If He does not exist, then Pity me

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I've been pondering the life of Paul as I study his dying words in the epistle of 2Timothy. I can't believe the adventures Paul has been through by the time he writes this letter - from Persecuting Pharisee to the Appointed Apostle, Paul's life has had its fill of hardships. And after recapping his 2Corinthians11 list of troublesome journeys, he is finally near his end... awaiting his execution in a jail.

And thus this is perhaps why I don't understand when people say, 'Believe in Jesus, because if He exists and is God then you are going to heaven. But, if He does not exist, at least you've lived a good life.' Ever heard that before? I'm sure I'm not the only one. All I can say to that with all my heart's passion is, 'No.'

At the end of Paul's life as he reflects as a lonely man in his cold uncomfortable prison, jailed for the gospel, he can confidently say that it was all worth it. He can reflect on his life and say, 2Tim4:7 - 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' (Amen brother Paul). What you do not find him saying is, 'Well, when I die I'll go to heaven and if I don't, then at least I've lived a good life.'

Are you kidding me? That is the last thing Paul would say. I cannot imagine Paul even coming close to saying such a statement. I cannot imagine Paul saying - 'If Christ does not exist, if He did not rise from the dead, at least I've lived a good moral life.' To the contrary, what I do clearly remember him declaring is, 'If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.' (1 Cor 15:19).

If it was just about morals... if it's just about following Christ's teaching in this life, but He never died nor rose from the dead, then pity me beyond anyone else. I have lived my life for nothing and for no cause.

Christians cannot adopt the saying above ('if He does not exist at least we've lived a good life'). We cannot adopt it because it is not true and because it is not about morals. It is about Christ. This isn't some easy road we're all on. This is a road filled with hardships and persecutions (2Tim 3:12), of self-dying and self-sacrificing for the sake of Christ. This is a hard long-endured long-fought life where family members become persecutors, friends become foes, and giftings become 'a waste of talent'.

There is no option 2 for the true believer. Believe in Christ because He is God. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He did die for your sins. He did rise from the dead 3 days later. And He does work in you and cause your heart to repent and turn to Him. Believe because He is.

I'm sold out. The gospel is true. That's why I believe. If I am wrong - then for goodness sakes this was not the good life. There is no safe way out for me. If I am wrong - then pity me for I am of all people most to be pitied.

But save your pity... God's Word is never wrong.

State of the Blog/10 Things I've Been Learning

My blog sits empty, but my journal stands full.

When I visited my parents a few months ago, I found my old journal from when I was a little kid. It was the funniest thing I ever read. I was an awesome kid. I'm glad I have these writings to read and remember - it brought back good memories that I have long-since forgotten.

That said, I started journaling a lot more, which has led to blogging a lot less. Going to try to update at least once a month, but priority will be on reading and journaling over blogging.

Here are a few snippets of what I've been learning in the past few months:
1) You can tell a lot about a person's character by the way they treat difficult people.
-my own character included in this.

2) Biographies are hands down the most encouraging and edifying books.
-Profoundly impacted by the life and testament of Jim Elliot in the book - Shadow of the Almighty.
-Also deeply spurred on by the character and words of Corrie ten Boom's dad (Casper ten Boom) in The Hiding Place.

3) Co-workers are funny and a blast to eat lunch with, talk with, and work with.
-They are a special bunch and I need to stop being so introverted at times.

4) Physical exercise helps me in my spiritual walk in terms of discipline, energy, mindset, and flesh-fighting.
-Shortage of time makes me not exercise. But taking the time to exercise makes me utilize the remaining time much more efficiently.
-It also feels good.

5) Ezra sets a great example for me. Ezra 7:10
-Study, do, and teach the word of God.

6) Sleep is amazing. Forfeit it at times when needed, but when you can, welcome it gladly.
-Yesterday, I literally crashed onto my bed and fell asleep as soon as I got home at like 7:45pm or so. I feel like a new person today. I feel amazing.

7) Watch what you say and don't complain. Phil 2:14-18.
-It is all a joy. And it is all a privilege.

8) Lead by example. 1 Cor 11:1.
-Yes.

9) Stand firm. Phil 1:27.
-Know what to stand firm for and stand firm for it.
-Be someone with conviction. People won't remember what convictions you said you felt. They will remember what convictions you lived out. They won't remember what truths you said you believed. They will remember what truths you manifested through your life. Live out the gospel and stand firm in it.

10) Rebuking is necessary. Psalm 141:4-5.
-I expect the same from my friends. Seriously.

Short Simple Book Reviews

I now hold a dear precious Kindle as my own. I used to be anti-kindle... but after 4 days of usage, it has won me over. I recommend it with enthusiasm.

Well... here are some short, simple, to the point honest thoughts on the few books I read in the past few months. If you want an actual in-depth review of the content of the books - let me know and I'll be happy to tell you about it/borrow it.

1) Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson - D. A. Carson
Please read this. I've read biographies of many influential peoples' lives and been astounded by their extraordinary greatness and success. This was the first time I read a biography on a 'mere nobody'... and no biography has impacted me more. D.A. Carson does a great job portraying the life of his father in a genuine manner with stories of childhood, historical events, and journal entries. But what is so great about this book is that it shows the life of an ordinary pastor who has never been famous or well known (unlike his son, D.A. Carson). He is relatable because the heavy majority of people will be labeled among him as 'ordinary.' I was tempted at the end of the book to label Tom Carson as an 'Extraordinary Pastor.' He isn't ordinary! That was my reaction. But after I soaked everything in I realized that he was ordinary indeed. He was ordinary, but faithful. If there is anything to take away from this book, it is to be faithful. This book was refreshing, encouraging, eye-opening, and convicting. Even if you aren't in ministry, this book will give you a glimpse into the life of your pastor or quite simply the life of a Christian.

2) Humility: True Greatness - C. J. Mahaney
This is actually my 2nd time reading this book due to the nature of my.. well... pride. It's a short book and could be a quick read... but I took it slowly to reflect and think upon each chapter. And this time around I took the effort to apply some of the book's applications to my own life as I was convicted of my own pride and need for humility. It was convicting because it helped me see how great God is and how sinful I am.

3) Basics for Believers - D. A. Carson
I'll be honest - you probably won't buy this book. It's an exposition of Philippians. This was given to us at the start of my church's ministry class to help us preach through Philippians. It is short and simple. It was supposed to be some sort of commentary book we were going to use, but we stopped using it right away because our leader said it wasn't in-depth enough. But I read it and found myself very blessed by it. It is clear and simple exposition from D.A. Carson on the book of Philippians... and exposition of the word = blessings.

4) The Silver Chair (Narnia Series) - C.S. Lewis
Classic Narnia. Although... I have to say that I miss the original characters - Peter, Susan, and Lucy aren't in this one. Eustace (the annoying cousin from Voyage) is back with his friend and this is his adventure. As usual the quotes make great illustrations - "'You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you,' said the Lion." I have to say... the books are all better than the movie series.

5) John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock - Iain Murray
This is a great biography - and the first I read on someone who is still alive. I can't believe Iain Murray (he is a great writer) wrote a biography on MacArthur. This was a fun encouraging read as I got to see the life and ministry of the man who may go down in history as the greatest expository preacher of our generation. The book takes you through the early days of John MacArthur, how he decided to go into ministry, the early days of Grace to You, and such and such. What was most encouraging was that MacArthur had and still has no ambition for fame - he only wants to simply proclaim truthfully the word of God and hold to the promise that God blesses his word. He has a clear love and confidence for the word which is something desperately needed today. I was very encouraged and respect the man and his ministry much more now and I encourage you all to read it. For all who went to Resolved and are wondering if there is a chapter on his wife - Yes... there is... but only 2 sentences on how he got her.. the rest is on how godly she is. And yes - there are pictures in this book (although I wish there were a few more).

Let me know what you guys think about these books if you read them. Or if you have any suggestions for me to read. Or.. if you want to borrow 2, 3, or 5.

Reflections on Resolved

I admire the speakers very much (as many of you know). I admire them because of their ministry and their zeal and passion for the word of God. I also love their work, whether it be their books, blogs, sermons, and what not. And so to have this opportunity for the second time to go to Resolved to hear and see these men live was a huge blessing to me.

I've met all of these men before and taken pictures with all of them with the exception of John MacArthur (he escapes me every time). Here are a few from this year:

In order: Rick Holland, Al Mohler, Phil Johnson, Bob Kauflin.












































The biggest reflection I've had on Resolved was not in the sermons, but in the opportunities and blessings given me by God. I walked around before a session and looked around to see the thousands of people who were gathered at this conference. Shocking - filled with excitement for the word and for worship. I looked to the front and saw some of my heroes in front of me. I realized I had gotten a chance to meet them multiple times and taken pictures with them. I looked in my bag filled with books that have spurred me towards Christ - some of them signed by their authors. I thought of all the books I had at home and how I was blessed to own them...though many remained unread. I thought of the sermons I had heard at earlier sessions, then to the sound teaching I get to hear week after week at my own church. Then I looked before me and saw my Bible, the very word of God, in my hands. I remembered the 5 other Bibles I had at home. I stood amazed and awed at how much God had given me - so many opportunities and resources to know Him more.

I am a Christian who is blessed beyond what I deserve. I can say that alone about just the mere fact that God has saved me. But to have multiple copies of the word, to have books a-plenty that spur my thoughts of Christ, to have met my favorite authors/speakers, to have sound teaching, to have consistent life-examples in my own life, to have conference opportunities like Resolved... these are gracious gifts abounding from God. They are meant to drive me more towards him and I am thankful. I don't want to waste any of it. I have been given these resources so I can use them and know Him more.

What good is it if I just own these books, meet these examples, attend these conferences, and forget about it soon afterwards? No - I've been given this opportunity that few people than we realize receive - why would I waste it? I will not waste it.

Been reading, praying, reflecting much. It has been good.

Resolved: To use all God has blessed me with - the Word (especially), the books, the examples, the sermons, the church family, the conferences, and whatever else he sends my way - to know the giver of these gifts more.

I'm a Hero

I saved many lives at work today.

This particular man, I saved about 10 times. I performed CPR, used the AED machine, and performed more CPR. Probably broke his rib cage... but 'injury is better than death.'

Then this particular man turned into a child. I saved the child's life like 8 times. Amazing what skills I possess to do all that in one day's work.






Then... I saved a baby's life. Many many times.


Wow. I'm amazing.










Under my leadership:
"You, call 911! You, get the first aid kit and bring me the AED!" You, with the iPhone, take a picture of me saving this child's life!"

I am now 1st Aid & CPR Certified thanks to work.

Now I can save lost lives and lost souls.

I'm a full on hero.

Just give me Jesus

Aha.
World - you can take away everything from me.
Be it money.
Be it health.
Be it family.
Be it my own desires and my own wants.
Be it everything I hold dear to my heart. Everything.
But you can't take away Jesus.

I'm going to finish my race even if I have to crawl on all four limbs like a dog; yes, even if I have to stretch and squirm like a worm. Christ has already finished for me - He has already made me His own. Therefore, I will finish for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus fully.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

A Gospel-Preached, Gospel-lived Life

A couple years ago I read John Piper's entry on his father's death.
I highly encourage you to read it.

I was profoundly amazed at the kind of life his father had lived just by reading this one line:

(Context: Right after his father's death, John Piper is talking to a random young man sitting outside of his father's hospital room).
"Hello, my father just died. One of the greatest tributes I could pay to him is to ask you, Are you ready to meet God?"

Wow - I know nothing else about Bill Piper (Piper's dad), but I can tell you that if that's what would pay him greatest tribute, this was a man who loved the Lord and spent his life spreading, preaching, and living the gospel.

When I die, I want to have lived in such a way that John Piper describes of his dad. That the most honorable thing for someone to do after my death to pay tribute to me is to share the gospel. Amazing - a life that spurs people to Christ and even afterward in honor spurs others to share the glory of Christ.