Feb 23, 2010 
www.anorphanswish.org is an organization in America dedicated to helping the orphans in China. We are working with this organization in our travels this Fall.
You can link to their site from the home page of Bethlehem Chapel.
worshipping God, building up His church, reaching the world
Browsing the blog archives for February, 2010
No Comments God gives a vision to Ezekiel and commissions him and gives him further instructions in this sermon from Ezekiel 3. Although some are called on to specifically be pastors and elders and teachers in the church, it is all of our responsibility to be “a watchman for the Lord.”
I used to think the book of Job is in the Bible because it presents a rare and extreme case of human suffering. “Look at this worst case scenario. If you can see the truth here, then surely in your comparatively small problems . . . .”
Now I think the book of Job is in the Bible because the story is so common. Many are thinking, “What on earth has happened to me? I can’t see what I’ve done that explains this devastation. Where is God in this?”
Enter Job’s three friends. They were cautious at first. But with their tidy notions threatened by his untidy realities, the moralism started pouring out of them: “Come on, Job, get real with us. You must have some dirty secret that explains all this. Admit it, and this misery will start going away.” Their finger-pointing oversimplifications intensified Job’s sufferings, and this too is a common experience.
I don’t think the book of Job is about suffering as a theoretical problem — why do the righteous suffer? I think it’s about suffering as a practical problem — when (not if) the righteous suffer, what does God expect of them? And what he expects is trust. When the righteous cannot connect the realities of their experience with the truths of God, then God is calling them to trust him that there is more to it than they can see. As with Job, there is a battle being fought in the heavenlies.
Trust in God, not explanations from God, is the pathway through suffering.
This is a post from Pastor Ray Ortlund at www.thegospelcoalition.org, February 22, 2010
Welcome to our site and series of posts on “our trip.” These pages will be regularly updated to keep you informed about our progress leading up to and during our trip, scheduled for October 2010.
We have a great opportunity to visit people we know and do some good work there. We hope you can keep up with our posts and pics through this site. Thank you for your involvement and interest and support.
Dear Tiger Woods,
I saw you make your speech at the press conference today. You seemed sincere and moved – I understand this was a hard thing to do and it is a difficult time for you and your family.
With much concern and love, I must tell you you are looking for answers down the wrong path. You will not find forgiveness or peace or empowerment in Buddhism. To me, I heard a lot about “gaining respect” and “trying your best” to live up to the ideals of Buddhism, seeking rest and peace and a state of non-want. This is not the best way to overcome your issues. No amount of psychology therapy will help you either. You will fail again.
The only place to find forgiveness and empowerment is in Christ. You have sinned against God and your family and all your fans. You have broken God’s rules and there must be justice served. This justice is served through Christ’s atonement on the cross. “He who knew no sin became sin for you” and you can be forgiven of your sin in the eyes of God. “Christ died for you while you were His enemy” but “God loved you so much He gave His son’s life for you, so that you may be forgiven and have eternal life.”
If you are born again and acknowledge your sin and receive Christ as Lord and Savior, you will be on the true path of recovery. God will give you His Holy Spirit to live inside you and empower you and enable you to overcome your issues. I urge you to confess to the living, creator God of the Bible and walk in new life, “become a new creature in Christ Jesus.”
God bless you and make Himself known to you during this hard time
Pastor Leigh
The Joseph Road by Jerry White is a practical and illustrative book with a powerful message. Systematically investigating and developing the story of Joseph and applying it to real life, Jerry White deals with hard and important issues we all face as we walk the Christian road, such as pain, hardship, and ill-fortune. Through the life of Joseph, Jerry White shows us how to cope with trials and tribulations that we face, how to overcome these issues, how to have peace and joy through these times, and how to glorify our Lord in our sufferings. Perseverance, the sovereignty of God in our testings, brokenness, and grace are themes that Dr. White returns to continually throughout his exposition. It is a clearly written and personal book, in which Dr. White shares some of his own travels on “The Joseph Road.” Each chapter concludes with brief study and reflection questions the reader or a small group may benefit from. It is an encouraging book for anyone who honestly wishes to deal with the setbacks of life; it will give you hope and direction and endurance in your walk.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
God does not reveal Himself “just for the fun of it.” His purpose can be seen in Ezekiel 2 through His MESSAGE, METHOD, and MODE of operation.
We are excited to host a DVD seminar on “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas. We will begin Tuesday, April 6, at 6:30 pm. The 6-week course is free and free child-care is available. Please call or email for more information.
“The Glory of the Lord” is from Ezekiel 1 and it begins a year-long sermon series from Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 1 we see God’s glory and consider our response to His glory.
In my final sermon on discipleship, we look at Matthew 9:35-38 and look at Jesus’ command to pray for workers of the Lord’s harvest.
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