"Amazing Grace" As It's Meant to Be Sung!

This Thursday I'll be conducting a funeral for a lady I've never met. Her son is a professing believer and wanted to be sure that a "salvation message" was preached. I assured him that I always make it my aim to preach the Gospel wherever I go, and this funeral would be no exception.

As we thought through other aspects of the service, it was decided that we should sing a hymn. But since most of the people there would be nonChristians, we decided to go with - you guessed it - "Amazing Grace." That hymn is probably the most famous of any that's ever been sung.

No doubt many of you know who wrote it and also the history behind it. But do you know the full story? And have you ever heard this hymn sung in a way that honors its historical context? I first saw this video at The Gospel Coalition website, where it had been posted by Thabiti Anyabwile. It takes nine minutes to watch. It's worth every second. Enjoy!

The Second Coming: Comfort or Conflict?

Do the following terms mean anything to you?

• Dispensationalism
• Preterism
• Amillennialism
• Postmillennialism
• Historic Premillennialism
• Pretribulational Premillennialism

All of these are schools of theological thought, interpretive approaches to Scripture, and/or particular views of eschatology (the study of the end times). When and How Will Jesus Return? is a question that has produced much interest, discussion - and often heated debate - within the evangelical church.

Despite the many disagreements that exist over the manner and timing of the Second Coming, there is one truth concerning this doctrine on which all evangelical Christians agree:

There will be a sudden, personal, visible, bodily return of Christ!

Can you say "Amen!" to that? Every true disciple of Christ exclaims with the apostle John, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20). The reality of Jesus' return motivates us "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12-13).

I have a pastor-friend who is currently preaching through the book of Revelation. He has admitted how difficult it is to exposit the Apocalypse! The other day I sent him a portion of a blog by Dr. Hershael York, professor at Southern Seminary, wherein he offered some good thoughts on eschatology. My brother was encouraged by this, and I hope you will be too, regardless of your eschatological views.

I often think we have missed the purpose of eschatology. We are not encouraged to be convinced of a system but to be comforted by a promise. Paul told the Thessalonians that he didn’t want them to be uninformed so they wouldn’t grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13) and they were to use his words to comfort and encourage one another (1 Thess. 4:18). The reason Paul explains the resurrection of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15 is because it ensures our resurrection. The entire book of Revelation was written to a persecuted and suffering church to hearten and cheer her with the good news that the Bridegroom is returning. In spite of whatever trouble we may be enduring, we have the assurance that Jesus reigns and will vanquish all enemies—especially death!

When I, as a pastor, hold the hand of a parent whose child cannot breathe and is dying in an incubator, eschatology matters desperately—but not necessarily a system or school of eschatology as we often debate and discuss. That grieving mother needs to know that Jesus has taken the sting out of death, that He is one day returning and is going to right the wrongs and defeat our enemy. That father beside her needs to have confidence in a big God who is absolutely in control and will one day send His Son to gather to Himself the very people He has redeemed from the sin that escorted death into this world.

Eschatological investigation and systemization has its place. We might find profit in studying the way events surrounding Christ’s return will unfold or the nature of the tribulation period. But when everything in life but life itself has been stripped away, when believing families huddle in grief beside a dying father, the reality of the resurrection of Christ matters far more than the identity of the 144,000. The things that the Scriptures most plainly teach are the very things we most urgently need. I do not know if my historic premillennial beliefs are more correct than my father’s dispensationalism, but this I know: my Redeemer lives!

Christian Encouragement

This morning just before leaving the house I got a text message on my cell phone that read, "Thinking about you and praying for you. May GOD give you his power and strength. Good word on Sunday."

Talk about an instant high! My spirit was immediately encouraged, and I walked across the street to the church with an extra skip in my step.

This text message was timely, because last night as I walked home after an evening meeting, I turned back and looked at the church building. (I know the church is not actually the building but the fellowship of believers who gather there to worship and serve the Lord. Nevertheless, the building represents the visible presence of our church in this community.) In looking back at the empty church building and parking lot, I was subdued by a melancholy spirit. I felt insufficient for the task of pastoring my congregation. I wondered what the future held for us. So many opportunities before us, yet so much sin that easily besets us.

The irony is that just a couple hours before this, I had received a very affirming message on facebook by a gentleman who is fairly new to our church. He told me how moved he has been by the preaching of God's Word, how he hangs on to every word (after so many years of non-attendance and disinterest), and how much he was looking forward already to this coming Lord's Day.

Two encouraging messages within a span of 13 hours, yet in between them my heart still sunk temporarily into discouragement (even if only for a moment). In fact, before turning out the light for the night as I lay in bed, I read the final chapter of Kent Hughes' book, Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome - a scripturally rich book that I had been reading for the last few weeks in my battle against despondency. This, coupled with the psalms, has buoyed my spirit and kept me focused on what success truly is in God's eyes: faithfulness.

This morning I had a sister in Christ weeping in my office over her wayward child. We prayed together, lifting him up - and the whole family - before the Lord. I encouraged her to be strong in faith, giving glory to God by clinging to His promises.

The bottom line in all of this (and I know I've been rambling somewhat) is that Christians need encouragement. And I can find nothing more encouraging than that personal touch of kindness and especially knowing that I am being prayed for.

The prophet Samuel, who was mightily used of the Lord in his generation, spoke these assuring words to the despairing people of Israel:

The Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth wih all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

- 1 Samuel 12:22-24

Samuel saw not praying for God's people as a sin against the Lord. How many times do we think of it that way? Notice, too, that Samuel's commitment to pray for the people was accompanied by encouraging words to the people.

May we be typified by such love and grace in our relationships with one another. The Bible tells us to "comfort and encourage one another daily" (1 Thes. 5:11). The Lord knows we all need it. By His grace let's be sure to give it!

A Good Word for Would-Be World-Changers

Last evening I returned from the Spring Conference of the New England Center for Expository Preaching (NECEP). More than 120 ministry leaders (most of them pastors) participated in this conference. The theme had to do with the primacy and power of preaching in the local church. Our two keynotes were Drs. Derek Thomas and Mark Dever.

On Monday afternoon, Dr. Thomas preached a message on "Christ's Design for the Church" from Matthew 16. One of the outstanding features of the sermon was the tremendous price Jesus paid to purchase His church: His own blood. Those who would be true followers of Christ and be involved in the building of His church must also pay a price - what Paul referred to as "filling up in my flesh what is still lacking in regards to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church" (Col. 1:24). Dr. Thomas, who serves as Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, pointed out that one of the prevailing challenges that seminary faculties face in regards to incoming students is that they stride in with an air of entitlement.

Today I read a one-paragraph article that captures the essence of the problem that Dr. Thomas was describing. Those pastors who were middle-aged and older knew exactly what he was talking about. It is amazing how many aspiring young pastors have a mouthful, when they have yet to be faithful! On the other hand, I had the privilege of interacting with many pastors attending the conference who have persevered in their place of ministry for many years. For the most part, they struck me as "faithful plodders" - and I thank God for them!

A Call for Faithful Plodders

POSTED BY JUSTIN TAYLOR

SHARETHIS

From Kevin DeYoung's Tabletalk article:

"My generation in particular is prone to radicalism without followthrough. We have dreams of changing the world, and the world should take notice accordingly. But we've not proved faithful in much of anything yet. We haven't held a steady job or raised godly kids or done our time in VBSor, in some cases, even moved off the parental dole. We want global change and expect a few more dollars to the ONE campaign or Habitat for Humanity chapter to just about wrap things up. What the church and the world needs, we imagine, is for us to be another Bono -- Christian, but more spiritual than religious and more into social justice than the church. As great as it is that Bono is using his fame for some noble purpose, I just don't believe that the happy future of the church, or the world for that matter, rests on our ability to raise up a million more Bonos (as at least one author suggests). With all due respect, what's harder: to be an idolized rock star who travels around the world touting good causes and chiding governments for their lack of foreign aid, or to be a line worker at GM with four kids and a mortgage, who tithes to his church, sings in the choir every week, serves on the school board, and supports a Christian relief agency and a few missionaries from his disposable income?"

Retreat Reflections

Last weekend approximately fifty of our ladies trekked down to the Cape for their annual retreat. The theme verse was, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21; Luke 12:34). The keynote speaker was Diane Schreiner, who serves with her husband Tom at Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where Tom serves as Preaching Pastor. (He is also the Professor of New Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.)

In the days following the retreat, I heard many positive comments from our ladies - through hallway conversations here at church, e-mail, facebook messages and the like. I was quite encouraged by hearing these, and I thought it would be good for the TruthWalk readership to be blessed as well (especially since so many of our readers are members here at First Baptist Church). So without further ado, here are some comments (with little to no editing) that were passed on to me by various retreat participants:

The Ladies' Retreat was such a blessing to all of the ladies that attended. It was a real ministry to my sister Joan, a new believer...she even shared her testimony with all of the ladies!

I loved Diane's simple style of getting out the fact that we are all at different stages in our lives.... I like how she taught us to use the verse "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14) as a stepping stone ... as we rise out of bed [and] begin the day before us. I also really loved the small gathering after each of the teachings where we shared our favorite Bible verses that helped us in our daily walk. And the bonus, which I really needed was the six hours of girlfriend time, just having some fun exploring on the Cape which was quite restful!! Although I came back tired, I was refreshed spiritually as well as mentally. I hope we continue to have retreats like this. Again, the simplicity of it made it possible for me to reflect on the teachings and put it into practical use.

It was a long two weeks building up to what was supposed to be an exciting time away. The reality of going to a weekend event seemed like one more thing that was on a never ending list. The moment I walked into that room the worlds problems disappeared and women who I get a friendly "hi" in the hall from became eternal friends. The schedule was wonderfully balanced with worship, quiet time, free time and small group time. We watched as Moms and daughters, daughter-in-laws and sisterss, new believers and old all shared their heart and their laughter ... so much laughter! What an inspirational goal to strive for as I someday hope to share the time with my girls. God was ever present this weekend.. I am home very excited to apply the simple truths that were brought to the forefront and the ease in which we are to carry them out. To pass His love on to my family I feel equipped, refreshed and looking forward to next year.

I really loved the retreat. I thought the speaker was a wonderful Titus 2 role model. She had a meek and quiet spirit, she was warm, loving and approachable, and her teaching was very sound. She encouraged us in our devotion to Jesus. I also appreciated the quantity and quality time we all got to spend together. We got to share together in small groups after the talks, and we got to laugh a lot together during the game times. Also, I enjoyed getting to know my roommate and riding home with her, too. It was really nice to get to spend time with her. It is a blessing to see her willingness to deny herself and follow Christ. She acknowledges how the Lord is rewarding her lately. When she won the raffle we were all so happy for her. She said her 20th anniversary is coming up. The Lord is good!

As women, it is very easy to feel isolated and alone trying to juggle the demands of being a wife, and mother, of working outside the home, church ministry and many other responsibilities. Satan loves to discourage us through, guilt, lonliness and feeling that we are the only ones messing up or feeling overwhelmed. When you put all those women together who share similar stories and exeperiences you get 1) uncontrolable fits of laugher and 2) encouragement that we are facing the battle together as sisters in Christ. We have other women to offer advise, give encouragement, share scripture and hold us accountable. The fellowship was very sweet!

In reflecting on the Retreat this past week-end, the number one thing that jumps out at me is the sweet fellowship and unity that was so evident. I totally echo another sisters sentiment when she passed along how she could sit down at any of the 10 tables and enjoy just talking and being with them. If you have been here for any real length of time you are aware of the fact that it hasn't always been that way! God has done a work in our midst and words can't express how thankful I am!! May God continue to have his way in each of our hearts and lives so we will continue to grow even closer and more like Christlike in every way.

Praise God for His work among these women and numerous others who joined them for this retreat! May each of us be spurred on in our walk with Christ, having been encouraged and challenged by these testimonies!

God Will Never Send His Children Packing

By now you've probably heard about Torry Hansen, the woman from Tennessee who sent her adopted 7-year-old son back to Russia. AolNews reports,

Last week Hansen placed the child, unaccompanied, on a one-way flight from Washington, D.C., to Moscow, where she had hired a man to pick him up and take him to the Russian Science and Education Ministry Building.

"I adopted this child, Artem Saveliev, on September 29, 2009," Hansen wrote in a note stuffed into the boy's backpack. "This child is mentally unstable. He is violent and has severe psychopathic issues/behaviors. I was lied to and misled by the Russian orphanage workers and director regarding his mental stability and other issues."

An investigation is underway to determine if Hansen's actions violates any laws and thereby constitutes a crime. So far no charges have been filed. However, Russian officials are outraged and have threatened to suspend all adoptions of Russian children by U.S. parents. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called Hansen's actions a "monstrous deed."

One of my friends, who provided a link to the above article on his facebook profile, passed on a remark made by another pastor who said, "This is a tragedy. But, it gives one new appreciation for our adoption into God's family, where we are NEVER 'sent back.'"

I remember thinking the very same thing as I watched the story unfold on the news the other night. The New Testament says that as a response to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God adopts us into His family.

Galatians 3:26: "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

John 1:12: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, to those who believe in His name."

A few contrasts can be made regarding Hansen's adoption of the Russian boy, and God's adoption of His children:

1. Based on her claims, Hansen didn't know what this boy was like before she adopted him. God, on the other hand, did not adopt any of His children in ignorance. He knew we were a bunch of dirty rotten sinners, yet in His mercy and grace He adopted us anyway. This leads to the second point:
2. Whereas Hanson's acceptance of her adopted son was conditioned on his behavior, God's love and acceptance of His adopted children is unconditional. "God demonstrates His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
3. Hanson's adoption of the Russian boy was temporary - she sent him packing. But God's adoption of His children is permanent. Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).
4. All the boy got out of the deal was two hundred bucks and a one-way ticket back to Russia. As God's beloved children, we get to share all the riches of Christ. "But you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together" (Rom. 8:15-17).

As I think on these blessed truths, a wonderful old hymn comes to mind. It's entitled I am His, and He Is Mine. If you'd like to sing it with a musical accompaniment, click here. Or you can simply read the lyrics below:

Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;

Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!

O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!

In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.

In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.

Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green!

Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen;

Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,

Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.

Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.

Things that once were wild alarms cannot now disturb my rest;

Closed in everlasting arms, pillowed on the loving breast.

O to lie forever here, doubt and care and self resign,

While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.

While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.

His forever, only His; Who the Lord and me shall part?

Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart!

Heav’n and earth may fade and flee, firstborn light in gloom decline;

But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.

But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.

Timeless Truth from an Aged Saint

Earlier this week I paid a visit to an aged saint (he turns 93 next month). I hadn't seen him for quite some time, and there was a noticeable decline in his health. Though he lives in a rather large house, his living quarters have been reduced to one room on the first floor. He sleeps a lot and is nearly stone deaf. His mind is fading as well. He repeats things, often just a moment or two after he said them. Much of the time he doesn't talk at all - even when company is present - but simply dozes in his chair.

This man has been a Christian nearly all his life. He has a great heritage and has left behind a great legacy. I would tell you his name, but that's not important, for he represents a vast majority of men and women who have walked with the Lord for many, many years and have almost reached heaven's shore.

As I visited this dear friend the other day, I found it hard to get a conversation going. He seemed simply to want to sleep. The nurse came over and yelled (rather loudly) into his ear, "Mr. ______, Pastor Matt is here! What would you like to say to him?" He responded,

"I'm glad he's still in the faith."

Wow. So am I. That fact meant a lot to this man. He himself has been a dedicated servant of the Lord for many, many years - nearly all his life. Now he sat there dozing.

That was fine with me. I was content to sit there and thank God for this wonderful man and the godly influence he's had on my life over the last eleven years that I've known him. When my mom died back in 2000, this dear friend wrote to me one of the most meaningful handwritten letters I have ever received. I still have it. In it he spoke of the glory that awaits us in heaven, where we will dwell with our Savior and loved ones in Christ forever and ever. Now this dear brother is almost there himself. Soon he will be "absent from the body" and "at home with the Lord."

My friend has always loved the old hymns, so as he lay there dozing, I told him that we had concluded our Easter service by singing "Christ Arose." Though I don't have a great voice, I attempted for the sake of my friend to sing that first stanza nice and loud:

Low in the grave He lay - Jesus my Savior!

Waiting the coming day - Jesus my Lord!

I was just about to sing the chorus, when to my utter surprise, my dozing 93-year-old friend lifted his head, opened his eyes, and sang with more lung power than I could have imagined:

Up from the grave He arose,

With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;

He arose a Victor from the dark domain,

And He lives forever with His saints to reign.

He arose! He arose!

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

I am not kidding when I say that his booming voice resonated throughout the entire house. The nurses were peering in through the glass doors. (They later said that at first they thought he was yelling at me!) What a joy it was to hear my friend sing with such "gusto" unto the Lord! I grinned from ear to ear and almost laughed from sheer joy.

Not wanting this musical exchange to end, I informed my friend that earlier in the Easter service, the children had sung:

He lives! He lives!

Christ Jesus lives today! . . .

At this point my friend joined in and sang:

He walks with me and talks with me

Along life's narrow way. . . .

Of course I continued with the words,

He lives! He lives!

Salvation to impart . . .

But instead of continuing these lyrics with me, my friend went back to booming out:

He arose! He arose!

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Talk about an impromptu hymn medley! Now I did laugh. This was great!

Yet my friend no sooner finished the chorus and he lowered his head and began to slumber once again.

I just sat there looking at him with great love and admiration in my heart. After a few moments I decided that I should quietly slip away and allow him to rest. I was just about to do that when he lifted his head and said out of the blue:

"God is faithful."

Then he dozed a bit more. After a minute or so, he said it again:

"God is faithful."

Another pause followed by a new phrase:

"The fellowship of the saints."

Amen. Precious.

I hated to leave but knew I must. He needed his rest, and I needed to get home. Before I left, I asked him in a loud voice, "Mr. ________, do you have a favorite Bible verse?"

"Yes," he replied.

"What is it?" I asked.

Without hesitation he said,

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever."

I sat there letting the words sink in. Clearly there was a connection in what my aged friend had said throughout this conversation. Stringing it all together, I thought:

I'm glad he's still in the faith. . . .

God is faithful. . . .

God is faithful. . . .

The fellowship of the saints. . . .

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The lesson is clear: God is faithful; therefore let us be faithful. We are called to faithfulness. "Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2).

This man before me had not only said it; he himself has lived it. As I parted with a prayer, I thought, "Imitate his faith."

By God's grace, I will.