rxwarrior4Christ's Xanga

Finally free from Facebook!

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:35:42 GMT

Well, it’s been three days since being of Facebook, and it has been much better! If you’re wondering how this post is possible, it’s because that I have a Xanga account and my blog is connected to Facebook; whatever notes I write on Xanga will also be copied and posted on Facebook. Don’t worry – I’m not cheating! XD

So why the immediate unannounced decision? Here are the main factors:

1. The Holy Spirit. This has been something he has been convicting me of – spending too much time on FB. Even while chatting with friends online, I’ve also found myself wasting time by checking out photos, awaiting the next response from the other person, etc, instead of fulfilling other important responsibilities (like reading stuff for Discipleship!!!). Even without the below reasons, the Holy Spirit bringing conviction is enough for me to cut off FB.

2. Jonathan Edwards. I’m beginning to be more grateful for him. Ever since listening to his messages on the SermonAudio podcasts (thanks Daniel!), I’ve been listening to his messages about the preciousness of time and the perils of procrastination.

3. Mark Driscoll. I listened to one of his messages from Proverbs about planning, and one point he made was that there needs to be some parts/activities in my life that’s taking up space and needs to be taken away. God brought conviction that I was using FB.

4. My season of life. Right now I have a lot of events that will require more attention, such as discipleship, rotations, prepping for my practicum project, and especially Midyear. On top of that, doing a deeper New Testament study on the theme of worldliness starting next week! So looking forward to that!...

One important qualification/correction – the decision was not “immediate”. Sadly, I’ve ignored the Spirit’s voice numerous times. BUT... only because of the cross and the power of the Spirit, it’s been an “eventual” decision, and one I trust will be fruitful down the road!

Have I lost out? Sure; I don’t get to see how friends are doing, new photos, event invites, etc. That’s true… but I’ve gained a whole lot more! More time to study on worldliness (officially starting next week!), time to work out, time to complete my rotation assignments, more time to prepare for discipleship, more time to invest in the lives of others, more time to evangelize, more time to stay in shape, and many more. Most importantly, more time to spend with God and pursuing him!

It’s like that one fast Eric Simmons mentioned in a breakout he gave at New Attitude a couple of years ago. He mentioned one of the guys in the CG fasting from all forms of entertainment for a month and the CG decided to join him in this as well. This brought two results:

1. They realized how much time they really had!

2. They grew tremendously in the faith!

When filling out the 1-day free personal trainer sheet earlier this morning, they asked what are the three factors outside of health that are important to me; I wrote down these only because of what the cross has made actual:

1. Glorifying God

2. Serving others

3. Making the best use of the time

I pray that this time off would be directed to those three goals and bear some awesome fruit for his glory. So grateful for his grace and that only the cross has made this actual! Soli Deo Gloria!

Saturday's Mishap... another evidence that God DOES have a sense of humor!

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:05:50 GMT

So, since all of you enjoy hearing about how much of an idiot I am, I hope and trust this provides entertainment!

It was around 9:30 Saturday morning, and so I hear the two dogs yap upstairs (Bailey and Julie – both are Jack Russels. For those of you unfamiliar to them, think hyperactive). And I figured they wanted to go out, so I did. And I shut the door, then wanted to head back in, and the doorknob was locked (with my keys, wallet, AND cell phone inside). Ran to my separate entrance, and that was locked. And, to top it off, Bailey was running away so I grabbed her by her bandana, and put her up on the deck, and moved the gate over so they wouldn’t get out. I tried fixing the automatic garage door’s PIN, all to my failure. I went over to my next door neighbor’s house, thinking they would get in contact with the Sheltons (who I live with) or have a spare key – they weren’t home. And to make this more interesting, I was only wearing my shirt I sleep in and gym shorts… no footgear! So after many futile attempts to get in, I found a set of keys in Bill’s work van, and tried to get in, but that wouldn’t work. Fortunately, there was a key to his van, to which I drove over to Josh Holcomb’s house (since I figured he would be home) – in God’s kindness, my assumption was correct!

I show up at Josh’s place, sharing how I know it’s awkward that I’m showing up at his place at 10:20 on a Saturday morning without any footgear and means of communication, and I can’t get in touch with the Sheltons. Thankfully (and because Josh has a servant’s heart), he allowed me in. I called Bill and Leisa, and only left messages. In the meantime, I hung around his house, made some cookies, cleaned dishes, and played some Wii. Then this thought… what about the dogs?! And to make things more interesting, Josh has a cat. So I explained that I didn’t want to leave the dogs alone, outside in the heat and everything. Back I went in the van, and I successfully retrieved the dogs and stuffed them in the van. I think that as I was on my way over I had Julie in a headlock and made sure Bailey wouldn’t do anything funny. Success, the dogs were placed in the Holcomb’s garage, and off Josh and I went to play Wii along with Daniel. Eventually, their dad got in touch with Bill, and he gave me the pin number, and off I went to get the car! But when I was about to go home (also passed two Mormon brothers…), there were police cars before I turned left onto Route 9 (and no Mike, I didn’t yell). They asked for my license and registration. Uhmm… all I could tell them was my absurd (yet true) story that I locked myself out of my own house, this isn’t my van, and I’m going to get my license (and that I’m from New Jersey and that I’m down here finishing up my last year of pharmacy school). 10 minutes pass, and they couldn’t find me after I gave them my name, DOB, and social security number; eventually he let me go. So I got back to my place, and got my phone, wallet, and keys! I returned back to the Holcomb’s, after showing the same cop that my story was true (I knew he believed me, but I wanted to reassure him I was serious!), retrieved the dogs, thanked Josh for serving me, got the dogs back, gave them a biscuit, and told ‘em both to SHUT UP!!!!!!!! Then went back to laundry and filling out some forms.

God has a great sense of humor, doesn’t he?! J

Leviticus and the Gospel

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:50:35 GMT

Well, summer usually is the time where libraries encourage everyone (especially kids) to begin reading even more; by God’s grace I’ve found a LOT of grace in doing just that. The book I recently finished has had an immediate effect (and by God’s grace an enduring one) about grasping the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for sinners like you and me. And ironically, this is the book that most Christians “find it easy to fall asleep to”. It’s the book where God’s laws about cleanliness is vividly described, about what is “clean” and “unclean”, the prescribed actions to take for testing leprosy, what to do in cases of bodily discharges, and many other laws. Yes, I’m talking about Leviticus.

But the book of Leviticus doesn’t open up with a list of do’s and don’ts. Rather, the book opens up with different types of offerings: burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Moses goes on in detail about what is required for the worshipper in terms of what to bring to the priest, maintaining a state of cleanliness, and the procedure of handling these offerings. Very bloody was it in the tabernacle, and eventually the temple! Think about it – a priest would go home smelling like the carcass of a bull, goat, bird, sheep, and/or a ram! They would be informed by the Holy One about how many were animals needed to be killed and in what way, if hands were to be laid on them, how its blood was to be used, and if they were allowed to eat any portions! This is what God requires for a burnt offering for birds (to which I almost gagged in disgust, thinking about what that must have looked like!):

“If his offering to the Lord is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves or pigeons. And the priest shall bring it to the altar and wring off its head and burn it on the altar. Its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar. He shall remove its crop with its contents and cast it beside the altar on the east side, in the place for ashes. He shall tear it open by its wings, but shall not sever it completely. And the priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:14-17, emphasis added).

What must it be like to witness such gruesomeness? Grain offerings weren’t so bad as far as blood goes, but the requirements God places upon the priests! But the longest “offering guidelines” the Lord talks about is the sin offering, what to do if anyone sins unintentionally (4:2), if the whole congregation sins unintentionally (4:13), when a leader sins unintentionally (4:22), if a common person sins unintentionally (4:32), and if anyone sins deliberately (5:1)! Listen, we need an atoning sacrifice, without which no one can be in right relationship with the Lord, the Holy One who dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). And the book goes on! Talking about how the priest is to handle these offerings! Sadly, Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron’s sons, offer unauthorized fire in the tent before the Lord, and pay for such a costly mistake with their very lives consumed by the fire they offer (10:1-2). As concerned as God is with sin, so he is more concerned about what we try to do with it. There is no offering we can make in our own ability to assuage God’s holy wrath towards our sin. Only God can provide that remedy! And that’s what God has helped me to see and glory in through this obscure book of the Bible. No human can offer anything that would for all time satisfy God’s holiness; only God can do that, and he did. Leviticus is all about how a holy God and sinful man can live in right relationship – through a substitutionary sacrifice that would satisfy God’s holiness and also display God’s incredible love! Leviticus is all about Jesus Christ; the one who would be the priest offering the sacrifice, the tent where the sacrifice was made, and the sacrifice itself!

By God’s grace, two years ago I memorized the book of Hebrews, which is an incredible book about the superiority of Christ! Though I’m light years away from Luther’s brilliant mind, I hope that I can say that to some degree, Hebrews is my “Katherine” (Luther’s wife’s name). I love it – no other book has captured my heart more than Hebrews. “So why make that side note? Big deal!” you may be thinking. True, but I hope to bridge the gap and be used by God to encourage you to worship Jesus!

As I read Leviticus about the sacrifices, the tent, and the priest that would offer these sacrifices, the phrase that would keep ringing in my ears is this: once for all. Nowhere in Leviticus do you find it, for “the Law (and thereby the sacrifices) made nothing perfect” (Hebrews 7:19). The theme of “once for all” is communicated several times in Hebrews, and I hope and want you to leave this post more aware of the supremacy of Christ, leaving you to worship the One who satisfied the Father’s wrath in your place! Here’s a small bit of the “once for all” concept in Hebrews (emphasis added); please as you read those words, let those three words sink in!

· “He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself” (7:27)

· “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (9:11-12)

· “Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (9:25-26)

· When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (10:8-10)

· One of my favorites: “And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (10:11-14)

And the best news about this new covenant relationship with God is this in a closing summary: “where there is forgiveness of these (sins that you and I have committed against God), there is no longer any offering for sin” (10:18)! That’s it; it is FINISHED! We don’t have to bring anything because Jesus Christ brought EVERYTHING in himself! The blood of animals offered symbolizes its life, which God has given to make atonement for our souls; it is its blood that makes atonement by its life (Lev. 17:11)! And as Hebrews 10:4 says, it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins! But the blood of Christ, his perfect blood, makes perfect atonement for us. God has indeed provided the remedy for our depravity! Jesus Christ offered the sacrifice; indeed, he was the sacrifice!

So what are we to do because of what this great High Priest has done for us? I’ll leave you with Hebrews 10:19-25, then by God’s grace apply what his word says (emphasis added)!

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Now step away from the computer and let's worship Jesus Christ for his subsitutionary life and death on the cross for sinners like you and me!

The Greatest Miracle of All

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:24:39 GMT

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

- John 1:14

As we embark another year of celebrating the Savior’s birth, let us stand in awe of such a miraculous act from the Divine. The Word which, existed from eternity past with the Father and the Spirit, the Word who knew perfect relationship with the Trinitarian Godhead (being a part himself), the Word who was worshipped by myriads and myriads of angels, the Word who was perfect, sinless, and eternal; this Word became flesh! Let us marvel at his humiliation, “who though he was in the form of God… made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7). Let us marvel at his compassion and how he broke the power of sin and death for those who call on the name of the Lord– “since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death… and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:14-15). Let us marvel at how much he suffered for us – “in the days of his flesh Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cryings and tears, to him who was able to save him from death… although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:7-8). This Word became flesh! As if that wasn’t enough, the next part should blow us away – HE DWELT AMONG US!!!

Literally, “dwelt among us” is the word “tabernacled”. He set up his camp among vile sinners like us! In the Old Testament, the tabernacle signified God’s very presence, and that God was with them (Exodus 25:8; 2 Samuel 7:9)! Wherever God commanded Israel to go, God was right there with them! Even in the midst of Israel’s flagrant sins, God was still among them! When it says “the Word… dwelt among us,” God took the initiative to set up camp and to dwell among sheep that had no shepherd! In our depravity, we would have never wanted God to come down and dwell among us; we would never desire a way to get right with God, nor would we comply with his terms. We were ungodly in every sense of the word, we were “foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another” (Titus 3:3). We were “dead in our trespasses and sins… children of wrath like the rest of mankind” (Ephesians 2:1, 3). We were “weak… [and] still sinners… alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds” (Romans 5:6, 8; Colossians 1:21). This is who we once were, and it was those whom Jesus set his infinite, eternal, boundless love upon! And in eternity past, the Son of God was fully aware of that, and still desired to do the Father’s will and go to endless lengths to reconcile the Holy God and vile sinners through becoming a man, taking on flesh, and dying on that cross for our sins!

That is why the Son of God took upon another nature – humanity! He actually took pity upon our helpless state! See what kind of love that the Eternal One has shown. The agent of carrying out Creation becomes created himself! The eternal one enters into the limitations of time and space! The omniscient one becomes a baby and grows up as a man (while still being God). The invisible one has appeared – HE APPEARED (Titus 2:11)! The one who was the prophesied Immanuel (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14) becomes a real man – God with us! Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8b), bring us near with his own blood, and we have seen him!

For those who have trusted in Christ to save them from their sin and death, we have seen him! John actually beheld the Savior in his transfiguration (Mark 9), his crucifixion (John 19); the Spirit was the one who opened our blinded eyes to see the Savior for who he really is (Ephesians 1:18)! We now see Jesus as the source of God’s wisdom (Colossians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30), and we now love him because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)! We now confess Jesus as the Son of God, the One who is full of grace and truth, indeed the One who is the truth (John 14:6)! We confess Jesus as the Messiah, the One who was prophesied to be the eternal King and rule over the spiritual Israel (Micah 5:2), the prophet who would tell us about the Father (Deuteronomy 18:15). And most importantly, we confess Jesus as our Substitute (Isaiah 53:4-6), the only One who perfectly bore our sins in his body on that tree (1 Peter 2:24), and the Lamb of God who has completely satisfied God’s righteous and furious wrath for our sins (John 1:29; Romans 3:25-26), and the One who made purification for sins (Hebrews 1:3)! He offered up himself as the only acceptable sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 7:27, 10:12), so that for those who would trust in Christ, our sins are completely forgiven, we are justified by his grace, and are set free from the fear of future wrath!

Let us marvel that the greatest gift of all comes from God himself, who sent his Son (Galatians 4:4; John 4:34, 12:44; 1 John 4:10). More than sending his Son, God “so loved the world, that he gave up his only Son, that whoever believes in him (including you unbeliever! Whoever!) should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Indeed, Jesus is eternal life (John 17:3; 1 John 5:20)! And the miracle is that what we could not do (save ourselves), God did by condemning our sin in Christ (Romans 8:3), and Jesus was the One who knew no sin and yet became sin for us, substituting himself in our helpless state, so that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). And the greatest gift of all, is that “Christ also suffered once for sins (not many times, but once), the righteous (Jesus) for the unrighteous (us)”… all for this purpose: “that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18)!

In closing, let us shout with joyful acclamation because of his redeeming work by becoming a man, taking upon himself flesh, dying on the cross for our sins, freely imputing his perfect life in us, and justified us by his grace; let us shout this from our very hearts:

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INEXPRESSIBLE GIFT (2 Corinthians 9:15)!

HALLELUJAH! HOPE HAS COME!

Review of this past semester!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:14:32 GMT

Whoo! One more semester down, and one more semester left until ROTATIONS?! WOW what happened?! Well, unlike last year, this semester had plenty of its challenges – difficult ICARE lectures (and very relevant ones!), the uncertainty of how this lecture would play itself out, what the relationship would look like, if I would wallow in the sin of self-pity, who knows? But as I saw over tidbits of time, God has proved himself to remain faithful and true, even when I haven’t! And that’s sweet news! Like the second generation of Israelites, another milestone will be laid down to hopefully serve as a memorial and testimony of God’s faithfulness (see Joshua 4:6-7). Here are some tidbits and examples of how that was played out over the semester:

1. The Endo/Repro midterm. Most of it was on Diabetes which is a dense topic alone and is worthy of having 80% of the exam being tested on it! Keep in mind that the day before was Sunday and my wonderful godly lady was down visiting me; I honestly put in the effort to study and was trusting God in the midst of it, yet I still felt this sense that I was inadequately prepared for the exam (oh, and the exam was worth 40% of my final grade!). Not that I was fretting; I wanted to have a right handling of the material before taking the exam! So up came the exam, and in the midst of taking the test I knew and trusted that God was going to work this out for my good, as he had promised in Romans 8:28 (what a relief that exams are part of God’s sanctifying, redemptive plan!); upon submitting the online exam, lo and behold, an 85! I was so stunned and was praising God in the midst of the results! Now came the ID (Infectious Disease) exam 10 days later…

2. If the Endo/Repro midterm was tough, the ID exam makes the previous midterm look like a walk in the park! Covering different types of antibiotics, spectrum of activity, mechanisms of action, adverse effects, drug interactions (overwhelming yet?) – I felt even more inadequate taking this exam! So I did what I could: trust God, and study! Took the exam, trusted God, and 88?!

3. Endo/Repro FINAL only 8 days after! Same thing, except one major problem. I say this to my shame: the problem was that I refused to believe God’s promises and bought the lie that he cannot control the Endo/Repro final (even if they are legitimate justifications, namely how professing Christians abuse God’s promises to satisfy their wants). By God’s grace though he pulled me out of that mess and helped me to stand back up on the solid rock of Christ, take the exam, get an 80, walk out with a B for the module, and surprise Joce by coming home earlier than expected!

4. Celebrating 4 years of grace on Halloween!

5. The “November storm”… or so I thought! November was a busy month, averaging about 2 major assignments (papers, exams, presentations) starting in November and rolling over into the first week of December. One of them, the Patient Encounter for SPA (Standardized Patient Assessment), I saw as a clear marker of God’s faithfulness… and why I didn’t see that at first!!? Anyway, I thought I felt prepared, and during the encounter I could bring in a 3 x 5 inch note card with anything I wanted to put on it. One problem… I LEFT IT OUTSIDE IN THE HALL! God did get me through that, and I figured that I was going to take a major hit on that (as if my tone couldn’t give it away!?), but I tried to remedy that by thinking that in reality I won’t have note cards to help me out in interacting with patients and counseling them on their therapy (which is true, but Christ was absent in that sentimental realistic perspective). But then this thought hit after recovering from the “anticipated damage”: Does our Master control the storms the same way he does with the sun? And the answer to that is a resounding YES!

So back came the grade sheet, and I was expecting a C (if that!); much to my surprise, and another evidence of God’s faithfulness, I scored a 33.6 out of 40! And there’s more: some folks got 3 points added onto their grade to curve, so I walked out with a 92! You have no idea how huge of a relief that brought; praise God that was done and over with! The rest of the exams were okay, and God was faithful in them all as he was with the above!

6. The last one was the ID final. Coming from one of the toughest professors, 400+ slides he covered (no joke!), and I missed out on one of those lectures that were about 100 slides long! The lies were circulating and I definitely entertained them – what if I failed? What if I have to repeat this course? What will my Joce and my parents think? FAILURE… You blew it! One more year you both must wait! And plus, why am I here studying? Why am I not having fun like everyone else? This isn’t FAIR!!! Where’s my bonus from Walgreens when others are receiving bonuses? God is good… to them! Now how about to me?!

I bought the lies of self-pity, and much to my shame, along comes Jocelyn, and through my words, I essentially say “Wanna know what’s up? HERE YOU GO!!!!” Thankfully, because she’s godlier than I am (which is true!), she didn’t respond back sinfully! She was able to help me see that I wanted ease and comfort way too much, and that I let a legitimate desire to relax after a hard semester turn into an idolatrous craving; at the same time, encourage that this is only a season and that I won’t have to worry about exams two years later (which is good news!)! By God’s grace, he gave me grace to repent, and came equipped with swords for the exam. God allowed the weather to be favorable, and I finished the exam with a 68; the most important mark of success was the grace God gave me to put to death sinful thoughts and desires with the truth of his word.

So the final results for the semester? 2 A’s, 4 B’s, and 2 C’s! I’m thankful that God provided the grace to get through this semester, as well as endure. One of the major goals I have next semester is to grow in trusting God in the midst of the trials, and to be able to see things from an eternal perspective, that God is working this out for my good, that he is success, and will prove himself to be faithful yesterday, today, and forever.

Time to hold back the challenge flag...

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:34:24 GMT

Normally, I don't share what God has shown me in my quiet time, but I think in this case it would be helpful and serve those of you trying to reach out to unbelievers you are asking God to save. Today I was continuing on my study through the book of Romans, and read this verse which says this:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

– Romans 12:14

This verse, like the past five verses, serves as preparation for what Paul will instruct the Roman church to apply in verses 17-21. This verse, Romans 12:14, emphasizes the importance of good will, wishing them good instead of harm. For the Christians in Rome, this was a challenge for them to hear due to the persecution they were receiving. And how Paul responds is very astonishing! Instead of telling them, “Yeah, get back at ‘em! No prisoners!” and taking actions to make sure justice is served, Paul commands the Roman Christians to bless those who persecute them, not curse them! This echoes the teachings of Jesus, going even further to pray for those who persecute them (Luke 6:28b), love them and do good to them (Luke 6:27)! Why – they are our neighbor (Matthew 22:39) and the promise of applying the Savior’s teaching (and Paul’s derived from the Savior’s) is that such demonstration of self-sacrificial love will result in a reward in heaven that will be great, as well as being sons of the Most High (Luke 6:35).

For me, this word is challenging since I often don’t apply this verse in terms of my relationship with my parents. Far too often I demand justice and recompense when they sin against me, attempt to foil my plans, and most importantly, demonstrate hatred towards genuine believers in Christ. Like James and John, I’m asking Jesus to let fire fall down from heaven and strike them dead because of their hard-heartedness (Luke 9:54)! Part of that is because of being lied to, deceived, talked about behind my back (negatively), and not hearing any apology or asking for forgiveness (and even if they do, the way they communicate it almost sounds like they lack sincerity); such sins provide adequate evidence to demand justice and throw the challenge flag on the football field for the refs to check the play and reverse (for you football nuts!).

At the same time, I’m guilty of shoving some truths aside (and if you’re somewhat in the same boat, let’s apply God’s word in each of our lives):

1. My parents’ sins are PRIMARILY against God (Psalm 51:4)! Not against me, primarily, but against God; therefore, vengeance is God’s and he promises to repay in his perfect timing (Deuteronomy 32:25).

2. The most important truth is that God is merciful (Luke 6:36), his mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13), patient with them (2 Peter 3:9), and passionately desires for them to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). More than that, God has been merciful and patient to me, the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15-16)!

3. God commands me to forgive them whenever they sin against me, as God in Christ has joyfully and freely forgiven me (Ephesians 4:32).

4. No matter what they do to me, God is allowing them to sin for my good, for the purpose of increasing my everlasting joy and satisfaction in God alone, and all for his glory alone (Romans 8:28)!

For those of you who want to apply this word, let me make one clear disclaimer: I won’t arrive to that point perfectly in this life. We’ll screw up time and time again. But the good news is that no matter what, God will always provide grace to apply these truths, and will accomplish his purposes in spite of our sins, and I’m absolutely convinced this will be for our good and joy in what God has done for us in Christ, and all for his glory!

A New Creature in Christ: The Story of God's Sovereign Love in my Life

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:39:05 GMT

“A great salvation” – Hebrews 2:3

Well, today is October 31^st, which most likely means that many Americans will be celebrating Halloween. For those of you who know church history this is when the Great Reformation ignited and how Christians now rejoice in justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, apart from works alone! For me, however, I’m humbled and amazed that this is true: exactly 4 years ago, God saved me. Here’s my story:

When I was 12 I began with what would soon become a terrible drug addiction, and worst of all, I had no idea who God was or who Jesus was or what the gospel was. And through several low points in high school (i.e. family deaths, contemplating suicide freshman year) I looked to my drug addiction as my god and sought comfort and satisfaction from it instead of the only true God. Throughout my high school days this addiction grew worse and I tried to do all that I could to break free from it, but all to no avail as I would experience withdraw symptoms. I think out of all the times I acted wickedly, none other was clearly demonstrated then me blaspheming him on a night when there was a marching band competition (yes, I was in marching band; any comments/critiques welcome!), and because I was looking forward to competing, I cursed God due to the fact that we had to compete in the school’s gym instead of on the football field. In the mystery of God’s sovereign love, he allowed me to live.

Upon the end of my senior year I was truly looking forward to leaving NJ and heading down to a college where I would never have to see any folks from high school, ready to “reinvent” my life. Little did I know that the reinvention would be God’s doing and not my own. Upon coming down to Shenandoah University I met some Christian friends and started going to campus ministry meetings, thinking I was a Christian. It didn’t take too long to realize that I was tragically not, and nothing I could do could bring genuine confirmation; I still brought my sin, and drug addiction, from NJ to VA. I do remember the faithfulness of Brad, who was and is one of my buddies; he simply invited me to join a men’s Bible study that night and God sovereignly allowed me to accept that invitation. Little did I know that’s when God would aggressively pursue my heart.

I can’t remember what we studied that night, but I do remember another close brother of mine, David, simply encouraged all of us by presenting the gospel:

that God is holy, we are sinful and hostile against God, and apart from him and left to ourselves we are destined to receive his righteous, furious, eternal wrath; in his sovereign, merciful love, God sent his Son (Jesus), who took on flesh, dwelt among us, lived a perfect life by actively obeying God in all areas at all times in our place, and died on the cross in our place for our sins, receiving the punishment that we all deserve. Jesus died on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, he was buried, and rose on the third day to show that he has power over sin and death, ascended in heaven, and lives, reigns, and intercedes for all of those who but turn from their sins and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And he calls us now to turn from our sins and trust in him; when we do God not only forgives all of our sins, but he also freely credits Jesus’ perfect righteousness as ours, and accepts us on the basis of his righteousness.

One thing I do remember, though, is David ended the time together with this quote:

“You are a little speck compared to God.”

My thoughts: “That’s nice… hey it’s 11 and I need to get ready for Calculus tomorrow morning.” God used those words to help me see how enslaved to sin I was and how he alone can save me; I was literally tossing and turning all night with that quote circulating my mind. And of course, I gave myself to try and dismiss that quote, but God allowed to use that to set the stage for the greatest miracle of all: God regenerating my heart and him enabling me to respond to the gospel message!

So, after coming to another fairly low point freshman year here at SU, I found myself at homecoming weekend, which was tons of fun, especially going to the dance with campus ministry friends! The following morning, October 31^st, I found myself watching, out of all films, Bruce Almighty… God has a humorous way of redeeming depraved, wicked sinners, doesn’t he? J Yes, the movie was a complete distortion of the nature and character of God; and yes, God used that movie to convict me strongly of my pride, and bring me to the foot of the cross at the end of the movie. So after the movie, it was there that I turned from my sins, and placed my trust in Jesus as my Lord and Savior; and in God’s incredible grace he not only forgave me of all my sins but he freely credited Jesus’ righteousness as mine, accepted me, called me his son (and he does that for all who respond!), and is molding me into the image of his Son! Praise God!

I am so amazed at how far God has brought me. For starters, that drug addiction has lost power over me; shortly after God saved me I gave up my drug addiction and began to believe that God can bring real and true satisfaction, and by God’s grace I still affirm that he is better!

This past Wednesday we were sharing evidences of grace; my care group leader pointed out how I pursue holiness and am passionate for God’s word, and continue to be one who encourages and spurs others on. In light of today, this thought immediately crossed my mind: THERE WAS A TIME WHEN I DIDN’T! There was a time that I hated holiness and wanting to excel still more! I hated reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s word; I hated praying and sharing the gospel; I hated giving myself to the local church and serving my brothers and sisters in Christ (and I probably would’ve hated them too!); I hated the idea and practice of killing indwelling sin; in short, I hated God! And I was glad to be there!

Now look at what God has saved me from and is doing in my life! Now I get to love him, I get to serve him and praise him, I get to enjoy his relationship with me, I can gladly serve and lay my life down for the good of others, I can encourage others to pursue God diligently, I get the opportunity to read, study, memorize, meditate, and speak God’s word to others, I get to rejoice in the fact that this is a great salvation! And the best part about it is that it’s only because of what he has done, and therefore I have no claim of my own!

‘Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,

or who has been his counselor?”

“Or who has given a gift to him

that he might be repaid?”’ – Romans 11:33-35

If you are a Christian, please don’t neglect such a great salvation (Hebrews 2:3)! Please consider John Piper’s definition of this “great salvation” and may it only spur you on!

“Only what is it really—this great salvation? What he's really saying is: Don't neglect being loved by God. Don't neglect being forgiven and accepted and protected and strengthened and guided by Almighty God. Don't neglect the sacrifice of Christ's life on the cross. Don't neglect the free gift of righteousness imputed by faith. Don't neglect the removal of God's wrath and the reconciled smile of God. Don't neglect the indwelling Holy Spirit and the fellowship and friendship of the living Christ. Don't neglect the radiance of God's glory in the face of Jesus. Don't neglect the free access to the throne of grace. Don't neglect the inexhaustible treasure of God's promises. This is a great salvation. Neglecting it is very evil. Don't neglect so great a salvation.”

And for the non-Christians, feel free to think however you want, but please consider my words and most importantly the claims of Christ. I appeal to you, as an ambassador of Christ, be reconciled to God. Please turn from your sin, trust in the Savior, and receive forgiveness of sins, freely imputed righteousness, and God’s infinite acceptance because of what he has done for you in Christ!

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:36

Celebratory Summer - Part 2

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:52:56 GMT

As a disclaimer, let me apologize right from the get-go if this post is lacking organization. Every time I think about the grace of God in the context of Grace Community Church in Souderton, PA, it’s hard to hold back my love for the church and my thankfulness to the One who bought it with His precious blood. In 1891, Charles Spurgeon preached from 2 Corinthians 8:5 from a sermon titled, “The Best Donation” and said the following,

“Give yourself to the Church. You that are members of the Church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I would never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us.”

I also remember reading Josh Harris’ book about the importance of the local church and I stumbled upon Psalm 122:1, which says,

I was glad when they said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Can you say that with joy and passion that David had? Are you eager before church starts and does your heart leap for joy every time worship starts and your heart longs to sing to your God? I’ve been blessed to hear that, and even more to pray and speak that to others!

By God’s grace I have fallen more in love with the church and have no regrets about it. On the last morning devotional at Na we read Romans 12, and verse 10 stuck out to me the most: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

After meditating on the second command, I believed it to mean that in the context of the local church, share evidences of grace. And let me tell you, when the Holy Spirit equips you to apply that for His glory, WOW does that rekindle a passion for the local church! Here’s only a small sample of the grace that was on full display:

· One of the men there battles a serious case of Parkinson’s disease, and yet I have yet to hear him complain. In spite of his deficiency, he continually leaves his condition in God’s hands, and his family follows his leadership by trusting God. As a result, several ladies have come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior through his wife’s outreach, and she herself has grown tremendously in serving the people of God.

· Friendships have deepened and have become more cross-centered and God-exalting; it’s a miracle to realize what it took to unite other brothers and sisters in Christ together! I’m constantly moved by the fact that I get to be one of many who considers how “to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together,… but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25)!

· The passion for God the youth have is amazing to witness, even as someone older. And the snowball effect that has on the kids and their parents… they’re truly finding ways to do hard things for the glory of God!

· Connect (summer thing singles go through) has been AMAZING this year as we went through Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. That book had a personal affect on me (will explain in a couple of days), but I would say that many were challenged and grew in fighting to spend their lives making much of God for who he is and what he has done!

· Kevin, the head coach for our softball team, gave an outstanding acceptance speech at the church picnic after winning the championship game! He focused his attention on God’s grace and said that humanly speaking the success was only because of how the team worked together. He said that the ultimate success of the team was how they applied the gospel on the field and, most importantly, off the field and in their families, careers, and even more importantly, in the local church. What joy it was to glorify and thank God in that moment!

· We (young adults… hooligans in the eyes of some!) have been used by God to share the gospel with those at an outlet center about 30 minutes away from Souderton and those times have been RICH! I have been so blessed to see how others have been growing in this area and have sought to, by God’s Spirit, share the gospel with joy, humility, boldness, and urgency.

· I have been blessed to see how eager some of the kids are in serving. I’ve had the privilege to serve on set-up in July and I’ve derived so much joy by seeing the servant-heartedness of the kids at such a young age! And it was a joy to approach one of the moms who wanted to make sure that the kids weren’t a burden… oh quite the contrary!

I really wish that I was among one of the thousands in Acts 2 or Acts 4!…

One last major group I want to honor – and you’re definitely anticipating these men: the pastoral team. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls; let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

By God’s grace they do just that! They have grown in skillful humility as it relates to “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). They preach nothing new, just the same old glorious truths about who God is and what he has done to and for us in Christ, and how we are to apply that truth! And they do that with much joy and pastoral care, and in God’s kindness I get to receive such from them and reciprocate back by honoring them… so let me do so for each one of the guys on the team:

· Aron (senior pastor) has grown tremendously in “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Upon hearing the summer series being an exposition of the book of Daniel, I was skeptical about how the dreams would be unpacked; by God’s grace he led us into grounding ourselves in what is true and certain – that God is the main character in the book of Daniel and the mysteries in the visions are only his to know about (Deuteronomy 29:29). He led us in the truth that God’s sovereignty steadies God’s people and that he is completely trustworthy, faithful, and good in all that he does; our responsibility is to trust him, serve him, worship him, and love him with our whole being. In the midst of his responsibilities, which include (but are not limited to) overseeing 18+ churches, caring for this local church, making sure the transition for one of the 18+ churches is going smoothly, preparing for youth camp and the marriage conference; in the midst of such, he still has time to lead, love, and care for his wife and three kids (four in November!) – by God’s grace they’re continuing to thrive! Oh, and he still has a little bit of time to provide input and counsel in some areas of my life, including the courtship!… Talk about someone who knows how to prioritize for God’s glory!

· Jeremy has a keen eye on different situations and is able to shed light from a different angle… most times that others have never considered! And what I love most about him is his pastoral care, his gentleness (which is evident anytime you interact with him), and his aggressive humility in leading us to apply the gospel in each of our lives! Jeremy, however, needs to stay up-to-date about events and new technological gadgets and such (like iPhones! J)

· Ed’s wisdom and humility are beyond peer. I’ve been provoked by his example as well to encourage other brothers and sisters in Christ, because he’s almost always (if not always) the first one to identify evidences of God’s grace and seek to draw their attention to the greatness and faithfulness of God. You can tell right away how amazed he is that God has poured out infinite mercy and grace on his life!

· Blake’s desire to serve is also unparalleled. Much of what takes place on Sunday mornings and events would possibly erupt into chaos were it not for his servant leadership and making sure everything’s in check. And though he is an administrator he still seeks to care for individuals and has grown much in his care, and I’ve been blessed to be the recipient of such.

Though I’ll be away for a couple of months there’s the anticipation of returning and seeing how God has grown this local church because by God’s grace the church will be different for the better! And I will miss the folks back in PA, but at worst this is only a pause until returning back and plugging back in to them (and I’ll still be plugged into the Ashburn church down here during classes). But a couple of days before leaving, one final Scripture resonated with my heart for the people in this local church: Philippians 1:3-11. Though my theology is a speck, if that, of Paul’s, I hope to have the same heart that he had for this local church. Let God’s word be my closing remarks, and to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Guys, thank you for loving God with your all, loving the gospel with your all, and conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel; may you only do so more and more! Can’t wait to return back, and more importantly, sing of the saving grace of God throughout all eternity!

Tomorrow?... =)

Sanctifying Summer, Part 1

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:52:29 GMT

Wow… this summer went by so FAST! This summer was definitely one of the best ever, if not the best! God met me in so many areas that I would have never guessed, and my hope is that through sharing these areas of how God proved to be faithful and true that you would be able to see that as well in your own life. Please allow me over the next few days to apply Psalm 66:16, which says, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul;” today, God met me through my summer job.

As I was heading back to Jersey with some jobs in prospect and Walgreens sadly falling through, trusting God throughout May was required (as it is any month!). Rite Aid fell through, Shop Rite fell through, Lexicon fell through (as did the other pharmaceutical companies), and the job interview at Wal-Mart was sub-par. The only solution I had was to apply Proverbs 3:5-6, which commands utter trust in God and the promise that he will make his paths straight. Apart from his grace that was difficult to do because of my self-sufficient attitude and trying to do it all myself. As Na approached (New Attitude, not sodium you chemists out there!) I was suffering with stomach pains because of no job lined up and, more importantly, doubting God’s faithful provision. God had a plan all along…

Upon arriving at Na, God challenged my fretting and helped me to see that if he is faithful and sovereign, then he calls me to trust in his character and his promises, especially that he’s totally for me (more on that later in a couple of days) and will provide my needs. A couple of mornings later during my quiet time God finally, and lovingly, regained control over my job situation; this was one of the most painful things to do (because I like to remain in control), yet it was a glorious time of building up faith, knowing he will do what he promises to do (see Psalm 55:22)! The afternoon after Na, God helped me to see his promise afresh from Luke 12:29-31, where the Savior says (emphasis added), “do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Two mornings later, the district supervisor called me from Wal-Mart and wanted me to start working for the store that’s 20 minutes away from home, at a decent pay rate on full time hours! Here’s what’s better – God wanted me to have more than simply making $4000 for the summer!

Two things I learned from the internship was the idea of submission and trusting that God’s grace is sufficient.

As far as submission goes, this is exactly what God wanted me to apply as I was studying 1 Peter. Irv, my pharmacy manager, interacted well with customers, but the quality his management skills weren’t too high. Still, God reminded me that if he’s my manager then I need to submit to him and obey him (as long as he doesn’t encourage me to sin). Bob, the other pharmacist, was a better manager, knew and did his job well, but the way how he spoke caused me to withdraw from him at times. At one time, the tension between Bob and I built up and he spoke harshly and sternly by issuing commands that started by saying, “Don’t…”, and I’m not exaggerating for effect! After that I wanted to let him know how he much of a royal pain he’s been to me and put him in his place and shut him up. But, by God’s grace, he helped me to apply 1 Peter 2:23, which says, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (emphasis added). And that’s what I did after he mockingly told me to “sit down and take a time out”… more than that, I actually praised God in my heart that he held back my anger! A couple of days later Bob and I talked and we were able to make peace and put up with one another for the last couple of weeks.

At times though I was so fed up with working for them in light of how screwed over I felt through the scheduling conflicts and being repaid evil for good; I tried transferring to a different store or look for a different job behind their back, and all attempts fell through in God’s kindness. The ultimate submission that God taught me was to submit to him and to trust in his faithful provision, whatever that may be. How he did that – with a promise…

Throughout mid-July I would thank God that his grace was sufficient and actually believe that! And over time, he proved that promise from 2 Corinthians 12:9 to be true! The days were manageable and full of anticipation to go and serve God, in spite of how painful it was or seemed. His grace was sufficient to make phone calls, input and fill prescriptions, and serve patients. And it was only by his grace that I still love and treasure the gospel!

Would I want to work for Wal-Mart pharmacy? Most likely not. Am I thankful for God’s provision financially and spiritually? You bet! As painful and refining Wal-Mart was, I can thank God for the hope of bearing the peaceful fruit of righteousness, joy, peace, steadfastness, and dependence on him.

Tomorrow, the dearest place on Earth! And I trust that upon recounting the evidences of God’s grace I will be affected!

How are Christian bookstores doing?

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:23:37 GMT

While taking a break for studying for my Renal ICARE midterm (which, by the way, turned out astonishingly well – praise God!) I glanced over the magazine section of the school’s library and was captivated and curious about Christianity Today’s cover-story entitled “How to Save the Christian Bookstore.” The subtitle is what sparked the curiosity because sadly I tend to be distracted by the biblical illiteracy Christian bookstores today have, and when you read the subtitle I trust this will come to you as no shock either. How can one save the Christian bookstore (CB)? “Hint: Stop making it so religious.”

How did Cindy Crosby, the author of this article, come across with the mindset that today’s Christian bookstore needs to stop being “so religious”? Well, based off of her introduction, the author mentions about a couple who owned a Christian bookstore (along with three others) since 1983 and they carried supplies such as Communion bread, books; they “talked with seekers, prayed with those who were hurting, did impromptu counseling, and hosted… pastors’ breakfast meals,” all to which I think is a great idea for this bookstore and many others for! The result is shocking; the last sentence reads, “Today, not one of the four is left.” One question, two words: what happened?

According to the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA), only 98 stores were added to the organization (compared to 589 in 2006, an 83% decline!) and 160 stores closed in 2007 (compared to 286 in 2006 and 337 in 2005). Why? Should we dismiss the statistics and follow the counsel of Mark Twain and believe that the “Christian bookstore’s demise may be exaggerated”? I don’t think so; given the rampant ungodliness that permeates our culture and sadly, some of these bookstores, we need to have a cautious eye to see the direction of the business and popularity of these CBs. It’s no surprise to walk in and hear alternative music that’s minimally redemptive and seeing a large display case of Joel Osteen’s Becoming a Better You, which is not a Christian book (and that’s for another time).

Speaking of music, Crosby brings up an interesting point about how music sales are dwindling at a fast rate given the digital access to these albums, artists, or songs. She also mentions about how Internet bookstores (i.e. Amazon and Christianbook.com) are continuing to nibble away at profits because of the lower prices they offer compared to the retail price at CBs. I’ll admit that it’s expensive; I bought two CD’s about two and a half years ago, with the total being around $33 when I can get some of the songs I like from those CD’s at around $15 on iTunes! Jim Seybert, a California-based consultant, states that from a survey conducted from Christian Retail magazine, 41% of the people report frequenting CBs less and less. The reasons: more convenience of shopping online (more than 20% of where CB profits are ; pricing; and selection issues. Britt Beemer, president of America’s Research Group, suggests that the problem is a visibility problem; if customers cannot find the location with ease, they simply will take their business elsewhere! As a result, the business of CBs are frail, stores are locking up for the very last time, and former Logos Bookstore manager Jay Weygandt says that customers “feel like one of their family members has died.”

Later on Weygandt also mentions about Kindle, the electronic reading device that can store 200 e-books at a time (see what pharmacy students missed out on?!). And the price also is much less than retail; for example he downloaded an NIV Bible onto his Kindle, when some range to about $50! Anderson reports of a massive reconstruction of CBs and “we are looking for new business models, new formulas. We have to rethink, reposition, and rework.” For what? Because retailers aren’t showing up? Crosby then transitions into problems associated with publishers; publishers are tempted to publish books that only large chains can sell… at least 10,000 copies!

Have CBs really died? Most of the independent CBs, which makes up 46% of CBA’s current retail membership, are now following the same pattern that independent pharmacies are doing with chains. Namely, they’re either consolidating their business and join marketing groups, or they just sell their business altogether. In addition, I’m slightly confused about the position when Bill Anderson, president of CBA, suggests that “most Christian… stores are not just surviving – many are thriving.” Praise God that some CBs are still in business; here’s their secret: these stores “have created a unique shopping experience and made real connections with their customers so that there is clear value to shopping in their stores.” In other words, employees who work in Christian bookstores offer biblical customer service. I remember stopping at a CB on the way back from an interview and the only two people in the store were the lady working behind the counter and myself. And sadly, not to grumble or anything, but having her stand behind the counter was not quality customer service. Even unbelievers believe in the importance of offering excellent customer service! Why do people think they have new employees for chain stores or supermarkets watch less than impressive introduction videos (in my opinion, at least!)? Because they want to elevate the importance of the customer! Is it to drain the customers’ wallets? I sure hope not! It’s to, whether they acknowledge it or not, motivate their new employees to live out the second greatest commandment – love your neighbor! Serve them; consider their opinion, wherever legitimate, more significant than your own! And if unbelievers excel in this – how much more should those who are united by faith in Jesus Christ, who have the ability to obey the second greatest commandment because of gladly obeying the first – loving GOD!

But what does this all have to do with not making the bookstore so religious to begin with? Zondervan’s VP Vern Kenney mentions about how “a healthy CBA bookstore will know who they are and what their value equation is – and this might have a lot of different looks.” Different looks? Here’s an example: House of James in Abbotsford, British Colombia. A 7,200 square foot store that hosts a variety of musicians, carrying items ranging from cookbooks to hiking guides that “non-Christians will recognize… otherwise,” according to owner Lando Klassen, “our stores can be pretty scary to some, too foreign. I am always looking at how I can give people more reasons to come in… Folks are looking for something different. We should surprise and delight our customers.” I appreciate Klassen’s desire to reach out to others, but to provide every single amenity possible to finally bringing the gospel to bear? Something about that doesn’t seem right. What is he more concerned about: maintaining a business or winning lost souls to Christ? Christians are supposed to be scary and foreign, because that’s who we are in Christ when surrounded by a rebellious culture! They have no clue why we choose Christ over any pleasurable, fleeting sin! So if fear is the reason why Klassen wants to keep his business, then feel free, but sooner or later the gospel will be brought forth into the light. And like me, whether he likes it or not, God will bring the gospel to bear witness to our dark and dying world. If we want to be different, follow the advice of our Savior, “Go home and tell them all that the Lord has done for you, and how much he has shown mercy” (Mark 5:19). That brings me to tears when I think about all that God has done for me, and that should be the same for Klassen and for the rest of us. You want to surprise and delight your customers?! Hold up the gospel – THAT’S something that isn’t bland and predictable!

Exhibit B: SKIA. Upon reading this, I think this was a pretty cool store. I mean 10 TV screens with skateboard and snowboard videos with Christian themes?! Coffee and smoothie bar? FREE wi-fi?! Look out SKIA; once this bad boy gets a brandy new pair of chucks, I’ll fly down to Bentonville, Arkansas and sport them out for the glory of God – I ’M THERE! On a side note, I’ve never done either skateboarding or snowboarding; I’m too much of a sissy to scab my knee and am slightly afraid of speed. Since I’m 22, I’ve lost my prime, so it’s back to rollerblades and bike rides! But the design of this store is very cool! Hip! Psahhhh dude! Very culturally relevant! This store, check this out, has a “build your own board” area. 900 square feet of the sweetest gear possible! But here’s the problem – where’s the Christian merchandise? Where’s Jesus? Bill Beyer, owner of SKIA, says that “our heart… beats for the younger generation. We don’t want it to be just a store you come into to buy Christian stuff. The core is the ministry – changing lives. SKIA is where you can come and be ministered to when the church is closed.” I want to believe that they have good intentions on reaching out – what does that look like? Is it pointing that 16 year-old dude who’s struggling with popularity to realize that the only acceptance he needs has been given to him freely as a gift by faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, or is it helping him hit a 720 on his ‘board? Or how about that 14 year-old girl who wants to pursue biblical femininity and purity? Does ministering involve giving her a makeover, or is it helping her to realize that because of God’s mercy she can refuse conforming to this world and instead choosing to be transformed by the renewing of her mind by discerning the will of God?

Exhibit C: C28. C28 is an 11-store chain that sells alternative clothing for late teens and young adults; their employees may have spiked hair, piercings, and tattoos, so be careful. And by the way, comptroller Kevin Miller mentions that some of the employees “pray with their customers who come into the store, though, and tell them about Jesus… a lot of kids will never go to church, but they will go to the mall, and we can break down the barriers there. When customers tell us, ‘I heard you are the store that prays for people’ – that’s where the joy comes from.” My response is a mixed one. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, sharing the gospel in the midst of a worldly environment is compelling and encouraging for all of us to reach out to customers (or any unbeliever) with the gospel and to show biblical compassion and care by praying for unbelievers, loving unbelievers, and sharing unbelievers. At the same time, I think this says a whole lot about our culture today, especially as church attendance rates are dropping and faith is increasing in individualization and suffering the effects of post-modernism and more importantly, the Fall. So yes, let’s pray for unbelievers and win them over to and for Christ by loving them, serving them, caring for them, praying for and with them, and sharing the true gospel with them – that Jesus came as the God-man to be nailed onto a cross to satisfy God’s righteous and furious wrath for their sins, thereby offering forgiveness of sins, Jesus’ perfect righteousness imputed to us freely, and receiving the gift of eternal life and fellowship with God from now throughout all eternity. And from that, let’s encourage them to participate in a local church where the true gospel is preached week in and week out, and lived out on a daily basis.

So, closing thoughts on Christian bookstores – yes, let’s watch where they go. And yes, let’s stop making it “so religious” and encourage them to do the same. Here’s how that can be done: let’s live out the gospel. The gospel has nothing to do with what we do or can do; it’s all about what Jesus has done by setting us free from sin, freely giving us eternal life and fellowship with God himself, and living by faith on a daily basis. And from that, we have the power and freedom to live our lives that please God, whether that does involve skateboarding, sipping a mango smoothie, or sporting your chucks for the glory of God in the clothing section.