Craig T. Owens

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Serving By Praying

August 6, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1).

In just his opening line, Paul lists three types of servant-leaders: bondservants, bishops, deacons.

The servant-leaders are all called to put the needs of the saints ahead of their own needs. They all serve so the saints can shine! And as the saints shine, they attract others to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our example of the Ultimate Servant (Philippians 2:5-8), and we are called to follow His example (John 13:12-17).

One thing that clearly kept Paul, Timothy, and the other servant-leaders in Philippi in this servant’s posture was prayer. Even the physical posture of kneeling in prayer is a posture of a servant who is actively serving.

Paul prayed for the Philippians frequently—In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy (1:4).
He prayed for them to grow in love and knowledge—I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding (1:9).
Paul was grateful for the prayers of the saints—I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance (1:19).
And he closed his letter with a call for them to continue to pray about everything—Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done (4:6).

Here are four powerful lessons for all Christians to live out…

(1) Leaders need to pray for the saints, and leaders need the saints to pray for them.

(2) Leaders need to be prayerful to keep their posture right as servants.

(3) Saints need to be prayerful for their leaders so that their leaders can continue to serve them in God-honoring ways.

(4) We all serve best when we are diligent to keep our prayer life vibrant and healthy.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: apostle Paul, Gospel of John, Jesus Christ, joy, leadership, Philippians, prayer, saints, servant-leadership, Timothy. Leave a Comment »

The Autobiography Of Charles Spurgeon (book review)

August 6, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

For a man who preached up to 10 times per week for nearly 40 years, you would think that people knew all about Charles Spurgeon’s personal life. Although he frequently used some small personal examples in his sermons, he still kept much of his personal life personal. In reading Spurgeon’s Autobiography, I expected to get an inside look, but that was not what I found.

Like his sermons, Spurgeon’s Autobiography was fascinating. Like his sermons, his recollections of his past are thoroughly steeped in Scripture. I love this! This shows us that this Prince of Preachers didn’t just put on a performance when he stepped into his pulpit, nor did he simply teach Christian principles for others to apply only to their lives; instead, we see a man who truly patterned his life after the Bible.

I also love the honesty in Spurgeon’s stories. He tells of his struggles before and after his conversion. He talks openly of his disagreements with some “church” people that didn’t behave very Christ-like. He discusses his battles with depression, and with those who were outright critics of his ministry. In other words, Spurgeon reveals himself without putting himself on some sort of pedestal.

Charles Spurgeon’s sermons are always a delight to read, but I think you will find in his Autobiography a living sermon that we can all emulate.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: autobiography, book review, Charles Spurgeon, Christianity, Christlike, example, memoir, sermon. 2 Comments »

City Of God

August 5, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

With “LONG LIVE THE KING!” still reverberating in our ears from Psalm 47, the sons of Korah ask us to zoom out a little farther to see how things begin to change now that the King has assumed His rightful place on the throne.

So Psalm 48 opens with the same praise with which Psalm 47 closed—Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise! The Hebrew word for great means massiveness! God is great beyond comprehension. He is larger than any problem. He is unique. He is uncontainable, unlimited, utterly beyond description. His glory is so bright that no sun is needed (see Revelation 21:23).

His glorious light reveals God’s beauty all around us. As C.S. Lewis noted, “I believe in God as I believe the sun has risen. Not because I can see it, but because by way of it I can see everything else.” Indeed, the psalmist reminds us that the city of our God has become “beautiful in its loftiness”(v. 2).

Look at how majestic our King is, and how majestic He makes His city, with phrases like the city of our God, the city of the Great King, and the city of the Lord Almighty.

God makes His city secure forever.

Selah—pause and consider that.

About 1200 years after this psalm was written, Augustine would write his book called The City of God in which he contrasted the City of God with the City of Man. He noted how the Romans had gods they trusted in, but the Romans had to “rescue” their gods from the invading barbarians. Rome ultimately fell to those invading barbarians, but, Augustine said, the City of God can never fall because it isn’t a tangible place. The City of God resides inside God’s people.

So notice that after the Selah the word “city” doesn’t appear anymore. Instead, we read about:

- God’s temple (v. 9; the Hebrew word is heykal) means the palace of God the King
- the villages of Judah (v. 11) is translated daughters in the KJV, but it actually means “the beloved apple of My eye”
- her towers (v. 12) are something that has grown up because it’s been nourished, not something built up by brick and mortar
- her citadels (v. 13) are the highest and strongest places, which recalls God’s massiveness that we read in verse 1

Here’s the question for all of us to ask—Is my heart a City of God or a City of Man?

God does not dwell in palaces made by men.

God dwells where He is enthroned!

When people look at the “city” of my life, can they tell God is on the throne? The telling characteristics of a City of God are a city where…

… thoughts continually turn to my King and His unfailing love (v. 9)
… praise, rejoicing, and gladness are constantly rising to God (vv. 10, 11)
… the King is able to freely walk around His kingdom—anywhere He likes (v. 12)
… others can walk around and see what a God-enthroned life looks like (vv. 12, 13)

I’ll ask it again—Can people clearly see that God is the unrivaled King of your heart?

Join me next Sunday as we continue our look at the Selahs in the Psalms.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Augustine, Calvary Assembly of God, God's presence, King of kings, praise, Psalm, Revelation, Selah, sermon, video, worship, YouTube. 2 Comments »

Poetry Saturday—An Acrostic

August 3, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

I am a vile polluted lump of earth;

So I’ve continued ever since my birth;

Although Jehovah grace does daily give me,

As sure as this monster satan will deceive me.

Come therefore, Lord, from satan’s claws relieve me.

Wash me in Thy blood, O Christ,

And grace divine impart;

Then search and try the corners of my heart,

That I in all things may be fit to do

Service to Thee, and sing Thy praises too. —Isaac Watts (written at age 7)

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: grace, Isaac Watts, Jesus Christ, poem, poetry, praise, salvation, satan, sinner. Leave a Comment »

If We Can Dare, God Will Do

August 1, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

“Here and there we meet with one to whom it is given to believe in God with mighty faith. As soon as such a man strikes out on a project, or sets about a work that none but men of his mold would venture upon, straightway there arises a claimer: ‘The man is overzealous,’ or he will be charged with an innovating spirit, rashness, fanaticism, or absurdity. Should the work go on, the opposers whisper together, ‘Wait a little while, and you’ll see the end of all this wildfire.’ What said the sober semi-faithful men to Luther? The monk had read in the Scriptures this passage: ‘A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ’ (Galatians 2:16). He went to a venerable divine to ask him about it, and at the same time he complained of the enormities of Rome. What was the good but weak brother’s reply? ‘Go to your cell, and pray and study for yourself, and leave these weighty matters alone.’ Here it would have ended had the brave reformer continued to consult with flesh and blood. But his faith enabled him to go forward alone, if none would accompany him. He nailed up his theses on the church door and showed that one man at least had faith in the gospel and in its God. Then trouble came, but Luther minded it not, because the Father was with him. We also must be prepared, if God gives us strong faith, to ride far ahead, like spiritual light cavalry, who bravely pioneer the way for the rank and file of the army. It were well if the church of God had more of the fleet-footed sons of Asahel—swifter than eagles in their Lord’s service—men who can do and dare alone till laggards take courage and follow in their track. These Valiant-for-Truths will pursue a solitary path full often, but let them console themselves with this thought: ‘I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me’ (John 8:16). If we can believe in God, He will never be in arrears with us; if we can dare, God will do; if we can trust, God will never suffer us to be confounded, world without end. It is sweet beyond expression to climb where only God can lead, and to plant the standard on the highest towers of the foe.” —Charles Spurgeon, in his Autobiography (emphasis added)

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: boldness, Charles Spurgeon, faith, faith in action, God's blessing, Jesus Christ, Martin Luther, quote, victory. Leave a Comment »

Thursdays With Spurgeon—What God Is Doing In Depression

August 1, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

This is a weekly series with things I’m reading and pondering from Charles Spurgeon. You can read the original seed thought here, or type “Thursdays With Spurgeon” in the search box to read more entries.

What God Is Doing In Depression

This depression comes over me whenever the Lord is preparing a larger blessing for my ministry; the cloud is black before it breaks, and overshadows before it yields its deluge of mercy. Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing, a John the Baptist, heralding the nearer coming of my Lord’s richer benison. So have far better men found it. The scouring of the vessel has fitted it for the Master’s use. Immersion in suffering has preceded the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Fasting gives an appetite for the banquet. The Lord is revealed in the back side of the desert, while His servant keeps the sheep and waits in solitary awe. The wilderness is the way to Canaan. The low valley leads to the towering mountain. Defeat prepares for victory. The raven is sent forth before the dove. The darkest hour of the night precedes the day-dawn.

From The Autobiography of Charles Spurgeon

Spurgeon was known to have wrestled under the dark clouds of depression frequently throughout his life. As he noted above, “So have better men found it.” Many of us battle the dark waves of depression, myself included.

But look at how Spurgeon came to see depression in a new light. He began to note that depression was actually the forerunner of a dawn of breakthrough. Think about how many notable people in the Scriptures went through dark valleys prior to God using them in previously unimaginable ways—men like Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter, Saul (who would become Paul), and even Jesus Himself.

The writer of Hebrews records that Jesus learned something during the dark night of His soul that He wouldn’t have learned any other way. Jesus saw God’s dawn coming, so He was able to continue to go through the darksome valley.

Depression is a serious thing. If you are battling this darkness, there is freedom in admitting it. Spurgeon did, I have, and so have many others. Admit you need help, and then get help. Talking to your doctor or a Christian counselor may be a necessary component toward your healing.

But in all that you do, please learn to do what these notable folks in the Bible did—and what Charles Spurgeon did: begin to see depression not as your permanent residence, but merely as a dark night that is preceding a glorious dawn!

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Charles Spurgeon, depression, Hebrews, Holy Spirit, humility, Jesus Christ, lifelong learner, mental health. Leave a Comment »

Interrupted But Not Discouraged

July 31, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

…I will…if the Lord permits… (1 Corinthians 16:5-7).

Paul had a desire to visit certain cities to share the Gospel, so he made his plans. But he was careful to add, “if the Lord permits.” He knew from personal experience that God knows best the where and the when.

In fact, the first time Paul came to Macedonia, it was only after he had been blocked from his original plans—

They tried to go to certain regions of Asia, but they were prevented by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6).

They headed toward Bythinia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there (Acts 16:7).

While at Troas, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia, so they concluded that God was calling them to preach there (Acts 16:9-10).

We must know that we know that God has green-lighted an opportunity for us. Where God opens opportunities, satan is sure to attack (1 Corinthians 16:9). We don’t want to then assume that the attack means that we are in the wrong place at the wrong time, or even in the right place at the wrong time.

Paul made his plans, but he also remained interruptible.

When God said, “Go!” Paul could endure any opposition because he was assured that God had called. And when God said, “No” Paul could rest peacefully because he was assured that God knew the best place at the best time.

The same principle is true for godly leaders today—

A mark of a godly leader is one who is interruptible without becoming discouraged.

This is part 39 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: 1 Corinthians, apostle Paul, Book of Acts, God's plan, God's timing, Holy Spirit, interruption, leadership, planning. 1 Comment »

Dressed For Victory

July 30, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Not…

be strong in my own ability
be strong in the company of another warrior

But…

be strong in the Lord
be strong in the power of His might

The armor I wear has been battle-tested by the undefeated Champion. It’s armor emblazoned with the crimson red blood of Calvary. It’s armor gleaming brightly with the glow of Resurrection victory.

I wear Christ’s armor!

The belt of truth—it’s the righteousness of Jesus (Isaiah 11:1-5)
The breastplate of righteousness—worn by the Messiah who defeated evil (Isaiah 59:15-17)
The helmet of salvation—worn by Jesus as He won salvation for us (Isaiah 59:16-17)
The shoes of the gospel of peace—worn by our Lord as He defeated our enemies (Isaiah 52:5-7)
The shield of faith—God says, “I am your shield” (Genesis 15:1)
The sword of the Spirit—what Jesus used to strike down satan’s temptations (Isaiah 49:1-2; Luke 4:4, 8, 12)

I must continually clothe myself in God’s armor. Then I keep the armor bright by prayer—

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight

Prayer makes the Christian’s armor bright

And satan trembles when he sees

The weakest saint upon his knees. (William Cowper)

Holy God, may I be dressed in YOU at every moment. May I daily use YOUR battle-tested armor and weapons to strike a blow against satan!

(Check out all the Scripture references above by clicking here.)

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: armor, Calvary, commentary, Ephesians, Genesis, Gospel of Luke, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, Messiah, poem, poetry, Resurrection Sunday, satan, spiritual warfare, victory, video, William Cowper. 2 Comments »

Awesome God, Awesome Praise

July 29, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

Last I week I told you how Hebrew poetry often puts the climax in the middle. In Psalm 47 that middle climax is in verse 5—God has ascended. This is one of seven “psalms of enthronement” in the Psalter. Since all of the Scripture points to Jesus, let’s look at the definition of this word ascend and see how it fits with Jesus:

- to be exalted high above all others—Philippians 2:9-11
- to move from a lower place to a higher place of authority—Ephesians 4:8-10
- to surpass all expectations—Revelation 5:9-13

When a king is coronated—when he is heading toward his throne—we can expect the people to be happy. So the psalmist tells us that in God’s case the people are clapping and shouting (v. 1), telling God how awesome He is (v. 2), thanking Him for subduing their enemies (v. 3), and expressing their gratitude that He has established them as His people (v. 4).

Then comes the Selah / Pause—what is happening during this pause? The King is being crowned. He has ascended to His rightful throne. So this is selah/pause is really a deep breath that’s about to explode in a crescendo of praise!

Now there are shouts of joy (v. 5a). In our earthly understanding, it would be something like: “LONG LIVE THE KING!!” There is also a sounding of trumpets (v. 5b) which literally means a thundering of trumpets. And then there’s the singing—lots and lots of singing. In fact, the word sing appears five times in the next two verses.

There are so many ways to say LONG LIVE THE KING—singing, dancing, raising our hands, falling down on our knees. shouting.

Our God is praise-worthy. He is clap-worthy! He is sing-worthy! He is dance-worthy! He is shout-worthy! He is bowing-worthy!

Our awesome God deserves awesome praise!

Why does it seem that we are prone to worship so quietly? Perhaps we need to take it up a notch or two (or three or four). Perhaps we haven’t gazed into His awesome beauty enough to realize just how incredible He is!

Do you think shouting praises to the King of kings is too undignified? Did you know that when the King of kings returns, He is going to shout and there is also going to be a thundering trumpet? For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16)!

Here are 4 important lessons from this Psalm of Enthronement—

God is the King of all kings, enthroned on the Throne above all thrones. He is worthy of your “undignified” praise and acclamation.
God should always get your best praise. In verse 7 the phrase sing praises with understanding really means to sing with insight and skill.
God deserves a holy vocabulary. We see the word awesome in verse 2. Every time this word is used in the Scripture, it’s speaking of God. So why would we use a word like this for something like a hamburger!?!
All nations and kings and peoples and tribes will bow before God at the end. They will bow in either acclamation for their King, or in abject terror of the All-Righteous Judge. Let’s remain missional so more people in the end are crowning Him as their All-Merciful King.

I hope you can join me this next Sunday as we continue our series looking at the Selahs in the Psalms.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: 1 Thessalonians, awesome, Bible study, Calvary Assembly of God, Ephesians, infographic, Jesus Christ, King of kings, Philippians, praise, Psalm, Revelation, Selah, sermon, video, worship, YouTube. 5 Comments »

Poetry Saturday—Where The Roses Never Fade

July 27, 2019 — Craig T. Owens

I am going to a city where the streets with gold are laid

Where the tree of life is blooming and the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season—soon their beauty is decayed

But I am going to a city where the roses never fade.

In this world we have our troubles, satan’s snares we must evade

We’ll be free from all temptation where the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season—soon their beauty is decayed

But I am going to a city where the roses never fade.

Loved one gone to be with Jesus in their robes of white arrayed

Now are waiting for my coming where the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season—soon their beauty is decayed

But I am going to a city where the roses never fade. —variously attributed to Elsie Osborn, Jack Osborn, or Jim Miller (the handwritten copy is from Russell Coffield, my wife’s grandfather, and was read at his funeral)