We are quickly coming to the end of our series on The Songs of Ascent: Psalm 120 – 134 (can you believe it).  The lessons these messages have taught me are plentiful.  In fact I hope to post more on this as we approach our final message next week.  Until then, I have been preparing for Psalm 134 this coming Lord’s Day.  Meditating on this short benediction of a psalm caused me to ask again the obvious question, “What is worship?”  I believe Psalm 134 answers simply and profoundly:

Worship is us blessing God, blessing us.

Have you ever wondered what is was like in Numbers 16 when God judged Korah and all those who followed him in the rebellion?  Surely it was an amazing and awe-inspriring event to witness the earth swallowing up people (Num. 16:31-32).  The terential rains from this past week were not of biblical proportions, but it surely put us in mind of God’s power and glory.  Today I came across another picture that gives a similar sense.  One of the effects of the rains is the potential for sinkholes.  Appaently the soaked ground gave way recently, or as the bible says, “the earth opened its mouth and swallowed” a car (read the report).  Thankfully the driver was unharmed.  Unfortunately, rather than sympathy, the vandals took advantage of the car’s dilemma and looted the car for the stereo and the seats.  Unbelievable!  Talking about kicking a man while he is down (even in a hole).

If there was not a picture of this, you would not believe it.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Who will notice?

From across the country I have been receiving phone calls asking about the torrential rains and flooding that has come to Atlanta and North Georgia.  Looking at the photos and videos I can see why people would be concerned.  Rains have been relentless and the forecast is for more in the coming days.  It has brought destruction, hurt, and even death.  We are praying for healing and help.  I am also praying that it brings perspective, as well as repentance.

The rains remain interesting in light of the providence of God and the fickleness of humanity.  You see, for a while now the governors of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida have been bickering and fighting over the right to use Lake Lanier (located in North Georgia) as a water source.  The issue is a long standing one, and in recent months has gotten rather heated (read more).  Not long ago, the Atlanta and North Georgia areas were experiencing unprecedented drought.  The Governor stood on the steps of the Capitol and called for a statewide day of prayer for rain (read more) – even as he was fighting with Alabama and Florida over water rights.  Well, it would appear that God has answered his prayer and then some.  Today Lake Lanier, like much of North Georgia, is flooded.  It seems that while the three Governors go to court to decide whose water it is, God is asserting who the true owner of the water is.  He who owns not only Lake Lanier but the source of all lakes, is once again reminding us that rains and droughts, fruitful season and famine come according to His power and plan.

An old puritan saying states, “He who observes providence, has providence to observe.”

Today providence is all around.  The pictures and the videos don’t lie.  They tell the same truth the Scriptures do.  Who will hear it?  Who will heed it?  We pray for rain when it is dry.  We pray for the rain to cease when it floods.  May we also pray for repentance and faith at the power and glory of God on display.

Psalm 147:15-18  He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.  He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold?  He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.

Amos 4:7  I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would have rain, and the field on which it did not rain would wither;

It has been raining quite a bit over the last several days here in Atlanta, producing mud slides and flooding all throughout the city.  Not seeing the sun for several days could lead to hopelessness  and could seek to steal the joy of some people.  By Gods grace, on Sunday we were pointed to the Son that never fades, the Son who is never covered by clouds and the Son who produces ever increasing joy in the life of His people.

Here are some reflections:

• “Christ must remain the center and main thing in worship”
• “When Christ is central it leads to right worship”
• “Worship should refocus us on Jesus, not keep us focused on ourselves”
• “We are not worthy to be called a friend of God”
• “My name is not victory, Jesus’ name is Victory!!”

This morning the fellas of East Point Church had breakfast at JW’s home.  The men’s group is called MGM (Men of God in the Morning) because we normally meet every Tuesday morning at 7 AM at a local restaurant.  This morning, however, we ate at our brother JW’s home and chopped up some eggs, bacon, and grits, and then chopped up the subject of God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will (so to speak).   The seriousness of the conversation was only matched by the seriousness of the buffet.  There are not too many things better than good food, good brothers, good theology, all wrapped up in the goodness of God.

Here are a few pictures set to some lyrics by our brother Alex Faith.

Someone once said, “Pride was the sin that dug hell and damned the devil.”

The brothers at EPC are currently reading Terry Johnson’s book, “When Grace Comes Home.” This is  a wonderful treatise on the practical effects of the Doctrines of Grace upon the life of Christians.  This past week we read and discussed the how the doctrines of grace, when rightly understood and applied produce humility in the believer.  Johnson is right when he writes that not only is it contradictory to have a prideful Christian, it is even more worrisome to have a prideful Calvinist.  And yet we all know too often that this can be the case.  Johnson comments on the reason for this contradiction and I must say that my life has testified to the truth of his assessment.  He writes:

“When one comes to understand the doctrines of the total depravity of man and the total sovereignty of God, it can be (as it was for me) like a second conversion.  One’s new understanding changes one’s life.  These doctrines become very dear to one, and one becomes very zealous to promote their dissemination.  Converts to Calvinism will often look back with disdain on their former views, and when they hear others continuing to express them, they look with disdain upon them, and are quick to refute their every word.  In their zeal, they quickly forget how recent their own ‘conversion’ has been, and how long they continued in error.  They can appear to be arrogant and insensitive.  They strike others as ‘know-it-alls’, and are unpleasant to be around.  Understand this problem though we may, we still must say that this arrogance can only be a temporary aberration brought on by a convert’s zeal.  Quickly he should return to the normal state of mind, which is profound humility.  Here is why:  the doctrine of election.”

Someone who truly understands the Doctrines of Grace has nothing to be proud of.  He is not only humbled by the Cross of Christ, but even more so that the Cross of Christ has been effectually and irrevocably applied to him, and this apart from his own initiative or insistence.  Might we who hold to the sovereignty of God truly believe it and trust Him to do in others what he has so graciously and patiently done in me.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:  “Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ.  No Christian community is more or less than this.  Whether it be a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this.  We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ.” Yesterday again was a gracious reminder of this truth.  The gospel forms us into community.  The gospel builds up that community.  The gospel empowers that community.  The gospel displays itself in wonderful God-honoring, Christ-exalting ways through that community.  We witnessed this on yesterday evening.  Here are a few thoughts that are still warming my heart:

• “The gospel is a treasure displayed in the most unlikely places.”
• “Grace causes us to boast in our weaknesses, while others are boasting in their strength.”
• A cure for AIDS would be good news.  The cure for sin is the GREATEST news in the universe.
• Let us never underestimate a mother’s prayers and a father’s example.  Hallelujah!
• God is still filling “clay pots” with a treasure for His glory and not the pots’.

Here is the gospel message Philip preached on the Sunday of his licensing.  His text was 2Cor. 4:7.  May God grant him the grace, courage, and faith to continue proclaiming these words:

The Gospel Treasure

Today we continue our interview with our brother Philip Duncanson.

4.  Your desire for the glory of Christ and the proclamation of gospel is evident to all those who know you.  Why are these things important to you?

Our world is full of people looking to find the next greatest trick or strategy that is going to improve their life or make it worth something.  If that is not what they are looking for then they are striving to find fame and fortune any way they can.  People pursue these things because they hold out hope that in money and fame they will find happiness and contentment.  I am passionate about the proclamation of the Gospel because it is the only message that works.  I can testify to its power and have seen it work in the lives of people all around the world.  God is passionate about himself, he desires that His name would be known throughout the nations.  This sovereign King has chosen me, a lowly  servant to serve in His kingdom, far be it from me to be passionate or proclaim anything other than his gospel and his Glory.  I pray and plead with the Lord that it would never be so.

5.  You have served East Point Church from its beginning.  What excites you about this church?

Church planting is exciting!  I have a passion for ministry and love thinking, praying and discussing kingdom business.  However, what I am most excited about is the outworking of the gospel in the lives of his people.  Our goal is to point people to Jesus, through song, deed, word and every other way in between.  By God’s grace this is taking place and we are already seeing fruit.  This brings me joy; it humbles me and I am patiently (sometimes) waiting to see the impact of a Gospel flourishing community.

6.  Your wife Allison has given you her loving support in this call.  What does this mean to you?

It means more than I can describe in a few sentences.  Allison is a PK (preachers kid) and that means she understands the pressures and toll of ministry.  She has been on the front lines all her life and knows both the joys and the hurts.  So her support says to me that she treasures Christ and the kingdom more than earthly comfort and ease.  It also lets me know that I have in my corner a wife who will encourage me and love me and follow me as I follow Christ.

7.  On this coming Sunday, you have chosen to preach from 2Cor. 4.  Why this passage and what do you hope to demonstrate?

The focus of the sermon will be taken from verse 7 which says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” This verse amazes me; the Gospel is a treasure, valuable beyond measure and God has chosen to entrust it to weak clay pots so as to show forth his power and glory.  I am convinced that this is the only reason I am able to accept this call and I desire to make this treasure known and my desire is to let my brothers and sisters at EPC know that we all have this treasure; so let’s strive together to proclaim it.

(read Part I)

One of the blessed joys of ministering to East Point Church is serving with the men God has so graciously brought together.  These men are strong, yet teachable; humble, yet courageous.  They listen, yet will speak their mind.  For a church planter they are God’s reminders of His care for my needy soul.  One such man is Philip Duncanson.

The coming Sunday we will have the joy of licensing Philip for the gospel ministry.  while every Christian is call to the minstry of the gospel in both word and deed, God has in His providential care given to the church elders, pastors, and teachers with the gifts of preaching and teaching the Word for the growth and edification of the church.  Philip is one such gift.  East Point Church is glad God has given him to us and we would like for you to celebrate his calling with us.

Recently I asked Philip some questions concerning his life and ministry.  Below is the first half of the questions and answers.  Tomorrow I hope to share the rest.  Hopefully these will give you some insight into why we thank God so much for him.

1.  Tell us about your family.  You are a husband and a father.

That’s right! I have been married to Allison for 6 ½ years and have three wonderful children.  Allison is a wonderful mother and wife and has indeed encouraged me more than anyone I know.  I thank God that she is my wife and look forward to growing old with her.  We are the stewards of three gifts; Ayden 4, Elise 3, and Presley 1.  I have come to understand that raising a family is hard work, but it is rewarding work and one that brings me great joy.

2.  When did you first sense a call to gospel ministry?

When God rescued me at the age of 19, He had me in an environment where I could immediately share the Gospel.  I had the privilege of sharing Christ with students, inmates and anyone who was willing to listen.  It was then that I believe God was cultivating in me a heart for ministry.  I knew God did not save me to sit and live a comfortable life and so whatever opportunity I had to serve the kingdom I jumped at it.  It hasn’t been until the last 4 years that God has been deepening in me a love for His Church and a desire to see her washed and made whole through the Gospel.

3.  What have you read or heard that really encouraged you in this call?

First a couple of books.  John Pipers book, “Don’t Waste your Life”. This book really challenged me to trust that the best place for me to be was in ministry and that all the hesitations and excuses that often came to mind were not valid and that for me wasting my life would be shying away from the gifts God gave me to edify His Church.  The second book is a compilation of authors, “Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea For Preaching.” This book helped me to understand the weight of the call and the need for sound biblical preachers in the church; and I desired to be one.  Lastly, I have been blessed to have wonderful Godly men pour into my life; those who have been in the ministry and those who are not.  It is these men that I have listened to and observed over the years and whether they realized it or not they have all encouraged me in this call and I thank God for them.

(to be continued…)