Book Review: "Let the Nations be Glad"
This book was a look into the perspective of God’s supremacy in missions. John Piper is a well-known author and speaker in the evangelical circles. He has been a Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist church in Minneapolis, Minnesota since 1980. He has written twenty books that focus on God’s supremacy in all things and seeing the joy of Jesus in all people. John Piper gives many insights into the focus of missions being on seeing God glorified. His three-part outline of the purpose, power, and price of missions emphasize the right heart attitude on worship, prayer, and suffering. His focal point was on missions being God-centered and doing everything to bring glory and fame to His name. The focus on worship is the basis for why missions is done, to glorify God. The focus of prayer is the advancement of the kingdom and giving Him glory for always providing for His children. The biblical emphasis was not upon praying to better a person’s well-being but to finish the course of a life of service to Jesus. Prayer is warfare against Satan and the Christian using the Word of God to combat the attacks of the enemy. Another aspect of prayer that is foundational for missions is the believer’s joy may be full. Also, prayer without the Word being preached will not glorify God; both are inseparable to achieve a balanced mission to the world.
Suffering was another point that the author focused on in the book. The biblical emphasis was on when a person comes to Christ they must die to themselves that is built off of Luke 9:23. Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the cross paid for the punishment from God, but not from suffering and loving people like He loved them. The focal point is that believers should accept any suffering that comes from doing what Jesus did. The supremacy of Christ is the focus of saving faith. The hearing of the Word is our calling as believers to a lost and dying world. The supremacy of God among all the nations was on how God’s love relates to missions. It is defining missions the way God says and then following through on His will. The Great Commission was given to command us to reach all people with the gospel and the focus on the authority of Christ over everything. The focus on compassion for man’s soul was an explanation of worship being the basis for glorifying God in missions. A biblical view on the reality of an eternal Hell is important in having compassion for missions and mobilizing believers to act.
Worship is defined by, “…manifold external expressions in life and liturgy.” Worship is a lifestyle and that is an outer expression of an inward devotion to Christ. Worship is not a place, but in Jesus Christ and Him alone. The essence of worship is the satisfaction with God in Christ. The implication is a people who will seek God above all things knowing that He is the only one that can satisfy.
The author’s focus on God’s supremacy was a passionate look at the heart of missions. It is correct in its basis in glorifying God through worship being and it energizing missions. The author was correct in explaining prayer as a way of knowing God’s will and advancing the Kingdom. It is not seeking to change God’s mind and Him doing what man wants, but joining God on His mission to seek and save the lost. It is important to note that God’s grace is what gives a person each breath and that prayer is humbly coming before a loving and mighty God. A wrong view on prayer is using it to better one’s lot her on earth, but to seek God’s face and finding satisfaction in Him alone.
Suffering is an issue that affects the church today in a profound way. Piper took a biblical stance on the issue and it was correct in every way. The reason it is a good look was in its reference to Jesus’ command for us to “deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him.” To put to death a person’s own will and desires is where one finds God’s will where the fullness of joy is found. Missions is a hard task and is usually brings people out of their comfort zone, but if it is God’s will then God will deliver the needed contentment. The fullness of joy is found in Jesus and serving Him, whether you are in America or Africa. Relevance on this issue was felt on the chapter on suffering and is a needed focus of the modern church to understand and apply. The author was accurate in his explanation of a believer experiencing suffering, without it then one is not a true follower of Christ. Defending the faith with a life of sacrifice will include suffering and is exactly what Christ went through for the world.
God’s sovereignty is an issue that needs to be accepted by Christians to learn to trust God. Missions is faith-based and without an accurate belief in it, then missions will not be set on God being in control. The author takes a strong stand upon this principle and it should be understood and balanced with the rest of the counsel of the word of God. It is important to not take it too far and use God’s sovereignty as a license to live care-free thinking that believers do not have a mandate to live in a way that is above reproach. A biblical view of missions was explained in this book and evaluating it has shown that it is a clear example of God-centered missions. The statement of doing missions to glorify God and not just based on the Great Commission and love for sinners is a good insight. It is a great look that if a person is glorifying God then they will love sinners and follow God’s command to reach the world with the gospel. There is a need for re-thinking on reaching America and the world with the gospel of Jesus, long-lasting traditions are becoming more rare. The need for biblical answers that are from Jesus and His commands will change lives all across the globe, not handling missions the way some might think should be done. This book was a fresh look at God’s supremacy and seeing Jesus glorified in missions. Implementation of these principles will benefit any believer seeking to serve God through missions and in the end God will get all the glory that is due to His almighty name.
No Fear - Psalm 23
(I'm on a mission trip right now in Africa, I would appreciate your prayers)
We all have some type of fear no matter how big or small. The question is whether we will give into fear or find courage through a relationship with Christ?
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23
This passage of scripture is one of the most often quoted and best-loved in the entire Old Testament. However, despite all this, there is a section in this passage that has been widely misunderstood. The attitude that was portrayed must be one that represents and focuses on missions. Understanding God’s protection in our lives, we are freed to serve Him and be provided for everything we need. A life of no fear results in reckless service to lift up the name of Jesus Christ. Missionaries all over the world have to live outside their own comfort zones and culture to reach the lost and that comes from not succumbing to the status quo.
We Should Ask God to be our Shepherd and make it personal. We know that He is always with us (Isaiah 41:10). If we are his, we will never been in need because He is our shepherd. Paul wrote that he is our "Abba father" in Romans 8:15.
The love and protection God gives will fuel our courage to follow at any cost. We will be rested and refreshed in our lives daily. Our souls will be restored and this will lead to steady, committed service to Jesus not because we have to, but because we get to! The sheep must stay close to the shepherd if they are to be fearless. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment, but he who fears has not been made perfect in love” 1 John 1:18.
In today’s world with reliable transportation and secure bank accounts we sometimes do not see much need in depending upon God. However, we must look back and see the results of David’s reliance on God. David was able to truthfully say that he would not fear even though he walked through a valley that was in the very proximity of death itself. The end result of David’s dependence upon and trust in God was a confidence that he was going to the “house of the Lord” after he died. In order for us to be able to experience the same results we must do as David. That is to be under the control of the Shepherd and be led by Him. To walk with the Lord is to think, act, and believe in Him with all of your heart. If we truly do this then we can truly say that no matter what happens, we will have no fear. Eternal hope is in Jesus and His power and guidance can help anyone live and glorify Him.
Will you live your life just to meet the status quo of culture, or will you seek the heart of Jesus? Will we deny ourselves and follow His command to go into all the world and preach the gospel? God’s power is always in full supply and we have been received a biblical mandate for missions in order to glorify God.
Feed Yo' Self
If you look around most people you see are starving. No, not physically as much but more so spiritually. A follower of Christ must learn to feed themselves spiritually if they are going to reach maturity. You might hear statements like this, "I am not being fed at this church" or "it is not deep enough for me" or "I was not moved emotionally enough in that sermon." All of those statements scream. "I CAN'T SURVIVE on my own relationship with Christ!"
Babies need someone to feed them and are completely dependent. Many people come to church with a "give me" mentality that is killing the church. We have so many church "hoppers" due to spiritual babies wanting the next experience to pacify themselves. Babies are focused on themselves, they really have no idea that they are but that is their maturity level. Here's a few examples:
- Spiritual babies only want what they can get. Spiritual giants are the people who come to church with a heart of service and encouragement to those in leadership.
- Spiritual babies are looking for what makes them feel happy. A spiritual giant is one that looks for ways to help others know the love of Jesus Christ.
- Spiritual babies are critical when a pastor/leader does not tell them what they want to hear. A spiritual giant welcomes the challenge of the entire Word of God gladly with humility.
- Spiritual babies are never happy due to relying solely on emotion. A spiritual giant is focused upon joy despite their circumstances.
As followers of Christ, we are responsible to know and understand God's Word. The church leaders should equip you through preaching and teaching. Ultimately the church is here to support you to grow in your relationship with God. As leaders we are to provide clear, powerful and applicable messages from God's Word. It is the role of the leader to set the spiritual direction of the church through preaching the Word. But, if people only rely on one or two hours per week and never pick up their Bibles for themselves, they will remain spiritual babies. The Word of God should call us to to live it more than hearing it alone.
Spend time in the Word of God and meditate on it. If you church does not teach the true Word of God, that is a problem! But, if your expectations is simply to be entertained, you will never grow into a mature follower of Christ. I shared a message on how to know and live God's Word, you can listen to it here
"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" 1 Peter 2:2.
Crave it. Seek after God daily and then you will understand how to follow Christ. It is a battle everyday but those that realize that life is not about themselves, they grow to full maturity in Christ! Feed yourself!