“Accept Jesus,” or “Be Accepted By God”?

Nothing is more important than understanding what the Bible teaches about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What we understand and personally believe about this historical and supremely spiritual event determines our eternal destiny. Therefore, there is no room for error on this doctrine. Error will only lead to eternal damnation in hell. Biblical truth is our only hope of heaven.

There is one verse that so completely defines the meaning of the death of Christ that if we had no other verse, it would be enough. It would be enough to tell us why He died, what His death accomplished for sinners, why He only remained dead for three days, and how our guilt can be removed so that we can be restored to God.

The verse I am referring to is 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.”

Here we discover five truths that explain the meaning of the death of Christ.   Continue at Paul Tautges

7 Questions for Discouraged Pastors to Ask Themselves

For months now, I have been occasionally blogging through Encouragement for Today’s Pastors: Help from the Puritans. In one of the closing chapters, Joel Beeke and Terry Slachter remind their fellow pastors of the reward of grace. “The hope of glory (Rom 5:2) and the promise of a reward for our toil is the final catalyst for encouraging us as pastors.”

Reflecting on this ministerial grace several rewards are mentioned, including spiritual children God gives through conversions that occur under our ministry, as well as spiritual legacies that are left behind because of God’s gracious and sovereign revival of dying churches.    Continue at Paul Tautges

Setting Believers Free from the Prisons of the Mind

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that the “warfare” in which believers in Christ are involved is a well-thought-out “campaign.” The word he uses is strateia, from which we get “strategy.” Specifically, the devil’s battle against Christ-centered wisdom is not an accident. Satan specializes in disguising himself as “an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14). Therefore, the invasion of man-centered counseling philosophy into the church is a well-planned and well-executed war against the sufficiency of Christ and His Word and the transforming power of His gospel.    Continue at Paul Tautges

The Tragedy of Ahithophel

[A couple weeks ago, Dr. William Varner, a professor at The Master's College, posted on Facebook some brief, but very insightful thoughts from the life of David, particularly about a lesser-known figure named Ahithophel. I asked him if he had more to say about this man and he was so kind to send me this larger article.]

Following David’s awful sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the ensuing arranged murder of her husband, Uriah, he was confronted by Nathan the prophet. Among the consequences of his sins were that from his own household enemies would arise against him (2 Sam 12:10-11). Three of his sons – Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah – each caused serious problems for him and his successor, Solomon (2 Sam 13; 14-17; 2 Kings 1-2). There was another person, whose name also began with an “A,” who rose up against him as a betrayer. This man, Ahithophel, had been a close advisor to David and could even have been called “the smartest man in the world.” “Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom” (2Sam 16:23). He evidently came out of his own retirement and joined the revolt of Absalom as his trusted advisor (2 Sam 16:23).    Continue at Paul Tautges

Hell Glorifies God

Hell glorifies God—that is the premise of Thor Ramsey’s book The Most Encouraging Book on Hell Ever, the newest release from Cruciform Press. It is very encouraging to see a Christian publisher (who consistently aims at the general Christian audience) invest in a topic so essential to true Christianity. It is one thing to notice a few biblically-faithful publishers putting out academic defenses of the doctrine of hell (rare in itself), but it is another thing (and refreshing) to see diligent work put into the placing of such vital truth in the hands of the average person in the pew. 

This book is refreshingly honest, and bold. In a day when too many publishers find it fashionable to waste paper and ink on so-called biblical treatments of hell (which are nothing more than pathetic regurgitations of old heresies), this book does not attempt to improve God’s reputation. As the author writes in his Introduction, “there is a swath of fashionable new preachers with a mission to clean up God’s nasty reputation as a bloodthirsty old clod. Unfortunately, in the process of doing God the big favor of helping his PR, they’re reinventing the doctrine of eternal punishment with a new and improved gospel. It’s gospel-riffic!” This book is a much-needed antidote to the plague of unbiblical teachings from famous, fashionable, and rich preachers who treat hell “like the Christian’s dirty little secret—the pock mark on the church’s history formed during its teenage years.”    Continue at Paul Tautges

Gospel Antibiotic for the Poison of Bitterness

As we continue to walk through the story of David and Absalom, in my preaching at our church, we are learning that it is by focusing on David that we see Christ through him and the godly response to betrayal (read my previous post). By focusing on Absalom, on the other hand, we get a pretty good picture of what bitterness will do to a person who does not deal with hurt biblically.

Let me encourage you to read 2 Samuel 13-18 sometime this weekend to see the whole picture of the situation and how Absalom handles the evil done in his family. We recognize the problem with David’s passivity as a leader here, but we should not blame David for Absalom’s anger, hatred, and desire for revenge. For two years, Absalom plotted and planned how he would kill Amnon (2 Sam 13:28-32). For the next three years, Absalom lived with his maternal grandfather. David was not proactive in trying to reconcile with Absalom. When Absalom returned, David communicated no desire to work out the relationship with his son. Two more years went by, and finally Absalom asked, by way of Joab, “What is the point? Why am I even returned?” So David allowed Absalom to come to meet him at the palace. Absalom bowed, and David kissed him. They parted. This is forced reconciliation.   Continue at Paul Tautges

Satan’s Permission to Sift You like Wheat

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). Did Jesus ever speak more startling words to Peter? Surely all of the Twelve were within earshot of Jesus’ words and would be attacked by the devil but, as their leader, Peter was addressed by name and, most obviously, singled out by the Evil One. Just as Satan would succeed—temporarily—in scattering the disciples by striking down the Chief Shepherd, so he would succeed, but only temporarily, in striking down Peter.

Satan Did More than Say “Please.” The New American Standard translation says that Satan “demanded” permission from God to target Peter (as does the ESV). Satan said more than “Please” to God, i.e., he asked with a strong degree of insistence. And Satan demanded this permission from the sovereign Lord for himself (middle voice), that is, for his own selfish, destructive agenda.   Continue at Paul Tautges

What’s Love Got to Do with It?

First Corinthians 13:4-7 is probably the world’s most cross-stitched passage of Scripture. The poetic beauty of its truth is celebrated and admired. It’s also the Scripture that is most used on greeting cards that are given to newlyweds. However, there is nothing in the context that hints that marital love is what the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote his words. Certainly they apply to marriage, but they also apply to any horizontal, human relationship. Most clearly, what the apostle had in mind is the relationship of believers to one another—brothers and sisters in the family of God.

The Priority of Love

Chapter 13, is of course, nestled between chapters 12 and 14. Chapter 12 gives instruction concerning the sovereign will of the Holy Spirit in dispensing gifts for the edification of the entire body. Some believers in Corinth viewed themselves as less-gifted because they did not possess the spectacular gifts. Others–those who did possess the miraculous gifts of that age–were tempted to think they did not need the lesser members of the church. Both groups lacked biblical love.

Chapter 14, of course, follows chapter 13, the “love chapter.” Chapter 14 is corrective in nature. It is a rebuke of the immature believers’ misuse of the miraculous gifts that were given to the church for its infantile stage. Tongues, in particular, were being used not for edification, but for self-glory. These believers had the same problem—a love problem. Therefore, they were commanded to “pursue love” (1 Cor 14:1).   Continue at Paul Tautges

A Hospital for Hurting Souls

The longer I am a believer the more I marvel at the genius of the local church. The longer I am a pastor the more I marvel that God’s grace would be sufficient enough to save, call, and equip a sinner like me to make even a lame attempt to shepherd a microscopic portion of His sheep. And the longer I am a biblical counselor the more I marvel at the kind of risk-taking love that God calls us to display toward one another as sinners ministering to sinners—together—in a fallen, broken world.

One of the characteristics of this risk-taking love is initiative—daring to come alongside a brother or sister in Christ who is hurting and finding it difficult to take the next necessary spiritual step. Galatians 6:1 makes it clear that this personal, counseling ministry is a family matter. Paul addresses “brethren.” Counseling is a ministry of discipleship within the family of God. In fact, that is what the church is—a visible family of the invisible God. The New Testament most commonly refers to believers in familial terms such as “brethren,” “brother,” or “sister,” which occur some 250 times. The church is the original “brotherhood” (1 Peter 2:17). This analogy has numerous implications. For example, it obligates us to “Be devoted to one another” (Rom. 12:10), to care for one another’s needs (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32; 11:29–30; 1 John 3:17–18; 1 Tim. 5:1–16), and to pray for one another (James 5:13–16). However, the familial commitment of the brotherhood also requires us to exhort, and if necessary, discipline family members who are in sin. The Bible’s plan for restoration is carried out by brethren for brethren.   Continue at Paul Tautges

Do You Think Your Church Is a Country Club?

“God did not give us local churches to become country clubs where membership means we have privileges and perks. He placed us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give, and, in some cases to die for the sake of the gospel. Many churches become weak because we have members who have turned the meaning of members upside down. It’s time to get it right. It’s time to become a church member as God intended. It’s time to give instead of being entitled.”

This is how Thom Rainer begins his excellent little book I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference. Growing out of the research of 557 churches in his denomination from 2004-2012, Rainer issues forth a kind, but firm call to Christians to re-examine their attitude and actions in relation to their local church. Rainer’s goal is biblical. He wants his readers to become functioning, unifying, unselfish, praying members of a local church who also lead their family members to be healthy church members who treasure the precious relationships God has given us in the body of Christ.

In Chapter 1, “I Will Be a Functioning Church Member,” Rainer relates the mindset he developed as a young boy when his middle-class parents became members of a country club. As he took in all the amenities that membership in the club provided, Thom writes, “I began to learn a lesson. Membership means perks. Membership means privileges. Membership means others will serve me. Just pay the going rate, and you can have others take care of you while you enjoy a life of leisure.”   Continue at Paul Tautges

The Answer to Every Christian’s Identity Struggle

As believers in Jesus Christ it is easy to lose our bearings when we forget who we are. This is every Christian’s identity crisis. The answer is for us to recognize the false identities that have robbed us of our joy, peace, contentment, and security and replace them with what is already true of us because of being united with Christ by faith.

For the past year the Holy Spirit has been renewing my mind and refreshing my soul by directing my focus to portions of the Word of God that emphasize who I am in Christ.

The portion where my heart dwelt this morning is the first half of the book of Ephesians. The first three chapters of the apostle’s great theological treatise are filled with numerous realities that we need to consistently claim as already belonging to us. Along with me, reflect on these 42 truths:

1. I am a saint, a set-apart-one, set apart by God for God (1:1).
2. I am a child of God. God is my father (1:2)
3. I am a servant of God. Jesus is my Lord (1:2).
4. I am a recipient of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (1:3).
5. I am chosen by God in Christ (1:4).
6. I am predestined (1:5).
7. I am adopted as a son (1:5).
8. I am a recipient of God’s kindness (1:5).
9. I am an object of God’s grace (1:6).
10. I am in union with the Beloved One, Jesus (1:6).
11. I am redeemed through His blood (1:7).
12. I am forgiven of my sin (1:7).
13. I am a knower of God’s mystery, the mystery of His will in Christ (1:9).   Continue at Paul Tautges

What It Means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ

[Today’s post has been graciously provided by Scott Williquette of First Baptist Church of Rockford, Illinois.]

In the Gospels our Savior reveals what it means to be His disciple. In spite of the clarity and force of His words; however, they are often ignored today.  The demands of discipleship are tremendous. They are astronomical. Jesus doesn’t want some or most.  He wants all. According to Jesus, anything less than all, than everything, is not worthy of Him and places one’s relationship with Him in question.

If you have placed repentant faith in Jesus Christ you are His disciple. You gave yourself to Him in order to be like Him and to please Him. As you read these four passages and their ramifications for daily life, do so prayerfully. Compare your present commitment to Jesus with what He says it ought to be. Dedicate yourself to truly and faithfully following the One who gave Himself for you.

Jesus’ Disciples Renounce Ownership over Their Lives; they Are Dead to All But Jesus.

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” (Matthew 16:24)

• Since I am called to a life of self-denial and death, I will no longer see my time, abilities, money and possessions as mine.  I will reckon all I have as God’s.
• Since I am called to a life of self-denial and death, I will budget my time and energy in such a way that I can significantly serve the Lord in His church and invest myself in those who are in bondage to sin.    Continue at Paul Tautges

Counseled by the Puritans on Providence

Slowly working my way through A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life; I was recently blown away by the tenth chapter, which is entitled “The Puritans on Providence.” I was already tired enough to go to bed, when I decided to read another chapter in this massive volume, so I wondered if there was any practical wisdom in my decision to open any book. However; I found myself being renewed in strength after reading just a few pages, which propelled me to finish the chapter. It was exactly what I needed.

In today’s post, I will attempt to summarize 15 pages of theology into 1500 words.

Puritan Definitions and Teaching on Providence

Puritan Arthur Dent (1553-1607) wrote, ‘For every one of us, when we do confess God to be almighty, do acknowledge that he by his providence rules everything.’

The Heidelberg Catechism asks to what advantage it is to know that God rules and upholds all things and then answers this way: “That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love; since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.”

William Ames (1576-1633) deduced the following lessons from Romans 11:36, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.”    Continue at Paul Tautges

A Defense against Pastoral Burnout

Plurality of shepherds in a local congregation is the model of leadership we find in the New Testament church, which is a model first established in the Old Testament. Just as Jethro made it clear to Moses that solo leadership was “not good” then, so it is not good now. Jethro’s reasons are just as pertinent today as they were then. “You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone” (Exodus 18:18). Without a plurality of shepherds, both the pastor and the people suffer and do not experience the best the Lord has for us. Certainly there are times when solo leadership is the only option, but it should be viewed as temporary and men should be intentionally discipled toward leadership qualification, roles, and responsibilities.

Our elders recently read Timothy Witmer’s exceptional book, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church, and spent many hours discussing its implementation recommendations at an all-day elders’ retreat. We are really excited about the intentional shared-shepherding strategy we are embarking upon.

Since pastoral burnout is a widespread problem in the Western church, as well as a current topic of discussion among many, I thought I’d pass on the following portion from Team leadership, as Witmer makes clear, is one practical defense against pastoral burnout.

One of the practical outcomes of the identification of those who give themselves to preaching and teaching is that these individuals have often become viewed as primus inter pares—first among equals. This may have practical benefits in terms of providing initiative and direction in the local church. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the biblical picture of leadership is ‘team’ leadership. All elders, including teaching elders (pastors), are called to shepherd the flock, but not all elders have the gift of teaching, though they should be apt to teach.    Continue at Paul Tautges

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The Mind, Body, and Medications

In my ongoing study of the subject of mental/emotional illness, counseling, and the church; I found a very helpful chapter in the recently released book, Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling. The final chapter, “The Complex Mind/Body Connection,” is written by Dr. Laura Hendrickson. As a trained medical doctor, and board-certified psychiatrist, Laura brings insight that is appreciated within the biblical counseling world.

In this chapter, Laura explores the complexity of our humanity and seeks to bring biblically-informed wisdom to bear upon the mind, body, and psychiatric medication. In this post, I will summarize and highlight her main conclusions. For the full benefit you would do well to get yourself a copy of Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling.

There Is Mystery in this Body, which Is Made by God. Just as Christians have many misconceptions about emotions [the subject of the preceding chapter] so “the body fares little better, perhaps worse, in our mind’s eye.” But it is important to remember that “our emotions and our bodies are God’s idea….The interrelationship between body and soul defies our capacity to fully comprehend. The complexity of the mind-body, soul-brain connection is both majestic and deeply troubling to many.” Hendrickson then refers to the Biblical Counseling Coalition’s Confessional Statement, and reflects upon the dozen drafts of the portion that addresses the mind/body connection. This section of the confession closes with the following paragraph: “We recognize the complexity of the relationship between the body and soul (Genesis 2:7). Because of this, we seek to remain sensitive to physical factors and organic issues that affect people’s lives. In our desire to help people comprehensively, we seek to apply God’s Word to people’s lives amid bodily strengths and weaknesses. We encourage a thorough assessment and sound treatment for any suspected physical problems.”    Continue at Paul Tautges

5 Subtle Pastoral ‘Treasure Shifts’ to Beware

As I continue to work through Paul Tripp’s highly-diagnostic book, Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry, the Spirit sheds light on areas of my heart and life where biblical truth needs to be applied. Chapter Seven is entitled War Zones because it confronts the kingdom battle taking place in the pastor’s heart. In this chapter, Tripp exposes five treasure shifts that commonly take place in the pastor’s heart without him being aware of it. First, Tripp identifies the treasure shift; then he explains what he means and, finally, he applies it to himself. Each of us will profit greatly by following his example.

1. IDENTITY: Moving from identity in Christ to identity in ministry. “In pastoral ministry, it is very tempting to look horizontally for what you already have been given in Christ. It is possible to be a pastor and a functional identity amnesiac….Rather than the hope and courage that come from resting in my identity in Christ, my ministry becomes captured and shaped by the treasure of a series of temporary horizontal affirmations of my value and worth.”
2. MATURITY: Defining spiritual well-being not by the mirror of the Word but by ministry. “It is tempting to allow a shift to take place in the way that I evaluate my maturity as a pastor. Rather than living with a deep neediness for the continued operation of grace in my own heart, I begin, because of experience and success in ministry, to view myself as more mature than I actually am.”
3. REPUTATION: Shifting from a ministry shaped by zeal for the reputation of Christ to a ministry shaped by hunger for the praise of people. “My ministry should be functionally motivated by the glory of Christ, that his fame would be known by more and more people, and that together we would all know practically what it means to submit to his lordship. Instead, my ministry becomes seduced by the treasure of my own reputation.”    Continue at Paul Tautges

Brain Malfunction versus Mental Illness

In the ongoing, and important, discussion of the nature of mental illness it seems to me that it would be incredibly helpful if we would be more deliberate in our distinction between “mental illness,” as a very large societal umbrella covering multitudes of non-organically-related behaviors (moral issues), and “mental illness” as an organic, physiological disorder backed up by legitimate scientific research (medical issues). For the latter category, it seems that we would be much better off if we used a term like “brain malfunction.” I submit this recommendation to the discussion for a number of reasons, which I hope to elaborate on more fully later in the week, as well as provide another page of helpful resources on the topic.

One reason we need a term other than “illness” is that this word often automatically generates in our minds unqualified confidence that a problem is indeed proven, lock-tight, as medical. Even some secular psychiatrists rightly oppose the DSM IV’s, and soon-to-be V’s, propagation of untold numbers of behavioral problems as “illnesses” for which persons can be treated by professionals who may then be compensated by insurance companies. The word “illness” too easily produces a victim-mindset in persons who might no longer be held responsible and, therefore, require medication. Since this is how our society has been trained to think we must strive to apply a biblical worldview to all of life and work extra hard to make clear distinctions of definition, lest we unintentionally contribute to the world’s tragic hijack of hope.   Continue at Paul Tautges

11 Myths and Misperceptions about Suicide

This week, we will focus attention on the subject of suicide. We will seek to understand this growing, heart-wrenching problem in our fallen world. As we seek to learn to be wise friends and counselors, let us also pray that we will grow in ministering the grace and truth of Jesus Christ to those who have lost all hope and desire to live and to those whose lives have been forever changed by the death of another.

Today’s post is written by police and fire chaplain, and pastor, Bruce Ray, author of the new e-Book HELP! My Friend Is Suicidal.

There are many myths and misperceptions about suicide that hinder us from dealing effectively with suicidal persons. Here are some of them, with brief comments:

1. Suicide is always caused by depression. Actually, other factors such as anger, revenge, remorse and drug and alcohol abuse may be more dominant influences. Bill and Mary was a young couple who were living together. They went to a bar to celebrate a special occasion. Both had been drinking and Bill accused Mary of flirting with another bar patron. They argued all the way home, where Bill decided to show Mary how upset he was by forcing her to watch him commit suicide in front of her.
2. People who talk about suicide won’t really do it – they just want attention. It is true that sometimes suicide “attempts” are cries for help, but remember the boy who cried “Wolf!” One day the wolf actually came, and no one believed him. It is dangerous to assume that a suicide threat is “only” to get attention.
3. Thinking about suicide means you will commit suicide.  Many people have fleeting occasional suicidal thoughts, but do not act on them. A key concern is when thinking about suicide extends to the point of actually making a plan.
4. If you talk about suicide to a suicidal subject, you may encourage her to do it.  The fear of pushing someone over the edge leads us to avoid the subject. Actually, talking about her thoughts and feelings to someone who is really listening and interacting may be a release for the suicidal subject that makes it unnecessary for her to act.
5. A true believer cannot commit suicide. Samson was chosen by God to be one of the judges who would deliver and protect his people from the Philistines (Judges 13-16). Despite his many faults, Samson seems to have been a true believer who prayed for God to give him the strength to collapse the Philistine temple on his captors even though it meant his own death as well.  Samson is named in “the great faith chapter” of the Bible (Hebrews 11) as one of many “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised” (Hebrews 11:32-33) [Some question whether Samson’s death was a case of suicide or martyrdom.] Other factors may affect the decisions believers make. Pastor Bob stunned everyone when he put a handgun to his head and pulled the trigger one night. Weeks later, his wife discovered that a new heart medication he was taking listed depression and suicidal ideation as possible side-effects. If they had known, they could have removed all guns from the house as a precaution and discussed changing the medication with his cardiologist.   Continue at Paul Tautges

RESOURCES: Suicide

Here are a number of resources that will help us grow in ministering God’s grace and truth…

BOOKS/BOOKLETS/ARTICLES

• Assessing and Counseling a Person with Suicidal Thoughts (Aaron Sironi)
• Gaining a Hopeful Spirit (Joni Eareckson Tada)
• Grieving a Suicide (David Powlison)
• I Just Want to Die (David Powlison)
• Life After the Suicide of a Loved One (Julie Gossack)
• Making Sense of the Suicide of a Christian (Jeffrey Black, CCEF)
• Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong (John MacArthur, and GCC Pastoral Staff) – contains one chapter on a pastoral perspective of suicide   More HERE

Suicide In the Church

Our hearts go out to Rick and Kay Warren as they now walk through the valley of the shadow of death in a way that is unimaginable for any parent who has not been there. Our prayers go up to the heavenly Father who is the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction (2 Cor 1:3-5). May the Warren family know the sufficiency of the grace of Christ in ways they have not known before.

In response to Matthew’s death, the Internet is a flurry with articles about the subject of mental illness, depression, and suicide and, specifically, how the church should interact with these realities of living in a fallen world. One particularly careful article is one that may not get much attention. Therefore, I encourage you to read Suicide in the Church by Dr. W. P. Abercrombie of the Biblical Counseling Institute. Dr. Abercrombie writes from the perspective of one who has been involved in counseling ministry for over 30 years, holds a M.S.W. degree in Clinical Social Work and a Ph.D. in Human Services with a major in Psychology. He is licensed to practice in both Alabama and Florida as a professional counselor and family therapist, and is a Southern Baptist pastor.   Continue at Paul Tautges