Posted by Chris Burton on May 28, 2007 under Devotional/Teaching, Site Updates | 
James 3: 7-10 says that we can not tame the tongue, and that it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. The sentiment came home to me, as we spent the Memorial Day weekend over on the California coast.
With our close friends we camped in a familiar rv park, that was full of the rainbow folks from San Francisco. For those unfamiliar with California, the “gay” and “lesbian” community are “politically correctly” referred to by many euphemisms, and rainbow is just one of them.
That used to tick me off, because I thought they were co-opting one of God’s more recognizable signs of promise from Scripture, until I realized that they were just innocently trying to portray themselves as “colorful”. Then I settled on berating gays for legitimizing their sin, by trying to force their lifestyle on everyone else.
It was just recently that I heard a telling quote from someone in the gay community that said, “If being gay is strictly a choice, who in their right mind would choose to live this lifestyle?” At first I was angry, but then I realized his sentiment, though not a cry for help, was a cry of fatalism, and as such, was the beginning of a chance at dialogue with those of God’s children who have been completely misled by the evil one.
Gays believe that they have no choice, and that their lives are fated to be led in desperation and secret. They neither know nor understand the true freedom that comes with acknowledging our own sins, and giving them up to God. They don’t know the struggles that everyday Christians face with all kinds of sins, and see the “others” as sanctimonius and unforgiving. So for me, the next time I meet a guy who gives me the creeps with his mannerisms, I’m going to struggle with my own prejudices, and try to talk to him like he really is a child of God. I’m going to try and express my love for him as a child of God, and stop focusing on his sins as a way of masking my own from view.
Posted by John L. Rothra on May 25, 2007 under Devotional/Teaching |
Another member of the SEO forum I frequent, SEO Refugee, mentioned this little fun, online quiz. Just for fun, I took the quiz and found out I’m in the middle of the pack. At least in the middle of the pack that’s taken that quiz. Based on my results, it showed that:
42% scored higher (more nerdy),
1% scored the same, and
57% scored lower (less nerdy).
How ‘nerdy’ are you? Take a break, take the quiz, and have fun with it.
Posted by John L. Rothra on May 13, 2007 under Devotional/Teaching |
On Friday I proudly walked across the stage and received my Master of Divinity in Biblical Languages degree from the Seminary president Paige Patterson. It took four years to complete, but I’ve finished this step. My parents and in-laws were there to witness it, too.
I am proud to have earned the degree. I’ve seen many friends graduate already and many walked on Friday along with me. Some took longer, some completed it sooner. However, all of us completed our degrees. But the celebration only last for a short time, for I must return to class in August. This means spending time this summer, for my own sake and success, learning some German. Fun stuff. The more difficult degree begins: the Doctor of Philosophy.
However, before I begin looking at German, I’ll take a week or two and just relax and not worry about school. After four years, my wife says I need it and deserve it. I suppose she’s right. It feels strange to be done with the MDiv and to now, officially, be a PhD student. But for now, it’s time to take a breath, stop and smell the roses, and whatever other cliché is proper.
Posted by John L. Rothra on May 9, 2007 under Devotional/Teaching |
One down, one more to go. That’s where I sit at this point in my academic adventure. I completed the last final exam of my journey toward earning a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages and I’m set to graduate on Friday. It’s taken four years to complete this degree and many in my family are proud and excited. I’m glad they are happy and full of pride.
As I sit here typing this blog article, I reflect on the journey and find myself filled with mixed emotions. Part of me is happy to have completed a Master’s degree, and a hefty one at that, requiring 91 credit hours. Since I am starting studies toward a Doctor of Philosophy, I find myself indifferent toward graduation.
While many of my graduating classmates tell me how they feel a sense of completion, I can only empathize and, in a way, feel saddened by it. For me, the seminary education journey is not completed because I begin studies toward a Doctor of Philosophy in August. This will take me about five to seven years to complete, depending on how long the seminars and dissertation require to complete them. Therefore, I know that graduation on Friday is not a completion, but only a step forward on the journey.
Over the past week, I’ve had administrators, secretaries, fellow students, and professors tell me “Congratulations! You’re finally done and ready to leave.” My response is often, “Thank you. But I’m not done. I start the PhD in the fall, so I’ll be around a few more years.” Most laugh at that. Some have wondered why I want to go through the stress, struggle, and strain of such a rigorous degree. Why? Because I’m called by God to seek it. I have a mission to accomplish. God has a plan for my life. I know not the details, but I am convinced working toward and, God willing, completing a PhD is part of that plan. Therefore, I will work hard to fulfill my calling.
Earlier, I stated that, in a way, I feel sad when I hear fellow students say they are done because they are graduating. . I do not believe any actually believe they are done serving God. Instead, most mean that they are done with seminary and formal education in an academic institution. Some, though, may believe that they are done learning. To those who may believe that graduation means the end of learning, I say that this is not true. The learning has just begun.
Every Christian is called to seek God and meditate on his word. Scripture says that God will bless and preserve those who meditate on his word (Psalm 1; Josh 1:8). What does it mean to meditate on his word? Let me first describe what it does not mean, then describe what it does mean.
Meditating on God’s word does not mean:
- Reading the Bible quickly like we read the comics;
- Saying a chant while sitting cross-legged on the floor;
- Reading a book about the Bible instead of the Bible (see my article about devotional works for more information about this);
- Reading a section and then closing your eyes and sitting quietly so that it can ‘sink in.’
Meditating on God’s word does mean:
- Praying for God to reveal himself to you through his word;
- Depending on the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture;
- Asking God to help you apply the passage to your life so that it transforms you;
- Reading good commentaries and theological works along with, not in place of, Scripture;
- Studying the Bible on your own, with fellow believers, and at church.
Every Christian, whether or not a seminary degree was earned, must meditate on God’s word. Spending time with God and in Scripture are mandatory to maintain a spiritually healthy life. Strength to resist temptation, sin, and the devil come only when we spend time in Scripture. Paul instructs believers to put on the full armor of God. This demands studying God’s word. Those who are not familiar with Scripture leave themselves vulnerable to temptation, deception, and false teachers. Those who know Scripture will find themselves more satisfied with God, desiring God more, and wanting to serve God in doing his work. Those who spend time with God and in his word are more effective witnesses and evangelists. Those who spend time in God’s word are more effective ministers and more usable servants. Those who spend time in Scripture, meditating on it day and night, will be blessed by God.
When will the mission be accomplished? Paul said in his second letter to his disciple Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7). In other words, Paul had accomplished the task to which God called him. This letter was written not long before his martyrdom. Paul knew that the mission was not accomplished by earning a degree, retiring from ministry, or any other humanly set goal. The mission is accomplished only when we depart this world after a lifetime of serving God.
What’s interesting is that, after telling Timothy that he had completed the race, Paul instructed Timothy to bring him the books and the parchments (2 Tim 4:13). In other words, Paul was asking for Scripture and, probably commentary on Scripture. Paul wanted to learn more. He realized that, while his service in ministry may be at an end, his duty to spend time studying God’s word was never done. Paul wanted to always learn and study. Can we say this about ourselves?
Therefore, I say the mission is not yet accomplished. We must join Paul in longing to study God’s word. Too many pastors, Sunday school teachers, and other ministers retire and stop serving and many stop reading Scripture. They believe their job is done and simply choose to play golf, rest, and do nothing. Paul set a wonderful example of our mission: learn about God, spending time in his word, all our lives.
Posted by John L. Rothra on May 7, 2007 under Site Updates |
I’d like to welcome the blog’s newest contributor: Chris Burton. Mr. Burton is a man with great wisdom, spiritual insight, and much to contribute to the study of Scripture, theology, and life in general. I’m confident that his articles will be uplifting, encouraging, and beneficial to God and his kingdom. Chris’ love for Christ and evangelism is addictive and I look forward to what he contributes.
