Archives For life

147 Million

Aaron Armstrong —  October 7, 2009 — Leave a comment

147-million

On Monday night, Russell Moore posted the following on Twitter:

147 million orphans are out there tonight. 147 million.
Where are you?

It’s a provocative challenge, isn’t it? 147 million children without a mom and dad.

I think about my two year old girl sleeping in the other room, and I can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like for her to not have her parents, and it breaks my heart to even try.

Something Emily and I decided to do a few years ago was adopt; after we saw how the foster system affected our extended family, we knew it was something we wanted to do. And after we became Christians, that desire as we read and began to understand passages like James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” For us, it was really encouraging to see throughout Scripture how God shows how much He cares for those who desperately need it. And so we want to do the same.

Now, here’s what I’m not doing: I’m not pointing my finger at anyone and saying “You’re not doing enough!”

I’m also not saying that everyone who is a Christian should adopt. But, maybe some of us should.

Maybe we need to open our homes to children living in the foster system and be a family—even for a few weeks—to a boy or girl who needs one.

Maybe we need to sponsor a child with Compassion, and provide an opportunity to have his or her life transformed by the gospel, as the church proclaims it in word and deed.

Maybe we need to volunteer with an after-school program in our community and be a positive voice in a child’s life.

There are so many things we can do. And there are a lot of who are doing these things, to the glory of God. In an act of obedience, an act of worship, they’re reaching out to care for those who are in need. Regardless of our feelings on social justice, it is a fruit of the gospel. It is a part of living out our faith. A part we’d all be wise not to ignore.

“[B]e doers of the word, and not hearers only,” James tells us.

How will we respond today?

In Compassion International, General , , , ,
 permalink

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years-The Contest!

Aaron Armstrong —  September 30, 2009 — 1 Comment

This contest is now closed.

Yesterday, I (and a few thousand other bloggers) reviewed Donald Miller’s new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years—and my friends at Thomas Nelson have generously provided one copy to give away to you.

Want to win a copy? Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Add your name and email to the Google Doc form or use the form below:[ Form Removed ]
  2. Tell me a story—Leave a comment telling me why you’d like to read this book. The more entertaining the better.

It’s that simple.

The winner will be selected at random and notified via email to arrange mailing. The winner will also be welcome to review A Million Miles in a Thousand Years for publication here should he or she wish.

The contest closes on Saturday at midnight (EDT), so enter before it’s too late!

In Books , , ,
 permalink

Sunday Shorts (09/27)

Aaron Armstrong —  September 27, 2009 — Leave a comment

Ray Ortland: My church or the Kingdom?

Pastor Ray Ortland responds to those who believe their passion is for the Kingdom and not for the church. His point is that while it sounds very noble, it’s ultimately destructive:

Suppose I said, “My passion isn’t to build up my marriage. My passion is for Marriage. I want the institution of Marriage to be revered again. I’ll work for that. I’ll pray for that. I’ll sacrifice for that. But don’t expect me to hunker down in the humble daily realities of building a great marriage with my wife Jani. I’m aiming at something grander.”

If I said that, would you think, “Wow, Ray is so committed”? Or would you wonder if I had lost my mind?

If you care about the Kingdom, be the kind of person who can be counted on in your own church. Join your church, pray for your church, tithe to your church, participate in your church every Sunday with wholehearted passion.

We build great churches the same way we build great marriages — real commitment that makes a positive difference every day.

HT JT

Derek Thomas: Falling in Love with the Church–again

Over at Reformation 21, Derek Thomas writes on why he believes it’s wrong to not love the church and right to love to be a part of her:

Something is terribly wrong when professing Christians do not identify with the church and love being a part of her. Something is wrong when professing Christians fail to be passionate about every aspect of the church and long to invest themselves in her, taking all that the church represents and does to heart. Listen, for example, to the way Paul instructs the Ephesians: “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27).

HT Challies

In case you missed it: Defining the Church

define-church

I’ve spent the bulk of this week working on a definition of the church over the course of three posts:

Where two or three are gathered, addressing church discipline within a community of disciples

God likes Leaders and Preaching, on the authority structure put in place by God

Serving and Celebrating Jesus, looking at how we use our gifts to serve one another and glorify Jesus, and the practice of communion and baptism

In General , , , ,
 permalink

Serving and Celebrating Jesus

Aaron Armstrong —  September 25, 2009 — Leave a comment

define-church

Over the last couple days, I’ve been working on a definition of the church. After looking at church discipline and leadership within a community of believers, we’ve come to the following definition:

A Church is a community of disciples led by biblically qualified men who preach and teach God’s Word, who practice church discipline as guided by the teaching of Scripture, under the authority of Jesus Christ.

Now there are still a couple of significant gaps in this definition, that we’ll address today:

Serving (exercising gifts), The Sacraments (Baptism and Communion).

Reading 1 Peter, I came across this passage:

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Pet 4:7-11).

Peter says in this passage that each true believer has received a gift from God—a spiritual gift. This gift (or gifts) are given for the purpose of serving one another, and by extension our communities, so that God would be glorified. None of us is given whatever gift we have to boast in that gift and hoard it for ourselves.

We are to do what we do to the glory of God, by His power and authority. Whether it’s music, writing, speaking, hospitality, greeting, intercessory prayer, encouragement… Whatever you’re passionate about, whatever you’re great at, in whatever way God’s gifted you, that is to be used to benefit others. Continue Reading…

In Church , , , ,
 permalink

Where two or three are gathered…

Aaron Armstrong —  September 23, 2009 — 2 Comments

define-church

How would you define a church?

There are a lot of ways that people try to define the church, but one of the most common today has been in reference to Matthew 18:20:

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

This verse has kind of taken on an interesting meaning over the years. As I alluded to a moment ago, these days it’s most common application is as a definition for fellowship with other believers—which for some is the all encompassing definition of the church. Were this the case, it could be safely argued that two Christians going out for a beer & chicken wings and having a conversation about their personal reading is “church.”

However, this is not the case.

While it’s true that where two or three are gathered, Christ is with them… it’s not a definition of “church.”

It is, however, an aspect of church discipline.

A crucial element of being a church, however you define it, is the practice of church discipline; meaning that we do not excuse ongoing, unrepentant sin in the lives of fellow believers. Continue Reading…

In Bible, Church , , , ,
 permalink

They Like Jesus… But Not His Church

Aaron Armstrong —  September 22, 2009 — Leave a comment

jesus-church

Picking up on some themes from my last post, I’ve been thinking about the idea of “lone wolf” Christians; folks who live the “it’s just me and Jesus” mantra.

The folks who like Jesus—but they don’t like His Church.

In thinking about it, I see the appeal to some degree.

I’m not someone who particularly enjoys spending a great deal of time in groups of people. I get drained easily. I get frustrated with other people when they don’t get it, whatever “it” happens to be.

But I look at it and what really tempts me most about it is…

It appeals to my sense of pride.

Something I’ve been continuing to learn about me is that I’m an extremely prideful person. I generally prefer to think that I’m the smartest kid on the block, and am tempted to think that I don’t need to listen to the counsel of others.

And every time I start getting into those patterns, I get a swift kick in the behind.

That is why I believe Jesus calls all of His people to be a part of His Church. From my own experience, when I’m disconnected from others, I begin acting as though the world revolves around me and I become my own functional savior.

And it’s ridiculous when I do this, because I’m a laughable “god.”

Being part of the local expression of His church, flaws and all, reminds me that it’s not just about me and my “needs” (which usually are just preferences). That there are men who are much wiser and more mature in the faith than I, to whom I would do well to listen. Indeed, Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” That there are also people who can benefit from the few experiences I’ve had as a believer, as I humble myself to actually serve them and not see them as a source of frustration.

But if I were to go it alone, I’d miss out on a crucial part of the Christian life.

And that, to me, is tragic.

Questions to consider:

If you are one who prefers to go it alone—if you like Jesus, but not His Church—how has this impacted your spiritual life? In lone-wolfing it, in what ways have you grown more like Christ?

What prevents you from joyfully being a part of a local church?

In Church , , , ,
 permalink

A Preview of Heaven

Aaron Armstrong —  September 21, 2009 — 7 Comments

hebrews

The last couple of weeks have been a bit hectic in the Armstrong house. A very enjoyable trip to Grand Bend with my in-laws over the Labor Day weekend, followed by a visit to my Dad the following Sunday for our annual family birthday (my Dad, sister, niece and I have birthdays within a couple weeks of each other—it can make celebrating a bit overwhelming).

Because of all the traveling, there was one thing we were unable to do: Go to our local church and worship together with the people there. As much fun and valuable as our time with our relatives was, we were missing a very important part of our lives.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

This time reminded us just how much we love going to church (the institution) to be part of the church (the body of Christ). I know that there’s a lot of folks out there who might lose their minds even reading that statement, but we have to remember: The church is both Christ’s body and Christ’s institution.

He will build the institution who is His body and His bride.

So we, the body of believers, come together to worship God the Father through God the Son by the power of God the Holy Spirit, through the reading of Scripture, the preaching of the Bible (by a biblically-qualified male elder), the singing of songs…

There’s something incredibly powerful in it, if you’re a Christian. Something beautiful, even.

And it’s something completely different from any other interaction and activity in our lives. It’s not something that happens when I’m at the office of my Christian workplace talking about Jesus with my coworkers. It’s not something that happens when I’m having lunch or coffee with one of the guys I mentor.

It’s something that only happens when the larger congregation comes together, to worship God together.

It’s a preview of heaven.

And why would anyone who is a Christian want to neglect that?

Why would any of us willingly desire to disconnect ourselves from the very thing that is meant to stir us to love and good works? To encourage each other as we wait patiently for Christ’s return—when the preview ends and the new heaven and the new earth begin and we join the wedding supper of the Lamb?

I look forward to that day.

In the meantime, I will enjoy the preview.

In Bible, Church , , ,
 permalink

The 30 Minute Challenge: Redux

Aaron Armstrong —  September 19, 2009 — Leave a comment

30-minute

Last week, I issued a challenge to all of you: Set aside 30 minutes every day for the next week to read. What you read was entirely up to you—all you needed to do was give it a shot.

Well, it’s been a week… How did it go?

Were you successful in finding 30 minutes a day?

If so, how did you like it? What did you read?

If not, what did you find was the thing that got in the way?

This week, in some ways, was really challenging for me to get my time in. After Saturday and Sunday, I rarely got it in a full sitting, but rather read for a few minutes here and there throughout the day. I finished one book, Donald Miller’s new one, in a matter of hours (the review will be posted September 29—there may even be a contest involved). I started reading two other books, How Does a Good God Let Bad Things Happen by Mark Tabb and another one that I don’t want to mention right now. That gives you an indication of how much I’m enjoying it (it’s review deadline is more pressing than Tabb’s book, which is why I’m reading it).

But despite the challenges that came along this week and reading a book I’m not particularly enjoying right now (but I hope will not completely stink), I’ve still found my reading helpful. It’s still (mostly) relaxing. And that’s a great gift indeed.

So here’s my next question for you:

Will you try it again this week?

I hope you will. Looking forward to reading about your experience.

Happy Saturday!

In Books, General , ,
 permalink

Saturday is for Sabbath (2)

Aaron Armstrong —  September 12, 2009 — Leave a comment

Today is Saturday, and it’s been an incredibly stressful week.

A wise man, when talking about stress, service and responsibility, once said, “Know the size of your plate.” To continue with this analogy, if the amount of stuff I could comfortably handle could fit on a dinner plate, the amount I’ve got would fit on a buffet table.

But I continue to try to Sabbath and learn to deal with what I can as God enables me.

Today’s agenda is pretty simple:

Pray and read my Bible.

Read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller

Go for a family walk and/or Daddy-Daughter date

Write a letter to one of my oldest friends, Scott, and his new bride, Brittany (they’re getting married today!).

And, maybe have a nap.

That should be a pretty full day.

How are you spending your Saturday?

In General, Personal , ,
 permalink

The 30 Minute Challenge

Aaron Armstrong —  September 11, 2009 — 11 Comments

30-minute

When I was a kid, I always loved to read. In reading, I found some of my moments of greatest joy.

And honestly, I was, and continue to be a voracious reader.

This weekend while we were in Grand Bend with my in-laws, we were talking about books. Emily had mentioned that while I was away I had something like four or five show up in the mail from blogger review programs and contests. My mother-in-law, Mary, asked a great question:

How on earth do you actually find the time to read as much as you do?

I love the questions my mother-in-law asks. They always get me to think, and I greatly appreciate that.

Here’s the answer: I try to set aside at least 30-45 minutes a day to read.

The average person reads between 250 and 300 words per minute (although figures vary), which works out to roughly 3/4 to one page each minute. That said, I don’t (usually) keep track of the number of pages read, just my time. I do have a lot of things on the go with family, work, writing, and study, that it can be overwhelming to try to add anything into my days. Continue Reading…

In Books, General , , ,
 permalink