Reflections on Paul Walker's Fast & Furious Death

Sunday, I preached at Pathway Bible Church, a block away from the memorial for Fast & Furious actor Paul Walker. After the worship service, my family and I slowly rolled through the massive crowd of grieving fans and sports car enthusiasts he inspired.

I couldn’t ignore the tragic irony that the text from which I preached, a text I had chosen weeks earlier, was Psalm 73. Psalm 73 is a wisdom Psalm. It warns believers not to be seduced by the glamor and fun of those living fast and furious lifestyles. It teaches that their end will come fast and furiously in a way that will be anything but glamorous and fun (73:18-19). It is a message that all people need to hear over and over again, especially the young and impressionable.

I can’t tell you how many times I have almost died doing foolish things. God is gracious and patient to all, but the message of Psalm 73 must be heeded. The God, who is gracious and patient, warns that our choices have consequences even when the consequences aren't immediately manifested. Hollywood movies lie when they contradict this truth. Too often Hollywood glamorizes fast, morally loose, and reckless lifestyles as being only exciting and fun. The real truth is told in Psalm 73. Sin can be fun and exciting and may even be prosperous, but only for a short season.

Paul Walker’s dad knew this truth. The media reported this warning he had given to his son. “The last conversation we had, I sat there, I looked at him and I said, ‘You know, I love you very much. I love all of you. And we’re all very, very close. If anything was to happen to anybody in this family, it would be a rough deal,’” He added, “Promise me, no more daredevil stuff.” I looked at him, I said, “Will you promise me that?” Paul only answered, “OK.”

My heart breaks for Paul Walker's family. What parent doesn’t dread the prospect of getting a call that his or her son or daughter has died in a tragic way. I am praying for his parents and his 15 year-old daughter, and I pray that all who hear this story will stop and pray for this grieving family.

But for Paul’s Hollywood fans, there is another message that I hope they will carefully consider. The Bible soberly but truthfully teaches that living foolishly is sin and that sin carries a hefty price—death. And God, who is gracious and patient, declares that He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. He, therefore, commands sinners to confess that they have rebelled against Him, and acknowledge by faith that His Son, Jesus, paid the penalty for their sins when He died on the cross. As the only one who rose from the grave, who defeated sin and Satan, Jesus promises to pardon sinners who turn from sin to trust in Him and to give them eternal life, and by the Holy Spirit, the means to live a life of wisdom that pleases God.

My prayer is that from the tragedy of Paul Walker’s death, a greater tragedy will be avoided—more deaths because Hollywood’s lies and tries to hide the truth of Psalm 73. Fast and furious lifestyles are only fun for a moment yet they lead to an eternity of pain and suffering. Instead, live by faith in Christ, free from the carnal enticements of Hollywood. The cost of such a sacrifice will only be for a moment but will gain for you an eternal reward of glory. Choose your path of life by faith in Christ, heeding the Word of God and live wisely. Then and only then will you experience true abundance of life.  

False Prophet Exposed

Saw this on Voddie Baucham's tweeter, thought it was worth posting. It's a clip from the show Wretched. Please be discerning saints. 

1 John 2:18 warns, "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that  antichrist is coming,  even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour."

Tribute to Fallen Bruin Nick Pasquale

Remembering that the players are more important than the game. 

How Can Sistas Find Husbands When They Ain't There?

A brother in our church sent this to me today. Check it out and post your thoughts.

When I think about this dilemma, on the one hand, I want my sisters to know that nothing is too hard for God and on the other hand I'm thinking when men fail it affects women and children. No way around that. And a lot of brothers are failing. 

My prayer at CFBC is that we intentionally and strategically help men to lead so that we keep attracting and developing strong men and that our church increasingly becomes the exception to this trend. 

But I would also encourage my sisters that when God sends a godly man that they put a higher priority on marriage and family than on education and career.

Testimony of a Converted Lesbian

Rosaria Butterfield is the author of Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert An English Professor's Journey into Christian Faith

Her interview is filled with insightful ways Christians can share the truth in love to the homosexual community. Her encouragement is a timely gift to the church. 

The Next Conversation Post Trayvon Martin Verdict: Don Lemon's Right

The only thing he overlooked that I would have said was that we need to stop preaching a social gospel and instead preach the real one: 

So here it is. God’s good news is that His Son Jesus came and paid the penalty of death that we owed for our sins. In paying our debt to the Father, He defeated our greatest enemies sin, death, and Satan. God validated His victory by raising Him from the dead and exalting Him to the position of King over the universe. As King, God granted Him all authority to reconcile and rescue all who call out to Him, “save me the sinner.” And Jesus does! He’s the One and only Savior of the world! As an undeserved gift of His grace, Jesus forgives by washing away with His blood all the sins of those who trust Him. He also legally declares them perfectly righteous granting them the status of the sinless life that He lived. And if that weren’t amazing enough, He will come back to destroy all of God’s enemies, completely remove the presence and stain of all sin, and make a new heaven and earth. And last, He will dwell with those whom He has saved forever in the paradise of the new heaven and new earth. Therefore, He commands the young and the old, the urban, rural and suburban, males and females to by His grace turn from their sin to trust in Him.

Legacy 2013 Narrative Hermeneutics Notes

HOW TO READ BIBLICAL NARRATIVE/STORIES

Our Lord taught us that we live not by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Therefore, we need to read the Bible in a way that reflects we believe that. Active reading rather than passive reading means that you prayerfully and carefully read the text to understand it well enough to accurately retell and live what it teaches. This requires that you ask interpretive questions as you are reading and that you answer those questions from within the context of what you are reading.

Recommended Women’s Reading List From Naomi Scott & Sherry Kidd's Legacy Workshop

Books that Have Been A Blessing In Our Lives

----Sherry Kidd and Naomi Scott-----

EVERYONE:

• The Bible
• Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
• Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
• Trusting God by Jerry Bridges

PASTOR'S WIVES:

• Women Counseling Women by Fitzpatrick
• One with a Shepherd by Mary Sommerville
• High Call High Privilege by Mac Donald
• Devotions for Ministry Wives by Hughes

MOTHERS

• Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
• The Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp
• Give Them Grace by Fitzpatrick
• Miserly Moms by McCoy 

MOTHER -DAUGHTER DISCIPLESHIP MATERIAL

• The Secret Keeper by Gresh
• Girl Talk by Mahaney
• Proverbs For Parenting by Decker
• The Life Kit by Deanna Curls
• Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh Demoss
• Girls Gone Wise by Kassian
• Girl Talk by Mahaney
• It's Not that Complicated by Botkin 

WIVES

• Practicing Hospitality by Ennis & Tatlock
• Intimacy Ignited by Dillow and Pinttus
• The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
• 31 Days to a Happy Husband by Pellicane
• Designing a Lifestyle that Pleases God by Ennis & Tatlock
• Shopping for Time by Mahaney
• Helper by Design by Fitzpatrick

WOMEN

• Idols of the Heart by Fitzpatrick               
• Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh Demoss
• Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Hughes
• Disciplines of Grace by Bridges
• Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow
• Did I Kiss Dating Goodbye? By Carolyn McCulley
• Choices that Lead to Godliness by Donna Morley

President Obama on Trayvon Martin: Well Said Mr. President!

-->

Here's the transcript.

I wanted to come out here, first of all, to tell you that Jay is prepared for all your questions and is very much looking forward to the session. The second thing is I want to let you know that over the next couple of weeks, there's going to obviously be a whole range of issues — immigration, economics, et cetera — we'll try to arrange a fuller press conference to address your questions.

"The reason I actually wanted to come out today is not to take questions, but to speak to an issue that obviously has gotten a lot of attention over the course of the last week — the issue of the Trayvon Martin ruling. I gave a preliminary statement right after the ruling on Sunday. But watching the debate over the course of the last week, I thought it might be useful for me to expand on my thoughts a little bit."

"First of all, I want to make sure that, once again, I send my thoughts and prayers, as well as Michelle's, to the family of Trayvon Martin, and to remark on the incredible grace and dignity with which they've dealt with the entire situation. I can only imagine what they're going through, and it's remarkable how they've handled it."

The Trayvon Martin Tragedy: Will We Ever Get Along?

-->

The Trayvon Martin Tragedy: Will We Ever Get Along?

By Pastor Bobby Scott

Matt. 2:18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they were no more.”

Another black teenager is dead. Another Rachel, another mother, and another family grieves. When his known killer was not arrested, half of a nation reeled in anger and disbelief that it happened again. Another Emmett Till, a modern day Birmingham four, another Latasha Harlins, another bullet in the heart that if you’re a black American, justice won’t work for you because your life’s not worth it. When I first heard “no arrest,” I was stunned. I couldn’t process how such an injustice could happen today. Doesn’t everyone know that we can’t let our history repeat itself? Isn’t this an obvious travesty of justice? Can’t everyone see that if any black man shot a white teenager he would be put underneath the jail?

But here’s the challenge, history is real, but living in the past distorts the realities of the present.

Legalized Polygamy is Next

Next month, I will work through a series of messages to help traditional marriage supporters and gay marriage advocates consider their unstated assumptions in light of the Bible. But in the mean while, I had to post this. Main stream magazine "Slate" fired the first shot starting the next battle, legalized polygamy.

"That's My King," Dr. S. M. Lockridge

Dr. S.M. Lockridge has gone to be with the Lord (April 4, 2000) since he preached this sermon, "That's My King." It's not expository, but it sure is good!

-->

Here's the manuscript. 

My King was born King. The Bible says He's the King of the Jews - He's the King of Israel. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords..

David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King.

He's God's Son. He's the sinner's Savior. He's the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the loftiest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He's the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.

He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.

Do you know Him? Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.

His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . .but He's indescribable.

He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. The heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod ordered to kill Him. But Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.

He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!

Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.. . . Amen.

The Hook-Up Culture

Hear how the hook-up culture on college campuses has replaced dating. Comments welcomed. My thoughts--tragic! Romans 1:18-32.

The Master's College Heading off to Baseball World Series

Apart from the fact that I am a Master's Seminary alumnus, I just thought this was too cool not to post that a Christian school got a chance to be a witness for Christ on ABC News. Here's the story:

Legacy 2013 Sola Gratia Conference

Join me at Legacy 2013 in Chi-Town. Register by Sunday for discount!

Now Chris Broussard's in Gay Agenda Line of Fire—Who's Next?

It's happening again, and it’s a bad rerun. A Christian in the public eye is asked about his/her position on homosexuality. S/he responds with biblical accuracy. The media, then, recasts the Christian’s response from being an answer to an unprompted question into an aggressive in-your-face homophobic attack. Then they (and the left) intolerantly attack the Christian for having a biblical belief. Anybody remember what happened to Dan Cathy, owner of Chick-fil-a when the left took his answer to a question about homosexuality from an interview in the Baptist Press? The article begins by stating that some have opposed the company's support of the traditional family. Cathy replies, "Well, guilty as charged." When asked about the company's position here's his alleged hateful homophobic attack. "We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.” Hmmm, did I miss something? It's okay to support gay marriage but hateful to support the definition of marriage embraced by most of world history.

Now it’s Chris Broussard's turn to sit in the left’s hot seat and experience the left’s intolerance of Christians.

I had a chance to briefly meet him at the Legacy Conference in Chicago. He’s a solid believer who really loves Jesus. Check out his clear truth-in-love speaking biblical response. And see whose response is judgmental. Warning - the radio host is very crass.

101 Answers to Singleness, Dating, Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage 1 Cor 7:25-40 Sermon Outline

To Marry or Not to Marry or Even How to Marry Are the Real Questions

Sermon Outline

I thank God for how well this three part sermon series was received. To hear it you have to visit our church website CFBC.

Also please pray with me. There is a book publisher interested in helping me get all 101 answers in print. 

Here's the sermon outline.

The Word of God offers answers to questions about singleness, dating, marriage, divorce and remarriage a whole lot better than anything we can get from the world’s wisdom. The Corinthians had many of the same relational struggles that we face today and the good news is that the Word of God in 1 Cor 7 answers them.

1. Should singles in general receive wise counsel regarding the decision to stay single or to get married and if so, then how should they pursue marriage? 1 Cor 7:25
2. If you are thinking you’d like to get married, have you carefully considered the signs of our times, and asked yourself if this would be a good time to start a family? 7:26
3. Are you consumed by the priority principle in vv. 17-24 “Contently Serve God in the Portion Jesus gave you and the Status in which the Father called you”?
4. If you have been divorced, is it a sin in every case if you remarry? 1 Cor 7:28a
5. Do you have a biblical view of marriage or are you in love with Hollywood’s and Motown’s romanticized version of marriage? 1 Cor 7:28b
6. Have you learned to relate to the world from an eternal perspective? 1 Cor 7:29-31
7. Having an eternal perspective will guard you from overvaluing temporal blessings and strengthen you to endure the pain of temporal struggles. Grasping the reality of eternity changes everything about how you live by bringing your relationship to the world into biblical focus. Consider the following examples:

•  Relationships
• Sorrows
• Happiness
• Possessions
• Culture

1. Who are you really living to please? Jesus, a Spouse, or Yourself? 32-35
2. How to get married? 1 Cor 7:36-40
3. What kind of commitment is a marriage vow? 1Cor. 7:39
4. Can’t a Christian (re)marry whomever s/he wants? 1 Cor 7:39b-40

101 Answers to Singleness, Dating, Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage 1 Cor 7:1-16 Sermon Outline

In 1 Corinthians 7, the apostle Paul answers questions that were posed to him by the Corinthian congregation about relationships and guess what we have the same problems (v. 1)

1. Is it ok to have a Christian of marriageable age choose to stay single? 1 1 Cor 7:1
2. If celibacy is “good” then is it good for everybody? 1 Cor 7:2
3. Should all non-married have the standard of 1 Tim. 5:2?
4. Is intimacy in Christian marriage supposed to be different than intimacy between married unbelievers? 1 Cor 7:3-4
5. Is it ok for married couples to live like roommates with no benefits? 1 Cor 7:5-6
6. How can you tell if you have the gift of singleness? 1 Cor 7:7-9
7. Is it ok for a Christian to seek to get out of a bad marriage? 1 Cor 7:10-11
8. I’m unequally yoked to an unbeliever, does God want me to seek a divorce? 1 Cor 7:12-13
9. Is there any benefit to staying in an unequally yoked marriage? 1 Cor 7:14, 16
10. Is there a case when God allows me to divorce a non-beleiving spouse? 1 Cor 7:15

50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King's Letter from Birmingham Jail

Truth in the City: Martin Luther King's Letter from Birmingham Jail: In light of Martin Luther King Day, I have posted in its entirety his letter written from a jail in Birmingham. I openly acknowledge as a bi...

What is a Masculine Male?

The Essential Fundamentals of Masculinity

“Men Must Know Who They Are and How They Must Act”

God designed the essence of masculinity in both a man’s being and acting.  It is engraved in what they are and revealed in how they (are supposed to) act.  Whereas sin marred what men are as masculine beings and how they act, the Spirit of God can renew a true masculinity in men and guide them to live in harmony with their masculine make-up.  A man’s goal, now, must be to yield to the Spirit’s work within him and to live like Christ—the perfect masculine man.

I.    Being Masculine:  God hardwired men to reflect His image and likeness in at least 5 aspects of their being (Gen 1:26-27).

1)    Rational

2)    Emotional

3)    Relational

4)    Spiritual

5)    Moral

II.  Acting Masculine: God hardwired men to live out their masculinity in 5 roles.

1)    God Made Man to be a Protector                    Gen 1:28

2)    God Made Man to be a Leader                        Gen 1:28

3)    God Made Man to be a Provider                     Gen 2:15; 3:17-19

4)    God Made Man to be a Lover              Gen 2:24

5)    God Made Man to be a Worshipper   Gen 2:16-17; 3:8

Definition:

Biblical masculinity is that divinely created make-up of man (our moral, spiritual, rational, emotional, relational nature) through which God displays His Own image and likeness (Gen 1:26).  Masculinity, in distinction from femininity, is seen when men live in accordance with their finite God-like being to fulfill their God-chosen gender roles (Gen 1:28). At its core, Biblical masculinity implies that men have the unique nature and responsibility (Gen 3:9, 11, 17) to maintain the God-centeredness of communities, churches, and families (1 Cor 11:3; 1 Tim 3:1; Eph 5:23).

Application:

In making men men, God has entrusted to men the most sacred stewardship of manifesting His glory in creation (1 Cor 11:7).  Masculinity, then, entails doing all that one can to become God’s agent and doing all that one can to fulfill that trust.  Masculine men assume that responsibility to be and act in the biblically prescribed ways necessary to influence their environments for God.