16) when God commanded that all the men were to appear before Him three times in a year for a time of worship, thanksgiving and spiritual renewal. Certainly they were to be observing the Sabbath days throughout the year but God knew in His infinite wisdom that periodic times of concentrated focus would serve as a great blessing and safe guard to the nation. It was when the people chose a more convenient path and began to build the "high places" so as not to have to make the journey to Jerusalem that the spiritual fervor and dedication began to wane and they fell prey to the wickedness of idolatry. Do we really have to have an emphatic command or is the principle enough to encourage us in our efforts? I welcome your comments and reflections on these past days.
These are just a few of the questions that have a tendency to plague our thinking when we consider what impact a three or four day set of meetings will have on our lives. Have I occasionally contemplated any of these thoughts or wondered if all the preparation and effort was really going to be worth it? Yes, but I have always come to the same conclusion . . . what impact will it have if we don't take the time, expend the energy and make the commitment to "come apart" for a season of concentrated time on God's Word.
Once again I have been blessed and spiritually refreshed through the preaching of the timeless Truths of God's Word and my conviction has been strengthened that these times are indeed needful. The ministry of Evangelist Todd Sivnksty and Pastor Leigh Oslin during this past week was such an encouragement. There is, after all, a Biblical precedent for such meetings. We see clearly the principle put into place in the Old Testament (Exodus 23:14; Deut 16:16) when God commanded that all the men were to appear before Him three times in a year for a time of worship, thanksgiving and spiritual renewal. Certainly they were to be observing the Sabbath days throughout the year but God knew in His infinite wisdom that periodic times of concentrated focus would serve as a great blessing and safe guard to the nation. It was when the people chose a more convenient path and began to build the "high places" so as not to have to make the journey to Jerusalem that the spiritual fervor and dedication began to wane and they fell prey to the wickedness of idolatry. Do we really have to have an emphatic command or is the principle enough to encourage us in our efforts? I welcome your comments and reflections on these past days.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Demonstrating God's Love to Your Neighbor - Sunday Review
The first question that must be addressed is one which was asked of Jesus one day by a skeptical lawyer; "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered this question with what is undoubtedly one of the most familiar parables in all of Holy writ, the parable of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:29-37) At the conclusion of the parable Jesus turned the question around as He replied to the lawyer with a question, "Who was neighbor to the man?" Isn't that really the question we should all be asking ourselves each day; "Who can I be neighbor too?"
Under direction from the Holy Spirit Paul employs five of the ten commands, numbers 7,6,8,9 and 10 (Exodus 20), and the second great commandment (Leviticus 19:18) to exhort us on how we can demonstrate God's love. How are you going to keep any of these commands let alone all of them without God's grace at work in your life? What is the key to receiving that grace? Humility! (1 Peter 5:5)
Under direction from the Holy Spirit Paul employs five of the ten commands, numbers 7,6,8,9 and 10 (Exodus 20), and the second great commandment (Leviticus 19:18) to exhort us on how we can demonstrate God's love. How are you going to keep any of these commands let alone all of them without God's grace at work in your life? What is the key to receiving that grace? Humility! (1 Peter 5:5)
Some Mini-Biographical Entries
Just to give us some context and a place to start, please include a comment below (remember, try to keep it to no more than 150 words) describing some of the jobs you have held, going back as far as your first paid job (indentured servitude - also known as childhood - does not count :)). Feel free to add some extraneous memories from those jobs as well.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Demonstration of Your Love - Sunday AM Preview
Paul clearly states in Romans 10:8 that we have a debt of love to repay to those God brings into our lives whether they be family, friends, acquaintances or strangers. This debt was incurred because of the great love shown to us by our Heavenly Father as He gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins. While the acknowledgement of this love debt is somewhat of a foregone conclusion the method of repayment is a great challenge.
The apostle reaches back into the Old Testament law to illustrate how we can demonstrate God's love and thereby repay the debt. Love is demonstrated as we care for our neighbors and keep the Law. God's love flows from a surrendered heart (Rom 12:1) and it take God's grace to love others as we naturally love ourselves (Phil 2:3,4).
"If we love God with all our heart and other people with all our heart, we can do as we please, because we will only want to do that which pleases God and benefits others." (unknown)
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Same Enemy...New Battle - Wed Bible Study Preview
Joshua 9 is a powerful narrative with some poignant principles for our daily lives. By examining the actions of the Gibeonites we learn about the devices of the enemy. The methods employed by Joshua and the leaders of Israel to make the decision to enter into a treaty with these impostors gives us a vivid illustration of how quickly we can experience a downfall. Through the discovery of the deceit and the way Joshua deals with the Gibeonites we are reminded that our sin will always be revealed and there are ramifications to every decision.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Rules of Engagement
- Always, always, always remember the purpose of this blog, to glorify God by exalting Him and by provoking one another to love and good works
- Submission guidelines
o No submissions over 750 words
§ No submissions over 750 words – this may change over time, and there may be exceptions, but keep it concise
o No comments over 150 words
§ No comments over 150 words – this also may change over time, and there may be exceptions, but keep it concise
o No politics, no sports, no weather, no business or financial, no product reviews
§ No politics, no sports, no weather, no business or financial, no product reviews – there may be instances in which a spiritual discussion falls into application with regard to topics like this, which is all right – but no comments on the latest Bulldogs game or the rain we got last night (except perhaps as an answer to prayer...for the rain, not the Dogs)
o No boasting
§ No boasting – writing can easily become a time of “testimony” that rather is a time of exalting self with the subterfuge of exalting God – Matthew 6 applies here – Christ talks about private prayer, he talks about private fasting, he talks about private alms-giving, and all should remain private and not be trumpeted so others will know about them – let’s keep the corporate things public, let’s keep our private spiritual disciplines and spiritual activities private (so we permit the Lord to reward us in His will, way, and timing rather than making sure to put God’s usage of us out there for the praise of others)
o Limit the reviews of works by living authors
§ Stick primarily with dead authors - we want to avoid falling into the trap of following after the latest and greatest fads, even within spiritual disciplines - most reviews of books or essays or sermons should be those of dead authors, with a few exceptions permitted from time to time - let's focus more on classic works that have stood the test of time rather than the newest ideas being espoused by someone who might have a spiritual flame-out tomorrow that will call into question his credibility
- Response and debate guidelines
o No ad hominem
§ No ad hominem – personal attacks will not be tolerated, against individuals in our church or against other individuals – feel free to tear down someone’s assertions and philosophy, but no attacks on their person or their family
o No solo authority
§ No solo authority – if you make a claim, back it up - if it is a biblical claim, include the reference or at least a quotation (even a loose quotation is all right, as long as it does not claim to be an actual quote and does not change the meaning of the verse or its context)
o No living support
§ No living support - if you support a claim with the thinking or comments of other men, use only comments from men who are no longer alive – additionally, use comments that can be verified
o No straw men
§ No straw men – if you make a comment in opposition to a particular view or particular person’s assertions, activities, or philosophy, then do not create a straw man by pulling one comment out of context and certainly do not create a straw man by completely digesting their philosophy into something that they have never claimed it to be
o No heat without light
§ No heat without light – discussions may from time to time become vigorous around a particular passage or topic – if those discussions devolve into simple “shouting matches,” a discussion will be cut off to prevent a fire from starting
o Always rub some dirt in it and take a lap
§ Always rub some dirt in it and take a lap – don’t take offense – rub some dirt in that wound and take a lap to blow off steam – no quick responses, thoughtful responses instead
o Careful with the sarcasm
§ Limit the sarcasm - sarcasm and satire can be useful tools in exposing a false assertion or false philosophy – but sarcasm and satire can also become hurtful rather easily, particularly to individuals who are not familiar with its usage – be judicious with the use of sarcasm and satire
o Any family disagreements stay in the family and get resolved in the family
§ Should any substantive disagreements develop, inside or outside the blog, among persons in our church family, those disagreements are to be handled within our church family – no allowance for bringing others into the disagreement, apart from perhaps Pastor bringing someone in to address a particular topic or a particular dispute
- Language guidelines
o Editing may occur
§ Editing may occur – editing will occur for questionable content (for instance, words that you may use without compunction with which others may have an issue) as well as for grammar and spelling (part of the purpose here is to encourage proper use of language in communication with one another – therefore, we reserve the right to correct your grammar and spelling, should you not police yourself in that area) and finally for disputatious or dangerous spiritual assertions (perhaps they were unintentionally drifted into, but should someone happen to say something that opens the door to questions regarding the deity of Christ, for instance, we will do our best to either remove it or reword it to assure that no misunderstanding occurs toward that direction)
o No coarse or crass language
o Limit the emoticons
§ Limit the emoticons – sometimes helpful to convey sarcasm, etc., other times just annoying
o No text messaging abbreviations
§ These have come into somewhat common usage, due to the difficulty of writing on a keyboard the size of a soup spoon, but they are not universally understood and they are not helpful at encouraging complete thoughts as well as proper spelling and grammar – don’t use them
o No shouting
§ Don’t use all capital letters to make an emphatic point – rather, use emphatic language
- Always shake hands with everyone before leaving the portico
§ We may disagree on certain interpretations, and those disagreements may become vigorous - we should each be convinced in our own minds about interpretations that are open (Romans 14), but we agree on enough, as evidenced by our joining membership in the same church, that we can disagree, even strongly, on other matters without causing actual schism within our church – whether by a quick comment of love and good will or simply by a conscious thought, give each other a handshake (or a hug) before leaving the site
Why the praise list?
This is intended to be a list of shared joys and praises, to encourage us to rejoice with one another that we have a God Who answers prayer.
Why a set of rules of engagement?
As evidenced so many places in Scripture (such as Philippians 1:9), even our activities of goodness, such as our love, must be bounded by knowledge and discretion. The rules of engagement on this blog are intended to be boundaries to encourage good manners and spiritual focus, thereby urging usefulness and edification and spiritual productivity.
Why the prayer list?
This is intended to be a list of shared burdens and concerns, to encourage us to intercede for one another on a regular basis rather than focusing so much on ourselves.
Why the daily devotional?
This is intended to be a basic shared devotional experience, building commonality around consideration of the things of God, as encouraged by the devotional writing of some saint gone on to glory. If we do not yet engage in a regular devotional study of our own, then may this be a catalyst toward that study and meditation. If we do, then may this be a catalyst toward consideration of particular thoughts and meditation to deepen the pleasure of that study and meditation. And in the process, all who participate have a shared experience, spiritual truths recently considered around which we can find conversation when we come together corporately.
Why the apologetic submissions?
At CBC, we need to recognize that others hold different positions on different topics than we hold. Some of those different positions are perfectly legitimate interpretations, but we believe the Bible tends toward the interpretation to which we hold. Others of those different positions are completely illegitimate and must be refuted as heresy. Particularly as men, as leaders in our homes, we must learn to analyze particular topics and to discern between the topics with acceptable variations and the topics that are heretical. Furthermore, in Romans, God through Paul encourages each man to be convinced in his own mind, specifically regarding those topics with acceptable variations. Without consideration of those topics, we will never be convinced in our own minds, but will always be holding to a position based on second-hand conclusions (i.e., we learned it from someone else, but have never actually considered it for ourselves). The apologetic submissions, while potentially dangerous (please see the rules of engagement in order to avoid many of those dangers), are intended to encourage us to consider topics and to move toward being fully convinced in our own minds, to know why we believe what we believe, to be ready to give an answer for what we believe, and to consider other interpretations of topics with acceptable variations, so we do not make pariahs of those who conclude differently than we conclude.
Why the biographical submissions?
At CBC, we have people with rich histories in their lives, histories full of the Lord’s leading and providence, both before and after they came to know Him. Through biographical submissions, we can learn portions of those histories from time to time, and archive them for future review, getting to know each other more deeply and meaningfully in the process. Also, as autobiographers, in this way, we may be able to share some of the events in our lives that may otherwise be too painful to share orally. Through these submissions, we particularly want older men (as each of us grows older in age and in the Lord) to be teaching the younger men and preserving for future generations a record of God’s work in our lives.
Why the didactic submissions?
At CBC, we have more than one individual who is able to teach. The didactic submissions allow those able to teach to use this outlet to teach others God’s Word, for its doctrine, its reproof, its correction, its instruction in righteousness. Some of these submissions may be reviews of recent lessons or sermons, in order to encourage us to continue in the things we have learned, to keep meditating on what we have recently heard. Others of these may be intended to go deeper than any public address may reasonably be able to, perhaps in particular topics of systematic theology or topics that are appropriate to be discussed but uncomfortable to discuss in mixed company. Finally, some of these may be equipping with tools by which we can study the Bible for ourselves, discussions in how to read and analyze or in good reference resources. In short, the didactic submissions, as their name suggests, are intended to teach us, and the goal of these submissions is that we would learn, even as we engage in the discussion through the comments.
Why have editors?
The main submissions to the blog are intended to be edifying. In order to assure that this is what occurs, the editors serve a gatekeeping function. Over time, more editors may be added. Eventually, perhaps we will find that editors are truly unnecessary, but for now, we would rather err on the side of too much discretion.
What types of submissions may be acceptable?
Although some submissions may be solicited, any participant is welcome to deliver a submission to one of the editors. Comments need not be sent through the editors, but may be made directly on the site. The main submission types likely will include didactic submissions, biographical submissions, and from time to time theological topics or application for back and forth discussion (intentional debate).
Why limit submissions to text and not podcasts or videos?
This limitation encourages us to exercise our writing and our reading and analysis skills. God gave us His Word in writing, in a book. It is precise. It is recorded. It is able to be analyzed by multiple people at the same time. It can be diagrammed and broken down. While a sermon or discussion recorded on audio or video may also be accessible, it is much harder to pick out that one sentence and go back over it multiple times, diagram it, etc., without actually producing the written transcript anyway. Furthermore, we permit much more variation in language in public speaking than we do in writing, particularly since public speaking can include gestures and other nonverbal cues. Without those cues, the transcript of a spoken discussion may not fully reflect the discussion. Therefore, we will limit ourselves to textual discussions.
Why limit references to and reviews of external works to those created by dead authors?
While a work may be analyzed on its own merits, and the beneficial material within a particular work may be helpful apart from the life of the author, the credence of an argument or an exposition or an instruction is certainly informed by the life of its author. Once a man has died, his life can be assessed, as to whether he remained faithful and finished well or whether what he wrote needs to be discounted by a less-than-exemplary application or finish. Additionally, this limit avoids disputes over current issues that are being handled by currently-living writers, some of whom may have very wise and appropriate things to say on the issue. But such issues and such discussions can too easily lead to needless disputes over personalities or over particular applications regarding modern issues. Furthermore, this limit helps us to avoid chasing after spiritual fads, the newest book by the latest author, and the newest hot dispute among this or that group of professing believers. Some of these books are very helpful, and some of these disputes are very needful to understand (and maybe even be involved in). Accordingly, from time to time, book reviews and current topics may be discussed here; and those may include works by living authors and current discussions within Christianity. But generally, we will seek to use classic works to address spiritual issues and support within this blog.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Why limit a submission to 750 words and comments to 150 words?
While these limits may be waived from time to time, they force us to think more clearly, to organize our thoughts, to write more concisely, all of which help us create statements with more substance. Also, these limits discourage readers from skipping a whole submission or comment simply because it appears to be long and drawn out.
Why no politics, no weather, no sports, no business and financial, no product review topics or discussion?
These are the topics to which we as men often default when trying to make conversation and are topics that we as men often are tempted to worship. Further, there is enough news on each of these topics to keep us distracted from now until eternity. While they may be interesting topics, for the most part, they are temporal; since in eternity, there will be no politics (other than our King), no uncertain weather, no sports competitions, no money, and no products. Rather, in eternity, while God will provide beauty and wonderful things to enjoy, all of those things will be ancillary to loving, worshipping, and enjoying God Himself. While we are here on earth, we should be increasing our capacity and our desire to love, worship, and enjoy just Him. Our fellowship as men in a local church, then, should not be built upon a temporal foundation, but rather upon God’s Word and truth and the application of that to our lives.
Why limit this blog to CBC's men?
While God is no respecter of persons, and while men and women equally can have a relationship with God, God has established a functional hierarchy placing men in leadership and likewise requiring heightened accountability from us regarding that leadership. Therefore, the primary responsibility for the spiritual health of any household or any church falls on its men. The purpose of this blog is to build the spiritual health of our church and the families within it; so focusing the spiritual discussion among the men will by proper definition accomplish that purpose.
Why make this blog private to CBC members only?
There are many forums and discussion boards and blogs on the web available to anyone and everyone who would like to comment, including sites devoted to spiritual matters. Those have their place, but they also introduce certain risks, particularly when a participant has no vested interest in a relationship with other participants. As members of CBC, we have covenanted with one another to serve the Lord together, and part of that service is fellowship around Him and His Word. Since we have ongoing relationships with one another, we are less likely to make unsubstantiated, caustic, hurtful, or off-the-cuff comments, particularly when we know we will see each other again in just a few days at the next church service. On the flip side of that, we also are more likely to give each other the benefit of the doubt rather than taking offense at a comment that might be taken in more than one way. Additionally, since we do have this covenant relationship with one another, we are able to observe each other’s lives to consider whether what we claim to believe (in blog comments, for instance) fits with how we live. Next, since we have this relationship, we are more likely to be open and vulnerable with each other, since we have confidence that the response will be one of a loving Christian brother. Finally, opening the site to others could jeopardize any or all of these things, and in the process could raise the risk of a simple rabble-rouser attempting to take pot shots, just to cause trouble and dissension and damage.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Why call it the Portico?
The portico of Herod’s temple and the porticoes of other societies served as places of regular meeting and discussion, similarly to the men sitting in the “gates” of Old Testament cities. Solomon’s Portico is referred to in John 10:23, Acts 3:11, and Acts 5:12. Essentially, porticoes were open areas with roofs supported by columns, under which people could meet, discussing any particular matter while being protected from the elements. Likewise, this blog is intended to be a place to safely discuss spiritual matters with one another.
Why therefore this blog?
Acts 2:42 and 46 indicate that the early church continued in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, and breaking bread, and prayer, and that they were daily of one accord in the temple, and fellowshipping from house to house. There are some special things that God performed in that early church that He no longer provides for us, since He has given us His completed Word. Likewise, there were some specific logistical issues that were addressed that were based on the throngs of people who had come to the Jerusalem area for the feast, likewise that are not universally prescriptive to our day. Nevertheless, the principles of close fellowship, the principles of interaction around the apostles’ doctrine and around prayer, certainly are principles to be emulated by us today.
Hebrews 10:23-25 indicate that we should exhort one another to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, but rather assembling more and more often as we see the day of the Lord approaching.
In light of those two passages, the purposes of this blog include the following. While we would like to fellowship more often, this blog allows us to interact more and more often, even though we do not live and work in close proximity to one another. With our varying schedules, this blog allows us to read and contribute when our schedules allow rather than attempting to coordinate all of our schedules. Due to the increased interaction and the defined focus, this blog opens the door to deeper discussion among the men of our church, thereby encouraging each of us to think deeply and seriously about God, His Word, and our lives. As that interaction develops, this blog allows for potential teachers and leaders to be identified by their wisdom, as expressed in submissions or comments.
In short, this blog is intended to be a complement to, and never a replacement for, actual corporate worship and assembly. Nevertheless, as that complement, given the realities of the schedules and logistics of our lives, this blog allows us to “assemble” more often around God’s Word, thereby exhorting one another to love and good works as we see the day approaching.
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