I can contribute nothing to my own salvation, except the sin from which I need to be redeemed. ~ William Temple
I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. ~ Leviticus 11:45
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
1 Corinthians 3:1
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:1
Are you mourning, believer, because you are so weak in the divine life: because your faith is so little, your love so feeble? Cheer up, for you have cause for gratitude. Remember that in some things you are equal to the greatest and most full-grown Christian. You are as much bought with blood as he is. You are as much an adopted child of God as any other believer.
An infant is as truly a child of its parents as is the full-grown man. You are as completely justified, for your justification is not a thing of degrees: your little faith has made you clean every whit. You have as much right to the precious things of the covenant as the most advanced believers, for your right to covenant mercies lies not in your growth, but in the covenant itself; and your faith in Jesus is not the measure, but the token of your inheritance in him.
You are as rich as the richest, if not in enjoyment, yet in real possession. The smallest star that gleams is set in heaven; the faintest ray of light has affinity with the great orb of day.
In the family register of glory the small and the great are written with the same pen. You are as dear to your Father's heart as the greatest in the family. Jesus is very tender over you. You are like the smoking flax; a rougher spirit would say, "put out that smoking flax, it fills the room with an offensive odour!" but the smoking flax he will not quench. You are like a bruised reed; and any less tender hand than that of the Chief Musician would tread upon you or throw you away, but he will never break the bruised reed. Instead of being downcast by reason of what you are, you should triumph in Christ. Am I but little in Israel? Yet in Christ I am made to sit in heavenly places. Am I poor in faith? Still in Jesus I am heir of all things. Though "less than nothing I can boast, and vanity confess." yet, if the root of the matter be in me I will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the God of my salvation.
Thank you Spurgeon!
Are you mourning, believer, because you are so weak in the divine life: because your faith is so little, your love so feeble? Cheer up, for you have cause for gratitude. Remember that in some things you are equal to the greatest and most full-grown Christian. You are as much bought with blood as he is. You are as much an adopted child of God as any other believer.
An infant is as truly a child of its parents as is the full-grown man. You are as completely justified, for your justification is not a thing of degrees: your little faith has made you clean every whit. You have as much right to the precious things of the covenant as the most advanced believers, for your right to covenant mercies lies not in your growth, but in the covenant itself; and your faith in Jesus is not the measure, but the token of your inheritance in him.
You are as rich as the richest, if not in enjoyment, yet in real possession. The smallest star that gleams is set in heaven; the faintest ray of light has affinity with the great orb of day.
In the family register of glory the small and the great are written with the same pen. You are as dear to your Father's heart as the greatest in the family. Jesus is very tender over you. You are like the smoking flax; a rougher spirit would say, "put out that smoking flax, it fills the room with an offensive odour!" but the smoking flax he will not quench. You are like a bruised reed; and any less tender hand than that of the Chief Musician would tread upon you or throw you away, but he will never break the bruised reed. Instead of being downcast by reason of what you are, you should triumph in Christ. Am I but little in Israel? Yet in Christ I am made to sit in heavenly places. Am I poor in faith? Still in Jesus I am heir of all things. Though "less than nothing I can boast, and vanity confess." yet, if the root of the matter be in me I will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the God of my salvation.
Thank you Spurgeon!
Monday, October 18, 2010
1 Samuel 15:22
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." ~ 1 Samuel 15:22
Saul had been commanded to slay utterly all the Amalekites and their cattle. Instead of doing so, he preserved the king, and suffered his people to take the best of the oxen and of the sheep. When called to account for this, he declared that he did it with a view of offering sacrifice to God; but Samuel met him at once with the assurance that sacrifices were no excuse for an act of direct rebellion. The sentence
before us is worthy to be printed in letters of gold, and to be hung up before the eyes of the present idolatrous generation, who are very fond of the fineries of will-worship, but utterly neglect the laws of God.
Be it ever in your remembrance, that to keep strictly in the path of your Saviour's command is better than any outward form of religion; and to hearken to his precept with an attentive ear is better than to bring the fat of rams, or any other precious thing to lay upon his altar.
If you are failing to keep the least of Christ's commands to his disciples, I pray you be disobedient no longer.
All the pretensions you make of attachment to your Master, and all the devout actions which you may perform, are no recompense for disobedience. "To obey," even in the
slightest and smallest thing, "is better than sacrifice," however pompous.
The first thing which God requires of his child is obedience; and though you should give your body to be burned, and all your goods to feed the poor, yet if you do not hearken to the Lord's precepts, all your formalities shall profit you nothing. It is a blessed thing to be teachable as a little child, but it is a much more blessed thing when one has been taught the lesson, to carry it out to the letter. How many adorn their temples and decorate their priests, but refuse to obey the word of the Lord! My soul, come not thou into their secret.
Thank you Spurgeon for shedding so much light on this issue!
I find so many times that I am trying to do good things and look good for other people, and I am doing that for myself not for the glory of Christ. Even though in my mind I am obeying Him (which I am) but for the wrong reason, and it will still be seen as filthy rags!
So many times I view a small thing as, oh well it isn't that big of a deal, and it follows along with the parable of the talents, just as the one that was given 5 and doubled it was given more. If we can't obey God in the small things, then He will not be as fast to give us bigger things to obey Him in.
I find that I am teachable sometimes, it depends on the teacher, and my respect for them - which is a pride issue. God can use anyone He wants to speak into me, I have to always have an attitude that I am the worst of sinners and that here is someone that God has put into my life to help in my sanctification process!
Saul had been commanded to slay utterly all the Amalekites and their cattle. Instead of doing so, he preserved the king, and suffered his people to take the best of the oxen and of the sheep. When called to account for this, he declared that he did it with a view of offering sacrifice to God; but Samuel met him at once with the assurance that sacrifices were no excuse for an act of direct rebellion. The sentence
before us is worthy to be printed in letters of gold, and to be hung up before the eyes of the present idolatrous generation, who are very fond of the fineries of will-worship, but utterly neglect the laws of God.
Be it ever in your remembrance, that to keep strictly in the path of your Saviour's command is better than any outward form of religion; and to hearken to his precept with an attentive ear is better than to bring the fat of rams, or any other precious thing to lay upon his altar.
If you are failing to keep the least of Christ's commands to his disciples, I pray you be disobedient no longer.
All the pretensions you make of attachment to your Master, and all the devout actions which you may perform, are no recompense for disobedience. "To obey," even in the
slightest and smallest thing, "is better than sacrifice," however pompous.
The first thing which God requires of his child is obedience; and though you should give your body to be burned, and all your goods to feed the poor, yet if you do not hearken to the Lord's precepts, all your formalities shall profit you nothing. It is a blessed thing to be teachable as a little child, but it is a much more blessed thing when one has been taught the lesson, to carry it out to the letter. How many adorn their temples and decorate their priests, but refuse to obey the word of the Lord! My soul, come not thou into their secret.
Thank you Spurgeon for shedding so much light on this issue!
I find so many times that I am trying to do good things and look good for other people, and I am doing that for myself not for the glory of Christ. Even though in my mind I am obeying Him (which I am) but for the wrong reason, and it will still be seen as filthy rags!
So many times I view a small thing as, oh well it isn't that big of a deal, and it follows along with the parable of the talents, just as the one that was given 5 and doubled it was given more. If we can't obey God in the small things, then He will not be as fast to give us bigger things to obey Him in.
I find that I am teachable sometimes, it depends on the teacher, and my respect for them - which is a pride issue. God can use anyone He wants to speak into me, I have to always have an attitude that I am the worst of sinners and that here is someone that God has put into my life to help in my sanctification process!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Question for this Generation
The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there? ~ John Piper
Mid Semester
So, I have not added anything for awhile because statistics has been kicking my butt. I have however been posting things on my Facebook status, so I figured that I could just put them in here and then copy and paste them there. So I am going to see how that works. Much of it has been by Spurgeon's book Morning and Evening, the book has been a banquet for the soul as far as I am concerned!
Hymn of the Week
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hymn of the Week
Arise My Soul Arise
Arise my soul arise,
shake off your guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice,
in my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above,
for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood, to plead;
His blood atoned for every race,
His blood atoned for every race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears;
received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
they strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"
The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
the presence of His Son;
The Spirit answers to the blood,
The Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled;
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And "Father, Abba, Father," cry.
Arise my soul arise,
shake off your guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice,
in my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above,
for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood, to plead;
His blood atoned for every race,
His blood atoned for every race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears;
received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
they strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"
The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
the presence of His Son;
The Spirit answers to the blood,
The Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled;
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And "Father, Abba, Father," cry.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Scripture
Scripture
Kevin DeYoung
Why should I believe the Bible?
1)The spirit testifies to us that it is the word of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11-12
For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
-To truly see and believe you must have the spirit in you.
Mark 4
- Parables about the seeds and sewers.
- Some will get what Jesus is saying and some will not.
- Jesus gave parables so those who got it would keep getting it and those who don't get it won't get it.
John 10
The Sheep know the masters voice.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 3 Question - "Has God really said"
-Has God spoken this word - or is it something else - when we believe it is God's word we have the ability to confess.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
- We all have a starting point.
- We all start with some sort of basis of knowledge.
- We must not concede that fallen human reason is the starting point for trying to prove that scripture is the Word of God.
They who strive to build up firm faith in scripture through disputation are doing things backwards, let this point therefore stand that those whom the Holy Spirit has inwardly taught truly rest upon scripture and that scripture is self authenticating - it is not right to subject it to proof and reasoning. ~ John Calvin
- We do not put scripture on trial.
- We have to start with God Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning GOD"
- It is realistic about what reasoning can and can't accomplish.
- Spurgeon spent less time defending the Bible and reading from it - let the word go forth like a tiger.
2) It is reasonable to trust this book
- We are not against reason.
- We are not rationalists - but we are not irrational.
- Rationalists take reason alone, irrational is false.
- Why do we believe the Bible - the gospels.
- There are reasons that we think this book is reliable.
- If we can believe the gospels the rest will fall in place.
- C.S. Lewis - Liar, Lunatic, Lord, Legend
- We have a lot of legends - what can we trust?
- How do we know the Bible is not legend?
Can we trust the Bible?
- External written sources
- Archeological discoveries
- Manuscript evidence
- Eye witness testimonies
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- If the Bible says it we must believe it.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
- He was an eyewitness - it is in the category of historical fact - it is true - that is where the gospel there.
- Christianity is an entirely different religion - from the very beginning it tied itself to history.
- Bring non-Christians back to history.
- Christianity is historical fact plus theological interpretation.
- The law of non-contradiction matters.
- Christianity had a stubbornly historical basis.
- The nature of the gospels themselves - suggest that there was no effort to make it really smooth from book to book - and people still accepted them.
What Should I believe about the Bible
1) The Necessity of Scripture
- Scripture is needed of those that have come to God.
- General revelation - what we know about God through creation.
- General revelation is inadequate - we can see it but it cannot tell us how to be saved.
Romans 10:14
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
- Preach the gospel and if necessary use words - it is not correct - you can adorn the gospel but you must use words - it is a message!
- Lifestyle evangelism is important - but no one is going to come up to you and say - "Hey man - you don't swear, how can I get saved?"
- We need to speak something.
- I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen - not only because I see it but by it I see everything else. ~C.S. Lewis
The Scripture is our:
- Seed by which we are born again - 1 Peter 1
- Light - Psalm 119
- Food - Hebrews 5
- Foundation - Ephesians 2
2) The Sufficiency of Scripture
- The Bible contains everything you need to know to come to Christ and live a life pleasing to Him.
2 Timothy 3:15
...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 22:18-19
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul...
- The word of God gives us what we need to know to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.
- All things pertaining to life and Godliness - knowing God - we have all we need to live a life pleasing to God an abundant life.
- Biblical knowledge is like blood - if you have blood flowing through vessels it is working like it is supposed to - if you collect blood in a vat - then your weird - some Christians get all this theological knowledge.
- People carry their bucket of blood around saying - hey I have a lot of blood in a bucket - look at me - and sometimes when people are no looking they pour it on you - and people don't like them.
- Then people say they don't want doctrine.
- Blood is supposed to be moving throwing.
- Realize that in the Bible - you already have everything you need for life and of godliness.
Two Dangers when it comes to Christian growth and Godliness
1) Dreamy Danger
- Idolize Christian heroes
- Idealistic about how fast we can grow
- Underestimate the power of indwelling sin
- Unrealistic about how growth actually takes place
2) Disbelieving Danger
- No heroes
- Cynical about growing
- Hard heart
- Underestimate the reality of the Holy Spirit
- Unconcerned to utilize the means that God has given us to grow
- We must be aware of both these dangers and realize that we have the power to combat both these dangers.
3) The Clarity of Scripture
- This is the attribute of scripture that is so under attack today.
- So many interpretations.
- Do we believe human language is a gift from God - God is the first one to speak in the Bible and the universe - there is no universe until he speaks.
- He came to Adam and Eve and expected them to obey.
- The ability to communicate meaningfully through words is one aspect of being made in the image of God.
- God's word is not beyond us - He gave us His word and He wants to be known.
- God is a God who wants to be known.
- The Holy Spirit is no skeptic.
- Jesus believed the Old Testament scriptures to be understandable and accessible.
- In appealing to the Old Testament, Jesus assumed that they could read it, understand it, and were responsible to obey it.
- Apostles approached the New Testament in the same way.
Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
2 Kings 22
- The found the law and repented – they saw that it had a clear discernable message.
- The clarity of the scripture tells us that everyone can learn the way of salvation – even the hard parts can be understood correctly with skill and time and the Holy Spirit.
- We have a God that wants to be interpreted correctly – God has something to say and He is very good at saying it.
- If scripture is obscure or ambiguous – what point is there in God giving it to us? Are we not obscure and ambiguous enough? ~ Luther
4) The Authority of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
- God breathed out this word – He exhaled
2 Peter 1:20-21
...knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
John 10:34
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in) your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?
Psalm 82:6
I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you.
- Scripture has unrivaled power
- Ephesians 6 – you are given one offensive weapon – the Word of God.
- When Jesus was tempted in the dessert – He quotes the Bible to do battle with the devil – three times says “It Is Written!”
- When God wants to create the universe all He has to do is speak.
Psalm 29:5
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
- God does what God says and what scripture says Gods says.
Romans 9:17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
- What God says scripture says.
Matthew 19:4-5
He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
- What scripture says God says.
Acts 4:25
who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
Psalm 2
Hebrews 3:7
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice.
-The scriptures were not just spoken out by God – they speak for God, wield the power of God and are as truthful as God.
- It is possible to handle the Word of God wrongly but it is not possible to ascribe to the Bible too much authority.
How Should I Approach the Bible?
1) Frequently
- For starters – frequently – we do not know the Bible as well as previous generations.
- The Bible has become the greatest story never read – we do not know the Bible – our knowledge of the Bible is very thin.
Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
- Read often.
2) Humbly
- Approach the Bible with humility.
- We should have the same reverence in approaching the scriptures that we do when we approach Christ.
- We are far too quick to separate the Word of God Scripturated and the Word of God incarnated.
- The Word of God is His self disclosure to us.
Acts 1:1
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.
- Luke was about what Jesus began to do and teach, therefore Acts is about what Jesus continues to do and teach.
- How often is Jesus in Acts? – He ascends into heaven in Chapter 1 – to the work of Christ I being carried out by the apostles.
John 16:12-15
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
- It is a foundational passage for our understanding of the Spirit’s work and the scriptures work in our lives.
- The Spirit will lead you into all truth – He is talking to the disciples.
- Jesus’ disciples will lead you into all truth.
- Do not pit Jesus against Paul – Jesus says that is His continuing word to us through the apostles.
Matthew 10:14
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
- He equates rejection of His disciples words with rejection on Himself.
John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
- Jesus equates His words abiding in us as He is abiding in us.
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.
- Israel’s relationship with God is determined by their relationship to His words.
Exodus 33:19
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
- Moses asks for God to show His glory and He responds with words.
- He declares His sovereignty.
- God is present in His Word
- God has invested Himself in words.
3) Confidently
Mark 4:26-29
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
- The farmer does not know how the seed sprouts.
- The germinating power to grow is in the seed not the farmer.
- The ground bears fruit by itself.
- What is the kingdom? - We DO NOT build the kingdom – we may do kingdom work – but we do not work to expand or establish the kingdom – it is a God-wrought miracle.
- The kingdom grows by the Word – Do you trust in the Word of God to do the work of God?
Isaiah 55:10-11
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- We are after good soil and faithful sewing.
- A seed that is sown faithfully will sprout eventually.
- Just keep sowing – that is what we are to be like with Christ – just keep sowing and He will bring the increase – we have such little faith.
- The only hope we have in ministry is the power of the Word of God inspired by the Spirit – we are to have no other confidence.
- The devil wants us to believe that there is no power in the Word of God – but there is.
- The kingdom cannot be explained by human effort.
- The things that we want to do in ministry are often the things that we are absolutely powerless to do – this should be the most freeing thing in our life – all the things that we can do are the least important in the ministry.
- All of the things that will last through eternity require God working through His Word – so we wait for God’s Word to be accomplished in His way.
- Put your hope in God’s Word and you will be surprised but you will not be disappointed!
Kevin DeYoung
Why should I believe the Bible?
1)The spirit testifies to us that it is the word of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11-12
For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
-To truly see and believe you must have the spirit in you.
Mark 4
- Parables about the seeds and sewers.
- Some will get what Jesus is saying and some will not.
- Jesus gave parables so those who got it would keep getting it and those who don't get it won't get it.
John 10
The Sheep know the masters voice.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 3 Question - "Has God really said"
-Has God spoken this word - or is it something else - when we believe it is God's word we have the ability to confess.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
- We all have a starting point.
- We all start with some sort of basis of knowledge.
- We must not concede that fallen human reason is the starting point for trying to prove that scripture is the Word of God.
They who strive to build up firm faith in scripture through disputation are doing things backwards, let this point therefore stand that those whom the Holy Spirit has inwardly taught truly rest upon scripture and that scripture is self authenticating - it is not right to subject it to proof and reasoning. ~ John Calvin
- We do not put scripture on trial.
- We have to start with God Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning GOD"
- It is realistic about what reasoning can and can't accomplish.
- Spurgeon spent less time defending the Bible and reading from it - let the word go forth like a tiger.
2) It is reasonable to trust this book
- We are not against reason.
- We are not rationalists - but we are not irrational.
- Rationalists take reason alone, irrational is false.
- Why do we believe the Bible - the gospels.
- There are reasons that we think this book is reliable.
- If we can believe the gospels the rest will fall in place.
- C.S. Lewis - Liar, Lunatic, Lord, Legend
- We have a lot of legends - what can we trust?
- How do we know the Bible is not legend?
Can we trust the Bible?
- External written sources
- Archeological discoveries
- Manuscript evidence
- Eye witness testimonies
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- If the Bible says it we must believe it.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
- He was an eyewitness - it is in the category of historical fact - it is true - that is where the gospel there.
- Christianity is an entirely different religion - from the very beginning it tied itself to history.
- Bring non-Christians back to history.
- Christianity is historical fact plus theological interpretation.
- The law of non-contradiction matters.
- Christianity had a stubbornly historical basis.
- The nature of the gospels themselves - suggest that there was no effort to make it really smooth from book to book - and people still accepted them.
What Should I believe about the Bible
1) The Necessity of Scripture
- Scripture is needed of those that have come to God.
- General revelation - what we know about God through creation.
- General revelation is inadequate - we can see it but it cannot tell us how to be saved.
Romans 10:14
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
- Preach the gospel and if necessary use words - it is not correct - you can adorn the gospel but you must use words - it is a message!
- Lifestyle evangelism is important - but no one is going to come up to you and say - "Hey man - you don't swear, how can I get saved?"
- We need to speak something.
- I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen - not only because I see it but by it I see everything else. ~C.S. Lewis
The Scripture is our:
- Seed by which we are born again - 1 Peter 1
- Light - Psalm 119
- Food - Hebrews 5
- Foundation - Ephesians 2
2) The Sufficiency of Scripture
- The Bible contains everything you need to know to come to Christ and live a life pleasing to Him.
2 Timothy 3:15
...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 22:18-19
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul...
- The word of God gives us what we need to know to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.
- All things pertaining to life and Godliness - knowing God - we have all we need to live a life pleasing to God an abundant life.
- Biblical knowledge is like blood - if you have blood flowing through vessels it is working like it is supposed to - if you collect blood in a vat - then your weird - some Christians get all this theological knowledge.
- People carry their bucket of blood around saying - hey I have a lot of blood in a bucket - look at me - and sometimes when people are no looking they pour it on you - and people don't like them.
- Then people say they don't want doctrine.
- Blood is supposed to be moving throwing.
- Realize that in the Bible - you already have everything you need for life and of godliness.
Two Dangers when it comes to Christian growth and Godliness
1) Dreamy Danger
- Idolize Christian heroes
- Idealistic about how fast we can grow
- Underestimate the power of indwelling sin
- Unrealistic about how growth actually takes place
2) Disbelieving Danger
- No heroes
- Cynical about growing
- Hard heart
- Underestimate the reality of the Holy Spirit
- Unconcerned to utilize the means that God has given us to grow
- We must be aware of both these dangers and realize that we have the power to combat both these dangers.
3) The Clarity of Scripture
- This is the attribute of scripture that is so under attack today.
- So many interpretations.
- Do we believe human language is a gift from God - God is the first one to speak in the Bible and the universe - there is no universe until he speaks.
- He came to Adam and Eve and expected them to obey.
- The ability to communicate meaningfully through words is one aspect of being made in the image of God.
- God's word is not beyond us - He gave us His word and He wants to be known.
- God is a God who wants to be known.
- The Holy Spirit is no skeptic.
- Jesus believed the Old Testament scriptures to be understandable and accessible.
- In appealing to the Old Testament, Jesus assumed that they could read it, understand it, and were responsible to obey it.
- Apostles approached the New Testament in the same way.
Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
2 Kings 22
- The found the law and repented – they saw that it had a clear discernable message.
- The clarity of the scripture tells us that everyone can learn the way of salvation – even the hard parts can be understood correctly with skill and time and the Holy Spirit.
- We have a God that wants to be interpreted correctly – God has something to say and He is very good at saying it.
- If scripture is obscure or ambiguous – what point is there in God giving it to us? Are we not obscure and ambiguous enough? ~ Luther
4) The Authority of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
- God breathed out this word – He exhaled
2 Peter 1:20-21
...knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
John 10:34
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in) your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?
Psalm 82:6
I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you.
- Scripture has unrivaled power
- Ephesians 6 – you are given one offensive weapon – the Word of God.
- When Jesus was tempted in the dessert – He quotes the Bible to do battle with the devil – three times says “It Is Written!”
- When God wants to create the universe all He has to do is speak.
Psalm 29:5
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
- God does what God says and what scripture says Gods says.
Romans 9:17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
- What God says scripture says.
Matthew 19:4-5
He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
- What scripture says God says.
Acts 4:25
who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
Psalm 2
Hebrews 3:7
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice.
-The scriptures were not just spoken out by God – they speak for God, wield the power of God and are as truthful as God.
- It is possible to handle the Word of God wrongly but it is not possible to ascribe to the Bible too much authority.
How Should I Approach the Bible?
1) Frequently
- For starters – frequently – we do not know the Bible as well as previous generations.
- The Bible has become the greatest story never read – we do not know the Bible – our knowledge of the Bible is very thin.
Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
- Read often.
2) Humbly
- Approach the Bible with humility.
- We should have the same reverence in approaching the scriptures that we do when we approach Christ.
- We are far too quick to separate the Word of God Scripturated and the Word of God incarnated.
- The Word of God is His self disclosure to us.
Acts 1:1
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.
- Luke was about what Jesus began to do and teach, therefore Acts is about what Jesus continues to do and teach.
- How often is Jesus in Acts? – He ascends into heaven in Chapter 1 – to the work of Christ I being carried out by the apostles.
John 16:12-15
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
- It is a foundational passage for our understanding of the Spirit’s work and the scriptures work in our lives.
- The Spirit will lead you into all truth – He is talking to the disciples.
- Jesus’ disciples will lead you into all truth.
- Do not pit Jesus against Paul – Jesus says that is His continuing word to us through the apostles.
Matthew 10:14
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
- He equates rejection of His disciples words with rejection on Himself.
John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
- Jesus equates His words abiding in us as He is abiding in us.
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.
- Israel’s relationship with God is determined by their relationship to His words.
Exodus 33:19
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
- Moses asks for God to show His glory and He responds with words.
- He declares His sovereignty.
- God is present in His Word
- God has invested Himself in words.
3) Confidently
Mark 4:26-29
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
- The farmer does not know how the seed sprouts.
- The germinating power to grow is in the seed not the farmer.
- The ground bears fruit by itself.
- What is the kingdom? - We DO NOT build the kingdom – we may do kingdom work – but we do not work to expand or establish the kingdom – it is a God-wrought miracle.
- The kingdom grows by the Word – Do you trust in the Word of God to do the work of God?
Isaiah 55:10-11
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- We are after good soil and faithful sewing.
- A seed that is sown faithfully will sprout eventually.
- Just keep sowing – that is what we are to be like with Christ – just keep sowing and He will bring the increase – we have such little faith.
- The only hope we have in ministry is the power of the Word of God inspired by the Spirit – we are to have no other confidence.
- The devil wants us to believe that there is no power in the Word of God – but there is.
- The kingdom cannot be explained by human effort.
- The things that we want to do in ministry are often the things that we are absolutely powerless to do – this should be the most freeing thing in our life – all the things that we can do are the least important in the ministry.
- All of the things that will last through eternity require God working through His Word – so we wait for God’s Word to be accomplished in His way.
- Put your hope in God’s Word and you will be surprised but you will not be disappointed!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
TULIP
TULIP is the acronym for foundational beliefs of Calvinism. The following are links that explain in detail the phrases that make up the word TULIP.
T - Total Depravity:
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/total-depravity-part-1/
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/total-depravity-part-2/
U - Unconditional Election
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/unconditional-election/
L - Limited Atonement
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/limited-atonement/
I - Irresistible Grace
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/irresistible-Grace/
P - Perseverance of the Saints
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/perserverance-saints/
I thought these were very helpful links, let me know if you have any questions or comments!
SDG
T - Total Depravity:
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/total-depravity-part-1/
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/total-depravity-part-2/
U - Unconditional Election
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/unconditional-election/
L - Limited Atonement
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/limited-atonement/
I - Irresistible Grace
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/irresistible-Grace/
P - Perseverance of the Saints
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/perserverance-saints/
I thought these were very helpful links, let me know if you have any questions or comments!
SDG
Monday, June 7, 2010
Hymn of the Week
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.
He speaks, and, listening to His voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.
In Christ your Head, you then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.
Glory to God, and praise and love
Be ever, ever given,
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heaven.
On this glad day the glorious Sun
Of Righteousness arose;
On my benighted soul He shone
And filled it with repose.
Sudden expired the legal strife,
’Twas then I ceased to grieve;
My second, real, living life
I then began to live.
Then with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Savior mine.
I felt my Lord’s atoning blood
Close to my soul applied;
Me, me He loved, the Son of God,
For me, for me He died!
I found and owned His promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I knew
When written on my heart.
Look unto Him, ye nations, own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.
See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.
Awake from guilty nature’s sleep,
And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep,
And wash the Æthiop white.
Harlots and publicans and thieves
In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes
From crimes as great as mine.
Murderers and all ye hellish crew
In holy triumph join!
Believe the Savior died for you;
For me the Savior died.
With me, your chief, ye then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.
The Doctrine of Christ's Work Accomplished and Applied
The Doctrine of Christ's Work Accomplished and Applied
Mark Dever
1 Peter 2:21-25
- The word of God is true but not widely accepted.
- If the world hates you, remember it hated me first.
- To this we are called - unjust suffering.
- Peter talks about enduring the mockery of being a Christian.
- 1 Peter 1:6, 2:11, 3:9, 5:6
- Don't be surprised in your suffering, praise God that you bear His name.
- Those who suffer because of God should glorify their creator.
- Doing good in spite of persecution should be our theme.
- To imitate Christ we must live the life that Jesus lived.
1 Peter 2:21-25
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Christ's Unique Life
- Bore the penalty we deserved.
- Jesus did something that we could not do for ourselves.
- W are to learn and imitate His life.
- He died on the cross as our substitute.
- He committed no sin.
- John 8 - "Can anyone prove me of sin?"
- we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses.
- Jesus claimed to be without sin, and others backed Him up on that.
- Philippians 2: He humbled Himself to a cross.
- Jesus was fully human and never sinned.
- Adam and Eve were made without sin but sinned.
- We do a lot of things God agrees with as long as we want to do it.
- If there is anyone we do not want to oppose - it is God.
- Christ suffered for us - bearing our sins.
- We could never atone for our sins.
- No amount of good we do could ever outweigh our sin.
- God has invented people to show His holiness and we sin against Him.
- Every sin is treason and betrayal against God.
- Isaiah 53 - He bore the sin of many - anyone hung on a tree is cursed.
- Atoning is not our job - only Christ can do it.
- He who knew no sin was made sin for us.
- God accepted Jesus on our behalf - we are no longer at war with God - He accepts the one that died in our place.
- By His wounds we have been healed - and kept safe as sheep.
- They turned away from sin and turn to God.
- Sin blinds us to the truth of our rebellion against God.
- If you have sinned against God - What will you do with your sins?
- We have got ourselves into a situation that we could not get out of - and He has paid a high price.
Christ's Like was an Example for Us
- His life left us an example - a pattern to follow.
- Jesus followers will face what He faces - we need to be willing to suffer and even die.
- Jesus suffered for doing good, it is expected of us to do the same.
- Peter knew the temptation to suffer for not following Jesus - he fell into temptation.
- What distinguishes us that we follow Jesus - we will suffer for following Christ.
- Romans 8:28 - whatever occurs is for our good and His glory.
- As we follow Him, we are displaying His glory - especially when we go through hard times.
- Don't retaliate - Jesus didn't.
- We live in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity.
- Even in the most severe suffering Jesus did not retaliate.
- What do you do with your bitterness? - when you have been wronged.
- Jesus never retaliated so we should never retaliate against others.
- Revenge is mine saith the Lord - leave room for God's wrath.
- Jesus trusted God - so we too should actively trust God.
- God's judgment for all our sin will either fall on Christ or the sinner.
- Persecution of the godly was never meant for their destruction but their glory.
Mark Dever
1 Peter 2:21-25
- The word of God is true but not widely accepted.
- If the world hates you, remember it hated me first.
- To this we are called - unjust suffering.
- Peter talks about enduring the mockery of being a Christian.
- 1 Peter 1:6, 2:11, 3:9, 5:6
- Don't be surprised in your suffering, praise God that you bear His name.
- Those who suffer because of God should glorify their creator.
- Doing good in spite of persecution should be our theme.
- To imitate Christ we must live the life that Jesus lived.
1 Peter 2:21-25
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Christ's Unique Life
- Bore the penalty we deserved.
- Jesus did something that we could not do for ourselves.
- W are to learn and imitate His life.
- He died on the cross as our substitute.
- He committed no sin.
- John 8 - "Can anyone prove me of sin?"
- we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses.
- Jesus claimed to be without sin, and others backed Him up on that.
- Philippians 2: He humbled Himself to a cross.
- Jesus was fully human and never sinned.
- Adam and Eve were made without sin but sinned.
- We do a lot of things God agrees with as long as we want to do it.
- If there is anyone we do not want to oppose - it is God.
- Christ suffered for us - bearing our sins.
- We could never atone for our sins.
- No amount of good we do could ever outweigh our sin.
- God has invented people to show His holiness and we sin against Him.
- Every sin is treason and betrayal against God.
- Isaiah 53 - He bore the sin of many - anyone hung on a tree is cursed.
- Atoning is not our job - only Christ can do it.
- He who knew no sin was made sin for us.
- God accepted Jesus on our behalf - we are no longer at war with God - He accepts the one that died in our place.
- By His wounds we have been healed - and kept safe as sheep.
- They turned away from sin and turn to God.
- Sin blinds us to the truth of our rebellion against God.
- If you have sinned against God - What will you do with your sins?
- We have got ourselves into a situation that we could not get out of - and He has paid a high price.
Christ's Like was an Example for Us
- His life left us an example - a pattern to follow.
- Jesus followers will face what He faces - we need to be willing to suffer and even die.
- Jesus suffered for doing good, it is expected of us to do the same.
- Peter knew the temptation to suffer for not following Jesus - he fell into temptation.
- What distinguishes us that we follow Jesus - we will suffer for following Christ.
- Romans 8:28 - whatever occurs is for our good and His glory.
- As we follow Him, we are displaying His glory - especially when we go through hard times.
- Don't retaliate - Jesus didn't.
- We live in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity.
- Even in the most severe suffering Jesus did not retaliate.
- What do you do with your bitterness? - when you have been wronged.
- Jesus never retaliated so we should never retaliate against others.
- Revenge is mine saith the Lord - leave room for God's wrath.
- Jesus trusted God - so we too should actively trust God.
- God's judgment for all our sin will either fall on Christ or the sinner.
- Persecution of the godly was never meant for their destruction but their glory.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
What Are you Built On?
These were my notes from the first session of NEXT. Hope they help you better grasp the gospel - let me know what you think!
What are you Built On?
Josh Harris
Luke 6:46
- When circumstances force themselves into your work it changes your view of God.
- We are all carrying around ideas about God, some of them don't hold up when life hits you.
Luke 6:46-49
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
- Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say?
- Jesus gives us a compelling nature on what theology is and how it is related to him.
- People claim to follow Christ but don't obey him.
- Jesus loves to save religious hypocrites.
- Do you know the right things to say around the right people?
- Is there a disconnect about what you speak and how you live?
- Everyone is building their lives on something they believe about God.
- Are you building on the wrong foundation - one day it will be destroyed?
- We're all theologians - is what we believe about God true?
- We can listen to everything and still be people built on sand.
How do we dig deep? How do we build the right foundation?
The one who comes to be, hears my words, and puts them into practice.
Doctrine is not an end in itself
- It helps us to know, love, trust and obey the person of Jesus Christ.
- Truths don't save us - they help us, the person of Jesus Christ saves us.
- We have no faith apart from Jesus who obeyed for us.
- Saving faith is not faith in faith - it is faith in a person - the person who in every place we sinned, did not sin.
John 5:39-40
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
- Men know the scriptures but miss Jesus.
- What does the truth of the word do - bears witness to Jesus.
- Biblical doctrine tells us that we need Jesus.
- It's possible to study theology and have no heart for Christ.
- Pharisees parable - their rock was the law, not Christ.
- "Grace is not a thing - there is only Jesus" - Sinclair Ferguson.
- Are you most satisfied by a relationship with Jesus?
- Movements of men will fail, Jesus will never fail.
A real, saving relationship with Jesus Christ necessarily involves doctrine
- You can't know Jesus without knowing the truth of the Bible shaping your reality.
- Know just the person who comes to him and doesn't want to listen.
- We serve a God who speaks.
- Separate passion from theology - NO! they are not separate truths.
- It is impossible to have one without the other genuinely.
- Doctrine can't take the place of Jesus.
- Melheim - primarily concerned with what Jesus had done, not just what He said - the word redeemed through an event.
- Simply telling them was not enough, they had to tell them what the event meant, doctrine - the mention of facts with the meaning of those facts.
- It's only when you understand what Christ has done and the meaning of it can you understand His love for you.
Knowing Right Doctrine is not Enough - We have to put it into Practice
- "You call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say" - we know doctrine but do not put it into practice.
- Are you practicing the truth that you have? This calls into question if you understand it, and if it has really gripped your soul - it will reshape the way you act in every area of life.
- Don't feel safe and secure if the knowledge that you have is not being applied in your life.
- What does the truth call us to do?
- Don't be satisfied by a page on notes - write the notes on your life.
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
- If your only hearing - the stability of your foundation will be seen.
- The storm hit both houses - represents trouble, unexpected moments, and real life in a fallen world.
What are you Built On?
Josh Harris
Luke 6:46
- When circumstances force themselves into your work it changes your view of God.
- We are all carrying around ideas about God, some of them don't hold up when life hits you.
Luke 6:46-49
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
- Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say?
- Jesus gives us a compelling nature on what theology is and how it is related to him.
- People claim to follow Christ but don't obey him.
- Jesus loves to save religious hypocrites.
- Do you know the right things to say around the right people?
- Is there a disconnect about what you speak and how you live?
- Everyone is building their lives on something they believe about God.
- Are you building on the wrong foundation - one day it will be destroyed?
- We're all theologians - is what we believe about God true?
- We can listen to everything and still be people built on sand.
How do we dig deep? How do we build the right foundation?
The one who comes to be, hears my words, and puts them into practice.
Doctrine is not an end in itself
- It helps us to know, love, trust and obey the person of Jesus Christ.
- Truths don't save us - they help us, the person of Jesus Christ saves us.
- We have no faith apart from Jesus who obeyed for us.
- Saving faith is not faith in faith - it is faith in a person - the person who in every place we sinned, did not sin.
John 5:39-40
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
- Men know the scriptures but miss Jesus.
- What does the truth of the word do - bears witness to Jesus.
- Biblical doctrine tells us that we need Jesus.
- It's possible to study theology and have no heart for Christ.
- Pharisees parable - their rock was the law, not Christ.
- "Grace is not a thing - there is only Jesus" - Sinclair Ferguson.
- Are you most satisfied by a relationship with Jesus?
- Movements of men will fail, Jesus will never fail.
A real, saving relationship with Jesus Christ necessarily involves doctrine
- You can't know Jesus without knowing the truth of the Bible shaping your reality.
- Know just the person who comes to him and doesn't want to listen.
- We serve a God who speaks.
- Separate passion from theology - NO! they are not separate truths.
- It is impossible to have one without the other genuinely.
- Doctrine can't take the place of Jesus.
- Melheim - primarily concerned with what Jesus had done, not just what He said - the word redeemed through an event.
- Simply telling them was not enough, they had to tell them what the event meant, doctrine - the mention of facts with the meaning of those facts.
- It's only when you understand what Christ has done and the meaning of it can you understand His love for you.
Knowing Right Doctrine is not Enough - We have to put it into Practice
- "You call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say" - we know doctrine but do not put it into practice.
- Are you practicing the truth that you have? This calls into question if you understand it, and if it has really gripped your soul - it will reshape the way you act in every area of life.
- Don't feel safe and secure if the knowledge that you have is not being applied in your life.
- What does the truth call us to do?
- Don't be satisfied by a page on notes - write the notes on your life.
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
- If your only hearing - the stability of your foundation will be seen.
- The storm hit both houses - represents trouble, unexpected moments, and real life in a fallen world.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
NEXT Conference
Here are all the sessions from the NEXT Conferences over the past couple years:
http://www.thisisnext.org/resources
Enjoy...
http://www.thisisnext.org/resources
Enjoy...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Hymn of the Week
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hymn of the Week
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
SDG
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
SDG
Infant Baptism
Found these two broadcasts interesting regarding infant baptism:
John MacArthur defending Believers Baptism
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/baptism-case-believers-baptism/
R.C. Sproul defending Infant Baptism
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/baptism-the-case-for-infant-baptism/
Feel free to give your comments...
John MacArthur defending Believers Baptism
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/baptism-case-believers-baptism/
R.C. Sproul defending Infant Baptism
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/audio/baptism-the-case-for-infant-baptism/
Feel free to give your comments...
Friday, May 21, 2010
A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections
One of the books I am currently reading is A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections by Jonathan "The Man" Edwards. I figured I could jot down one or two lines from what I read each day, so here we go:
5/21 - If our inward spiritual joys are greater than our outward sufferings, these joys will support us and allow us to suffer with cheerfulness.
5/22 - But yet it is not the body, but the mind only, that is the proper seat of affections. The body of man is no more capable of being really the subject of love or hatred, joy or sorrow, fear or hope, than the body of a tree, or than the same body of a man is capable of thinking and understanding. as it is the soul only that has ideas, so it is the soul only that is pleased or displeased with its ideas. As it is the soul only that thinks, so it is the soul only that loves or hates, rejoices or is grieved at what it thinks of.
Affection is a word that, in its ordinary significance, seems to be something more extensive than passion, being used for all the vigorous lively actings of the will or inclination; but passion for those that are more sudden, and whose effects on the animal spirits are more violent, and the mind more overpowered, and less in its own command.
Who will deny that true religion consists in a great measure in vigorous and likely actings of the inclination and will of the soul, or the fervent exercises of the heart?
Romans 12:11
Deuteronomy 10:12, 6:4-5
Deuteronomy 30:6
5/23 - If we be not in good earnest in religion, and our wills and inclinations be strongly exercised, we are nothing. The things of religion are so great, that there can be no suitableness in the exercises of our hearts to their nature and importance, unless they be lively and powerful.
True religion is evermore a powerful thing and the power of it appears, in the first place in the inward exercises of it in the heart, where is the principal and original seat of it.
2 Timothy 3:5
2 Timothy 1:7
The business of religion if from time to time compared to those exercises wherein men are won't to have their hearts and strength greatly exercised and engaged, such as running, wrestling, or agonizing for a great prize or crown, and fighting with strong enemies that seek our lives, and warring as those that by violence take a city or kingdom.
5/21 - If our inward spiritual joys are greater than our outward sufferings, these joys will support us and allow us to suffer with cheerfulness.
5/22 - But yet it is not the body, but the mind only, that is the proper seat of affections. The body of man is no more capable of being really the subject of love or hatred, joy or sorrow, fear or hope, than the body of a tree, or than the same body of a man is capable of thinking and understanding. as it is the soul only that has ideas, so it is the soul only that is pleased or displeased with its ideas. As it is the soul only that thinks, so it is the soul only that loves or hates, rejoices or is grieved at what it thinks of.
Affection is a word that, in its ordinary significance, seems to be something more extensive than passion, being used for all the vigorous lively actings of the will or inclination; but passion for those that are more sudden, and whose effects on the animal spirits are more violent, and the mind more overpowered, and less in its own command.
Who will deny that true religion consists in a great measure in vigorous and likely actings of the inclination and will of the soul, or the fervent exercises of the heart?
Romans 12:11
Deuteronomy 10:12, 6:4-5
Deuteronomy 30:6
5/23 - If we be not in good earnest in religion, and our wills and inclinations be strongly exercised, we are nothing. The things of religion are so great, that there can be no suitableness in the exercises of our hearts to their nature and importance, unless they be lively and powerful.
True religion is evermore a powerful thing and the power of it appears, in the first place in the inward exercises of it in the heart, where is the principal and original seat of it.
2 Timothy 3:5
2 Timothy 1:7
The business of religion if from time to time compared to those exercises wherein men are won't to have their hearts and strength greatly exercised and engaged, such as running, wrestling, or agonizing for a great prize or crown, and fighting with strong enemies that seek our lives, and warring as those that by violence take a city or kingdom.
Start to Summer
Alright, so anywho, summer has started and is in full swing. This can either be good or bad... A time to get a lot accomplished or a time of sitting around the house being slothful. Unfortunately, I think my first week was overall the latter. It is interesting when you are getting pounded by a regimented schedule how you oh so need a break; yet when you have a break you oh so want a regimented schedule. My original plans for the summer were to run the Youth for Christ program, work on my thesis research, take some online Economics classes, work at Chick Fil-A, and have some good reading.
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9
So, let's just say that my plans may not be the ones going down (the Econ and CFA part at least). But I am in full faith that God has my best interest at heart. I am learning to be happy with His will, whatever that may be, as it is through Him alone that I live, move, and breathe. I pray that anyone reading this will keep me accountable for having been doing my reading, for me, reading is not a habit (yet) it is one that I am in the process of cultivating.
Thanks for keeping me accountable!
SDG
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9
So, let's just say that my plans may not be the ones going down (the Econ and CFA part at least). But I am in full faith that God has my best interest at heart. I am learning to be happy with His will, whatever that may be, as it is through Him alone that I live, move, and breathe. I pray that anyone reading this will keep me accountable for having been doing my reading, for me, reading is not a habit (yet) it is one that I am in the process of cultivating.
Thanks for keeping me accountable!
SDG
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Psalm 32
Psalm 32
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Hymn of the Week
Before the Throne of God Above
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
The Gospel explained with Beautiful Words!
SDG
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
The Gospel explained with Beautiful Words!
SDG
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Lost Shall Be Found
The Parable of the Lost Coin
"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Praise God that the lost shall be found! I recently misplaced close to $150 and have been worrying about it lately. Low and behold I began praying about it on my ride home from Motown and God directed me to where I had put it! He is faithful.
SDG
"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Praise God that the lost shall be found! I recently misplaced close to $150 and have been worrying about it lately. Low and behold I began praying about it on my ride home from Motown and God directed me to where I had put it! He is faithful.
SDG
Heritage Ball
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen...
Twas a glorious time of Christian fellowship at the Heritage Ball yesterday. God allowed me to participate in the whole event with pain that I could tolerate! The balls are a great time of excitement, entertainment, and exercise, and Lord knows I need the latter. Looking forward to the next! The Kincell's and Powell's do a great job serving us - they even brought me a towel haha...
SDG
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen...
Twas a glorious time of Christian fellowship at the Heritage Ball yesterday. God allowed me to participate in the whole event with pain that I could tolerate! The balls are a great time of excitement, entertainment, and exercise, and Lord knows I need the latter. Looking forward to the next! The Kincell's and Powell's do a great job serving us - they even brought me a towel haha...
SDG
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hymn of the Week
His Forever
Jesus, friend of sinners
Loved me ’ere I knew Him
Drew me with His cords of love
Tightly bound me to Him
’Round my heart still closely twined
The ties that none can sever
For I am His and He is mine
Forever and forever
Jesus, friend of sinners
A crown of thorns You wore for me
Bruised for my transgressions
Pierced for my iniquities
The wrath of God that I deserved
Was poured out on the Innocent
He took my place, my soul to save
Now I am His forever
Jesus, friend of sinners
I love to tell the story
Redeeming love has been my theme
And will be when in glory
Not death nor life nor anything
Can ever separate me
O love that will not let me go
Yes, I am His forever
What a Glorious God we serve!
SDG
Jesus, friend of sinners
Loved me ’ere I knew Him
Drew me with His cords of love
Tightly bound me to Him
’Round my heart still closely twined
The ties that none can sever
For I am His and He is mine
Forever and forever
Jesus, friend of sinners
A crown of thorns You wore for me
Bruised for my transgressions
Pierced for my iniquities
The wrath of God that I deserved
Was poured out on the Innocent
He took my place, my soul to save
Now I am His forever
Jesus, friend of sinners
I love to tell the story
Redeeming love has been my theme
And will be when in glory
Not death nor life nor anything
Can ever separate me
O love that will not let me go
Yes, I am His forever
What a Glorious God we serve!
SDG
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Semester End
So I just received my grades for this past semester. I earned a 4.0 gpa! This is huge considering the sorry state I was in at the end of last semester. I believe that God was teaching me to rely on Him instead of myself, undergrad was much easier than grad school and I in my pride thought that I earned everything that I achieved in undergrad. But it is only because of the gifts that God has blessed me with that I can accomplish anything! I am honored that He has given me gifts that I might bring Him glory with them, whatever little I achieve He alone receives the glory. This past year was truly a lesson for my ever present fight with pride. I seem to always want the credit that I feel I deserve, when in all honesty, the only thing I deserve are the flames of hell. BUT GOD, being rich in mercy made me alive in Christ even while I was dead in my sin! It is this same grace that purchased my salvation that I want to take hold of on a daily basis! May I never stray far from the cross and so forget the wonderful grace and mercy of Christ my Savior and my God!
SDG
SDG
Treasure
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:19-21
My soul I charge you, lay up your treasure in the only secure cabinet; store your jewels where you can never lose them. Put your all in Christ. Set your affections on His person, all your hope in His merit, all your trust in His efficacious blood, and all your joy in His presence, so that you may laugh at loss and defy destruction.
My soul I charge you, lay up your treasure in the only secure cabinet; store your jewels where you can never lose them. Put your all in Christ. Set your affections on His person, all your hope in His merit, all your trust in His efficacious blood, and all your joy in His presence, so that you may laugh at loss and defy destruction.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Fear
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. ~ Hebrews 13:6
He who fears God has nothing else to fear. We should stand in such awe of the Living Lord that all the threats that can be used by the proudest persecutor should have no more effect upon us than the whistling of the wind.
He who fears God has nothing else to fear. We should stand in such awe of the Living Lord that all the threats that can be used by the proudest persecutor should have no more effect upon us than the whistling of the wind.
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