If I told you I met Bill Gates this summer, would you believe me?
Well, I did. He is a student at a university where we did ministry in East Asia. The first time someone from my summer project mentioned that they met "Bill Gates," we all chuckled. I can't even remember who met him first, or where. I think it was at an English club. It's typical for students in East Asia to give themselves an English name (or to have a friend give them an English name). Some other fun names were heard were Magnet, Jet- and one of my favorites, Adolf (more on him another time!)
Throughout the summer, Bill Gates kept popping up in conversations (and every time, I'd chuckle at his name...easily amused, I guess). After
Andrew, a student on project, met with him a couple of times, Bill Gates decided he wanted to follow Jesus. Andrew had
the opportunity to teach him about prayer, quiet times, and many other
things. Who knows where Bill Gates will end up in the future!
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Monday, February 15, 2010
Your turn.
I could share my thoughts on evangelism as a reflection of our walk with God.. but I'd like your thoughts on the subject.
I read this quote somewhere the other day: "Telling other people about Jesus boldly is a necessary and (in fact) loving expression of a healthy relationship with Jesus."
What do you think of this statement?
Do you think that someone who never talks about Jesus, has an unhealthy relationship with God?
I read this quote somewhere the other day: "Telling other people about Jesus boldly is a necessary and (in fact) loving expression of a healthy relationship with Jesus."
What do you think of this statement?
Do you think that someone who never talks about Jesus, has an unhealthy relationship with God?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
flashback
Below is a part of a post I wrote back in Nov '09 about a realization that the Gospel is more than a one-time decision/prayer, which I brought up in my post from Jan 6 this year.
Last fall I read Francis Chan's book Crazy Love. It's great.
I recently listened to one of his sermons about living reverently.
His passage of choice was Philippians 2:12-13... Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Somewhere between Jesus' time on earth and today, somebody made the mistake that salvation is about a one-time decision made through prayer. He asks the would you get that from reading the Bible?
Salvation does come at a point in time; there is a moment when your eyes are opened and you understand that Jesus took your place on the cross. There is a moment of decision. But the rest of your life is you working out this salvation. The rest of your life is about following Jesus.
Midway through the sermon, Chan explained a great analogy with the decision making of a New Years' Resolution. The one-time decision is important, but the rest of the year is following that decision- changing what you need to do to act on it. Your actions will show how serious you were when you made that decision.
Paul wrote this letter from prison, and is encouraging the believers to work out their salvation in his absence. He is saying work out your own salvation. He isn't around anymore to help and encourage them. And they can't depend on him in the same way. And we can't depend on the people around us for our salvation. When it comes down to it, each of us will stand before Christ individually and have to answer for our lives.
Will He really tell you, well done? Are you a good and faithful servant? Or will He say "Depart from me, I never knew you. I know your parents, your grandparents, your pastor, your friends. But I don't know you."
Chan says he has "a responsibility as your pastor. I will probably be judged more strictly than you, according to James 2. I have a responsibility to try to lead you into the right place before God. At the same time, when you stand before God, you are not going to be able to blame me."
When I started walking with the Lord, my motives were shady. I had found great friends and a great social outlet. I always felt like I belonged. God started working in my life, and while I knew I had found something that would change me, I did a lot of things just because of the people.
I think that was ok, to begin with. It always amazes me how God can work through poor motives and irresponsible people. But had I continued to depend on those around me, I'm not experiencing a true relationship with God.
Would I follow Jesus despite all the believers around me? Am I making my salvation my own? A priority of my life?
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Chan says "I don't see a lot of fear and trembling in today's church. I see a lot of arrogance when people talk about God...like Scripture says, it's a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
We have no excuse to not work out our salvation. We have endless opportunities to serve our neighbors, give to the needy, support missions. We have never had so much knowledge at our fingertips to encourage and challenge us in our relationship with God.
Last fall I read Francis Chan's book Crazy Love. It's great.
I recently listened to one of his sermons about living reverently.
His passage of choice was Philippians 2:12-13... Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Somewhere between Jesus' time on earth and today, somebody made the mistake that salvation is about a one-time decision made through prayer. He asks the would you get that from reading the Bible?
Salvation does come at a point in time; there is a moment when your eyes are opened and you understand that Jesus took your place on the cross. There is a moment of decision. But the rest of your life is you working out this salvation. The rest of your life is about following Jesus.
Midway through the sermon, Chan explained a great analogy with the decision making of a New Years' Resolution. The one-time decision is important, but the rest of the year is following that decision- changing what you need to do to act on it. Your actions will show how serious you were when you made that decision.
Paul wrote this letter from prison, and is encouraging the believers to work out their salvation in his absence. He is saying work out your own salvation. He isn't around anymore to help and encourage them. And they can't depend on him in the same way. And we can't depend on the people around us for our salvation. When it comes down to it, each of us will stand before Christ individually and have to answer for our lives.
Will He really tell you, well done? Are you a good and faithful servant? Or will He say "Depart from me, I never knew you. I know your parents, your grandparents, your pastor, your friends. But I don't know you."
Chan says he has "a responsibility as your pastor. I will probably be judged more strictly than you, according to James 2. I have a responsibility to try to lead you into the right place before God. At the same time, when you stand before God, you are not going to be able to blame me."
When I started walking with the Lord, my motives were shady. I had found great friends and a great social outlet. I always felt like I belonged. God started working in my life, and while I knew I had found something that would change me, I did a lot of things just because of the people.
I think that was ok, to begin with. It always amazes me how God can work through poor motives and irresponsible people. But had I continued to depend on those around me, I'm not experiencing a true relationship with God.
Would I follow Jesus despite all the believers around me? Am I making my salvation my own? A priority of my life?
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Chan says "I don't see a lot of fear and trembling in today's church. I see a lot of arrogance when people talk about God...like Scripture says, it's a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
We have no excuse to not work out our salvation. We have endless opportunities to serve our neighbors, give to the needy, support missions. We have never had so much knowledge at our fingertips to encourage and challenge us in our relationship with God.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
We can work it out!
Last fall I read Francis Chan's book Crazy Love. It's great.
I recently listened to one of his sermons about living reverently.
His passage of choice was Philippians 2:12-13... Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Somewhere between Jesus' time on earth and today, somebody made the mistake that salvation is about a one-time decision made through prayer. He asks the would you get that from reading the Bible?
Salvation does come at a point in time; there is a moment when your eyes are opened and you understand that Jesus took your place on the cross. There is a moment of decision. But the rest of your life is you working out this salvation. The rest of your life is about following Jesus.
Midway through the sermon, Chan explained a great analogy with the decision making of a New Years' Resolution. The one-time decision is important, but the rest of the year is following that decision- changing what you need to do to act on it. Your actions will show how serious you were when you made that decision.
Paul wrote this letter from prison, and is encouraging the believers to work out their salvation in his absence. He is saying work out your own salvation. He isn't around anymore to help and encourage them. And they can't depend on him in the same way. And we can't depend on the people around us for our salvation. When it comes down to it, each of us will stand before Christ individually and have to answer for our lives.
Will He really tell you, well done? Are you a good and faithful servant? Or will He say "Depart from me, I never knew you. I know your parents, your grandparents, your pastor, your friends. But I don't know you."
Chan says he has "a responsibility as your pastor. I will probably be judged more strictly than you, according to James 2. I have a responsibility to try to lead you into the right place before God. At the same time, when you stand before God, you are not going to be able to blame me."
When I started walking with the Lord, my motives were shady. I had found great friends and a great social outlet. I always felt like I belonged. God started working in my life, and while I knew I had found something that would change me, I did a lot of things just because of the people.
I think that was ok, to begin with. It always amazes me how God can work through poor motives and irresponsible people. But had I continued to depend on those around me, I'm not experiencing a true relationship with God.
Would I follow Jesus despite all the believers around me? Am I making my salvation my own? A priority of my life?
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Chan says "I don't see a lot of fear and trembling in today's church. I see a lot of arrogance when people talk about God...like Scripture says, it's a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
We have no excuse to not work out our salvation. We have endless opportunities to serve our neighbors, give to the needy, support missions. We have never had so much knowledge at our fingertips to encourage and challenge us in our relationship with God.
I recently listened to one of his sermons about living reverently.
His passage of choice was Philippians 2:12-13... Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Somewhere between Jesus' time on earth and today, somebody made the mistake that salvation is about a one-time decision made through prayer. He asks the would you get that from reading the Bible?
Salvation does come at a point in time; there is a moment when your eyes are opened and you understand that Jesus took your place on the cross. There is a moment of decision. But the rest of your life is you working out this salvation. The rest of your life is about following Jesus.
Midway through the sermon, Chan explained a great analogy with the decision making of a New Years' Resolution. The one-time decision is important, but the rest of the year is following that decision- changing what you need to do to act on it. Your actions will show how serious you were when you made that decision.
Paul wrote this letter from prison, and is encouraging the believers to work out their salvation in his absence. He is saying work out your own salvation. He isn't around anymore to help and encourage them. And they can't depend on him in the same way. And we can't depend on the people around us for our salvation. When it comes down to it, each of us will stand before Christ individually and have to answer for our lives.
Will He really tell you, well done? Are you a good and faithful servant? Or will He say "Depart from me, I never knew you. I know your parents, your grandparents, your pastor, your friends. But I don't know you."
Chan says he has "a responsibility as your pastor. I will probably be judged more strictly than you, according to James 2. I have a responsibility to try to lead you into the right place before God. At the same time, when you stand before God, you are not going to be able to blame me."
When I started walking with the Lord, my motives were shady. I had found great friends and a great social outlet. I always felt like I belonged. God started working in my life, and while I knew I had found something that would change me, I did a lot of things just because of the people.
I think that was ok, to begin with. It always amazes me how God can work through poor motives and irresponsible people. But had I continued to depend on those around me, I'm not experiencing a true relationship with God.
Would I follow Jesus despite all the believers around me? Am I making my salvation my own? A priority of my life?
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Chan says "I don't see a lot of fear and trembling in today's church. I see a lot of arrogance when people talk about God...like Scripture says, it's a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
We have no excuse to not work out our salvation. We have endless opportunities to serve our neighbors, give to the needy, support missions. We have never had so much knowledge at our fingertips to encourage and challenge us in our relationship with God.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
q&a with Grudem
This is an excerpt from a publication sent to campus crusade staff each month; thought I'd share it. The response to the question is written by theologian and professor Wayne Grudem and is his work entirely.
Q: What happens to infants who die before they are old enough to understand and believe the Gospel?
A: If such infants are saved, it cannot be on their own merits, righteousness or innocence, but it must be entirely on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work and regeneration by the work of the Holy Spirit within them. “There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). “Unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Yet God can certainly bring regeneration (that is, new spiritual life) to an infant even before he or she is born. This was true of John the Baptist, for the angel Gabriel, before John was born, said, “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). We might say that John the Baptist was “born again” before he was born!
There is a similar example in Psalm 22:10: David says, “Since my mother bore me you have been my God.” It is clear, therefore, that God is able to save infants in an unusual way, apart from their hearing and understanding the gospel, by bringing regeneration to them very early, sometimes even before birth. This regeneration is probably also followed at once by a nascent, intuitive awareness of God and trust in Him at an extremely early age, but this is something we simply cannot understand well. One analogy to such trust, however, is the instinctive trust that infants have for their mothers. Studies show that they also learn to recognize both their mother’s and father’s voices while still in the womb.
We must, however, affirm clearly that this is not the usual way for God to save people. Salvation usually occurs when someone hears and understands the gospel and then places trust in Christ.
But in unusual cases like John the Baptist, God brought salvation before this understanding. This leads us to conclude that it certainly is possible that God would also do this where He knows the infant will die before hearing the gospel.
This teaching should be especially encouraging to Christian believers whose infants die in infancy, for several passages of Scripture show that it is a frequent pattern of God to save the children of those who believe in Him (see Gen. 7:1; cf. Heb. 11:7; Josh. 2:18; Ps. 103:17; John 4:53; Acts 2:39; 16:31; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:16; 7:14; Titus 1:6). Particularly relevant here is the case of the first child Bathsheba bore to King David. When the infant child had died, David said, “I shall go to him but he will not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). David, who through his life had such great confidence that he would live forever in the Lord’s presence (see Ps. 23:6, and many of David’s psalms), also had confidence that he would see his infant son again when he died. David does not simply say, “I will go where he is,” but his words specify that he expects personal reunion and fellowship: “I will go to him.” David is convinced that he will be with his son in the presence of the Lord forever. And at any age, salvation is always because of His mercy, not because of our merits (see Rom. 9:14–18).
Q: What happens to infants who die before they are old enough to understand and believe the Gospel?
A: If such infants are saved, it cannot be on their own merits, righteousness or innocence, but it must be entirely on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work and regeneration by the work of the Holy Spirit within them. “There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). “Unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Yet God can certainly bring regeneration (that is, new spiritual life) to an infant even before he or she is born. This was true of John the Baptist, for the angel Gabriel, before John was born, said, “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). We might say that John the Baptist was “born again” before he was born!
There is a similar example in Psalm 22:10: David says, “Since my mother bore me you have been my God.” It is clear, therefore, that God is able to save infants in an unusual way, apart from their hearing and understanding the gospel, by bringing regeneration to them very early, sometimes even before birth. This regeneration is probably also followed at once by a nascent, intuitive awareness of God and trust in Him at an extremely early age, but this is something we simply cannot understand well. One analogy to such trust, however, is the instinctive trust that infants have for their mothers. Studies show that they also learn to recognize both their mother’s and father’s voices while still in the womb.
We must, however, affirm clearly that this is not the usual way for God to save people. Salvation usually occurs when someone hears and understands the gospel and then places trust in Christ.
But in unusual cases like John the Baptist, God brought salvation before this understanding. This leads us to conclude that it certainly is possible that God would also do this where He knows the infant will die before hearing the gospel.
This teaching should be especially encouraging to Christian believers whose infants die in infancy, for several passages of Scripture show that it is a frequent pattern of God to save the children of those who believe in Him (see Gen. 7:1; cf. Heb. 11:7; Josh. 2:18; Ps. 103:17; John 4:53; Acts 2:39; 16:31; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:16; 7:14; Titus 1:6). Particularly relevant here is the case of the first child Bathsheba bore to King David. When the infant child had died, David said, “I shall go to him but he will not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). David, who through his life had such great confidence that he would live forever in the Lord’s presence (see Ps. 23:6, and many of David’s psalms), also had confidence that he would see his infant son again when he died. David does not simply say, “I will go where he is,” but his words specify that he expects personal reunion and fellowship: “I will go to him.” David is convinced that he will be with his son in the presence of the Lord forever. And at any age, salvation is always because of His mercy, not because of our merits (see Rom. 9:14–18).
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Promise.
Bethany Dillon had this as her facebook status today:
"This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life." 1 John 2:25
What a great verse. It's so simple, but thinking about this promise makes me think about all the things that God promises to us and all the things He's been faithful in providing. And I also want to say that the numbers in this verse reference represent the day we celebrate Jesus' birth 12/15 :)
"This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life." 1 John 2:25
What a great verse. It's so simple, but thinking about this promise makes me think about all the things that God promises to us and all the things He's been faithful in providing. And I also want to say that the numbers in this verse reference represent the day we celebrate Jesus' birth 12/15 :)