In View of God's Mercy

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship."

Romans 12:1

Paul’s teaching on God’s mercy, which led him to the “explosion of praise” from his pen in the closing verses of Romans 11 (see May 30th’s entry), is vital to know as we read this verse. After Paul recovers from the intensity of worship (Romans 11:32-36), he writes “Therefore.” “Therefore” always points to what preceded it. So because of this glimpse of God and who He is AND in view of His mercy – Paul urges us to offer our physical bodies as living sacrifices, holy (or set apart) and pleasing to God. Paul says to do this is worship! As we consider God and the awesome things He has done for us in Christ, of course we need to declare His worth. Paul’s urging is that this needs to happen in concrete, physical ways. Our lives lived in these bodies will be lived differently in view of God’s mercy. We cannot give lip service to God and call that worship. You can’t simply say you think a certain way or believe a certain thing… and don’t believe it when people say that nothing spiritually significant happens in the flesh. Everything of spiritual significance happens in the flesh! Our spiritual selves are housed in these physical bodies. Try and separate your spirit from your body and… well… you’ll be hurtin’ for certain! Worship is declaring God’s value and worth and will be demonstrated in the change of our hearts. When your heart is different, naturally it creates a change of life. How does this come about? What’s the source of this change? It’s all a response to God and in view of His mercy.

How do I offer my body as a living sacrifice? What does that look like? It seems to me that the remainder of Romans 12 is Paul describing this sacrifice, a life that is holy and pleasing to God. Instead of living for selfish purposes, I can live the kind of life that is described in Romans 12:3-21 (and into chapters 13, 14 & 15!). This is a life lived for God’s glory. This is worship! If I memorize these verses and live them out, I’ll be a long way down the road in offering my body as a living sacrifice.

Father – I want to be true in my love for You and others. I want to hate the things that you hate and hold on to what is good. Enable me to be devoted to those in Your church as a loving brother. Allow me the eyes to see opportunities to honor these people, as You would have me. I pray, Father, that You would stoke the fires of zeal in my life. Give me one pure and holy passion… a passion for You that is undying, unyielding and unafraid as I serve You with my life. Fill me with the joy of Your Spirit as I place my hope in You and the future that You have for me! Give me patience as difficulties arise – I want to keep my eyes on You. Curb my selfish heart, Father, and let me demonstrate who You are to others through my generosity. The things I have belong to You – I am Your steward. Increase my ability to be hospitable. Father, for those who think ill of me, I bless them and ask that You provide every good thing for them. Give me a sensitivity and a grace, Father, to celebrate with those who are celebrating and to mourn with those who are sad. Allow peace and harmony to depict the atmosphere that I walk in with all people – that they would experience You through me, is my prayer! I resist every ounce of pride that tends to surface in my life. Show me more of those places where pride resides that I might sacrifice them to You. Continue to chip away at me. Mold my character into the image of Jesus who came from You and who was not ashamed to associate with those who were poor or outcast. Father, make me like Jesus – all for Your glory.

Read more...

Grace & Mercy

“…so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”

Romans 11:31-32

Mercy is God relenting. Mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve. All people have been found guilty. Not one can claim a righteousness before God done by their own strengths, talents or deeds. While the characters of people vary, every person needs mercy, and through Jesus, God is prepared and able to be merciful. Jesus is an expression of God’s grace. Grace is God providing for us what we do not deserve. Mercy is God not giving us what we DO deserve. Grace and mercy go hand in hand. Mercy is God not punishing us because of our sin. Grace is, beyond that, receiving the righteousness of Jesus. Everything good that Jesus ever did is credited to me! I am a son of the Most High. That’s grace! I don’t deserve that!

God is the Originator of going above and beyond! Mercy given through the forgiveness of sins would have been enough. God goes way beyond in His grace and also gives me the righteousness of Jesus. No wonder Paul launches into this amazing worship prayer:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

Father, I agree!

Read more...

Romans 9 Theological Banter

Since I bantered the other day about Romans 3, I guess I should reflect on Romans 9. I would start in the place where I want to end – holding to the majesty and mystery of God. He is Sovereign and can do whatever He wants.

Romans 9 tells us that God has chosen an Elect people. He has, it’s true! It’s the story of the Bible. Israel is called “God’s Chosen People.” And they are. The church of Jesus is chosen too. Romans 9 must be read in the context of what Paul is writing about, otherwise a person could read verse 18 and think that God has chosen who will be saved and who will be condemned.

Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy,
and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

Romans 9:18

Out of context this would support the TULIP of Calvinism. Read it in the context of what Paul is teaching, and that is not necessarily the case.

Romans 9, 10 and 11 are a single thread of thought in Paul’s teaching. It is dozens of ideas, but his main teaching is clear. If you read Romans 9 without the next two chapters, you can miss the heart of Paul. Paul’s “heart’s desire” (10:1) is for the Israelite people. They are God’s Chosen People. He wants the nation of Israel to receive Christ and this righteousness that comes from God by faith.

IT IS TRUE, God has elected human beings. In Romans 9, Paul is pointing out that Israel is just that… God’s chosen. God made promises to Abraham that He would keep. The promises would come through the Promised One, Isaac (a foreshadowing of Christ) and even though Abraham would make horrible choices trying to help God out, God would remain true to what He promised. Paul then talks about Isaac’s children, Jacob and Esau. Verses 10-11:

Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls…

Underline “God’s purpose in election.” What is God’s purpose in electing Jacob over his older brother Esau? That salvation would not be by works (or position) but by Him who calls. It’s not about human effort and an ability to keep the Law. People are not able to live according to God’s righteous standard. The Israelites, while chosen, will be righteous through faith in Jesus. If the Israelites continue to try to be righteous through the Law, they will not be saved EVEN though they are God’ chosen people! They were chosen to be sons; they were given the Law and the Covenant; they inherited Temple worship; they were the ones through whom the Messiah would come! Read chapters 10 & 11 and it becomes clear, the chosen people need the Chosen One. Without faith in Jesus, Paul describes them as being cut off. To be sure, they can be grafted back in! (Romans 11:11-21)

God’s purpose in election is to make this point: it’s not by human effort but according to God’s mercy that people will be saved. “God will have mercy on whom He wants to have mercy on.” So the question is, on whom will God have mercy? In the context of Romans 9-11, he isn’t going to have mercy just on Israel because they are His chosen people. Nope, the Good News is for the entire world. God will have mercy on those not previously chosen.

9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10:9-13

God has predetermined that those who call on the Name of the Lord will be saved. God has predetermined the plan of salvation through His Son, not specific individuals to heaven or hell. God desires everyone to believe and come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Peter 3:9).

There’s more… but I should end here. Go with God!

Read more...

The End of an Amazing Day!

It's safe to say that I've never celebrated Pentecost Sunday with as much passion as I did today. Worship this morning at Norkenzie was amazing! There's such a sweet, humble, heart for God kind of spirit among the people - it's fantastic. Especially when "God shows up" and moves among us as He did today.

Pentecost Sunday really is something to celebrate. It's the Day that God decided to dwell in and among His people. We are the temple of the living God. Amazing!

This afternoon (4-6pm) was our local expression of the GLOBAL Day of Prayer at Civic Stadium in Eugene. That was a total expression of the Body of Christ coming together and raising the banner of Christ. We're all commissioned now to go out into the community and serve. I really do believe that if the whole Body of Christ in Eugene/Springfield was mobilized to serve and bless this community, we really could make a difference! We're the salt of the earth... the light of the world. Matthew 5:16

Having a babysitter, Alisa and I then went out to dinner with some great friends (you know who you are!). Laughter is truly a gift from God. All in all... a great day!

Read more...

Some Romans 3 Theological Banter

10As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
11there is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
12All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one."


20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.

Romans 3:10-11, 20-21

I had a discussion just yesterday with a good friend about the doctrine of Election and Total Depravity. While I appreciate John Calvin, I'm no Calvinist. I will be the first to admit and embrace the mystery of God. He is sovereign and knows all things. He has all power! When I read the Bible however, it seems clear to me that His sovereignty doesn't translate into choosing Christ for me. He is all powerful, but He has left the power to make that decision to me.

Someone will IMMEDIATELY ask, "If the decision is yours, you're not going to choose God! Read Romans 3:10-11 again."

I will, as long as you read Romans 3:10 through verse 26... especially verses 20 & 21. Here's what's going on in the early chapters of Romans. Paul is talking about the Law that God gave through Moses. Romans 3:10-18 are passages from the Old Testament (Psalm 5:9; 10:7; 14:1-3; 36:1; 53:1-3; 140:3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 59:7-8) that Paul is quoting to prove his point: You cannot be saved... You cannot be made righteous through the Law. Even though it is holy and from God, it cannot save you. "No one is righteous... not even one!" Nobody is able to keep this law. Read Romans 2 and 4 along with chapter 3 and it's pretty evident.

The hinge of Paul's argument is found in verses 20 & 21:

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.

It's unfortunate that the NIV (and others?) put a section heading between these verses. Oh well..

So where Romans 3:10 says that there is no one righteous, not even one, Romans 3:21 says that now there is a righteousness from God. Here's where I am... I believe in depravity (to be sure! Look around...), I just don't believe in TOTAL depravity. That's where TULIP (Calvinstic doctrine) goes wrong, and unfortunately - it's the "T!"

TOTAL Depravity mandates that God choose (or elect... as in Uncondtional Election; the "U" of TULIP) who He will save since human beings are TOTALLY incapable of choosing Him. God chooses some for Glory and those He doesn't choose rightfully wind up in Hell. Doesn't this seem wrong to you? Romans 3 is vital in this theological discussion.

How do I see it? Don't misunderstand me, this righteousness is TOTALLY from God! It is 100% His grace in effect, saving people who do not deserve it. The question is, who are the ones who are going to be saved? Romans 3:22 says,

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

It doesn't say that this righteousness comes to all who are Elected... but to all who believe. God has predestined that all who would believe in Christ will received this righteousness and be saved. But who will be saved? Those who believe. It gets better:

There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:22b-26

God justifies and makes righteous those who have faith in Jesus. Now either God created us in His image (Gen. 1:26) with the capacity to think, feel, reason and choose – or He didn’t. If He did, then although certainly depraved, humanity can hear God’s grace expressed through the Gospel and say “yes!” to it. In doing so, human beings come to faith in Jesus and are made righteous. A grand purpose on earth is given and Heaven awaits…

Romans 4 – Abraham is our example. He’s the Father of Faith. Abraham believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness. Paul is on a roll!

TULIP Bashing
So because the “T” in TULIP is faulty (more theological than biblical), the rest of the acrostic naturally flows in the wrong direction.

U – Unconditional Election, because God is the One who has to choose for people since they cannot on their own hear and believe the Gospel.

L – Limited Atonement, because since only the ones God has chosen will be saved, Jesus’ death on the cross must be limited to those elect ones. (Try not to read John 3:16 here)

I – Irresistible Grace – If God has decided to choose you, there is NO WAY you could refuse His decision to save you. Truly, the decision was never yours to make.

P – Perseverance of the Saints – If God has chosen you, and because He is sovereign and knows the end from the beginning (which is true!), then there is no way you can lose your salvation. It’s a done deal… and it was done before you were born.

Some will ask, “Well what do you do with God’s sovereignty?” Two things: I keep it the amazing mystery that it is to me! God is amazing. His sovereignty fuels my worship. Secondly, I don’t believe that just because God knows who will end up with this righteousness through faith in Jesus means that He CHOSE for them. God can know without making the choice. Remember, He exists outside of time. This is no problem for God.

One last observation. Even if I'm dead wrong and God has predetermined who will be saved and who will not, how am I going to know who's saved or not? We're talking about what's in the mind of God, which we can't know and haven't been given access to. What we can think through, however, is the Word that He has given us. This is where I choose to live rather than in the theology of men.

That’s enough fun for now. I have to get to work! Blessings to you…

Read more...

Mission Field

I just listened to the announcement from my second favorite church in the country (Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY) that they are adding their first multi-site campus across the river in Southern Indiana. They cited the figures that 33-40% of the people in that community have "no faith involvement." They intend to reach those 36,000 people for Christ.

Of course I'm excited about that! I have a great respect and love for that church. They have inspired me from a distance for many years. They have taken great leaps of faith, etc., etc.

Then it occurred to me. Through the 2000 Census we learned that 92% of the people in Lane County have "no faith involvement." Rounding it to 90% (for the sake of the Kingdom and easier math), of the 250,000 that live here in Eugene/Springfield and surrounding areas, 225,000 people don't know Jesus. This doesn't include those who's faith is nominal (Christmas & Easter attenders).

I'm broken and humbled to pray. I live in a mission field.

Read more...

I'm just a little dense...

Last night was the first of 10 Days of Prayer in the City Church as we approach the GLOBAL Day of Prayer on Sunday, May 27th. You can get all the details here.

The last day (26th) is for everyone, but will be youth led on the 3 buttes in our community: Kelly, Spencer and Skinner’s Butte. (The Norkenzie family is gathering at Skinner’s Butte, 10:30am.)

So at last night’s prayer meeting Pastor Steve Buss mentioned that it was “Ascension Day.” It was a light bulb turning on over my head. I know I’m a pastor, but sometimes I’m just a little dense…

Ascension Day is the observation of when Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended into Heaven. Remember these verses?

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Acts 1:8-9

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Luke 24:50-53

Jesus’ ascension was 40 days after His resurrection… 10 days before the Day of Pentecost! The 10 Days of Prayer leading up to the GLOBAL Day of Prayer is not arbitrary! It’s not just a round number… it’s biblical! (For all of you who knew this, please reply to this with a simple “Duh.”)

Did you notice what the disciples did after Jesus ascended? “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:52-53) And again in Acts, notice what they did for those 10 Days…

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 1:14

Last night’s prayer meeting was amazing! God’s Presence was clearly in the place as His people from throughout the city joined their hearts and voices in prayer and worship. I was convicted of my own prayerlessness. I get too busy with things and I start going too fast to pause to pray. No, that doesn’t make any sense! And yet the Savior that saves me from all of my sin saves me from that one too. He is gentle with us, encouraging us… I’m so thankful for His mercy.

Mercy is what our community needs. We need to pray for this place we call home, that God would come and transform this place. Do you agree?

These 10 Days of Prayer give us the opportunity to pray! To come out of our stupor of prayerlessness and seek the One who can and does make all of the difference. We need God.

I already know that I won’t be able to make all of the prayer meetings in these 10 Days, but I can still pray. And I am… If you hear God’s Spirit asking you to seek Him and pray, I hope to see you at one of these very unique opportunities to pray with brothers and sisters in the City Church.

Each prayer meeting is in a different location, but all (except the “Prayers from High Places” on the 26th) go from 7 to 8:30pm. Here’s the remaining schedule:

Tonight: Springfield Faith Center
Saturday: Emerald Bible Fellowship
Sunday: First Baptist Church
Monday: Calvary Open Bible Church
Tuesday: Eastside Faith Center
Wed: The Lighthouse
Thursday: Faith Center
Friday: Hosanna Christian Fellowship
Saturday: “Prayers From High Places,” 10:30am

Read more...

A Resoluteness of Heart

2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'

1 Kings 2:2-4

It takes a 'man' to walk in God's ways. It takes strength to do what He requires. 'So be strong and show yourself to be a man,' David said to his son Solomon. Any person of weak heart and mind can live by the ways of this world. It takes a resoluteness of heart to follow Jesus. David told Solomon that if he did walk in God's ways, he would prosper. God promised to walk with all of David's descendants and to give them success if they walked faithfully before God with all of their heart and soul.

The hymn writer wrote, 'Prone to wonder, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." Certainly I feel that tendency to wander... I feel the gravitational pull of planet earth. It takes courage and strength to stand against that pull and to walk faithfully with the Lord. It requires intentionality and a resoluteness of heart to remain in vital connection with Jesus.

Lord, this morning I set my heart on you and am determined to walk with You. I humble myself under Your mighty hand knowing that You are the One who will raise me up. You are the Source of strength for me. Thank You for living with me. I love You... I am Yours.

Read more...

1 Thess 5!

All of 1 Thessalonians 5 was amazing this morning! It's short enough to memorize...

Read more...