Will the REAL Mary please stand up? (pt. 2)

...
Will the REAL Mary please stand up?

"Mary is the test of how well a Christian has accepted the gospel...Our understanding of Mary reveals everything about how we understand Jesus and his saving work." Catholic theologian- 2001.

As we continue the narrative of Mary as found in the Gospel of Luke we need to explain what Mary we are talking about.  Is the Roman Catholic Mary- the Mary of Scripture?

In order to present a fair critique I have read a number of Roman Catholic books.  In his book on Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God; In the Word of God Hahn writes, "I wrote this book so that my fellow Catholics would never be ashamed of their supernatural mother as I was once ashamed of my natural mother when she came to take me home from school."

Later he writes, "If you could have created your mother and preserved her from original sin, would you?  Would you?....Of course, you would!  But could you?  No, you couldn't! But Jesus could and Jesus did!"

On page 161 while flying on a plane Hahn pictured Mary patting me on the head and saying, "Don't worry so much about defending me.  Just love me and love my Son, and where you fall short, WE'LL make up for what you lack."

This Sunday our miniseries on the Biblical Mary continues.  Part one of this series can be downloaded free of charge here.

God's SIGN of Salvation

Lake Country Bible Church's special Christmas service is today at 10:15 AM; (no adult/children's bible study hour). 

On this Christmas morn will sing/hear some triumphant worship songs and consider Isaiah 7:1-16, "God's SIGN of Salvation."

We are still coming off the afterglow of last night's Candlelight service! Jesus truly is worthy of His name(s). Merry Christmas!

The King of kings/ Salvation brings!

Let loving hearts enthrone Him!

A Gift of Gifts in a Year of Countless Blessings

"The Pulpit"

A Gift of Gifts in a Year of Countless Blessings-  Throughout 2017 the Lord has showered me and my family with "grace up grace" of which all we can say is "thank you Jesus!"  One of the most unexpected blessings came to me this year all the way from Bakersfield, California in the form of a "dream pulpit."

Backstory: A few of my closest friends live and serve in "Bako."  Namely, Gabe and Staci Woodward and Pastor Steve Swartz.  Outside of my home church Grace Bible Church is one of my favorite places to worship and preach.  This past year Pastor Steve invited me to come and preach three sermons during a Sunday-Bible Conference.  It was my joy to preach to such a hungry (1 Peter 2:2-3) congregation.  After one of the services I commented to Steve how amazing his "sacred desk" is.  I said it is the nicest and most preacher-friendly pulpits I have ever preached from.  He explained that a member from the congregation custom made it for him.  Special features included "ostrich skin" on the surface of the pulpit to keep one's sermon notes from sliding.

Steve went on to say, "I will introduce you to him so you can let him know how much you enjoy it."  Long story short, this dear brother said he would love to build me (a guest preacher) an exact replica if I would be interested.  Interested? Yes!  But the cost of such a great piece of architecture- not to mention the challenge of getting it from the West Coast to the Midwest seemed insurmountable.  Many months later on August 4th, 2017 my "gift of gifts arrived!"  As I have testified before on this blog Christmas has come early and often for me this year.

The Pulpit-  Two of the most sacred pieces of furniture in any Christian sanctuary are the Communion table and the Pulpit and here's why:  The communion table holds the bread and the cup (which symbolize the body and blood of the Savior, Jesus Church); while the "sacred desk" holds the inerrant Word of God.

The Word-centered Pulpit has been called "the throne for the Word of God."  This fits the language of Scripture where in 1 Peter 4:10-11, the apostle Peter writes,

Candlelight Service 2017

2017 Candlelight Serve at Lake Country Bible Church

A special thanks to all who served last night at our annual Candlelight Service.  It was a Christ-exalting night as we worshiped the true "Light of the world."  It certainly helped me to re-center my own heart around the One who is worthy of His name.

Our evening fellowship was also a real blessing.  I/we appreciate all of you who made this be an extra special night.

Our (Sunday) Christmas service will be at 10:15am (with no Adult Bible Study).  Join us at Lake Country Bible Church. 

Will the REAL Mary Please Stand Up? (pt. 1)

Catholic's "venerate" Mary above all "saints."

With their being over 1 billion Catholics worldwide evangelicals cannot speak of Mary without qualifying what “Mary” they are talking about.  Hence our current series, "Will the REAL Mary Please Stand Up?"

During this series we will ask and answer the following questions:  Is it appropriate to "venerate" and to "sing and pray" to Mary?  Is it unbiblical to refer to her as “OUR mother?”  “The second Eve?”  “The new Ark of God?”  “The dispenser of all graces?”  “Our intercessor?”  “The Holy Queen of heaven?”  "The comforter of the afflicted?” & as “our Co-Redemptrix?

I recently read Catholic apologist Scott Hahn's book, "Hail, Holy Queen:  The Mother of God in the Word of God."  All of these titles are found throughout Roman Catholic literature.  Should evangelicals "devote themselves" to Mary as Pope John Paul II did?  

We also need answers to these questions:  Was Mary SINLESS  Did she remain a virgin (AFTER the birth of Christ)?  Was Mary taken up to heaven like Enoch, Elijah, and Elisha were? Most importantly, can you defend your position from Scripture?  Do your doctrinal convictions rest in the authority of God’s Word alone; OR are they deeply rooted in tradition and in the decrees and pronouncements of men?

Should Protestants distance themselves from the biblical Mary?  If not, how would God have us view her today?

A Bottomless Well and a Timeless Treasure Trove (Psalm 119)

The Book of books/ the Book of Life

Men's Leadership Training and Discipleship

2017-18 LCBC Men's Leadership 

Once a month a band of brothers gathers together for fellowship, biblical instruction, and small group time.

This Saturday we hope to come together for super session #4.

Our men will have read chapters 6-7 in Steve Lawson's "Made In Our Image: What Shall we do with a 'User-Friendly' god?"  Chapters 5-6 of MacArthur's, "the Master's Plan for the Church."  Chapters 7-8 in Stuart Scott's, "The Exemplary Husband (plus the workbook)."  And chapter 6 of Timothy Witmare's "The Shepherd-Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church."

Please pray that God would use this ministry to make us more Christ-like leaders and more faithful men of God.  Ephesians 3:21

The 3 Key Words of Biblical Prophesy

Let's keep it real.  Prophesy and Eschatology can be difficult subjects to grasp.  As such, American evangelicals are tempted to not study large portions of sacred Scripture. 

This particular sermon tries to summarize Biblical Prophesy in 3 words.  These three words highlight two essential concepts. 

If you understand this message you will understand the crux of biblical prophesy and eschatology (the study of end times).  This sermon can be downloaded here   

If you choose to ignore these three key words you'll likely view prophetic Scripture as a 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma."

If one believes that all Scripture is inspired and profitable (per 2 Timothy 3:15-17) then WE MUST TEACH THE WHOLE BIBLE.  To ignore the Old Testament is not an option.  To avoid eschatology and prophesy is not right either.  Hence this current series at Lake Country Bible Church.

On September 17 we will also begin a new series during the 9am Sunday School hour on Rediscovering Biblical Manhood and Woman in view of the contemporary issues of the day.

A Method to My (Expository) Madness: Pulpit Goals in 2017

Year in Review

For many months my faithful predecessor Sal Massa worked tirelessly through the sacred text of Revelation.  Unfortunately, he was unable to complete his verse-by-verse expository series of Scripture's final prophesy before his retirement in April of 2017.  In order to not leave the faithful flock at LCBC hanging- I decided to resume this expository series in Chapter 19, in large part, because the end of the story is the very best part!  Jesus always seems to save the best for last, doesn't he?!? (note John 2 and Rev. 20-22)  Before launching into Revelation ch. 19f the Spirit has directed my steps in some unexpected ways.  I believe this falls under the banner of Proverbs 19:21 and 16:9, Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.  The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Pulpit Goals and Year in Review:  I began my new ministry with a stand alone sermon on "Satan's Strategies Against Christ's Church" wherein I lovingly warned the good people of LCBC of a few of Satan's sinister schemes.  In short, the Evil One would love to divide LCBC into various factions- "I am of Massa," "I am of Kolstad" (1 Cor. 3), etc.  I reminded the flock that Word-driven pastors are nothing more than "stewards" and "servants of Jesus Christ."  Jesus is the Lord of the Church and His inerrant Word is the final authority. Satan would also love for us to drift away from our biblical mission (note carefully Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:28-29; Matt. 28:18-20) and to alter the depth and direction of the church.  

In view of this initial sermon, we spent a month pulling apart one of the most important passages in all of Scripture- Colossians 1:28-29.  This text reveals what a Biblical Philosophy of Ministry looks like.  These 4 core convictions are non-negotiable and much needed in an American context where "church growth theory" (subtly) dominates the evangelical landscape.  

The 4 components of a biblical philosophy of ministry are- 1) A Christ-centered emphasis;  2) A Teaching-focused church;  3) Leader's and members that are wholeheartedly committed to making mature disciples; (which goes against the trend of producing Heb. 5:12-14 pew fillers)  4) while maintaining the right balance; (i.e. maximum human effort yet total reliance on Him- v. 29).  A biblical philosophy of ministry helps the Lord's Church to stay on target (and to not get caught up in the latest fads- be it "social justice" causes, entrepreneurial methodology, etc).  Every congregation is prone to drift so this was a great passage to anchor my new ministry in.  

During my early months I also preached a summary message of Colossians, that was aptly titled, "HIM we Proclaim: The Sovereign Supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ."  As my family moved from IL to WI I preached a stand alone sermon from Jude 22-23.  This passage charges every believer to "Rescue Souls as 'Ministers of Mercy.'"  

After finally getting my feet underneath me as the new Senior Pastor at LCBC we turned our attention again to the biblical study of prophesy/eschatology; (in effort to demonstrate 'pulpit continuity' between me and my predecessor).  I reminded the flock of God that the main character in the Bible (and Revelation) is the Lord Jesus Christ!  Eschatology is intended to fuel our worship and to encourage persecuted saints to persevere until the end!  As such, it was only appropriate for us to study verses 9-14 and to passionately proclaim "Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain."  

Next, I summarized Revelation 6-18 and the coming Tribulation in two sermons.  In this vein, I preached a message titled, "Christ Our Propitiation and the Future Wrath of God" (Rev. 6-18/1 John 4:10) and another called, "Angels We Have Heard on High Tribulation Remix" (Rev. 14:6-11).

In August I preached a few overview sermons of Revelation knowing that the larger Body of Christ is quite divided over the finer intricacies of eschatology/prophesy; (all believers agree in the 2nd Coming of Christ and long for heaven).  I called these macro messages "Revelation Pop Quiz" parts 1 and 2.  I preached these sermons to ensure that everyone was on the same page before launching into the depths of Revelation 19-22.  

This brief review brings us full circle to a final foundational series that I started back in September 2017.  Before resuming the action in Revelation 19, which highlights "the Return of the King," I hoped to accomplish two things.  1) I desired to make an airtight (biblical) case for futuristic premillenialism (which is the doctrinal position of LCBC).  2) I also wanted to show the practical and theological benefits of studying prophetic Scripture.  Prophesy charts pundits need to be reminded of this.

I stated that the Biblical Case for Futuristic Premillennialism is supported by Seven Lines of Reason:

It's- 1) The Fruit of a Consistent “Hermeneutic.”

“Hermeneutics” is 'the study of the principles and methods of interpreting the text of the
Bible as to ascertain the original intent of the Divine/human authors of Scripture.'  

Note my sermon on 2 Timothy 2:15 and our message on the "3 Key Words of Biblical Prophesy." 

2) The Unconditional Promises in the Biblical Covenants.

Per my messages on the great Abrahamic Covenant (here and here) and the regal Davidic Covenant (here, here, here and here).  Our study of Luke 1 will eventually highlight the promises of the New Covenant (note Jer 31).

3) The Hope of the Old Testament Saints and Prophets.

Per my exposition of Hosea 3.  

4) The End Times Teachings of Jesus Christ

See the Revelation of Jesus Christ as unveiled in the book of Revelation (note also passages such as Matthew 23:37-39; 24-25).

5) The Progressive Revelation of the New Testament.

Note my recent expositions Luke 1.

6) The Unified Testimony of the Early Church.

Forthcoming Sunday School lesson.

7) The Invisible Hand of Divine Providence (throughout the ages).

Forthcoming Sunday School lesson.

_____________________________________________________

In recent weeks we have gone, line-upon-line, through the opening chapter of Luke's gospel.  I felt compelled to do this for two simple reasons:  I) Because the "Song of Mary" and "the Prophesy of Zacharias" are rooted in the Old Testament covenants and look ahead to what John reveals in Revelation 19-22.  2) Because providentially we moved into the month of December.  Experience has taught me that American Evangelicals enjoy "Advent" themed sermons around Christmas time.  Luke 1 is a timeless treasure trove of truth related to the birth of the long awaited Messiah and the Savior of the world.  Plus, the Messianic titles, "Son of Abraham," "Son of David," connect the New Testament with the Old (and further demonstrates the relevance of our series on the grand covenants of Scripture). I felt staying in Luke 1 was a win/win situation.

In God's good timing we will eventually dive headfirst into the text of Revelation 19 and work through the conclusion of this great prophesy, verse-by-verse.  Until then, buckle your seat belts and enjoy the journey!

Who Am I? & God's Original and Marvelous Design for Manhood and Womanhood (2 Sam. 7 and Gen. 1-3)

On October 29th I provided biblical instruction from Gen. 1-3 concerning "God's Original and Marvelous Design for Manhood and Womanhood."  During our Sunday School sessions I try and share numerous illustrations of "these are days of our life" under the banner of "the worldly world" and "the compromised church."

This is a relevant series because so many professing evangelicals have embraced the so called 'wisdom of the world' especially in the arena of God's design for men and women and gender/sexuality matters.  The Church today needs to know what they believe and why they believe what they believe lest we compromise the truth on the alter of "relevance and progress."  The largest megachurch in our area has gone down this very path and the ripple effect is still being felt around the entire metro-Milwaukee area.

During the worship service I concluded our four part series on the David Covenant.  One cannot rightly appreciate the N.T. Gospels or the book of Revelation if they do not have a good grasp on the grand covenants of Scripture. Chiefly, the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants.  The title of this sermon is "Who Am I?"  This exposition of 2 Samuel 7:18-29 highlights the Believer's proper response to the covenant promises of God.


For Further Reflection/Application:
Spend some time this week reflecting on past mercies, present blessings, and future promises!  Write this list down and spend time in prayer and praise! (use 2 Sam. 7:18-29 as an example)

If we set our hearts and minds upon the God’s promises with greater regularity how would it impact our daily lives? How would it help us to cope with the difficult trials and tribulations of this present world? How should it impact our prayer lives? Our worship? Our time in the Word?

"I'm Just Not Getting Much Out Of My Preacher's Sermons..." (pt. 2)

BORING!

What's a Christian to do if they are just not getting much out of their preacher's sermons?  In some cases, it may be helpful to share this loving concern with one's pastor.  If you choose to do this, provide a few specific examples to help your shepherd understand more specifically where you are coming from.  Do this with humility and bathe everything in prayer (Prov. 3:5-6). Having said that, before setting up such a meeting you should acknowledge that the difficulties your experiencing may reside as much in your own heart/mind, or in your own unrealistic and/or unbiblical expectations, as it does in the human mouthpiece of the Word (note 1 Peter 4:10-11).  One must evaluate each situation on a case by case basis.  Of course in many real world situations the matter is both/and rather than either/or.

Biblical humility should temper your criticisms with the honest acknowledgement that your pastor has invested 4-8 years of his life via bible college and seminary and to countless hours preparing weekly expositions.   I remind myself of this very principle when walking into a medical clinic. Before informing my doctor that "I don't think he's doing his job right and needs to do this or that" I realize that the few hours I spent on Web M.D. does not make me a "subject matter expert" in medicine.  That's not to say we should never question a doctor.  Some medical professionals are really poor in what they do and we would be foolish to not get a second opinion (or to find another doctor all together).

In this vein, if your preacher has not received received adequate ministry training he may need to "go back to school" before assuming such a huge responsibility as is feeding the flock of Christ (see John 21).  Note Clint Archer's helpful article on "should men go to seminary before leading the church of Christ.".

Having said that, those in the pew should be humble enough to listen to their pastor's thoughts knowing that he's likely spent hundreds of hours reading books on expository preaching, has invested thousands of hours listening to classroom lectures on theology, hermeneutics, counseling, Scripture, and homiletics, and probably benefits from many of the same well known preachers that you do.  What Christian doesn't love the preaching ministries of Alistair Begg, Steve Lawson, and John MacArthur?  

On this note, one of the present dangers of the internet and the proliferation of "celebrity pastors" is that some Christians expect their local church preacher to sound just like you fill in the blank; not realizing that God does not give "five talents" to every servant (Matt. 25:14-30) and has given each individual a unique personality/style.  If your preacher does not herald the Word as well as John MacArthur (join the camp), this does not mean that this brother has not been called to the ministry.   All believers are expected to be faithful stewards of the talents that have been sovereignly dispensed on them by the Lord of the Church (see 1 Cor. 12-14; 1 Pet. 4:10-11; 1 Tim. 3:1f).  In this same vein, if you expect your praise leader(s) to sing like Matt Boswell or Chris Tomlin, or to write arrangements like Fernando Ortega or Bob Kauflin, you are setting yourself up for being a church member who is never content.  Be biblically realistic and remind yourself that the power ultimately resides in the Word of God not in the heralds of His Word!

"I'm Not Getting Much Out of My Pastor's Sermons!" (pt. 1)

photo credit: crosswalk.com

What's a Christian to do if they are just not getting much out of their preacher's sermons?  In some cases, it may be helpful to humbly share this concern with one's pastor.  If you do this, provide a few specific examples in order to demonstrate the "head to heart" disconnect.  Do this with grace and humility and commit the matter to prayer.  This kind of prayer plea is surely welcomed by the God of the Word who longs for His people to grow and mature in the faith through the public preaching ministry of the Word (Col. 1:28-29; 2 Tim. 3:15-4:5).  God also wants (we) pastors to grow and develop so that our spiritual "progress might be evident to all" (1 Tim. 4:15).  Assuming that the specific criticisms that you have are biblically valid, extend grace by giving your minister time to grow and develop accordingly.  In some cases, you may need to leave and find a new local church that regularly offers MEAT (as opposed to MILK) per the admonition found in Hebrews 5:12-14 and 2 Timothy 4:3f.

Having said that, before setting up such a meeting you should acknowledge that the problem may reside as much in your own heart as it does in the human mouthpiece of the Word (note 1 Peter 4:10-11).  James 1:19 says "Let everyone be quick to hear and slow to speak."  The context of this statement is a believer in relation to the Word of God (note also James 1:22f).  Before judging or setting up a meeting to voice our concerns we should first examine our own life and heart in the spirit of Matthew 7 and Galatians 6.  

In the past decade a few helpful resources have been written on the subject of expository listening.  These are welcome additions as thousands of books have been written for preachers; (My favorite's preaching resources are Preachers and Preaching, Rediscovering Expository Preaching; Famine in the Land; He is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World; and Between Two Worlds). 

December 10th Worship at Lake Country Bible Church

This Sunday's worship service will feature the LCBC kids choir, many great Christmas hymns, our India short-term missions trip commissioning, and an exposition of Luke 1:26-36; "The Christ-Child's Matchless Superiority." 

 During Sunday School we will continue our study on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood in a Post-fall universe. SS starts at 9am and the worship service at 10:15am. Come let us Adore Him!  #LakeCountryBibleChurch

"Fullness of grace in Man’s human frailty
This is the wonder of Jesus.
Laying aside His power and glory
Humbly He entered our lost world.

Is Seminary Really Necessary Before Assuming Leadership in a Local Church?

D. Min lecture with Dr. MacArthur at TMS

Why Seminary? Is formal bible training really necessary before becoming a Lead Pastor at a local church?  Though there are a select few exceptionally gifted and uniquely committed, self-taught, Preacher-Pastor/theologians... such as the brilliant Spurgeon and D.M. Lloyd-Jones. In general, those called to preach (see 2 Tim 2:15; Titus 1:5f) should receive the highest level of seminary training available to them. Would you undergo surgery from a surgeon who hasn’t been to medical school? Why not?

James Montgomery Boice said if he knew Christ were returning in 4 years he’d instruct young men to spend 3 years in intense pastoral training (seminary) and only then preach!  Too much is at stake and church history has too many examples of well intentioned (unprepared) pastors, teachers, and evangelists who failed the Colossians 1:28-29 mandate because of sloppy exegesis and faulty interpretations. Good communication skill alone is not enough. Clint Archer makes some helpful points in his article posted below.

Here's a snippet of Archer's blog post, "The question of whether seminary is necessary is one that perennially resurfaces among those who sense the urgency of the need to preach and feel compelled to dive right in, but also understand the benefit of thorough training, and want guidance about the balance.

A Pastor's Worst Nightmare: Lessons From Acts 20

a Pastor's Worst Nightmare: Lessons from Acts 20.

After spending many years in Ephesus the Holy Spirit prompts the Apostle Paul to move on to new places of ministry service.  Before leaving, Paul charges the lay elders to protect the flock from error and half truth, to faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God, and to lovingly care for the congregation (as he had).  In short, they were to imitate his faithful example! (1 Cor. 11:1)

As a faithful shepherd Paul hit the ground the running when the Spirit led him to Ephesus.  "From the first day" (Acts 20:18a; Col. 1:29) he shed "blood, sweat, and tears" for the sake of Christ and for the "edification of the church."  For the sake of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15), Paul was willing to "suffer hardship as good Christian soldier (2 Tim. 2:1-3; Acts 20:19, 23).  As a Word-dominated preacher, Paul "did not shrink from declaring ANYTHING that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house" (Acts 20:20).  Paul did all of these things as a steward realizing that he would give an account one day to Christ for all of these pastoral functions (Acts 20:24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 3).

Having faithfully served the church at Ephesus Paul could say that "he was innocent of the blood of all men."  In other words, he had taught them, discipled them, and cared for them in such a way that his conscience was clear and his hands were clean as he prepared to sail into new ministry waters.

In verses 27-38 Paul expresses what could be described as "a Pastor's worst nightmare."  Having given his all to advance the cause of Christ by establishing a strong, Word-dominated church presence in Ephesus Paul feared what might happen after he left them.  Compromise and mission drift is a major concern of every minister of the gospel who is led to retire or transition to a new ministry setting.

Worship at Lake Country Bible Church- December 3rd, 2017

Lake Country Bible Church

Join us this Sunday at 9am. We have a great nursery, plus Bible classes for children, teens, and adults. During our 10:15am worship service we will continue in Luke's gospel and consider "Striking Similarities Between Two Miraculous Births;" (Luke 1:26-38). We will also begin to sing some of the best worship songs of the season.  "At His feet we humbly fall, crown Him, crown Him, Lord of all!"