What Is Sin? Part 1

So what exactly is sin? We hear about it all the time, we refer to it, we recognize that we do it, we point it out when others do it, and we try to act like we don't do it - much.

James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles at one point, he has become guilty of all."

Exodus 20

The Ten Commandments

¹ And God spoke all these words:

² "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

³ "You shall have no other gods before ^a]">[a] me.

⁴ "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶ but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.

⁷ "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

⁸ "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. ¹¹ For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

¹² "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

¹³ "You shall not murder.

¹⁴ "You shall not commit adultery.

¹⁵ "You shall not steal.

¹⁶ "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

¹⁷ "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Here is the law, as laid out for us in the 10 Commandments. In James, we read that if we break just one of these laws just one time, we are just as guilty as if we had broken all of them every day. Read down through the list. Are there any you have committed? Are there any you have not committed? Before you get too excited about the ones you think you haven't committed, consider Matthew 5: 21-22 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment, But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" and Matthew 5:27-28 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Are we ready to admit that we are sinners? Good, that was the easy part. Next week we will discuss how often we sin.

Pictures of Gabriel

As you can tell, Gabriel is a big hit with our other children. We love him and are thankful to the Lord for such a blessing. Enjoy the pictures!

Sharing: from my mom

My mom sent me this. It is something she heard from my sister's pastor in Utah where she (my mom) is now visiting. It is short but thought provoking.

In all His dealings with us God is at work for our good:
In prosperity he tests our gratitude
In mediocrity our contentment
In misfortune our submission
In darkness and all times our obedience and trust in Him.

Plus here is a song that she learned. May you all be encouraged.

He is Able

He is able, more than able
To accomplish what concerns me today.
He is able, more than able
To handle anything that comes my way.

He is able, more than able
To do much more than I could ever dream,
He is able, more than able,
To make me what He wants me to be

The Role of the Gospel

We have had much discussion over the past few months on the necessity of changing our lives to become more missional minded individually and as a church body. I am convinced that this is necessary. I am also convinced that one of the main barriers we have in doing this is our relatively small view of the gospel and its continuing role in our lives. We cannot live a missional life without preaching the gospel to ourselves every day, in every situation we encounter. The gospel should be our first thought of the day, the last one as we fall asleep, and should govern all of the thoughts in between. If we are honest, I believe most of us (myself included) cannot say that this is true of our lives.

Therefore, over the next few weeks I am going to present some arguments for preaching the gospel to ourselves on a daily basis. I will discuss benefits to our own life, benefits to our interactions with fellow believers, and benefits in living missionally.

A few weeks ago in youth group, we asked the kids to write out the gospel. I was stunned at the number of them who managed to leave out sin entirely! And this from kids who, for the most part, have been raised in Christian homes and have attended church, sunday school, and youth group their whole lives! Therefore our discussion will start out with sin. We will look at what sin is and how God views sin. We will then move onto the solution to sin - the gospel. Lord willing we will together be convinced of God's absolute hatred of sin, of the fact that we are by our very nature sinners, of the extreme mercy and grace shown to us through Jesus' work on the cross, and the absolute necessity of the gospel dictating every aspect of our lives.

Practical Theology for Women

I recently finished reading a book by a relatively unknown woman who authored one book. Her name is Wendy Alsup and she is a deaconess at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. She teaches theology to women at her church, although right now she mainly does so through her blog, Practical Theology For Women. I would encourage you to check it out.

The book I recently read is also called Practical Theology for Women. I found it to be precisely what the title proclaims. It is simply practical. If you are looking for something in depth or more technical, Wayne Grudem is your man. But if you want something short, in simple language, easy to understand with personal testimony and application weaved throughout, this is a good book to have and use for individual study and/or with a woman you are discipling. I would say, high school age through ancient old! :)

Wendy seems to have a deep passion for teaching women theology or about God because in her own words, " Truly, there is nothing like a good grasp of accurate knowledge about God to enable you to meet the practical demands of your life - the practical demands of being a daughter, mother, wife, sister, or friend."

Sisters, this so true! We react to trials and hardships with our health, finances, relationships, and jobs really based on what we believe about God. We might not always be conscious of it, but if we are trusting in the knowledge and faithfulness and sovereignty and compassion of an Almighty, Infinite, Eternal, Unchanging God, our reactions to the struggles of everyday life will be dealt with and viewed in such a way that the world around us will be perplexed at the peace and delight we display each day!

When I am discontent, angry and feeling self-pity because my husband can't find decent work, I'm struggling with my health, we work our butts off for the sake of the gospel (in our minds at least) with very little visible fruit, and the house seems to be falling apart faster than we can fix it... then there is something wrong in my theology, or my belief about God. My eyes are somewhere they don't belong (usually on myself), and I have no eternal vision for the Glory that is to come as I finally see my savior face to face. I'm not really believing Him and seeing Him for who He is!

So, I am glad I read this book. I'm glad God has chosen to reveal much about Himself through His word so that we would not be frustrated, lost people. And, I am looking forward to an eternity of God revealing more and more of who He is to me and those I call my brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ.

As a woman I can attest to the fact that sometimes deep study and reading theology books can seem overwhelming simply because it seems so time consuming and impractical when as ladies we live very practical lives: changing diapers, cooking meals, cleaning piles of dirty laundry (which some crazy friend of mine "likes" to do), scrubbing floors, showing hospitality, training children, helping with homework, paying bills, shopping, making beds, serving husbands, ministering in church and sometimes working time consuming and stress filled jobs.

What we need to learn is that theology-sound theology and ever growing theology causes us to live out our practical, everyday lives to the glory of God with true joy and fulfillment because we are ever growing in our love and knowledge of the One we do these things for!

For a review of her book from Discerning Reader, go here.

Life in the "Tunnel"

It's amazing how little things that seem so important can really be not so important. Today as I sit in my house and type I am surrounded by something that has been scarce in my home for years ... almost ten years: trim. My house has been undergoing renovations almost since we bought it eleven years ago. We have changed almost everything in our house and over the course of our stay here we eventually got many things done but few things entirely finished. As such, we were living without any trim (baseboards, window casing, etc.) for quite a few years. I can tell you that many times in the past I have so strongly desired that the projects finally be finished and come to an end that at times I have made it an idol and sinned when it didn't happen the way I wanted it to. Yet today I see a light at the end of the tunnel and you know what my life looks like at end of that tunnel? Pretty much the same as it did yesterday.

You see, my flesh wanted me to believe that I would really be happier living in a house that is finished than living in a state of ongoing repair. My flesh told me that if I didn't have things the way that I wanted them to be that life would never be complete and satisfying, but the reality is much different than what my flesh would have me believe. The reality is that I can never be satisfied if I am seeking my happiness in a finished project or ten finished projects. I can never be satisfied if I am seeking happiness in anything other than Christ. The problem wasn't my house or my husband who wasn't working at my desired time schedule... the problem was and is me. In a few weeks my house will be (Lord willing) entirely finished; or as finished as it will ever be under our ownership. And I'll still be the same woman who is struggling to worship Jesus more than stuff or comfort. So when we sell this house and buy a new one, whether it's a fixer-upper or a brand new one, I'll still have to decide everyday who or what I will worship. Will I decide that I will worship my house, my plans, my comfort, myself, or will I decide to worship God? Whom or what I choose to worship will determine my affections, thoughts and actions just like it does today. So, much to my chagrin, life "at the end of the tunnel" is the same as it was in the tunnel. The surroundings may have a new color scheme to them, but ultimately the "ride" is either bumpy or smooth based upon my heart of submission and obedience to God.

When the day ends, I will not sleep better because my trim is finished and my walls are painted and that hole in the stair wall is patched. I'll sleep well because my God is sovereign and is watching over me with His tender care. I praise God that the one constant while I am in the "tunnel" and out of the "tunnel" is Him... and as such life is good.

Witty Wednesday

I saw this on Justin Taylor's site and just had to share.

Missional Hospitality

I came across this article from the blog, Life Together, called Open the Door of Your Home.

Here is an excerpt from it:

People need to encounter the church as a network of relationships rather than a meeting you attend or a place you enter. … In our experience people are often attracted to the Christian community before they are attracted to the Christian message.

People are looking for a place to belong. And I believe the home provides the best atmosphere for this type of authentic community. Why? Because it’s a place where pretence and perfection can’t live. Unlike the church (building!) it’s too hard to put up your best front at home. Like one pastor said, “You get to know folks when they have spaghetti sauce on the front of their shirt.”

So how do we get started in opening the doors of our homes to others? Alexander Strauch gives these helpful guidelines:

• Set a regular time each week/month to invite people to your home
• Make a list of people who would be encouraged by your offer of hospitality
• Remember to invite people to your home during holiday seasons — especially those who rarely receive an invitation and cannot repay you (Luke 14:13)

I thought this was something worth thinking about in light of our Missional living sermon series at Church.

Guest Blogger: Karen Seiders

Today we have a post from our sister, Karen Seiders, speaking about suffering, and our handling of it.

Over the past 20 years or so I have been diagnosed with several long term illnesses and had several injuries that always seem to take a long time to heal. It seems like there is always something hurting me. I have so many different issues that when a new one comes along I tend to forget about how the other things affect my body at the same time. I often find that they all show their "ugly heads" in unison. I use so many medicines each day to treat my many issues that is embarrassing. I have tried to eliminate some but the doctors tell me that I can't as they all treat one illness or another. I feel like my body is fighting against me. I am always in pain from one thing or another and it really wears on me.

I used to be very athletic and busy. I enjoyed physical activity very much. My life has changed dramatically and I don't like it very much. But, this is what the Lord has for me right now.

I used to think that since I had been praying to die since I was about 8 years old, God had finally answered my prayer by giving me terminal illnesses. But, on the other hand, I thought maybe He was mad at me for something and this was my punishment.

I was always a worrier. My school teachers used to tell my parents that I was going to have a heart attack by the time I was 20. I got a job shortly after we moved to Kenosha as a stock broker and I finally got so stressed out I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and had to be treated with medication. As it turns out, most of my health issues are brought on by stress and exacerbated by stress so my doctor took me off of work and helped me get disability. She told my husband that if I didn't give up working that I was going to die. I am now a homemaker but I still feel really stressed sometimes. My stomach feels like I have "butterflies" in it during those times.

I have found the way to deal with all of this--a relationship with God. Before I tried to do everything by my own strength and "smarts". I was failing miserably and I finally came to the end of myself. I thought I had a relationship with the Lord but I realized that I really didn't.

Since then I have wondered why God has allowed me to be in constant pain and why so many things go wrong. I have been reading much on this subject and searching the Word for answers lately. God has been good to show me that there are many reasons that He allows His childern to suffer.

I believe that God has used all of this, first and foremost, to bring me to repentance and salvation. When I think about that I realize that that is really the most important thing. Our time on earth is very short compared to eternity. I like the verse in the song Amazing Grace which says "when we've been there 10,000 years....we have no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun". That just blows my mind.

I have realized that God uses these trials in my life to make me and mold me. My trials have shown me what I'm really "made of". A lot of times I don't like what I see and that causes me to go to God and repent and then to change my ways. I also realize that since I have endured and persevered in the past that I can "make it" the next time with God's help. Sometimes I feel like just giving up, but I know that God says we are to fight the good fight, stay the course and keep the faith. He wants me to learn to persevere.

I have also been thinking about my Heavenly home that Jesus said He is preparing for me. I think about how great it will be someday to not hurt and to run and have fun, and be with Jesus for ever and ever.

I think God has also allowed my physical trials so that I can tell others about Him. When people hear about everything I am dealing with they usually ask how I can handle it all. I can then tell them that I can with the help of the Lord. My body is also scarred in many places due to the many surgeries I have had. When people see the ugly scars they usually ask me what happened. That gives me more opportunities to tell them about how keeping my eyes on the Lord gives me the strength to endure. Someone recently asked if I was going to pursue plastic surgery to make my scars less noticeable. When I thought about it, I said no because they give me opportunities to tell others about Jesus.

I have been told by several people that seeing how I have dealt with all of this over the years, that it has helped them to endure their trials. I think that sometimes God allows people to go through trials not for themselves but for others.

I am still working on my worry and stress issues. Jesus specifically told us not to worry, and that God will take care of us and provide for our needs. When worry comes I remember the words of David (I think--its in the Psalms) "I was young and now I am old and I have never seen (Christians) begging for bread". I also think about how my actions speak to others. If I am worried and all stressed out about something, I am showing others that I really am not trusting in the Lord. How can I tell them to trust in the Lord when their life is stressful, if I don't do it when mine is?

I have found that I have also not given every part of my life to God. I still hold on to things and try to handle them myself, as if I can do a better job than God can. I'm afraid that if I give these special parts of my life to God to control, He will make bad things happen. I tell myself that God is good and full of loving kindness. I think about how Jesus said that if we, sinners, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will God give to us since He is without sin. That we would not give our child a stone if he asks for bread, and since God is sinless how much better he will treat us. Those things encourage me.

When I can, I have also found that helping others keeps my eyes off of my own problems. It makes me happy to do something nice for someone else and you can't be happy and sad all at the same time.

I spend most of my days alone. Some days I can really get depressed if I don't keep my mind on the Lord. I usually keep christian radio on all day, I prefer contemporary christian music over listening to people talk. The words are very encouraging to me and keep my eyes on the Lord all day.

I also find that the time I spend in prayer each day helps me to cope. I just feel closer to God even though He says he is always closer than a brother. Sometimes when I am in the hospital and I am in a lot of pain, I find myself just asking God to help me. I remember that God says the Spirit prays for us when we are not able to pray. I know that He is with me and that I can just lean on Him during those times.

I just don't know how nonchristians can do it all on their own strength? It must be so hard. For now, my mission field is in hospitals among doctors, nurses, etc., and in the places I can go when people ask me "What happened??" I think that He also wants me to show that I can be happy even when things are hard and tell them that this joy comes from my relationship with God. I almost feel "lucky" that God has trusted me enough to allow these trials into my life. He has counted me worthy to suffer for His name. Yes it hurts alot, but He is showing others Himself through me and if just one person comes to the Lord as a result, its all woth it.

A Tasty Recipe...

I was fresh out of ideas this week and so I decided to pass on a recipe that many people have asked me for. (It is not mine... I got if from my sister Charity who got it from an Authentic Mexican cookbook.) However I don't follow the recipe exactly. I add black pepper to taste as well. So here it is for those of you who have asked for the "Black bean avocado salso Recipe"...

Black Bean Avocado Salsa...

1 - 15 oz. can of black beans drained and rinsed
2 - T. finely chopped red or white onion
2 - serrano chiles, minced with seeds
1 - small tomato, seeded and chopped (I prefer roma or those fancy on the vine ones)
1- T. olive oil
1 - T. fresh lime juice
1/2 - t. salt (or to taste)
1 - avocado (Hass is best) neatly diced (NOT MASHED)
2 - T. chopped fresh cilantro

In a bowl mix all of the ingredients, except the avocado and cilantro. Shortly before serving, gently stir in the avocado and cilantro. Adjust seasoning. Serve with tortilla chips, seafood or grilled chicken.

** I usually triple the recipe because everyone loves it... even people who don't like avocado's love this!

Witty Wednesdays

Showing Mercy

During my study last week, I was struck several times by the practical mercy and grace that Jesus often showed people while he was here on earth. I was also struck by the amount of times He showed this physical mercy to someone and it did not end in salvation. For example, the passage in Luke 17 where Jesus shows mercy to 10 lepers, cleansing them of the disease. However, only one of them, after realizing that he was healed, came back to glorify God.

These stories made me consider how I show mercy to those around me. I understand that as a Christian I am to be pursuing the process of sanctification - the process of being made holy. I also understand that my only example of truly holy living is in Jesus and His time here on earth. Therefore, it follows that if I see Jesus doing something in the Bible or treating people a specific way, that I show be striving to do the same as well.

So...the point: Too often I believe that I only show mercy and kindness to people whom I believe will reciprocate. I do not at all have the gift of mercy and although I do try to exercise it anyway, I find that it is usually only towards fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, or in a situation when I believe doing so will open up opportunities for witnessing. Now, obviously, it is good to show mercy to fellow believers and it is good to hope for opportunities to share my faith. However, this is not enough.

Jesus did not simply show mercy - He was mercy! If I am going to truly imitate Christ's example then I am going to show mercy and grace towards those around me all the time. This thought was a breakthrough for me over the weekend, especially since this is an area in my life that currently needs a lot of growth!

Let us all examine how our lives differ from the life of our Example.

Missional Minded Mommy Pt. 7: A Missionary To My Children?

I saw this on several different blogs recently and found it both helpful and encouraging when thinking about how we invest time in being missionaries to our children. As I contemplate being sent as a missionary to this world, I can't forget the little mission field right in front of me! We are still responsible to train and teach our children. A good friend of mine once said (well, something along these lines, not an exact quote) that we can go out and bring as many people in our community as possible to the Lord and if we neglect to bring our children to Jesus, how truly faithful have we been?

Family Worship is just a little part in our responsibility to teach our children diligently. We can do family worship and neglect to love our children by living out what we speak about to them. We can do family worship and neglect to discipline and instruct consistently. We can do family worship and keep the gospel contained for that special time, or we can have a time of worship as families in the manner that works for our particular situation because it is important to have times where we learn and sing together as a culmination of living and loving the gospel of Jesus all day everyday.

As we go out in our community as people on a mission with God I have to remember that the gospel won't make sense to people when and if I am neglectful of my own household.

I hope this is helpful when considering having a time of family worship, I know that sometimes the task seems overwhelming because we make it something it doesn't have to be:

Mark Driscoll gives a realistic approach to doing family devotions at dinnertime:

Step 1. Eat dinner with your entire family regularly.
Step 2. Mom and Dad sit next to one another to lead the family discussion.
Step 3. Open the meal by asking if there is anyone or anything to pray for.
Step 4. Someone opens in prayer and covers any requests. This task should be rotated among family members so that different people take turns learning to pray aloud.
Step 5. Start eating and discuss how everyone’s day went.
Step 6. Have a Bible in front of the parents in a translation that is age-appropriate for the kids’ reading level. Have someone (parent or child) open the Bible, and assign a portion to read aloud while everyone is eating and listening.
Step 7. Parents should note key words and themes in the passage and explain them to the kids on an age-appropriate level.
Step 8. Ask questions about the passage. You may want to begin with having your children summarize what was read—retelling the story or passage outline. Then, ask the following questions: What does this passage teach us about God? What does it say about us or about how God sees us? What does it teach us about our relationships with others?
Step 9. Let the conversation happen naturally, listen carefully to the kids, let them answer the questions, and fill in whatever they miss or lovingly and gently correct whatever they get wrong so as to help them.
Step 10. If the Scriptures convict you of sin, repent as you need to your family, and share appropriately honest parts of your life story so the kids can see Jesus’ work in your life and your need for him too. This demonstrates gospel humility to them.
Step 11. At the end of dinner, ask the kids if they have any questions for you.
Step 12. If you miss a night, or if conversation gets off track, or if your family occasionally just wants to talk about something else, don’t stress—it’s inevitable.

Adapted from “Family Dinner Bible Studies” by Mark Driscoll in Trial: 8 Witnesses from 1 & 2 Peter, a study guide. (Mars Hill Church, 2009), pages 69-70.

I have also found this book by Lou Priolio very helpful: Teach Them Diligently.

This is a favorite book of mine and Rick's that we refer to often and has heavily influenced the way we approach our task of raising our kids as unto the Lord.

More Reflections on Trusting God...

As we are preparing to move to Louisville, KY to pursue training for ministry, I see how often I struggle to trust in God's timing and His plans. I see how often I foolishly desire to be the one in charge and one doing the leading. I want to know the answers to all of the questions and mysteries about what our future holds and how exactly God will use us... but I am so thankful that God is kind and gracious to remind me of how He is the One who is able to lead and direct us in the best plans for us. I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that He is the One who is good, not me and that I am to wait patiently as He works all things together for our good. So too I am reminded of how my heart attitude should be. I came across this Psalm and I think these verses are so applicable and encouraging and challenging.

Psalm 123:1-2

To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the Lord our God, Until He is gracious to us.


I wish that I were so filled with a singular vision for the person and works of God that I lived with this type of faith daily. May we all look to God with faith and hope.

Angel Food Ministries

Today we are picking up on our theme of being frugal from last week. This is a post from Rick Aldrich about Angel Food Ministries, how it works, how it can be is used to minister practically to our neighbors and friends and how it will help a family be frugal..........


Another way to save money is by participating in cooperation with others to save money by buying in bulk. This is generally hard to organize, but others have done the hard work for you. There are many co-ops around, but the one I want to introduce you to is called Angel Food Ministries.

You may have already heard a little about it at Temple as there are already a few that are participating in it. What it is, is simple. Every month they have a box of assorted food items available for $30. You place your order early in the month and then on the fourth Saturday, you go to the designated site and pick it up. The items if purchased at a regular food store could cost you from $42 to $78 depending on where you shop. The boxes are filled with enough food to feed a family of four for a week. They also have a box they call the senior or convenience box, This contains 10 prepackaged meals for $28. And, once you have purchased a regular box they have some bonus options that you can purchase as well. You don't get a lot of choice, but there is a variety of items. They purchase in bulk and require orders to be placed to get significant discounts.

Because it has ministry in the name, many think that only certain people qualify to receive the benefits. But that is not true. It is intended to be a ministry to everyone who buys food. Anyone can buy and everyone is encouraged to participate. The more people that participate, the greater potential exists for Angel Food to negotiate discounts and reduce costs that they can turn into better value.

We are also looking for ways to use this as an outreach tool. It could be as easy as letting your friends know about it and help them to participate. It could also be something as meaningful as buying a box for a family in need. Our small group is looking for other ways to help and even got involved with the distribution this past month.

A lot of questions can be answered at the Angel Food Ministries website. You can also see the menu and place an order for the upcoming month.If you have any questions or would like to get involved, just let me know and I'll get you in touch with the right people.