And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)

Believers in Rome to whom Paul penned this letter either were or would be suffering, else why his words in 8:18-25? And, contrary to the prosperity gospel, there is no indication that such suffering would be the result of some disobedience or unbelief on their part. That doctrine is more than nonsensical. It is even more than unbiblical. It is downright hurtful to those who are hurting, adding guilt to an already heavy load. But we move on.

First, remember to view 8:28 together with 8:29-30:

29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

That done, lets remind ourselves of what seem to be the salient aspects of Paul’s words. What can we see here? Consider the following:

1. CERTAINTY.  “We know,” says the apostle. We may not know the immediate reason(s) for our trying circumstances. (This can lead to the “Whys” of the preceding article. It is not that we suddenly have become unbelievers. It means that we are in a lot of pain and/or confusion, and not ourselves at the moment.) But the good news is that Paul assures us of something we can KNOW. How so?  We can KNOW for a certainty that God is in control and at work on our behalf in it all. On what basis can we so know? Well, for one thing, God has a track record, a performance history of doing just that. Think of the many biblical situations wherein God worked all things together for His purpose and glory. Now, remind yourself that He is doing that now as much as He did then. Now, assure yourself that He is doing that for and with YOU. Trust Him.
2. COMPLETENESS. So much of life can be uncontrollable, unpredictable, and unexplainable (inexplicable). “Everything” and “all things” being worked together can only be said of God. It can only be done by God. Ask Joseph if that is not so. Mark the numerous things “against” that man of God and see how the Lord made them “for” him. Mark Genesis 50:20. Perhaps that kind of thing is what Paul had in mind in this same text, vv. 38-39. Whatever your circumstances, God is not awed. He is awesome and able to work it together for your good. Trust Him.
3. CAUSE. The real focus of this text is not trials, sufferings, setbacks, so forth. It is the God Who cannot be defeated or controlled by them. The issue is God! Settle that in your heart and thoughts, and experience His peace in the midst of it all (Philippians 3:5-6).  Fix your mind upon the One Who can cause a glorious outcome for even the most forbidding situations in life. My trials will clamor for center stage. I am tempted to look at, give most attention to my pain, fear, negative situation, uncertainties. But He Who is the first Cause of all things is the Cause of my confidence. How does Psalm 23 begin? Check the first two words out of David’s mouth, then, pause in your heart to ponder it. Do it for yourself.
4. CONDITION. The assurance of this great promise is for the one who loves God. Not that it depends upon the perfection of it, but the presence of it. I will be perfect in nothing I offer the Lord, but I can be pure in it. I will not allow my suffering to steal away my love for the God Who eternally has loved me. For that matter, it is not my love for Him that will sustain me through my trials. It is His love for me. Check out I John 3,4 on that. Remember the high premium Jesus placed upon this things of loving God – Matthew 22:34f? Well, it didn’t start with Him – Deuteronomy 6. It always has been that way with God and His own. No matter how many my hurts, fears, tears – I will love God. Trust Him.
5. CONSEQUENCES. What is the “good” of 8:28? Well, I am sure it is more than I realize, but v.29 helps me with it in two ways. First, the “good” of v.28 is the fact that my sufferings are used by the Lord to shape me into the image of His Son. There is no higher good on earth than to be like Jesus, right? The aim of God’s working together all things on my behalf is not to make me happy or healthy. It is to make my holy: separated for the use and glory of His Son.  Second, the “good” of v.28 is the fact that God’s eternal redemptive purpose for me already is activated and shall be fulfilled in His glory. The trials of this world cannot stop it. They cannot stop me in it. The consequence or outcome of it all shall be unspeakably blessed. Trust Him.

In His sermon on the Mount, the Lord spoke of the blessedness of kingdom-living in this world – Matthew 5. There is no greater life than that of knowing and trusting God. Yet, in the midst of that blessed walk with Him, the Lord readily acknowledged that there could be pain and suffering. Following Jesus is no vaccination against heartache and hardship. And Paul in Romans 8:28 is not promising anything different. But, as one who would ultimately suffer to the point of death, the apostle shares his supreme confidence that God is before, above, and after all that can come upon me in this life. That He alone shall have the last word in my case. That His purpose for me cannot be vetoed. And that I can know that as well as he had come to know it.

robert

Jim McGuiggan is one of my favorite writer-thinkers among our fellowship. He is a thoughtful and tender man who has helped countless ones of us with both God and life. In his “The Power To See It Through,” he offers the following prayer at the end of his chapter on hope. I may never be able to pray as he prays, but I surely want to see as he sees the Lord. In his prayer may we find encouragement and insight.

“Lord God, who gave strength to Abraham to hope against hope for the fulfillment of Thy promises, we request of Thee that Thou wilt bless us, too, with that power. Lift our restless eyes from the things we see, to thee O Lord, the father of hope. Bless us with balance that we may not ask of ourselves what is only Thy power to accomplish and that we may not ask of Thee what we by Thy grace must do – trust Thee.

May our hope, sovereign Lord, be as alive as He is alive and may we recognize that the ground of our hope is Thy Fatherhood and His resurrection. Deliver us from the anxiety which comes from depending on our own integrity, and enable us, strong Father, to trust not in our love for Thee but in Thy love for us.

And when the tide of things seems to be running against us, when mocking voices ask where our God is and why we should radiantly look to the future when t he earth breaks beneath us, bless us so with Thy presence that we may be ready to give a radiant answer concerning the hope that is within us. We pray with confidence for Thou art faithful Who called us, and You will do it.  Amen.”

robert

This is not for general consumption, though it could have meaning to anyone anywhere anytime. But I have in view my Glenwood family, present and future. This is a follow up to Brenda’s bulletin-mention of our recent brainstorming session with regard to an appropriate mission statement. Or did she say all that? Regardless, I hope you will consider the following about the subject.

First, it is not uncommon for churches to have clear cut vision and mission statements. Nothing new about them, except perhaps to us. They are not gimmicks or gadgets. They say a lot about how we look at ourselves and how we intend to make a difference to our times. This writing assumes that we really care about that.  Some churches choose to simply plod down the road with no recognizable direction or goals. These are content to simply meet, greet, and retreat. Others have noble desires and sporadic flurries of activity, but no focused leadership or coherent plan. Like sheep without a shepherd. You and I know the Lord has something better in mind.

The church knows who we are in a broad biblical sense (body, temple, family, etc.) but who are we in terms of specific congregational purpose and aim? What clearly defines us as a church in the here and now? (It will be hard to have a productive “there and then” without a deliberate and definable “here and now.”) Glenwood needs a clearly stated and easily remembered statement of mission. I will lay this thing out as simply as possible (not a gift of mine, as you may have noticed). Perhaps it will help to compare a mission statement to a vision statement. Here goes:

1. A vision statement focuses upon a long-term goal. It gets everyone on the same page and motivates them to act in accordance with that clear vision. It relates to WHERE we are going. It paints a picture of what we DESIRE to be, the future we earnestly want for ourselves as a church. It needs to be clear, memorable, and inspirational. Vision is  about the AIM of a church. Consider the following examples:

A place for everyone.

A place of help, hope, and home.

A place where real life and real faith intersect.

A place where people are connected to Jesus and one another.

A place where people believe in Jesus, belong to one another, and become disciples.

1. On the other hand, a mission statement relates to the WHY of a church. Mission is about what we DO. It governs how we go about ministry, money, priorities, activities in the here and now. Mission is all about the ACTION of a church. Consider the following examples:

To save, equip, and send.

To know Jesus and make Jesus known.

To love God, love people, and make disciples.

To reach up, reach out, and reach in.

To help people find God, grow their faith, discover their purpose, and make a difference.

Now, with this comparison of vision and mission in mind, you will appreciate how Bob Matthews’ group helped us during the Planning/Prayer brainstorming.  Here is a potential mission statement they put together in that session:

“A caring family supporting Glenwood and the surrounding communities with the love of Jesus.”

Notice the emphasis upon DOING. Mission is about the ACTION of a church. It is where we put our immediate efforts, time, energy. It defines and governs what we are about now.

Okay, as Brenda stated, you are asked for your input. What we say and do about this thing of mission statement will greatly influence the Glenwood church both now and later. It will concentrate our focus and consolidate our efforts. It will call upon us to view all we desire and do in light of how it reflects our reason for being here.  It will move us to always ask this critical question about all we consider doing: “How will this help with our mission?” I cannot overstate the importance of how this can help. Please pray about it and speak with Bob about your thoughts. He would appreciate it.

Vision statements and Mission statements! Huge items for churches who are serious about impacting their worlds in their times. And the good news is, they can be developed without elders or preachers. That doesn’t mean that such could not be great assets in the process. Indeed! On the other hand, what if they (he) lacked understanding or appreciation regarding this priority? That could become a hurtful liability. Besides, who better knows the church than the church? The point is, we are the church of the living God. Our faith and hope are in Him. If we depend upon the Lord in things of this magnitude, surely He will be our great Shepherd Who will lead us in a way that is good and right and fruitful. What are your thoughts about a mission statement for the Glenwood church? That’s really all I intended to ask.

robert

Henry David Thoreau was an influential American writer, poet, naturalist, and philosopher of the mid-1800s.  He was a close friend of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, and, for a two-year span, chose an austere lifestyle at Walden Pond on Emerson’s Massachusetts property.  Thoreau carefully recorded his experiences and thoughts of that period, from which came his most famous work, “Walden.”  One of his most arresting observations about that adventure in basic living was,

“I went to the woods because i wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life,

and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

So, Thoreau was looking for the essence (essential nature or reality) of life. He wanted to be a good student at the feet of life as his Teacher.  Well, give the guy a little credit, because he spurned the way he saw others running through life without pausing to soak it up (stopping to smell the roses).  But do you not fear that the poet aimed a little low?

You see, one does not apprehend the ESSENCE of life by looking only at the ongoing processes of biological life.  (Solomon described that as life “under the sun.”) That is, there is life, then, there is LIFE, right? The philosopher intimately attached himself to what he observed and experienced around Walden Pond, thinking that, in so doing, he had discovered the most deliberate and purposeful way to live.  No doubt, the guy lived a profoundly simple existence.  But to consider it to be the supreme way to do life is, well, quite a stretch.

We who know Christ as Lord honor Him as both the Giver and Definer of life.  All that is life, at every level.  It was He Who said, “I am come that they may have life” (John 10:10) and “I am the..Life” (John 14:6).  Is the Lord not here referring to the highest experience or form of life?  Peter the apostle preached the crucified, resurrected Christ as “the Author of life” – Acts 3:15.  (Yes, we know that the original for “Author” also is translated Prince or Lord.  But Author seems to better suit the contrasts there highlighted by Peter.) You can add to this thought from your time in the Book.  I just wanted to take too long to say that in Christ Jesus and only in Him is the essence of life to be discovered and enjoyed.  Whether here or hereafter.

Thoreau the author read the wrong book if he expected to really discover the essence of life, ultimate life.  He was sitting at the feet of nature when he needed to be seated at the feet of the Author of Life.   The philosopher went to the woods to live deliberately, so that he would not die feeling that he missed the very meaning of life.  Well, how do we think that worked out?  Now, with that in mind, how deliberately are we going about life?  And, where are we looking for its ultimate meaning? Must we also die, only to discover that we had not lived?  Of course not! You see, this really is not about Mr. Thoreau, is it?!

There is more to this, don’t you think?.

robert

See our #1 on this.  As stated, “sound doctrine” translates from “healthy teaching.”  So, instead to certain kicks or issues, sound doctrine relates to an approach to teaching (in kind and presentation) which produces spiritual health in a congregation.  It provides them with what they need to mature and develop into the image of Christ.  By the time he was penning letters of instruction to preachers, the apostle Paul had basically systematized the great doctrines he habitually taught about Christ and His ways, referring to them as “sound doctrine.”  And he expected others to teach the same things – II Timothy 1:13 and I Timothy 4:16.

At times, it helps me to look at things in terms of the reverse.  For example, from I Timothy 6:3-5 we can conclude that UNsound doctrine will be that teaching which produces sin instead of holiness – vv. 3, 5.  UNsound teaching will produce doubt instead of faith – v. 4, with I Tim. 1:4 and II Tim. 1:13.  (We have neither time nor space to delve into the various faith-damaging false teachings of that era.)  UNsound doctrine creates strife instead of peace among brothers – vv. 4, 5. (Healthy teaching will stimulate the healthy emotions, role models, and relationships which promote unity among believers – Eph. 4:1-3.  Mark it:  Paul is telling us that CONGREGATIONAL unity is not preserved by some brotherhood kick or position but by healthy dispositions. He tells us our common positions in vv. 4-6, does he not?) Wonder how often a prospective preacher is queried more about his disposition than his “where do you stand on?” Can he handle disagreement? Is he mean toward the one who dares to disagree? Does he simply polish his positions or is he into the Book for wherever it may take him?  Sometimes we put a thug in the pulpit under the guise of his being “sound.” (Same for an elder.) I guess that could be called “the sick leading the sick.”

Finally (for now), UNsound doctrine also will produce weakness instead of maturity – Titus 2:1f, 15; Eph. 4:11f.  Too often, believers continue to be locked into serious spiritual battles while being regularly fed a regurgitation of “sound doctrine.”  Could it be that these valiant strugglers are not being fed a regular and balanced diet of healthy scriptural food? What do you think?

Sound doctrine is health-producing teaching.  How I look at that ought to be how Paul looks at it.

robert

Most churches want to grow, or think they do.  It may be helpful to see that all church growth is not created equal.  That is, there usually is more than one source for a church’s growth.  Growth can come from three sources:  biology, transfer, or conversion.

BIOLOGICAL growth is that which is generated through a church’s family units.  Members have kids, then, grandkids.  Fortunately, most of these progeny come to the Lord.  That is growth from basically a biological origin.  Praise God for that kind of growth.  But, unfortunately, we all tend to grow old.  So, depending upon biological growth to maintain and advance a thriving church is not realistic.

TRANSFER growth basically is that which occurs when existing believers move from one congregation to another, whether from local or distant sources.  Now, there may be good reasons to change.  Maybe not.  Add to that the fact that, in our times, churches are more into competition and marketing, targeting “consumers” in other churches.  I can’t fix that.  But I can say this:  transfer growth is a double-edged sword.  It can be a blessing or a curse.  Some will bring their faith while others may bring their fight.  Our challenge is to be a blessing to people and let the Lord sort it all out.

CONVERSION growth is that which results from a church’s evangelistic activity.  It is the fruit of harvest from working in the field of the world.  It is gospel-growth.  It is the kind of growth which should most characterize a church’s aims and advancement. It is work primarily done outside our four-sided Sunday box.

Most churches want to grow, or think they do. We have seen that growth can come from three basic sources.  Now, how much does this interest me, here?  I may can sorta’ see the church in all this, but how do I see me in it?  There is more to this.  Later.

robert

Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).

Tools made of steel maintain or regain a cutting edge through use of a steel file or similar tool.  Think of a chain saw.  The chain’s sharp teeth become dull due to constant contact and friction.  Unless regularly sharpened by steel, it will become unable to fulfill its purpose.  And steel is necessary for the job.  Ever try to sharpen something using a stick of margarine?

Likewise, one man (person) of God can sharpen another.  Continuous opposition from the devil, the flesh, and the world can dull us.  We can get worn down and less effective.  But, through intentional and godly effort, we can stimulate one another toward deeper faith, stronger character, clearer judgment, greater hope, and higher goals in the Lord.  Proverbs is about wise living for the Lord.  27:17 applies that to keeping each other sharp for His use and glory.  When it comes to family, peers, or fellow-believers, will I help them become sharper or duller?

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Guess, in a sense, any follower of Christ can be an IRONMAN!  Will I sharpen others?  Will I allow others to sharpen me?

robert

A Blank Check.

What would you do, if someone gave you a blank check and said, make it out for whatever you want? What would you get? What would be the top priority of your mind? Well, in a real sense, in the Bible there is such a story. When Solomon had been made king, there was the coronation, there were the sacrifices ( 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep), there was a great celebration. After it was all done, Solomon went home and during the night, he was awakened by God with a wonderful gift. God gave him a blank check.” Ask anything and I will give it to you.” The choice was Solomon’s . It was up to him, as to what he should ask. Well, instead of riches or long life,, he asked for wisdom and knowledge to rule his people. God was so pleased with his choice that he gave him the riches that he had not asked for. It reminds me of what our Lord said, “seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. “ ( Matt. 6:33) Making the right choices certainly helps to define our character more than anything I know.

God has given you a blank check. “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find…” What is at the top of your list that you want in life? What are your spending your time; your minutes, your hours in pursuit of. Is it something that will perish or is it something eternal. Solomon got the gift from God, however he wound up in life, not using that wisdom but ending it in ruin, he wound up not glorifying God with His life. What are you doing with God’s blank check that He has given you? John

Paul shared his appreciation for some strong points among the church at Thessalonica (I, 1:3,4):  “your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  To those of Ephesus (1:15), the apostle said:  “having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints…”

Indeed, certain biblical characteristics should be common to every congregation.  But the thing I am thinking about is this:  in your opinion, what are three great strengths of the Glenwood church?  Will I thoughtfully consider that? Jot them down?

Then, will I consider that the Lord may want both to multiply it all and add to it, far beyond its current place, and include me along the journey?  Have I ever been part of something like that?  In other words, will I, first, see what already IS among us because of Jesus, and, second, deeply desire what CAN BE among us, with His mighty hand upon it?  And, will I believe myself to be a part of how and when He goes about it all?

Three great strengths.  Let’s start with that, knowing full well that God does not intend to stop there.  Proof?  Look at Ephesians 3:20,21, said to the same believers of 1:15, which is where we started.  How about that?!

robert