Christmas Tradition

The Family Tradition

All of our families have traditions. (cue your favorite “Tradition” song to play as background while you read the rest of this blog. Mine would be from Fiddler on the Roof). We all have those certain things that we always do. In my family, we always played dominoes when everyone got together. And it would go long into the night. The game we played is called “42” and involves bidding or passing. Most of the time, at least two of the four players would say “I pass” instead of bidding. My little cousin’s first words were “I pass” because she heard it so much at family gatherings. 

Of course, Grandma’s famous chocolate pie was something we only got to enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. After I ate half of Aunt Bonnie Beth’s apple pie one Thanksgiving (not sure if I should be proud or embarrassed about that), she would make it again and again. 

Of course, there was Grandpa’s yearly “errand” that he would run mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve. “Errand” was, of course, code for: I’m going to buy Grandma’s gift. And there was always a gift from “Santa” for everyone under the tree which contained a pair of silly underwear. Suspiciously, Grandma & Grandpa never got one of these gifts and the labels were in Grandma’s handwriting. Hmm.....

And Christmas is certainly a time of traditions. Our culture has many traditions surrounding Christmas. Far too many to go into here. And if we polled everyone, we would, no doubt, come up with a lengthy list of great Christmas traditions. 

For now, our culture still recognizes Christmas as celebrating the birth of Christ for the most part. There are efforts to ban nativity scenes here and there and fights over sacred music in school plays from time to time, but most people would at least acknowledge that celebrating the birth of Christ is the reason behind everything going on. 

My wife and I have been discussing how we want to celebrate Christmas as a family for over a year now and have finally come to what we think is a good plan for us. Every family should put together their own plan for celebrating Christmas (remember: it’s not a plan until it’s written down). The goal of this plan should be to keep everyone focused on the central figure of this season: Jesus Christ and His Incarnation. 

After discussing it at length and reading a few blogs from some other families, we’ve put together our plan. This plan will, of course, be modified and adjusted a lot in the coming years. But for now, this is right for us. Not all of these things will work for every family. I’m certainly not suggesting that this is better or “more spiritual” than what your family does. This is just what we’ve decided for our family at this time. We’re trying to be intentional about everything and keep our family focused on Christ and His incarnation. 

Our New Christmas Traditions:

1. Advent Devotions. There are many different forms of this. This will morph and change as Micah (and perhaps some siblings) grows up. First and foremost, we’ll be spending time daily as a family thinking toward the incarnation of Jesus.

2. No Presents. I’ll just pause a minute and let the shock of that statement sink in......

Ok - now that you’re breathing again. You read that right. We’re not buying presents. We don’t think they’re wrong. We don’t think others shouldn’t do it. We’re not offended if someone gives us a gift. We have just decided that for our family, we want to step out of the consumer mindset of much of secular America and turn our focus to other things. Presents are fun. I had a lot of fun as a child choosing, wrapping, shaking, and opening presents. I look back on all of that with fond memories. For our family at this point, however, we want that element removed. We have so many things. We have so much “stuff.” And it’s so easy to get caught up in all the sales and buying this and buying that and getting the perfect gift and..... (you get the picture). Instead of buying presents, we’re going to make a list of gifts we’ve already received. Things that both God and others have given us this past year. That list is most definitely a long list. Salvation is at the top, and then a beautiful son comes right under that. The list just grows from there. 

Okay - maybe one present. The week after Christmas, on New Year’s Day, we’ll give each other some hand-made gifts. It might be made from things we bought, but instead of buying something, we’re going to build or make something for each other.  This will certainly take some thought and probably significantly more time and effort. As Micah (and siblings) grows up, we’ll help him make things for Mom and Dad and others. This creates a whole new dynamic and mindset as we think about the whole concept of giving at Christmas. 

3. Thank You Notes. Notes to everyone. Neighbors, Chick-fil-A workers, the person who cuts my hair, the lady at the dry cleaner (who is always super-nice), the waiter we like at our favorite restaurant, etc. We’re going to write notes to all of these people saying thank you for all that they’ve been doing all year to serve us. Then, we’ll deliver them during the holiday season with a small gift, probably cookies or something we’ve made (homemade goat milk soap, for example)

4. Visit some homebound. Our church has over 20 different people who are members, but due to health issues aren’t able to join us regularly. What better time to visit them and spend time with them? And before we go, we’ll see if we can find out what their favorite Christmas treat might be and take it along with us.

5. Future Giving List. So many things are centered around Christmas. What can we do to serve others? Friends at church, family members, neighbors, who else? How can I serve or help someone in the next few months? We want the mindset of giving and serving to extend far beyond the Christmas season, so we’ll come up with some ideas and put them on the calendar so we don’t forget it. 

6. Prophecy. The Old Testament paints a big, beautiful picture of the Promise of a Messiah/Redeemer. As we look toward the Fulfillment of that Promise in the Gospels, we’re going to spend some time as a family in the weeks before Christmas reading through some of the Old Testament passages that point to Christ. The idea is to build a sense of anticipation about the coming of Christ. We celebrate Advent all month long. This will fit in with the Advent Devotions in #1. 

7. A gift for Jesus. What can we give to Jesus? Maybe give some additional money to a missionary our church supports, or to the Lottie Moon offering, or to something specific at church (like the Building Fund). We spend a lot of money on ourselves all year long. We want to make sure we’re investing in others as well.

8. Family Adventure Time. This will likely change from year to year as we look for age-appropriate family outings. The Dickens Village in downtown Joplin, the Christmas Train over in Oklahoma, and other things. We don’t have a specific adventure in mind yet, but we can’t forget that being together and doing things as a family must be part of our traditions. There might even be more than one Adventure. I remember several neighborhoods that told the Christmas story from yard to yard with decorations that we would visit each year as a child. I always looked forward to it. 

The Bottom Line is to be focused on Christ and not the cultural trappings of Christmas. I speak from personal experience that in the midst of the season, it’s easy to get distracted. By thinking ahead about what we’ll do as a family to give and serve others, it keeps the Gospel front and center. Jesus came to give. Jesus came to serve. Ultimately He was born to die that we might have life. And what better way to celebrate that than to follow His example intentionally with a plan? (remember, if it’s not written down, it’s not a plan!)

I pray that this year is the best Christmas you’ve ever had. I pray that Jesus truly is the central focus of your families life this year and that as we come out of the season into the new year, we have a greater appreciation for the Gospel, for Christ, and for all of the amazing things He’s done for us. 

I Love it When a Plan Comes Together!

Re-Form Your Church’s Health

...when a plan comes together!

Everyone wants to be a part of a healthy church. And being a part of a healthy church begins by looking to our own hearts and spiritual lives. We need to each be healthy for our church to be healthy. 

As we all strive together to have a healthy church, you’ll see listed here 10 characteristics that we should each have in order to be a healthy part of a healthy church. 

These principles are based on Mark Dever’s Nine Marks of a Healthy Church as written by Thabiti M. Anyabwile. If you haven’t read his book, "What is a Healthy Church Member?" (Kindle version), get a copy ASAP and start reading it. It's very easy to read and just over 100 pages. 

If it’s not written down, it’s not a plan. So print this out and write down at least one plan/goal in each of the 10 areas. And when you’re doing that, remember the principles of a good plan:

Principles of a Good Plan:

• Specific - 

“I’m going to be a better Christian...” While this sounds good, it’s very vague. What do we really mean by “better?” Be    specific.  

• Measurable - 

“I’m going to read the Bible more” How do you really measure “more?” This goes along with specific. The less specific you are, the harder it will be to measure your progress. 

• Achievable - 

“Read the entire Bible by Friday” While it’s good to be bold in setting goals, make sure it’s something you can achieve. Don’t set yourself up for failure from the beginning. 

Set at least one goal in each category. Work through this list regularly & consistently. Spiritual Growth is something we should continually strive for our entire lives. While we will never “arrive” there is certainly a joy in the journey as together we participate in this group project called “sanctification.”

(If you weren’t able to join us for all five of the Equipping Hours, you can check out the lessons from the church library or get in touch with Rob to download them.)

Each of the 10 areas is listed along with some thoughts to consider as you put a plan in place. Remember: if it’s not written down, it’s not a plan! You can print this out and write on it, copy and paste it into a document with your goals, or just ask Rob for one and he’ll get you a printout. 

• An Expositional Listener

This is cultivating a hunger for God’s Word

Meditate on the sermon passages during your devotion time. Think through the questions Rob asks at the end of Sunday’s sermon throughout the week. 

Talk about the sermon with friends after church: (write down someone to ask this Sunday)

• How did the Scripture challenge you today?

• What about God’s character stood out?

• How did you grow in your understanding of the Gospel?

How will you strengthen your listening ability?

• A Biblical Theologian

This is knowing the themes and the big picture of the Bible

Reading good theology books (check out the church library)

Know our church’s Doctrinal Statement - themes, categories, 

Use a catechism for both yourself and your children, etc. 

How easily can you spot doctrinal error? (Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, etc.)

• Gospel Saturated

Do you know the Gospel? Cold?

Can you answer the question “What is the Gospel?” in:

Seven words

One minute

30 Minutes... longer?

Do you have a clear structure for knowing, understanding, and sharing the gospel?

Do you need one? Download a “Gospel Learning Kit” from the church website.

• Genuinely Converted

Important Question: How do you know you’re saved? On what do you base your salvation?

Is it obvious you’re a believer? Are you basing this on Scripture?

• A Biblical Evangelist

Who are you praying for?

Are you praying for opportunities to share the gospel?

Are you Gospel Saturated?

Who have you invited to church recently? Who will you invite this week?

Do you know how to turn a conversation to the gospel? Are you trying to do it?
The best way to learn to share the gospel is to go do it!

• A Committed Member

Are you a member of the church?

Who do you know that isn’t a member? (they might call themself an “attender”)

Have you asked them why they haven’t joined? Have you encouraged them to join?

Are you growing in your commitment to Fellowship? (the Trees)

How are you fostering unity in the body?

• Seek Discipline

Are you engaged in Formative Discipline?

(personal study, being taught, right attitude toward Scripture)

How will you respond when/if corrected?

How will you remain determined to respond correctly?

Will you lovingly correct others when necessary? (sin = sin)

What is your Plan for Formative Discipline? 

What elements should be a part of this plan?

  Three Purposes: • Exaltation

• Edification

• Evangelism

• A Growing Disciple

Are you growing spiritually? How? How do you know?

How should you be growing? What does Scripture say?

What else do you need to be doing?
Discipline, Effort, Intentionality

• A Humble Follower

What are you doing to foster unity in following the leadership of the church?

Are you being intentional in following the leadership?

Are you praying for and encouraging your leaders?

• A Prayer Warrior

Is prayer a joy?

Do you pray constantly and in the Spirit?

Is there a biblical structure to your prayer life? (discipline)

As always, if you have any questions about this, or would like help in thinking through these issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. 

Soil Deo Gloria!

Rob
<><

Are you ready for Sunday Morning?

Prepare Your Heart for Worship

As you spend some time today preparing your heart for worship, read Mark 5:1-20. Think about the structure of the story and what all is going on here.

Here’s the outline I’ll be using tomorrow as I preach on this passage:

• The Setting (v. 1)

We’re on the other side of the lake now

• The Man (v. 3-5)

Who was this demon-possessed man?

• The Reaction (v. 6-7)

What was his response to Jesus?

• The Confrontation (vv. 7-13)

Jesus did confront Him. How did this play out?

• The Result (vv. 14-17)

What happened as a result of the confrontation?

• The Final Command (vv. 18-20)

What was Jesus’ final command to the man?

If you want to take a few more minutes, read through the parallel passages in Matthew and Luke to compare the details of the story:

Matthew 8:28-34

Luke 8:26-39

Remember: the goal is to come to our Worship Gathering in the morning with your heart prepared to engage in the adoration of the Lord Jesus Christ and to hear from Him through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. 

Prepare your heart for worship.

Re-Form your Church's Health, Week 1 "AfterBlog"

Re-Form Your Church’s Health – Week 1

This series of messages is based on the book “What Is a Healthy Church Member” by Thabiti Anyabwile. Thabiti is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman Islands. 

For an audio copy of Rob teaching this information, check with the church library.

We will never “arrive.” 

We will never be finished growing spiritually.

Over the next five weeks, we’ll be looking at 10 specific characteristics that we should all have in our own lives so that we have a healthy church.  

• If we are to be a healthy church, we must be healthy individuals.

You don’t just decide - I’m going to be healthier - then it happens. You formulate a plan.

That’s sort of what we’re doing tonight and the next few weeks. 

• The health of our church depends on each one of us looking at our own hearts, making sure our thinking is right - is biblical about everything - and being engaged in the purposes of the church. 

As time goes by, we should all be getting more involved. Serving more. Knowing people better. Becoming more a part of the church.

When I was young, my Mom planted three small trees in the front yard and braided them together. It was cool. A couple years ago, I drove by that house to show my wife Amy where I grew up and that tree was still there, but it wasn’t three trees braided together anymore. It was one really cool looking tree. Those three trees had grown together so that they were really one tree. They were inseparable. We should all have this long-term mindset about our church. That I’m here for the long-haul and I’m going to be so engaged and so much a part of this body that as time goes on, I’m really inseparable from others. We’re deeply engaged and wrapped up in each others’ lives. 

Remember - for us to be a healthy church - we have to have healthy church members. 

And healthy church members are marked by some specific characteristics. 

The first characteristic of a healthy church member is this:

• An Expositional Listener

Expositional Preaching

One of the most important things to look for in a church is a commitment to expositional preaching. It truly is the starting point of a healthy, faithful church. 

If God’s Word is not shaping everything - our thinking, the way we interact with each other - and obviously our purposes - we might get some things right along the way, but the foundation will be wrong and eventually, we’ll stray. 

• Expositional Preaching is preaching the point of the passage, not a “topical” approach.

An Expositional Listener:

Understands that the sermon is not a “practical how-to message” like “How to live a better life.”

• Expositional listening is listening for the meaning of a passage of Scripture and accepting that meaning as the main idea to be understood and integrated into our personal and corporate lives. 

As expositional listeners, we must listen for the voice and message of God as revealed in His Word.

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

Benefits of Expositional Listening

1. It cultivates a hunger for God’s Word

When God’s Word is central, and we are listening for Him, our desire to hear His Word,  read His Word, Study His Word, and Memorize His Word will grow in us. 

2. It helps us to focus on God’s will and follow Him

It’s not about the Pastor’s agenda, it’s not about your agenda. It’s about God’s agenda. His agenda is found in His Word.  So we listen to the proclamation of His Word.

(BTW: I listen to expositional sermons regularly too.)

3. It protects the Gospel and our lives from corruption

Galatians 1:6 — I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— ⁷ not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 – For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

There are false teachers everywhere (they can even be in a church) and we must train ourselves to think Biblically. 

4. It encourages pastors

It’s so encouraging to a pastor to know people are actually listening and engaged in the sermon. And yes - if you’ve ever taught - stood up in front of a group of people.. you CAN tell who is engaged. And when someone asks a question after the service, or makes a comment (and not just “great sermon Pastor,” although that’s nice – but a question or comment about the content of the message), it’s very encouraging. 

5. Cultivates Koinonia

1 Corinthians 1:10 – I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

When we all listen expositionally, it will cultivate greater unity and connection within the body. 

How do we Grow in this area?

1. Meditate on the Sermon passage during your devotion time

I’m not the only one allowed to study the passage.

Read the passage in your devotion time. It will almost always be the next passage in the book I’m preaching through. 

We’re going to start putting the text of the next sermon, along with the outline, on the website so that you can read and study it yourself. 

You could even outline the passage yourself and bring that with you when you come.

You’ve seen “Prepare Your Heart for Worship” on the screens on Sunday morning. What better way to prepare your heart than to be reading the passage for several days ahead of time. 

2. Commentaries and a good Study Bible

Not just for sermons - but for your study in general. 

Our library has plenty. You can buy commentaries one at a time for your library or check them out of ours. 

www.challies.com lists good commentaries in for many Books. He’s doing a series on commentaries. 

3. Talk and pray with friends about the sermon after church

This coming Sunday - as soon as church is over, find someone & tell them what stood out to you during the service and ask them what stood out to them. Get into the habit of asking at least one person one question about the service.

• How did the Scripture challenge you today?

• What about God’s character stood out?

• How did you grow in your understanding of the Gospel?

4. Listen to and act on the sermon throughout the week

The sermon shouldn’t end when the service does. 

James 1:22-25 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. ²⁵ But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 

If you’re a note-taker, look back at your notes during your devotional time during the week. Take the outline points and the reflection questions and refer back to them during the week. Maybe use them in your family devotions. If you’re in a discipling relationship, bring them up. 

Check the AfterBlog for the summary of the sermon. You could even go back and listen to or watch the sermon again. 

Think through how God’s living, active, and powerful word has changed you and how you should now live as a result of that change. 

5. Develop the habit of addressing any questions about the text itself

If anything comes up - ask. Ask me. Ask Ed. Ask Rex. Ask one of our deacons. The person discipling you...

We should all develop the habit of determining what Scripture means. 

Remember: every passage has one meaning – many applications. Search for the one meaning. 

6. Cultivate Humility

When you are growing spiritually - which will happen if you’re truly focused on and digging into the Word, don’t let that knowledge “puff up.” 

You’re not better than any other believer. Pride is everyone’s biggest problem. Cultivate Humility - which is the only solution. 

Discussion Questions

1. How would you rate your ability to listen for the meaning of the Word during sermons? During private devotions?

2. What will you do this week to strengthen your listening ability?

The second characteristic of a healthy church member is this:

A Theologian

Watch this video: 

(You might need to watch it a couple of times to get it all)

J.I Packer wrote “ignorance both of His ways and of the practice of communion with him – lies at the root of the church’s weakness today.”

According to Thabithi Anyabwile, too many Christians have neglected their first great calling - to know their God. Every Christian is meant to be a theologian in the best and most intimate sense of the word.

We won’t all become theologians to the same capacity due to many factors, but we must all strive to grow in our theological knowledge and depth. 

• Theology is Knowing God Himself

If you’re interested in knowing God - you’ll be interested in knowing what God has said about Himself. And that is found in the Bible. To know God, we must start by knowing what God says about Himself in the Bible.

• We need to know both the themes and the Big Picture 

We need to know the major themes of the Bible & what it teaches about them.  We need to understand how everything fits together as a whole. 

We come to the Bible knowing that it paints the beautiful, grand picture of an awesome God redeeming for Himself a people for His own glory.

How Theology helps my growth:

These come from Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology

1. You’ll grow in reverence for God

When you see our faithful, loving, consistent God - you can’t not grow in reverence for Him.

2. Overcome wrong ideas

There will be things in the Bible that challenge you, confuse you, and upset you. There are many teachers out there who would take you down the wrong path.  When you are committed to the big-picture of Scripture, it will help correct any wrong thinking that’s been planted in your head either by bad teaching or even the culture we all live in. 

3. Inoculates against doctrinal controversies

When you know the whole Bible and the “big picture” of redemption - it will help you to process doctrinal controversies. 

4. It’s necessary to fulfill the Great Commission

Matthew 28:19-20 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

How can we teach all things if we don’t at least understand all things. 

You don’t have to have the entire Bible memorized, but you should understand the overall flow and the big picture. 

5. It deepens our understanding of the Gospel. 

We don’t just focus on one passage, one book, or even one Testament.

Understanding the Old Testament helps you in your understanding of the Gospel. 

How to Grow as a Theologian

1. Read a good book on Theology

There are quite a few good ones in our library. There are several recommended books on the website and in the newsletter each month. 

It’s also important what you don’t read. There are many books that will be harmful to your spiritual life.  

2. Study Scripture Thematically

There’s “Biblical” theology - which looks at the big picture of the Bible. 

And there’s “Systematic” theology, which looks at themes and topics.

Your main diet should be going through the Bible in verse by verse, but you also need to develop an understanding of themes - justification, sanctification, salvation, who is God? What is the Trinity, etc.

3. Link the Old and New Testaments (NT study)

When you study the New Testament ask these questions:

• How is this passage a fulfillment of something promised in the OT?

• How is this NT idea different from or similar to an OT teaching?

• How does this clarify, unveil, or amplify the OT?

4. Link the Old and New Testaments (OT study)

When you study the Old Testament ask these questions:

• Where does this fit in the “Big picture” timeline?

• How does this point to Jesus?

• How does this help me understand Christianity better?

• Where in the NT is this question answered? How does Jesus answer this?

5. Know your church’s doctrinal statement

THis is simple - again, you don’t have to have it memorized, but you should at least read through it so that you’re familiar with it.  It really does matter what you believe about God. It impacts a great many things on a great many levels. It starts with our basic belief framework. 

6. Seek doctrinal unity

Disagreements will come. The question isn’t will they come, but how will you participate in them?

Is it essential to the gospel? Then it’s worth fighting for.

We do want unity on all things, but we have to work together and have a relentless commitment to Christ and to the Word as the starting point. 

We also have to have a relentless commitment to each other. 

Philippians 2 is the mindset. Strive for unity. 

There’s an old maxim : In essentials: unity

In non-essentials: liberty

In all things: love

It can’t be a cop-out, but it’s a good starting point. However, our goal is to determine what the Bible says about the topic, whatever it is.

Always remember:

• Sanctification is a group project.

We are to strive together for spiritual growth and unity.

Now - don’t panic. This is a lot to take in. This is not a homework assignment to be completed in a week. This is a lifelong process of growing in knowledge.

The point is that you ARE a theologian. Either a growing one or a bad one. 

Discussion Questions

1. How familiar are you with theology? 

Do you have an adequate grasp of the major theological themes of the Bible? (systematic) 

Could you explain to someone how the entire Bible fits together as one book? (Biblical)

How well can you refute error? How easy is it to spot? (ex: Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer)

2. What specific plan can you put in place to grow as a theologian?

The Homework Assignment:

Think through the discussion questions and come up with a plan for growth in each of these two areas. Write it down. 

Remember the three words: Discipline, effort, intentionality. All three will be necessary for growth.

Planting Seeds.....

Two blogs today!

The first one is this one (obviously). The second will be the "afterBlog" based on yesterday's sermon. It's coming later today.

Last night we watched "Evolution vs. God" - a new movie by Ray Comfort where he discusses evolution with professors and students at USC and UCLA. We had a great time of discussion afterward and I wanted to pass along some links to help you take all of that to the next step.

I think the main point of the film was conversations leading to sharing the Gospel. There are so many different resources you could look at regarding all of this, but here are a few that I think would be well worth your time:

This is the trailer for the movie. The movie is scheduled to be released in its entirety on YouTube for free this week. I'll let you know when it comes out. Also, we'll be ordering copies on DVD to make available for you to give to people.

Here's a book that I've just started reading (I'm through Chapter 3 this morning) and so far, it's an excellent book on engaging people in conversations that take us to the Gospel.
If you have a Kindle, iPad, or other Kindle Compatible reader, you can start reading this book in about a minute for only $1.99 right now (It's $12.27 in paperback with free two-day shipping if you have Amazon Prime). Click here to check it out.

A website with info about creation, the Creation Museum, and some good apologetics resources is Answers in Genesis. Our VBS curriculum came from AIG and they've got some great info on their website. Your time on their website will be well-spent.

For apologetic resources on a wide variety of topics, check out Stand to Reason.

Of course, all believers need to memorize Scripture so that they can confidently and faithfully share the Gospel from the Scriptures at any time. That's the foundation and starting point. If you know enough to be saved, you know enough to start sharing the Gospel, but you should alway be growing in your ability to share clearly, accurately, and Biblically.
For a guide to memorizing and sharing the Gospel, click here.

Remember - you are a lamp. Lamps are supposed to shine. That's what they do.
You are a sower. Sowers sow seed. The seed is the Gospel.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><

You are the Lamp!

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

According to Mark

The Parable of the Lamp

Mark 4:21-25 

This parable picks up where the Parable of the Soils ends. The soil is the human heart. The seed is God’s Word - the Seed is the Gospel. 

The Bible says it is obvious who is saved and who is not. And we were saved to serve God and do good works.

Malachi 3:18, Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:14

• The Parable (v. 21)

Truth is objective. What is true - is true. It’s not whether or not it’s “true to me” or “true for you....”

Truth doesn’t depend on my acceptance of it to be true. 

As disciples of Jesus Christ - the truth is essential to us. Disciples are learners. 

And if we are learners, what are we learning?

• We’re learning the truth. The Word of God. 

Truth is determined by God. The One who does not change. The only One where Truth is ultimately found. 

John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. 

We would not know truth if it weren’t for the Word of God, The Bible (John MacArthur).

• The greatest measure of your spiritual life is this: what is your relationship to God’s Word?

This parable is really an amplification and explanation of verse 20 – those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” 

• This is the beginning of the Great Commission (a sort of “Pre-Great Commission)

So Jesus asks a question - is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? Getting a lamp going wasn’t quite as easy as flipping a light switch, but without it, your home was dark. It was necessary. The lamp had a very specific purpose.

There’s a lot of work that goes into getting this light going. 

Nobody is going to go to all that work and then hide it. 

Putting it under the basket is counter productive. It is, in fact, the opposite of what you’re supposed to do. 

• The purpose of the lamp is to give light to the room. 

You are the lamp. I am the lamp. The lamp is every true disciple of Jesus Christ.

We have the light in us. The light of the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The truth of the Gospel. 

This is the light. The Word. The Truth. The Gospel. 

The purpose of a lamp is to give light to the room. As believers we are to glorify God and proclaim His Truth to the whole world. To broadcast His truth. To shine His truth. 

No one in their right mind is going to light a lamp and hide it. How ridiculous is that? And it’s not just “don’t hide it” - but “put it in the best spot” In fact, it wouldn’t even occur to you to hide it. That defeats the whole point. 

• Because of Christ we’re not under God’s Wrath

We have been forgiven

We have been adopted

We have been made His children. 

We have been chosen as disciples. 

What we do is give light. Up on a lampstand for all to see. To give light to as much as possible.

It just doesn’t make sense, it’s not logical, it doesn’t calculate, it doesn’t compute:

...That a believer isn’t sharing the Gospel. Isn’t shining forth the light of the Gospel. 

Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

Our responsibility, our privilege, our joy is to shine as much light. To shine the Gospel. To sow seed. As far and wide as we possibly can.

• The Point (v. 22)

• The Gospel is not meant to be hidden.

Your responsibility is to shine the light and get the word out. 

God will bring the growth.

We understand hide now - reveal later. My wife got me a birthday present recently (a coffee bean roaster and what a great gift it was - but that’s a story for another time) - she went to great lengths to conceal it from me until the right time. And she was excited to bring it out on my birthday. 

The Gospel was at one time hidden. Now it is to be revealed and shared with as many people as possible. 

• Hear and Obey (v. 23)

Jesus says “if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” quite a few times. Over a dozen times. 

He’s saying: “Are you listening. Are you paying attention? Did you hear what I just said to you? I want to make sure you weren’t distracted. I want to make sure you didn’t zone out for a minute and miss this.”

• If you hear and don’t obey - you didn’t really hear
Steve Lawson says this: If you leave here and don’t step out into the dark world and let your light shine in every imaginable way, then you did not hear what Jesus just said

• What and How (v. 24)

“Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

There are two issues here

1. What you listen to

You need to be careful what and who you listen to. Be careful who’s teaching you listen to.

Be careful what books/magazines/blogs/etc. you read. Be careful what music you listen to. 

Are you placing yourself under the teaching of sound doctrine? Then there is more oil being poured into your lamp. Are you placing yourself under false teaching? (such as Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, TBN & other “prosperity gospel” teachers? Click here for a great post on False Teachers) If so, it’s taking oil out of your lamp.

It really does matter where you go to church and whose teaching you listen to.

2. How you listen

The degree to which you listen to and pursue the truth - opening your ears and heart – engaging in learning... to that same degree you will benefit from it. 

• Are you really engaged? 

Are you someone who doesn’t want to come... I’m here, but only because I was “dragged” here by ____.

Or The person who just can’t get enough... “I just have to get more. Can’t intake it fast enough.”

At the beginning of our worship services we put on the screen:

• “Prepare your heart for worship”

How are you preparing your heart for worship?

Let’s get real practical for a minute. 

What are you doing to be prepared for our corporate worship gathering?

How are you preparing your heart?

Preparing for Sunday morning starts Saturday night. Are you constantly staying up late? Are you so exhausted that you can’t focus?

When you’re here, are you here. Is your Bible ready? Note sheet and pen?

Are you reading the passage that will be preached on Sunday?

“Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

When you’re engaged, striving to grow spiritually, you will grow.

Three words that are very helpful in this area

• Discipline – we all need to be more disciplined. Show up early, etc.

• Effort – it’s not just going to happen. You’ll have to put forth effort

• Intentionality – discipline and effort must be done for a specific purpose.

Be intentional about what you’re doing. Aim for sanctification. 

1 Peter 1:13-16 – Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵ but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

• The goal is sanctification. 

I fully agree with John Piper when he says “Sanctification is a group project.” It’s something we do together.

Our church’s purpose statement is: Worshiping Jesus, Following Jesus, Sharing Jesus...TOGETHER!

• A Promise, a Warning (v. 25)

This is the underlying principle. 

• You’re either moving forward or backward in the Christian life. 

There is no standing still. 

For the one who has (The one who has Christ.)

more will be given (If you are in Christ - you will go to heaven. More will be given.)

And that is a wonderful, glorious truth. 

and from the one who has not (The one who is not in Christ, who has not repented)

even what he has will be taken away

This is the truth. 

Acts 17:30-31 – The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, ³¹ because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness

The one who has - who has Christ. He or she will get heaven. 

The one who has not - what you have now - what you have here on this earth will be taken away and you will be forever lost in hell eternally. There will be wrath and judgement and punishment. 

The wonderful, glorious message of salvation has been given to us to shine forth for everyone to see.

It just doesn’t make any sense that we wouldn’t do this. That we’d hide it under a basket instead of telling everyone we possibly can. 

Reflection & Application Questions:

• Are you sharing the Gospel?

If you know enough about the Gospel to be saved, you know enough to start sharing the Gospel. You do need to strive to know more, but you can start right now. If you don’t know enough about the Gospel to share with others, you probably don’t know enough to be saved. 

Why aren’t you sharing the Gospel? It really doesn’t make sense.

• What are you hearing?

You’re filling your mind and heart with things every day. What are you filling it with? God’s Word? Gospel-saturated music? Solid, biblical teaching? Because when you’re listening to the right things, still more will be added to you. That’s exciting! (If you’re wondering about someone you listen to, ask)

• Do you have ears? Will you hear?

We have so much access to the truth. Most of us have more access to the truth than almost all of history and more than so many in the world today. We must be intentional to hear truth and respond. What is your response to God’s Word?

There really should be only two possible responses

1. Take it - be obedient - go out and shine the light. Share the Gospel.

2. Repent and turn to Christ - repent and believe in the Gospel.

or:

3. Continue in unbelief. 

My hope and prayer is that your response would be one of the first two.