New home!

Hello freinds!

I'm very excited to announce that Take it or Leave it has a new home! For now on you can go to deanlentini.com for everything Take it or Leave it, also this will be the future home of my personal family blog. God bless and come check out what's going on with Take it or Leave it! - Dean

(click the link below)

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Goals: I Need Some of Those

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find myself going though the motions of life without any sure direction. So, I started to think, I wonder if people in the Bible felt the same way? I wonder if Paul ever felt like he didn’t have a true direction in his life? I was unable to find certain instance where it seemed as if Paul had lost his purpose, but I did find many mentions of his purpose; Paul’s goals. He had a personal goal of accomplishing the call of God in his life

Philippians 3:10-14, “¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.¹²Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s goals were in essence to be like Christ in all he did, or as he says in Ephesians to be an “imitator of Christ.”There are other passages where Paul alludes to his goal as being the preaching of the Word, being poured out as a drink offering for the church, going to Spain, etc. Paul had goals. If goals are good enough for Paul, they are good enough for me.

But how do I now what my goals should be? I know they have to be in line with the calling and desire of God, but how do I know what He wants my goals to be? It’s through His Word. It is through the word of God that one can understand what their goal(s) should be in life. No, there isn’t some section in the Bible where God has written down all your goals in a neat little list. But the Holy Spirit uses the word to illuminate us, He uses His Word to show us His path for our lives.

He also uses prayer. Prayer is plain communication with God, it is worshipful talk to a loving Savior. It’s how we speak to God, thanks be to Christ our High Priest. Because of Christ’s finished work on the Cross we can now boldly enter into communication with God. Now, this boldness does not mean, ya kick in the door and say, “Ok, God this is what you’re gonna do…” This isn’t a Clint Eastwood movie. This boldness is speaking of the audacious concept of even being able to speak with God, never mind ask Him to do something for you. This is an honor, and always should be done with humility. As a Christian we now have the beautiful gift of asking for our God’s help.

We ask God, for His input in setting goals for ourselves. This is no better illustrated than with Jesus asking God to make a different goal for Him, “IF IT BE YOUR WILL.” The point is we need to stay in communication with God in setting goals, why? 1. He is God and deserves to hear our goals 2. He already has plans for us 3. He loves hearing His name praised, even in making decisions

We should make goals with a few strings attached. Goals are to be set in prayer, in close connection to the Scriptures, Spirit-led, open to God’s Will, and in humility knowing that God is sovereign over our goals. I think everyone should at some point take some time and really contemplate what your goals are. Be specific in them, it’s ok to dream big. Our God is a big God, He tends to enjoy granting those big dreams. Remember Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” With that in mind these are a few of my goals that I am leaning on God for guidance:

Marry a Godly Woman

Graduate from a Baptist college

Begin shepherding a church before the age of 23

Grow my first church’s love for Christ

Have as many children as the Lord see fit

Grow the attendance of my church by at least 20%

Graduate from a good Baptist Seminary

Plant Logos Baptist Church by the age of 35

Celebrate my 20 yr. Anniversary with my wife

Grow Logos Baptist church into a Christ-centered fellowship of 150, mainly through conversions

Love my Savior more and more

Obtain my doctorate in theology

Celebrate my 50 yr. Anniversary with my wife

Make sure my children are living for Jesus

For people to get saved at my funeral

to know that my goals are not infallible, and that God has free reign on my life

So, make some goals, then honor God through those goals. That’s my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

Where's the Power? Where's the Big Transformation?

If you're any type of theologian, you know that once one has become a born-again believer a change in that person's life takes place. This change is supposed to be dramatic, drastic, and immediate. At least thats what I have always been told. That's what I've preached. We all know that the Bible talks about the drastic, dramatic, and immediate change in Saul. His change is so emphatic that his name was changed to Paul. Complete change had occurred in this man.

Since, he had such a dramatic change we expect all Christians to have such an amazingly immediate transformation. So what happens when there isn't a big transformation? Was this person truly saved? What happens when there seems to be no power?

To answer the question about their salvation. The Bible tells us that yes there will be change, but how big and how quick is not told. Before we look at the effects of the change one must ask what is the change to begin with? The change is a change in nature. It is the death of our nasty sinful life and the beginning of a completely new life. It is regeneration. It is a new heart, and new spirit. Ezekiel 36:25-27,

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."

Our desires have changed while before we did not care about God nor His Word, with the new heart and new spirit we long for God's Word and desire to fulfill His Word. We want to be do-ers of the Word.So, the change is not external, but internal. It is the core of who we are as individuals. It is within us. Our passion has changed.

So is it fair to measure if a person is saved, or if he is "growing" by one's visible external change? Absolutely not. This is a big misconception. If you are wondering why do I not see a big evident transformation? Where's the power? Maybe you are looking in the wrong place. When you are questioning your salvation or spiritual maturity, maybe you should be looking at your desires, motives, and passions instead of outer displays of transformation.

Look at Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." This is talking about a Believer's desire to be holy and righteous like their Savior. If you are burdened about your sin, repentant, and desire change to be holy, I would be pretty confident about your position. Now the outer changes are effects of the inner change in desires.

Spiritual growth is hard. It isn't a mystical on/off switch. It is an all out fight. Its your new desires (for Christ), against the desires of the flesh. While I do believe in perseverance of the saints (for the most part), I think that Calvinists sometimes over-simplify the battle of spiritual growth. It is like an old western fight, its a brawl. And sometimes, maybe a lot of times, we lose. But that dosn't mean you're losing the war. Ask youself this, who's power are you fighting under?

If you are wondering where is the power? Where is the big transformation? Just look at what Christ has done for you, examine the change in desire from sin to holiness, and act or work that inner change out under the unction of the Spirit. That's my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

(also see Spiritual Growth: What is it and How Does it Work?)

Spiritual Growth: What is it and How Does it Work?

When talking about the topic of spiritual growth one must first understand the term and have a working definition. So what does spiritual growth mean? Are we some type of Christian tree? Are we progressing to a more conscious state of spiritual awareness (that’s what Deepak Chopra would say)? No, spiritual growth can be simply defined as the continual process of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Now, I know many people would say that spiritual growth is more complex than that, but…they are wrong. Think about it, what could be more infinitely complex than the Savior? What could be more evasive than having the character of God? Nothing. Spiritual growth is the hardest thing in life. But it is what we are to strive for; it is what we are predestined to do. (Romans 8:29-30)

Paul tells us that spiritual growth is a lifelong (and beyond) process. Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained this (conformity with Christ, specifically the Resurrection) or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The call of a believer in their life is to continually be conformed to the image of Christ. But how is this accomplished? And is there a “best” way or more “efficient way of doing so? Again, while others would say that this also a very complex question and write for days on end about how it can be done, my answer is simple and brief. I would say that the key to spiritual growth (conformity to Christ) is to walk in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is paramount in a Christian’s life. It is only through the Spirit that we are able to resist temptation, sin, and the devil. Paul says, “Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Walking in the Spirit means yielding to the desires of the Spirit, if you are yielding to the desires of the Spirit, you are being conformed to the image of the Son. It is simple logic, seeing that this is the goal of the Spirit. Now those are the over-arching ideas if you will. But what about the practicality of it? What about the ‘Nitty gritties?” When you are walking in the spirit a few things will come as an effect of it. You will constantly be in fellowship with God (prayer), you will constantly be in the Word, and you will constantly tell no to sin. You will truly be living a life pleasing to God. Now many people have been trying to figure out the best way to grow spiritually and they do so with a convoluted idea of what it is. They seem to think that spiritual growth is feeling better about your Savior, talking about Him more, praying more “passionately” (in other words starting off with something “better” than “Dear Heavenly Father”), fasting for more than one day at a time (impossible for any true Baptist), and going on more mission trips. But is that in the Bible? No. While some of these are effects of walking in the Spirit they are not true indicators of spiritual growth. Let me give you an illustration of spiritual growth. A new believer is like a newly planted tree, he is small and stubby. Now what He needs is water, the water of walking in the spirit. He also needs sunlight, the rays of yielding to the Spirit. As he walks in the Spirit (by yielding his desires to God, and being dependent on Him for everything) he begins to grow (spiritual growth; conformity with Christ). As he grows, he begins to bear fruit like victory over sin, more time spent in the Word, a passion for reaching the lost, etc. You see the fruit, isn’t the actual growth. The fruit is an effect of the growth. If the fruit was the growth that would mean that you are doing the work and not God. Which is incorrect, the Spirit is doing the work through you. While you are responsible for your own spiritual maturity, the Holy Spirit is the one doing the work, all you are doing is continually yielding yourself to and walking in the Spirit. Saddleback church has a process for spiritual growth I found interesting. It’s a twelve step plan: 1. 1. Commit your life to Christ. The most important decision you'll ever make! Get baptized. Make this outward expression of your inward commitment of faith. Commit to showing up consistently to our weekend services. One of the best ways to develop your spiritual life is to meet regularly with other believers. Attend CLASS 101. Class 101 is our basic introduction to our church family. Check out a small group. Commit to a daily time with God. Download a Bible reading plan: 30 Days | 90 Days | 1 Year Deepen your Bible study skills by downloading and following this devotional study form. Check out the Spiritual Growth Center for lots of great tools and resources. Make the I CARE commitment and start praying for your friends and family. Serve in a ministry team. You're never more like Jesus than when you are serving others because of him. If you're looking for significance and fulfillment, then start serving today! Host a small group. We are always looking for leaders so we can connect others into new groups, maybe it's time for you to step up and host a group. Go on a PEACE trip. If you want to make a difference globally, maybe it's time for you to step out in faith and serve on a PEACE team. Contact us today for more info. Again, fruit is not the actual growth, just an effect. I would say that a simple breakdown would look something like this (a prerequisite would be that you are already a believer with no unconfessed sin in your life) 1. Yield to the Spirit, 2. Be controlled by the Spirit, 3. Start over again. Always remember that our spiritual growth or conformity to Christ is for the glory of God. That’s my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

Contemplation on Evolution’s Faults

Evolution has a numerous amount of intellectual pit falls. To be honest, there have been too many to count, mainly because it’s wrong. But as I listened to a pastor preach about the image of God and what that means, something really struck a chord about Evolution. We, human beings, dwell on beauty and have emotions. We can feel, and not just vague feelings of sorrow like a dog whimpering after he is disciplined for chewing on its master’s slippers. But man can feel intensely, we are passionate beings.

We are people of passion because our Creator is a God of passion. We are created in His likeness, His image. Humans feel emotions. This simple fact cuts evolution at the knees. It paralyzes Darwinism. Evolution teaches that the key to life is survival. This is the key for every living cell, including people, animals, plants, everything. If that’s all we are here to do its quite pointless isn’t it? You might think I’m going on a tangent, but I’m getting to my point. According to Darwinism, every “evolutionary advance to human life” was for a reason – surviving. Yet, one must consider the question; do we need to feel to survive?

If life was simply about survival wouldn’t it have been easier (and a couple “million” years less) to numb our painfully pointless existence and simply not feel? It would make life a whole lot “easier!” It’s quite obvious that animals and plants do not feel the same way as humans. An evolutionary animal activist might say, no. But consider this, animals react to their environment, they are dependent upon their environment to know which emotion to display (Skinner was correct, other than the subject of course). E.g. a cat might be “happy,” but why? It just got fed. A cat might be “sad,” but why? You hid its favorite toy. The point is, an animal’s feelings are reactions to their various circumstances.

One might say that this is the same for people. A boy is sad, why? His father died. A woman is happy, why? She just got married. Are these reactions? Yes. But, what about those who are joyful in the face of disturbing and difficult situations? What about the people who are praising God, yet are being whipped and beaten for their faith? This separates us from animals and thus from evolutionary thought. This is not evolutionary; it is not in the best interest of the person displaying gratitude to God yet being led to the slaughter. This shows that true emotions, not just reactions but true emotions, disprove Darwinism’s claim about life being a simple struggle for existence.

If we have emotions, which we do, it is for a purpose. Otherwise, why? There are essentially two ways of life. You can either live for self, which includes all the systems of the world (evolution being one). Or, you can live for God, the system found in God’s Word. Are emotions for your own benefit? The obvious answer is no (unless it is done for God, which in turn God allows it to be a blessing to us). So logically, the only alternative is for God. Our emotions are for the benefit, or glory of God. Because once again, we are a people of passion because our Creator is the God of passion.

These conscious decisions to display emotion, to show passion is yet just another way the Designer is proven without the Bible (the irrefutably best illustration of God’s existence). Emotions are yet just another way to give glory and honor to the One who called us according to His Will. That’s my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

Dear the "Emergent Church,"

My brothers, your voice has been heard. Your passion has been displayed, and for that I am sincerely grateful and so our Master. Due to your perseverance, the church has been made aware that we do have things to work on. We are not perfect. We are in desperate need of change in some areas. Areas such as being more passionate, missional, and being able to communicate more effectively in our culture and communities. Your sheer passion to be followers of Jesus has given me much joy.

But, I (and our Lord) have this against you. In you're diligent attempt to be followers of the person of Jesus, my brothers you have forgotten and forsaken His message. His message was the same as His cousin, John - repentence. Primarily, He came to seek and to save, secondly to be an example of a God-honoring life to His redeemed Bride - the church.

This message was no "secret" (Brian), but it was what He preached. Freinds, you know that preach means to proclaim with authority. This message was "yelled from the rooftops," if you will.

Paul affirmed this message when He spoke at Mars Hill (Yes, Rob this is for you too), "But now [God] commands all men to repent." This is the message Jesus preached, and the one we too should preach. Not some mystical message that goes against and/or denies the Word of God.

Friends, you have been swayed by the enemy, to believe that the infallible Word of God was written for us to simply know how to follow Jesus, but John is clear. John 20:31, "But these [the Gospel of John] are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

My brothers, do not forsake the Gospel. For, it truly is the power of God unto salvation. There is life after deathand two destinations. Friends, I earnestly believe you know this, but as shepherds of your flock you must make this clear to your members, friends, and family. It is our commanded vocation given to us by our loving Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. This is our calling - to shepherd.

Brothers, you are the shepherds of your church,community, group, whatever you want to call it. But Good shepherds do not mislead their flock, and consequently become lost. They know where to go, how to lead their flock. This must be us.

While, this is nearly an impossible task, it is what we are to strive for. To know our God, what He has communicated to us in the Bible, and know how to apply His Word in our lives and the lives of others. As shepherds, we must be sure not to mislead our flock.

We cannot be unsure, uncertain, or doubtful about God's Word. It is the Truth. We must study this Truth, and apply it. This doubt that has been plaguing your movement needs to end. It is not arragant to be certain, brothers. It is arragant to believe your word, thought, or opinion is greater than God's, i.e. the Bible. The virgin birth, the Resurrection, election are all true because the Truth says it is true. And, if you truly desire to hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant", you must come to the realization of the Word of God being the ultimate authority for everything.

Lastly, brothers you are tearing apart the church. I believe that your movement, dialogue, conversation etc. is very similar to Saul. You sincerely believe you are doing a great work for God, but in truth you are "ravaging the church."

I know this statement is harsh, But I hope that it is apparent that I have genuine love and concern for you. I also hope that these words have been of the "faithful are the wounds of a friend" genre.

In closing, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." So stop dividing, stop misinterpreting, and stop giving into the Enemy. (Ephesians 4:14) "Do not be tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine." Rather, "But as for you teach what accords with sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1)

To God be the glory always and throughout eternity,
Your Friend,
Dean

The Love of God

It's been awhile, but I have too many classes, sorry. Anyways, lately I've been thinking about love. No, not the sappy kind, the true kind. The love of God. You see, I am a classic Baptist who thinks nay knows that the purpose of creation was for God to bring glory to Himself, but in that I believe that God wanted to bring glory to Himself through showing His infinite love to His Creation.

Think about it, God has done so much for us lowly men. Why? Because He loves us! How amazing!!! The Living God who created everything loves me, He loves you. Take some time to praise God today for His love for you. I know this is so simple to the Christian, but I'm a fan of the simple truths of the Bible; NEVER FORGET GOD'S LOVE!!!

As I was thinking about this astounding truth, I was going through John 3 in my Greek studies. And it left me in utter amazement of my Savior. I understood what defines true love. Love sacrificially gives, humbles itself, and it is active its alive.

Love Sacrificially Gives:

This can be seen clearly in this passage. Look at verse 16, God loved the world so what did He do? He gave us His precious and only Son. Verse 35, God loves His Son so what did He do? He gave Him all things under His control? A few chapters later Jesus shows how He loves us by giving His life on a rugged cross for our salvation from the penalty of sin.

You think these gifts were easy to give? Did it cost something to the giver. Absolutely it did/does!!! God gave the only Son He has!! Jesus gave His life!!! Not even to mention He became a servant for our sakes, the God of the universe (Read the Kanosis passage in Philippians 2). God gave everything to Christ's hand, I think that's a lot! In this same way we should give sacrificially to our Savior, why? Because we love Him!!! Whether its financially or actually doing something for God, we should be giving to Jesus. For those fo you who are truly giving, is it for the right motives? Is it because you love God? I know I had to reconsider my motives.

Love Humbles Itself:

In verse 30 John tells His disciples that He must decrease that Jesus would increase. John knew who Jesus was and He loved Him. This is why He willingly humbles himself. When true love is faced with the one whom it loves it will be humbled. Are you humble? Do you think highly of yourself and not as Highly as you should about Christ? I know I havn't been.

Love is Active/Alive:

All throughout this passage we can see that love isn't just a feeling, it's a conscious decision we make all the time. Through love we believe in the Son, and have eternal life. Through love God gives us His Spirit. Through love we bring glory to God. Through true love God is glorified.

Do we as Christians have this type of love for God? Or are we too concerned with our material wealth, friends, the stockmarket, our schooling, our comfortable pew? I know too many churches that have lost their first love because they did not give, humble themselves, or actively love their Savior. Don't forget Him in the business of life, ministry, and finances!!! Love Him!!! Why? HE LOVES YOU!!!!! That's my opinion. Take it or leave it. -Dean

Mark Driscoll: Friend or Foe?

I grew up in the Seattle area, and have grown up there I've heard a lot from pastors like Casey Treat, Judah Smith, and Mark Driscoll. The later of these has sparked an interest. Lately, I have been doing a lot of study on Mark Driscoll.

Driscoll will admit to being part of the emerging church movement, actually he embraces it. According to Driscoll there are four "lanes" or "teams" in the emerging church movement. Driscoll says that Mars Hill Church and himself are part of the "Emeriging Reformers" lane.

This view is said by him to be similar to old reformed theology with "minor" exceptions. Exceptions such as worship being "pretty free" and all gifts are viewed as being for today (healing, tongues, etc.). What Mark Driscoll means here is that they believe in the same doctrine as conservative Evangelical Christians except their worship is more liberal (drums, electric guitar, more rock, etc.) and that they believe that all Christians are able to access every spiritual gift mentioned int he New Testament.

So theologically Driscoll would be similar to that of the Baptist denomination. So what's wrong with him? He has some great stuff (especially about the crucifixion of Christ), but he also has some real messed up ideologies. He holds that a Christian should cuss when conversation demands for emphasis.

He also thinks that drinking alcohol is good. He says that it is a sin to abstain from alcohol, and even to drnk light beer. He says, "I personally long to return to the glory days of Christian pubs, where God’s men gather to drink beer and talk theology." While this is not a "critical" issue, it does alarm me to think he is inserting his own opinion so much into the Scriptures.

There are many other minor issues that conservatives have with Mark Driscoll, but let's take a look at some facts. He is a pastor of a CHRIST-CENTERED church the size of 10,000 (a weekend). He preaches with authority, but not the authority of the usual charismatic but with the authority of the Bible. Driscoll says, "The problem with my pastoral job is that I don't really know what I'm doing. So I read every book I can find and cling to the Bible like a kid who can't swim but somehow found a life preserver in the middle of the ocean." He clings to the Gospel.

Although Mark Driscoll and I have some fairly large disagreements, I am proud to call him a brother in Christ. And as for his church, He is preaching the Gospel, others are getting saved, disciples are being grown, and God is being glorified. That's my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

A Brief Thought on the Time Taken for God to Create

Many scientists have studied creation. It’s only rational for a person to think, “Where have I come from?” Some have come to the right conclusion; that is that we are created beings by an intelligent designer. This designer is not just intelligent, He is the omniscient God. He is the God of Israel. He is Yahweh.

After one has come to this conclusion that God created everything, the question must be asked, “How long did it take?” The Bible provides the answer to this question in the book of Genesis. There are several views on this passage. The most prominent of these views are the gap theory, and the literal day theory.

The gap theory: In between Genesis 1 verses 1 and 2 is a gap. How long is this gap? Well, no one really knows. Some say that there were a few centuries, some say millions of years. This view essentially says that in between verses 1 and 2 God had a sort of “test-run” on creation where men (with Satan’s help) rebelled against God, to the point where God had to destroy the entire planet. The Biblical support for this view is very limited.

They say that in verse 2 when the reader sees that the Holy Spirit “moved across the waters” this phrase means that the Spirit protectively hovered over the waters. They say that this was done so that the Holy Spirit could protect earth from Satan. They also argue that verse 2 is all about judgment saying that “darkness” refers to evil judgment. But both of these arguments can be proven wrong fairly easily. Hovering can be meant to be protective, but it can also be a loving action by a loving Creator. And darkness is said to be good be God(vs 3, 31), so there’s no way that it can mean judgment. There was no gap, and no men before the first man – Adam. This view does not agree with the entirety of Scripture. This view is false.

The literal day theory: The Bible says over and over again in Genesis 1 that on this “day” this was created. The Bible says that all of creation took place in one week - 6 days of creation, and 1 day of rest. People like to take the word “day” and say that this word could mean any type of time. Henry Morris in his book Science and the Bible says, “Although the Hebrew word for “day” (yom) can occasionally mean a time of indefinite length if the context requires, such a usage is rare, and the word almost always does mean a literal day (i.e., either a twenty-four-hour period or the daylight portion of that period). He then goes on to say, “The use of a numeral with day (“first day,” and so on) or the boundary terms (“evening and morning”) are usages that elsewhere in the Pentateuch invariably require the literal meaning of “day.” (pg. 38)

This view would agree with the rest of the canon of the Bible. Exodus 20:11 says, “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” These are literal days. This is the basis of our time system, here (in Creation) we have the first week. This is how we know which is the seventh day; which day we should separate as the Sabbath day. The time God took to create the universe is a type of illustration for us to surround our time frame around. How amazing is God? He created everything in only six literal days. What a miracle, what a Creator!! There is none like Him (Psalm 86:8)! That's (not just) my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean