Prepare for Sunday, 3/25/12

This Sunday we are studying the second part of fighting temptation to sin. Last Sunday we meditated on vv. 13-15 and on how we can't blame God for sin (because he's holy and doesn't tempt anyone), where sin comes from (our inner desires), and where sin leads us (death). I pray that it was helpful. Feel free to comment here about last week's sermon or post a question, or email me personally.

We need to fight sin because it wages war on our souls. We need to help each other. God is speaking directly to this battle this weekend again as we meditate on James 1:16-18. I'm encouraged by this passage and find strength and joy in God as I study it. Read and pray over it a few times this week, pray for yourself and our church members, and share thoughts about this passage or last week's message with me and others.

SERMON TITLE: Destroy Deception with Theological Truth

SCRIPTURE: James 1:16-18 (read vv. 12-18 for the context)

MAIN POINT: Destroy the deception that leads to sin by knowing God’s truth.

OUTLINE:

1 – Destroy the deception about fulfillment (vv. 13-17)

2 – Destroy the Deception about life and the future (v. 18)

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God

CrossView Church will be studying the topic of suffering and preparing for the suffering that is inevitable for us and those we love. Here's a good resource on the topic.

Hear or watch the conference audio/video.

Read the book based on the national Conference.

Must a Pastor-Elder's Children be "Faithful" (in obeying parents) or "Believing" (in Christ)?

I'm preaching on Titus 1:5-9 this Sunday. Here's one of the questions raised in the passage that I may not have time to get into: "Must a Pastor-Elder's Children be "Faithful" (in obeying parents) or "Believing" (in Christ)?"

Here are different takes on it:

John MacArthur believes the children must savingly believe: "[It] may be that you as a father have made every effort, every good and righteous effort possible to lead your children to faith in Christ and you have not seen the fruit that you would desire. You are not responsible for your child's rejection before God but neither would you be qualified to be an elder or a pastor in the church." He writes in his commentary on Titus that "faithful" is used of God, his words, and people in general.

"But it is significant that , except for this sometimes disputed text, it always is used of people whom the context clearly identifies as believers. Unbelievers are never referred to as faithful. That fact alone argues strongly for the rendering here of children who believe, that is, who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Even if the idea were of faithfulness to patents, the use of pistos in those other passages would argue for its referring to the faithfulness of believing children. In an elder's home, especially, a child who is old enough to be saved, but is not, can hardly be considered faithful. He would be unfaithful in the most important way" (30).

He goes on to say that if the children are too young then 1 Timothy 3 applies and as they grow older "the issue is no longer control, the more demanding criteria of Titus 1 comes into play" (30).

John Piper, Justin Taylor, Matt Schmucker, D. A. Carson, and Andreas Kostenberger take it to mean "faithful."

Here's Carson's take on it (though I'd refer you to Taylor or Kostenberger for more substantial arguments since Carson's comes from a sermon that was much broader in scope):

I think it is mistranslated in the NIV. The NIV renders Titus 1:6, "An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient." Does this mean that the children of every leader must be Christians? And if you say yes, then from what age? Two? Five? Seventeen? In fact, the particular term that is used there, "must believe," is an adjective that in many places is rendered "must be faithful." And in fact, in contemporary first-century lists of social virtues, where moral characteristics are laid out, the word always has that force. I think that what the text is saying is not that the children must be saved – after all, grace doesn’t run in the genes – but that at the end of the day, they must be faithful, not wild or profoundly disobedient.

I think it means faithful and refer you to the links above to hear or read why.

Prepare to Hear Haggai 1:1-15 on 2/27/11 at CrossView Church

1. Read and pray over our text for this Sunday, Haggai 1:1-15. It would be a good idea to read with your family or people you’re meeting with. We’ll be studying Haggai for the next 4 Sundays, so you may want to read chapter 2 already since we’ll spend 3 weeks on that chapter and it’s not too long.

2. Read Ezra chapters 1, 3-6 for the background to the book of Haggai. Notice that Haggai is mentioned in 5:1 and 6:14.

3. Consider reflecting on these questions and pointers as you read Haggai 1 (feel free to email the group your thoughts or post on our facebook group page):

• What stands out to you from the text?
• What question popped into your mind as you read the chapter?
• What do you think and sense the Spirit saying to you? What does he want you to do?
• Why was God withholding blessing from his people?
• Where were the people’s priorities?
• What do we learn about God in this story? Do you see any connection to Jesus Christ in the text?
• Where do you see yourself in the story?
• Should we build a church building?

4. For the really hungry and motivated, read all of Ezra and Nehemiah to know what was going on in that time during the prophecy of Haggai after they returned from exile in Babylon.

Pray for our Sunday gathering. Consider how the Spirit wants you to stir people up this Sunday. If you’re not going to make it, email the church and let us know where God is sending you and how we can pray for you.