In my preparation for tomorrow morning’s message I am studying the life and ministry of John the Baptist. As the angel announced to Zacharias, John’s purpose was to turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God (Luke 1:16) and to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:17). Who is this “Lord”? Zacharias was an Old Testament saint and would have taken that as a reference to Yahweh the covenant God of Israel.
Further proof is found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s quotation of Isaiah 40:3 in reference to John’s preparation ministry. He is clearly to “make ready the way of the LORD!” Who would John identify as this Lord whose way he was preparing? Simply ready John 1:35-36. He clearly identifies Jesus as Yahweh in the Old Testament.
Nathan's Send off Sunday Evening
This past Sunday was Nathan Lee’s last Sunday with us. After finishing his training as a navigator on the Navy’s P-3, he is being transferred to Whidbey Island, WA. (Just about as far away from Jacksonville as possible!). I really appreciate all that Nathan contributed to our church. He came on our second Sunday and immediately got involved. He has helped tremendously setting up and designing our sound system, leading the singing, teaching a Sunday School lesson, building our pulpit, arriving early at my home to help load the truck then set up on Sunday mornings, helping unload on Sunday evenings, and so much more! Yesterday he packed his truck and headed back to Pensacola to rejoin his family, pack their home, and prepare for the trip to WA. Please pray that the Lord will give them wisdom and strength as they pack and travel.
We would have loved to have Nathan stationed in Jacksonville, but I know that the Lord is working his perfect plan in this transfer. I am confident that God has a perfect place of ministry for the Lee family in WA. Nathan will be missed, but I am praying that the Lord will fill void in his perfect timing and way.
The Lord is continuing to work at TBC. Sunday morning we broke the 40 mark in attendance. The Lord is bringing quality people who have a heart to learn and serve. I am just amazed to watch Christ build His church (Matthew 16:18)!
Have you ever been labeled a “legalist”? Maybe you were talking to someone about certain standards you try to uphold in your personal life, family, or church. A few weeks ago I was on a date with Brianne at a “high end” restaurant we have near our home called McDonalds. As she was enjoying her happy meal and I my burgers, I couldn’t help over hearing a man with a stack of papers calling multiple people. It turns out he was on staff at a large church in our area and making calls in preparation for visitation. After a few minutes I entered into conversation with him. Through his questions he discovered I was a local pastor and that I graduated from Bob Jones University. As always, I asked if he had heard of the school. “Oooh yessss.” His next question was, “Are you a Bob Jones person?” “What is that?” I asked. “Let me come right out and say it, a ‘Legalist’”, he replied.
I believe that the biblical definition of a legalist is one who tires to earn his salvation through adhering to a code of conduct or commandments (ie. the Law). Most people who use the term generally mean: anyone who lives by standards or holds to a list of “dos and don’ts”.
In my Bible reading this evening I am reading through Paul’s epistle to Titus. I think Paul would have been in danger of getting labeled a “legalist” by many Christians today. Most of the 3 short chapters consist of lists of qualifactions (Titus 1:6-9) or character qualities necessary in a believer’s life (Titus 2:2-10; 3:1-2). In fact, 6 times in 3 chapters Paul emphasizes “good deeds” (Titus 1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14).
Paul’s ultimate purpose in leaving Titus in Crete was to confront and exhort the believer’s (Titus 1:13; 2:15) that they act “according to godliness” (the true result of faith in Christ and knowledge of the truth) (Titus 1:1). How does God want every Christian to live? Deny ungodliness and worldly desires (don’ts) and live sensibly, righteously and godly (dos) (Titus 2:12). The trouble comes in trying to live this way in the midst of the pressure “of the present age” (Titus 2:12).
Clearly Paul believed that those “who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds” (Titus 3:8). True salvation will result in a change from our old actions (Titus 3:3) to new actions (Titus 3:8) including all the qualities he lists in multiple places throughout the book, both the “dos” (Titus 1:6-9; 2:2-10) and the “don’ts” (ie. Titus 2:12; 3:3, 9-11).
Clearly “dos and don’ts” don’t save you (Titus 3:5), but they should be the result of complete washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)!
I am so excited to announce that our next child will be a boy! Yesterday Jen and I saw and heard him for the first time through the ultrasound! His official due date is July 7th, 2010. One day after his mother’s birthday and 4 days after his big sister’s birthday!
I’m excited to think about the prospects of getting some male help around the house (probably several years down the road)!
For ultrasound pics, please see Jen’s blog. She got them scanned in:)
January 1, 2009 was our first day of permanent residence in Jacksonville, FL. I can distinctly remember the overwhelming feelings of all that we had ahead of us. Looking back, God was so faithful and good to us in 2009! By his grace we have come a long way! I will not recount everything we did this past year, but just a few include:
- Purchasing and remodeling a home
- Preparing for and starting Truth Baptist Church
- Pastoring and leading TBC for 5 months!
Today, January 1, 2010, I look forward and feel a bit overwhelmed with what we have yet to accomplish in God’s plan. I am greatly encouraged to know that the same God who strengthened us by His might in our inner man (Ephesians 3:14-19) in 2009 will do the same for us and you in 2010!
May God gives us grace to glorify Him in whatever way He sees fit in 2010!
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go!”