Archive for the ‘Random Observations’ Category

Oct
08
2010

Jesus Endorsement of My Prayer

I’m wrapping up my message for Sunday from John 16:23-28. This is a comfort given by Jesus as he is closing his time with the disciples in the Upper Room. Jesus had just unfolded a ton of truth–Holy Spirit, Heaven, Future, Fruit-bearing–all stuff we look back on and understand because we have the full revealed Word of God and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. But the disciples faced an uncertain future. So Jesus gives them, repeatedly, the promise that they would now be able to approach God because of Jesus.

So it got me to thinking about what this means. When I pray to the Father, in Jesus name, what is a good real-world illustration? Well I came up with quite a few and found some. But in my own personal world of book publishing, I thought of the endorsement. This illustration didn’t make the cut in my message, but I thought it great to give here:

In the world of publishing, endorsements are huge. I’ll never forget my first book proposal. The publisher liked my idea. It was something that fit what they were trying to do. But, I was a nobody. They didn’t really know me. So they asked me to get some endorsements.

But who would put their neck on the line for me? Well, by God’s grace I was able to use a few connections and get well-known author and teacher, Elizabeth George to endorse my first book.

I got a few others. And so the publisher looked at that and they said my endorsements are what sealed the deal. They didn’t know me, but they knew Elizabeth George and her reputation.

With my latest project coming out in January, I got the very gracious endorsement of Jerry Jenkins. What that does for a reader is this. They pick up my book and maybe they are intrigued by the title and content, but they don’t’ know me. But they see on there that Jerry Jenkins, whom they like, has endorsed me. So they read the book.

In other words, they don’t buy the book based on my merits, but on Jerry’s or Elizabeth’s.

When we pray, God doesn’t say, “Well, Dan’s been good, I’ll answer this week.” No he sees the righteousness of Jesus. He sees Jesus. And because Jesus and the Father are one—He will answer our prayers.

*Please note that my message does include the totality of Jesus promise. Obviously we know Jesus doesn’t endorse our praying for lustful, self-destroying items. Praying in Jesus name is a big qualifier. Just thought I’d send that to avoid a glut of angry theological email/comments.

Sep
13
2010

To the Church: You Will Prevail – Eighth Letter Project

8th-letter-banner

I submitted the following letter to The Eight Letter Project. It’s a letter to the North American Church:

Dear Church in North America,

I write to you at a time of severe duress, when many are beating you up. You’re the object of endless handwringing inside your walls. Much is being written and said about the damage you have caused to the world. Those who hate you work tirelessly for your demise. Those who love you speak with apocalyptic fear that you’ll no longer exist in generations to come.

Truthfully, much of the criticism is deserved. You have chased after political power, prostituting truth in exchange for a seat at the emperor’s table. You have bathed your theology in the American Dream. You’re televangelists promise a gospel of little hardship, much prosperity, and little commitment.

But I’m not writing to you as another critic. You have plenty of those. While I’m keenly aware of your glaring faults, I’m also aware of the Savior’s deep and unrelenting love for you as His bride. You were purchased with great price at Calvary. You’re lover still bears the marks on the palms of His hands. Those are marks of love.

My advice? Ignore the voices within that complain long and loudly of cultural irrelevance. You’ll never be in step with the world system, because that is a system temporarily ruled by the Adversary. The Savior displayed the perfect pitch of cultural context and otherworldly theology. And they killed Him.

They won’t every like you, dear Church. When they do, fear. Because when they like you, you are far from the heart of your Savior.

Stay true to your simple mission. Don’t let political correctness push you from the scandalous nature of the cross. Don’t be seduced by favor. Don’t exchange the easy message of moralism for the radical message of grace.

You have a tendency to morph into another system, another code, another lifestyle. But Jesus didn’t come to establish a lifestyle or code or system. The other lesser gods offer that already. No, Jesus came to offer a relationship, a unique indwelling of His Spirit in ordinary disciples, bound not by common traits but linked by a common faith.

Don’t be religion. Be relational. Be reality. Be redemption.

I also want to encourage you, because as the Church, you are His Chosen. You will be forever protected. Jesus promised that even the gates of Hell couldn’t prevail against you. You might have seasons of weakness, but you’re flame will never be extinguished.

Cling to orthodoxy. Defend the Holy Scriptures. Encourage your people to live the gospel. Don’t simply be a reservoir of biblical knowledge. Be a lighthouse in each community, a way station on every roadside, a beacon of hope in ever crowded city and village around the world.

Above all, be light. Those in darkness don’t need more of what they already have. They need you to make a difference—by being different.

Lastly, lead every generation down the old paths. Let the magnificent glory of the gospel burn freshly in every new heart. Don’t abandon orthodoxy; proclaim it stronger with each passing year.

Because you, God’s Church, are the jewel of Heaven, the Bride of Christ, the object of His love. He rescued you from Hell and you await your triumphant passage to the Wedding Feast of Heaven.

Sep
02
2010

Resources for Studying John

I’ve been preaching through the gospel of John at Gages Lake Bible Church for two, going on three years. I’m on chapter fifteen at the moment. I’ve been blessed with some incredibly helpful resources for study. I’m a guy who likes to dive in and really soak up what the text is saying.  I like to read a lot. A few people have asked me for some helpful resources on the Gospel of John, so here is my list. I don’t read every single one every single week. Some weeks I have to study more–because the text is more difficult. Other weeks I study less. Even on the so-called “easy texts,” those well-known ones, I really do quite a bit of study, because I believe God wants me and the congregation to learn new and fresh things about the old truths.

So, here is my list. Hope you find it helpful:

Commentaries:

James Mongtomery Boice’s five-volume set The Gospel of John. This is an awesome, thorough commentary. What I love about Boice is that he is a pastor at heart. He brings a depth and clarity and richness and practicality. He’s also very, very thorough, doesn’t skip anything. Some who are not of the Reformed persuasion might be scared off by the former pastor of Tenth Presbyterian in Philadelphia, but you needn’t be. Boice, in his commentary on John, is definitely Reformed, but is balanced. You will get much out of this.

Ray Stedman’s Sermons at raystedman.org. This is a free, treasure-trove of sermons. Not just on the Gospel of John, but on many books of the Bible. Great stuff, from one of the greatest expositors of the Word.

Warren Weirsbe’s Bible Exposition Commentary. One of my favorite pastors, authors, and commentators. I usually read Weirsbe first, just because he gives a really thorough overview of the text, he outlines well, and gives you a snapshot of every chapter, every book. Plus he’s rich with cross-references and language study.

Preaching the Word Commentary with R. Kent Hughes and others. This is a wonderful commentary. Dr. Hughes, now retired, was a fantastic preacher at College Church in Wheaton. I love his background information. He gives such cultural depth.

Bob Deffinbaugh’s That You Might Believe commentary series in John. You can buy the book or you can look them up at the Net Bible (netbible.org). I actually bought Bob’s book, because it was easier than having to search for his John stuff on netbible. Plus I like books. Bob is excellent. Lots of background and language stuff, also is able to see clearly what the purpose of the passage is.

Merril Tenney’s commentary on John. Merril is very succinct, not a lot of extra stuff, but good, original insights on language and culture and structure of the book.

I also regularly listen to these guy’s sermons:
Rich McCarrell, pastor of Byron Center Bible Church
Michael Easley, former President of Moody Bible Institute

I also read these regularly:

Bible Knowledge Commentary
Bible Background Commentary
Harry Ironside Commentary
John Butler’s Commentary
Rod Mattoon’s Commentary
King James Bible Commentary
ESV Study Bible
Ryrie Study Bible
Complete Biblical Library
J. Vernon McGee

Then sometimes I’ll read:

Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible
Archeological Study Bible
Barnhouse – Illustrating the Gospel of John
John Gill’s Commentary
Calvin’s Commentary


Jul
26
2010

Immigration and Evangelism

Perhaps there is no hotter topic than the subject of immigration. If you want to turn a really nice dinner party into an ugly brawl, just stand up and give your views on immigration. Yes, you will have ignited a verbal war.

Judging the emails, Facebook entries, and Twitter chatter, Christians are talking a lot of immigration. But the question is, and should be, how should a Christian think biblically about this issue.

Its no secret that the population of immigrants is swelling in the United States. And many immigrants are not here legally. This has many people rightfully upset, not the least of whom are those immigrants who worked hard to be here legally. It’s quite obvious that the government has had difficulty enforcing the border. Some feel they haven’t worked hard enough. But they have beefed up security in the past couple of years, and if you believe it, the statistics show that the flow of illegals has declined.

For many, its an issue of law and order. A nation of laws cannot allow laws to be unbroken. I agree with this. Order in society is essential to freedom. Romans 13 clearly gives the government the right to enforce its own laws and Christians should abide by those laws unless they infringe on our ability to worship God.

Here is where I have a problem with the typical conservative reaction to illegal immigration. I think they have largely directed their angst at the wrong group of people: the immigrants themselves, instead of the businesses who have largely “winked and nodded” when it comes to hiring illegals below wage and getting much more labor than would be required for a typical working citizen. The Bible tells us that the laborer is worthy of his wages (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18). Businesses have largely gotten a free pass on what could be described as a form of slavery or serfdom.

And yet, we have much more anger at the illegals themselves. My question, as a Christ-follower, is this. How does God see these people? Statistic show that immigrants, especially Hispanic ones from Mexico, have a very high percentage of converting to Christianity when they arrive. This is a huge mission field for the gospel.

So what should we see when we see the great tide of immigrants across the border? We should see what Jesus sees, “fields that are white and ready to harvest” (John 4:35). We should see human beings, created in the image of God, whom God wants to restore to Himself through the salvation of the Gospel.

But many times, Christians don’t see what Jesus sees. We instead see a rising influx of immigrants as a threat. I’ve had more than one conversation with them and I’ve noticed that people complain about the changing demographics of their neighborhood.

You see, Jesus was always about a perfect balance of law and grace. The Pharisees were all law. They even added to the law. They were so intent on finding, pointing out, and stamping out sin. And Jesus didn’t necessarily disagree with their assessment that men were sinners. But He also talked of grace. Grace that loves the sinner in spite of the sin.

When it comes to illegal immigration, I wonder if Christians lead first with their Bibles, they might come to a more compassionate response. This is why I think you’re seeing a rising tide of evangelical leaders push for stricter border enforcement, but also a humane and compassionate response to those illegals immigrants who are already here. Not because we ignore the law, but because we are also about grace.

And to those who will still argue about the law–are they willing to be completely scrutinized for every law they might be breaking. What about those Christians who refuse to obey taxes? Should we apply the same tough tactics some advocate toward illegals?

I know this engenders a lot of heated opinion. But here is the bottom line. As Christians, called to be on mission with God and to reach the unreached with the gospel–can we honestly advocate a “kick ‘em out” mentality? Can we be faithful to the Great Commission and still speak of illegal aliens with the angry anti-immigrant rhetoric?

I wonder sometimes if we conservatives are more interested in scoring political points, in seeing the “bad guys” (Democrats, liberals, etc) defeated than we are in seeing lost souls won to the saving knowledge of faith in Christ.

Because I think we are to follow Jesus first, follow Scripture first, and then let our political viewpoints fall where they may. Most of all, to those who come here to the U.S. , will the church reach out with the gospel or with a political punch in the mouth?

Jul
21
2010

In Praise of Starbucks

Last night I had a rare night to just relax. The kids were in bed early, Angela was out to run errands, and I had the TV remote to myself. So I flipped around and finally settled on a biopic on CNBC done by the Biography Channel. The story of Starbucks, in particular, its chairman, Howard Schultz.

The documentary was very well done. I’m always fascinated by the stories of successful businesses. Whenever we’re waiting in a doctor’s office, I always gravitate toward the business magazines. I love to see how entrepreneurs push back against the norms and not only build a successful business, but shape the culture as a whole. In the last two decades, I’m not sure there has been a more culture-shaping phenomenon like the rise of Starbucks.

Now I know that for some, Starbucks is evil. They think the idea of spending five bucks on coffee is the height of American greed. They are old-school and won’t every buy anything above a cheap cup of McDonald’s joe. I can respect that.

But whether you hate Starbucks or not, you have to marvel at its rise. And even though Howard Schultz doesn’t appear to be a follower of Christ (never asked him), the way he runs his business offers some really great lessons for us who are.

For instance, Schultz built Starbucks, not merely to try to make money. Of course he wanted to make money, but their business model is so very different than the norm. In this documentary, he said that he is not “making transactions” and that his goal is not to “fill bellies.” His goal is to sell community, to offer a third-place between work and home for people to gather. His philosophy seems to be that if you create a good experience, people will come back for more. If you treat people well, they will pay more to come back for that same level of treatment. And if you give them great stuff, if you’re brand means something, they will trust you. What’s interesting is that Starbucks has never relied on traditional marketing. They don’t advertise. Why? Well, if customers have a good experience, they tell others. Its amazing that such a large successful corporation was built without advertising. And yet their hard work in creating a likable experience has done just that.

Perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from Starbucks is in the way they treat their people. They offer health insurance to part-time workers. Each worker is considered a “partner,” and has stock in the company. They treat their employees with dignity. Their employees feel as if they are part of something larger, greater. Again, Starbucks is the farthest thing from a “Christian company.” And yet I wonder how it is that they can treat their people better than many Christian CEO’s? Interesting.

Lastly, I think its profound the way Howard Schultz changed the American landscape when it comes to coffee consumption. If you think about it, our coffee tastes have improved dramatically. Even Starbucks competitors offer better coffee. Every business seems to offer better-tasting coffee.

So what can be learned from the rise of Starbucks? Well that’s debatable, I’m sure, but at the very least its refreshing to see quality, a good experience, and good treatment of employees rewarded with success.

Jul
06
2010

Reflections on ICRS/IFCA

Well I’m back in the office after quite a few days on the road. We combined vacation with conferences and appointments this year. Not sure its a good formula, but that’s what our schedule allowed, and to be honest, all our three children care about at this point is a hotel with a pool. So we had an enjoyable time.

First, we spent four days in St. Louis. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I’ve always regarded St. Louis as a sort of inferior city, whose only claim to fame is a big steel arch. Oh, and the Cardinals who are always good and winning while the Cubs are perpetually terrible.

I have to walk back a lot of that, because our time in St. Louis was really wonderful. Its a very nice city, and unlike Chicago, there is actually free parking or cheap parking. There is plenty to do, including free zoos, museums, etc.

We ended up visiting the famous Arch. I was impressed by this structure. Its really quite something to behold in person. We actually took our family on the train and went up to the top. I don’t recommend this with three young children. Actually I think we should get some parenting award for it. But once up there, we enjoyed the incredible view of the city, the Mississippi, and Busch Stadium. The free Gateway To the West Museum at the bottom is really incredible.

Also, we were able to meet the New Hope Publishers team at the arch. I really love these guys and they are like family to me. And they got to meet my family for the first time, which was cool.

On Sunday, we got up early to go to church at Summit Community Church in O’Fallon, a St. Louis suburb. We went there because the Senior Pastor, John Ryan was Angela’s youth pastor at Glenview Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. But just our luck, this was one Sunday he was out of town and the one Sunday they do a combined service at 10, so we totally missed the 11 o’clock service. But all was not lost, because Brandon, the youth pastor, is a longtime friend of Angela’s family and we got to talk for quite a while.

Sunday Night, I went to the America’s Center and enjoyed dinner with my friends from Crosswalk.com, who publish my weekly devotional. Then I enjoyed hearing from speakers like Randy Alcorn, Phil Vischer, and The Son of Hamas. Very interesting and refreshing.

The next day, Monday, was busy as I had two book signings, multiple radio appearances, and several meetings with my publisher and others.

I also got to walk the floor and see what is new in Christian publishing. There is a new seriousness in the CBA. Less “Jesus junk” and weird stuff and more substantive, serious, biblical books being published. I’m delighted to see that. I think the culture now is scared and shaken by economic and social upheaval and looking for truth. The truth of the Word of God is what this culture needs now more than ever.

On Monday, we left St. Louis and traveled to Springfield for the IFCA International Convention. Our church is a proud member of IFCA. We enjoyed four days of preaching, instruction, and fellowship. We came away just totally refreshed for ministry. We were challenged by Pastor Bobby Scott, Alex Montoya, Dr. Charles Petitt, and Les Lofquist. The ladies were encouraged by Martha Peace.

We spent an extra day down in Springfield, taking in the Abraham Lincoln Museum. I was visibly moved by the White House Exhibit. This is a world-class, state-of-the art look at the life of one of our greatest Presidents. I highly recommend it. Illinois has been a laughingstock lately because of our corruption, but we did contribute Lincoln and for that we can and should be proud. (Plus, after driving through hours of cornfields, its a nice respite!).

Jun
16
2010

Just Call Me Dad

I have to admit that before I was married, I really didn’t enjoy kids. Its not that I didn’t like them, but the sounds of crying babies and snotty-nosed toddlers and sugar-addled adolescents just didn’t get my juices flowing.

But something happened on December 31st, 2004. For the first time, I was no longer a kid, a guy, a newly-wed, a husband. I was . . . a Dad.

I can’t tell you the overwhelming sense of joy and pride I had at being a Dad. That God would entrust me, of all people, to care for one of His children.

I also had another feeling. I don’t know what I’m doing. I mean, I knew what I was doing in the sense that I had enjoyed a great upbringing with Christian parents and a good, wholesome environment, and a terrific church influence. I’d even heard and internalized a lot of parenting ideas in the course of my then-two decades on the earth.

But, when the baby is live and you’re the Daddy, reality kicks in. You recognize your own frailties, you’re weaknesses. You know that you need the grace of God in your parenting.

Today I have three children, Grace, Dan Jr, and Emma. They are all under five. And I must say that the most rewarding part of my life right now is the fact that I am a father.

It’s humbling and sobering. A father’s role in the family cannot be understated. The shrapnel of bad fathering is imbedded deep into our society. Anyone can be a father, someone once said, but it takes a committed man to be a Dad.

Above all, I want to be a good Dad. When I look down and see those innocent eyes look up at me, I realize that I’m no longer one man living on this earth. The decisions and choices I make are like stones skipped across a pond. Their effect ripples across the waves of human lives.

As a pastor, I’ve seen the heartbreak of absent fathers, distant fathers, and selfish fathers. I see the tears in the eyes of children. They just want to see a Dad who cares, who loves, who has the courage to guide them in the ways of the Lord.

Fathering is tough. And even the best fathers make mistakes. I do every single day. Some days it seems all I do is make mistakes. Fortunately, God doesn’t call us Dads to be perfect, just teachable, obedient, faithful, and humble. Ultimately, His grace will flow in the areas where we have failed.

But what a wonderful journey. To come home every day, to climb those stairs and see my three children reaching, looking, hoping for my grand entrance.

I can’t tell you how awesome that is. Thank you God for making me a Father. I hope to honor you with the way I lead.

Jun
01
2010

It is Well With My Soul

After sharing with his disciples the news of his upcoming arrest and death, the betrayal one of the twelve, and the denial of their spokesman, leader, and friend, Peter, Jesus shared these simple words, “Let not your heart be troubled.”

How is that possible when they’re world was turning upside-down? Jesus shared with them a glimpse of what was in store for his disciples in eternity. Sure, this life, this journey would be hard, full of pain, and rife with disappointments and betrayal. But there is a Heaven that awaited them. And not just some glorious banquet hall in the sky, but Jesus said, “I have prepared a place for you.” It was personal. It was uniquely designed for them. And, best of all, Jesus would come back and bring them home.

This is a nugget from my message on Sunday from John 14:1-3. It so happened that this dovetailed with Memorial Day. It was as if God was speaking to our own fears here in America. Unemployment, sickness, many large, national problems, a culture that embraces anything but Biblical Christianity. We have many reasons to fear. And yet, God has given us great hope. We’re not home yet. He has a place for us. And we can still our troubled hearts with the knowledge of God’s sovereignty and of Christ’s defeat of sin and death and evil on the cross.

This rendition of “It is Well” by the Isaacs really says it all: