Why Do We Exist?

Recently I was asked to put together a purpose statement for my job. The purpose of this statement was to showcase our reasoning for “Being Here”. Of course the true intent was why we are at the company, but I took it as why am I here on earth? What is my end? For what was I created? For whom was I created? Why do I exist? To me, that encompasses everything. I exist for Christ.

This is a question each one has asked themselves in some way. It could be during a lonely time, an epoch of depression, or after a tragedy. On the other hand, it could be asked in anticipation of a promotion, during a birth of a child, or after a great success. Each one has come to this question from different backgrounds and times. Ultimately, we have all asked why we exist.

I am familiar with the Westminster Shorter Catechism that spells out this conundrum in the first question.

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

The chief end of man, or the reason we all are here, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We all exist by Him and for Him. To glory in Him and enjoy Him. The only way to truly enjoy God is through Jesus Christ, the God Man.

We know by the Word that Jesus is God, He declares Himself to be the I Am when addressing the Pharisee in John 8:58.

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.” John 8:58 NASB.

The Gospel of John from beginning to end declares who Christ is and His purpose. His purpose was to do the will of the Father and glorify Him. The result of which is the redemption of fallen man, the death of death and the hope of everlasting life by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. That is true joy and true glorification of the Triune God.

When a sinner comes to the understanding that God has created him or her for His glory, that sinner’s life changes forever. It is not boiled down to a simple question. Heaven or Hell, but rather Jesus Christ or yourself. Who will you enjoy? Will it be you or Christ? Will it be your glory or His?

Let it be said that God will get glory from his creation either by gathering them into the love shared in the Trinity, or by the utter destruction of those enemies who oppose Him. In the end every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Reference Philippians 3:10-11).

All things have been created by Him and for Him. Our obligation is to forsake ourselves and to run to Christ. We must repent of our sin and believe on Jesus Christ. He will get glory from us; let it be through His beloved Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria.

References:

The Westminster Shorter Catechism; included in the Reformation Study Bible. General editor R. C. Sproul.

June 26, 2018 0

Father’s Day

This is indeed a most special day. I can say that now with a huge grin because I am a father of three (one of which is under the veil of pregnant belly). I am a proud father. I love my little ones very much and realize the privilege of being a dad is one of the highest honors in all of life. It is right up there with being a son of God and a husband. It truly is a wonderful blessing.

I am grateful for the fathers in my life. My Father has been a rock for me in life. His advice and wit are a treasure. Likewise my stepfather has been a great blessing for me. You see, God blessed me with two Father’s and then blessed me with Himself. He has also put other men in my life that have influenced me greatly. Yet, these other influences do not compare because of the love and respect I have for my two earthly fathers.

I will say that coming from a broken home is not easy, but it was a blessing to me despite. I sill had the opportunity to see my dad twice a month. He may not have had much time allotted to spend with me, but it was great each time. I always looked forward to spending those weekends with him. Many of my quick comebacks and jokes come from those highlights as a child. My stepdad is a special fellow as well. He basically became a dad instantly when he married my mom. He is the father he didn’t have to be. He was instrumental in taking me to church and guiding me to a relationship with Christ. I am so grateful for that.

These two men have a good relationship between each other. It is such a blessing to go golfing together with them as adults. It really shows the character of them both. Now that I am a father myself, I love to talk to them both on things concerning fatherhood. Every moment with them now is a dear blessing I cherish. Each moment they have with my children is one they cherish. Since the grandchildren, I am no longer a highlight for them!

While I am thankful for these to wonderful dads in my life, I am most thankful for my Heavenly Father. God began a work in me 20 years ago this year and has continued to cultivate my life for His glory. I was saved by Christ as a small nine year old boy and justified before Holy God. He has adopted me into his family and now I am an heir and joint heir with Jesus Christ (Reference Romans 8:17). That is beautiful news if you ask me, to be a child of God. The Heavenly Father has bestowed such blessings on my life that it would take volumes of books to record them all. I did not deserve such love, yet, such love was given. He did not spare His on son to ransom a sinner like me. Oh what joy is found in Him.

This Father’s Day I realize that there are some who are without their fathers. I am deeply saddened for you. I imagine it is a void that remains for all of life. Nothing can replace a father. Nothing this world can give anyway. There is a Father in Heaven who loves more than any father can. He is a Father to the fatherless, strength to the weary, and savior to that which is lost. Come to Him through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. My prayers for you is you find the true loving Father this Father’s Day. I beseech you to come to Christ. Make this Father’s day one that will have an eternal impact. The only way to the Father is through His Son Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria.

June 17, 2018 0

Do We Evangelize?

This brief post is mostly a refection of some thoughts I have had lately. There are a great number of issues happening among us Evangelicals. The recent smorgasbord involves issues over social injustice, gender identity, sexual identity, sexual pride, gender roles, Southern Baptist Convention, suicide and the list goes on. I simply could not bring myself to address any of these topics. However, the one thought continuously mulling over in my mind was the concern for evangelism. Do I propagate the Gospel? Do I share the good news of Christ? Have I given the answer most needed to the most in need? I had to be honest and say, “No.” I have not truly and intentionally make efforts to evangelize as I ought. May I have a moment to weep?

What else should the soldier of Christ do but advanced His kingdom? This is the great answer. This is the great need. Jesus Christ is who people need more than anything. The only true inclusion and grafting is in Christ, His body, His church. People need to repent of their besetting sin and identify with Christ. Folks need to boast in Christ, to pride themselves in Him alone. Any convention needs Christ as its Head, King, and Lord. Those who are in the depths of despair need Christ and His people to surround them in their darkest hours. Family members need to know their Christian loved one who committed the sinful act of self destruction is safe in the presence of Christ if they were indeed in Christ. No act or deed from the believer can pluck them from the steady hand of God (Reference John 10:28-30). Even that tragic sin was paid for on the tree.

I too often fall into the idea that evangelizing should happen within the context of a church activity, or a function put on by a body of believers. Forgetting that I am called to be who I am wherever I am. I do not simply turn off being salt and light. It is who I am. I am remade, reborn, renewed into the love of God by the shed blood of the God Man Jesus Christ. I am who I am because of the Lamb. Should I, once a slave to sin, not be about my Father’s business? It is what I am about. It is my prerogative. The life given to me should be burned out for the cause of winning souls to Jesus.

The occasion could come at a restaurant. The waiter or waitress could have an issue in their lives that needs prayer. I can inquire about such things. Why not? Jesus met people where they were. It could be street evangelism. Preaching the Gospel open air or sharing it with a person at the book store. The opportunity could come at work when a peer is facing a loss of a family member. The moment that we are made for comes about in some of the strangest places.

Look for the ordinary opportunities. The ones we pass by so easily every single day. Do not take for granted the opportunity you have to share Christ, no matter how lack luster the setting. The first time I had the opportunity to see someone come to Christ through my sharing was in an Ingles restroom as we cleaned toilets.

Praying for those opportunities to evangelize results in getting them. Be at the ready. God is drawing people to Himself. We have the answer for the sin sick soul and His name is Jesus. Soli Deo Gloria.

June 16, 2018 0

Banner of Truth Minister Conference

I am back from my first Minister Conference with the Banner of Truth. The conference was held at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. My pastor and I took the ten hour drive up to the conference eager to hear from some of the best preachers in contemporary evangelicalism. In the words of Arnold, “I will be back.”

At the conference there were pastors and teachers from all over the map. I met gentlemen from Kenya, Canada, United States and of course the United Kingdom. I also was able to meet some of the dear brothers I listen to on a regular basis. Mack Tomlin, Ian Hamilton, Alistair Begg, Albert Mohler, and Matthew Robinson from Media Gratiae were all welcoming and warm in their greetings. It was wonderful to shake the hands of the men who have impacted my walk with Christ. I pray Christ will continue to bless and keep them as they minister.

Books. Tons and tons of books. It was something to behold really. The amount was staggering. I already had some, but walked away owning many more. One will not go wrong in owning many books from The Banner of Truth. By the last day of the conference, I had to avoid the book store altogether. The car would just not hold anymore.

The time spent meeting and talking to these dear men of God are moments I will cherish for years to come. The books I obtained will be treasures I can go to time and again to explore the insights of so many strong men of the faith. Yet, the event I cherished the most was meeting senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church and established author, Dr. Rhett Dodson.

By the grace of God, I met a fellow pastor named Lee at lunch. After some small talk, Lee mentioned that his senior pastor was from the small town of Pickens, South Carolina. It is not everyday you hear the name of your hometown in causal conversation. My curiosity was engaged. Long story short, once I met with his senior pastor, Dr. Rhett Dodson, it dawned on me his last name is the same as my late great great grandmother. After a few phone calls to our respective families, we affirmed that we are indeed related. It was a jubilant discovery. To say the least, meeting him made my entire conference. I look forward to our ongoing fellowship.

It amazes me how God bestows such love and grace to His children. I am so very grateful to be able to attend such a conference as Banner. I hope to attend many more and fellowship again with such a great cloud of witnesses . Soli Deo Gloria.

June 7, 2018 0