The Gospel Coalition

“The fundamental fault of the modern Church is that she is busily engaged in an absolutely impossible task – she is busily engaged in calling the righteous to repentance. Modern preachers are trying to bring men into the Church without requiring them to relinquish their pride; they are trying to help men avoid the conviction of sin.

“The preacher gets up into the pulpit, opens the Bible, and addresses the congregation somewhat as follows: ’You people are very good,’ he says. ‘You respond to every appeal that looks toward the welfare of the community. Now we have in the Bible – especially in the life of Jesus – something so good that we believe it is good enough even for you good people.’

“Such is modern preaching. It is heard every Sunday in thousands of pulpits. But it is entirely futile. Even our Lord did not call the righteous to repentance, and probably we shall be no more successful than he.”

- J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism, 1923   

Compassionate Christian responses to the killings at Virginia Tech. See especially the comments from Al Mohler, Chuck Colson, and N.T. Wright. 

Owen writes about blogging and pushes us bloggers in a godly direction. 

GospelDrivenLife asks if Christians should be cross-centered or resurrection-centered?

Tim Challies has an excellent post on Spiritual Counterfeits.

Albert Mohler’s ten great Christian biographies. Add these to your summer reading list.

Top Post this week at Kingdom People: The Myth of the Church-Hopping Pastor

If you’re a blogger and are associated (in any way) with Southern Seminary, you need to be on the new “Said at Southern” blog. If you’re not a blogger and are not associated with Southern Seminary, you need to add this new site to your favorites. Too much good content to pass up!

A couple weeks ago, I posted a 4-part series on youth worship. The response to those posts was very positive, and several readers wrote me offline with questions regarding the purpose of a youth group, and whether its existence is justified at all.

In America, the youth group exists. It is unwise to see the current problems in youth ministry and demand that we do away completely with youth groups. Yet, we need to reevaluate the purpose of a youth group. It’s time to move from attraction-based models of youth ministry to mission-based models.

Today, I am posting some thoughts on attraction-based youth groups, including many of the problems that plague them. Next week, be on the look-out for my description of a mission-based youth group, and what that should look like.

A Mission-Based Youth Group 

I believe the best way to ground young people in the Word and to empower them for future ministry is to involve them in a mission-based youth group. By mission-based, I am not implying that the teenagers would be going on monthly mission trips or doing weekly door-to-door evangelism. I use the term “mission-based” to describe the attitude and mindset of the teenagers.

 The Failed Attraction-based Model
 Too many youth groups today are “attraction-based.” The youth minister focuses on organizing events in order to attract the youth to the services. The goal of this model is noble. Big events and fun activities do indeed serve as a successful evangelistic tool and can greatly help young people get involved in church. The Bible affirms the use of many methodologies to bring people to God. As Mary Poppins sang, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”

 The problem that some attraction-based models face is that too often the events themselves become the ends and not the means. Success is defined by the size of the crowd, not by the fruit seen in the lives of those in attendance. Furthermore, when the attraction becomes the end goal and not the means to an end, those who attend are usually left with just a “spoonful of sugar” and no medicine at all. The sweetness may attract a crowd, but the church is no longer offering anything of substantial spiritual value.

 Another potential problem that attraction-based models often confront is the professionalism of the attractions themselves. When the church tries to attain the same level of professionalism as the world when it comes to entertainment (movies, music, events), we usually fail and wind up looking cheesy. If it is our music or movie-making or dramatic abilities that are going to bring people to church, we are in trouble! The world will almost always beat us at these things.

That said, I do not advocate a retreat from the world in the areas of art, music, or movies. God, give us great movie-makers, great musicians and bands and terrific events! He knows we (and the world) can benefit from them. My point is this: the church must offer something above and beyond the glitz and glamour if we are going to effectively reach the youth culture for Christ. We have the Gospel – something the world does not have!

Next week, I’ll be going into more detail about what a mission-based youth group should look like. Stay tuned.

written by Trevin Wax. © 2007 Kingdom People Blog

Malcolm Gladwell is an entertaining writer. His book The Tipping Point almost made my Top Ten list last year, not only for the thoroughly enjoyable read (which it was), but also for the intriguing analysis into human behavior and consumerism that Gladwell offers.

Blink carries on The Tipping Point‘s tradition of great illustrations and fascinating data. This is a book about “the power of thinking without thinking.” In summary, Gladwell shows us how our snap judgments are often more accurate than our deliberate decisions that we take months to make. Gladwell peppers the book with examples that prove his thesis, providing church leaders with plenty of stories that beg to be used as sermon illustrations.

Gladwell also writes about the “dark side of blink,” when our snap judgments are wrong. He writes of police mistakes, voter shallowness, and the fact that Coke still outsells Pepsi, even when Pepsi wins hands-down in a taste contest.

Thinking Christians would do well to read Blink. It’s entertaining, educating, and provocative, and it challenges some of our presuppositions about how the mind works.

written by Trevin Wax  © 2007 Kingdom People blog

 Every now and then I read a book that I believe should be on every Christian thinker’s bookshelf. Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov is one such book. It is not an exaggeration to say that The Brothers Karamazov might possibly be one of the greatest novels of all time.

Warning: Plot spoilers follow… 

Dostoevsky’s description of the tragic Karamazov brothers and the murder of their father provokes questions about God’s sovereignty, the place of suffering in our world, human depravity, and redemption through pain.

I have decided not to give a description of this book’s storyline. There are many places where one can find the story. I will say that there are sections of this book where the theological questions are so profound and well-treated that the reader feels he must read them several times to fully feel their force.

The Brothers Karamazov is a long book (almost 800 pages). Pevear and Volokhonsky’s translation is, undoubtedly, the easiest to read in English, but even the good translation cannot overcome some of the slow-moving moments where the novel labors in details. Many Karamazov fans (and I am one of them) love the extra details, as the information helps to better form each of the unforgettable characters.

Who, after reading this book, can forget Fyodor Karamazov, the wicked and sensual father? Or Ivan, the cold rationalist son who has abandoned his belief in God? Or Dmitri, the well-intentioned son who is held captive to his own base desires? And of course, Alyosha, the good son who trusts in God but is powerless to stop the murder of his father? And these are just the Karamazovs. Dostoevsky’s descriptions of Katerina, Grushenka, Father Zosima and Smerdyakov are just as compelling.

The Brothers Karamazov is not for the faint of heart. It is, at times, difficult to read. At other times, its story is captivating. And, as always in Dostoevsky’s works, the depth of thought behind the philosophical questioning is what makes the book stand out. If you have time to read and you love classic literature, buy the book and read it all. If you don’t have time, but would like a taste, I suggest you at least read “The Grand Inquisitor” chapter.

written by Trevin Wax. © 2007 Kingdom People Blog

 It’s unfortunate that evangelicals rarely speak of the Ascension or Pentecost. Both these events, taking place within ten days of each other, are major events for the Christian church.

I remember being asked at my first Pentecost celebration in Romania, “What is Pentecost like in America?” When I said “We don’t celebrate Pentecost,” their mouths dropped open. 

When we fail to speak of the Ascension and Pentecost, we are left wondering why Jesus left us here. Why did Jesus leave the earth after his Resurrection? Why did he not remain until he had established his earthly kingdom? Why not end the world then and there?

Scripture gives many reasons why Jesus left, but two answers will suffice:

 #1. In order that the Gospel would be preached to ALL nations

Acts 1:8 lays out the disciples’ mission, culminating in the Gospel being preached to the world. Israel was God’s chosen people. The Old Testament is about God’s dealings with Israel. It tells about the covenant that God made with Abraham, with Moses, with David. It tells the history of Israel’s kingdom. It shows how Israel was supposed to be the light of the world and a beacon of blessing to the surrounding nations.

Now, with the resurrection of Jesus, everything had changed. Israel was no longer the sole possessor of the title: “God’s people.” The entire world was about to be blessed through Abraham’s seed. The “promised land” was longer a piece of real estate in Palestine. The whole world would be renewed and the new earth that God promised his people would become the “promised land.”

Israel was to be the bearer of salvation for the world. The entire world would be blessed through Israel’s righteousness. But what happens when the people called to be the world’s salvation wind up being part of the problem?
 It’s like a semi-truck leading people up a mountain, but then actually getting stuck in such a way as to block off all traffic. Instead of being the way for salvation to be achieved, Israel becomes part of the problem. Sin continues. Death lingers. Israel fails. Exile takes place.

And then comes Jesus. He does what Israel couldn’t do. And because he fulfills God’s purpose for Israel, the Gospel message about his death and resurrection will now be preached to all nations. The truck isn’t stuck anymore. More than that, God is creating a new Israel, a new people for Himself. He is grafting Gentiles, those who are not Israelites nationally, onto the Israel tree. Now, membership in the people of God is open to all, Jew and Gentile alike.

This was revolutionary in the first century. It meant that the doors to God’s Kingdom had been thrown open to the whole world. Anyone who trusts in Jesus – anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved! Jew or Gentile.  God’s people are centered around Jesus. Not the Torah. Not Sabbath. Not circumcision. Not good works. Jesus is the center of our faith. And once people begin to trust in God, from all nations, God begins to reverse the curse that came from sin.

 #2. In order that the Holy Spirit would come.

John 16:7-11. The second reason that Jesus left was that the Holy Spirit would come and do one thing in three ways. He will come to convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.

The Holy Spirit’s task is to convict people of their sin. It’s not our job to rub people’s noses in their sin. The Holy Spirit is the one who brings that heavenly guilt to a person, a guilt that can only be answered in the Gospel!

 The Holy Spirit will begin convincing people, not only that they have sinned as individuals, but that the world’s way of justice is totally upside down. God’s Kingdom is different. God has vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead and exalting him, and though people might pass judgment on Christians, it’s actually a sign that the world is bent in the wrong way.

 The world thinks it can condemn Christians and pass judgment on us. And indeed, people do that. But ultimately, the Holy Spirit will overturn the judgment of this world. We will be vindicated. We are in the right and the world will be proven wrong. Though now, we are condemned by this world and Jesus is rejected, the day will come when those who condemn us will receive God’s judgment.

written by Trevin Wax  © 2007 Kingdom People blog

“I am the resurrection and the life.”
- Jesus to Martha (John 11:25)

When Martha met Jesus upon entering Bethany after Lazarus’ death, she poured out her heart and grief to Him. Jesus reminded her that Lazarus would rise again, to which Martha acknowledged that her brother would rise again on the Day of Judgment.

Yet this biblical knowledge of the coming resurrection was a poor comfort for Martha, for that day seemed so far away, so many tomorrows ahead. Martha believed in the resurrection of the Last Day, but that was some far-off event, hidden in a mysterious shroud.

Often in our grief, we try to comfort ourselves with the biblical knowledge that there will be a resurrection, that our loved ones aren’t truly gone and that the doctrines of Scripture are true. While we cling to these beliefs that are most definitely true, they may sometimes seem too cold and distant to give us comfort.

Jesus’ reply to Martha rings true for each one of us today. “I am the resurrection and the life!” Christ takes the doctrine, the belief, the knowledge that we have and brings it home to us through faith. He takes the event and connects it to Himself, reminding us that we believe not so much in events as we do in a Person!

Jesus not only gave bread from heaven to the 5000; He is the Bread of Life. When Thomas asked Him the way He was going, He reminded Thomas that He is the Way. Jesus not only provided resurrection for Lazarus; He is the Resurrection!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ and of those who follow Him is much more than just a doctrine or a theological concept. It is a personal reality. Jesus not only gives life; He is the life! Much of what we believe is written down in many important theological statements, but our trust remains in a personal Redeemer – the One who explains and is the foundation of all the theology we hold. May we understand that this life of God that comes from Jesus is the only life that overcomes death – because Jesus is this life.

written by Trevin Wax  © 2007 Kingdom People blog

OUR FATHER, we dare call Thee by that blessed name, for we feel the spirit of children. We have an earnest love to Thee, and an implicit trust in Thee; and we desire in all things to be obedient to Thy will, and to seek Thine honor. All our dependence is placed on Thee since the day when Thou didst teach us to believe in Jesus Christ and now, Thou art all in all to us, Thou art our fullness, and we lose ourselves and find ourselves completely in Them.

Thou knowest Lord, for Thou searchest the heart and Thou triest the reins of the children of men — Thou knowest we can truly say, unless indeed we be under a very deep delusion, that we do wish to promote Thy glory among the sons of men; and that we count nothing to be riches, but that which makes us rich towards God; nothing to be health, but that which is sanity before the most High — holiness in Thy sight; and we reckon nothing to be pure, but what Thou hast cleansed; and nothing to be good, but that upon which Thy blessing rests.

Yet Lord, though it be so, though our mind has been by Thy Spirit set towards holiness, there is a death within us; the old nature which strives against our life, and the members of the body often join with the corrupt nature within, to lead us astray. We swing towards holiness and then we seem like the pendulum, to swing the other way. We are wretched, because of this, and we cry out to Thee to deliver us. Oh that Thou wouldst deliver us!

We do thank Thee that Jesus gives us the victory; but we long to have that victory in ourselves more constantly realized — more perfectly enjoyed.

We would lie in the very dust before Thee because of sin; and yet, at the same time, rejoice in the great Sin-bearer, that the sin is not imputed to us, that it is put away by His precious blood, that we are accepted in the Beloved. But even this does not content us; we are crying after the work of the Holy Ghost within, till Satan shall be bruised under our feet, and sin shall be utterly destroyed.

Lord, Thou knowest the groanings of our heart; our prayers cannot express them but we bless Thee that there is One who maketh intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered, who is with us, and dwelleth in us, and is promised to be with us for ever. We shall overcome, we shall win the victory, we shall rise superior to depression of spirit, we shall overcome the doubts, and fears, and tribulations of our inward heart, we shall overcome, for Christ doth lead the way and victory lies in His cross; and we are sure of it, and therefore would we begin to sing the hymn of victory even now, saying — “thanks be unto God who causeth us always to triumph in every place, by Jesus Christ His Son.”

This is our soul’s grandest object, that Jesus’ name be lifted high, and His throne be set up among the people, to the praise of the glory of His grace.

And now unto the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, be glory, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

- Charles Spurgeon, 1880

“Romans 6 shines a bright spotlight on the dangerous half-truth, currently fashionable, that ‘God accepts us as we are.’ Will ‘God’s acceptance’ do as a complete grounding of Christian ethics? Emphatically not. Grace reaches where humans are, and accepts them as they are, because anything less would result in nobody’s being saved. Justification is by grace alone, through faith alone. But grace is always transformative. God accepts us where we are, but God does not intend to leave us where we are… The radical inclusivity of the gospel must be matched by the radical exclusivity of Christian holiness.”

- N.T. Wright, Romans Commentary, pg 548.

Timmy Brister aptly summarizes some of Sam Storm’s thoughts on the SBC. 

Ben Witherington on “Accessorizing for Jesus” 

One man’s treasure becomes another man’s trash. See what happened to some photographs of the Beatles’ worth more than a million dollars.

Top post this week for Kingdom People: Our very first Vodcast – Why I Am a Christian