Posted by John L. Rothra on October 28, 2006 under General | 
I just got through taking the GRE and seem to have done okay. It’s a good feeling to have one less thing to do as part of the application for the PhD program. The idea of tests is not fun for me, especially these kind. However, eventually we are tested about our knowledge and skills. For me, though, this is one less burden and I look forward to the chance to not worry about failing it. Now comes the waiting game as the official score is mailed to me in about two weeks. The lesson this time: patience.
Posted by John L. Rothra on October 17, 2006 under Devotional/Teaching |
I recently heard a story from one of my church members that touched me and left me speechless. A few member of their extended family ended up in a severe automobile accident recently. The parties involved were a mother and two young children about five and seven years old. As they were driving along, something happened and their minivan ended up in a major wreck, severely injuring the mother. The back of the minivan was pushed to right behind the seat of the children. Somehow, the children escaped without a scratch. No injuries, wounds, scratches ended up on the children. I asked if there were internal injuries and, miraculously, there were none. The children were completely unharmed. The mother, though, did not have the same blessing: she ended up in the hospital with severe injuries all over her body. The accident was the kind that could have easily cost all three their lives.
The children were asked what happened and they each told the same story. This is their story: A very bright, glowing woman dressed in all white told them to ‘make a triangle’ with their hands. The two children were to hold hands with each other and the bright woman. They did was they were told. The car crashed and they walked out completely unhurt.
Now, there were only three humans in the vehicle: the mother and two children. Yet, a fourth being entered the vehicle and protected those children. Initially, people did not believe them, thinking they were simply making up a story. However, they could not explain the lack of injury. Even in their car seats, they should have at least had a scratch, yet they had none. Eventually, family members realized the children were not making up fantasies, but were telling the honest truth about what happened.
Who was this mysterious woman? Why was she glowing? Why did she tell them to hold hands in a triangle? God sent His angel to protect the children and, as they should, the children obeyed. God saw their faith and provided them complete protection! Praise God! Glory to the Father!
You may be asking why only protect the children? Why allow the accident? Why protect these children and not others? I cannot answer these questions because I do not know why. The only thing I am sure of is that God, in His sovereignty, chose to act in this case as He did. Let me discourage these speculations. Rather, I encourage you to respond as God desires: recognize His miraculous work and praise Him for it! Worship Him! Praise Jesus for his love!
This story shows God’s love for us all. God saved the lives of these two children. God also sent his son, Jesus, so these children, and anyone who believes, can be saved. All of us, like these children, are on a road that will lead to death. These children faced death and yet, because of God’s actions, lived.
Because of our sin, we all earned death and are on a fast track to that punishment. However, God has intervened and provided a way to be saved. Jesus died to take your punishment. Through Jesus, forgiveness is granted to those who repent, meaning confess and turn away from their sin, and believe in Jesus.
Do you recognize your need? Do you see that you are in great need for God to intervene in your life and save you from impending death?
Do you know what God did for you? Learn what God did for you.
Do you think you are safe? Do you think you’re able to get into heaven on your own? Do you believe you’re good enough to get into heaven? Take this test to see.
Posted by John L. Rothra on October 14, 2006 under Evangelism |
As a seminary student I get the opportunity to listen to debates regarding evangelism. They include disagreements over methods, regions, and definitions, among other things. In looking at two particular words in scripture I’ve come to a certain conclusion.
There are only two choices in evangelism: obey or disobey.
Some may say the choice also includes: do, not do (milder versions of the real choice), how to do, or anything else. However, there are only two choices, and they involve obedience. If you evangelize, you are obedient. If you do not evangelize, you are disobedient. Those who never try to share the gospel are disobeying God.
You’re probably thinking, “how can you make such a strong statement?” Simple, I looked at scripture. Let me show you why I come to this conclusion.
There are two key passages: Matthew 28:18-20 and Luke 10:1-16. These passages deal with Jesus sending out people to preach the gospel. Within these two passages are two key words. They will be examined individually within their context.
Luke 10:1-16 – “Go”
This word, found in verse three, is the Greek word “hupagete.” It means “to be on the move, esp. in a certain direction, go” (BDAG).1 This word is an imperative form. In other words, it is a command. Jesus commands us to go.
The context surrounding this command makes it clear that we are to go and tell others that Jesus is about to come, share the gospel with them, and minister to their needs. The primary message is that Christ is coming soon.
Matthew 28:18-20 – “Make Disciples”
This phrase, found in verse nineteen, is the Greek word “matheteusate.” It means “to cause to be a pupil, teach” (BDAG).2 This is the verb form of the noun “mathetes,” which means “one who engages in learning through instruction from another, pupil, apprentice” and “one who is rather constantly associated with someone who has a pedagogical reputation of a particular set of views, disciple, adherent” (BDAG).3 The second definition of the noun more closely relates to followers of Christ. The word used in Matthew is an imperative, which is a command. We are commanded to make disciples.
The context surrounding this command makes it clear that we are to reach out to the lost and teach them to obey all that Christ taught.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, we are commanded, or ordered, to “go” and “make disciples.” When Jesus commands us to do something, we can either obey his command or disobey his command. There is no room to disagree with his command or view it as a strong request. It is a command. Therefore, those who do not evangelize, meaning do not go and make disciples, are disobeying Christ.
Does this mean that if you have not led someone to Christ recently or discipled someone that you are living in sin? No. It means that if you are not trying to tell others about Christ and you are not trying to teach others then you are living in sin. Jesus didn’t say to have a certain quota. Rather, he is looking for us to reach out and tell others about him. If you are sharing your testimony with others, then you are obeying his command.
The question we need to ask ourselves is simple: am I obeying Christ’s command?
If you look into your heart, you know if you are really trying to share the gospel. If not, then its time to ask forgiveness and begin obeying. If you are, then pray for more opportunities to share and teach. Also, pray for those who may not be obeying.
Christ has issued the command. Will we obey or disobey? There are only two choices.
1. Walter Bauer,
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, ed. and trans. Frederick W. Danker, William F Arndt, and F. Wilber Gingrich [BDAG]. 3rd ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000). s. v. “hupago.”
2. BDAG, s. v. “matheteuo.”
3. BDAG, s. v. “mathetes.”
Posted by John L. Rothra on October 5, 2006 under Devotional/Teaching |
The past two weeks have been quite hectic at times. During these times I’ve found myself picking up the Bible and simply reading. Often, I’m not trying to exegete or engage in deep theological study. Rather, I simply want to read God’s letter to me.
When I read God’s word, I find it refreshes me. Even if I read only a few verses, the Holy Spirit moves and uses that time to remove stress and tension. My mind clears and I am able to relax. It is true that there are a variety of ways I can relax: spend time with family, play guitar, sleep, or other things. But when my soul is stressed, God is the only way to find refreshing rest. Reading God’s word and letting His Spirit speak to you and work in you provides wonderful blessings.
When your soul starts to scream “I’ve had enough” then its time to get back into His word. Pick up a Bible and read. I recommend starting in the gospels. Luke and John are wonderful places to start for devotional reading. Spend time with God and let him refresh your soul.
