Throughout our lives we have been so blessed with friendships and ministry opportunities.
This blog is meant to share what God has been doing in, for and through us.
It is also used as a resource page for teaching and preaching Dave has had the opportunity to do.
We do this for the purpose of GLORIFYING GOD and HELPING OTHERS GLORIFY GOD.
"Devotion to God finds its outward expression in loving one another." (The Fruitful Life, p. 47) Another way to state this is our devotion to God, the creator, shows itself in how we love people, who are created in God's image.
This past Sunday, Mike Guest taught on...
In the study notes for Galatians 5:22, 23, the MacArthur study Bible states, “One of the several Greek words for love, AGAPE, is the love of choice, referring not to an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond, but to the respect, devotion, and affection that leads to willing, self-sacrificial service.”
Each week during this summer study, we want to ask some questions to get us thinking about the mark for that week.
Here are some LOVE-related questions.
How does the world you live in today define and use the word LOVE?
How does the Bible, God's Word, define and use the word LOVE?
What are ways you have seen love exhibited in a wrong way?
What are ways you have seen love exhibited in the right way?
In what ways could you improve how you show love to others?
In what ways could our church improve in how we show love to others?
John 3:16, a verse many people know, is often used to show how great God's love is for us.
First John 3:16 is a great verse that shows God's love and our response to that love.
"By this we know love, that he laid his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (emphasis mine)
Jesus showed us what love is. Because of this, we ought to do something.
This kind of love, spiritual love, comes from God. We are able to love HIM and OTHERS because He first loved us. This love comes from a heart that has been changed by God, the Holy Spirit.
First Corinthians 13:4-7, tells us what love is. Here is that list along with a brief explanation of each attribute.
PATIENT -VERY slow to anger. Long tempered. KIND - Gives benefit to others. Grace-filled. NOT JEALOUS - Not after “showy gifts”. All one body. NOT BOASTUL - “Wind Bag” Elevates others over self. NOT ARROGANT - “Puff like a bellows”. Listens vs. talking. NOT RUDE - Not Immoral. Yields personal rights. NOT SEEKING ITS OWN - Others first. Self-lessness. NOT PROVOKED - Controls sudden outbursts. NOT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT WRONGS - Holds no record of wrongs. NOT REJOICING IN SIN - Takes no pleasure in the sin of others. REJOICES IN TRUTH - Love is honest and hates lies. BEARS ALL THINGS - Covers and protects. BELIEVES ALL THINGS - Optimistic, looking for the good. HOPES ALL THINGS - Never gives up. Grace again. ENDURES ALL THINGS - Will not quit. Can’t be killed.
Jesus' prayer in John 17 is filled with love language for God and his disciples.
20 “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22 The glory which You have given Me I also have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26 and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Help! People at Church Are Driving Me Crazy podcast. "Differences and disagreements are often not a sign that things have gone tragically wrong, but instead gloriously right. After all, a church should be centered on Christ alone, not...."
The Marks of a Christian and the Fruit of the Spirit are not just for private experience.
As the sermons on Romans 12 have reminded us, gifts are meant for the body of Christ.
The same is true for the gifts of the Spirit and Christian character
They are God-focused. Remember, they come from God and show His glory.
They are also outward-focused. They are to help us show God's love to others and help the church grow.
THIS WEEK'S MARK: HUMILITY
Definition:
"Pursuing humility means choosing to accept the fact that your knowledge and abilities are limited. In light of that, you regularly seek help and graciously receive advice and correction." (Time for the Talk)
In thinking about the above definition, there are a couple of points to remember. All of us limited and need help. This help is sometimes found when it is sought after. Other times, it may be given with no after being offered. Each of us need to consider what is being said and what can be learned.
Questions to consider:
What is the difference between pride and humility?
Pride is when the focus in on oneself. "Proud people believe that life is all about them - their happiness, their accomplishments, and their worth." (Pride to Humility, p. 5)
"Humble people are focused on God and then others, not on self." (Pride to Humility, p. 16)
"And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
While the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness because of their disobedience, God humbled them, even in how He provided food - an unknown food, manna. Their forty years of wandering in the wilderness served God's purpose.
God, help never forget that you are working the circumstances of our lives for your glory and our good, even the lowest of times.
God is awesome - so much bigger than the heavens and the earth and he looks for those are humble, broken, and tremble at His word.
God, you are over heaven and earth. You have made everything. God, make me into one you desire, one who is humbe, is broken over my sin, and trembles at Your word. Make me yours because I am yours.
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,"
Paul urges the Ephesians to live out the life the Christian life. And this is humble, gentle, patient, and loving.
God, thank you for saving and sanctifying me. Help me and our church to live out your work in our lives. God, help me grow in humility, gentleness, patience, and love for others. Amen.
"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Once again, a clear reminder that we must humble ourselves before God in this life. This not merely a message for "super" Christians. This is a message for every Christian. Clothe yourselves with humility. An observation someone in class made was they had never considered the "casting all your anxieties on him" in the context of humbling oneselves before our mighty God.
God, you have clearly told us that you oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Help me to see who I am light of who you are. Grow in me a patient, hopeful, humble trust in You, the one who works things out according to your sovereign plans and in your sovereign timing.
Moving from Pride to Humility (Pride to Humility, p. 26)
Humble yourself with the Gospel and a cross-centered perspective (James 4:7)
Pray for God to search your heart (by His Spirit with His Word) and to help you repent of pride and grow in humility (Psalm 139).
Study Jesus (His earthly example, especially in the Gospels, Matthew 11:28-30). Focus on His humility.
Ask others if you come across as prideful in any way. You would do well to have a few people close to you look over your self-evaluations of pride and humility and give their thoughts on your assessment. Remember, pride can be blinding.
Spend as much focused time as possible worshiping God (e.g., praising, praying, reading, and meditating). Be sure to center on the love of God demonstrated at the Cross.
Practice the "one-another" principles.
Work to put off pride and put on humility at the level of your thoughts and motives.
Work to put off pride and put on humility at the level of your communication.
Work to put off pride and put on humility at the level of your deeds.
Have the mindset that humility must be a way of life (Philippians 2:3).
The next mark is JOY!
Additional Humility Resources:
Transcript from NorthPointe Christian's Senior & Parents breakfast I had the privilege of sharing - tinyurl.com/npcsrbreakfast2024
Biblical Counseling Mindset - ATMOSPHERE OF GRACE / CULTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP
Pray that God's Word will be faithfully preached and God's people will lovingly care for one another.
Biblical counseling in a local church setting allows the church to offer real hope to church members, regular attendees, and the surrounding community.
The Sunday preaching and teaching are foundational in helping people understand and live out this hope. The BIBLICAL DOCTRINE taught and the ATMOSPHERE OF GRACE experienced during the church meeting time is essential because this is a standard meeting time for everyone. Throughout the Pastoral, Epistles reminds Timothy and Titus to teach and live the truth before people. Specifically, in 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy to share what he has learned with faithful men who will share it with others. The preaching and teaching prepare a congregation of "mini-preachers" to proclaim the Gospel to their families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. The church's ministry on Sunday is so much more than just the pulpit ministry. It is also a "pew" ministry. Each member is a minister.
The ATMOSPHERE OF GRACE goes beyond Sunday meeting times. A church body with a growing biblical counseling mindset also has a CULTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP and SOUL CARE that is marked by a love for one another (John 13:14, 34, 35; 15:12, 17; Romans 12:10; 15:14; 16:16; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; Hebrews 3:13). This CULTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP is Spirit-led, relationship-driven, not program-directed.
This ATMOSPHERE OF GRACE, CULTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP, and DIRECTIVE COUNSELING is an every-member church ministry.
Biblical Counseling Mindset – DIRECTIVE COUNSEL
Pray that EACH MEMBER OF TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH would be a biblical counselor/disciple-maker by speaking biblical truth into one another's lives. "The body of Christ is built up because the men and women in a church family openly acknowledge their pain, hurts, and struggles. There is mutual edification. This is biblical counseling." Biblical counseling is not a silo ministry. It is not a ministry that is isolated from other ministries. The counseling ministry and discipleship ministry are two separate areas of ministry. The biblical counseling ministry of a church is interwoven throughout its disciple-making mandate.
A church will never have enough highly trained, certified counselors to meet all its counseling needs. If we genuinely believe in biblical community and the priesthood of believers, then EVERY MEMBER of the church needs to be equipped to "speak the truth in love to one another at every level in the body of believers." Every disciple is a disciple maker.
Every growing Trinity Baptist Church member needs to be involved in DIRECTIVE COUNSELING. This is counseling that is life-on-life. It happens through friendship, Sunday School classes, small groups, conversations before church, after church, and throughout the week. DIRECTIVE COUNSELING aims to encourage and obey by speaking the truth in love. Each member is a counselor. The question is, "What kind of counselor are you?"
The quotes and the basic idea of this post have been taken from Biblical Counseling and the Church.
Biblical Counseling Mindset - CORRECTIVE COUNSEL
Pray people would seek help when needed, and pray members of Trinity Baptist Church would seek training to become even more equipped biblical counselors.
There are times when more intentional, focused help is needed. Someone may need specific help with parenting, communication, finances, or other ongoing issues. If a church member has been doing DIRECTIVE COUNSEL, he or she may notice the same problems in a person's life. CORRECTIVE COUNSEL is meant to help those "stuck in sin." At this level, the counselor has more specific education and training to help those struggling. Individuals giving DIRECTIVE COUNSEL can come alongside the individual as a helper/advocate at the CORRECTIVE COUNSEL level.
Biblical Counseling Mindset – INTENSIVE COUNSEL
Intensive Counsel - Pray that counselors speak God's truth and have Godly wisdom while helping those struggling with complex, intense situations. Also, pray that those working with intense problems will seek the help they need.
INTENSIVE COUNSEL is focused on issues that have become life-dominating or tragic. Some examples include addictions, significant fear, and potential divorce. Because of the nature of the problems, INTENSIVE COUNSEL takes more time and requires a counselor with more in-depth training. Most people think of The level of counseling when they hear the word "counseling." The challenge in the local church setting is helping the congregation understand that if people sought and gave more counsel at the DIRECTIVE COUNSEL and CORRECTIVE COUNSEL levels, it would help with how much INTENSIVE COUNSEL needs to be given.
This Summer's Combined Study is "Marks of a Christian."
We will study 13 marks/characteristics of a Christian - the Fruit of the Spirit and several other Christ-like qualities.
There are 13 marks/characteristics we will go through this summer.
They are the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 and several key virtues from a book entitled Time for the Talk. This book is very helpful in leading sons into manhood, but the 6 virtues are good ones for parents to teach and model for their boys and girls. They are also great virtues for all of us to live out. You can read the link for a better understanding of the book. During the July combined parents/children time, the focus will be on using those four virtues in parenting.
At the end of this post, I included two great songs, "Promises" and "His Glory and My Good," that tie this all together.
I want to begin this devotional with a harsh truth.
Seniors, this day is not about you. Parents, this day is not about your child or you. This day is about God and his love and faithfulness.
Hello! My name is Dave
Rodgers.
I attended Penn State for my first two years as an undergrad.
This is my wife, Krista, a lifelong Ohio State fan who was
born and raised in Ohio.
Attended Cedarville University in Ohio.
When we moved to Toledo, I learned I needed to pick a team to root for in THE GAME; for family peace, I chose Ohio State over Michigan.
This is our then eighth-grade son, Josiah, a hardcore Ohio
State fan who is now...
I am planning to attend the University of Michigan this
fall.
Some things don’t go as you expected. BUT WE ARE EXCITED FOR JOSIAH!
I want to share another one of those “Some things
don’t go as you expected” stories.
In 2017, we moved here so I could take a pastoral position. Things didn’t go as planned. In the summer of 2018, I was no longer in
that ministry role and was trying to figure out what God had next for me and my
family.
Northpointe Christian families and teachers were a blessing and help at that
time.
I want to share one example; some graduating senior guys
might remember this.
Mr. Molda was coaching the middle school boys' soccer team,
and he knew the Rodgers family was going through a challenging time, so at
practice, he wanted to pray for the Rodgers family. I am very thankful for the people who pray
for me and my family.
Mr. Molda called Nick Rogers up to pray for his dad, who
recently lost his job.
THE PROBLEM: Nick is
not my son, and Nick’s dad didn’t lose his job.
This is a picture of Dave Rogers, R-O-G-E-R-S, and me, Dave
Rodgers, R-O-D-G-E-R-S.
The kids and Mr. Molda recognized the mistake. Mr. Molda called
Josiah up and prayed for our family, and I know many teachers and Northpointe families, including some in this room, and others who prayed for our family during
that time.
Some things don’t go as you expected.
Whether that is a planned prayer time with a middle
school boys' soccer team OR
Moving your family to a new state only makes things work out differently
than you thought.
But remember this: God needs to be trusted and lived for
no matter what!!
I don’t want to spend the rest of my time telling family
stories.
I want each of you, SENIORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, and ANYONE ELSE in this room to
remember ETERNAL, ESSENTIAL life-changing truth.
Follow your heart is NOT THAT TRUTH.
But you will hear it and similar messages in movies, songs, graduation cards, and many other places.
This world will tell you over and over again...
Do what you want to do.
You be you.
Follow Your heart.
There is nothing better than celebrating
all you’ve accomplished.
What lies behind and before
us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Your future is bright & your
possibilities are endless. Best wishes as you follow your own path.
This morning, I want to tell you not to listen to Disney,
romance novels, social media influencers, or self-help speakers and preachers.
Don’t listen to the world.
Listen to God and His Word.
Remember Biblical truths like Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory
for the sake of your steadfast love & your faithfulness.
Don’t follow your heart.
Let’s pray and submit our plans to the God of the Universe.
The one who created you.
The one who sent his son to die for you while you were his enemy.
The one who sent the Holy Spirit to help you live for God’s Glory, God’s way.
But you may be wondering, “What do I pray?” “How do I pray?”
Pray the truth of Scripture.
Pray verses like Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name, give glory for the sake of your steadfast love and your
faithfulness.
This morning and every day of your life, pray.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name, give glory for the sake of your steadfast love and your
faithfulness.
Remember, life may seem reasonable and okay when you live for
yourself. It may seem fun fulfilling,
However, it can only be truly and eternally good when lived for God’s glory in
Christ Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
So, on your graduation day, what is your next step? College,
work, a gap year, or something else?
The best next step is to trust in God more. It is to hope in Christ more. It is to lean upon the power of the Holy Spirit
more. It is to remember a great Bible
verse.
Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name, give glory for the sake of your steadfast love and your
faithfulness.
Now, parents, on this proud day, whether it is your first child
graduating or your last child, after 35 years at Northpointe. If you desire to live out the Christian faith,
and I pray that it is, but I know that might not be the case for everyone, I
want to remind you what your God-given goal has always been and will continue
to be. I remember a quote from years ago that I keep returning to as a parent and pastor of children and family
ministry.
“Our goal in parenting is not
ultimately for our kids to get a great education, be great athletes, or find a great husband, a great spouse.
OUR GOAL IS FOR THEM TO LOVE A GREAT GOD.”
Parents, may that be our goal, and may Psalm 115:1 be our prayer
for our children and us.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name, give glory for the sake of your steadfast love and your
faithfulness.
As we move to a time of prayer, NO, as we move forward in a
life of prayer,
let’s also remember Philippians 1:9-11
and how it ends.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and
more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is
excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of
righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and
praise of God.
This is the 1st of a series of 4 posts on the Assurance of Salvation.
Total Depravity.
What a pleasant way to begin!! What a necessary way to begin.
Total Depravity does not mean you have done the worst things possible and you are the worst person.
No, Total Depravity is the fact that you are a sinner and unable to save yourself.
Throughout Romans 1:18 - 3:20, Paul writes about the sinfulness of man. Romans 1:18 - 32 focuses on the fact that Jews are sinners. Romans 2:1 - 3:9 focuses on the sinfulness of Gentiles. Romans 3:9 - 20 shows that everyone is a sinner.
So, isn't this post about assurance of salvation?
What is the connection between total depravity and assurance?
We are unable to have the right relationship with God in our strength. Believers are united to Christ in God by the Holy Spirit. God is the one who makes dead sinners alive and keeps them alive. Perseverance of the saints is a fact because of what God has done.
We cannot save ourselves from our sins, and we cannot keep ourselves safe.
We, the children of God, are called to respond to God's grace. This response is in actions and passions. Actions and passions give evidence that one's salvation is genuine. Assurance of salvation requires two things: "sound theological instruction and clear practical guidance [through valleys of doubt]" (Jeremiah Montgomery)
Paul Washer offers a helpful thought about the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints - "When God has truly saved an individual, the same power of God that saved that individual keeps that individual to the end, keeps the individual from falling" and the doctrine of assurance - "How do you know you have believed? How can you be sure that you have truly believed unto salvation?"
Question to guide us as we seek assurance by Don Whitney
Do you share the intimacies of the Christian life with other
believers?
Do you have a deep awareness of your sin against the Word and
love of God?
Do you live in conscious obedience to the Word of God?
Do you despise the world and its ways?
Do you long for the return of Jesus Christ and to be made like
Him?
Do you habitually do what is right more and sin less?
Do you love Christians sacrificially and want to be with them?
Do you discern the presence of the Holy Spirit within you?
Do you enjoy listening to the doctrines of the apostles taught
today?
Do you believe what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ
Resource List (Each of these is available on Hoopla)
How Can I Be Sure I’m a Christian? By Donald Whitney
This post contains quotes and lists from the first week of missions in the Go Tell It class - in italics - and brief explanations.
Missions is the work of the Local Church.
While mission agencies, denominations, and seminaries are helpful in the work of missions, we must remember that God's plan is for the local church to be at the forefront of this work. The local church is not just a supporter or a sponsor but an active participant in spreading the Gospel.
We see churches engaged in mission work in the Bible (Philippians, 3 John, and throughout)
. The church cannot delegate this responsibility to others.
What does Trinity Baptist Church look for in mission work
focused on work aimed at planting and/or strengthening local churches
focused on work being done well theologically and methodologically
focus on work and workers with whom we could have a significant relationship.
The church, the truth, and involvement. Our ministry involvement overseas is usually meant to help God's church grow. Our ministry involvement in the statements is designed to help the church and our church.
Local church responsibilities
pray regularly for supported workers
show hospitality during stateside visits
be informed
adopt a supported worker
go on a short-term mission trip and support trips
read up on global missions
provide additional teammates
As a gathering of believers, our responsibilities include much more than just signing and sending a check. The seven responsibilities are beyond financial support.
"The glory of the gospel - not the neediness of mankind - is the self-sustaining fuel for global missions." Missions by Johnson
While many Evangelism classes focus on methods of Gospel presentations, I want this class to focus on the church's disciple-making mission, the body of believers.
In combining missions and evangelism into one Go Tell It class, I hope the class will understand these two things are not programs, classes, committees, or merely a part of the church. They must be in the culture, the DNA of the church.
The Go Tell It class "It is clear that you don't like my way of doing evangelism. You raise some good points. Frankly, I sometimes do not like my way of doing evangelism. But I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it."
There are many different Gospel presentations. Here are six of them.
