We spent our final evening with our Athletes in Action students on Tuesday night...we focused on the theme of "Leaving a Great Trust"

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCRIPTURES TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUST
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

All Scripture is literally (theopneustos – breathed out of the nostrils of God) and is useful for:

• Teaching – the gaining of knowledge of God and his plans for his world - So many students I have met are starving for the knowledge of God and I have done my best in earnest here at VT to help teach – but many times, a question is asked and the Bible is left dusty, cold, undisturbed on many a desk here at Tech. I plead with you men and women, be not ignorant of the Word of God. It is hard to learn, it takes time, it takes effort, it takes discipline – the results are glorious – We come to know not just facts – but God himself as he reveals himself in His Word.
• Reproof (rebuking) – The calling out of wrong - If my daughter Kayla, is about to stick a fork into a power outlet. If she is about to run out into the street amidst racing automobiles, if she is talking back to her mother, if she is jumping up and down on her sisters stomach…she will get rebuked. As a loving Dad, I want her to know right from wrong – good from evil – God’s Word will rebuke us – He will use it in our lives to lovingly call out wrong
• Correction – setting wrongs aright - Giving us great instruction on how we should love God, others and live our lives in significant, joyful, and meaningful ways. Not only will I lovingly rebuke my daughter, I will also instruct her in the way of life!
  
• Training in Righteousness – paideia - The whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body. 2 whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions. 2a instruction which aims at increasing virtue. 2b chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment).Strong, James. The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Test of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed., G3809. Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996.

As Athletes we do understand Training!!! – It is a consistent (not happenstance), disciplined (not lackadaisical) effort to get better at something – WHY? So that you will be thoroughly equipped for every good work:

For the work of helping and serving the others – especially the poor and the downcast.
For the work of preaching the good news of the grace of God to sinners
For the work of discipling – faithfully passing on the trust – to others

FINISHING WELL IS THE IMPORTANT THING

It must be said that not only do we want to challenge each other to guard the good deposit, pass on the trust, know it, love it, proclaim it to others, we too ourselves want to finish well. We all know that the runner who starts off super fast in a long race is either the rabbit, or will soon be ravaged by the length of the race. You see, it is finishing well with the trust that is important, start well, finish well…again we hear the last words of a great Christian…

Life is Full of Great Starts…bad finishes. In this Room there is potential:

• For Broken Marriages and Broken Homes
• For Violence Against Women
• For the Neglecting and Abuse of Children
• For Addictions to Drugs, Alcohol, and Gambling
• For Greed and the Love of Money to the Point of Corporate Scandal
• For The Collapse of Communities, to the Utter Undoing of Our Society

BUT

In this Room there is also potential:

• For Beautiful Loving Marriages and Homes that are Lights to a dark world
• For the Love and Servant Leadership of Women
• For the Nurture and Love of Children Leaving a Godly Generation behind you
• For the Rescuing of Drug Addicts
• For the Godly use of Finances to help others and reach our world with the gospel
• For the Rebuilding and Establishing of Communities and the Rebirth of Goodness and Virtue in our Culture

ON LEAVING – SOME MORE ON LAST WORDS

Thus have I, in a few words, written to you before I die, a word to provoke you to faith and holiness, because I desire that you may have the life that is laid up for all them that believe in the Lord Jesus, and love one another, when I am deceased. Though then I shall rest from my labors, and be in paradise, as through grace I comfortably believe, yet it is not there, but here, I must do you good. Wherefore, I not knowing the shortness of my life, nor the hindrance that hereafter I may have of serving my God and you, I have taken this opportunity to present these few lines unto you for your edification.John Bunyan, Christian Behavior

To awaken you, rouse you off of your beds of ease, security, and pleasure, and fetch you down upon your knees before him, to beg of him grace to be concerned about the salvation of your souls.

Following of me is not like following of some other masters. The wind sits always on my face and the foaming rage of the sea of this world, and the proud and lofty waves thereof do continually beat upon the sides of the bark or ship that myself, my cause, and my followers are in; he therefore that will not run hazards, and that is afraid to venture a drowning, let him not set foot into this vessel.John Bunyan, The Greatness of the Soul

I am leaving the ship of the Church in a storm, but while the great Pilot is in it the loss of a poor under-rower will be inconsiderable The Correspondence of John Owen, p. 174.

I feel this way of our departure from Va Tech -- Next year you will need to be reminded – and I will too – as I will miss you and long for you. We will need to be reminded that God is the great Pilot and Leader of VTAIA, that the Sovereign of the Universe will lead you on and use his servants to take you where you need to go. It is a lesson that we all must learn in life – John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus, knew it well in saying – “He must increase, and I must decrease” May this be our song as we exalt, love, worship and proclaim Jesus to our world.

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Tomorrow night is my last AIA Meeting with the VT Hokies. In some ways it breaks my heart and I can't believe we will not be loving and leading these students in the coming years. VTAIA has long been God's song in our souls and now the song is reaching its final chorus. Such is the world with nothing at all being permanent.

Only one life, Only one life, and it soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last. -- Anonymous

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The past few weeks have been a challenging season for us. Not that I can in any way say that we are suffering or that we have not been given immeasurably more than we could ever thank the Lord for. Yet this time of transition for us - finishing with AIA before moving on to Fellowship Bible Church has been challenging both spiritually and emotionally.

In some ways going to be a Pastor has brought great feelings of unworthiness, inadequacy, and fears of insignificance. I also feel like "lame duck staff" with AIA with little left to contribute as I am "on the way out." This has been very tough on me yet I have seen the Lord at work in a real way. I have been touched afresh by God's abundant grace to sinners (of which I am both categorically and experientially qualified), trusting more deeply to find my adequacy in Christ, and have abandoned myself to be nothing so that God may rightfully be known as everything.

I am off to a world where I will be "new staff", into the unknown, just hoping to have something to contribute. But HE is my portion and my song, so I will not fear, I will offer all that I am in service of His Glory - when I falter or succeed, his grace is my hope and refuge - there is no other way.
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Today, Kayla and I will take our monthly coupon from our Chic-fil-a "Cow Super Heroes" calendar and go on a great Saturday date. She awaits me upstairs with joy and expectation - Wow, what a privilege to be her Daddy.

Out
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Tuesday Night I delivered our second farewell message from 2 Timothy to our students at VT...a few thoughts from the message - these are yanked out of context but still might be useful to share:

THE GRACE OF GOD – STRENGTHENED IN THE RIGHT SOURCE

Grace, Grace, Grace – Oh that we might understand, even get a glimpse of the Grace of God. You see to understand grace, one has to understand the depths of the sickness of their own sin. We have to look at our own sin, not someone else’s, with honesty and brokenness. 1 John 1:8-10 says this - If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

He saved us from the judgement upon our own sins, He calls us out of darkness to walk with him – to a Holy Calling. Why did God do this? Grace.
John Newton was a captain of a slave ship in the 18th century. He was involved in the brutal, inhumane, ungodly slave trade on the West African Coast. Many people do not know much about this man until the hymns of the faith are sung worldwide….Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound that saved a wretch like me…the author of the Hymn, Amazing Grace had this to say:

I commit my soul to my gracious God and Savior, who mercifully spared and preserved me, when I was an apostate, a blasphemer, and an infidel, and delivered me from the state of misery on the coast of Africa into which my obstinate wickedness had plunged me; and who has been pleased to admit me (though most unworthy) to preach his glorious gospel.
Richard Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John Newton, p. 90

Our sins are various in kind and various in degree, but they are all sin against a good and holy God, deserving of judgment. John Newton Understood Grace.

We should never forget what God has done for us in saving you and calling you one of his children. GRACE IS EVERYTHING FOR NOTHING TO THOSE WHO DON’T DESERVE ANYTHING – Our Daily Bread, Sept.-Nov. 1997, page for October 31.

WHAT WE ARE TO DO TO MAKE OURSELVES USEFUL FOR HIS SERVICE

2 Timothy 2:22 So flee youthful passions (lusts) and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

• Flee Something – run away
• Pursue Something – but not running to nowhere – but running to somethingMen and women, intentionally, with zeal, with vigor, with dedication, on purpose, with passion, with your time, your energies, your focus, your determination – Pursue! Righteousness, Faith, Love, Peace
• With Somebody – Not alone, not isolated

1 Corinthians 15:33 says this Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals. Ain’t that the truth…The exhortation here is to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace "Along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart”

• Those who have been made pure by faith in Christ
• Those who are a pattern to you
• Those who will strengthen you in your convictions
• Those who will laugh, cry, pray, rejoice with you in the journey

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I met with a student today, one of our leaders and a young man who has become very dear to me. It was an exciting appointment, for today, in the morning, this young man had met with God reading 1 Corinthians. In Chapter 7 there is a rich discourse on marriage, singleness, etc. At the end of the chapter there is some exhortation to those who are in slavery. We had a rich time looking at what the New Testament actually has to say to the issue of slavery. Some have tried to argue that the New Testament endorses slavery; is this the case?

The first observation we made is that the New Testament actually addresses slaves - this fact alone shows that it is not an elitist, oppressive slavery endorsing document - for if that was the case, slaves - being the lowest people in ancient society, would not have even been spoken to. Yet the Bible addresses the people in the Roman Empire who were slaves, with terms of dignity, equality, and encouragement. A few of the examples from the text:

• Gal 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. There is equality in Christ - even if you were a slave
• Col 3:22-4:1 - 22 Slaves [greek - bondservant], obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves [greek - bondservants] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Those who come to faith in Christ as slaves or masters - were to live as Jesus did - justly and with sincerity of heart
• 1 Cor 7:20-23 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21Were you a slave[3] when called? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity. 22For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. One should gain his freedom if he can - and even if one was in a situation of servitude, he was still free in Jesus Christ

The teaching is this - all can be part of the community of faith, the called out ones in Jesus Christ, even slaves. No matter what position in life you are in when God calls you into his church, you are to live in a Christ-like fashion. And for slaves...by all means gain your freedom. This is the ethic, the groundwork, the foundation that has driven slavery from Christian lands. Whether it was Wilberforce fighting in the English parliment to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire or Martin Luther King Jr. fighting the racial injustices in the United States, Christian belief and convictions have undergirded freedom for people.

So when one tells you that "The New Testament endorses slavery" ask them to check the facts and context of how the text addresses slaves - not endorsing oppression, but speaking hope to the oppressed, not endorsing tyranny or racial domination, but true liberty to those in bonds - whether their shackles are removed or not.

If the Son Sets You Free, You Are Free Indeed - John 8:36
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I am posting the messages we are giving with the students as we leave VT - The MP3 Messages are available and will be about 8-10MB each. The first installment was not recorded, though we may give the message again for the web site. I'll try to grab some time to do that.

Out...

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Looking at laptops today...must admit that it is fun. Live upon laptops? God forbid...but they are somewhat cool. Some like to hunt and fish, some play golf...I like computer gadgets.

Out
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John Bunyan, the English preacher and author from the 17th century, has much to say to us today. A man who suffered great persecution under a crackdown following the Act of Uniformity spent a great period of his life in prison for the gospel. In the later version of his autobiographical work, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, commenting upon 2 Corinthians 2:9 he says this

By this scripture I was made to see that if ever I would suffer rightly, I must first pass a sentence of death upon every thing that can be properly called a thing of this life, even to reckon myself, my wife, my children, my health, my enjoyment, and all, as dead to me, and myself as dead to them. The second was, to live upon God that is invisible, as Paul said in another place; the way not to faint, is to "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

I struggle with what it means to daily "Live upon God that is invisible" - when I think of the things I do live upon, I shudder:

• Food - sometimes too much of it
• Stuff - always too much of it
• Friends
• Family
• Opinions - or "counsel" from others
• Reputation
• Success

The list could get longer...

How do we know if we truly are living upon the Lord - with him as our strength, our portion, our song, and our greatest treasure? Such is a hard question. It helps if I examine my affections - the things that I truly love. How do I love the gifts of God. Do I love the gift, or the giver.

The Lord, I believe, helps us answer through various trials, persucutions, and sufferings. He at times will remove the objects of our love so that we might see that it had become an idol.

Looking at the life of John Bunyan, whom the Lord allowed to suffer, who learned to live upon God who is invisible.

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I have been loving listening and reading to some biographical sketches done by John Piper on some great men of faith who have gone before us. The manuscripts for the messages are found on Desiring God Ministries web site. The manuscripts are usually well footnoted and a treasure of great quotes...for any quote junkies out there, highly recommended. --------

I am teaching a series on 2 Timothy to challenge and encourage the students of VTAIA to remain faithful and continue on the mission in the Athletic Family here in Blacksburg. I thought I would share a few excerpts of my time with them over the next few weeks. It will be in "snippet" form, but I hope the heart will come through.

Thoughts from 2 Tim 1:8-14
Look into the face of Jesus, look at the beatings, pain and horrible death he bore on behalf of you, look at him! look at him! are you going to walk away from his calling on your life. Don't do it, don't walk away, be not ashamed, preach his good news, and turn this campus upside down!!!
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He saved us, and calls us to live for him, not to be ashamed of the testimony, not to be afraid of hardship or suffering for following Jesus and bringing his good news of love, hope and forgiveness for sins to the people around us. It is a great burden in my heart that many of us, for fear of being different, for fear of the pressure of "peers"", will not follow the one who ABOLISHED Death, and choose their own comfort, coolness, and acceptance by the world. Guys step up, be not ashamed, and to the one who calls to your soul and says "Follow Me" I say follow!!!
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We need Patterns, a perfect pattern Jesus, and other patterns on our way. We need Heroes!!! Mentors...Dad, Mom, Pastor, Coaches etc. We need to be following the pattern of sound teaching and life of others. Paul said striking things elsewhere in the New Testament.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Can you say this of anyone, that you can follow them, as they follow Christ? Can you say this of yourself? Do you hope to? Do imagine what your life can be as an example of the power and love of God to others? Don't waste your life!
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7

In all humility, I hope in Kasey and me you observed a pattern to follow and you are receiving a trust. In other words, we are moving on and we trust you guys to carry on with the good deposit to carry on in the truth and preaching of the gospel in the VT athletic world - How? With Sound Words/Doctrine not comprising the truth, yet at the same time in faith and in love.
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I am praying that as we close out our time here at VT a beacon call will resonate in their souls - that God is calling them up next year and unleashing them for his service on their campus.
Out

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Our family has truly been through a bit of a whirlwind as of late...I'm just realizing how weary we have become.

• We had a new baby arrive 3 months ago
• We have just worked through a major decision to leave the staff of Athletes in Action to join with Fellowship Bible Church in Nashville, TN.
• We saw the Lord sell our house in one day
• We saw the Lord provide a new place in another day
• We are in the midst of a semester of ministry at VT
• We are transitioning all our responsibilities with AIA to other leaders
• We have a two and a half year old dynamo.
• We are just tired...

I am so thankful when I think that in the weariness and burdens of life we have the ever-present one to commune with. Jesus told us to come to him, all who are weary and heavy, and find rest for our souls. I need that today. Great hope in from the prophet Isaiah as well - that strength can be renewed, and the soul may soar on wings like eagles.

Hope in the Lord - a great and wonderful thing.
Out...

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