If I could ask the Triune God one question about the Trinity, it would be . . .

Wow, this is quite the question! I guess I would ask how often a particular aspect of the Trinity was working with me. How often was Jesus interceding on my behalf? How often was the Spirit wooing me to do something, to take the next step? How often was the Father moving obstacles that might have been in my way, or diverted me from impending disaster? It would be interesting to discover how frequently The Lord is moving in the midst of the drudgery of the day-to-day life.

Reflect on how your perspective of God has grown during the time spent studying the Trinity.

I think one thing that I have learned in studying the Trinity is truly how accessible all aspects of the Trinity are readily available to me. As a Child, the most common part is Jesus; he loves me, he comes into my heart, etc. As I have matured, I recognize the power of God the Father, the redemption of God the Son, and the close presence of God the Spirit, all working in different aspects of my life. He moves, he is with me, he is blessing me and my family... I couldn't ask for more. 

How can you lead when you feel abused, ignored, manipulated?

I think this is a difficult question to answer. I think when you feel these feelings, you are more discouraged than anything; why would I want to lead people who are manipulating and undermining me? Why would I try to lead when no one is listening, or they are criticizing my every move? If you can't feel supported or encouraged, why would you even bother?

I think you have to lead in these situations with an open mind and a discerning heart. The first question that I would want to address is: What is causing this reaction to my leadership? Is it a program, policy, or proposition that is causing this, or is it me? If it is the former, that can be changed, adjusted, or scrapped; if it is the latter, then I have to change, or move on. These are not easy things to consider in leadership.

Reflect on your most recent sermon. How does it measure up to what was discussed in this lesson?

 As I think about my most recent sermon preached, I am encouraged by what I have been learning and putting into practice. I received high praise from a variety of old ladies, but I know when a sermon is good when I hear people respond beyond "good job". When the work you do is brought before the audience and it touches their heart and they respond with a desire to do something different or better, it lets you know you are on the right track. That is a great feeling to have, knowing that God is speaking to people through your efforts in the pulpit.

All Christians agree in one way or another that Jesus Christ reveals the truth about God. For you personally, how, why, and under what conditions does Christ reveal the reality of God?

I think Christ reveals the reality of God to me most when I am going through difficult times, where I have no clue what to do. Recently, our family had the opportunity to adopt a baby, yet this particular situation had a lot of unknown in it. We labored and prayed for an entire evening on whether or not we should engage in this particular situation. We decided we would, only to receive information the next day that would effectively eliminate us from consideration. With that in mind, through all the unknown and the ups and downs, there was never a time where I thought that we were alone in making this decision. I knew that God was with us, and that he would guide and direct our path in the way we were supposed to go. He is so good. 

Why has God chosen me to do the work of a preacher?

I don't know why God chose me to get into this type of work. I left high school planning to be a business major; the life of ministry was not something that I saw for myself, and certainly not the life my wife saw for herself either. The more I continue to grow and develop as a pastor, and as a person, I can see God calling me to a role that puts my experience and skill in business to work. I can see myself being a very good associate / executive type pastor, or as an individual running a non-profit or outside of the church ministry. I think God has given me the skills and the desire to do that, so I will continue to wait for his call and his opportunity to present itself.

God’s grace is more than saving grace. It extends to me every time I say something that might not be sinful but is regrettable. It extends to me when I get frustrated with situations that I cannot control. It extends to me every time I feel like I will not be able to accomplish a task, or do what God has set out for me to do. His grace is always, unequivocally, sufficient for my every need. Amen and Amen.

"J. Kenneth Grider noted that famous neoorthodox theologian Emil Brunner believed he always lived in Romans 7, meaning that he never got beyond the struggle against the flesh." I think this is an interesting point, and good reminder to the fact that we live in a realm of spiritual warfare. Often we talk of the greatness of the conversion experience, the peace that we feel knowing that Jesus Christ is our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. The euphoria often gives way to the realization that we are not of this world, and that the world is still there, ready to draw us back. I think we do ourselves a disservice when we believe that the Christian walk is just sunshine and rainbows, and that there is no difficulty in life or struggle to fall back into our propensity to sin. I think we always have to realize that we are in process, that we are still figuring out who God is calling us to be, we are figuring out why we choose to believe what we believe. I think as long as God continues to guide us, as we hold on to the fact that we are maturing into the people God wants us to be, we are able to overcome the flesh, although it is always there to tempt us.