Lately, I have been reading and studying Titus 2, mostly the six things that Paul asks the older women to teach the younger: to love their husband and children, to be self controlled, pure, kind, working at home, and submissive to their husbands. I am attempting to write a Bible study on these things to teach to the youth-aged girls. I have been thinking about older women in the church and why we rarely see them discipling the younger. I came to the realization that many of them have nothing to teach. Why? They either have a life that disqualifies them or they have a neatly decorated home but don't know enough scripture to teach it to another girl. This is SO sad!
So, I began to think about why women can be the best keepers at home (which is totally biblical) but they can't teach a bible study to children or younger women? While we should and are commanded to care for our home FIRST; I believe that we should be encouraged to study theology. Let me clarify here, theology is the "study of God." I don't mean that all women should read commentaries and read a bunch of old dead theologians (i do and find it exciting and helpful), I mean that they should continually read their Bible and grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Too many times we can teach the kids the facts of a Bible story out of the LifeWay curriculum or whatever, but we are scared to lead young women who are wanting to grow deeper in knowledge of the Lord. If you think I am making this up, next time your church needs a women speaker for the ladies retreat or leading a woman's study, try and find one!!
I am often encouraged by "spiritual mothers" such as Susannah Spurgeon, Noel Piper, Sarah Edwards, Carolyn Mahaney and Elisabeth Elliot who have such a radical passion for ministry and theology. These ladies seem to be or haven been a huge helpmate for their husband's ministry. Yes, they kept the home in order (read any of their writings) but also they had a love for God that couldn't keep them from teaching it to other ladies. They are smart in the things of God and foolish in the eyes of the world. They contributed much to their husbands career and/or calling. In fact, that was their life's work. Yes, men are the authority in the church, but reading, studying and equipping with the Word of God is not just for the men. As Christians, we are called to give an account; we are to answer in and out of season. I have been doing a study lately on the life of Susannah Spurgeon and I was amazed at how much she helped her husband, Charles, with his ministry. Oh Yes, she raised his kids and kept up with the home, but she also helped him with a book ministry and sermon ideas. Wow! He credits her for much of his encouragement and support. Here is a quote from an article I found:
"On Saturdays, here, as in their other homes, husband and wife would work together in the preparation of the sermon which the former was to deliver on the coming morning, and happy indeed were the times thus spent. Sometimes when the preacher had been unable to settle upon a text, he would say, “Wifey, what shall I do? God has not given me a text yet,” and Mrs. Spurgeon would comfort him as well as she could. Perhaps she would be able to suggest a suitable passage, in which case her husband, after preaching, would give her due credit in referring to the sermon by saying: “You gave me that text.” When the lady was called into the study on these Saturday evenings by her husband there was always an easy chair, she tells us, drawn up to the table by Mr. Spurgeon’s side, and a number of open books piled one upon another from which she used to read as directed by her husband. “‘With these old volumes around him he was like a honey-bee amid the flowers; he seemed to know how to extract and carry off the sweet spoils from the most unpromising-looking tome among them. His acquaintance with them was so familiar and complete that he could at once place his hand on any author who had written upon the portion of Scripture which was engaging his attention; and I was, in this pleasant fashion, introduced to many of the Puritan and other divines, whom otherwise I might not have known.” (http://www.biblebb.com/files/SPURGEON/mrsspur.htm)
She was involved: she read with him, studied, and took book recommendations for her private reading. What an example ministry team! Oh how I value and appreciate this. This can strengthen our marriages and ministries.
Please don't label me a feminist or unsubmissive. I cook, clean, stay at home, and support Christian schooling. I am not trying to say Christianity has made us "Stepford Wives" as Hollywood does. I would just love to see God raise up more women who have a passion to study His Word and teach it among other ladies, and even use it to assist their husbands in ministry.
Recently, I have become very appreciative of my own pastor's wife (shout out to Ruthie), who in NO way would be considered unsubmissive or worldly, but she can teach the women of God and she can give answer when asked the hard questions. She does not merely say to each hard question, "ooh, go ask my husband. "She knows her Word. She studies it! Praise be to God that she can assist and help our pastor but still knows her place under him.
May our husbands be able to say of us as Charles did of Susannah:
"My Own Dear one--None know how grateful I am to God for you. In all I have ever done for Him, you have a large share. For in making me so happy you have fitted me for service. Not an ounce of power has ever been lost to the good cause through you. I have served the Lord far more, and never less, for your sweet companionship. The Lord God Almighty bless you now and forever!" (http://chi.gospelcom.net/GLIMPSEF/Glimpses/glmps103.shtml)
- Amanda
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
what's behind a name?
Theological and Practical? In modern Evangelicalism, is it even possible to be described as both? After some observations of our theological brothers and sisters in the "reformed" camp of theology, we began to ponder why so many of us are not living out the doctrines we hold to?
Historically when we look at our heroes of the faith, their minds were entrenched with the study of who God was, but they also sought to know Him personally, and their fingers were busy with the work of God. But so many brothers and sisters hide their lack of commitment to a local church and dislike for people behind the veil of seeking the "right doctrine" and the church that perfectly fits into that doctrine. This usually shows itself mainly in two ways.
First, there are many pastors who stand up in the pulpit every Sunday, and boast about their theology and how the "other guys" aren't getting it right. They then proudly show off their "Badge of Reformation," or their "Badge of Emergence," or their "Badge of Relevance," and think that they've done God a service. The Bible then becomes merely a book to affirm a certain set of principles and doctrines which then becomes a banner they raise proudly over the whole church. Rather, we need to see scripture as His word and a way of knowing and being known by Christ and raising His banner and His banner alone to be seen by all.
We walk in these unfortunate churches and can see what they believe because they are sure to tell you, or they have it plastered on their walls, or it's even in the name of their church. Or worse, a church or pastor will brag about it's doctrine, but that's all they do. There is no love amongst themselves, no outreach, no evangelism, and discipleship excludes personal holiness. These churches are dying because they're having a heart attack, but by golly they're "believing" the right things. And then they brag that their church doesn't need to grow as long as they're "preaching the Word." But can they say, like Paul to the Thessalonians, that the Gospel not only came in word, but in power, with the Holy Spirit, with full conviction? Unfortunately not. In our experience, the churches that struggle with this have only the powers of their minds, squelch the spirit, and can't, beyond a general recognition, point to a single sin in their lives.
Don't get us wrong; we're not knocking reformed churches. We are reformed. But if your reformation becomes an excuse to judge or condemn, then we have lost love. We must remember that they are the Doctrines of Grace. How in the world can someone who has been overcome and saved by the grace of God look down their noses at anyone? God's grace is given to us when we don't deserve it, and we treat others like they're less than us? This is the exact opposite of what scripture tells us to be. God's grace has been given to us to to share, and sharing comes in sacrifice. In humility. In love.
On the other side, however, are those who strive to have the right theology and doctrine, but are not plugged into a church at all. They're quick to argue and fight for their respective theological camp, but turn tail and run from a church the second they're asked to give something. They will labor to spread a correct theological worldview, but not work with God's people in the church. They have a commitment to Calvin, but not to Christ's body. At some point, as Derek Webb says, their theology must become their ethics. What they believe must impact what they do. To have such an insatiable hunger to know Jesus, but to totally neglect His body makes no sense. The desire to know God perfectly will drive you further into the church not father away from it.
Should we desire to know God truly and rightly? Of course. Should we stand up for what's right and correct those who believe wrongly. Of course. But this is to happen, with love, in the context of the church. No church is perfect. Which is exactly why we need these men who are so passionate about theology to decide to fight for the church instead of their particular theology. We need them to grow in love, patience, and service. We need them to not pick and prod the church from the outside, but lead it humbly from the inside. Unfortunately they abandon the church so that the only men who are left to be pastors and elders are those who don't have a love for theology or simply don't care.
This long rant is the reason behind the name of our blog. Does the Amercian church need to be reformed? Goodness yes. But the reformers must remember that they are to be transformed by the renewing of their mind. A mind that is reformed, without a heart that is transformed, is wasted.
Historically when we look at our heroes of the faith, their minds were entrenched with the study of who God was, but they also sought to know Him personally, and their fingers were busy with the work of God. But so many brothers and sisters hide their lack of commitment to a local church and dislike for people behind the veil of seeking the "right doctrine" and the church that perfectly fits into that doctrine. This usually shows itself mainly in two ways.
First, there are many pastors who stand up in the pulpit every Sunday, and boast about their theology and how the "other guys" aren't getting it right. They then proudly show off their "Badge of Reformation," or their "Badge of Emergence," or their "Badge of Relevance," and think that they've done God a service. The Bible then becomes merely a book to affirm a certain set of principles and doctrines which then becomes a banner they raise proudly over the whole church. Rather, we need to see scripture as His word and a way of knowing and being known by Christ and raising His banner and His banner alone to be seen by all.
We walk in these unfortunate churches and can see what they believe because they are sure to tell you, or they have it plastered on their walls, or it's even in the name of their church. Or worse, a church or pastor will brag about it's doctrine, but that's all they do. There is no love amongst themselves, no outreach, no evangelism, and discipleship excludes personal holiness. These churches are dying because they're having a heart attack, but by golly they're "believing" the right things. And then they brag that their church doesn't need to grow as long as they're "preaching the Word." But can they say, like Paul to the Thessalonians, that the Gospel not only came in word, but in power, with the Holy Spirit, with full conviction? Unfortunately not. In our experience, the churches that struggle with this have only the powers of their minds, squelch the spirit, and can't, beyond a general recognition, point to a single sin in their lives.
Don't get us wrong; we're not knocking reformed churches. We are reformed. But if your reformation becomes an excuse to judge or condemn, then we have lost love. We must remember that they are the Doctrines of Grace. How in the world can someone who has been overcome and saved by the grace of God look down their noses at anyone? God's grace is given to us when we don't deserve it, and we treat others like they're less than us? This is the exact opposite of what scripture tells us to be. God's grace has been given to us to to share, and sharing comes in sacrifice. In humility. In love.
On the other side, however, are those who strive to have the right theology and doctrine, but are not plugged into a church at all. They're quick to argue and fight for their respective theological camp, but turn tail and run from a church the second they're asked to give something. They will labor to spread a correct theological worldview, but not work with God's people in the church. They have a commitment to Calvin, but not to Christ's body. At some point, as Derek Webb says, their theology must become their ethics. What they believe must impact what they do. To have such an insatiable hunger to know Jesus, but to totally neglect His body makes no sense. The desire to know God perfectly will drive you further into the church not father away from it.
Should we desire to know God truly and rightly? Of course. Should we stand up for what's right and correct those who believe wrongly. Of course. But this is to happen, with love, in the context of the church. No church is perfect. Which is exactly why we need these men who are so passionate about theology to decide to fight for the church instead of their particular theology. We need them to grow in love, patience, and service. We need them to not pick and prod the church from the outside, but lead it humbly from the inside. Unfortunately they abandon the church so that the only men who are left to be pastors and elders are those who don't have a love for theology or simply don't care.
This long rant is the reason behind the name of our blog. Does the Amercian church need to be reformed? Goodness yes. But the reformers must remember that they are to be transformed by the renewing of their mind. A mind that is reformed, without a heart that is transformed, is wasted.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Book Review: Successful Christian Parenting
I (Amanda) just finished reading through John MacAthur's book Successful Christian Parenting, which I borrowed from my pastor's library (thanks Pastor Matt), and I thought I should post something helpful I learned from the book. The book was somewhat interesting and used tons of biblical support for each point on parenting. However, the chapter I found most insightful was the appendix in the back titled "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" by Phil Johnson. He prefaces with the biblical principle found in Deut. 6:6-7 and offers five practical principles to remember as you teach your children spiritual truth. Here they are:
1) Understand that children can grasp the essence of almost any truth.
He urges us to not hold back on teaching children all scripture. While they may not get some concepts or terminology, we should still teach them the biblical truth taught in any passage.
2) Avoid figurative language and unexplained symbolism
Children think literally and often we try to evangelize them by metaphors. Instead, we should try to be more precise in explaining faith as complete trust and unconditional surrender.
3) Clearly separate reality from fantasy.
Children are often overexposed to cartoons and fairy tales. Make sure they know the difference between make believe and the truth and miracles of the Bible.
4) Find out what your children are thinking.
Debrief your child after Sunday school or church. Find out what they are learning and their thoughts on it.
5) Don't expect them to get the lesson the first time.
Children need repetition and review. Go over biblical truth with your children.
1) Understand that children can grasp the essence of almost any truth.
He urges us to not hold back on teaching children all scripture. While they may not get some concepts or terminology, we should still teach them the biblical truth taught in any passage.
2) Avoid figurative language and unexplained symbolism
Children think literally and often we try to evangelize them by metaphors. Instead, we should try to be more precise in explaining faith as complete trust and unconditional surrender.
3) Clearly separate reality from fantasy.
Children are often overexposed to cartoons and fairy tales. Make sure they know the difference between make believe and the truth and miracles of the Bible.
4) Find out what your children are thinking.
Debrief your child after Sunday school or church. Find out what they are learning and their thoughts on it.
5) Don't expect them to get the lesson the first time.
Children need repetition and review. Go over biblical truth with your children.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Family Worship
Lately we have been thinking and forming our thoughts on student ministry. After hours of talking and planning, we kept returning to the philosophy of family ministry. What is our role in the training of children? We have come to a conviction that home is the BEST place for training. Programs can only take any church so far. We are just assisting the parents in the training of the children. In a world of extreme busyness, we must be teaching our church that the Christian family unit is precious and should be tended to. Here is a great article from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: http://www.cbmw.org/resources/articles/family_worship.php
Sunday, April 15, 2007
a night with a theologian
We were blessed to have Dr. Steve Lawson come and speak at our church tonight. He spoke on Nehemiah 8 and made a passionate plea for a reformation among Evangelicals by returning to the centrality of the Word. We agree wholeheartedly. We hope and pray to find more preachers like Dr. Lawson who will be unapologetic and unwavering in their convictions.
It is especially poignant given our current surroundings. We moved to the metro-Boston area and are surrounded by the legacy of the Great Awakening. But sadly, a drive through our surrounding area will reveal a beautiful skyline of steeples and crosses that today are nothing more than white-washed tombs where death reigns inside. These churches have some of the best architecture and history, but their pulpits are bland and distasteful. We do not need beautiful buildings; we need the Word of God alive in his believers.
We are thankful that there is still a remnant in New England who are faithful to preaching the Word of God. However, we do not want to be satisfied with this alone, we want to see more rise up and cry, "Bring the Book!" As Dr. Lawson so accurately pointed out, we do not need preachers that sound perfect and seem "relevant," but instead we need preachers that bring the Word SO THAT conviction will fall on the people. This is what American churches really need. Dr. Lawson said " the Word of God is a mirror." This mirror shows us our depravity and exalts God. As conviction happens in our hearts, we will see a passion for God spread among our congregations, and to our nation and eventually to the ends of the earth.
We want to end here the same way Dr. Lawson did. This not merely a good theological idea or doctrinal distinctive, but this is something that must be put into practice. We are so thankful to be a part of a church that faithfully preaches the Word without compromise. Will you stand up in the midst of your church and cry, with those of Nehemiah's day, "Bring the Book?"
For more info on Dr. Steve Lawson check out http://www.cfbcmobile.org
It is especially poignant given our current surroundings. We moved to the metro-Boston area and are surrounded by the legacy of the Great Awakening. But sadly, a drive through our surrounding area will reveal a beautiful skyline of steeples and crosses that today are nothing more than white-washed tombs where death reigns inside. These churches have some of the best architecture and history, but their pulpits are bland and distasteful. We do not need beautiful buildings; we need the Word of God alive in his believers.
We are thankful that there is still a remnant in New England who are faithful to preaching the Word of God. However, we do not want to be satisfied with this alone, we want to see more rise up and cry, "Bring the Book!" As Dr. Lawson so accurately pointed out, we do not need preachers that sound perfect and seem "relevant," but instead we need preachers that bring the Word SO THAT conviction will fall on the people. This is what American churches really need. Dr. Lawson said " the Word of God is a mirror." This mirror shows us our depravity and exalts God. As conviction happens in our hearts, we will see a passion for God spread among our congregations, and to our nation and eventually to the ends of the earth.
We want to end here the same way Dr. Lawson did. This not merely a good theological idea or doctrinal distinctive, but this is something that must be put into practice. We are so thankful to be a part of a church that faithfully preaches the Word without compromise. Will you stand up in the midst of your church and cry, with those of Nehemiah's day, "Bring the Book?"
For more info on Dr. Steve Lawson check out http://www.cfbcmobile.org
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Top 10 Most Influential Christians (to us)
Lately we have been reading various articles on the most influential Christian leaders in America. These lists have included an assortment of personalities ranging from mega-church pastors, charismatic women, best-selling authors and even congressman. We feel these lists, and most of the people on them, focus mainly on worldly numbers and the wisdom of man, but sadly they lack a solid Biblical foundation or conviction. We feel these lists and many of the "leaders" are actually harmful to the Christian church no matter how influential they are.
So, we decided to make our own list of leaders that have impacted our lives and ministry. The main criteria is that they are faithful to the Word of God without compromise.
1. John Piper: he has had the greatest impact on our lives and ministry. http://www.desiringgod.org/
2. Derek Webb: his music is not only great art but biblical, convicting and thought provoking. http://www.derekwebb.com/
3. Elisabeth Elliot: she has modeled and promoted what a biblical woman is supposed to be. http://www.elisabethelliot.org/
4. Wayne Grudem: he has challenged us theologically with his unparalleled work Systematic Theology.
5. Louie Giglio: through Passion Ministries he has brought an entire generation to buck the American Dream and embrace biblical suffering. http://www.268generation.com/
6. Mark Dever: his thoughts on church philosophy have made us reexamine our own philosophy. www.9marks.org
7. C.J. Mahaney: reformed and charismatic, what's not to love! http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/
8. Voddie Baucham: he's biblical, passionate and calling for reform in the American church. http://www.voddiebaucham.org/
9. John Macarthur: he has promoted expository biblical preaching worldwide and has been one of the only ones to stand strong against the secular media. www.gracetoyou.org
10. Nancy Leigh Demoss: has led a biblical women's ministry and impacted women nationwide. http://www.reviveourhearts.com/
So, we decided to make our own list of leaders that have impacted our lives and ministry. The main criteria is that they are faithful to the Word of God without compromise.
1. John Piper: he has had the greatest impact on our lives and ministry. http://www.desiringgod.org/
2. Derek Webb: his music is not only great art but biblical, convicting and thought provoking. http://www.derekwebb.com/
3. Elisabeth Elliot: she has modeled and promoted what a biblical woman is supposed to be. http://www.elisabethelliot.org/
4. Wayne Grudem: he has challenged us theologically with his unparalleled work Systematic Theology.
5. Louie Giglio: through Passion Ministries he has brought an entire generation to buck the American Dream and embrace biblical suffering. http://www.268generation.com/
6. Mark Dever: his thoughts on church philosophy have made us reexamine our own philosophy. www.9marks.org
7. C.J. Mahaney: reformed and charismatic, what's not to love! http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/
8. Voddie Baucham: he's biblical, passionate and calling for reform in the American church. http://www.voddiebaucham.org/
9. John Macarthur: he has promoted expository biblical preaching worldwide and has been one of the only ones to stand strong against the secular media. www.gracetoyou.org
10. Nancy Leigh Demoss: has led a biblical women's ministry and impacted women nationwide. http://www.reviveourhearts.com/
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