John Piper addresses human pride in the account of the tower of Babel. Rather than being fruitful and multiplying, people “clustered” in direct disobedience to God, to pursue their own agenda:
Building a city is the way one avoids being dispersed over the whole earth. And building a tower into the heavens is the way one makes a name for oneself. So the city and tower are the outward expressions of inward sins… God’s will for human beings is not that we find our joy in being praised, but that we find our joy in knowing and praising him. His will is not that we find our security in cities but in God whom we gladly obey.
Are you seeking to make a name for yourself, at the expense of finding joy in making much about God? Are you experiencing the joy the Bible speaks of over and over? If not, could it be that you are looking for happiness in someone or something other than Jesus?
- On page 66, John Piper gives an overview of peoples, nations and languages. He says that people were clustering. Why do you think people come together in groups? That’s a pretty open-ended question. Do you think clustering is in our nature or the result of the fall?
- In this chapter, Piper highlights some literary devices… a few times the Biblical authors employ language to emphasize a point or bring out an important feature in the story. Did you catch that and can you identify at least 2?
- On page 69, the author talks about how and why God scattered the people of the earth. Was this simply a judgment or do God’s actions serve a larger purpose?
- Do you agree with the author’s statement on page 70 that the gospel spreads better “because of 6,500 languages, not in spite of them?” Why or why not?
- Babel and Babylon point to a future uprising, opposing God, which will be universal. Can you think of other Biblical accounts or times in history that serve to illustrate that universal uprising we see in Revelation? In other words, are there other similar markers along the road of history, pointing to a final battle between God and evil?
- The author states that Christianity is “not provincial” or merely a “tribal religion.” How does he come to that conclusion? Do you agree or disagree? How can we, as Christians, make Christianity appear “tribal” or “provincial?”
- How does a diversity of people and languages praising God, “image” Him to others and result in His glory? When people of all kinds come together in Jesus, in what sense does that foreshadow the new heavens and new earth?
Continue reading about Spectacular Sins: The Pride of Babel and the Praise of Christ
Friday At Five is our weekly prayer meeting. This is what you can expect when you arrive on Friday evenings. Someone will be at NCCF at 5PM and stay until at least 6PM. Often, the doors will be open before 5 and folks will stay beyond 6.
Usually, we will pray freely. Sometimes, we will pray in a certain direction or for specific occasions and purposes. We will see how the Lord leads.
This will be a great time to bring your prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord. We will want to ask for the resources, strength and empowering of the Spirit to carry out our mission to the Brunswick and beyond. Intercession will play a major part as we pray that people will come to Christ in faith, that others will be healed and that all will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.
We could go on, but I think you get the picture. We are coming together at the end of each week to meet the Lord and enjoy His presence.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
When speaking on the subject of God and the existence of evil, it’s important to speak as carefully as possible and that’s where I think John Piper shines in this book. Some things he says, I wouldn’t say. But, I have to admit that he goes right up to the limit without stepping over the line and I think that’s because he leans more heavily to Biblical exegesis than philosophy. Here is what he has to say about secondary causes, an important component to his point of view:
This book is also meant to show that everything that exists — including evil — is ordained by an infinitely holy and all-wise God to make the glory of Christ shine more brightly. The word ordained is peculiar, I know. But I want to be clear what I mean by it. There is no attempt to obscure what I am saying about God’s relation to evil. But there is an attempt to say carefully what the Bible says. By ordain I mean that God either caused something directly or permitted it for wise purposes. This permitting is a kind of indirect causing, since God knows all the factors involved and what effects they will have and he could prevent any outcome. So his permission is a kind of secondary causing, but not a direct causing. This distinction is an effort to be faithful to the different ways the Bible speaks about God’s relation to events.
We spent two weeks discussing this chapter. These are the questions we considered:
- The author says another aim of this book is to present Jesus as supreme — above all angels, kings, commanders, scientists, artists or philosophers – All Things For Jesus – Even Evil (pg. 54). John Piper states that he doesn’t see God’s involvement in the sinful acts of men through secondary causes as a philosophical conclusion. Where does he find those intermediate or secondary causes? Do you think he makes the case?
- Why does the author conclude that God’s ordaining and permitting sin, glorifies the Son? (pg. 56)
- Christianity is not primarily therapeutic (although it has that effect on those who believe). Faith, hope and love do not float in the air, but are grounded in ___________________. (pp. 56 & 57). How does this rock-solid truth affect you, emotionally?
- How does God’s plan to defeat sin and Satan demonstrate that He is not merely responding to a world of moral free agents? In light of God’s purpose, do we make authentic choices? (pp. 58-59)
- Jesus is not a copy of Adam, but Adam was a type of Christ. What does that tell us about their relationship in God’s plan? How are Christ and Adam alike – how are they different? (pp. 60 & 61)
- What are the three ways Paul celebrates the superiority of Jesus over Adam? How do these three truths equal good news for you and me?(pp. 61-64)
- There are a number of wonderful statements in this chapter. For example, “what he knows to be wise, he has always known to be wise – eternally.” “Christianity begins with the conviction that God is an objective reality outside ourselves. We do not make him what he is by thing a certain way about him. As Francis Schaeffer said, he is the God who is there. We don’t make him, He makes us.” “Rootless emotionalism that treats Christianity like a therapeutic option will be swept away in the last days.” Did you find a gem in this chapter?
How did Satan fall? This is a common question in the discussion of sin and evil in the world. John Piper observes:
The Bible does not take us deep into the heart of such a mysterious sin to explain the soul-dynamics that make rebellion rise out of righteousness. We are not given the final answer of how the origin of sin in the soul of a holy being takes place. But neither are we left to wonder if God was surprised or if he had to revamp all his plans.
The author cautions against speculation and urges his readers instead, to focus on the victory Jesus won at the cross, bruising the serpent’s head and destroying the works of the devil. When we do that, our hearts turn to worship and our minds gain courage in the face of evil.
Piper concludes with Eight Things to Do with Evil and Four Things Never to Do with Evil. I have found this one to be helpful in wrestling with questions about the existence of evil, sin and suffer in a world created by an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God:
3. Never yield to the thought that God sins or is ever unjust or unrighteous in the way he governs the universe. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways. (Psalm 145:17).
We discussed these questions:
- John Piper tells us on page 40 that the absence of detail about the origin of evil is not meant to promote speculation, but rather to awaken worship and give us courage in the face of sin and misery. How can we avoid speculating and experience the awe and comfort the author points to?
- What is the greatest weapon that Jesus stripped from Satan at the cross (pg. 42)? Is Christ’s victory over evil an ever-present reality to you or do you need to remind yourself occasionally? What one discipline do you think would be the most effective in keeping you from lapsing into depression or despair over your own moral lapses?
- I like how the author’s conclusion that libertarian free will “is simply another way of naming the mystery” (pg. 43). What is the mystery he’s talking about and, since that doesn’t solve the mystery, how does he think we should proceed to get some understanding?
- Questions from the seven points: In what sense is “Satan the ruler of this world?: (pg. 44) Describe the difference in authority that God wields in the 10 commandments and the authority He exercises over the demons. (pg. 45) If Satan is the murderer, does he possess the power over our life and death? (pg. 46) In point number 6 on pg. 46, we read God’s words of comfort to Peter… do you think God cares for you in the same way?
- Why not wipe out Satan? (pp. 48 & 49)
Continue reading about Spectacular Sins: The Fall of Satan and the Victory of Christ
Beginning Sunday, January 31, 2010 we will observe communion every Lord’s Day during our time of praise and worship. Christians have practiced baptism for new believers and the weekly breaking of bread for nearly 2000 years and we want to continue this truly ancient / future tradition. In the Lord’s Supper we remember His broken body and shed blood to cover our sins, celebrate His resurrection and abiding presence in the present, while looking forward to His soon return and the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Our weekly meeting at the Lord’s table will provide us with an endless number of opportunities to remember, reflect, repent and return. It can also be a time of joy, celebration and praise as we experience the Spirit of Jesus in our midst and look forward to that day when He returns for His bride, the church.
We will offer the supper in such a way that each one can take a moment or two, during our worship, time to “examine himself… and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28 Communion also provides a wonderful visual aid for instructing children in the Gospel and allowing families to participate according to there conscience. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, please join us at the Lord’s Table each Sunday.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing… 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
John Piper closes the first chapter with the last phrase of this passage, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing….” How appropriate was this foray into one of the most difficult challenges to the Christian faith on a Tuesday following the destruction in Haiti, in the middle of an economic recession, amid a wide array of personal crises and trials. We were challenged by the realization of an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful God’s superintendence over a fallen world and a sinful race. We came away more convinced than ever that the grace of God in Jesus Christ and the Gospel message is the only antidote to what ails us… the only tonic that will see us through to the other side of some very dark valleys. It all came to crescendo in our Tuesday night Bible study and worship time — Jesus was exalted, we were abased and there was a potent and comforting realization that, through it all that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
These are the questions we discussed on Tuesday morning:
- What does John Piper mean when he speaks of God’s sovereignty over sin? What does he base this assertion on? (pg. 22ff - 2 Chronicles 10:15, 18:22 and 25:20)
- Have you ever wondered why God wanted His superintendence over evil to be revealed to us in His Word? What conclusions might we have drawn from the 2 Chronicles passages if God’s role in these matters had been left a mystery?
- Think of some natural disaster… or, some heinous act of barbarism. Could Jesus have prevented those evil events? (pg. 26)
- Why does the author conclude that sin, suffering, persecution and pestilence “somehow fit into [God’s] purposes?” (pg. 27)
- How is Jesus magnified and glorified in light of the pain, death and suffering that surrounds us?
Continue reading about Spectacular Sins: God Sovereign Over Human Sin
We began our discussion of Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ by John Piper. We began where most good books begin: in the Introduction. We looked at Joni Eareckson Tada’s observation, ”When it comes to holocausts or other horrors, most of us assume God has his hands tied and his back to the wall. We figure the devil wreaks havoc when God’s not looking; we rationalize the Lord’s ‘mistakes,’ figuring he absentmindedly took his hands off the wheel when tragedies happen.” Have you ever found yourself thinking along those lines? How does the author say we can avoid self-pity or rage and endure such catastrophes with faith and hope? The author leads us to the window of the Scriptures to let us know that God has not been caught by surprise when bad things happen, He doesn’t stand aloof and He isn’t powerless. No, He sent Jesus, Who willingly identified with a sinful and suffering humanity, took our guilt and, despite all appearances, won the victory over and through some of the most spectacular sins. Here are some of the questions we discussed:
- John Piper begins with the creation of the universe. For what purpose does the author tell us the universe was created? What does that imply about our purpose in life?
- What is the apex of Christ’s glory and what part did evil play in fully displaying that glory?
- What is the author’s purpose in writing this book? Do you think his assessment of Christians in the West is accurate or has merit?
- Why do many Christians have a wimpy worldview – what’s missing and where can we go to get what we need to pump up our sometimes wimpy view of God?
- Are you facing or have you faced suffering or a trial or persecution that put your Christian worldview to the test? What kept you from breaking?
On Tuesday, our men’s group will be getting together at Java John’s to begin reading and discussing John Piper’s Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ.
From the Desiring God site:
In this series John Piper seeks to provide a biblical perspective on God’s sovereign and righteous governance over even the sinful acts of men.
History’s greatest sins do not thwart God’s purposes to save his people and glorify his Son; they fulfill them. And knowing this is the key to having “Christ-exalting strength in calamity and Christ-exalting courage in conflict.”
We will begin with the Introduction this week. You can read along for free online or purchase a copy here.
Next up will be Miracles by C.S. Lewis, so keep your eyes open for bargains out there.
Continue reading about Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ
We’ve come to the end of our journey through Tim Keller’s return to the Parable of the Prodigal Son in his bestseller, The Prodigal God. I hope those of you who have read along with our Tuesday morning group have been feasting on this retelling of the gospel in a contemporary setting.
The author closes with this summary:
Jesus tells us that both the sensual way of the younger brother and the ethical way of the elder brother are spiritual dead ends. He also shows us there is another way: through him. And to enter that way and to live a life based on his salvation will bring us finally to the ultimate party and feast at the end of history. We can have a foretaste of that future salvation now in all the ways outlined in this chapter: in prayer, in service to others in the changes in our inner nature through the gospel, and through the healed relationship that Christ can give us now. But they are only a foretaste of what is to come.
Here are the questions we discussed over the past two weeks:
- Tim Keller tells us that salvation is experiential – like a feast, it involves not only our minds and affections, but all our senses. What are some of the benefits the author finds in the approach that “Jesus’ salvation is a feast?” Can you think of any blessings he missed?
- After reading page 109, do you identify more with the rational, controlled temperament or the mystical approach to the faith?
- Did you find it surprising that the Bible speaks of the new heavens and new earth as physical realities? Given that the earth will be renewed and we are to be resurrected, how do you think we should live the life we have here and now?
- What did Martin Luther say is the default mode of the human heart?
- How does Paul, the apostle, motivate his readers toward obedience in his letters? How can you and I see our motivations, identity and worldview restructured?
- What does the author tell us is the greatest motivation to obey Jesus? What are the two edges of the answer to this question?
- If we believe we are saved by grace, yet we remained unchanged and disobedient, what aspect of grace does the author say we don’t understand? How can we change that situation?
- Do you think it is possible to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, apart from a community of believers – particularly, a church with elder brothers? Why or why not?
- I never read the quote by C.S. Lewis on pages 126 and 127 – it blew me away. Have you ever experienced a circle of friends like that? If not, would you like to?
- Have you seen Babette’s Feast? I remember the film just as the author describes it. How does Jesus resolve the question raised by that film, as well as the parable we’ve been reading: The Prodigal? What is the third way?
Continue reading about The Prodigal God: The Feast of the Father
We got together for our monthly men’s fellowship and kicked off our theme for 2010: Make Disciples. We had a wonderful time of table fellowship. The salad and pizza were prepared to perfection and served by Aaron Crew and Pat Brennan. Then, we spent some time in the Word and prayer, with the goal of making disciples, who love Jesus and bear His image to the Brunswick and beyond.
We took our text from Matthew 28:18 – 20:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Discipleship was a common practice in classical world, but a survey of the NT reveals that much more was required to be a disciple of Jesus:
- First, Steve and Lois Rabey remind us that: Jesus doesn’t call people primarily to a social or political movement or even first and foremost to a life or religiosity or ethical living. More than anything, He calls us to love God
- Jesus calls His disciples to “come and see,” inviting them to join Him in a calling that involves all of life. (John 1:35-39)
- The ultimate goal is to be like Jesus: Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
- We are called to a denial of self and a deliberate choosing of the cross
- We must forsake all to follow Him and exhibit a fervent, sacrificial love for one another in the Body of Christ
- Finally, we share an unswerving commitment to the Word of God and prayer
What are our goals for 2010… what are we aiming for? What can we expect to see by the end of this year, if we are making disciples?
- Greater depth and maturity in our relationship with the Lord
- More and richer relationships between men
- Healthy disciples, like healthy sheep, will reproduce – we expect to see new disciples
What are the values, character traits and content disciples at NCCF will be trained in?
- Prayer
- Bible study habits and skills
- Life skills, living in community and loving others
- Self-sacrifice and giving
- Evangelism
So, we’re spending a year pursuing this one initiative… this one defining goal. We will focus on what it means to be a disciple as modeled in the relationship between Paul and Timothy:
Philippians 2:19 –22 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
If you would like to have someone mentor or disciple you, speak to me the next time we meet or message / call / email me. I will see who’s available and pass that contact info along. If no one is available right now, I’ll steer you to some resources until a qualified mentor is available.
Bo Salisbury
