The new year is fast approaching. A new year arriving upon our calendars is often a time when people make new resolutions. I was pondering some resolutions I would like to make this year. As I was pondering, I thought it would be a good idea to see what the Scriptures said about making resolutions. I searched the word "resolve," and "resolved." Below are the relevant verses and some application to help.
-2 Thessalonians 2:11 states that resolves are fulfilled by God through prayer. Also resolves are to be made by faith, and for good. The purpose for resolves is that Jesus may be glorified in me.
-Daniel 1:8 states that Daniel's resolve was made so that he would not defile himself.
-Matthew 1:19-20 states that Joseph considered the things he resolved.
To "resolve" something is either to purpose to do, or not do a certain thing. This thing ought to be something that will not "defile" me. Before resolving something, I am to "consider" the thing first and not to make a hasty decision. Anything that is to be resolved is to fall into these categories.
1. It is to be made with the purpose of glorifying Jesus in me.
2. It is to be made for good.
3. It is to be made by faith.
4. It is to be consistently sought after by prayer.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Happy To Be Eating
"Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you." ~Psalm 128:1-2
Is meal-time at your house a happy time? It should be if you confess to fear the Lord. Either you worked to provide the money for the meal which is before you, or your hands worked in the kitchen making the meal which is now before you. Either way the meal is the labor of your hands.
Let your heart be filled the thankfulness this day as you gather your family around the table to eat the labor of your hands. Thankfulness will give birth to happiness; more than likely...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
My Children Won't Rise Higher Than I
"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher." -Jesus (Luke 6:40)
"Gulp!"
That's my first thought as I read that passage from Jesus. In all of our desire to shape and mold our children to be followers and disciples of Christ, they will end us being like "us" when they are perfectly trained. They will never rise above our righteousness. They will never rise higher than us while they are being trained by us. We are their instructors. "A disciple is not above his teacher." I know that my goal is to have them rise to a level that far surpasses my level of righteousness. The goal is to place my children's hand into the hand of the Master and Perfect Teacher of righteousness. While in His school they have the opportunity to rise to levels far higher then we could ever attain. Yet for now they are in our school, and with perfect training they will be like us.
"Gulp!"
"Gulp!"
That's my first thought as I read that passage from Jesus. In all of our desire to shape and mold our children to be followers and disciples of Christ, they will end us being like "us" when they are perfectly trained. They will never rise above our righteousness. They will never rise higher than us while they are being trained by us. We are their instructors. "A disciple is not above his teacher." I know that my goal is to have them rise to a level that far surpasses my level of righteousness. The goal is to place my children's hand into the hand of the Master and Perfect Teacher of righteousness. While in His school they have the opportunity to rise to levels far higher then we could ever attain. Yet for now they are in our school, and with perfect training they will be like us.
"Gulp!"
Friday, December 7, 2012
What are you wearing today?
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord ; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10 ESV)
What does Isaiah give for a reason as to why he will greatly rejoice and exalt in The Lord? It is for his clothing. And what are those garments; salvation, and righteousness.
Our rejoicing ought to be for the same reasons. It is no less that we could rejoice if we clothed ourselves with our own salvation, then we could cloth ourselves with our own righteousness. The reason for rejoicing is that God has clothed us with both salvation and righteousness.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Where Do I Set My Mind?
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. –Colossians 3:1–3
I do not know how it could be possible to set our mind on things that are not on this earth. Everything which surrounds us is on this earth. I am on this earth. The only possible way to set my mind on something above this earth is I suppose to gain knowledge of the things above this earth. And the only place I know of to truly learn of things above this earth is in the Bible. Therefore in order to obey this command to set my mind on things that are above, you and I must give ourselves to the study of the Scriptures. Anything less is disobedience.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Jesus Was Filled With Wisdom
And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40 ESV)
How did Jesus “grow?” He would have grown by being fed regular meals, getting regular exercise through activity, and getting regular sleep. If these things would not have happened, Jesus would not have grown and became strong. You mean the Son of God had to eat, exercise and sleep in order to become strong–yes.
How did Jesus become “wise?” The text says that he was filled. This is something done to him, not by him. He was filled by a filler. And who do you suppose that filler was?
If the sinless Son of God needed to be taught wisdom through the means of his parents and his church, then how much more do yours and my children need filling?
People who do not grant their children the proper food, exercise, and sleep that they require end up going to jail for child endangerment. What becomes of the parent who neglects to fill their children with the wisdom that they require?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Receiving the Word in Much Affliction
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you because.....you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4, 6b)
Have you ever tried to bring the Word of God to someone while they were in affliction? Did they receive it with joy?
I have many times tried to encourage a person while they were in affliction. Often a sister or a brother in the Lord has come close to our family who was struggling with affliction in their families. We have spoken the Word of God to them and then prayed with them, and for them. The two questions I see I need to ask myself from this text is...
1. Did they "receive" the word?
2. Did they receive the word with "joy"?
Paul says that he knew that God loved and had chosen the Thessalonians because while they were in affliction, they were joyfully receiving the Word of God. This is evidence of authentic Christianity.
Have you ever been counseled by someone with the Bible? Maybe you were having a certain difficulty with your spouse at one time; then you shared that with a sister or brother in Christ. Then this person opened up their Bible and shared some truth with you; did you receive it? I mean like you would receive a pass from a Quarterback? Did you receive the truth, hold on to the truth and then run with the truth? Did you then run with joy because of the truth you were holding? If you have, the person who brought the Word to you is able to praise The Lord knowing that your faith is authentic; you have been chosen by God to inherit eternal life! It is evident because of the way you received the Word.
Have you ever tried to bring the Word of God to someone while they were in affliction? Did they receive it with joy?
I have many times tried to encourage a person while they were in affliction. Often a sister or a brother in the Lord has come close to our family who was struggling with affliction in their families. We have spoken the Word of God to them and then prayed with them, and for them. The two questions I see I need to ask myself from this text is...
1. Did they "receive" the word?
2. Did they receive the word with "joy"?
Paul says that he knew that God loved and had chosen the Thessalonians because while they were in affliction, they were joyfully receiving the Word of God. This is evidence of authentic Christianity.
Have you ever been counseled by someone with the Bible? Maybe you were having a certain difficulty with your spouse at one time; then you shared that with a sister or brother in Christ. Then this person opened up their Bible and shared some truth with you; did you receive it? I mean like you would receive a pass from a Quarterback? Did you receive the truth, hold on to the truth and then run with the truth? Did you then run with joy because of the truth you were holding? If you have, the person who brought the Word to you is able to praise The Lord knowing that your faith is authentic; you have been chosen by God to inherit eternal life! It is evident because of the way you received the Word.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Managers of Their Households
So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. (1 Timothy 5:14 ESV)
The phrase "manage their households" is one word in the greek. The word means to guide and take care of the family affairs. What kinds of things are family affairs? What would it mean to manage the affairs of Apple, Honeywell, or Walmart? It would at least mean that the manager would have deep and intricate knowledge of the company. They would spend large amounts of time thinking about the future of the company and how it could prosper the most. They would see that the employees needs were all taken care of and that they had all of the tools and skills required to fulfill their purpose. They would ensure that the company was orderly and efficient for streamlined production. They are managers. They would be at the office that they managed.
Wives are called by God to guide and care for the family affairs. They are called to "manage their households." What might this world look like if wives were doing this in their homes? What might the children of the next generation look like if they were managed primarily at home by Mom? What might our Government look like if this generation of managed children then took over for our current politicians?
This generation of children are "managed" by their Football, Soccer and Gymnastic Coach; their English, Math and Science Professor; their Sunday School, Youth Pastor and Awana Leader. They are managed through government curriculum, PBS, and Walt Disney; Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga; Twilight, Harry Potter and Oprah. They are managed by so many people and through so many means; but are they being managed at home by MOM?
The phrase "manage their households" is one word in the greek. The word means to guide and take care of the family affairs. What kinds of things are family affairs? What would it mean to manage the affairs of Apple, Honeywell, or Walmart? It would at least mean that the manager would have deep and intricate knowledge of the company. They would spend large amounts of time thinking about the future of the company and how it could prosper the most. They would see that the employees needs were all taken care of and that they had all of the tools and skills required to fulfill their purpose. They would ensure that the company was orderly and efficient for streamlined production. They are managers. They would be at the office that they managed.
Wives are called by God to guide and care for the family affairs. They are called to "manage their households." What might this world look like if wives were doing this in their homes? What might the children of the next generation look like if they were managed primarily at home by Mom? What might our Government look like if this generation of managed children then took over for our current politicians?
This generation of children are "managed" by their Football, Soccer and Gymnastic Coach; their English, Math and Science Professor; their Sunday School, Youth Pastor and Awana Leader. They are managed through government curriculum, PBS, and Walt Disney; Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga; Twilight, Harry Potter and Oprah. They are managed by so many people and through so many means; but are they being managed at home by MOM?
Call No Man On Earth Your Father Or Your Rabbi?
What did Jesus mean when he said to call no man on earth your father or rabbi?
Matthew 23:8-12
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
In this time, the Scribes and the Pharisees loved to be called by, and known through their titles. They would love when hats were raised to them. They would give to themselves titles, and made to be known by them. This is what Jesus is prohibiting here in these texts. Paul himself called himself a Father over the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:15. But he was a father over them in a loving way, not in an exulting way demanding that the Corinthians call him "Father Paul."
It is the same with calling people on earth "rabbi, or teacher." Paul himself says that he is a teacher in 1 Timothy 2:7.
Jesus is dealing with the Scribes and Pharisees pride over their titles. This is what Jesus is prohibiting in regards to these titles. We are not to demand of others that they call us by certain titles that would exult ourselves over others.
I was doing some work in a Catholic Church a couple of years ago. It was a new account for me. The Priest came downstairs where I was working and wanted to introduce himself to me. He introduced himself as "Father ________." I shook his hand and said that my name was Scott. I then told him that if I was going to be spending time there doing various jobs in his Church, that he and I would need to get something figured out. I told him that I would not call him "Father," and asked him for another way that I could address him. He stared at me blankly. I said, "can I call you Mr. _______?" He said "no!"
After some awkward moments he told me that if it were necessary that I address him in the future, he would answer to Reverend _________. This to me was a bit better, since I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and remember the humility of the dear Reverend Alden.
Matthew 23:8-12
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
In this time, the Scribes and the Pharisees loved to be called by, and known through their titles. They would love when hats were raised to them. They would give to themselves titles, and made to be known by them. This is what Jesus is prohibiting here in these texts. Paul himself called himself a Father over the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:15. But he was a father over them in a loving way, not in an exulting way demanding that the Corinthians call him "Father Paul."
It is the same with calling people on earth "rabbi, or teacher." Paul himself says that he is a teacher in 1 Timothy 2:7.
Jesus is dealing with the Scribes and Pharisees pride over their titles. This is what Jesus is prohibiting in regards to these titles. We are not to demand of others that they call us by certain titles that would exult ourselves over others.
I was doing some work in a Catholic Church a couple of years ago. It was a new account for me. The Priest came downstairs where I was working and wanted to introduce himself to me. He introduced himself as "Father ________." I shook his hand and said that my name was Scott. I then told him that if I was going to be spending time there doing various jobs in his Church, that he and I would need to get something figured out. I told him that I would not call him "Father," and asked him for another way that I could address him. He stared at me blankly. I said, "can I call you Mr. _______?" He said "no!"
After some awkward moments he told me that if it were necessary that I address him in the future, he would answer to Reverend _________. This to me was a bit better, since I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and remember the humility of the dear Reverend Alden.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Providing the Money to Pay our Taxes
When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the double-drachma tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your Teacher pay the double-drachma tax? ” “Yes,” he said. When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from? From their sons or from strangers? ” “From strangers,” he said. “Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him. “But, so we won’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to them for Me and you.” ~Matthew 17:24-27
We as Christians don't want to be offensive to the unbelieving world around us. How many times have you read this account, and thought how nice it would be to find money in the mouth of a fish. Seems kind of gravy work doesn't it? Well we must remember that Peter was a Fisherman. This was his job and source of income for his family. Jesus was telling him to go work for the money in order to pay the taxes that were due to the government.
It is the same for us. Jesus equally provides money for us to live in this world. He does it through the means of our jobs. I am a HVAC Technition. I do not find coins laying in the bottom of a furnace, roof-top unit, or a boiler; but I do find my money direct deposited in our bank each and every week. This is Jesus' provision for me and my family to pay our taxes. After all, we don't want to be offensive to the unbelieving world around us.
We as Christians don't want to be offensive to the unbelieving world around us. How many times have you read this account, and thought how nice it would be to find money in the mouth of a fish. Seems kind of gravy work doesn't it? Well we must remember that Peter was a Fisherman. This was his job and source of income for his family. Jesus was telling him to go work for the money in order to pay the taxes that were due to the government.
It is the same for us. Jesus equally provides money for us to live in this world. He does it through the means of our jobs. I am a HVAC Technition. I do not find coins laying in the bottom of a furnace, roof-top unit, or a boiler; but I do find my money direct deposited in our bank each and every week. This is Jesus' provision for me and my family to pay our taxes. After all, we don't want to be offensive to the unbelieving world around us.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Two Things For Husbands
HUSBANDS ARE TO DO TWO MAIN THINGS
These are just some thoughts I had while reading Ephesians 5:25–33 this morning.
Husbands: Ephesians 5:22–33
Ephesians 5:25–33 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
POINTS
- Love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
- Love my wife by giving myself up for her.
- I give myself up for her by washing her with the Word.
- This sanctifies and cleanses her as water to the body would.
- I do this so that she will become holy and without blemish.
- Christ does this for his church.
- I am to love my wife as my own body.
- By nourishing and cherishing it; taking care of all it’s needs.
MAIN IDEA FOR ME AS A HUSBAND
As a husband, I am to do two main things for my wife. I am to nourish and cherish her, providing for all of her needs. And second, I am to sanctify her by washing her with the Scriptures. These two things, caring for her and washing her with the Bible, are what it means to “love my wife as Christ loves the Church.”
The principle that Jesus laid down somewhere when he said that “love does no harm to a neighbor,” and that “love your neighbor as yourself,” fulfills the law. This same basic principle applies to my wife as well; she is my neighbor whom I live and commune with daily.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Shameful Speech
Shameful Speech
Ephesians 5:3–21 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “ Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Paul tells us that there are certain sins that should not only not be done by Christians, but should not even be talked about. They are sexual immorality, all impurity, and covetousness (which is idolatry). Paul goes on to list filthiness, foolish talking, and crude joking. He tells us that it is out of place for the Christian to be speaking about these things. Instead I am to replace that speech with thankfulness, (this thankfulness is to be thanking God always for everything in the name of Jesus) and with the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. I am to expose their sins by the light of truth. Leviticus 19:17 tells me that I am to “reason frankly” with my neighbor who is in sin.
Dear Lord, please take away all fear of man. Let me speak the truth boldly, and lovingly. Let me do what you have asked of me in these texts. I thank you for your answer in the name of Jesus.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
A Prayer For Knowledge (sermon)
I had the blessing of preaching at our Church last Sunday. It was only the second time I have ever preached during a Church service. I have had many other opportunities to teach God's Word, but always in other contexts. Any feedback would be appreciated. Scott
Sermon link
Monday, September 10, 2012
Old Self-New Self
Old Self–New Self
Ephesians 4:20–24
Ephesians 4:20–24 But that is not the way you learned Christ! — 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
We have this conflict that is present inside us. We have an old self that is corrupt through deceitful desires. And we have a new self that is renewed by Christ, in the spirit of our minds. I am made up of mind and body.
The body is not the same thing as my old corrupted sinful nature. The body is my flesh and blood; the tent that houses my mind and my corrupted nature. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I am to take care of it. But my old self is the enemy within. Thomas Watson said “you could sooner trust the devil than listen to your sinful nature.” We are to put off this sinful nature with its deceitful desires. We are to then put on our new self that God created in His own image when he gave us new spiritual birth. This new self is created in true righteousness and holiness.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The Consequence of Ignorance
Ephesians 4:17–24
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ! — 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
I am ignorant about many things. Matter of fact, I think I am ignorant of the ignorance in me sometimes. This is not good! Ignorance comes from a hard heart. Callousness is the next step for the ignorant and hard hearted man. Once callousness sets into the heart, the man gives himself up to all kinds of impurity. But that is not the way I learned Christ. That’s what Paul tells me =•)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Unified Doctrine
Ephesians 4:1–7 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit –just as you were called to one hope when you were called – 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Doctrine Is Important
We are called to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Then the text goes on to mention seven major doctrines that believers are to be unified about. One body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and father of all.
We are called to:
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
All the while striving toward gentleness, and humility. After all, doctrine is like the laws of logic; we don’t create them, we merely discover them.
We can not be unified in our unity; we must be unified in our doctrine. Are you doing your best to handle the word of truth?
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Why Pastors?
Ephesians 4:11–13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Why Pastors?
Pastors are given to the Church for the building up of the flock of God. They are to prepare the people of God to work for God. The goal is that all the people of God would grow up into a mature Christian that is not tossed here and there by every wind of doctrine that may blow past.
The more knowledge of Jesus we have, the more mature we become. And the more mature we become, the more unified we become with God and with His people.
You may not be a Pastor of your local Church, but if you are a husband and father; you are the shepherd and pastor of your family. Start your building project from the ground up. Christ is the chief cornerstone, and the doctrine of the apostles and the prophets is the foundation. Happy Building!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Value of Apple
I saw in the New York Times yesterday morning an article about Apple's value. The article said that Apple was the "most valuable company."
Apple was reported to be worth 624 billion. The Wall Street Journal said that Apple is the most valuable company because of it's influence on the economy, the stock market, and popular culture.
Augustine wrote about two kingdoms; the kingdom of God, and the kingdom of man. Which of these two do you think makes Apple the most valuable company in the eyes of the New York Times editor? Do we have the same perspective as God as to what is valuable?
I love Apple products. My family has many of them, and I am the one that supplied those products to my wife and older children. But do they build the kingdom of God, or do they build the kingdom of man?
I think Apple products can do both depending on how each individual uses them. Right now I am typing this blog with my thumbs on my iPhone. I am seeking to write this in order to advance the kingdom of God. I have however used my phone at times that would in no way advance the kingdom of God.
How do you use the things that man has made? Which kingdom do you seek to advance?
Apple was reported to be worth 624 billion. The Wall Street Journal said that Apple is the most valuable company because of it's influence on the economy, the stock market, and popular culture.
Augustine wrote about two kingdoms; the kingdom of God, and the kingdom of man. Which of these two do you think makes Apple the most valuable company in the eyes of the New York Times editor? Do we have the same perspective as God as to what is valuable?
I love Apple products. My family has many of them, and I am the one that supplied those products to my wife and older children. But do they build the kingdom of God, or do they build the kingdom of man?
I think Apple products can do both depending on how each individual uses them. Right now I am typing this blog with my thumbs on my iPhone. I am seeking to write this in order to advance the kingdom of God. I have however used my phone at times that would in no way advance the kingdom of God.
How do you use the things that man has made? Which kingdom do you seek to advance?
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb
Ephesians 1:7-10 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Redemption is the forgiveness of our tresspasses. It is the releasing effect of a ransom that has been paid.
This comes to us through the death of Jesus. When Aslan goes to the stone table for the payment of Edmond's guilt; this is redemption. It was the death of Christ which secured our redemption. This act unites us with God. It unites things in heaven with things on earth.
This act of redemption follows on the footsteps of the previous couple of verses that mentioned predestination. It says in verse 10 that this was a plan for the fullness of time.
Also this was a mystery that was couched in promises, types, allusions, and word pictures in the Old Testament. It was brought forth in the full light during the life and death of Jesus. God has made known this mystery. We can learn and understand and apply this unfolded mystery.
I am redeemed, I am redeemed, I am redeemed by the blood of the lamb!
Redemption is the forgiveness of our tresspasses. It is the releasing effect of a ransom that has been paid.
This comes to us through the death of Jesus. When Aslan goes to the stone table for the payment of Edmond's guilt; this is redemption. It was the death of Christ which secured our redemption. This act unites us with God. It unites things in heaven with things on earth.
This act of redemption follows on the footsteps of the previous couple of verses that mentioned predestination. It says in verse 10 that this was a plan for the fullness of time.
Also this was a mystery that was couched in promises, types, allusions, and word pictures in the Old Testament. It was brought forth in the full light during the life and death of Jesus. God has made known this mystery. We can learn and understand and apply this unfolded mystery.
I am redeemed, I am redeemed, I am redeemed by the blood of the lamb!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Glorious Grace
Ephesians 1:1-6
The highest blessing that one could ever receive is to have been predestined to be a son (child) of God. That God, before the foundation of the world, would determine that I would stand before Him holy and blameless. This is God's highest act of love toward me. This is to be blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. All of these blessings come to me through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. And they all happened because God wanted to, it was according to His will.
Before the world was made, I had not been brought forth. I had not done anything good or evil. Yet God knew me. He determined that I would be an orphan who would be adopted by Himself. He would adopt me, not because I was special, or wise, or good in any way. He adopted me for the purpose of His own choosing. He wanted to, and that is that. This is called in verse 6, "glorious grace."
This glorious grace has given me every spiritual blessing, says verse 3. Am I okay with that? It does not say that God has blessed me with every material blessing. Yet this is what my sinful heart longs for sometimes. Why? Why can I not wait with patience for the hope of every spiritual blessing? This blessing that awaits me in heaven is "holiness," and "blamelessness." Is this enough? What else could I possibly need? My problem is not material, it is moral. And with these spiritual blessings, by moral dilemma is taken out of the way and nailed to the cross. Every spiritual blessing is mine in Christ; rejoice O my soul for Gods glorious grace!
The highest blessing that one could ever receive is to have been predestined to be a son (child) of God. That God, before the foundation of the world, would determine that I would stand before Him holy and blameless. This is God's highest act of love toward me. This is to be blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. All of these blessings come to me through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. And they all happened because God wanted to, it was according to His will.
Before the world was made, I had not been brought forth. I had not done anything good or evil. Yet God knew me. He determined that I would be an orphan who would be adopted by Himself. He would adopt me, not because I was special, or wise, or good in any way. He adopted me for the purpose of His own choosing. He wanted to, and that is that. This is called in verse 6, "glorious grace."
This glorious grace has given me every spiritual blessing, says verse 3. Am I okay with that? It does not say that God has blessed me with every material blessing. Yet this is what my sinful heart longs for sometimes. Why? Why can I not wait with patience for the hope of every spiritual blessing? This blessing that awaits me in heaven is "holiness," and "blamelessness." Is this enough? What else could I possibly need? My problem is not material, it is moral. And with these spiritual blessings, by moral dilemma is taken out of the way and nailed to the cross. Every spiritual blessing is mine in Christ; rejoice O my soul for Gods glorious grace!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Joyful Zeal
These are some thoughts as I was pondering Galatians 4:8-20. I pray you may find some benefit...
COMMANDS
* Become like Paul and be joyful
* they were joyful, and Paul became like they were before.
* they treated Paul like an Angel
* they would have poked their eyes out for him
TRUTHS
* A person does not know God before they embrace the gospel. A person is not known be God either.
* Before a person is a Christian, they are a slaves to weak and miserable principles of the world.
* like seeking acceptance from God through my works
* like seeking justification through law keeping
* When we share truth with others, we can become their enemies. If they are not willing to be unshackled from their slavery to sin, materialism, and humanism; Christianity can be seen as hateful. For it is the truth that sets us free.
* False teachers generally try to win you over to them. They wish to alienate us from the people who preach, share, and live the truth of Gods Word.
* Zeal is good, provided it is pointed at the right source, namely Jesus Christ and his truth. Zeal is also good if it is constant. It is not good to have zeal like a roller-coaster.
*A pastor's heart should be akin to labor pains when professing Christians are seeking and being led astray by another gospel.
EXHORTATIONS
* When we are loving and embracing toward those who share the truth of Christ, or other Christians; we are to treat them as if they were Jesus himself. And we are to do this joyfully.
WHAT CAN I TAKE FROM THIS?
* I not only know God, but I am known by God. I have been set free from my slavery to sin, and slavery to weak and miserable principles of personal autonomy, humanism, and materialism. This truth should produce a constant, zealous joy that is aimed at Jesus and his truth. My affections should not be determined by my circumstances. They should be rooted in the eternal God who knows and loves me.
COMMANDS
* Become like Paul and be joyful
* they were joyful, and Paul became like they were before.
* they treated Paul like an Angel
* they would have poked their eyes out for him
TRUTHS
* A person does not know God before they embrace the gospel. A person is not known be God either.
* Before a person is a Christian, they are a slaves to weak and miserable principles of the world.
* like seeking acceptance from God through my works
* like seeking justification through law keeping
* When we share truth with others, we can become their enemies. If they are not willing to be unshackled from their slavery to sin, materialism, and humanism; Christianity can be seen as hateful. For it is the truth that sets us free.
* False teachers generally try to win you over to them. They wish to alienate us from the people who preach, share, and live the truth of Gods Word.
* Zeal is good, provided it is pointed at the right source, namely Jesus Christ and his truth. Zeal is also good if it is constant. It is not good to have zeal like a roller-coaster.
*A pastor's heart should be akin to labor pains when professing Christians are seeking and being led astray by another gospel.
EXHORTATIONS
* When we are loving and embracing toward those who share the truth of Christ, or other Christians; we are to treat them as if they were Jesus himself. And we are to do this joyfully.
WHAT CAN I TAKE FROM THIS?
* I not only know God, but I am known by God. I have been set free from my slavery to sin, and slavery to weak and miserable principles of personal autonomy, humanism, and materialism. This truth should produce a constant, zealous joy that is aimed at Jesus and his truth. My affections should not be determined by my circumstances. They should be rooted in the eternal God who knows and loves me.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Living by the Spirit
We are lightly studying through the book of Galatians as a family. These are just some thoughts I had while looking at chapter 3:26-4:7. Maybe they may be of interest to someone.
Galatians 4.6
Living by the Spirit is:
* Submitting to God's Law. Romans 8:7
* Putting to death the sinful deeds of the body. Romans 8:13
* Having a heart that calls out to the Fatherhood of God. Galatians 4:6
* Having a love that abounds, but that is controlled by depth of insight and knowledge. Philippians 1:9
* Discerning what is pure and blameless until Jesus comes back, or I die. Philippians 1:10
* Being filled with the fruit of righteousness. My life will be characterized by righteousness. Philippians 1:11
* Searching the Scriptures for Jesus with intensity and great care. 1 Peter 1:11
* Being filled with the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23
* Putting to death, and crucifying my sinful passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
THE TEXT OF GALATIANS 3.26-4.7
* Becoming a son of God is through faith in Christ Jesus
* Through faith in Christ Jesus, we become sons of God.
* Any race, creed, color, or sex can become a son of God. There is no distinction.
* A son of God is also a child and heir of Abraham.
* The sign of baptism is closely linked with faith in Christ. It does not merit salvation but it is appropriate to speak in these terms while addressing believers.
Galatians 4.6
Living by the Spirit is:
* Submitting to God's Law. Romans 8:7
* Putting to death the sinful deeds of the body. Romans 8:13
* Having a heart that calls out to the Fatherhood of God. Galatians 4:6
* Having a love that abounds, but that is controlled by depth of insight and knowledge. Philippians 1:9
* Discerning what is pure and blameless until Jesus comes back, or I die. Philippians 1:10
* Being filled with the fruit of righteousness. My life will be characterized by righteousness. Philippians 1:11
* Searching the Scriptures for Jesus with intensity and great care. 1 Peter 1:11
* Being filled with the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23
* Putting to death, and crucifying my sinful passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
THE TEXT OF GALATIANS 3.26-4.7
* Becoming a son of God is through faith in Christ Jesus
* Through faith in Christ Jesus, we become sons of God.
* Any race, creed, color, or sex can become a son of God. There is no distinction.
* A son of God is also a child and heir of Abraham.
* The sign of baptism is closely linked with faith in Christ. It does not merit salvation but it is appropriate to speak in these terms while addressing believers.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Some Sweet Verses On The Love Of God
The Love of God
Galatians 3:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Romans 8:37-39 "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
John 13:34 "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."
1 John 4:10 "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Revelation 1:5b "To Him who loves us and releases us from our sins by His blood."
Galatians 3:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Romans 8:37-39 "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
John 13:34 "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."
1 John 4:10 "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Revelation 1:5b "To Him who loves us and releases us from our sins by His blood."
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Impure Lust
I just finished reading IMPURE LUST by John Flavel. It is published by BANNER OF TRUTH, from the POCKET PURITAN series of books. It is a very quick read. I was having a hard time falling asleep this evening and breezed through it in about 45 minutes.
In this little book Flavel goes through ten arguments from scripture to hinder the sinner from the trap and snare of lust. Then he goes through seven directions to keep oneself from biting the lure.
His direction #6 I found the sweetest, and thought I would share it with you.
"Make choice of a meet yolk-fellow, and delight in her you have chosen."
He goes on, "stolen waters are sweeter to them than those waters they might lawfully drink at their own fountain: but withal know, it is not the having, but the delighting in the lawful wife, as God requires you to do, that must be the fence against this sin. So Solomon, Proverbs 5:19, ’Let her be as the loving hind, and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished always with her love.’"
Men, delight in your lawful wife. This is the fence to keep you from the sin of lust. This is a good word!
In this little book Flavel goes through ten arguments from scripture to hinder the sinner from the trap and snare of lust. Then he goes through seven directions to keep oneself from biting the lure.
His direction #6 I found the sweetest, and thought I would share it with you.
"Make choice of a meet yolk-fellow, and delight in her you have chosen."
He goes on, "stolen waters are sweeter to them than those waters they might lawfully drink at their own fountain: but withal know, it is not the having, but the delighting in the lawful wife, as God requires you to do, that must be the fence against this sin. So Solomon, Proverbs 5:19, ’Let her be as the loving hind, and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished always with her love.’"
Men, delight in your lawful wife. This is the fence to keep you from the sin of lust. This is a good word!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Praising Gods Word
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? --Psalm 56:3-4
What do we typically mean when we say "I'm going to praise God?" I think we would typically say that we praise God by proclaiming how great he is with our mouth. We praise God in a worship service by singing truth about him. We praise God when we are given an opportunity to speak his name to an unbeliever.
What are we to do then when we are afraid? We are to praise God's word. What does it mean then to praise God's Word? I think it means that we proclaim his word. We speak forth his word. We open our mouths and we proclaim the Bible to our own hearts.
When we are clinging to and trusting in God's Word, we are trusting in God himself. When fear arises in your heart, open your mouth and speak fourth what you know to be true about God.
What do we typically mean when we say "I'm going to praise God?" I think we would typically say that we praise God by proclaiming how great he is with our mouth. We praise God in a worship service by singing truth about him. We praise God when we are given an opportunity to speak his name to an unbeliever.
What are we to do then when we are afraid? We are to praise God's word. What does it mean then to praise God's Word? I think it means that we proclaim his word. We speak forth his word. We open our mouths and we proclaim the Bible to our own hearts.
When we are clinging to and trusting in God's Word, we are trusting in God himself. When fear arises in your heart, open your mouth and speak fourth what you know to be true about God.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Some Thoughts On Christian Judging
1 Corinthians 6:1-11--Mathew 18:15-20--Judging Matters in the Church
The Christian Church ought to be the wisest and most able judges in all the earth; they have the Scriptures, and the mind of Christ. There are several principles that are brought out in these texts.
1. The Christian's first response to ill treatment ought to be to let himself be sinned against.
2. If the sin persists, then the sinned against brother is to go to his brother and tell him his fault (Matthew 18).
3. If the sin still continues, the sinned against brother is to seek out a wise brother from the Church and seek council from him.
4. The council and discernment from the wise person in the Church ought to determine if the brother is truly suffering ill treatment, or if the sinned against brother is actually at fault.
5. If the council from the wise is that he has a legitimate case, and is actually being sinned against; then the sinned against brother is to take one or two other Christians with him as he goes back to his offender. The small council of believers will judge the case in the presence of both.
6. If the offender still does not hear, the brother's name is to be brought before the Church, to remove him from his good standing with the Church. He is to be ex-communicated from the membership; and treated as a non-believer.
*Paul seems to indicate that Christians will be the judges of the earth; they will even judge Angels. And if they are going to judge the earth and Angels, then they are surely capable of judging all matters that happen here and now.
*When Christians bring cases to earthly Judges; it brings shame on the name of Christ.
The Christian Church ought to be the wisest and most able judges in all the earth; they have the Scriptures, and the mind of Christ. There are several principles that are brought out in these texts.
1. The Christian's first response to ill treatment ought to be to let himself be sinned against.
2. If the sin persists, then the sinned against brother is to go to his brother and tell him his fault (Matthew 18).
3. If the sin still continues, the sinned against brother is to seek out a wise brother from the Church and seek council from him.
4. The council and discernment from the wise person in the Church ought to determine if the brother is truly suffering ill treatment, or if the sinned against brother is actually at fault.
5. If the council from the wise is that he has a legitimate case, and is actually being sinned against; then the sinned against brother is to take one or two other Christians with him as he goes back to his offender. The small council of believers will judge the case in the presence of both.
6. If the offender still does not hear, the brother's name is to be brought before the Church, to remove him from his good standing with the Church. He is to be ex-communicated from the membership; and treated as a non-believer.
*Paul seems to indicate that Christians will be the judges of the earth; they will even judge Angels. And if they are going to judge the earth and Angels, then they are surely capable of judging all matters that happen here and now.
*When Christians bring cases to earthly Judges; it brings shame on the name of Christ.
Friday, May 11, 2012
the purpose of life?
i read this in a book by philip graham ryken, which was partially quoted from abraham kuyper. what do you think?
"by the grace of god in christ, we recover the hearts high and holy calling to consecrate every department of life and every energy at its disposal to the glory of god. and despite all our failure, by the gracious work of the holy spirit we are able to make progress in restoring things to their created intention. this is what our purpose in life; whatever we do from now on, we are doing it for the honor of jesus christ."
"by the grace of god in christ, we recover the hearts high and holy calling to consecrate every department of life and every energy at its disposal to the glory of god. and despite all our failure, by the gracious work of the holy spirit we are able to make progress in restoring things to their created intention. this is what our purpose in life; whatever we do from now on, we are doing it for the honor of jesus christ."
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Faithfulness
My Pastor spoke about the fruit of the Spirit today of FAITHFULNESS. It both encouraged and challenged my heart. I am afraid that I am not as faithful of a man as I should be. The main thing that drives me to confess that is my lack of discipline over time. There are so many moments during the day that I do not redeem. So many 5-10 minute lags that I do not use to increase in the knowledge of God.
I learned that God is the source and standard of faithfulness. I learned that Jesus is the actor of faithfulness. And that the Holy Spirit is the producer of faithfulness in the heart of Christians. Any amount of gospel purchased faithfulness that I have, I have because of the faithful Trinitarian Lord.
I also learned that one of the main qualifications of an Elder or a Pastor of a Church is faithfulness. All men are called to be faithful, but a Pastor's qualification to be a Pastor depends on him being faithful.
O Lord, create in me a heart of faithfulness. Forgive me for my faithlessness and ever changing mind.
I learned that God is the source and standard of faithfulness. I learned that Jesus is the actor of faithfulness. And that the Holy Spirit is the producer of faithfulness in the heart of Christians. Any amount of gospel purchased faithfulness that I have, I have because of the faithful Trinitarian Lord.
I also learned that one of the main qualifications of an Elder or a Pastor of a Church is faithfulness. All men are called to be faithful, but a Pastor's qualification to be a Pastor depends on him being faithful.
O Lord, create in me a heart of faithfulness. Forgive me for my faithlessness and ever changing mind.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Blog Change
This will be my 220th day in a row of blogging. I have decided to change the format for this blog. I will no longer commit to writing a blog each day; though I may. I plan to reduce my blogs to a couple a week. This will give me time to pursue another level of learning which I plan to begin soon. If you continue to read this blog; I pray you will benefit even deeper from future posts. Blessings, Scott
Friday, May 4, 2012
Three Things To Increase Faith And Love (a continuation from yesterday's post)
I mentioned yesterday that the hope of heaven is suppose to motivate us to greater faith in Christ, and love for the Church of Jesus. Today we will see a couple of specific things about heaven that are meant to help us do just that.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 that we are not suppose to store up for ourselves treasures here on this earth; rather we are to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Why? Because heaven is the safest place for our treasures. And there is no thieve, or moth that will destroy or steal our goods.
We tend to think that a bank is the safest place to store our earthly treasures. For the most part that is probably true. But time and time again, we read of banks that are robbed. In heaven, you can trust that all of your goods will be there safe and sound when you arrive.
The second reason the knowledge of heaven is suppose to increase our faith in Christ, and love for his Church; is because there is a registry in heaven with my name on it. Luke 10:20 records Jesus telling us that.
A name on a registry is an important thing. If you reserve a hotel room through a third party company, you tend to have some resignation about your name being on the registry when you arrive. That would be a bummer to show up for a stay at the Marriot, and they do not have your name on their registry. "Sorry, there is not a room here that has your name on it." Jesus tells us to "rejoice because your names are written in heaven." I do not have to worry about arriving there are my name is nowhere on the registry list.
Thirdly Jesus tells us in John 14 that in his "Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." There is no chance that all of the rooms will be full when you arrive. Jesus even says it in such a way to ensure us of its truth. "I wouldn't have told you that there are many mansions in heaven, nor a place for you if it weren't so. I'm not going to lie to you. I am the way, the truth and the life." (my paraphrase).
When I roomed in a dorm for a year, I found out who was going to be my roommate a month or so before school started. I contacted him and tried to strike up a friendship. I wanted to build a relationship with him because I was going to be spending 9 months in the same room as he. It turned out that we were never roommates, but you get the point. We are going to be spending eternity with our fellow believers. Does that not motivate you to build deeper relationships here before you are called heavenward?
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Fruit Of Hope
Colossians 1:3-5a~We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven
Faith is an ongoing battle that we must fight. What motivates our continual faith in Christ? What motivates our love for the Church of Jesus Christ? Well, this text says that it is the "HOPE that is laid up for us in heaven."
How much time do you spend thinking about eternity? About the glories that await those who are Christ's? What is laid up for you in heaven, do you know? The knowledge of it is suppose to motivate you to faith and love. Seems sort of important doesn't it?
Faith is an ongoing battle that we must fight. What motivates our continual faith in Christ? What motivates our love for the Church of Jesus Christ? Well, this text says that it is the "HOPE that is laid up for us in heaven."
How much time do you spend thinking about eternity? About the glories that await those who are Christ's? What is laid up for you in heaven, do you know? The knowledge of it is suppose to motivate you to faith and love. Seems sort of important doesn't it?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The Lord Is My Sheperd
Psalms 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
This simple text is simply beautiful, yet it is strikingly hard to cling to. My heart can be so covetous. To believe to the point of being content, that God is my Shepherd, and I shall not be in any lack. I pray my soul will rest this morning in the arms of my loving Shepherd who will never let me be in want.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
This simple text is simply beautiful, yet it is strikingly hard to cling to. My heart can be so covetous. To believe to the point of being content, that God is my Shepherd, and I shall not be in any lack. I pray my soul will rest this morning in the arms of my loving Shepherd who will never let me be in want.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Gaining The Whole World
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?" ~Jesus recorded in Luke 9:25
We normally associate profit with gain. After all, profit is gain is it not? Jesus is teaching us something here about long term profitability, as well as true and false profitability.
What is true profitability? True profitability is profit that is gained to the "man himself." It is gain to the heart and soul of creatures made in God's image. False profitability then is profit that comes to the flesh of man. It is gain to the outward desires of man. True profitability is also profit in the long run. False profitability is profit in the short term.
We live and breath in a society where we can get almost anything we desire with free shipping. If we order enough fleshly profit from Amazon, we can get it to our homes in 2-3 business days. The driver who brings it to us will rush it to our home seemingly free of charge. Lets say I continue to order stuff upon stuff from Amazon. I order everything they either have, or can get into their warehouse. I build a massive pole barn. I keep accumulating product and wealth from everywhere until I have purchased the entire world. I have gained it all. As I walk toward my pole barn carrying the last box that was just delivered to my home (brought to me from the currier company that I own), I hear for a brief moment the sound of the spring break that holds the garage door in place. The door falls upon my neck, as I am crushed to death by the weight.
I open my eyes as I find myself on my knees in the throne room of God. None of my stuff is there with me. All of my stuff is now being dispersed among other humans. They have received all of my profit. Jesus asks "what profit did you bring?" I tell him that I gained the entire world on earth. I ask him if that is enough for me to enter heaven. He tells me that true profit can not be purchased by money, but by faith. He tells me that he is the true profit. I could have gained forgiveness for my sin of covetousness, and free entrance into the glories of heaven. I could have purchased it all free of charge. But now, in the end, I have lost…I have lost my soul. What I thought was gain is now loss; and what I thought was loss on earth, would have been to me eternal gain.
We normally associate profit with gain. After all, profit is gain is it not? Jesus is teaching us something here about long term profitability, as well as true and false profitability.
What is true profitability? True profitability is profit that is gained to the "man himself." It is gain to the heart and soul of creatures made in God's image. False profitability then is profit that comes to the flesh of man. It is gain to the outward desires of man. True profitability is also profit in the long run. False profitability is profit in the short term.
We live and breath in a society where we can get almost anything we desire with free shipping. If we order enough fleshly profit from Amazon, we can get it to our homes in 2-3 business days. The driver who brings it to us will rush it to our home seemingly free of charge. Lets say I continue to order stuff upon stuff from Amazon. I order everything they either have, or can get into their warehouse. I build a massive pole barn. I keep accumulating product and wealth from everywhere until I have purchased the entire world. I have gained it all. As I walk toward my pole barn carrying the last box that was just delivered to my home (brought to me from the currier company that I own), I hear for a brief moment the sound of the spring break that holds the garage door in place. The door falls upon my neck, as I am crushed to death by the weight.
I open my eyes as I find myself on my knees in the throne room of God. None of my stuff is there with me. All of my stuff is now being dispersed among other humans. They have received all of my profit. Jesus asks "what profit did you bring?" I tell him that I gained the entire world on earth. I ask him if that is enough for me to enter heaven. He tells me that true profit can not be purchased by money, but by faith. He tells me that he is the true profit. I could have gained forgiveness for my sin of covetousness, and free entrance into the glories of heaven. I could have purchased it all free of charge. But now, in the end, I have lost…I have lost my soul. What I thought was gain is now loss; and what I thought was loss on earth, would have been to me eternal gain.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Our Adornments
The things that people adorn themselves with tell a lot about the heart of the person. A woman who dresses sensual, has a sensual heart. A woman who dresses revealingly, reveals that her heart desires attention, which is drawn by body parts being revealed. The man who wears tight fitting shirts, reveals their hearts desire for attention to their physique. The man who wears his pants down so far that half of his buttocks are exposed, reveal a disrespectful heart which shows him essentially giving the middle finger to all who pass him by. The Bible has many things to say about the way we adorn ourselves. Two of the adornments we should focus on are wisdom and submission.
Proverbs has much to say about adorning ourselves with wisdom. It says that "wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom" (4:7). And if we adorn ourselves with wisdom, then "she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you" (4:9-8).
1 Peter 2 and 3 speak of adorning ourselves with submission to authority. We are to submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. Employees are to be submissive to their bosses for the Lord's sake. Wives are likewise to be submissive to their own husbands for the Lord's sake. Husbands are to be submissive to Christ and his word for the Lord's sake. And finally all of us are to submit ourselves one to another, again for the Lord's sake. This would include children to parents as well.
Adornments of wisdom and submission are "very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4). What kind of outward clothing adornments reveal a heart of wisdom and submission to authority? Would they be any of the above mentioned styles. My statements about the heart of people in the first paragraph are generalizations. I understand there could be exceptions.
Proverbs has much to say about adorning ourselves with wisdom. It says that "wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom" (4:7). And if we adorn ourselves with wisdom, then "she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you" (4:9-8).
1 Peter 2 and 3 speak of adorning ourselves with submission to authority. We are to submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. Employees are to be submissive to their bosses for the Lord's sake. Wives are likewise to be submissive to their own husbands for the Lord's sake. Husbands are to be submissive to Christ and his word for the Lord's sake. And finally all of us are to submit ourselves one to another, again for the Lord's sake. This would include children to parents as well.
Adornments of wisdom and submission are "very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4). What kind of outward clothing adornments reveal a heart of wisdom and submission to authority? Would they be any of the above mentioned styles. My statements about the heart of people in the first paragraph are generalizations. I understand there could be exceptions.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Being Clingy
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do you know anybody who is clingy? They may be a friend that can never seem to function more than 3 feet apart from your side. Maybe it is a child. Children are often clingy during different periods of their lives. Maybe it is a family pet, like a dog. They always seems to be right under your feet when you are trying to prepare dinner in the kitchen. Maybe it's clothing. A wet shirt or shorts that cling to your body after a walk I the rain. Whatever the object may be, you get the idea of ’clingy.’
When the above text mentions that sin clings so closely, it is talking about that thing that is ’clingy.’ Sin is clingy. All it wants to do is pull closer toward your body. It loves to follow behind you and tug at your shirt, all the while crying out your name. It loves to be intertwined with your legs, trying to make you fall to the ground. It desires to live life three feet or closer from you at every moment of the day. Sin is clingy. But what is the remedy? Look, lay down, and run.
Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of the sinless life. Look to the Christians of the past who ran their race with endurance. Lay down the object of sin that wants to prevent you from running. Lay it down and run. Do not run from your responsibilities. Do not run from those in your life that need you to train and nourish them in the Lord. But run, run, run away from sin.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do you know anybody who is clingy? They may be a friend that can never seem to function more than 3 feet apart from your side. Maybe it is a child. Children are often clingy during different periods of their lives. Maybe it is a family pet, like a dog. They always seems to be right under your feet when you are trying to prepare dinner in the kitchen. Maybe it's clothing. A wet shirt or shorts that cling to your body after a walk I the rain. Whatever the object may be, you get the idea of ’clingy.’
When the above text mentions that sin clings so closely, it is talking about that thing that is ’clingy.’ Sin is clingy. All it wants to do is pull closer toward your body. It loves to follow behind you and tug at your shirt, all the while crying out your name. It loves to be intertwined with your legs, trying to make you fall to the ground. It desires to live life three feet or closer from you at every moment of the day. Sin is clingy. But what is the remedy? Look, lay down, and run.
Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of the sinless life. Look to the Christians of the past who ran their race with endurance. Lay down the object of sin that wants to prevent you from running. Lay it down and run. Do not run from your responsibilities. Do not run from those in your life that need you to train and nourish them in the Lord. But run, run, run away from sin.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The Spirit Is The Truth
1 John 5:6b And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
When I was about 28-29 years old, I purposed to read the Bible a little bit each day. I was somewhat regularly attending a Church, and was curious about God. I started in Genesis. The first few chapters were interesting, but they flew in the face of what I was brought up believing about evolution. I read on. I came to chapter 5 and found out that this Adam fellow cranked out a kid when he was 130 years old. Then it goes on the say that Adam lived another 800 years, and died at the ripe old age of 930. Then his son Seth simmers out at the age of 912. "No way" I thought!
I picked er' up again in the New Testament, ya know because it was "newer." I read about this Jesus guy and all of the miracles that he was doing. I was so resistant to all of it. None of it appeared truthful to me. Our Pastor at the time came out to our home to see how things were going. I opened up this Bible before him and pressed him to explain to me how all that I was reading could be true. He gave me no explanations, no arguments, no apologetics at all. He told me I needed to pray to God and ask him for assurance.
A year passed and something amazing happened. My wife and I had our Bibles open and were listening to a cd of Pastor John McArthur preach through Luke 9. He was telling us the cost of discipleship. What it meant to follow Jesus as Lord and Christ. Reflecting back to that event, it was the first time I had ever believed anything I read in the Bible was true. The Spirit of God inwardly convinced me of the truthfulness of the Scriptures.
Before I became a Christian, there was nothing that could convince me of the truthfulness of the Bible, and the message of redemption through the Bible. Now, there is nothing you can tell me to convince me that the Bible is not the Word of God. Because it is the "Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth." 1 John 5:6
When I was about 28-29 years old, I purposed to read the Bible a little bit each day. I was somewhat regularly attending a Church, and was curious about God. I started in Genesis. The first few chapters were interesting, but they flew in the face of what I was brought up believing about evolution. I read on. I came to chapter 5 and found out that this Adam fellow cranked out a kid when he was 130 years old. Then it goes on the say that Adam lived another 800 years, and died at the ripe old age of 930. Then his son Seth simmers out at the age of 912. "No way" I thought!
I picked er' up again in the New Testament, ya know because it was "newer." I read about this Jesus guy and all of the miracles that he was doing. I was so resistant to all of it. None of it appeared truthful to me. Our Pastor at the time came out to our home to see how things were going. I opened up this Bible before him and pressed him to explain to me how all that I was reading could be true. He gave me no explanations, no arguments, no apologetics at all. He told me I needed to pray to God and ask him for assurance.
A year passed and something amazing happened. My wife and I had our Bibles open and were listening to a cd of Pastor John McArthur preach through Luke 9. He was telling us the cost of discipleship. What it meant to follow Jesus as Lord and Christ. Reflecting back to that event, it was the first time I had ever believed anything I read in the Bible was true. The Spirit of God inwardly convinced me of the truthfulness of the Scriptures.
Before I became a Christian, there was nothing that could convince me of the truthfulness of the Bible, and the message of redemption through the Bible. Now, there is nothing you can tell me to convince me that the Bible is not the Word of God. Because it is the "Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth." 1 John 5:6
Friday, April 27, 2012
Discipline Through Sickness
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
God does not want the children he adopts to suffer the same condemnation of judgement that the world will suffer. Christians sin. Non-Christians sin. God let's (for the most part) the non-Christian reap what they sow. He also let's them continue in patterns of sin; after all, unbelief is sin, and every moment of every day the non-Christian neglects to walk by faith.
But what happens when one of his children begin to live in a pattern of sin? Like a loving father, God corrects them back to the path of faith and obedience. But how does he accomplish this you ask, by using the wooden spoon of suffering.
It is striking, but take another look at the text above us. God disciplines his children that are in sin by inflicting weakness, illness, and even death upon them. Weakness is being sick enough to have very little strength left. Illness is being incapacitated by some chronic sickness. The same word is used of many of the people Jesus healed during his earthly 3 year ministry. And death is...well we can all figure that one out.
The Disciples at one point saw a blind man and asked Jesus which one sinned, he or his parents. Jesus said neither, but he was sick that God would be glorified through his healing. Do I think every sickness has a direct link to a pattern of sin in an individual, no. Do I think God is sovereign over all things, even sickness, yes. Do I think that suffering of any kind ought to cause us to examine ourselves to see if there is any wicked way in us, absolutely, because that is what our text says we should do.
Remember that God’s purpose for causing some to be weak, ill, and even to die, is so they would not be condemned along with the world. This seems to be a very loving purpose.
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
God does not want the children he adopts to suffer the same condemnation of judgement that the world will suffer. Christians sin. Non-Christians sin. God let's (for the most part) the non-Christian reap what they sow. He also let's them continue in patterns of sin; after all, unbelief is sin, and every moment of every day the non-Christian neglects to walk by faith.
But what happens when one of his children begin to live in a pattern of sin? Like a loving father, God corrects them back to the path of faith and obedience. But how does he accomplish this you ask, by using the wooden spoon of suffering.
It is striking, but take another look at the text above us. God disciplines his children that are in sin by inflicting weakness, illness, and even death upon them. Weakness is being sick enough to have very little strength left. Illness is being incapacitated by some chronic sickness. The same word is used of many of the people Jesus healed during his earthly 3 year ministry. And death is...well we can all figure that one out.
The Disciples at one point saw a blind man and asked Jesus which one sinned, he or his parents. Jesus said neither, but he was sick that God would be glorified through his healing. Do I think every sickness has a direct link to a pattern of sin in an individual, no. Do I think God is sovereign over all things, even sickness, yes. Do I think that suffering of any kind ought to cause us to examine ourselves to see if there is any wicked way in us, absolutely, because that is what our text says we should do.
Remember that God’s purpose for causing some to be weak, ill, and even to die, is so they would not be condemned along with the world. This seems to be a very loving purpose.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Layers Of Assurance
1 John 2:3
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
Romans 8:16
The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Do you have the assurance that you are one of God's children, forgiven of your sin, and headed to be with him in heaven when you pass from this life? This assurance does come in layers, but is it there? There is a kind of assurance that comes logically by inference through the words in the Bible. There is an assurance by examining the fruits of the Spirit in your life. And there is an assurance that makes direct contact with your soul, which is experiential.
We read "believe on the Lord and you shall be saved." We say, ’I believe, therefore I am saved.’ We look at the fruit of our lives as well to bring our hearts assurance. We read 1 John 2:3, we examine our lives with what the Bible states about obedience and say, ’my life accords with Jesus’ commands, therefore I am saved.’
There is another kind of assurance that comes experientially by the direct movement of the Holy Spirit. It is an inward testimony from God that assures you that you are indeed adopted as one of Gods children. The text does not say it is a strong emotion that may come during moving music at Church. It does not say it is an audible voice. It is an inward testimony.
Do you have all three layers of assurance that you are a Christian? I hope that if you say no, you will earnestly seek the Lord until he is found.
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
Romans 8:16
The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Do you have the assurance that you are one of God's children, forgiven of your sin, and headed to be with him in heaven when you pass from this life? This assurance does come in layers, but is it there? There is a kind of assurance that comes logically by inference through the words in the Bible. There is an assurance by examining the fruits of the Spirit in your life. And there is an assurance that makes direct contact with your soul, which is experiential.
We read "believe on the Lord and you shall be saved." We say, ’I believe, therefore I am saved.’ We look at the fruit of our lives as well to bring our hearts assurance. We read 1 John 2:3, we examine our lives with what the Bible states about obedience and say, ’my life accords with Jesus’ commands, therefore I am saved.’
There is another kind of assurance that comes experientially by the direct movement of the Holy Spirit. It is an inward testimony from God that assures you that you are indeed adopted as one of Gods children. The text does not say it is a strong emotion that may come during moving music at Church. It does not say it is an audible voice. It is an inward testimony.
Do you have all three layers of assurance that you are a Christian? I hope that if you say no, you will earnestly seek the Lord until he is found.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Unchangeable Understanding
Psalms 147:5
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
The fourth question in the shorter catechism asks, "What is God?" Among a list of eleven things, it says that "God is unchangeable in his...wisdom." It then refers to the text in Psalm 147:5.
Have you ever pondered that God's understanding is infinite? Everything I know is finite. The best way for me to try and wrap my mind around the idea that God is infinite is for me to think about the things that are finite and tell myself that God is not like that. Can you imagine having any real hope if God was like us, in that he could die at any moment? (Meaning he was finite)
I love thinking about God being infinite in his understanding. I am glad that he is. I am so far from being infinite in my understanding it makes me sick sometimes. There are so many things that I do not understand. Even if the facts are right before my eyes, I still, many times can not understand. But the Bible states that God is unchangeable in his understanding. There is never a moment when God learns something new. Never a moment when God doesn't know everything. He is timeless, so he knows all things, all at once. God surely is amazing. I love him, and am sure glad that he is not like me; though I crave to be more like him :-)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Full Assurance Of Understanding
Colossians 2:2-3
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
What brings encouragement to our hearts? Probably there are many things, but Paul tells us how to have our hearts encouraged to the fullness. The fully encouraged heart is a heart that has complete understanding. Do you know the pain of not understanding something that you seek to know? I sure do. There are many things that keep my heart discouraged because my mind just is not able to understand something.
Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Everything that you and I seek to know, can be found in him. All of this knowledge and wisdom is hidden in him. I don't think this means that we have to play some kind of cat and mouse game with God in order to know things. Just that God desires for us to be seekers. To look, search, discover, and cry out for the understanding that we seek.
Not knowing answers can produce frustration in us. But having all of the answers that we seek produces a joy and encouragement to our hearts. God wants us to have an encouraged heart that is spilling over with love. This comes through the Person of Jesus Christ; in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
What brings encouragement to our hearts? Probably there are many things, but Paul tells us how to have our hearts encouraged to the fullness. The fully encouraged heart is a heart that has complete understanding. Do you know the pain of not understanding something that you seek to know? I sure do. There are many things that keep my heart discouraged because my mind just is not able to understand something.
Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Everything that you and I seek to know, can be found in him. All of this knowledge and wisdom is hidden in him. I don't think this means that we have to play some kind of cat and mouse game with God in order to know things. Just that God desires for us to be seekers. To look, search, discover, and cry out for the understanding that we seek.
Not knowing answers can produce frustration in us. But having all of the answers that we seek produces a joy and encouragement to our hearts. God wants us to have an encouraged heart that is spilling over with love. This comes through the Person of Jesus Christ; in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Skills And Diligence
Proverbs 10:4
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
There are two attributes needed to be an effective provider for your home. One is skillfulness, the other is diligence.
Skillfulness is from an old english word which meant 'knowledge.' It is the ability to do something well, while possessing the knowledge, or having the necessary skills to perform a task with expertise.
Diligence means to have or show care and conscientiousness is one's work or duties.
Skillfulness and diligence should be the attributes that mark all men. If you are a man that has the necessary skills and diligence to provide for the needs of your family, this is honorable and glorifying to the Lord. But do you use these same qualities at home? Are you diligent and skillful to shepherd your wife and children? Are you a shepherd of your home first, and use your profession to provide for the needs of your family; or are you a professional first, and use your family to provide for the needs of the people you work for?
I confess that there have been many days when I have come home from work and am wore out from the labors of the day. I don't seem to have enough oomphta to diligently and skillfully care for the needs of my family. But there are far fewer days that I am too wore out from laboring skillfully and diligently for the needs of my family, that I don't have the oomphta to work in my profession. How about you?
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
There are two attributes needed to be an effective provider for your home. One is skillfulness, the other is diligence.
Skillfulness is from an old english word which meant 'knowledge.' It is the ability to do something well, while possessing the knowledge, or having the necessary skills to perform a task with expertise.
Diligence means to have or show care and conscientiousness is one's work or duties.
Skillfulness and diligence should be the attributes that mark all men. If you are a man that has the necessary skills and diligence to provide for the needs of your family, this is honorable and glorifying to the Lord. But do you use these same qualities at home? Are you diligent and skillful to shepherd your wife and children? Are you a shepherd of your home first, and use your profession to provide for the needs of your family; or are you a professional first, and use your family to provide for the needs of the people you work for?
I confess that there have been many days when I have come home from work and am wore out from the labors of the day. I don't seem to have enough oomphta to diligently and skillfully care for the needs of my family. But there are far fewer days that I am too wore out from laboring skillfully and diligently for the needs of my family, that I don't have the oomphta to work in my profession. How about you?
Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Playful Child
Matthew 11:16-17
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn. ’
The text goes on to talk about the fact that the people of the generation of Jesus didn't have the appropriate response to his coming. For John the baptist came, which he never drank alcohol, nor was he glutenous, and yet the people said, "he has a demon." Then Jesus came, who did drink and eat, and the people said; "he is a glutton and a friend of tax collectors and sinners."
This generation does not have the right response to Jesus. Like a children sitting in the market place and playing a happy tune; the other children did not dance. Then they played a dirge, which was a lamenting song to mourn for the dead; and the others did not mourn.
It may sound odd for me to take this from the text, but I see that the scriptures acknowledge that children sing, dance, and call other children to do the same. There is most definitely a sinful style of play, but also there is a proper kind of play that God acknowledges children do.
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn. ’
The text goes on to talk about the fact that the people of the generation of Jesus didn't have the appropriate response to his coming. For John the baptist came, which he never drank alcohol, nor was he glutenous, and yet the people said, "he has a demon." Then Jesus came, who did drink and eat, and the people said; "he is a glutton and a friend of tax collectors and sinners."
This generation does not have the right response to Jesus. Like a children sitting in the market place and playing a happy tune; the other children did not dance. Then they played a dirge, which was a lamenting song to mourn for the dead; and the others did not mourn.
It may sound odd for me to take this from the text, but I see that the scriptures acknowledge that children sing, dance, and call other children to do the same. There is most definitely a sinful style of play, but also there is a proper kind of play that God acknowledges children do.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Access To God
John 4:24~"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
God is spirit, I am flesh and spirit. So how do we gain access to this God who is spirit? We access God through faith. Is my faith then the access point to God? No because then I would be placing my faith in my faith, and this is no good. Access to God is through Jesus. "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." (John 10:9) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except though me." (John 14:6) "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." (Ephesians 2:18) "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:12)
To re-phrase my favorite devotional from Spurgeon: we are not to look to the strength of our hand by which we are grasping Christ, but to Christ. We are not to look to our obedience to Christ, but to Christ. We are not to look at our affections for Christ, but to Christ. We are not to look to our repentance toward Christ, but to Christ. We are not even to look to our faith in Christ, though that be the means, but to Christ. We will never find happiness, joy, and salvation by looking within. We must continually look outside of ourselves to the person and the work of Jesus Christ!
We gain access to God by looking to Jesus. Do you believe that?
Friday, April 20, 2012
Death~Where Is Thy Sting?
Another dose of medicine from Spurgeon...
"That through death He might destroy him that had the power of death." --Hebrews 2:14
O child of God, death hath lost its sting, because the devil's power over it is destroyed. Then cease to fear dying. Ask grace from God the Holy Ghost, that by an intimate knowledge and a firm belief of thy Redeemer's death, thou mayst be strengthened for that dread hour. Living near the cross of Calvary thou mayst think of death with pleasure, and welcome it when it comes with intense delight. It is sweet to die in the Lord: it is a covenant-blessing to sleep in Jesus. Death is no longer banishment, it is a return from exile, a going home to the many mansions where the loved ones already dwell. The distance between glorified spirits in heaven and militant saints on earth seems great; but it is not so. We are not far from home--a moment will bring us there. The sail is spread; the soul is launched upon the deep. How long will be its voyage? How many wearying winds must beat upon the sail ere it shall be reefed in the port of peace? How long shall that soul be tossed upon the waves before it comes to that sea which knows no storm? Listen to the answer, "Absent from the body, present with the Lord." Yon ship has just departed, but it is already at its haven. It did but spread its sail and it was there. Like that ship of old, upon the Lake of Galilee, a storm had tossed it, but Jesus said, "Peace, be still," andimmediately it came to land. Think not that a long period intervenes between the instant of death and the eternity of glory. When the eyes close on earth they open in heaven. The horses of fire are not an instant on the road. Then, O child of God, what is there for thee to fear in death, seeing that through the death of thy Lord its curse and sting are destroyed? and now it is but a Jacob's ladder whose foot is in the dark grave, but its top reaches to glory everlasting.
"That through death He might destroy him that had the power of death." --Hebrews 2:14
O child of God, death hath lost its sting, because the devil's power over it is destroyed. Then cease to fear dying. Ask grace from God the Holy Ghost, that by an intimate knowledge and a firm belief of thy Redeemer's death, thou mayst be strengthened for that dread hour. Living near the cross of Calvary thou mayst think of death with pleasure, and welcome it when it comes with intense delight. It is sweet to die in the Lord: it is a covenant-blessing to sleep in Jesus. Death is no longer banishment, it is a return from exile, a going home to the many mansions where the loved ones already dwell. The distance between glorified spirits in heaven and militant saints on earth seems great; but it is not so. We are not far from home--a moment will bring us there. The sail is spread; the soul is launched upon the deep. How long will be its voyage? How many wearying winds must beat upon the sail ere it shall be reefed in the port of peace? How long shall that soul be tossed upon the waves before it comes to that sea which knows no storm? Listen to the answer, "Absent from the body, present with the Lord." Yon ship has just departed, but it is already at its haven. It did but spread its sail and it was there. Like that ship of old, upon the Lake of Galilee, a storm had tossed it, but Jesus said, "Peace, be still," andimmediately it came to land. Think not that a long period intervenes between the instant of death and the eternity of glory. When the eyes close on earth they open in heaven. The horses of fire are not an instant on the road. Then, O child of God, what is there for thee to fear in death, seeing that through the death of thy Lord its curse and sting are destroyed? and now it is but a Jacob's ladder whose foot is in the dark grave, but its top reaches to glory everlasting.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sharing
Matthew 6:1-4 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
It is interesting to me that what God calls "practicing righteousness" in this context is merely just "sharing." I have four children. The second youngest turned two yesterday. I have noticed already that he is beginning to show an attitude of anger over possessions. He will tell the dog not to play with a particular toy because it is his. He will lift his voice and say, "no Buddy…my monkey!"(Buddy is our dog) But I can't help thinking, "what do you mean that it is YOURS, was it not a gift to you from another?" What does my son actually own? What do you and I own that was not a gift from another?
My understanding is that everything we possess is a gift from God. It is loaned to us, and we should steward all that God has given us, with wisdom and generosity. Do I do this faithfully? No, that is one of the reasons I spend my mornings in the Bible; to continually speak truth to myself.
Jesus says that we can actually do righteous acts here on this earth. What are they? Sharing. Doesn't seem that hard when I state it like that does it? We teach our kids to share from the moment they can speak. We innately know that sharing is good, and selfishness is wrong. And we are quick to enjoy when others around us share what they have with us. But are we as adults quick to share the resources we have with those in need around us? Beware though; least you go out and give to the needy just to be noticed by others. You will have a reward (praise from men), but not from the Eternal Rewarder…
It is interesting to me that what God calls "practicing righteousness" in this context is merely just "sharing." I have four children. The second youngest turned two yesterday. I have noticed already that he is beginning to show an attitude of anger over possessions. He will tell the dog not to play with a particular toy because it is his. He will lift his voice and say, "no Buddy…my monkey!"(Buddy is our dog) But I can't help thinking, "what do you mean that it is YOURS, was it not a gift to you from another?" What does my son actually own? What do you and I own that was not a gift from another?
My understanding is that everything we possess is a gift from God. It is loaned to us, and we should steward all that God has given us, with wisdom and generosity. Do I do this faithfully? No, that is one of the reasons I spend my mornings in the Bible; to continually speak truth to myself.
Jesus says that we can actually do righteous acts here on this earth. What are they? Sharing. Doesn't seem that hard when I state it like that does it? We teach our kids to share from the moment they can speak. We innately know that sharing is good, and selfishness is wrong. And we are quick to enjoy when others around us share what they have with us. But are we as adults quick to share the resources we have with those in need around us? Beware though; least you go out and give to the needy just to be noticed by others. You will have a reward (praise from men), but not from the Eternal Rewarder…
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Time Of Gods Favor
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Paul told the Church of Corinthians that the time of Gods favor was then. Paul is said to be writing the book of 2 Corinthians about 55/56 A.D. Presumably then the time of Gods favor is today as well. The time of Gods favor began when Jesus the Messiah came. Nothing has significantly changed since that time, except the destruction of the Jewish temple in 70 A.D. So I conclude, with Paul that you and I are living in the time of Gods favor.
The text says that in the time of Gods favor, he hears and helps us. We know that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). So God hears us through Jesus. And we know that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to be our helper (John 14:26).
We are living in the time of Gods favor. Seek him while he may be found, call upon him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6).
As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Paul told the Church of Corinthians that the time of Gods favor was then. Paul is said to be writing the book of 2 Corinthians about 55/56 A.D. Presumably then the time of Gods favor is today as well. The time of Gods favor began when Jesus the Messiah came. Nothing has significantly changed since that time, except the destruction of the Jewish temple in 70 A.D. So I conclude, with Paul that you and I are living in the time of Gods favor.
The text says that in the time of Gods favor, he hears and helps us. We know that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). So God hears us through Jesus. And we know that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to be our helper (John 14:26).
We are living in the time of Gods favor. Seek him while he may be found, call upon him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6).
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Careless Words
Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
These words from the mouth are striking and strait forward.
1. There will be a day of judgement.
2. All people will have to be there to give an account.
3. We all will be judged.
4. The judgement will be according to every single word we have spoken.
Have you spoken careless words? Careless words are lazy words that shun the duty that one is suppose to perform. They are free-flowing, negative, and idle.
When Jesus was led like a sheep to the slaughter; he opened not his mouth. Jesus died for the sins of the mouth as well as the sins of our actions. Jesus died for every careless word of every sheep in his pasture. Are you in his pasture? If not, you still face the judgement for every careless word you have spoken. You are unable to go back in time and erase the tape. The only hope for you is that the tape becomes eliminated from the evidence in the court room.
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
These words from the mouth are striking and strait forward.
1. There will be a day of judgement.
2. All people will have to be there to give an account.
3. We all will be judged.
4. The judgement will be according to every single word we have spoken.
Have you spoken careless words? Careless words are lazy words that shun the duty that one is suppose to perform. They are free-flowing, negative, and idle.
When Jesus was led like a sheep to the slaughter; he opened not his mouth. Jesus died for the sins of the mouth as well as the sins of our actions. Jesus died for every careless word of every sheep in his pasture. Are you in his pasture? If not, you still face the judgement for every careless word you have spoken. You are unable to go back in time and erase the tape. The only hope for you is that the tape becomes eliminated from the evidence in the court room.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Rules For Worship
John Frame (from Reformed Theological Seminary~RTS), says that the word worship is shorthand for "our duty to God." Worship is to obey God, and to obey God is to worship Him. Worship of God then is ethical.
The Ten Commandments have been broken down (by many, including Jesus) into two tablets. The first four commandments have to do with our relationship toward God, and the last six have to do with our relationship toward man. So 1-4 deals with our love toward God, and 5-10 deal with our love toward our neighbor. Here is a quote from John Frame dealing with the first four commandments in relation to his view of worship...
The Ten Commandments have been broken down (by many, including Jesus) into two tablets. The first four commandments have to do with our relationship toward God, and the last six have to do with our relationship toward man. So 1-4 deals with our love toward God, and 5-10 deal with our love toward our neighbor. Here is a quote from John Frame dealing with the first four commandments in relation to his view of worship...
"Another way to look at the first commandment is to say that it is about worship. The first four commandments deal especially with our relationship to God. But in all our relationships to God, we stand as worshipers. When people meet God in the Bible, they bow down; they are moved to worship. So the first four commandments serve as rules for worship. The first commandment deals with the object of worship, the second with the manner of worship, the third with the language of worship, and the fourth with the time of worship."
Sunday, April 15, 2012
What's Your End?
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Are you a person that has an "end" in view for whatever action you may perform? The things you read, you read for a specific purpose; the things you think, you think for a specific purpose; the things to spend your money on, you spend for a specific purpose? What is that single purpose, or end you have in view? Is it an end at all, or just maybe an immediate end that will bring me happiness at the end of the day?
What about the way you are parenting your children? What about the way you are leading your wife? Do you have an end in view as you live each and every moment on this earth?
The end you and I should have for all of these things is THE GLORY OF GOD. Whether I parent, read, think, educate, shepard my wife, council my friend, fix AC units, whatever we do; we are to do it all with the end purpose of glorifying God.
Jesus help us this Lords Day to glorify you in all that we do, think and say. Amen!
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Are you a person that has an "end" in view for whatever action you may perform? The things you read, you read for a specific purpose; the things you think, you think for a specific purpose; the things to spend your money on, you spend for a specific purpose? What is that single purpose, or end you have in view? Is it an end at all, or just maybe an immediate end that will bring me happiness at the end of the day?
What about the way you are parenting your children? What about the way you are leading your wife? Do you have an end in view as you live each and every moment on this earth?
The end you and I should have for all of these things is THE GLORY OF GOD. Whether I parent, read, think, educate, shepard my wife, council my friend, fix AC units, whatever we do; we are to do it all with the end purpose of glorifying God.
Jesus help us this Lords Day to glorify you in all that we do, think and say. Amen!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Thou Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me
Question 103: Which is the first commandment?
Answer: The first commandment is, Thou shall have no other gods before me.
Question 104: What are the duties required in the first commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in him; being zealous for him; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in anything he is offended; and walking humbly with him.
Question 105: What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?I like how the catechism speaks about the "duties required," and the "sins forbidden" in the commandments. As you read through the list of the sins forbidden, it may have seemed obvious to you that pride, worship of saints, and consulting with the devil were violations of the first commandment; but did you ever consider that lukewarmness, bold and curious searching into his secrets, and forgetfulness were violations of the first command?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying or not having a God; idolatry, in having or worshiping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; ignorance, forgetfulness, misapprehensions, false opinions, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; bold and curious searching into his secrets; all profaneness, hatred of God; self-love, self-seeking, and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; vain credulity, unbelief, heresy, misbelief, distrust, despair, incorrigibleness, and insensibleness under judgments, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal security, tempting of God; using unlawful means, and trusting in lawful means; carnal delights and joys; corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; lukewarmness, and deadness in the things of God; estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; all compacts and consulting with the devil, and hearkening to his suggestions; making men the lords of our faith and conscience; slighting and despising God and his commands; resisting and grieving of his Spirit, discontent and impatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us; and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have, or can do, to fortune, idols, ourselves, or any other creature.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Man's Chief End
My wife and I are off bright and early to the annual home school conference. I ask you this morning, "what is the 'end' for which you are here, and were created?"
Q1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
1 Corinthians 10:31~"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Psalm 73:25-26~"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
God bless you this day!
Q1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
1 Corinthians 10:31~"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Psalm 73:25-26~"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
God bless you this day!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Grace Always Proceeds Obedience
I am reading over the introduction to the Decalogue (The 10 Commandments) this morning and notice something important for us about the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Exodus chapter 20 verse one starts out...
God begins with grace; He is the Lord who brings his people out of slavery. Then he proceeds to the law; He is the Lord who desires their obedience to the 10 Commandments.
"And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt; out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.'"
God begins with grace; He is the Lord who brings his people out of slavery. Then he proceeds to the law; He is the Lord who desires their obedience to the 10 Commandments.
Grace proceeds Law in the New Testament as well...
Ephesians 2:8-10~"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."Salvation has always been the same ever since the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden. Grace first, then obedience. If we get these two flipped around, we will find ourselves believing a different gospel, which is no gospel at all.
Galatians 1:6-7a~ "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – 7 which is really no gospel at all..."
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
God Is Able
GOD IS ABLE
The God whom we serve is able to save us…Daniel 3:17
God is able to raise up children of Abraham…Luke 3:8
God has power to do what he promises…Romans 4:21
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…2 Corinthians 9:8
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…Ephesians 3:20
The Lord Jesus…who has power to bring everything under his control…Philippians 3:20
I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day…2 Timothy 1:12
He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them…Hebrews 3:25
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy…Jude 24
It is good to be reminded that even though we often do not feel able to do______; God is able!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Do You Speak At Home?
Mark 5:18-19 "As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon- possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."
The natural response of a person who has been touched by Jesus is to follow him. Jesus had other plans for the man who was demon possessed. He wanted him to go home and become a mouth piece for the kingdom of God.
This blog post is mostly for men as I am one. So men, do you speak to your family when you get home from work? Do you do what Jesus tells the demon possessed man to do while you are lazing on your rocker? Jesus wants us as men to speak to our families about what God has done for us during the day. He also wants us to speak of the mercies that have flowed to us from on high. Do you do that? Do you have eyes to see the great things, and the mercies that you have received during the day? That may be the first thing to start with.
Lord, enable us as men to have eyes to see your mercies, and to see what your hand does in each and every one of our lives. Cause us to rejoice in your sovereign rule and reign over all of creation, including each and every moment during the day. Let us set aside all selfishness and personal autonomy. Open our mouths to speak of your greatness while we are with our families. I ask while robed in the righteousness of Jesus. Amen.
This blog post is mostly for men as I am one. So men, do you speak to your family when you get home from work? Do you do what Jesus tells the demon possessed man to do while you are lazing on your rocker? Jesus wants us as men to speak to our families about what God has done for us during the day. He also wants us to speak of the mercies that have flowed to us from on high. Do you do that? Do you have eyes to see the great things, and the mercies that you have received during the day? That may be the first thing to start with.
Lord, enable us as men to have eyes to see your mercies, and to see what your hand does in each and every one of our lives. Cause us to rejoice in your sovereign rule and reign over all of creation, including each and every moment during the day. Let us set aside all selfishness and personal autonomy. Open our mouths to speak of your greatness while we are with our families. I ask while robed in the righteousness of Jesus. Amen.
Monday, April 9, 2012
For What I Want To Do I Do Not Do
I was reading what has become known as the "do do passage" again (Romans chapter 7). It is highly debated among Christians whether Paul is speaking from the perspective of his current state (as a Christian), or his state as a non-Christian. I am also reading Temptation and Sin from John Owen. He quotes the do do passage in Romans 7 and notes that it was debated in his time as well. Then he says he would not debate the issue of whether Paul was writing from the perspective of a Christian or a non-Christian. The reason he says is because when Paul was actually writing the passage in Romans 7, he was indeed a Christian. Period! I thought that was funny, and rather obvious.
None the less, I learned something a fresh this morning. Paul in Romans 7:18a "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature." Then in verse 25b "So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."
Then to pick up the subject again while he is writing to the Galatians, verses 16-17: "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want."
Finally back to Romans 8:7-8 "the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God."
It seems, to Paul the great theologian, that the whole human is made up of two parts, the mind, which is the true me; and the flesh, the thing attached to me. These two things war with each other in the whole of the Christian. The Christian has the Spirit of God dwelling inside him. This Spirit of God prompts the mind of man to submit to the law of God (the Bible). The flesh struggles back against the mind of man to make war. Paul closes in Romans 7:24-25a "What a wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this BODY of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Jesus most assuredly rescued Paul from his body of death. Paul struggled, like us, until his body gave way and separated from the true self. Jesus rescued Paul at Paul's death. And we too will be free from the struggle between our minds, and our flesh someday. Ten out of ten people die, it is inevitable.
None the less, I learned something a fresh this morning. Paul in Romans 7:18a "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature." Then in verse 25b "So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."
Then to pick up the subject again while he is writing to the Galatians, verses 16-17: "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want."
Finally back to Romans 8:7-8 "the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God."
It seems, to Paul the great theologian, that the whole human is made up of two parts, the mind, which is the true me; and the flesh, the thing attached to me. These two things war with each other in the whole of the Christian. The Christian has the Spirit of God dwelling inside him. This Spirit of God prompts the mind of man to submit to the law of God (the Bible). The flesh struggles back against the mind of man to make war. Paul closes in Romans 7:24-25a "What a wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this BODY of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Jesus most assuredly rescued Paul from his body of death. Paul struggled, like us, until his body gave way and separated from the true self. Jesus rescued Paul at Paul's death. And we too will be free from the struggle between our minds, and our flesh someday. Ten out of ten people die, it is inevitable.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter Sermon
This is rather long but I thought I would post it anyways. I taught today at Church, and this was my outline. Happy Easter to you!
**EASTER SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON**
ROMANS 4:25~He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
1 PETER 3:18~For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.
1. GREETING
2. INTRO TO TOPIC
Easter is a glorious time of year. It is a time for us to remember that Jesus Christ of Nazareth was raised from the dead. I would like to read a brief account of the resurrection from Matthew chapter 28, then look at an aspect of the resurrection that I think is of utmost importance for us.
3. READ MATTHEW 28
4. THE DARKNESS OF OUR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS
Before we get to the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, we must first deal with the reason the Son of God died. “He was delivered over to death for our sins.” (Romans 4:25a)
As the headlights on our vehicles are made most visible in the blackness of the night, so Christ’s righteousness is made most visible in the blackness of our unrighteousness. “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous.” (1 Peter 3:18a)
The Bible reveals to us that we are unrighteous. “There is no one righteous, not even one” says Paul who was quoting David in Psalm 14:3. This is our declarative state throughout the Scriptures--UNRIGHTEOUS! The Lord looks down from heaven at the heart of man and declares…”every inclination of the thoughts their heart are only evil all the time.” (Genesis 6:5)
Proverbs 20:9 states “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?’” And 1 John 1:8 says “if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
5. WHAT IS SIN?
1 John 3:4 states, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”
When God tells us that every inclination of the thoughts of our heart are only evil all of the time, it is because our hearts are lawless. We sit on the throne of our own kingdoms. We are the autonomous and self proclaimed sovereign over creation. We mock when King Nebuchadnezzar makes a golden image of himself and declares that everyone is to bow down before him, but we are the same exact way. Only we lack in power and authority over others. We get angry when we don’t get our own way. We get angry when the government doesn’t act in the way we would like. We get angry when our children don’t conform to our wants, our desires, our self proclaimed sovereign reign. We get angry with our spouses when they don’t love and honor us the way the Bible demands. Even though we are guilty of the same exact sin.
“Sin is lawlessness.” Our sinful hearts are lawless. We look up to heaven in our hearts and declare, “NO LAW OVER ME!” “I WANT TO DO WHAT I WANT TO DO!” We gladly submit to the laws of Scripture that are easy for us, the ones that we like. But we rebel, or are indifferent to the ones that are not consistent with our personal kingdom rules. SIN IS A LAWLESS HEART. An active rebellion to God’s law is equal to a passive indifference to it. In both cases, the heart is the same..LAWLESS.
The Bible declares throughout that WE ARE UNRIGHTEOUS!
6. THE LIGHT OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS
As all of humanity sits in the darkness of our unrighteousness, one shines forth as the righteousness of God. Jesus the Christ! Again 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous.”
READ ISAIAH 11:1-5
READ JEREMIAH 23:5-6
READ ACTS 3:11-15 (Peter had just healed a man crippled from birth)
7. WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Righteousness is simply “that which conforms to a standard.” The standard of righteousness then is God Himself.
PSALM 97:1-2 “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.”
PSALM 119:137 “Righteous are you, O Lord, and your laws are right.”
8. HOW THEN DO WE KNOW WHAT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS?
PSALM 119:137-138 “Righteous are you, O Lord, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.”
We know the righteousness of God by looking to the law of God written in the Scriptures. God is the standard of righteousness, but He is a Spirit. He has chosen to reveal himself to us in a book, the Bible.
When the Bible declares that Jesus is the righteousness of God. It means that Jesus’ life fully conformed in every way to the law of God. Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law.
9. GOD DESIRES HIS PEOPLE TO PATTERN THEIR LIFE AFTER HIM
READ PSALM 15
10. JESUS BECAME OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Jesus came to this earth, born of a virgin. He lived his entire life in perfect obedience to the law of God; the righteous standard of God. He lived the life that you and I are suppose to live. God made Jesus to be sin for us. God treated Jesus as if her performed each and every one of your sins; each and every one! The wrath displayed at the cross was due you. When God looked at Jesus, he saw you. He saw all of the sins you have, and will ever commit; and he poured out HIS RIGHTEOUS WRATH upon His Beloved Son.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:3b~”CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, THAT HE WAS BURIED, THAT HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.”
JESUS DIED, NOT FOR HIS SINS; BUT FOR OURS.
11. THAT BRINGS US TO EASTER
We now get the the second half of Romans 4:25 which says, “and was raised to life **for our justification**.”
Romans 8:34~”Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died –more than that, who was raised to life –is at the right hand of God and is also **interceding for us**”
Romans 6:10~”The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but **the life he lives, he lives to God**.”
Hebrews 9:24~”For Christ did not enter a man- made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; **he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence**”
12. THE ASPECT OF THE RESURRECTION--OUR JUSTIFICATION
JUSTIFICATION DEFINED:
"Justification is a judicial act of God, in which he declares, on the basis of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, that all the claims of the law are satisfied with respect to the sinner." ~Louis Berkhof
Justification is a declaring from God, “not guilty.” It is standing in the court room of God’s justice, and hearing from God the judge, “not guilty.”
But how is that possible? We learned that there is no human being who is righteous, “there is no one righteous, no not one.” How then can we stand before the righteous standard in God’s court room and hear him declare us not guilty. Because “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.” Jesus’ death was the penalty that we deserve for violating God’s law.
13. GOD DECLARED US NOT GUILTY BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-17~”If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless (THIS PREACHING IS USELESS) and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, **your faith is futile; you are still in your sins**.”
If Jesus did not rise from the dead, you are I are still in our sins. And any faith we have is futile (useless). But the opposite of futile is UTILE. Definition of UTILE is “absolute usefulness.”
If Jesus did rise from the dead, our faith is utile, and we are no longer in our sins!
God has declared those who place their faith in Jesus, “JUSTIFIED!”
14. JESUS IS LIVING OUT OUR JUSTIFICATION
Jesus is ever living at God’s right hand. He is there right now interceding for us.
15. CONCLUSION
As you go through this day of Easter, remember Jesus. The righteousness of God. Remind yourself of your utter unrighteousness. Let the peace of God, fill you with joy this day as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Because He was raised to life for our justification!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Easter Is Important II
1 Corinthians 15:16-17~"For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."
The resurrection is important because if Christ was not raised from the dead, you and I are still in our sins, and any faith we have is futile.
But if Christ was raised from the dead, we are no longer in our sins, and our faith is utile. Utile means "purest usefulness."
The resurrection is important because if Christ was not raised from the dead, you and I are still in our sins, and any faith we have is futile.
But if Christ was raised from the dead, we are no longer in our sins, and our faith is utile. Utile means "purest usefulness."
Friday, April 6, 2012
Justification
"Justification is a judicial act of God, in which he declares, on the basis of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, that all the claims of the law are satisfied with respect to the sinner." ~Louis Berkhof
"Justification is the main hinge in which all religion turns." ~John Calvin
"He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." ~Paul the Apostle
"Justification is the main hinge in which all religion turns." ~John Calvin
"He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." ~Paul the Apostle
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Inclinations Of The Heart
Genesis 6:5-7
The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth –men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air–for I am grieved that I have made them.”
This account is right before the flood. Noah and his family were the only survivors that passed from the pre-flood to the post-flood world. Did killing off an entire generation of people somehow reverse the inclinations of man's thoughts so that now the inclinations of the thoughts of our heart are only good all of the time?
Does the Bible speak of Adam and Noah being the two covenant heads that all of man kind fit under, or was it Adam and Christ? If a righteous boy of about 16, finds his Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa all drowned; does their death guarantee that all the future generations from the boy onward will be righteous? Did the death of the family reverse the sinfulness in mankind's heart? I think not. I believe our inclinations are exactly the same as the men before the flood.
The opposite of evil is good. Jesus said “no one is good except God.” The Bible says that “every inclination of the thoughts of his [our] heart [s] was [are] only evil all the time. I’ll let you work out the details.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
What Do I Know Of Holy
I was pondering last night that Christ (the righteous) died for our (the unrighteous) sins. And I thought, "what do I really know of true righteousness?" I have been full of sin since my birth. I was then reminded of a song I heard on Pandora called, "What Do I Know Of Holy," by Addison Road. Here is a link to the song. Enjoy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6J5TzSE_18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6J5TzSE_18
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Easter Is Important
1 Corinthians 15:17~And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
Easter is more important than you or I could possibly understand this side of eternity. Because if Christ has not been raised, than you and I are still in our sins.
Easter is more important than you or I could possibly understand this side of eternity. Because if Christ has not been raised, than you and I are still in our sins.
Monday, April 2, 2012
I Have Never Been Eloquent
Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ~Exodus 4:10-11
Moses thought that eloquence was a necessary qualification to be a herald of God's Word. God's requirement was that Moses have a mouth. The God who made the mouth, would fill it with the words that He wanted spoken.
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ~Exodus 4:10-11
Moses thought that eloquence was a necessary qualification to be a herald of God's Word. God's requirement was that Moses have a mouth. The God who made the mouth, would fill it with the words that He wanted spoken.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Abiding
Jesus commands us that we are to abide in him. He says that if we do not, we can do nothing. We can not bear any good and lasting fruit for his kingdom. In fact if we don't, we will be cast away from Jesus and thrown into the fires of hell.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.Jesus also tells us that the way to abide in his love, is to keep his commandments (John 15:10), to abide in his doctrine (2 John 9), and walk in the same manner as he did (1 John 2:6).
5 “ I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:4-8)
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:10)
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. (2 John 9)
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:6)Whoever abides in Jesus Christ does not sin (1 John 3:6), and can have confidence at his second coming (1 John 2:28).
Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. (1 John 3:6)
And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 John 2:28)
Saturday, March 31, 2012
A Dose Of Spurgeon
Presence of Mind
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. (Proverbs 3:25-26)
When God is abroad in judgments, He would not have His people alarmed. He has not come forth to harm but to defend the righteous.He would have them manifest courage. We who enjoy the presence of God ought to display presence of mind. Since the Lord Himself may suddenly come, we ought not to be surprised at anything sudden. Serenity under the rush and roar of unexpected evils is a precious gift of divine love.
The Lord would have His chosen display discrimination so that they may see that the desolation of the wicked is not a real calamity to the universe. Sin alone is evil; the punishment which follows thereupon is as a preserving salt to keep society from putrefying. We should be far more shocked at the sin which deserves hell than at the hell which comes out of sin.
So, too, should the Lord's people exhibit great quietness of spirit. Satan and his serpent seed are full of all subtlety; but those who walk with God shall not be taken in their deceitful snares. Go on, believer in Jesus, and let the Lord be thy confidence.
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