Focused on the Gospel

“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” ^ESV Acts 20:24

The book of Acts tells us that while Paul was in Athens, his spirit was provoked because he noticed that everywhere he turned, people were worshiping idols. They even had an idol to an unknown God.

So, as was his custom everywhere he went, Paul did everything within his power and means to convince the Athenians of the truth regarding the one true God; the God of the Bible. Paul was always focused on sharing the gospel.

In the case of the Athenians, he had to first point out to them that there was only one true God who was creator of heaven and earth. But his custom according, to his first letter to the Corinthians, was to share the story of Jesus. He says that he “…delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to Scriptures…” Paul shared this story of Jesus everywhere he went.

Paul’s ministry was by no measure an easy one. His concern for the early churches weighed heavy on him and his teachings met frequent opposition. His travels were hard and difficult and many times they exposed him to danger from robbers. He recounts many nights without food, water or shelter. The Jews had given him thirty-nine lashes on at least five occasions. He had been beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, and spent time adrift at sea. Yet Paul never lost his singular focus; the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There were occasions when Paul saw some fruit from his labors. But he credited any growth in the church to God; admitting only to planting the seed of truth himself.

In our verse today, we see Paul saying goodbye to the Ephesians as he prepares to go to Jerusalem; unsure of the fate that awaited him. What calamity would he encounter this time? Would they beat him? kill him? or would they accept the seed that he would plant?

Paul’s attitude regarding his ministry should be an inspiration to all who labor to deliver the truth. To the pastor, take courage preaching to an unresponsive congregation. To the Sunday School teacher, take joy as you prepare for hours in order to deliver a thirty minute lesson. To the choir, sing praises as unto the Lord! To the volunteers in the shadows, persevere. To all, stay focused on testifying to the gospel of the grace of God; Jesus.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

Agnostic to Apologist

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ESV John 8:32

If you look up the definition of an agnostic, you’ll find that it is describes a person who does not necessarily deny the existence of God. But neither does an agnostic affirm the existence of God. As a matter of fact, they generally believe that no proofs of God exist. You could say, they’re just kind of indifferent and don’t really care one way or the other.

On the other hand, if you look up the word apologist, you’ll find that it describes a person who stands in defense of a doctrine; like Christianity. Interestingly enough, one of the greatest agnostics of modern times spent his later years earning the distinction of being one of Christianity’s greatest apologists. I’m speaking of C.S. Lewis, the author of Mere Christianity and many other Christian books. Lewis went from being a decided skeptic to a staunch supporter and many of his writings give insight into his conversion. Allow me to summarize his conversion with the simple observation that “the truth” set him free.

This past week I had lunch with a self described agnostic. It was a short but interesting conversation. And I hope to continue the conversation one day soon.

One comment my friend made has stuck with me. He said that the part of him that wanted to believe in God was skeptical (even distrusting) of religion. He seemed both surprised and amused that I agreed with him. Now, I’m not suggesting that we abandon gathering together in local congregations, but whenever the object of our faith rests in our religion instead of our Creator, we’ve made a grave mistake.

The Athenians made this mistake. When Paul was in Athens, he noticed that they were so religious and so careful to cover their bases, that they even had an idol to an unknown god. Acts chapter seventeen records his sermon to the Athenians. Beginning in verse sixteen, Paul proclaimed to the Athenians the truth about the God that was unknown to them; the God who made the world and everything in it.

When Paul finished what I believe to be one of the greatest sermons recorded in scripture, we find that some people mocked him, others wanted to hear him again on the matter, but some believed. Yes, some believed in the one true God. They were converted through the gospel that Paul taught; the same good news Christians preach and teach today. The truth set them free.

My prayer is that God would grant me the opportunity, desire, knowledge and ability to share as much of the gospel, to as many people, as possible. So that perhaps, the truth of the gospel would set someone free. Who knows, maybe someone will even go from agnostic to apologist.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

The Apostles’ Creed: Brilliant at the Basics

Why print The Apostle’s Creed? It’s simple really. Any document respected and revered enough by Christendom to remain in widespread use since the very early days of Christianity deserves some attention.

Some readers will immediately yawn and dismiss this article because their tradition recites the Creed every week in church. Other readers already have their defenses up; bristling at the thought of my using this space to discuss a creed. And still others are probably scratching their head wondering aloud: Hmm, what’s a creed? (It’s a brief statement of faith.)

As my Sunday School class discussed The Apostles’ Creed briefly this past week, I tagged it with the sub-title “Brilliant at the Basics” because of the way it effectively articulates the basic tenants of Christianity. I am convinced The Apostles’ Creed can be defended biblically. That being the case, I challenge you to read it carefully, slowly, and with an open mind; noting how it systematically and brilliantly lays out the basic beliefs held dear by Christians throughout the ages. It is truly Brilliant at the Basics.

Well, here it is with some of my thoughts inserted in brackets. Think of it and read it as a profession of faith in three parts.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell. [This phrase was not in the earliest editions of the Creed. It first appeared around the end of the fourth century and much debate surrounds its meaning. I’m convinced that “to hell” should be interpreted and read “to the grave.” But you can beg to differ and we’ll still be friends.]
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church, [In modern English, this phrase is better rendered “the holy universal church;” meaning the true church. It is not a reference to the Roman Catholic Church that we know today.]
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

Communication

“For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” ESV James 3:2

Do you remember the movie On Golden Pond (1981) starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn? Well if you didn’t see it, there isn’t room here to explain it. But if you did, you’ll recall that it centered on the sometimes ornery family relationships of an aging couple. Miscommunications between the couple and their daughter, which were sometimes intentional, were also frequent and many times comical to the viewer. I guess the gaffs were humorous because they were so ordinary and easy to relate to.

I’ve never been to Golden Pond, but I have been to Little Bear Creek. And last week, down on the lake, I was reminded of just how easy it is for miscommunication to occur.

Melisa (my wife) and I were sitting on the back porch of the cabin early one morning enjoying the dawning of the day when I noticed a crane slinking along the bank in search of prey. Not wanting to startle the crane, I motioned for Melisa to be quiet; it’s amazing just how noisy Frosted Flakes can be. Anyway, we watched as the crane stealthily inched along the water’s edge until just the right moment when, all of sudden, he pecked at the water and caught a fish!

We continued to watch in silence as the crane positioned the fish just right in its beak. He would jiggle the fish around a little, clamp down on it again and rinse it in the water. He must have repeated these steps a half dozen times before he got it like he wanted it. Then, he stuck his beak into the air and swallowed the fish whole in a single gulp.

At this point I’m smiling and thinking to myself: “Alright! You go bird; breakfast!” At that same moment, Melisa, before going inside for more Frosted Flakes, mutters out loud: “Poor fish!”

Now, we had both witnessed exactly the same event. The facts of the event were indisputable. Yet, when the deed was done, we had registered completely different endings in our minds; satisfied hunter versus poor, helpless prey.

I hope this story illustrates the importance of clear, concise communication in a family; or for that matter, between friends, at work or even in the church. Even when facts are indisputable, we often register different conclusions in our mind. This is exactly why letters, emails and text messages fall short as a means of communication; they’re easily misinterpreted and oft times register unintended conclusions.

Picking up on our verse, let me encourage you to be careful and clear in your communications this week. In conversation, choose your words carefully so that you don’t stumble in what you say.

Hmmm…wonder if I should I have told Melisa about this article ahead of time?

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

Bike Rides, Hummingbirds and Wood Peckers

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” ESV Proverbs 12:11

This past weekend I took a break and stopped to “smell the roses.” On Saturday I went bicycling with my son and a group of our friends. We pedaled some forty miles across sections of Franklin, Colbert and Lawrence counties. I was reminded anew that I’m not as young as I once was and of just how refreshing a hot shower followed by a two hour nap can be!

We started with the wind at our backs, but as we turned back to the south and then to the west, we faced a stiff, fifteen mile per hour headwind. I never considered quitting and letting the wind get the best of me, but I did have to remind myself that forward progress could only be accomplished by continued pedal strokes; one methodical circle at a time.

On Sunday afternoon I headed to a cabin on Little Bear Creek Lake where I was treated to a spectacular view of the lake aglow in the afternoon sun. I was also greeted by a hummingbird that had an odd fascination with my sandal and two wood peckers hard at work on a nearby tree. As I watched, I noticed that the hummingbird had a curious attraction to anything colorful and still. I’m sure its daily search for food.

But it was the two wood peckers that brought this verse to mind. The pair must have been male and female; one being larger than the other. And they were steady boring a nesting hole into a tree. One of them would stand aside or fly away while the other methodically ducked into the tree, banged away for a moment, and came out with a mouth full of sawdust. Then they would swap for a spell; but the work continued unabated. And I have no doubt that they’ll be in their new home soon.

Now think for a moment about the truth of our verse from my weekend observations. Had the wind bettered me, I could have stopped on the side of the road, but I wouldn't have been any closer to crossing the finish line. The hummingbird looked silly trying to find nectar in my sandal strap, but he would’ve never found a meal resting in his nest. And those two wood peckers. Well, they have learned the art of working together in a focused effort to get the job done and they’ll very soon reap rewards.

Are you methodically working your land, focused on the truly important things in your life, or are you distracted and following worthless pursuits? Distractions are plentiful. Spend some time this week focusing on the truly important things in your life; especially your relationship with God and your family. The fruit of your labor will be sweet.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.