Monthly Archives: June 2008

Why We Need To Study God’s Word Diligently

This was the last week of school. Students all across Orange County were loosed from the shackles of backpacks, homework and studying for finals. You could see them smiling. You could hear their sighs of relief. On Facebook their collective status was filled with exclamation points. Yes, summer is finally here!

But what are our students going to spend their summer doing? “Nothing.” “Sleeping in.” “Taking a break.” As High School Pastor, these are all answers I have heard. While it is great to have rest from the rigors of school, I would still encourage our students to study, that’s right study! In fact, I encourage all of us here at Compass Bible Church to spend this summer diligently studying God’s Word. Summertime is not a vacation from Scripture!

- How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

- The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

If we are craving nothing this summer then that is exactly what we will get! We need to make sure that we don’t go the way of the sluggard, sleeping in and being lazy. Diligence is what the Proverbs command! Biblical wisdom is what we should desire! Right now we’ve been reading through this book in the high school ministry and it is the perfect message for our all of us as the season of slacking begins. Don’t waste your summer! Be wise and get into God’s Word!

- Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

- Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

I know students sometimes have a hard time staying consistent in their Bible study and so I work hard to keep them accountable. But, I am often surprised by how many of the adults at our church tell me they are behind in their Daily Bible Reading. Yes, life is busy. Yes, it can be challenging to read day after day without a break. But this is why diligence is so important! This is why we have to desire God’s wisdom even if it costs us other things!

The exciting thing is we have an opportunity to read the Scriptures right here on our website! And not only can we read them for ourselves, we can leave comments that will encourage other readers as well. Check out these web pages for all ages:

Adults: Our very own Daily Bible Reading under the leadership of Pastor Mike is now updated on our site every 24 hours! Not only is it a great source of accountability to keep up with the schedule and not fall behind, but you can also comment on what God is teaching you and spur the rest of our church family on!

High Schoolers: Read through the Proverbs with us on Scripture of the Day! There are so many good verses, even in just one chapter, to think about throughout the day and to pass on to others.

Junior Highers: Right now Pastor Lucas is leading his people through the Psalms on Chapter of the Day. What a great way to get to know God and share what you are learning with your friends!

So, who’s ready to commit to reading the Bible all summer long on a daily basis? If you haven’t been reading or are behind, this is the day to get back on track! Just leave me a comment letting me know you are ready to start reading and let’s hold each other accountable! I’ll see you on here…every…single…day!

A Complete Perspective on God’s Character

It is easy for us to dichotomize the character of God.  We simply split Him into two parts.  On the one hand, we fear the consuming fire who hates sin so much He is going to send sinners to hell.  On the other hand, we celebrate the Heavenly Father who loves us so much He sent His Son to take the place of all our sin.  It’s almost like we think of Him as two separate people.  We really like the good part but are almost embarrassed about His other attributes.  We love His love but not the other half of His wrath.  Here’s the thing: God is both!  Whether we are considering the rightness of justice or the kindness of mercy, they are both Him!

– The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John is describing Jesus as the expression of God to man, when He “tabernacled” or “tented” among us.  He wants to compare Him to the glory of the Heavenly Father and so he uses the phrase: “Full of grace and truth.”  He is saying here is what it means to be God, being 100% love and 100% just. God is glorious in that He is all of His attributes all of the time.

John is picking up on how God described himself back in the Old Testament time of establishing the tabernacle. As God passed in front of Moses in

He referred to Himself as loving, forgiving and gracious.  But He did not stop there.  He also said, “Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.”  If we want to see God in the fullness of His glory then we have to view Him with a complete perspective.  As He says in this passage He is “…abounding in love and faithfulness…” He is both compassionate and judging and this is how He wants us to know Him.

How we see God has dynamic implications in our life.  If we think that God is primarily grace we may turn it into a license for sin.  If we think that He is mainly truth our Christianity will become a harsh, hard-working religion.

What about you?  Do you lean one way or another in your perspective on God?  Do you give first place to grace and need to be reminded of His righteousness?  Or are you so focused on His truth that you overlook His love?  How can meditating on the “full” character of God help you better reflect Him in your actions and attitudes towards others?