MSNBC/Newsweek Article & Poll

In a new poll conducted by newsweek and msnbc.com a majority of professing evangelical christians believe that someone who is not of the christian faith but who is a "good person" can attain salvation and go to heaven. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9024914/site/newsweek/ (This article has a built in survey, the results are incredible)
This is a clear mark that the term Christian is very ambiguous today. Many will say Lord, Lord!! We as true Christians must assert the difference between true and false Christianity. The bible has something very different to say than what Americans believe. Coincidently, or not, a majority of people who say they are religious do not read their religious text, ie bible, koran , ect. It amazes me how so many people can say they are saved and never read the bible. The sad fact is that these people by and large are not saved. To fall in love with God, yet never read about him is virtually impossible. I recommend the book The Gospel According to Jesus, by John MacAruthur. MacArthur talks about true salvation, saving faith, and what it really means to be a Christian. Let us pray that those who think they are saved will be exposed to the truth and let us be a ray of light exposing the dark understandings that people have.

Revolution 1 "For the Glory of Your Name"

I just returned from preaching at my good friend's (Casey Hobbs) summer camp. Casey is the youth minister at FBC Moreno Valley (Outside Riverside, CA). We went to Morrow Bay, CA, which is close to San Luis Obispo. The theme was Revolution 1 "For the Glory of Your Name". It was an amazing time. I tought four messages on the Glory of God. My favorite being "the Glory of God and the Death of His Son- the students had such good questions. I feel like they got it! There were 6 jr high- age kids. It was an incredible time of fellowship and learning. It was encouraging to see Casey doing such a fantastic job with the kids. I had the priveledge of leading a bible study with Casey when he was in high school and he has developed into a great man of God. God was good to help make this a problem free trip and He blessed us with good weather and attentive students (we all know how difficult jr highers can be lol).

On the way home I was involved in an automobile accident, totalling the car I was driving. God spared me any harm as well as those involved in the other car. It was funny, I had been listening to a John Piper sermon on sustaining grace right before the accident. I am confident sustaining grace has a plan for this accident and that it will be for the glory of God

2 Timothy 1:5-7 Oh Timothy, Be Bold

2 Timothy 1:5-7
5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.


One thing that we as Christians lack is boldness of faith. All too often I find myself backing down or not stepping up to the plate and going to bat for Christ. This is not an uncommon problem. Paul knows it and he knows Timothy will experience situations that we all might. People can poke fun, maybe even persecute us. Jokes will be made, mocking may happen. Regardless of these things Paul reminds us to be bold. The solution of boldness is to keep Christ at the forefront of our mind. Paul knows Timothy has saving faith, he is sure of it. However the flame of continual faith can flicker. We all go through times where our faith doesnt seem as strong as it ought. Paul says that we must fan into flame the gift of God. In this case I believe the gift of God is not Timothy's salvation but his gift of teaching. Timothy had been left in charge of the Church at Ephesus (1 Tim 1:3). He was to teach the church properly and acurately. No doubt he had come across many who didnt want to hear the truth. So Paul reminds him to fan into flame the gift (teaching). Meaning keep teaching, make it your passion, do it with all your might!! Why? How can he do this in the face of such opposition. Because God didnt give us a spirit of fear (or timidity) but of power and love and self control. How does power, love, and self control promote boldness. I think power shows "I have the answer, I know the truth." Things can change. I hold the most powerful thing in the world, God's word. Love I think emboldens because it shows what is at stake if Timothy becomes timid. Many will be lost. More will be handed over to Satan. Souls are at stake. The same is true with us. If we would let love rule in us we wouldnt worry about ourselves because the love for others would outweigh any negative thing that might befall us. Finally, self control. Self control was tough for me to see how that affected our ability to be bold. I think it works like this. I have the ability to not be concerned about my physical-well being. While the world thinks only of oneself, how to survive, get ahead, escape pain, We have the control to not give into that desire. We are self-controlled (by the spirit) to not give into carnal desires. Therefore my boldness is strengthened because I dont have to give into my sinful wants. I can resist them and turn toward Christ.

Boldness isnt just for Timothy, and it is more radical than we have seen, but we will soon see the extend that God wants us to take this. Being a Christian might cost us our lives. Will we do it?

How to reply to an Aritcle Update

Below each article is a number that says how many comments have been posted in reply to what i wrote. It is relatively small font so you have to look for it. It may say 0 if nobody has posted a comment. To reply simply click on that number and it will bring up a pop up with any comments that have been made. I know longer allow anonymous comments. PLEASE REGISTER IF YOUI WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT. Its free and fast.
When you click to read comments it will always be a pop up screen.

2nd Timothy 1:3-4 (Pt 1) - The Joy of Comforting Others

This is my second post in a series on the book of 2nd Timothy. This is part one of this passage review, we will look at the other themes and ideas in these verses in my next entry. I will be more diligent to add to this several times a week.

2nd Timothy 3:1-4

3I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.


As I look at my own life and the life of others I notice that we are a people whose happiness lies in everything other than what it should. We are continually guaging our joy and happiness by many wordly standards. We look to money, jobs, success and entertainment to provide us with the joy that we lack. The Apostle Paul was a very different person. He didnt look to the world to satisfy his vacancies. He didnt need an abundance of things. Paul says in Philippians 4:11-14 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Paul didnt latch on to wealth or health or even his own life to be happy. There were other deeper more precious things that brought him joy.

Paul knows that life in the ministry is hard, life as christian, infact this whole letter is designed to encourage Timothy in his faith. And Paul knows that the christian life is not without tears. There are many who would say outherwise. There are many "types" of Christianity that are all about escaping the pain. Christianity is all about loving through the pain and enduring it. Romans 8:35-39 ; 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. . Point of that verse is being a christian means enduring through those things not escaping them. This is a life of pain and suffering, infact Hebrews says those who suffer much, the world is not worthy of them. Many these days would say Christ delivers us from all pain and suffering and poverty. That is not in the bible.

Paul knows Timothy cries. He has seen Timothy weep, probably over lost souls and a diffucult ministry. Paul longs to see him. I think Paul wants to see him so that he can put his arm around Timothy and say "Psalm 126:6 He who goes out weeping,bearing the seed for sowing,shall come home with shouts of joy,bringing his sheaves with him. or maybe even Psalm 30:5 Weeping may tarry for the night,but joy comes with the morning. Remember Timothy is like a son to Paul. Paul doesnt want Timothy to feel sad, he loves him dearly. Paul wants to be with him in his time of need. And to do this will bring Paul much joy. There is great joy in the comforting of others.

Let us rejoice in the ability to comfort others and help them when they need it. Satisfication is offered by many things but only a few things yield. Let us pour our lives out for the comforting of others.

A New Series on 2nd Timothy

2 Timothy 1:1-2
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child:

I have decided to start a series exploring the book of 2nd Timothy. I chose this book after reading The Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney. There was a small quote from 2nd Timothy and it made me want to read more.
This first entry will be slightly different than the ones to follow as it will cover more background and historical introduciton. I will be using the English Standard Version in my exposition.

Background

This is Paul's final letter before his impending death at Rome. Paul himself knows that his final days are at hand. He says in 4:6 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, the time of my departure has come,." Paul is about to die and he knows it. That make this a very special book to me because it is the final words of a dying man. What needs to be said when death is near? What instructions should be given, what reminders should one give before they die, one exhortations need to be made?. Paul's final letter is one to his beloved child in the faith (1:2), Timothy. Paul had been deserted by all, Demas had left him (4:9), Titus had gone, only Luke remained. Even after so much abondonment Paul knew he could trust and rely on Timothy. And so Paul will pour out his heart to Timothy to encourage him, strenghten him and to help him remain steadfast in the faith. Indeed Paul will help us all do that in a very personal way.

Introduction 1:1-2

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Apostle Paul opens his book with and introduction, standard for his writtings. One thing that stands forth in all of Paul's introductions is his insistance that his Apostleship, even his very salvation is because of the direct will of God. 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. John 11:12-13 says; But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. It was God's will that saved Paul. But Paul does not say that God's will saved him and poof he was saved. The salvation came through Jesus Christ, in whom enternal life had been promised to all who would believe.

I think verse 1 says two very precious about salvation. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 1.) It is Sovereign (this wont be addressed much here) 2.)There is a promise surrounding it. John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. There is a promise of the life in Christ Jesus, namly a new spiritual life, but it is also never apart from the will of God. Those two things go hand in hand. This it is written to Timothy, his "beloved child" Paul cares for Timothy dearly; he considers him a son.

Application

Be amazed that salvation is by God's will alone. And thank him for it.

Heed the word of this book. Paul is not a man, not just a teacher. But one who has been called and given authority for God himself. These words are not his , they are Gods.

Read it as a child. Hear the loving words of instruction and enouragement. Take it in as parently advice and remember it is out of love tough words come. Let it guide you as your own parents words have and if it is painful it is for your good (Heb 12) .

Update!!! 2nd Timothy to Come

I will be soon starting a review of Paul's 2nd Letter to Timothy. Check back this week. I love that this is a heart felt letter from Paul to his son in the faith.

Inconsistent Sovereignty

I was just watching a rerun of Larry King Live in which John MacArthur appeared with a rabbi, a catholic, a spiritualist and an athiest. The question was posed about God's knoweldge of 9/11. Everyone except MacArthur and the athiest immediately claimed free will. That God could not interfer with man's will. God , they said was not responsible. Then Larry asked a great follow up. What about the Tsunami? The issue Larry is homing in on is God must be resonsible somewhere. I mean if God is God and he is all powerful and all knowing and all supreme over the universe then at somewhere along the line He is responsible...either by being able to stop things or by directly governing them. If not then what does it mean to be God. And I think Larry brings out something we must realize. Our goal is not to God off the hook, to make him look good to human unbelieving eyes. Our job is to proclaim the sovereignty of God that makes the snow fall, grass grow, determine the roll of the dice and even causes calmity in the city. And if God is sovereign over natural events is goes to fit that he is sovereign over all events , personal and natural. This is not my biblical presentation of the doctrine of Providence, that may come later. My point is simply this. The world can accept a God who is sovereign over EVERYTHING, not just some things. I think people can and will accept that. What they cannot accept, what confuses them and Larry King is an inconsistent sovereignty. One that shows up where it wants and is absent during crisis. This is what we must never subscribe to and what we must fight with all our might. If we as Evangelical Christians start proclaiming Biblical Sovereignty then maybe the world will see a difference and will be drawn to a God who is in control.

Ephesians 1:11In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will

A Little Insight

I thought I would begin by giving you some insight into my life. Here are a list of things that have been influential in my life.

Life Changing Events

Salvation - What a priveledge to be called out of darkness into his marvelous light.

My attendance at FBC Auburn 1997 - I can not thank God enough for the grace of attending this church, it has changed, my heart, my mind, and hopefully my future. Thanks Josh, Mark, and Kirk. It was the first time I heard real preaching. Conversations with Josh, Kirk and Kristen Hall would prove fatal to my understanding of salvation. God would continue to hound me with his sovereignty in salvation. My wrong view wouldnt stand long. College group series in 1st John got me thinking.

Truth and Life Conference 2002 - My mind and world were blown apart. God was faithul in reavealing his truth to me. My entire thought process was changed. I began the transition from man-centered to God-centered. The doctrine of election is a precious thing to me now, I stopped fighting it. Romans 9 changes yet another life!!!

Summer Internship FBC Auburn 2003, What a time of growth! What great fellowship sharing an office with Casey, Josh and Mark for an entire summer. I wish I could do it over.

Preaching through 2ndPeter to FBC Youth during Josh's transition. What an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. I love to preach!!!

So many other great things at our church, the friends, the fellowship, the sermons. 1st Peter was amazing.

Influential Persons

My parents, Ed & Joy - for teacing me the bible from an early age (1 Cor 10:31) Oh the grace of Christian parents!!!
Harry Tonn (my grandpa) - for showing me that only Jesus matters. He was the happiest man I know !!!
Stephanie Tonn - its encouraging to see someone stand up when its not popular
Kirk Welch - instilling in me a passion for preaching and teaching the truth in love
Josh Winans - for calling me on what was needed, not letting me be nominal, and teaching me to be faithful in things
Jeremy Burch - good times Jer, thanks for your friendship, it came at the perfect time - It means so much to me.
Jordan Minyard - for reminding me to never be ashamed of the Gospel and to love the kids
Mark Hall - for showing me with his actions how to serve others and how to love the flock
Casey Hobbs - what a blessing to have a like minded, encouraging supportive friend,
in this together! There is joy in ministering with others.

Life Changing Sermons

Expressions of Grace - Election , R.C. Sproul Truth & Life 2002
Portrait of a New Life (Eph 4:17 - 5), John MacArthur
The Lordship of Christ Series, John MacArthur
A Passion for the Supremacy of God Pt 1 &2 , John Piper

Favorite Authors

John Piper - I have learned more from him than any other author, I'm forever indebted
John MacArthur - because truth matters
RC Sproul - he brings to light doctrinal clarity
CJ Mahaney - great on the cross
Alex Montoya - what a passionate preacher
Art Azurdia - he brings the cross to the center
The Dead Guys - Edwards, Spurgeon, Luther, Augustine - Those guys rock!!

I could go on and on, sorry if this is boring lol.

A Letter Regarding Catholicism

A letter to all regarding Roman Catholicism and the newly elected Pope. Since a new Pope has been elected I think this is a good time to bring up many issues that have been put to the back burner. There is talk, even among evangelica Christians, that Catholics do a "good" deed in standing up for moral issues and for doing the work of justice and taking care of the poor. I put good in parenthesis because even the good that they do is sin. Romans 14:23 For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (This issue will be addressed later) My ultimate concern is that because of the "good" things which they do they are perceieved as the mis-informed sibling in Christendom...a little off the mark but still Christian in essensce. I am even more concerned because the new Pope is viewed as one who will stand up for doctrine and wont get "swept along by every wind of teaching," as the newly elected Pope Benedict has said. It may sound strange to some that I am frightened by the Pope's statements. The pope has said he will cling to fundamentalist teachings, many christians say great. The problem is these fundamentalist teachings are not biblically accurate in nature, they are in gross error. The pope may be against homosexuality, that is commendable, but in light of the fact that he does not believe that salvation is from faith alone through grace alone and that Christ's atonement was sufficient enough to save, it doesnt really matter what he believes about any moral issue.
In case anyone be unfamiliar with Catholocism let me refresh you.

Catholics believe that Mary is a co-redemptress with Jesus
That Mary led a perfect life. - The bible is clear only one man lived a sinless life.
That Mary intercedes for us to God the father -- My bible says in Romans 8 that the Sprit intercedes and that Christ is "indeed interceeding for us"
Catholics are told to pray for the grace of salvation daily http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/prayers.php?section_id=42&name=Salvation
They believe that the sacraments are necessary for salvation
They believe indulgences can be purchased to remit the sins of dead people
They believe that the Pope possess infallible teaching....
That tradition is on authoritative par with Holy Scripture

The primary and major error with Catholocism is its understanding that Christ's work on the cross is not sufficent. It is merely a help. Christ's death cannot bring us to God without other "works". Catholocism is based equally if not more so on tradition and ceremony more than the Bible. Christians must take a stand and not view Catholics as mis guided souls. I think it is right to say Catholics are not saved; they are not, cannot be, if they hold fast to what they teach. It is "good" that the Catholics give so much aide to the world. It is a pity many "Chrisitans" do not. But any work done apart from Faith in Christ - the true revealed Christ, not a mis understood Christ, is sin and therefore in need of repentence. We cannot say the pope is here and is going to do good and be fundamental. They are not fundamental right, at the very core of their beliefs is error. Our primary concern should not be partnership on social and moral concerns but on preaching the cross. In 1 Cor 2 Paul says "I, when I came to you, brothers,[a] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony[b] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." The proclamation of the true Gospel is to be our primary concern and it must be accuratly proclaimed or it is not truly proclaimed. Even any moral good flows out of a correct understanding of Christ if it is to be good and God exalting. All morality and practical deeds of love and mercy flow out of the cross and its sufficiency and power. We should not be happy at a Pope standing up for fundamentalism when his fundamental views are contrary to Scripture. Instead we must be saddened that the line between Christianity and another false religion is again being blurred. We must stand up for the biblical truths and differences. It is good to unite on comomon ground of morality but I'm afraid we've done that at the expense of doctrinal clarity. Catholics by an large are lost people, they are not saved, they are in need of grace and forgiveness. Lest we forget Martin Luther, the great reformer who called the Catholic church in account for the very issues that still stand today. Luther repented of sins daily, he even paid for indulgences, but never felt secure in his "salvation" and always felt God could never forgive him. God can never forgive any of us if we dont claim his sufficient work on the cross. Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient[a] for these things? 17For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. "

Answer, Christ is suffiicient for these things, and Christ alone. Maybe we need another Martin Luther to come up and ring the bell of clarity to get the message straight, because if the message is not straight it is no message at all. If you grab on to a life preserver full of holes you will drown. We should not pray for the pope to be one who wont give up on gay marrige and all the political issues the Church and Christianity agree on (and yes there is a place for these things. never pray might be overstating it) But we are Christians, our stand is not on political issues, but on Christ and His message. And when we do take a stand on morality, its because of Christ and His message. We ought rather to pray that someone in or outside of Catholocism (maybe even the new Pope) would bring Catholics out of the darkness and would expose their false ways that are leading so many people (1 billion catholics nationwide) straight to hell. Galations 1:8-10 says8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant[a] of Christ. There Gospel is not the Gospel of the Bible it is grossly wrong and we must affirm the truths of Scripture and the differences that make Christianity tue. Just because it claims Jesus as Lord or even God does not make it true. Many will say to Jesus Lord, Lord and he will say "Depart from me I never knew you." They will call Jesus Lord, affirming his Diety, and He will receieve them not. Because they did not see the Lord of Glory accurately and believe in His sufficiency.
Let us not approach this topic with haughtiness or pride, but with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Let us not dislike false teaching more than we love truth.

For His Glory

Welcome!!!

Welcome to my blogsite. I am new at this, my friend Jeremy Burch inspired me to create a blog site where I can post my devotions and express my thoughts on "paper." I will be providing a ling to Jeremy's site where you can read his thoughts as well. He is currently exploring the book of Psalms. I hope to add to this site atleast 3 times a week. Feel free to pass this link along to those who might be interested. If anything I write is biblically in error please bring it to my attention. I am not infallible or above error. Stay tuned for more. Thanks, Jarrett