Over the next couple weeks, I will be traveling to Tacoma, Washington. The purpose of this trip is to meet with other Christian believers with the hope of finding some that will pray and support the work God has called me to in Zambia. This trip currently has no itinerary - I am honestly leaving in less than 24 hours without knowing where I will be preaching or what to expect. I do know one thing - my Lord owns a cattle on a thousand hills, every beast of the forest is His, the fowls of the mountains are His, and the wild beasts of the field are His. Knowing that God has control over every penny in this world certainly relieves my anxiety and actually provides comfort. If everything is already His, He truly has need of nothing - now I can simply enjoy my Lord while I give thanks and call upon Him.
Please continue to pray for this trip. I look forward to being used of God as I enter and attempt to minister to the real needs of God's people. At the same time, I do look forward to seeing my Lord open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing with hardly enough room to receive it! Praise the LORD.
June 1st - June 19th: Tacoma, Washington
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Faith and Works
The cry against works based religion has been so loud and often, it is instinctual to condemn those that teach us to 'work' for anything in Christianity. By looking at Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:3-5 it is easy to come to the conclusion that our own works have nothing to do with our salvation and that it is all God! However, that is not the end of the story as we know 'works' are not wrong if done in faith. It appears much of Christendom has taken 'liberty' to remove the required works that should occur in the true believer of Jesus Christ.
This thinking stems from my reading of Titus. From the start of this small epistle, Paul briskly rebukes those that "profess to know God but in works deny him." Paul goes on to explain the Christian life should: 1) extol a pattern of good works (2:7), 2) encourage people zealous of good works (2:14), and 3) exercise a life style that maintains good works (3:8).
In fact, the very passage we quote to say works are not necessary later is followed by insisting the believer is 'created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10). How are we to actually 'work' as Christians? Lets simply take a look at one section of this small book...
Pattern of good works:
a. in doctrine
i. showing uncorruptness
ii. showing gravity
iii. showing sincerity
b. in sound speech
i. that cannot be condemned
ii. that others may be ashamed
c. in labouring
i. showing forth loyalty
ii. not speaking foolishly
iii. not stealing
iv. showing good fidelity
This is not even a complete list of the small section 'pattern of good works'. For a people that are saved by grace it appears we so often do not show forth the grace that has saved us. It is more likely most 'Christians' line up with professing to know God but don't really know the God of the Bible. Let us not use the grace of God for an occasion to the flesh but may we truly seek the God of the Bible and live a life that proves the grace of God is in us!
This thinking stems from my reading of Titus. From the start of this small epistle, Paul briskly rebukes those that "profess to know God but in works deny him." Paul goes on to explain the Christian life should: 1) extol a pattern of good works (2:7), 2) encourage people zealous of good works (2:14), and 3) exercise a life style that maintains good works (3:8).
In fact, the very passage we quote to say works are not necessary later is followed by insisting the believer is 'created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10). How are we to actually 'work' as Christians? Lets simply take a look at one section of this small book...
Pattern of good works:
a. in doctrine
i. showing uncorruptness
ii. showing gravity
iii. showing sincerity
b. in sound speech
i. that cannot be condemned
ii. that others may be ashamed
c. in labouring
i. showing forth loyalty
ii. not speaking foolishly
iii. not stealing
iv. showing good fidelity
This is not even a complete list of the small section 'pattern of good works'. For a people that are saved by grace it appears we so often do not show forth the grace that has saved us. It is more likely most 'Christians' line up with professing to know God but don't really know the God of the Bible. Let us not use the grace of God for an occasion to the flesh but may we truly seek the God of the Bible and live a life that proves the grace of God is in us!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Samuel Richard Schiano
This morning at 3 am, my sister delivered a healthy baby boy into this world! Both mother and child seem to be doing well. Although my sister is a couple weeks early in her delivery, there were no complications. He came into this world at 6 lbs 8 ounces and has been described as hairy. My sister said he has not cried yet and seems to just be as happy as can be. It certainly is exciting!!! Praise the LORD!
I look forward to meeting my new little nephew. Obviously his name is significant to us. My sister and brother in law decided to honor my father by giving their second born child his middle name. It appears my brother in law is relieved - he was a bit concerned the child was going to be a girl. He was not quite sure how to deal with those pesty teenage years when all the boys would be coming around. Guess he wont need to worry about that, at least for a while...
I look forward to meeting my new little nephew. Obviously his name is significant to us. My sister and brother in law decided to honor my father by giving their second born child his middle name. It appears my brother in law is relieved - he was a bit concerned the child was going to be a girl. He was not quite sure how to deal with those pesty teenage years when all the boys would be coming around. Guess he wont need to worry about that, at least for a while...
A good start
This past week was the beginning of 'deputation' for me. The process started about 1,000 miles from home in Kansas City. This was not a process I was particularly looking forward to but one I do see the benefits of. After just one week, I honestly can say I have learned some things about God. It was exhilarating to see the Lord provide in the unexpected - often we talk about Jeremiah 33:3 but seldom do many of us have experiences that match our understanding of that verse.
I was able to meet with a some pastors over the few days in Kansas City. Over the last few years, many people from the Kansas City area have visited the work in Zambia. I still remain friends with many but never have had the opportunity to visit the mid-west. My first trip out was not only a good reunion of friendships but also an exciting time of Christian fellowship. There seems to be a real bond that acts like a strong cohesive for those that have visited Kafulafuta and preached the gospel in the land of Africa.
I was able to meet with a some pastors over the few days in Kansas City. Over the last few years, many people from the Kansas City area have visited the work in Zambia. I still remain friends with many but never have had the opportunity to visit the mid-west. My first trip out was not only a good reunion of friendships but also an exciting time of Christian fellowship. There seems to be a real bond that acts like a strong cohesive for those that have visited Kafulafuta and preached the gospel in the land of Africa.
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