Contend for the Faith

“...contend for the faith…” Jude v.3

This charge is as relevant and urgent for believers today as it was for its original audience. Though the names have changed and the context is different, this battle for truth remains. False teachers and perversions of the gospel existed in the first century and they continue to be an ever-present danger in this age as well. We must know the God of all grace and fix our eyes upon Him, lest we find ourselves ran aground from following the wandering stars of false doctrine (v.13). It is for this reason that Jesus’ brother encouraged his fellow saints to keep themselves in the love of God (v.21).

Jude offers some help in this diligent pursuit. First, he says that we should understand what and why we believe what we do – “building yourself up in the most holy faith (v.20).” So many times “Bible study” gets a bad wrap. However, in this context it is easy to see the practical significance and application. In a world where many will twist the words of Jesus and conform the Holy Spirit’s inspired word to fit their own agendas, we must know the Scriptures, being devoutly steadfast in seeking truth. By diving into the depths of God’s holy manuscript, we contend for the faith.

Secondly, and seemingly just as simplistic, there is a plea to persevere in prayer (v.20). Yes, one of the greatest privileges available to the Heavenly Father’s children is also one of the disciplines necessary for fellowship to flourish. We remain in God’s love by fervently and faithfully seeking Him in prayer. How can we say that all options have been exhausted when the precious present of prayer remains on the table before us, yet unopened?

We press into Christ by studying Scripture; we pursue the Prince of Peace through prayer; and we expectantly long for His return – “waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (v.21).” Quite honestly there are times when our current circumstances are so pleasant that we forget all about that Beulah land (Isaiah 62:4) because we cannot imagine heaven being better than what we have here on earth. Yet that is not the common experience most days. In fact, some seasons are so heavy-laden we can only muster the request, “Lord Jesus, come quick.” Here, our contention for the faith involves a patient, yet steady, anticipation of Christ’s return. Remembering that He is coming both motivates our obedience in times of peace and our faithfulness in the storms of struggle.

As we wait for the mercy of our Lord, we also extend it. Jude gives us a few examples. Christ-followers are to be merciful to those in opposition of the gospel. While wolves in the clothing of sheep must be run off and false teaching must be disputed, there ought to be great mercy shown toward those who doubt (v.22), for some of us were in the same boat. According to the beloved disciple, Jude was likely a skeptic during the time of Christ’s ministry (John 7:5). For those who are still wrestling, the former doubting little brother pleads that we be patient.

Additionally, we are to have an evangelistic edge, seeking to snatch some from the fiery pits of hell (v.23). As we contend for the faith personally, we must also look to compete for the souls of others, corporately. We are to be merciful to the skeptic, the unbeliever, and even the struggling Christian – “to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh (v.23).” Restoration is and shall always be our hope! Even our hatred of sin is to be bathed in the loving kindness and mercy of Christ; such loathing must first begin by mortifying our old self and its evil desires (Ephesians 4:22).

Finally, the focus for remaining in the love of God, the key to seriously contending for the faith, is found in Jude’s closing doxology. “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen (v.24-25).” There is One greater than all, Who rules over all, Who’s reign is never-ending, and He is worthy of all honor and our most sincere praise! It is He and He alone that can keep us from stumbling. It is His gospel that saves! In His strength we fight to know and make known the grace that He’s made available through His cross. Might we focus our eyes on the Risen Son and contend for the faith with great joy.

Matt Fowler
Associate Pastor of Missions & Students
matt@nbchurch.info
@fattmowler

Where did family dinner time go?

One of my favorite things to do when I’m with my extended family is enjoy a meal. I am thinking of those times when we sit at someone’s home, take time to share and listen to on another’s stories and enjoy being together. My son-in-law Kyle is an excellent cook and also enjoys cooking for the family. I love that about him. The menu is secondary. The important thing is making time to build relationships. If a family shares joke, or tells a story they are creating stronger connections away from the table. There are entire cable networks dedicated to cooking. I love that channel.

When I was growing up, in my little family of four, I think the primary love language for my family was food. It seems as if there was more time then for gathering together to enjoy one another and get pleasure from food. I believe eating together is healing and nurturing for both the soul and body. Even in today’s fast-paced world:

• If somebody gets hurt or sick,
• If somebody has an emergency or a crisis,
• If somebody has a significant loss, a job or a loved one,
• If somebody gets married (rehearsal dinner & reception)
• If somebody has a baby,
• If somebody gets buys a house cooking food, delivering food, and eating food is what we would do to make things better or celebrate.

There would be that famous smell of cooking in the house, and loved ones would just gather and talk, tell stories, laugh, and cry.

A great pastor, thinker, and writer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in a book called “Life Together:”

"[People] should not eat the bread of sorrows; rather, 'eat thy bread with joy...'" (Ecclesiastes 9:7) "God cannot endure that unfestive, mirthless attitude of ours in which we eat our bread in sorrow, with pretentious, busy haste ...or even with shame. Through our daily meals [God] is calling us to rejoice, to keep holiday in the midst of our working day."

When Bonhoeffer wrote these words he was leading an underground seminary in Nazi Germany being persecuted by the people who would eventually kill him. He said, "Eat your bread with joy." Perhaps he was thinking back on safer, more precious times.

It is no secret that several research studies have discovered a link between regular family dinners with lowering a host of high risk teenage behaviors (smoking, binge drinking, marijuana use, violence, school problems, eating disorders and sexual activity). In one study of more than 5,000 Minnesota teens, researchers concluded that regular family dinners were associated with lower rates of depression and suicidal thoughts. Family dinners have been found to be a more powerful deterrent against high-risk teen behaviors than church attendance or good grades.

Dinner time is not a time for lectures or arguments. It is not a time for television watching or reading and typing on smart phones with social media contacts. It is a time for loving one another – simply, sincerely, deeply, as you would expect to be loved so you would love one another (1 John 4:7-8).

It's a funny thing about dinner time when I was growing up. We would always sit in the same place. Everybody had their own chair. My dad sat across from me. My mom sat to my left. My brother sat to my right, across from my mom. Everyone always in the same place. Maybe there is some deep human instinct in the soul tells us, "We need to have a place at the table." I want to have my chair. I want everybody in my family to have their chair, and I really love it when their chairs are filled.

During a week when I have been preparing a sermon about the Lord’s Supper table, I've been thinking a lot about how fast life goes and how quickly our lives appear and vanish, I was wondering, are you getting enough time around the table with the people who you love? I hope you are. It is so essential for you and your family.

Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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A Good Mom & Our Great Father

Last May my wife officially adopted our three kiddos, gaining legal rights worthy of the status our children and their Heavenly Father had already affirmed, that she is their mom. Now, nearly a year later we are expecting our fourth child. And while this is my wife’s first pregnancy, it is NOT our first child or her first real child. No, this baby is simply another blessing to our family, unique and special in his or her (yes, we’re still not sure what we’re having) own way. This is a fact that my wife is adamant to clarify with whoever asks, and it only makes me love her more. But my gratitude for Brittany rightly goes well beyond her, upwards to the One who loves our four infinitely more than my wife and I combined.

What I’d love to share with you today is how my wife’s mothering of our children reminds me of the gospel, stirring my affections both for her and our great God and Savior Jesus Christ – the One who saw that like Adam, it was not good for me to be alone. And while it is possible that it may sound as though I’m boasting about my wife, she is not the one I’m aiming to highlight. Allow me to explain. For starters, Brittany has gone to great lengths to communicate our heart’s desire to our friends. There is not currently, nor will there ever be a hierarchy of importance or significance among our children, especially based upon whether they were adopted or naturally born.

So just because baby number four will be biologically connected to both of us, he or she will in no way be any more a part of our crew than the precious three we’ve already been blessed with. B is just as much mom to Brooks, Chan, and Mati whom she did not birth, as the one currently growing in her womb. There will be no second-class child in heaven, nor shall there be in our home. Each of our children are different from their siblings with varied skill-sets, life history and personality traits unique to them, yet they’re all equally loved by us.

This is crucial in our minds because it is an identity issue. We want our children and the world around them to know that they have been given to us by God to steward well; and they are gifts we are extremely grateful to have been granted. So it is worth clearing the air of any confusion. Sharing with you this morning is partially done in hopes of protecting the hearts of our three, for I know how the words of some well-meaning individuals can still be injurious when not well-informed. However, I also write for more than that purpose.

I’ve been privy to another side of this mother’s relationship with her children, a side that many are unaware of. As you would expect from any loving parent, Brittany’s care for our kiddos is not contingent upon anything else. Of course it has been this way from early on. When my wife and I first got engaged there were no guarantees that her love for our children would be reciprocated. B’s love for our three was not retracted when bitter people hurled hurtful comments at her, especially when those fiery arrows should have been aimed at me (though indirectly, I guess they were). Though she’s felt attacked and quite vulnerable at times, she’s only pressed into her role as mother with greater zeal.

Lastly, I see a picture of the gospel in the adoption chapter of our story. There was a cost and a season to endure, but the outcome was worth it all. During that time Brittany was able to explain to our children how the adoption proceeding was much like God’s choosing of us. “For the rest of your lives, I want you to know that it is with great joy that I call you mine.” Such love has moved me to love my wife more with a more steadfast devotion, but it has also overwhelmed my soul with a deeper appreciation for my Savior. But to again be clear, my wife is human and therefore not perfect. While some days she parents like a pro, there are other days that she struggles like the worst of us. She is susceptible to responding out of stress, insecurity, and fatigue. She is prone to be selfish and react from her flesh. Oh but there is One who is perfect…

Some of you are trying to figure out the purpose of this blog. You’re thinking that I’m just kissing up to my wife. Perhaps I missed the mark on Mother’s Day. Maybe there were higher expectations for a gift and now I’m trying to rectify the situation with my literary prowess (sarcasm). While the shoe of underwhelming propensity fits, you must consider the whole. If I were trying to win back the affections of my bride, would I have written the disclaimer in the second half of the above paragraph? I think not.

Maybe this is for our kids. Perhaps I’m hopeful that some will read this and better understand our family dynamic. Maybe I’m trying to head-off anything that could potentially hurt our children. Well, this is a stronger theory and one I cannot deny, yet must admit that those most likely to error in this regard are a couple things: 1) not very likely to read my blog and 2) not likely to be easily swayed with my gentle plea.

With the profound amount of readership that I get each week (sarcasm very thick here) it is possible that this is simply for me, for my wife, for our children. However, maybe there is something in here for you. Perhaps you need to be reminded of the gospel again, and of the love of our perfect Heavenly Father. Maybe your soul, like mine, needs to hear afresh of how impartial He is with his beloved, how He has adopted us who were once not a people to be His chosen people, to share in the inheritance of the saints, to reign as heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Maybe your identity is occasionally forgotten or brought into question by various circumstances. Perhaps you’ve forgotten that your status of child is not contingent upon reciprocity. You and I in Christ are His, now and forever.

In this post-Mother’s Day blog, I hope you read about more than a good mom; I pray you are reminded of our great Father. And while I desire for you to hear my heart, there is a more desperate longing for you and I to hear the heart of our Heavenly Father and consider again the glorious implications of His gospel. May our resting in this truth bring Him much glory.

Matt Fowler
Assoc. Pastor of Missions & Students
matt@nbchurch.info
@fattmowler

Motherhood and the Good News.

My mother and I at my 50th birthday party.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. It will be a unique day for Carol and I because this will be her first Mother’s Day without her mother. So Mother’s Day for Carol will be a day for grieving and memories. Also, all of our kids are adults now and live away. So celebrating this day is unfortunately downgraded to a text, a phone call, or – if it works out – a Facetime/Skype chat.
I will invite my mother to worship at New Beginnings this Sunday so we can be together and then we can take her out to lunch after the morning services. I see my mother almost every week and talk to her on the phone every day. So, since lunch with her son will be rather typical, we will throw in a card and a gift.

My mother and I riding tandem at Labor Day vacation.

But in an effort honor all mothers this weekend, let me tell you what I mean when I say, “Motherhood is like the Good News.” If you attend New Beginnings Church very often you know about the Gospel. The Gospel when interpreted from the Greek, means “Good News!” As a Gospel-driven and Gospel-focused people, we intentionally look for hints, signs, and reminders of the Good News of Jesus. Motherhood gives us a several hints, signs, and reminders of the Gospel.

• Mothers give birth to their children, in the Gospel you are born again spiritual (Genesis 3:16; John 3:7). They literally lay their own lives to give birth to their babies.
• Mothers feed their children so that they can be nourished like God feed His children spiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthian 3:2). It seems as if breastfeeding can be the only thing that brings peace and rest to a nursing child who is crying.
• Mothers care for their children like God cares for His children (Isaiah 66:13; Mark 6:34). Moms are always rocking, walking, snuggling, humming, their babies to sleep. Changing diapers, dressing, feeding, cheering, patting, encouraging their kids as often as needed.
• Mothers love for there children is strong and faithful Like God’s love is for His children (John 19:25; 1 John 4:7-10). How many of us have seen or been embarrassed by a mother who stepped over the proverbial line to defend her child? It is nothing for a mother to scream at an umpire, nag to a school principle, brag to or blame a coach, to direct the future success of their child.
• Mothers love their kids even when their kids are difficult to love (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-10). The teenage years – eye rolling, sneaking out, defiant attitudes, messy rooms, smart mouths – are a perfect example of how mothers love even when their kids are difficult to love.
• Mothers love their kids sacrificially like God loves His children sacrificially (John 15:13; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16 ; ). Mothers spend many sleepless nights comforting kids with upset stomachs and teenagers who defiantly break curfews. They often give of themselves freely and fully.

Selfie at Mother's Day lunch last year.

Motherhood can be a very complex and difficult issue. Being a mother is not for the faint of heart. It is exhausting, thankless, costly, and unending. Many wish to become mothers, despite the challenges, and can not get pregnant. Mother's Day is especially difficult for them. Also, not every person has had a healthy mother relationship. Finally, in a sin soaked and wicked world, there are mothers who neglect, who abuse, and who harmfully over-protect their children. But there is grace and consequently Gospel for these hard issues as well.The Gospel tell us that Jesus died to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 19:10; John 1:29). He is the Redeemer Who transforms us by God’s grace (Ephesians 1:7; Acts 3:19). There is no difficulty too hard, no issue too complex, no relationship too broken that cannot be redeemed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t deserve to pay sin’s penalty, but because of His deep love for us sinners, he did anyway (1 Peter 2:21-22; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Gospel is awe-inspiring (Romans 1:16-17) Celebrate your mother this Mother’s Day by embracing the Gospel of Jesus!

Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Remembering, And Being Thankful

"Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” Deuteronomy 4:10

Mother's Day is Sunday. I am "remembering" the many blessings that my mother has blessed me with over the years. I am so thankful for them and here are just a few below.

I am thankful that my mother made going to church a priority. We were raised Catholic and as long as I can remember, we went to church on Sunday. I understand that just attending church did not "save" my soul, but this is where I began to understand the story of Jesus Christ, who He was, and how He should be "revered". (Read Deut 4:10 again)

I am thankful for the discipline that Mom gave me. She knew how to use correction, lovingly, to help me to understand right from wrong.

I am thankful for Mom's love, affection, mercy and care when I was sick or hurting, whether physically or mentally.

I am thankful for Mom's talks that helped me to develop confidence in myself, when low self esteem was defeating me.

I am thankful for Mom teaching me how to respect and treat women.

I am thankful for Mom teaching me how to be a respectful man, teaching me the little things, like saying "please" and "thank you", opening doors for not only women, but the elderly, or disabled.

I am thankful for Mom teaching me good manners and proper etiquette.

I am thankful Mom taught me how to be a giving person, by her unselfish giving. 

I am thankful that Mom didn't always give me what I wanted, but what I needed.

I am thankful that Mom prayed for me.

I am thankful that Mom gave me grace and still loved me during times when I treated her poorly, with disrespect and was very "unlikable". I am thankful for your forgiveness, Mom.

I am thankful that Mom was my biggest cheerleader in anything that I was successful doing and for Mom's encouragement to move past those things that I wasn't.

I am thankful that Mom loved to laugh and she taught me that as well, so that I wouldn't take everything in life so seriously.

I "remember" all of these things and more, Mom. I am sorry that I haven't shared all of these things with you over the years. I'm sorry I have hurt you in the past. I'm sorry for letting you down at times over the years. But I am SO thankful that you are my Mom. You did your best with me. You raised three great children who became productive, Christ-following, adults, who are making an impact. I couldn't have developed into the man that I am today, without all of these things you did in my life from birth onward.

 This is my Mom, Sandy, with two of her Great-grandchildren and my grand-children.

I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day!! early:)

Who He is...

“You are good and do good…” Psalm 119:68

What a wonderful reminder for us this morning; what a superlative place for us to start our week. God, You are good and You do good. Here, in the midst of this longest psalm and most lengthy chapter of the bible, our writer extols the Lord for His goodness with a statement so simple, yet one that is significant for our soul to grasp: God is good and He does good.

In this psalm that beautifully praises God for the gift of His word, we see the psalmist offer up the obvious…God is good. Scripture’s role is clearly seen here. It helps us learn and understand the nature of our Heavenly Father. It allows us to gaze and glory in the fullness and perfection of His character. Through His revealed word, we see that God is patient and loving, gracious and merciful, full of kindness and compassion, forgiving, enduring, constant in His pursuit of our affections, and consistent in His dealings with us. He is abundantly so much more than we could ever imagine; as far as the heavens are above the earth, our God is bountifully better towards us than what we could ever deserve. Not just sometimes, but at all times and in every way, God is good. Good is not a mere description of God, but it is that which He personifies.

This fact is inescapable: God is good! Every page of our Holy Scripture points to this profound truth. However, there is more joy to be found, for God’s goodness is not merely something we read about, it's something we experience. The psalmist says, “You are good and You do good.” The Bible is not only provided so that we might celebrate stories of old – how the Lord was faithful with Israel or the apostles. Rather, it is also given us that we might have a framework for understanding the incredible ways our Savior is at work in our own lives today. God’s word paints pictures of how our Majestic One deals with His own; it details how God is glorified through His creation. Though not considered of much worth by the world, we see historically that our Father has been well pleased to make Himself known to and through the humble and ordinary.

The Word may help us describe His precious provision, but ultimately it is given so that we might experience the One exalted throughout the text. The point is that we would not only agree with the first portion of the verse, though God indeed is good, but that the truth of the second half would reign in our hearts as well – and He does good. The Savior set us free! His Spirit comforts us; He directs our path! We have tasted such unmerited favor! We have seen and heard and felt His amazing grace! While so many promise attention, care, and concern they can never fully provide, God has proven His love and continues to display the all-sufficiency of Himself over and over and over as the One who is good and does good!

Might we see His unrelenting, never-failing love this morning. May we consider His character and nature as something that is more than a spiritual ideal and notice His goodness in action today. As David notes elsewhere, might we also see that apart from God, we have no good (Psalm 16:2). Father, You are good and do good. May this truth resonate with us this morning.

Matt Fowler
Assoc. Pastor of Missions & Students
matt@nbchurch.info
@fattmowler