The Meaning of Jesus' Temptation

This morning I read in Luke 4 about the temptation of Jesus. A few things stuck out to me that I thought I'd pass along:

1. Jesus is very clearly being portrayed as the 'New Israel'. Israel was tempted in the wilderness by the Evil One and failed miserably because of their fallen, human nature (Exodus 34, Deut. 9). Jesus is the New and Greater Israel.
2. All of the temptations that come at Jesus are in some way tied to his identity. The first temptation begins with the phrase, "If you are the Son of God..." Satan is tempting Jesus to miraculously satisfy his hunger because he has the right to as the Son of God, instead of living on every word of God. The second temptation is for Jesus to take his proper inheritance, the nations, now, before he goes to the cross. The final temptation strikes at Jesus' identity as the Son of God by tempting him to put God to the test.
3. All of our temptations are analogous to Christ's temptations. They in one way or another question our identity and tempt us to disobey the first command: Have no other gods but God.
4. Our hope for fighting temptation is the same as Jesus'. We must set our minds and hearts upon the truth of who we are according to the Bible. For example: when I am tempted to be anxious, my hope is setting my heart upon the fact that my Savior is risen and that he promises that he will keep me in his love forever.

Church Planter's Wives

I hope you don't mind me jumping in in an attempt to sort through some thoughts. I have been on a spiritual retreat of sorts, while Matt is out of town. This time has been hugely beneficial and rejuvenating. Interestingly enough, I found myself reading blogs by church planter's wives. I really tried to sort through and only read/watch things that would be beneficial. Meaning, I watched topics such as: Dealing with Criticism in Leadership, Expectations/Being Yourself in Leadership, Finding Community in Leadership, and Encouragement for Pastor's Wives. These topics are truly so very important and I know that I am completely inexperienced and naive when it comes to these topics. However, I left my time of learning with a feeling of confusion. I am not sure where I stand--not on these topics or issues...but regarding the general culture of church planter's/pastor's wives. Well, wait, I know where I stand on Christian culture in general.... But, now I'll be honest, it seemed to me like a whole lot of old stuff repackaged. You know? Ok, something concrete. I admit/confess, that I dread the idea of becoming a frumpy old pastor's wife--piano playing, doiley wearing, -mousey person. I don't think that that will ever happen, but I almost feel I have something to prove against it! I really want to be "cool" and "hip." Not that I am even close to either of those things, or that I really even think about it that much, but when I think of being a church planter's wife, I know that I must do something so as not to be that mousey pastor's wife that we often despise! Which brings me back. All of these women are not only beautiful, trim, and stylish...but they are cool! They have the coolest clothes, technology, graphics and their husbands always have the hippest haircuts! (I am even thinking of trying to convince Matt to try a cool haircut!) Gosh, there is so nothing wrong with being cool. I just feel a little funny. I guess these blogs hit close to home on one level, because I can easily see myself becoming just like one of these women. But, there is another part of me that knows that I am different. My goals aren't quite the same as some of these truly Godly women. I'm not sure what about me feels different, but I know there is something. This is strange and exciting at the same time. On one hand, I think of all the possibilities that perhaps someone different could bring to the role of a church planter's wife. On the other hand, though, I bet all these women think that they are different and unique and are bringing fresh new perspectives to their roles as church planter's wives. Honestly, they probably are in some ways...(bearing in mind that there is nothing new under the sun). I want to give them credit where credit is due. I know that God must be working through them and changing lives and bringing people to know and love Him.

I guess that is my peeve. Sometimes I wonder if church planter's wives typically get many evangelistic opportunities outside of their families/kids. I know for me, evangelism opportunities are a must. Unless God has me cooped up as some church administrator or something, I think, maybe, that God is leading me to be in the secular world. But, how do you maintain that as a pastor's wife? I think one of my main idea's has been through work/further education outside of the church. But, how do you balance life with church planting...and then maybe kids? Is it crazy that I think that God might open a door for me to achieve all of these things? I certainly don't see how it can work out from a practical human perspective.

Overall, though, I have been nothing but pumped about the church plant. I realize that God very distinctly put Matt and I in the role of church planters for specific reasons and I am PUMPED! I feel more confident than ever before that this is the path that God has for us. I have grown so much since we've been here in State College! It seems that Church Planting is a part of what's going to keep me on a trajectory of growth for many years to come.

Sorry, I know mostly guys read this blog and this is highly introspective. Really, you don't have to read my rant. I just needed to get these things out. :-)

A Man Crisis

Here is a powerful clip by Darren Patrick on the necessity for men in general, and pastors in particular, to lead their churches.

Reflections on John 16

I wonder how many of us really believe Jesus statement: “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you?” Do we really believe that the Spirit so empowers and directs us that we are personally better off, as were the disciples, with the Spirit being poured out rather than Jesus being personally present? Do we realize that the Spirit has regenerated us and circumcised our hearts in such a way that we will not fall away? Do we really believe that we can walk in the fullness of the Spirit and be empowered to live in progressive victory over sin? Do we really believe that the Spirit will personally convicts us of sin and glorifies Christ by making the gospel sweeter and sweeter to us? Do we really believe in the magnificence of the Spirit’s objective leading through scripture and His subjective leading in our hearts? Do we really believe that the Spirit gives us supernatural gifts to serve the body? I think very few of us, writer included, really experience the ministry of the Spirit in our lives and, therefore, we find Jesus’ statement utterly unbelievable. Lord Jesus, pour out your Spirit in power upon me and upon the Church. I pray that I would know the fullness of intimacy, conviction and power that you give through the Spirit. Help me to walk in all that you intend for me.

I also wonder if we really believe Jesus when he says: “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you...ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full?” Do we really pray as though this is true? Do our prayer lives display that this has resonated in our hearts? Do we really believe that prayer is a means to a greater end and that greater end is joy? Do we really believe we are loved by the Father?

Jesus clearly sees the persecution coming for us. We, however, are not like those who have no hope. He has overcome the world. He has poured out the Spirit. The Father hears us because we come in his name. Take heart, be joyous, persevere.

Sexual Sin

Hello all,

I'm helping a Christian friend with his addiction to porn. He's convinced that it is wrong and sincerely grieves his sin. He approached me for accountability, but every time I ask about it there is no good news on that front. What advice can you guys give me to help encourage him and spur him on to good works? Anything will help: discipline recommendations, theological foundations, anything. What works for you? What works for others? Have you encountered a situation where a fellow believer cannot seem to overcome sin? If so, what did you do? This also happened to another friend in college - addiction to porn and no victory over it. Since this is a huge issue for boys and men, so I would like to hear some good counseling strategies. I'll respond soon with some things I've said to him once I get some feedback. Thanks!

Wise Words from Billy Graham

Here are some wise words from Billy Graham about effective pastoral ministry. I intend to heed his advice.

Reflections from Iowa

The Iowa Evangelistic Biking Trip was one of the most physically grueling and spiritually beneficial experiences of my life. I loved almost every minute of it! Upon reflection, there are several important lessons I learned over the course of a week that saw us bike nearly 500 miles and converse with dozens of people who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of my reflections have to do with evangelism in particular, while others are spiritual and life lessons that the Lord opened my eyes to along the way.

Perhaps the most important lesson I learned while pounding the Iowa pavement into submission is that I am incredibly small. It’s true, I am not even five and a half feet tall, but that is not what I mean. Each morning of the trip my sweet wife and I would wake between 5:15 and 5:30. We would pack our camping gear into the van as the sun was breaking through the horizon and the grass was still soaked with dew. As we climbed on to our bikes, again and again, all awareness of time seemed to be removed from my mind. The morning part of the rides were crowded. I felt like I was in the middle of a school of fish swimming up stream. We simply peddled along, quickly riding out of town and into the endless Iowa corn fields. It seemed like just a blink of an eye and the first ten miles were already done, my mind had been lost gazing at the fields and weaving in and out of the massive crowds. There is nothing quite like the combination of a large crowd and the vastness of creation to make you feel small and insignificant. I often live under the illusion that I am extremely important and indispensable. Certainly, all human beings are valuable. We are created in the image of God and those who have been redeemed through faith in Christ are children of the Father. We are valuable indeed. However, we are at the same time so small and insignificant. Where were we when God laid the foundations of the universe and the plains of Iowa? History is like a movie and I am not the main character. I am but an insignificant extra in the story of our great God. Riding through Iowa reminded me of his grandeur and sovereignty and it reminded me how foolish I am to worry and be anxious. God is big, I am small and my future hope is certain in Christ. Iowa taught me the joy of being tiny.

Another lesson the Lord taught me in Iowa is the incredible importance of kindness. I went to Iowa to talk to people about Jesus. I make no apology for that. The 500 miles was just a leg-thrashing detail. As I sought to engage folks in conversation and talk to them about the love that God extends to us in Christ I was reminded how important it is to simply be kind to people. Most of us are too busy or to proud to be very nice. We have way too much to do to bother with kindness. It was incredible to see how open people are to hearing about Christ once they are shown basic kindness. The people on my team were genuinely interested in each and every person with whom they spoke. This sort of simple kindness opened countless doors for the gospel to be explained, especially on the day that we rode sixty-five miles in a torrential down pour. Most of us were tempted to be pretty crabby that day.

I learned another important lesson while trying to ride 88 miles on a day that had a heat index of 105 degrees. Actually, I learned two lessons that day. The first is that water is a miracle. The second is how encouraging it can be to other Christians to see someone sharing their faith. On this particularly horrendous day I was riding along talking to anyone I could and happened upon two sisters. They were both Christians and desperately wanted to see their third sister come to know Christ. They, however, felt inadequate to share Christ with their sister because she is a successful doctor and they are so imperfect. I explained to them that it is more often the way we handle difficulties, not great victories, that speak volumes about our God and our faith. The rest of the conversation is a little bit of a blur because I was focused on simply staying conscious, but apparently what I said and the fact that I was out sharing my faith was a great encouragement to these two women. Iowa taught me that boldness is encouraging and contagious.

The final lesson I learned in Iowa is that Iowa is not flat. It just isn’t, I don’t care what you say. It may feel flat in a car, but when you are in the saddle of a bicycle four to seven hours a day for seven days straight it might as well be the Rockies. Now please excuse me, I have some icing to do.