Recently, I have been reading a book, Why I am not an Arminian. It has challenged me, as well as helping to reaffirm my views about salvation. I have also been talking with a couple of my friends here at school about the topic, which has also again peaked my interest in the topic. Here's what I have found:
1) "The Arminian wants to have it both ways. He wants to say that faith has no merit, but he also wants to say that our faith somehow motivates God to save us, that God chooses us on the basis of our choosing him. But if faith motivates God to save us, then it must have some merit in his eyes (113-114). This quote describes the predicament that all those who believe that our choice determines salvation must face. While you may disagree with the wording, one cannot disagree with the concept. If one believes that salvation is freely offered to all and it is our responsibility to accept that gift, then our acceptance of the gift has merited our salvation in some way, shape, or form. Your choice has saved you, whereas it has eternally damned another.
2) Nowhere in Scripture does it explicitly state that our decision is the beginning of our salvation. Let me explain a bit. There are Scripture references to the fact that we are "dead in our transgressions" (Eph. 2:1). Being dead, you cannot make a decision for yourself. Someone else has to make that decision for you. This decision is made by God for you; He has brought you back to life through Christ.
3) I, myself, would never have chosen Christ unless God had worked inside of me. It takes me no time at all to be reminded of this. I think back to my former way of life, in which I was "happy," getting ready to go to law school and make a lot of money. There is no reason for me to choose Christ and His death. As stated previously, I was "dead in my transgressions;" I was a "slave to sin" (Rom. 6:17). It is thanks and praise to God that He has rescued me from being a slave to sin and turned me into a "slave to righteousness" (Rom. 6:18).
4) It is not my right to question what God does. Ultimately, it is not my right to say to God, "Why did you choose me and not my brother?" (see Rom. 9:19-24). I do not have the answers to these questions, but my responsibility, my only responsibility and right, is to bow down at the throne of God and cry "Holy, holy, holy are you LORD God Almighty."
All glory and honor and power belong to our Lord and God (Rev. 4:11a).
Monday, November 19, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Created
So, I hadn't planned on writing about this topic; however, when I went to yahoo.com, I read an article. There is a German politician, Gabriele Pauli, who wants all marriages to be dissolved after seven years. She has one major reason for advocating such a position: she claims that many people remain in marriages just because they feel "safe."
It is becoming absurd that we are wanting to dissolve marriages after seven years. We need to get back in touch with who we were created to be.
The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He has taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, :This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. -- Genesis 2:22-24
Here we read about who man and woman were created to be and what marriage is really supposed to look like. How can we possibly advocate the dissolution of marriage after seven years if, when we marry, we become on flesh with our spouse?
Let's think about this for a second. So right now I kind of want to see. I think that vision is pretty cool, as do most people I think. Don't get me wrong, there are things that I most certainly would not want to see, but all-in-all, I really like being able to see.
I can almost guarantee that seven years from now I am still really going to like to see. I think that my passion for seeing won't die. Now, this is my own flesh, I like it, I like to see it flourish, I like to have it. This is what marriage is supposed to be like. We are to value our spouse in the same way that we value our eyes and our vision.
If we are able to recapture this belief of marriage, we won't have people like Pauli advocating its dissolution. We need to recognize it as an awesome covenant that is given to us by God.
We were created to be in these relationships. We are created imago Dei (see Gen. 1:26-28), who is in perfect relationships within the Trinity. We are created with that same need and desire for relationships. We are created to be relational beings.
It is becoming absurd that we are wanting to dissolve marriages after seven years. We need to get back in touch with who we were created to be.
The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He has taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, :This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. -- Genesis 2:22-24
Here we read about who man and woman were created to be and what marriage is really supposed to look like. How can we possibly advocate the dissolution of marriage after seven years if, when we marry, we become on flesh with our spouse?
Let's think about this for a second. So right now I kind of want to see. I think that vision is pretty cool, as do most people I think. Don't get me wrong, there are things that I most certainly would not want to see, but all-in-all, I really like being able to see.
I can almost guarantee that seven years from now I am still really going to like to see. I think that my passion for seeing won't die. Now, this is my own flesh, I like it, I like to see it flourish, I like to have it. This is what marriage is supposed to be like. We are to value our spouse in the same way that we value our eyes and our vision.
If we are able to recapture this belief of marriage, we won't have people like Pauli advocating its dissolution. We need to recognize it as an awesome covenant that is given to us by God.
We were created to be in these relationships. We are created imago Dei (see Gen. 1:26-28), who is in perfect relationships within the Trinity. We are created with that same need and desire for relationships. We are created to be relational beings.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Life
Again, the Old Testament class I am taking has challenged me. This time in a quite intriguing manner. Our professor was talking about the academic study of Scripture (Ryan recently commented on my earlier post about this as well). At one point he said this:
"I hope that in our academic study that you are strengthened either in your faith in God or even in a more vital faith."
For me, this was a bit of a shock. A more vital faith? There is no more vital faith than the faith that we have in Christ.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -- The gospel of Jesus Christ according to John 14:6
Note that Christ does not say "I am A way, or A truth, or A life," but rather He says, "I am THE way, THE truth, THE life." Why is this such an important distinction? There are several reasons.
First, there is nothing, or no one else, by which we are saved other than our faith in Christ. He is our source of life. How can we have a faith that is more vital than our faith in Him if He is our source of life? It just cannot exist. Our life, our livelihood, our being is found in Him. As such, all of our actions and our faith should be rooted deeply in Him.
Second, He is "the way." There is no other way to eternal life and salvation. We cannot find rest in anything other than God and His mercy. There is nothing more vital than our eternal life. There is nothing more important that the salvation found in Christ.
What are the dangers of not believing this? What awaits those who do not have faith, or do not see the importance and urgency of trusting in Christ?
Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" -- Revelation 6:15-17
Crying for the rocks to fall on them so they do not have to face the "wrath of the Lamb." I do not know what is more vital than to have a faith in Christ so that we do not have to fear death any longer, that we do not have to fear His wrath on Judgment Day.
"I hope that in our academic study that you are strengthened either in your faith in God or even in a more vital faith."
For me, this was a bit of a shock. A more vital faith? There is no more vital faith than the faith that we have in Christ.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -- The gospel of Jesus Christ according to John 14:6
Note that Christ does not say "I am A way, or A truth, or A life," but rather He says, "I am THE way, THE truth, THE life." Why is this such an important distinction? There are several reasons.
First, there is nothing, or no one else, by which we are saved other than our faith in Christ. He is our source of life. How can we have a faith that is more vital than our faith in Him if He is our source of life? It just cannot exist. Our life, our livelihood, our being is found in Him. As such, all of our actions and our faith should be rooted deeply in Him.
Second, He is "the way." There is no other way to eternal life and salvation. We cannot find rest in anything other than God and His mercy. There is nothing more vital than our eternal life. There is nothing more important that the salvation found in Christ.
What are the dangers of not believing this? What awaits those who do not have faith, or do not see the importance and urgency of trusting in Christ?
Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" -- Revelation 6:15-17
Crying for the rocks to fall on them so they do not have to face the "wrath of the Lamb." I do not know what is more vital than to have a faith in Christ so that we do not have to fear death any longer, that we do not have to fear His wrath on Judgment Day.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Change
We started classes here at W & J on Monday (yes, Labor Day). My first class of the year was also my first religion class that I have taken here. It is Religion 201 -- The Old Testament. It should be an intriguing class.
The professor is "somewhat" liberal when talking about Scripture. It has been a challenge to hear him speak on some issues, which I will delve into here a little bit later. I have been warned previously about this professor, most notably by Ryan. I am still trying to go into the class as open as I possibly can though, and I am extremely excited to be able to take a closer look at the Old Testament, where I am not nearly as strong.
One of the reasons that this class should be a challenge is because the professor has brought up several good points already this week.
The first point that he brought up is this: "If you are to believe something as truth, yet it does not change who you are, then is it truth at all?"
I think that there is a lot to be said about this, especially on our campus. There are many students who would say they are Christian, who might even proclaim Jesus as the Christ, yet are not changed by this fact. Do they really even beleive what they are saying then? It is impossible to believe in these Truths and not have them radically change your life.
Let's just take a look at what Jesus said about some of this:
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" -- The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 16:24-26
We are called to change by Christ himself. If we want to find our life, we must lose it for His sake. This is a radical change. We cannot go on living in our current lifestyles -- we cannot continue to live in our sexual immorality, our greed, our filthy language, our selfishness. We must learn to allow the love of Christ to reign in our hearts. We need to become compassionate towards our neighbors.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' -- The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 25:40
Again, this shows the radical change of caring for our brothers more than ourselves. We again are commanded to do this:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul adn with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." -- Christ speaking, The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 22:37-40.
We are all called to this change; we are all held responsible for this change. In order to live as Christ lived, then we must begin to allow these Truths to change us.
Why haven't you changed? Where is it that you need to change? Where is it that you need to "lose your life to Christ, that you may find it?"
The professor is "somewhat" liberal when talking about Scripture. It has been a challenge to hear him speak on some issues, which I will delve into here a little bit later. I have been warned previously about this professor, most notably by Ryan. I am still trying to go into the class as open as I possibly can though, and I am extremely excited to be able to take a closer look at the Old Testament, where I am not nearly as strong.
One of the reasons that this class should be a challenge is because the professor has brought up several good points already this week.
The first point that he brought up is this: "If you are to believe something as truth, yet it does not change who you are, then is it truth at all?"
I think that there is a lot to be said about this, especially on our campus. There are many students who would say they are Christian, who might even proclaim Jesus as the Christ, yet are not changed by this fact. Do they really even beleive what they are saying then? It is impossible to believe in these Truths and not have them radically change your life.
Let's just take a look at what Jesus said about some of this:
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" -- The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 16:24-26
We are called to change by Christ himself. If we want to find our life, we must lose it for His sake. This is a radical change. We cannot go on living in our current lifestyles -- we cannot continue to live in our sexual immorality, our greed, our filthy language, our selfishness. We must learn to allow the love of Christ to reign in our hearts. We need to become compassionate towards our neighbors.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' -- The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 25:40
Again, this shows the radical change of caring for our brothers more than ourselves. We again are commanded to do this:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul adn with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." -- Christ speaking, The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 22:37-40.
We are all called to this change; we are all held responsible for this change. In order to live as Christ lived, then we must begin to allow these Truths to change us.
Why haven't you changed? Where is it that you need to change? Where is it that you need to "lose your life to Christ, that you may find it?"
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Giving Away My Life?
Today, I have been faced with some difficult decisions. Let me expound:
Early in July, before I had known about when RA training would be, I committed to a golf marathon that the CCO, the Coalition for Christian Outreach, an organization that I hope to work for one day, was having on 27 August. I am excited about the opportunity that I have to help the CCO raise funds for their upcoming fiscal year.
These plans were soon dashed (or maybe not), due to RA training, which begins on 23 August. I have asked to be excused for this one day, but my request has been denied. Also, I will have to miss whatever is going on 1 September, as I celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary (I am so excited for them).
This being said, it has begun a difficult and prayerful decision for me -- to retain my position as an RA or to resign from it. Let me weigh the pros and cons of each decision.
If I were to remain an RA, I would continue to have my room paid for, about a $5000 expense. This is quite a nice compensation, to be sure. Also, I would receive a $100 stipend at the end of each semester, which does prove to come in handy at those times. However, there is a huge time commitment which comes with the job, as you are on call at all times of the day. It is a straining job, requiring you to be intimately involved with your residents (or at least that is the way that I perceive the job). It also confines you to the campus on certain nights, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but is a hindrance nonetheless.
If I were to resign from my position, it would allow me greater freedom than I have had the past two years. First, I would be able to go to the golf marathon, as well as the celebration for my grandparent's, without feeling guilty or as if I had let someone down. Secondly, I would be able to devote a greater amount of time to the community and friendships that are developing on campus. This summer, I discovered the importance of community living, something that I would like to bring to the campus this year. This summer, I also was able to develop many friendships that I hope to last beyond just this summer. By not being an RA, I would have more freedom to seek out those from this summer and be intentional about keeping in contact with them.
There are negatives to this as well. I am afraid that I would possibly ruin the friendship that I have with my current CA. I would hope that wouldn't be the case, as my decision does not reflect any animosity towards him, but rather disappointment with the current situation. Also, I would then have to pay for my room, which I don't necessarily consider too much of an obstacle. As Tim and I were discussing this morning, money should be a non-issue (or at least one of little concern). I have the same view, that while money has some redeeming qualities to it, the worship and idolatry of it is a bad practice. It, therefore, should have little weight in making a decision like this.
Oh, what to do?
Early in July, before I had known about when RA training would be, I committed to a golf marathon that the CCO, the Coalition for Christian Outreach, an organization that I hope to work for one day, was having on 27 August. I am excited about the opportunity that I have to help the CCO raise funds for their upcoming fiscal year.
These plans were soon dashed (or maybe not), due to RA training, which begins on 23 August. I have asked to be excused for this one day, but my request has been denied. Also, I will have to miss whatever is going on 1 September, as I celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary (I am so excited for them).
This being said, it has begun a difficult and prayerful decision for me -- to retain my position as an RA or to resign from it. Let me weigh the pros and cons of each decision.
If I were to remain an RA, I would continue to have my room paid for, about a $5000 expense. This is quite a nice compensation, to be sure. Also, I would receive a $100 stipend at the end of each semester, which does prove to come in handy at those times. However, there is a huge time commitment which comes with the job, as you are on call at all times of the day. It is a straining job, requiring you to be intimately involved with your residents (or at least that is the way that I perceive the job). It also confines you to the campus on certain nights, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but is a hindrance nonetheless.
If I were to resign from my position, it would allow me greater freedom than I have had the past two years. First, I would be able to go to the golf marathon, as well as the celebration for my grandparent's, without feeling guilty or as if I had let someone down. Secondly, I would be able to devote a greater amount of time to the community and friendships that are developing on campus. This summer, I discovered the importance of community living, something that I would like to bring to the campus this year. This summer, I also was able to develop many friendships that I hope to last beyond just this summer. By not being an RA, I would have more freedom to seek out those from this summer and be intentional about keeping in contact with them.
There are negatives to this as well. I am afraid that I would possibly ruin the friendship that I have with my current CA. I would hope that wouldn't be the case, as my decision does not reflect any animosity towards him, but rather disappointment with the current situation. Also, I would then have to pay for my room, which I don't necessarily consider too much of an obstacle. As Tim and I were discussing this morning, money should be a non-issue (or at least one of little concern). I have the same view, that while money has some redeeming qualities to it, the worship and idolatry of it is a bad practice. It, therefore, should have little weight in making a decision like this.
Oh, what to do?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Weary and Burdened
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28)
These verses have rung true to me tonight as we have had our prayer vigil. Since talking with Katie the other night (I believe it was Sunday night), my soul has been weary and burdened. She brought to light some things that I had not thought about in the last eight weeks, and I sincerely thank her for that.
My soul still is restless, as am I. I am so confused and lost right now that it is somewhat absurd. I don't really know what to think or do (I am sorry that I feel it necessary to not shed too much light on the topic about which I am writing. Katie, I think that you know the topic and may be able to talk with me sometime before we leave about it). I got to pray silently about it some tonight, but I feel that I have prayed in vain and didn't have the right mindset going into my prayers.
Again and again, I read that if we ask, we shall receive. Perhaps I am not asking with a willing heart or a correct attitude.
Perhaps, I am not willing to believe that God will actually provide. Maybe I am lacking faith in Him to live true to His word, which is a bit ridiculous when looking at the Scriptures.
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him (Ps. 62:1).
Does my soul find rest in him? Do I allow my soul to find rest in him? Do I prevent myself from finding rest in him?
These are all legitimate questions since I find myself so weary and burdened over the last few days. I will continue to pray for rest, as well as clarification about this issue. I just need to begin to have the hope and the trust that God will be faithful to me, as he has been so many times in the past.
These verses have rung true to me tonight as we have had our prayer vigil. Since talking with Katie the other night (I believe it was Sunday night), my soul has been weary and burdened. She brought to light some things that I had not thought about in the last eight weeks, and I sincerely thank her for that.
My soul still is restless, as am I. I am so confused and lost right now that it is somewhat absurd. I don't really know what to think or do (I am sorry that I feel it necessary to not shed too much light on the topic about which I am writing. Katie, I think that you know the topic and may be able to talk with me sometime before we leave about it). I got to pray silently about it some tonight, but I feel that I have prayed in vain and didn't have the right mindset going into my prayers.
Again and again, I read that if we ask, we shall receive. Perhaps I am not asking with a willing heart or a correct attitude.
Perhaps, I am not willing to believe that God will actually provide. Maybe I am lacking faith in Him to live true to His word, which is a bit ridiculous when looking at the Scriptures.
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him (Ps. 62:1).
Does my soul find rest in him? Do I allow my soul to find rest in him? Do I prevent myself from finding rest in him?
These are all legitimate questions since I find myself so weary and burdened over the last few days. I will continue to pray for rest, as well as clarification about this issue. I just need to begin to have the hope and the trust that God will be faithful to me, as he has been so many times in the past.
Left Unspoken (Part III)
Tonight, I plan on writing another blog that will be more personal than this is, but this is also an important blog for me to write:
To Jess: The growth you have experienced this summer is evident. It was encouraging to see someone who was so adamant about taking his/her sabbath every week. You grew in your ideas and thoughts of what it means to live in Christian community, and I hope that you are able to take that back with you to Malone.
To Kenneth: I am a bit disappointed that I didn't get to know you better this summer. You seem like you are an awesome guy. Your knowledge and wisdom is rich, and I pray that you continue to seek ways in which you can glorify God through your gifts.
To Beth: Your perseverance through so many difficulties this summer has been a blessing. You continued through your walk where so many people may have given up. Your image has been shaped through this perseverance and will continue to be so into the future.
To Kurt: Continue to seek bravery. There has already been a desire in you this summer to do so, which you took huge steps in by leading a Bible study. I hope that you realize that you are loved by God just as much as anyone else in the house. Know that God gave you a spirit of love and self-discipline and of power.
To Heather: Your summer has been awesome to watch. The growth that you have seen in your organization is uplifting and is promising when looking to the future. All the while, you have acted in purity, seeking only to glorify God through all that has taken place. I will continue to pray that this would be the case into the future.
To Jeff: You have been a huge inspiration for me this summer. You have challenged me to look at my gifts with humility, shown me what a married man looks like seeking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, taught me what it means to lead your children in view of God's mercy, the list goes on and on. I thank you for the great sacrifice that you have made in coming here this summer. I thoroughly enjoyed your presence here in this house.
To Linda: Your wisdom in leading Bible studies will continue to influence me into next year and the years beyond. I thank you that you took countless hours to help us prepare for our Bible studies, as well as offered suggestions of what you have seen work in the past. Your desire to know the Lord and the truth that is found in Him is evident in your daily actions. Thank you for your devotion to the house.
To Becky: This summer is a stretch for you. As you said, you don't get to work with college students on a regular basis, but your investment in us is evident. Your willingness to get to know each of us was evident and was greatly appreciated. Your organizational skills are truly a gift that God has given you and that you have used for His glory.
To Scott: Your desire to learn along with the students this summer was a huge encouragement. Your willingness to concede that you don't know all truths helped us out immensely. I thank you for the wisdom and eagerness to gather knowledge that you brought to the house. I know that the future holds great things for you at Ursinus.
I am blessed to have gotten to spend a summer with everyone in the house. These blogs (notes) are just a small token of my appreciation for all that I have learned from each of you in the house. I pray that we would continue to encourage one another and spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
To Jess: The growth you have experienced this summer is evident. It was encouraging to see someone who was so adamant about taking his/her sabbath every week. You grew in your ideas and thoughts of what it means to live in Christian community, and I hope that you are able to take that back with you to Malone.
To Kenneth: I am a bit disappointed that I didn't get to know you better this summer. You seem like you are an awesome guy. Your knowledge and wisdom is rich, and I pray that you continue to seek ways in which you can glorify God through your gifts.
To Beth: Your perseverance through so many difficulties this summer has been a blessing. You continued through your walk where so many people may have given up. Your image has been shaped through this perseverance and will continue to be so into the future.
To Kurt: Continue to seek bravery. There has already been a desire in you this summer to do so, which you took huge steps in by leading a Bible study. I hope that you realize that you are loved by God just as much as anyone else in the house. Know that God gave you a spirit of love and self-discipline and of power.
To Heather: Your summer has been awesome to watch. The growth that you have seen in your organization is uplifting and is promising when looking to the future. All the while, you have acted in purity, seeking only to glorify God through all that has taken place. I will continue to pray that this would be the case into the future.
To Jeff: You have been a huge inspiration for me this summer. You have challenged me to look at my gifts with humility, shown me what a married man looks like seeking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, taught me what it means to lead your children in view of God's mercy, the list goes on and on. I thank you for the great sacrifice that you have made in coming here this summer. I thoroughly enjoyed your presence here in this house.
To Linda: Your wisdom in leading Bible studies will continue to influence me into next year and the years beyond. I thank you that you took countless hours to help us prepare for our Bible studies, as well as offered suggestions of what you have seen work in the past. Your desire to know the Lord and the truth that is found in Him is evident in your daily actions. Thank you for your devotion to the house.
To Becky: This summer is a stretch for you. As you said, you don't get to work with college students on a regular basis, but your investment in us is evident. Your willingness to get to know each of us was evident and was greatly appreciated. Your organizational skills are truly a gift that God has given you and that you have used for His glory.
To Scott: Your desire to learn along with the students this summer was a huge encouragement. Your willingness to concede that you don't know all truths helped us out immensely. I thank you for the wisdom and eagerness to gather knowledge that you brought to the house. I know that the future holds great things for you at Ursinus.
I am blessed to have gotten to spend a summer with everyone in the house. These blogs (notes) are just a small token of my appreciation for all that I have learned from each of you in the house. I pray that we would continue to encourage one another and spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Left Unspoken (Part II)
As I said, I would not forget about the others here at the project.
To LeeAnna: It is an encouragement to see your desire for knowledge from the word. Your discernment and desire for discernment is a blessing to this house. I pray that you continue to hold to that as you go back to your youth group. They will benefit greatly from having you as a teacher.
To Jake: Your willingness to step into positions of leadership at the project have been awesome. It has been great to watch the transformation happen in you from being timid about leading worship to doing it on a weekly basis. Also, your desire for us to pray together and taking the initiative on that is an amazing step to see you take.
To Emily: Your passion is contagious and brings new excitement to the Word daily. To see you begin to have hope in all things has been refreshing. God has some great plans for you at Waynesburg next year, as well as further into the future. Don't lose your fervor for the Lord.
To Jenn: What you have learned this summer is evident. You continue to apply the knowledge you gain and seek out answers for yourself. You don't just accept things at face value, but are determined to understand why some have the opinions that they do. This is a gift to be cherished, which I hope that you keep near and dear to your heart.
To Lindsay: Restoration is difficult to see from an outside perspective. The growth that I have seen in you though is uplifting. To see you more willing to get into deep, difficult discussions now is good. It shows that you are interested in what others think, which too often is overlooked in our society. For that reason, you have been a major blessing to this house.
Thank you to everyone in the house again for a truly unforgettable summer. I will always cherish this summer for as long as I shall live.
To LeeAnna: It is an encouragement to see your desire for knowledge from the word. Your discernment and desire for discernment is a blessing to this house. I pray that you continue to hold to that as you go back to your youth group. They will benefit greatly from having you as a teacher.
To Jake: Your willingness to step into positions of leadership at the project have been awesome. It has been great to watch the transformation happen in you from being timid about leading worship to doing it on a weekly basis. Also, your desire for us to pray together and taking the initiative on that is an amazing step to see you take.
To Emily: Your passion is contagious and brings new excitement to the Word daily. To see you begin to have hope in all things has been refreshing. God has some great plans for you at Waynesburg next year, as well as further into the future. Don't lose your fervor for the Lord.
To Jenn: What you have learned this summer is evident. You continue to apply the knowledge you gain and seek out answers for yourself. You don't just accept things at face value, but are determined to understand why some have the opinions that they do. This is a gift to be cherished, which I hope that you keep near and dear to your heart.
To Lindsay: Restoration is difficult to see from an outside perspective. The growth that I have seen in you though is uplifting. To see you more willing to get into deep, difficult discussions now is good. It shows that you are interested in what others think, which too often is overlooked in our society. For that reason, you have been a major blessing to this house.
Thank you to everyone in the house again for a truly unforgettable summer. I will always cherish this summer for as long as I shall live.
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