John Simons

Paraguay 2009 - Prayer Calendar

Despite my best intentions to post about the mission trip, time has been very limited.  For each trip that they sponsor, e3 Partners puts out a prayer calendar.  I have slightly modified the calendar, and am posting it here, both as text, and as a pdf version that you can download and print.

Sun. June 14

Satan begins his attacks long before the trip.
Start praying against him now!
Col. 2:13-15
CLAIM GOD’S VICTORY

Mon. June 15

Pray that the team will prepare themselves spiritually all week
Eph. 6:15-21
FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

Tues. June 16

Pray all week that God will open many doors for the gospel and draw many to Jesus!
Col. 4:3
PRAY FOR LOST

Wed. June 17

Pray for campaign preparation, both for us and the nationals.
Eph. 3:16-19
PREPARE

Thurs. June 18

Pray for last-minute details.
Pray for focus and vision and that God will be glorified.
Eph. 1:15-20
FOCUS AND PASSION

Fri. June 19

Depart for Paraguay
Pray for travel safety and good connections
Acts 4:31
SAFE TRAVEL

Sat. June 20

Arrive in Paraguay.  In-country orientation.
Preparation to work with nationals
Eph. 3:15-21
FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

Sun. June 21

Worship with local church.
Eph 4:1-6
UNITY WITH CHURCH

Mon. June 22

Morning & afternoon: door-to-door evangelism
Eph. 6-19
BOLDNESS

Tues. June 23

Morning & afternoon: evangelism & discipleship.
Eph. 6:10-20
PERSEVERE IN WARFARE

Wed. June 24

Morning & afternoon: evangelism & discipleship.
Rom. 15:5-6
ENDURANCE AND UNITY

Thurs. June 25

Morning & afternoon: evangelism & discipleship.
Commissioning service for new church.
1 Tim. 2:8
HEART FOR OTHERS

Fri. June 26

Fellowship with new friends and sightseeing.
1 Thes. 5:16
REJOICE

Sat. June 27

Depart Paraguay.
Psalm 91
SAFE TRAVEL

Sun. June 28

Arrive home.
Pray for us to process all that God has done.
Psalm 91
SAFE TRAVEL

Mon. June 29

Pray that God will radically change lives of new Christians as they are integrated into new churches.
Eph. 4:17-32
GROWTH IN CHRIST

Tues. June 30

Continue to pray for new believers, their churches and leaders, and the USA team.
Eph. 5:1-14
GODLINESS

Wed. July 1

Pray for leaders and workers at new churches as they disciple new believers.
Eph. 4:11-16
EFFECTIVE LEADERS

Thurs. July 2

Give thanks for all that God has done both in and through those who shared Christ in Paraguay
Psalm 91
REJOICE

Fri. July 3

Ask God if He would have YOU go on a campaign!
Matt. 9:38
WORKERS FOR THE HARVEST

Thank you for your prayers!

e3 Partners
(214) 440-1101
(800) 542-2646
http://www.e3partners.org/

Tags: Church Planting, mission trip, Missions, Paraguay

Updated Gift List

Twice a year, my wife gets asked what I would like for a present.  To make life easier for her, and for anyone else who may want to buy me something, here is a list of books that I am looking to add to my library.

	Doctrine of the Knowledge of God By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing “We tend to forget how often in Scripture God performs His mighty acts so that men will ‘know’ that He is Lord,” writes John M. Frame in this incisive volume. “We tend to forget how often Scripture emphasizes that although in one sense all people know God, in another sense such knowledge is the exclusive privilege of God’s redeemed people and indeed the ultimate goal of the believer’s life.” Frame explores our relationship with God as a knowing relationship. Reflecting his conviction that theology is the application of Scripture to life in all situations, Frame combines trenchant analysis of theological, apologetic and epistemological issues with refreshingly practical insights for living in the knowledge of God.
	The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism By Timothy Keller / Dutton Adult How could a loving God send people to hell? Why does he allow suffering? Can one religion be “right” and the others “wrong”? Responding to the questions of open skeptics and ardent believers, Keller draws from literature, philosophy, reason, and real-life conversations to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief.
	Reformed Confessions Harmonized By Joel R. Beeke / Baker Despite the acknowledged importance of confessional statements throughout church history, the most significant of these documents have never before been published in a single volume. Now Drs. Beeke and Ferguson have harmonized seven important Reformed confessions into a convenient parallel arrangement. 288 pages, softcover from Baker.
	Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah, New American Commentary By Billy Smith / B & H Publishing Group This is a volume on three of the minor prophet books of the Old Testament. Billy K. Smith and Frank S. Page seek to bring the message of these prophets alive and applicable to 21st century readers while also studying the context of the message to its first hearers. In congruence with other volumes in The New American Commentary series, this volume brings to light the theological significance of these seemingly insignificant minor prophets.The New American Commentary is for those who have been seeking a commentary that honors the Scriptures, represents the finest in contemporary evangelical scholarship, and lends itself to the practical work of preaching and teaching. This series serves as a minister’s friend and a student’s guide.
	Jannach’s German for Reading Knowledge By Richard Alan Korb / Heinle & Heinle Publishers Learn to apply basic German grammar and vocabulary to reading and translating progressively complex texts with the sixth edition of JANNACH’S GERMAN FOR READING KNOWLEDGE. Recognized as the leading text for teaching reading skills, this text provides the tools you need to read specialized literature in your field. The Book Companion Website contains the readings that appear in each chapter, plus new comprehension questions and activities about the readings that are designed to let you practice specific reading skills.
	No Other God: A Response to Open Theism By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing The theological movement known as open theism is shaking the church today, challenging the Reformed doctrines of God’s sovereignty, foreknowledge, and providence. In this timely work, John M. Frame clearly describes open theism and evaluates it biblically. He addresses questions such as: How do open theists read the Bible? Is love God’s most important attribute? Is God’s will the ultimate explanation of everything? Do we have genuine freedom? Is God ever weak or changeable? Does God know everything in advance? Frame not only answers the objections of open theists but sharpens our understanding of the relationship between God’s eternal plan and the decisions or events of our lives.
	Salvation Belongs to the Lord: Introduction to Systematic Theology By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing Beginning students of theology and church leaders looking for a theological refresher or teaching tool will welcome this remarkably clear introduction to the doctrines of Scripture. In an almost conversational style, Salvation Belongs to the Lord explores all the major biblical truths, explains key terms of systematic theology, and reflects on their implications and connections under the lordship of Christ.”John Frame is not only one of the most productive theologians of our day, he is also one of the most lucid. Deceptively so, for behind every sentence in this extraordinary volume lies deep reflection. It is at once vigorously orthodox and sweetly pastoral. We can be grateful for such a powerful and clear exposition of the whole range of theology.” -William Edgar, professor, Westminster Theological Seminary, author of Truth in All Its Glory
	Designed for Dignity: What God Has Made It Possible for You to Be By Richard Pratt Jr. / P & R Publishing Even as Christians, we can puzzle over our self-image. What has God made us? What have we made of ourselves? And what can we become in Christ? Richard L. Pratt shows from Scripture how God’s amazing design for humanity can be realized in his people. Solid biblical insights, vivid illustrations, and helpful questions for review and discussion make this a valuable resource for group study or individual use.
	The Doctrine of the Christian Life By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing “The Christian life is not only a matter of following rules of morality, but a dynamic experience: living in the fallen world, in fellowship with the living God. So in this book I will discuss not only ethics (the normative perspective), but also the culture in which we live (the situational perspective) and the resources of redemption on which we draw daily (the existential perspective).” -from the author’s preface
	French for Reading By Karl Sandburg / Prentice Hall Programmed text for acquisition of reading skills for beginning courses or rapid review.

Tags: Books, Gifts

Back to Paraguay

EvangeCube

It has been a little over a year since Josh and I went to Paraguay. In a month, I will be going back to Paraguay. This time, I will be traveling with Josh, my daughter Abby, and my pastor.

Abby is particularly excited about going. She has been reviewing the materials in close detail. She has also been practicing with the evangecube, so that she will be able to share her faith. It is very encouraging to see her so excited about the trip.

More details to come.

Tags: Faith, Family, Missions, Paraguay

Book Review - The Complete Worship Service: Creating a Taste of Heaven on Earth

The Complete Worship Service: Creating a Taste of Heaven on Earth
by: Kevin J. Navarro (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005)

How many churches take the time to develop a theological purpose for their church services?  How many books on worship look at each aspect of the worship service, from arriving in the parking lot, to the lighting, music, and teaching and apply a theological framework to evaluate the experience?

It seems that most of current conversation on worship services focuses on the style of music, cultural relevance, or the incipient influences of modernity.  Navarro tries to step away from this type of discussion and focus on what he sees at the overarching purpose of our weekly gatherings as the church: to give a taste of Heaven to a world that is desperately in need of it.

In the first part of book, Navarro sets up the analogy of a worship service as a rehearsal dinner for the great Wedding Banquet of Matthew 22.  He uses this theme throughout the book to help frame his questions and discussion.  The second part of the book deals with preparing for a taste of heaven.  This section deals with the importance of quality and hospitality.  Navarro is unashamedly an advocate of churches pursuing quality in all that they do.  This does not make him someone who seeks a professionally produced entertainment event, but he rightly points out that the purpose of a wedding rehearsal is to pay attention to the way that we do things—to eliminate mistakes.  At the heart of it, Navarro argues that churches who do not pursue quality are less likely to have members who are embarrassed to invite friends and family.  From his point of view, the issue of hospitality belongs before the service, whether in the invitations issued or in the experience when a guest arrives at the service.

The meat and potatoes of the book is a discussion of experience a taste of heaven during the worship service.  Navarro covers all of the bases: music, teaching, and communion.  He also spends time on the appearance of the worship center - addressing issues such as lighting, color, and clutter.  While some of the suggestions appear obvious (avoid clutter on the platform), others are more thought provoking.

As an evangelical, I put a significant emphasis on applying teaching to my life.  Navarro points out that sometimes the point of a sermon should be the implication of a passage, rather than the application.  He does not forget to remind his readers that the music and the teaching should be theologically grounded in the truth of the Word of God.  Navarro also makes a strong argument for more regular celebration of the Eucharist.  He sees this as the dessert for the rehearsal banquet, as well as a central reminder of the Gospel.

Navarro concludes with a discussion of the thanksgiving that should flow out of a complete worship service.  As people conclude worship, they should feel joy that they have had a foretaste of Heaven.  They should feel like they have been welcomed into a family environment, and that they have been nourished spiritually.  If the church seeks to reach these goals, people’s lives will be changed, and they will invite their loved ones to come to the worship service so that they, too, can have the taste of Heaven.

At 164 pages, the book is not a treatise on all aspects of a worship service.  It is an easily read book, intended to reframe our thoughts on the worship service.  Navarro asks more questions than he answers, because he understands that each church will need to reach its own conclusions based on their community, priorities, and people.  The book serves its purpose, but could use more details.  While it is helpful to explain the ability to match lighting in a service, for example, with the purpose and theme of the service, he doesn’t give enough substance to help someone know where to start.  While it would not be practical for Navarro to answer every question that might arise, he could easily give a list of resources on several issues that he addresses to help direct further inquiry.  This approach would allow deeper inquiry into some of the topics, without weighing down the discussion.

Tags: Books, Complete Worship Service, Kevin Navarro, Worship

A Christmas Poem by Abby

Tonight, Abby wrote a Christmas poem:

Christmas Poem
Born in a manger, laid in the hay,
Laying asleep, with no proper place to stay.
Cattle a lowing, stars shining above,
Given to sinners, a sign of love.
Jesus, the Savior, a tiny babe,
Death predicted birth,
by Myrrh, used to anoint a body.
Do you question love’s worth?

The reference to myrrh comes from the sermon in church this past week.  I hope that everyone takes time to remember not only that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, but that he was born to die so that our sins could be forgiven, and we could know our Creator.

Tags: Christmas, Family, poem