"You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep in which is a blemish, any defect whatever, for that is an abomination to the LORD your God" (Deut. 17:1, ESV).
The sacrifices of the old covenant foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ. They pointed to a greater sacrifice that would come and have the power to cleanse sin once for all. Therefore, it was an abomination to offer an animal that had a blemish or defect, because there physical perfection pointed to the moral perfection of the coming sacrifice.
John the Baptist proclaimed of Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29, ESV). The title, Lamb of God, and the reality that Jesus "takes away" sin, tell us something about the quality of Jesus. John's statement tells us that Jesus was without blemish, he had no defects, morally speaking.
Addressing his enemies, Jesus said, "Which one of you convicts me of sin?" (John 8:46, ESV). Yet, no one is able to produce any evidence to demonstrate his guilt. Even at Jesus' "trial," they were not able to produce two witnesses that could agree. They could only get him for violating their man-made traditions, because he never broke God's law.
Even his friends, who were with him night and day for years, found no sin in Jesus. Peter says, "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" (1 Pet. 2:22, ESV). John states, "My little children, I am writing to you these things so that you may not sin. But if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1, ESV).
If Christ had any moral blemish or defect, then his death would have been an abomination. However, there was no moral blemish in Christ. He is our high priest and our holy sacrifice. As the author of Hebrews states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15, ESV). He continues, "he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. . . . how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purifying our consciences from dead works to serve the living God" (Heb. 9:12-14, ESV). Therefore, we can rest in the reality that Christ is our unblemished sacrifice, wholly accepted by the Father.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Not My Will, But Yours Be Done
"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will'" (Matt. 26:39, ESV).
I have tried to imagine what the world would be like if the Father had chosen to answer the first part of Jesus' prayer. What would the world look like if the Father had removed the cup of his wrath, so that Christ would not have taken the sins of the world upon himself? Death? Destruction? Damnation? Darkness? Dread?
No one can say with any certainty, and in reality, the question is not worth asking. The Father didn't let the cup pass. Jesus didn't refuse to drink it. He simply recommitted himself to the Father's will in that moment of unimaginable sorrow.
None of us can imagine what Jesus was going through. How can we imagine going into the crucifixion with full knowledge of everything that was going to occur? Christ Jesus, the God-man, knew how everything was going to unfold from the beginning. Most likely, Jesus lived out the entirety of his human life anticipating the cross. How can we imagine what it would feel like to experience the "wrath of God," when he have never personally experienced that holy anger? Christ Jesus, the co-eternal Son of God, knew what "wrath of God" felt like, because it was his wrath, as well. He knew exactly why the sinner should tremble before the holy burning anger of the LORD.
The turmoil was so severe within Jesus that he sweat blood. His heart was breaking. Yet, we was resolved to do the Father's will. He doesn't say, "Father, remove this cup." He says, "If it is possible. . . yet, not my will, but yours be done." The request that the cup be removed shouldn't really concern us, but the commitment to drink it should. By receiving the cup, Christ purchased our redemption. His submission to the Father's will has forever changed the world, and our lives.
I have tried to imagine what the world would be like if the Father had chosen to answer the first part of Jesus' prayer. What would the world look like if the Father had removed the cup of his wrath, so that Christ would not have taken the sins of the world upon himself? Death? Destruction? Damnation? Darkness? Dread?
No one can say with any certainty, and in reality, the question is not worth asking. The Father didn't let the cup pass. Jesus didn't refuse to drink it. He simply recommitted himself to the Father's will in that moment of unimaginable sorrow.
None of us can imagine what Jesus was going through. How can we imagine going into the crucifixion with full knowledge of everything that was going to occur? Christ Jesus, the God-man, knew how everything was going to unfold from the beginning. Most likely, Jesus lived out the entirety of his human life anticipating the cross. How can we imagine what it would feel like to experience the "wrath of God," when he have never personally experienced that holy anger? Christ Jesus, the co-eternal Son of God, knew what "wrath of God" felt like, because it was his wrath, as well. He knew exactly why the sinner should tremble before the holy burning anger of the LORD.
The turmoil was so severe within Jesus that he sweat blood. His heart was breaking. Yet, we was resolved to do the Father's will. He doesn't say, "Father, remove this cup." He says, "If it is possible. . . yet, not my will, but yours be done." The request that the cup be removed shouldn't really concern us, but the commitment to drink it should. By receiving the cup, Christ purchased our redemption. His submission to the Father's will has forever changed the world, and our lives.
Monday, March 29, 2010
FAQs Mondays: Who Is God?
The reality, that man’s primary reason for existence is to glorify God and enjoy him forever, leads us to ask more questions. I want to focus on three questions in this post: Who is God?, Should everyone believe there is a God?, and How do we know there is a God?.
Who is God?
God is the first and greatest being. When we say that God is first and greatest we do not imply that there is another god. We simply mean that he is the only true self-existent being. As Isaiah reports, “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and the last; besides me there is no god” (Isa. 44:6, ESV). Elsewhere Scripture testifies, “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens” (Ps. 96:4-5, ESV; see also Ps. 8:1 and 97:9). So we sing with Hannah, “There is none holy like the LORD; there is none beside you; there is no rock like our God” (1 Sam. 2:2, ESV).
Should everyone believe there is a God?
Yes, everyone should believe there is a God; and it is great sin and foolishness for those who do not. The author of Hebrews reminds us, “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6, ESV). And David warns, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good” (Ps. 14:1, ESV).
How do we know there is a God?
The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare this is a God, but his Word and Spirit only do effectually reveal him to us for our salvation. This answer points to two types of knowledge: the first is natural knowledge, the second is spiritual knowledge. Natural knowledge can be drawn from the conscience (light of nature in man) and the works of God (like creation). Paul explains,
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Rom. 1:18-20, ESV; see also Ps. 19:1-2).
Spiritual knowledge must be revealed by the Word and the Spirit. Paul writes to Timothy, “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” (2 Tim. 3:15, ESV). Elsewhere Paul states, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Cor. 2:9-10, ESV; see also 1 Cor. 1:21-24; Matt. 11:27).
People chose to reject belief in God, not because of a lack of sufficient evidence of his existence, but because they want to suppress the truth with their unrighteousness. There is a God, he is the first and greatest being, the creation proclaims his handiwork, and we should trust him. When we fail to do so we commit great sin and foolishness; we turn a blind eye to the truth staring us in the face.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sermon Recap 3-28-10
Morning: The sermon, "He Made Us Dead to Sin and Alive to Christ," was an exposition of 1 Peter 2:24. Peter states, "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" (1 Pet. 2:24, ESV).
This sermon is part of a series of sermons that are exploring what Christ accomplished on the cross. This verse reminds us that Christ, through the cross, has made us dead to sin and alive to righteousness.
The foundation stone of our faith is the truth that Christ "bore our sins in his body on the tree." Peter's phrase sums up the gospel. Jesus took upon himself, in his flesh, the punishment of our sins. They were not Jesus' sins, they were ours. He did not wing them away or sweep them away, he bore them away in his body. Because of this great truth we can rest in the dual reality: we are dead to sin and alive to righteousness.
But what does it mean to be "dead to sin?" It means sin is no longer our master. Before we come to Christ we are born along by sin with very little difficulty. We are rarely displeased by the sinful things we do, and usually are only concerned when we get caught. In Christ, we find ourselves hating the sins that we once enjoyed, even when (especially when) we continue to do them.
Being dead to sin means that sin is no longer our identity. We are born into this world with a bent away from God. We are born into an environment that is bent away from God. Even in the most godly homes, where children are taught to fear the Lord, sin is still present. However, when we come to faith in Christ, we are no longer sinners. We are new creatures. We are God's saints (even though we still sin). We go from being bent away from God, to being bent toward him. We are saints who struggle with sin.
Being dead to sin means also that we are no longer under the penalty of sin. Christ has received the full wrath of God on our behalf. He bore in his body on the tree.
What does it mean to be alive to righteousness? It means that we are free to do righteousness. We are free to dream great dreams (and act on them) for the glory of God.
Being alive to righteousness means that righteousness is now our identity. By faith in Christ, we have become the righteousness of God. Christ is the righteousness of God, and we are hidden in Christ. His righteousness has been imputed to us. For this reason, we continually find ourselves being compelled to do acts of righteousness.
Thus, through Christ's wounds we have been healed. He has healed us from our spiritual sickness. He has healed to broken relationship between us and our heavenly Father. He has healed our broken hearts. He has done this by bearing our sins in his body upon the tree.
Evening: We passed out our "Find It Here" packets inviting the households in our community to join us for services on Easter Sunday. We also passed out packets in another community in our county. Please pray that God would bless these distributions.
This sermon is part of a series of sermons that are exploring what Christ accomplished on the cross. This verse reminds us that Christ, through the cross, has made us dead to sin and alive to righteousness.
The foundation stone of our faith is the truth that Christ "bore our sins in his body on the tree." Peter's phrase sums up the gospel. Jesus took upon himself, in his flesh, the punishment of our sins. They were not Jesus' sins, they were ours. He did not wing them away or sweep them away, he bore them away in his body. Because of this great truth we can rest in the dual reality: we are dead to sin and alive to righteousness.
But what does it mean to be "dead to sin?" It means sin is no longer our master. Before we come to Christ we are born along by sin with very little difficulty. We are rarely displeased by the sinful things we do, and usually are only concerned when we get caught. In Christ, we find ourselves hating the sins that we once enjoyed, even when (especially when) we continue to do them.
Being dead to sin means that sin is no longer our identity. We are born into this world with a bent away from God. We are born into an environment that is bent away from God. Even in the most godly homes, where children are taught to fear the Lord, sin is still present. However, when we come to faith in Christ, we are no longer sinners. We are new creatures. We are God's saints (even though we still sin). We go from being bent away from God, to being bent toward him. We are saints who struggle with sin.
Being dead to sin means also that we are no longer under the penalty of sin. Christ has received the full wrath of God on our behalf. He bore in his body on the tree.
What does it mean to be alive to righteousness? It means that we are free to do righteousness. We are free to dream great dreams (and act on them) for the glory of God.
Being alive to righteousness means that righteousness is now our identity. By faith in Christ, we have become the righteousness of God. Christ is the righteousness of God, and we are hidden in Christ. His righteousness has been imputed to us. For this reason, we continually find ourselves being compelled to do acts of righteousness.
Thus, through Christ's wounds we have been healed. He has healed us from our spiritual sickness. He has healed to broken relationship between us and our heavenly Father. He has healed our broken hearts. He has done this by bearing our sins in his body upon the tree.
Evening: We passed out our "Find It Here" packets inviting the households in our community to join us for services on Easter Sunday. We also passed out packets in another community in our county. Please pray that God would bless these distributions.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday's Seven
A Father-Daughter Bond, Page by Page by Michael Winerip. This link looks at bond that developed between a father and daughter while reading a chapter of a book together everyday for years.
A Preacher With His God by Darrin Patrick. This article, while aimed at preachers, offers solid practical advise for individuals who struggle with prayer.
The Theology of Rich and Poor by Mark Driscoll. This article is a good review of stewardship, and how it relates to the prosperity gospel.
Line Between Local and Global Missions Fading Fast by Robert Reeves. This article looks at the expanding global mission field here in Kentucky.
Don’t Be Afraid by Russell Moore. This article is a helpful reminder that politics are not permanent, and that Christians need not live in fear.
The Contagious Comfort and Mercy of God by Greg Lucas. This is an amazing article on the power of empathy.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Distractions
Are you easily distracted? Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation, and hear a noise or see something move out of the corner of your eye, and forget what your talking about? Did your mind jump the tracks while reading previous sentence?
I find that I am easily distracted, and usually not in a good way. Can we be distracted in a good way? Yes, let's say you're in day four of a pity party about something in your life you wish was different. Just as you are on the verge of submitting to defeat, you get a phone call from a friend who is have a terrible time. They need you to comfort them, to encourage them. While you tend to their needs, you become less concerned with your problems. This is a case of good distraction. Good distractions permit you the opportunity of realigning your priorities in a positive way.
My struggles with distraction are usually more negative. I find that I get overwhelmed easily. I never really figured out the art of completing a task. I struggle with perfectionistic tendencies that drive me to procrastination. I can't get it perfect, so I'll wait until the last possible minute. Then I'm force to just do what I can. So discovering a book that needs to be read, leads to the formation of a stack of books that need to read, that develops into a mountain of books to be read, that turns into a weekend long rerun marathon and no books being read.
Part of my problem is a lack of self-discipline. Let me return to trying to read a book. If I were to say this book has 187 pages and I have to complete it in the next two weeks, all I would have to do is divide 187 by 14. Then I would know that I would have to read about 14 pages a day. All that would be left is to work the plan.
When you couple a lack of self-discipline with being easily distracted, plans often fall apart. I can be reading in one book, and run across something that makes me set it down and pick up another book to read. Before I know it, I working through six or seven books. Eventually the tasks break down, and I stall out.
So, how do we overcome being easily distracted?
- Know your priorities. Our priorities are the sources of our motivation. If we know what we believe it is important, it will help us to say, "no," in all the right places.
- Determine what needs to be done. If honoring God with your life is your top priority, then ask yourself, "How can I honor God with my life?."
- Develop a plan. The next step is developing some goals. For example, I will read this 187 page book over the next two weeks.
- Work the plan. Once you have a plan, follow it. Following the previous example, that would mean we take time to read 14 pages a day.
- Take time to reflect on progress. When your done following the plan reflect on what you did well, what didn't go so well, and what could be done better in the future.
- Repeat the process.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Empathy and the Love of Christ
The strongest image was of Sophia running toward me with her arms thrown open wide, her head tilted back, and a big smile on her face. Every time she greets me that way, everything else seems to fade away. It doesn't matter how hard a day has been or what disappointments I have encountered, her joy overflows to me, washing the cares of the world away. I have been experiencing empathy without ever realizing it.
The insight into empathy came with an additional insight. As I thought about Sophia's joyous welcomes, I realized that God delights in me even more than Sophia does. In that realization, I felt the Lord's love for me in a very powerful, moving way. In that instant, I understood God's love more clearly.
The Psalmist says, "The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hopes in his unfailing love" (Ps. 147:11). Jesus, instructing his disciples to abide in his teachings, said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11). The Lord delights in his people, and wants them to share in his joy. That is to say, he wants them to empathize with him, to feel his joy, to feel his sorrow. I pray for you what Paul prayed,
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled the all the fullness of God (Eph. 3:16-19, ESV).May the Lord open your eyes to the vastness of his love for you, and may you walk in that love in obedient faith.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Word to the Wise
My son, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb
are sweet to the taste.
Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it,
there will be a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:13-14
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Man Cold
A few days ago, I saw a humorous video about man colds. After two days of wrestling with a head cold/sinus infection, I am beginning to think there is something to this video. I hope you enjoy it.
Please pray that I feel better soon, and that I'll behave more like a man than the guy in the video. Thanks.
Monday, March 22, 2010
FAQs Mondays: What is the Chief End of Man
Q1. What is the chief end of man?
The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. The term "chief end" refers to the greatest purpose. In essence, the starting point for this catechism is the practical question, "Why do I exist?" There seems to be a near universal desire to understand our place and purpose in the universe.
Much like the Scriptures, this catechism does not seek to convince non-believers, but encourage believers. It is a primer on matters of faith. It is a kindergarten of divinity-a starting point from which to move deeper into the things of God. It helps us to grapple with the deeper issues of faith and life.
This question presupposes some things. It presupposes:
- that a God exists, particularly the God of the Bible,
- that he created the world, including mankind, and
- that man has been created with a purpose
It can further be suggested, that the dual purposes of glorifying God and enjoying him cannot be separated, and thus serve a one "end." If they were meant to be distinguished from one another the question might have been framed, "What are the chief ends of man?" I like how John Piper paraphrases the answer to this question: "The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever."
But how do we know that this is the chief end of man? Isaiah suggests that those whom God formed and made, were created for the Lord's glory (see Isa. 43:7). David invites us to, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps. 37:4, ESV). But why was David so convinced? He prays to the Lord, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is the fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more" (Ps. 16:11, ESV). David is convinced because he has been persuaded by the evidence of God's grace. He had experienced God's grace first hand.
Another Psalmist, Asaph, asks, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Ps. 73:24-25, ESV). Having experienced deliverance from the hand of the Lord, Asaph acknowledges the fact that nothing else can sway his allegiance. The Apostle Paul reminds us that this is the proper Christian response, "So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).
How do we glorify God and enjoy him forever? The term "glorify" doesn't mean that we make God glorious, it means that we display his glory to the world. God is glorious, and our task is to reflect that glory. First, we must acknowledge that we have all fallen short of our intended purpose, and thus stand in judgment. Secondly, we must turn from our sin and place our trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Finally, we walk in obedience to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we do this, we are free to enjoy our glorious Lord. We are free to delight in his perfections, his glory, his provisions, etc. As we delight in him, we glorify him to an even greater extent. I pray that you will fulfill your chief end to glorify God and enjoy him forever. May you glorify God and enjoy him forever.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sermon Recap 3-21-10
Morning:
Today's message, "He Secured the Gift of Eternal Life," focused on Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Paul lays out mankind's need of a Savior very clearly in Romans. By the time we get to Romans 6:23, we should all be aware that we have incurred a lot of sin debt. Paul sounds the alarm: "The wages of sin is death." It is easy to look around in the world, and assume that greater sin or greater sinners are deserving of death, but not us. We think men like Jeffery Dahmer and Ted Bundy were rightly punished for their crimes, because their crimes were so horrible, so wicked, so terrible. We forget that before a holy God all sin is treason. God demands perfection, holiness, and righteousness but we have none. We all deserve death.
We All Deserve Death
We deserve spiritual death. Adam and Eve brought spiritual death upon their posterity when the rebelled against the Creator. Prior to their sin the were naked and unashamed, they walked with God, and they enjoyed life. After they sinned, they were ashamed of their nakedness, they feared God, and their lives became increasingly difficult and sorrowful. Because of their sin, their fellowship with God was broken, and their separation from him was symbolized through their forced exodus from the garden. Their ability to know and obey God was corrupted. As their descendants, we inherit a nature and environment that is bent away from God. As we grow, we sin by nature, but at time arises in our life when we sin by choice. In that choosing, we held accountable.
We deserve physical death. "It is appointed once for man to die, and after this the judgement" ( Heb 9:27). Because of sin, death is part of the natural order. The shortness of man's lifespan is actually a gift of mercy. If man were permitted to live indefinitely, he would only compound his sin, and increase his judgment.
We deserve eternal death. John describes a scene were Satan and his minions are thrown into the lake of fire, and with the the multitudes they led astray. We all deserve to be in that number. If it were not for the grace of God, we would all be in that number. The question shouldn't be, "How can God send anyone to Hell?" The question should be, "How can he let anyone into Heaven." We must always remember: sins against an infinitely holy God, are infinite in their offense.
If the sermon would have stopped here, it would have been incomplete. It would have done violence against the gospel. But it didn't end here. Hear Paul's words, "For the wages of sin is death." Now Paul lobs a verbal hand grenade into the mix when he uses the powerful little word, "But." He continues, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
But Christ Secured Life for Us
Christ secures life for us, where our sin could only bring death. But what is life?
It is spiritual life. The broken connection we inherited from Adam, has been restored through Christ. Now, we can walk in obedience to God. We can now fellowship with the Father through the Son. We can walk in the light as he is in the light.
It is physical life. Even when we lay this body in the dirt, it is not the end. Just as Jesus told Martha, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life, whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25, ESV). One day, those of us in Christ will be raised up in a new body that is incorruptible, indestructible, and immortal.
It is eternal life. Although it is a life with a beginning point, it has no ending point. It is life everlasting. Again John helps us to glimpse this life in Revelation 21:1-7. It is life of eternal fellowship with the Lord.
Closing Thoughts:
We either receive the gift in faith, or we accept the wages of our sin. We either turn to Christ in repentance and faith or we face the wrath of God.
(Bonus--I forgot these this morning, but here they are).
We must not live our lives in Christ with a "pay back" mentality. Gratitude is a natural response to the grace of God, but when we try to pay God back for what he has done, we insult him. If we assume that the meager offerings we can make, in any way equal the great sacrifice God made to purchase our redemption, we dishonor his gift. Love him. Thank him. Stop trying to pay him back.
We must remember eternal life is only available through our Lord Jesus Christ. Only the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ can satisfy the righteous judgment of God. We must come to him.
Evening
We looked at the doctrines of Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Lord's Day.
Today's message, "He Secured the Gift of Eternal Life," focused on Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Paul lays out mankind's need of a Savior very clearly in Romans. By the time we get to Romans 6:23, we should all be aware that we have incurred a lot of sin debt. Paul sounds the alarm: "The wages of sin is death." It is easy to look around in the world, and assume that greater sin or greater sinners are deserving of death, but not us. We think men like Jeffery Dahmer and Ted Bundy were rightly punished for their crimes, because their crimes were so horrible, so wicked, so terrible. We forget that before a holy God all sin is treason. God demands perfection, holiness, and righteousness but we have none. We all deserve death.
We All Deserve Death
We deserve spiritual death. Adam and Eve brought spiritual death upon their posterity when the rebelled against the Creator. Prior to their sin the were naked and unashamed, they walked with God, and they enjoyed life. After they sinned, they were ashamed of their nakedness, they feared God, and their lives became increasingly difficult and sorrowful. Because of their sin, their fellowship with God was broken, and their separation from him was symbolized through their forced exodus from the garden. Their ability to know and obey God was corrupted. As their descendants, we inherit a nature and environment that is bent away from God. As we grow, we sin by nature, but at time arises in our life when we sin by choice. In that choosing, we held accountable.
We deserve physical death. "It is appointed once for man to die, and after this the judgement" ( Heb 9:27). Because of sin, death is part of the natural order. The shortness of man's lifespan is actually a gift of mercy. If man were permitted to live indefinitely, he would only compound his sin, and increase his judgment.
We deserve eternal death. John describes a scene were Satan and his minions are thrown into the lake of fire, and with the the multitudes they led astray. We all deserve to be in that number. If it were not for the grace of God, we would all be in that number. The question shouldn't be, "How can God send anyone to Hell?" The question should be, "How can he let anyone into Heaven." We must always remember: sins against an infinitely holy God, are infinite in their offense.
If the sermon would have stopped here, it would have been incomplete. It would have done violence against the gospel. But it didn't end here. Hear Paul's words, "For the wages of sin is death." Now Paul lobs a verbal hand grenade into the mix when he uses the powerful little word, "But." He continues, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
But Christ Secured Life for Us
Christ secures life for us, where our sin could only bring death. But what is life?
It is spiritual life. The broken connection we inherited from Adam, has been restored through Christ. Now, we can walk in obedience to God. We can now fellowship with the Father through the Son. We can walk in the light as he is in the light.
It is physical life. Even when we lay this body in the dirt, it is not the end. Just as Jesus told Martha, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life, whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25, ESV). One day, those of us in Christ will be raised up in a new body that is incorruptible, indestructible, and immortal.
It is eternal life. Although it is a life with a beginning point, it has no ending point. It is life everlasting. Again John helps us to glimpse this life in Revelation 21:1-7. It is life of eternal fellowship with the Lord.
Closing Thoughts:
We either receive the gift in faith, or we accept the wages of our sin. We either turn to Christ in repentance and faith or we face the wrath of God.
(Bonus--I forgot these this morning, but here they are).
We must not live our lives in Christ with a "pay back" mentality. Gratitude is a natural response to the grace of God, but when we try to pay God back for what he has done, we insult him. If we assume that the meager offerings we can make, in any way equal the great sacrifice God made to purchase our redemption, we dishonor his gift. Love him. Thank him. Stop trying to pay him back.
We must remember eternal life is only available through our Lord Jesus Christ. Only the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ can satisfy the righteous judgment of God. We must come to him.
Evening
We looked at the doctrines of Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Lord's Day.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Saturday's Seven
Here are seven articles that are well worth reading. They either encouraged me or challenged me, some did both. Two of the articles focus on Saint Patrick, two on spiritual preparedness, one is on ministering to the hurting, one is on preparing to pray publicly, and the last one offers helpful suggestions for guarding your pastor.
What Evangelical Can Learn from Saint Patrick by Russell Moore
St. Patrick: One of the Greatest Missionaries Who Ever Lived by Mark Driscoll
The Deciding Point by Tim Challies
The Sinkhole Syndrome by Donald Whitney
More Things Not to Say Those Who Are Suffering by Ed Welch
Thirteen Tips for Leading the Congregation in Prayer by Kevin DeYoung:
Protecting Your Pastor by Ryan Tate
Friday, March 19, 2010
Some Thoughts on Family Devotional Times
For the last couple of weeks, we have been reading The Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones, to Sophia. This will our second time through it. The back cover says the book, "tells the Story beneath all the stories of the Bible." Each chapter relates a story from the biblical narrative, and then Lloyd-Jones shows how these stories point to Jesus.
I love Sally Lloyd-Jones describes the love of God. She refers to it as his, "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love." Throughout the book she returns again and again to the phrase. I have found myself trying to memorize and repeat it. I think it captures the essence of God's love brilliantly.
I want Sophia, as she grows, to meditate long and hard on the "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love," of God. I want her to be able to see how all of Scripture points to Jesus, and The Jesus Storybook Bible is a good starting point. More importantly, I desire for her to come to faith in the Christ revealed through the Word of God.
We are still trying to hammer out family devotional time. We read the Bible story, and then pray. Our aim right now is consistency and growth. As this becomes a more important part of our time together as a family, we can add to it. Eventually, I think our family devotional times will include many elements: Bible stories, prayers, songs, Scripture memorization, catechisms, etc.
How do you do family worship? What methods and tools are you using to bring your children up in the nurture and admonish of the Lord? How are you helping your children learn about the "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love of God?"
I love Sally Lloyd-Jones describes the love of God. She refers to it as his, "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love." Throughout the book she returns again and again to the phrase. I have found myself trying to memorize and repeat it. I think it captures the essence of God's love brilliantly.
I want Sophia, as she grows, to meditate long and hard on the "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love," of God. I want her to be able to see how all of Scripture points to Jesus, and The Jesus Storybook Bible is a good starting point. More importantly, I desire for her to come to faith in the Christ revealed through the Word of God.
We are still trying to hammer out family devotional time. We read the Bible story, and then pray. Our aim right now is consistency and growth. As this becomes a more important part of our time together as a family, we can add to it. Eventually, I think our family devotional times will include many elements: Bible stories, prayers, songs, Scripture memorization, catechisms, etc.
How do you do family worship? What methods and tools are you using to bring your children up in the nurture and admonish of the Lord? How are you helping your children learn about the "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love of God?"
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Broken Beyond Repair?
Have you ever been overwhelmed by a profound sense of being broken? I'm not speaking of kind of broken spoken of by David in Psalm 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." I mean do you ever feel like you are damaged goods. Do you look at the shards of your life, and find them overwhelming.
While sitting in a meeting tonight, it hit me tonight. For a brief and intensely uncomfortable moment, I felt broken beyond repair. It felt like I was only fit for the garbage pile. I felt childhood wounds burst open with a pus-like flow of negative emotions. Memories cauterized by time were ripped open, scars, long healed, were opened anew as well. In that moment, I felt like a shattered vase.
The truth is we are all broken. You may not feel it, but you are. The whole human race is in ruins. Sin has ruined our fair race, and enslaved us to brokenness. As Paul states, "We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). We are all broken, and are only fit for destruction.
However, destruction is not the desire of God's heart. Peter states, "the Lord . . . is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9, ESV). Even though we should receive death, because of the sin in our lives, God in his grace welcomes us to come to him through Jesus Christ the Son (see Rom. 6:23). As we reflect on the brokenness sin has inflicted in our lives, it is easy to say with Paul, "Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death?" (Rom 7:24, ESV).
If we will cry out in earnestness with Paul we can share in his consolation: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 7:25-8:1, ESV).
If you feel broken beyond repair, if your emotional scars feel ragged and fresh, if you yearn to put the pieces back together, then reach out, in faith, and cling to Christ Jesus. Are you ready to place yourself in his hands and allow him to mend your brokenness? He is able to transform the shards of your life into a work of beauty.
While sitting in a meeting tonight, it hit me tonight. For a brief and intensely uncomfortable moment, I felt broken beyond repair. It felt like I was only fit for the garbage pile. I felt childhood wounds burst open with a pus-like flow of negative emotions. Memories cauterized by time were ripped open, scars, long healed, were opened anew as well. In that moment, I felt like a shattered vase.
The truth is we are all broken. You may not feel it, but you are. The whole human race is in ruins. Sin has ruined our fair race, and enslaved us to brokenness. As Paul states, "We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). We are all broken, and are only fit for destruction.
However, destruction is not the desire of God's heart. Peter states, "the Lord . . . is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9, ESV). Even though we should receive death, because of the sin in our lives, God in his grace welcomes us to come to him through Jesus Christ the Son (see Rom. 6:23). As we reflect on the brokenness sin has inflicted in our lives, it is easy to say with Paul, "Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death?" (Rom 7:24, ESV).
If we will cry out in earnestness with Paul we can share in his consolation: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 7:25-8:1, ESV).
If you feel broken beyond repair, if your emotional scars feel ragged and fresh, if you yearn to put the pieces back together, then reach out, in faith, and cling to Christ Jesus. Are you ready to place yourself in his hands and allow him to mend your brokenness? He is able to transform the shards of your life into a work of beauty.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Planning Spiritual Growth
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty" (Prov. 21:5, ESV).
Many have misunderstood James 4:13-17 to say that we shouldn't plan. In reality, James is warning against the kind of planning that leaves God out of the mix. Solomon reminds us that diligence in planning and working reap an abundant harvest. Just as diligence in the material realm produces material abundance, diligence in the spiritual realm produces spiritual abundance. If we want to see spiritual fruit our lives, we have to have a plan, and work it with diligence. As we plan our spiritual growth, we need to make sure that we aren't planning the wrong things, that we plan with the help of others, and that we submit ourselves to God's plan.
Solomon says, "Whoever plans evil will be called a schemer" (Prov. 24:8, see also Prov. 6:18; 16:30). The schemes of the wicked will never bear the kind of fruit they desire. The end of all their schemes is trouble. We cannot fake out God. He sees through the most elaborate plans of man with ease. As we plan, we need to plan in light of God's revealed Word, and not contrary to it. If we don't, we'll only destroy ourselves.
If we are going to plan our spiritual growth, we will need to do more than avoid scheming. Solomon advises, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed" (Prov. 15:22; see also Prov. 20:18). Failure to seek the advise of godly people throws a wrench in our plans. Human beings were not designed to operate alone. The Lord designed us to need social interaction. When we seek the counsel of others, it sharpens our thinking, gives us insights that, most likely, we would not have otherwise gained, and it can generate a network of supportive encouragement. We need to make our plans with the help of others.
The counsel of wise and godly friends is invaluable, but we must also seek counsel from the Lord. As we pursue our spiritual growth, we have to plan with the will of God in mind. Solomon warns, "Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand" (Prov. 19:21; See also Prov. 16:1, 3, 9). Ultimately, God's will is the only one that will prevail. David planned a temple for the Lord with great passion and in great detail, but it was not his to build. Sometimes we have great dreams we want to see come to fruition, but it is another who picks the fruit. The saying, "Lord willing," must flow naturally and freely from our hearts. Our goal in planning our spiritual growth should be to glorify the Lord.
We must become the kind of people who work and plan with diligence. The principles that guide our work life or our hobbies can and must be applied to spiritual ends. If we want to get in better shape physically, we don't just join a gym and then stay home on the couch. No, we have to go and exercise. Each day we go a little farther on the treadmill, add another flight on the stair-master, or add additional weights to our routine. If we want to get better at our job, we have to learn additional skills, and hone them to perfection. It is therefore safe to conclude that the desire to grow spiritually can only be accomplished as we learn and practice spiritual truth.
We must approach our spiritual growth plan with a simple formula: hard work + determination + perseverance = success. We need to plan the right things with the help of godly people for the glory of the Lord. As we do that, we will reap an abundant harvest. With our faith firmly anchored in the work of Christ, we take hold of the means that God has appointed to bring about spiritual growth, and we labor to the glory of the Lord. We do what God has told us to do, but we trust him to bring about the result. With that in mind, what kind of spiritual growth plan do you have? What ways will you use to draw closer to the Lord in the coming days? weeks? months? years? Do you have a plan? Are you going to follow it with diligence?
Many have misunderstood James 4:13-17 to say that we shouldn't plan. In reality, James is warning against the kind of planning that leaves God out of the mix. Solomon reminds us that diligence in planning and working reap an abundant harvest. Just as diligence in the material realm produces material abundance, diligence in the spiritual realm produces spiritual abundance. If we want to see spiritual fruit our lives, we have to have a plan, and work it with diligence. As we plan our spiritual growth, we need to make sure that we aren't planning the wrong things, that we plan with the help of others, and that we submit ourselves to God's plan.
Solomon says, "Whoever plans evil will be called a schemer" (Prov. 24:8, see also Prov. 6:18; 16:30). The schemes of the wicked will never bear the kind of fruit they desire. The end of all their schemes is trouble. We cannot fake out God. He sees through the most elaborate plans of man with ease. As we plan, we need to plan in light of God's revealed Word, and not contrary to it. If we don't, we'll only destroy ourselves.
If we are going to plan our spiritual growth, we will need to do more than avoid scheming. Solomon advises, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed" (Prov. 15:22; see also Prov. 20:18). Failure to seek the advise of godly people throws a wrench in our plans. Human beings were not designed to operate alone. The Lord designed us to need social interaction. When we seek the counsel of others, it sharpens our thinking, gives us insights that, most likely, we would not have otherwise gained, and it can generate a network of supportive encouragement. We need to make our plans with the help of others.
The counsel of wise and godly friends is invaluable, but we must also seek counsel from the Lord. As we pursue our spiritual growth, we have to plan with the will of God in mind. Solomon warns, "Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand" (Prov. 19:21; See also Prov. 16:1, 3, 9). Ultimately, God's will is the only one that will prevail. David planned a temple for the Lord with great passion and in great detail, but it was not his to build. Sometimes we have great dreams we want to see come to fruition, but it is another who picks the fruit. The saying, "Lord willing," must flow naturally and freely from our hearts. Our goal in planning our spiritual growth should be to glorify the Lord.
We must become the kind of people who work and plan with diligence. The principles that guide our work life or our hobbies can and must be applied to spiritual ends. If we want to get in better shape physically, we don't just join a gym and then stay home on the couch. No, we have to go and exercise. Each day we go a little farther on the treadmill, add another flight on the stair-master, or add additional weights to our routine. If we want to get better at our job, we have to learn additional skills, and hone them to perfection. It is therefore safe to conclude that the desire to grow spiritually can only be accomplished as we learn and practice spiritual truth.
We must approach our spiritual growth plan with a simple formula: hard work + determination + perseverance = success. We need to plan the right things with the help of godly people for the glory of the Lord. As we do that, we will reap an abundant harvest. With our faith firmly anchored in the work of Christ, we take hold of the means that God has appointed to bring about spiritual growth, and we labor to the glory of the Lord. We do what God has told us to do, but we trust him to bring about the result. With that in mind, what kind of spiritual growth plan do you have? What ways will you use to draw closer to the Lord in the coming days? weeks? months? years? Do you have a plan? Are you going to follow it with diligence?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thinking About the Great Commission
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age'" (Matt. 28:18-20, ESV).
This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission, and it is the marching orders of the Church. The Church has been given a charge to fulfill. We are to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them for the glory of Christ. But, how do we accomplish this task? I think local congregations all over are struggling with achieving this task. For most of us, it isn't not knowing what we are supposed to do, it's not knowing how to do what we are supposed to do.
First, we must go. We cannot make disciples where the gospel is not proclaimed. This "commission" was given to the apostles, but they turned around and taught to the other 109 people gathered with them in the upper room (see Acts 1-2). Although the book of Acts centers on the ministries of a few, it suggests that the work was done by the many. Christianity spread, because most, if not all, Christians were sharing their faith.
Gospel proclamation is absolutely essential to fulfilling the Great Commission. Paul states,
Second, we are to baptize them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We are to mark them out through the act of immersion which symbolizes their death, burial, and resurrection. Believers are people who have, through faith, died to their sins and have been raised to newness of life. The baptism of the believer also signifies their entry into the community of faith and covenant with God. They were dead, but now they are alive. They are sealed with the mark, "holy unto the Lord." They are his prized possession, his beloved children whom he adopted.
Third, we are to instruct them in the teachings of Christ. The commands of Christ include more than the red letters we see in the New Testament (if your Bible is a red-lettered edition). It includes everything in the Bible from the first creation to the new creation. We teach them to walk in his ways, to observe what he commanded. Christ Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, becomes their compass, their North Star. He is the fixed point by which they guide their lives. As they mature as they grown in grace and knowledge of their Lord Jesus Christ.
What would a congregation, built on and perpetuating the Great Commission, look like? The book of Acts gives us an excellent picture, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul. . . And the Lord added their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2: 42-47, ESV). The mission of every true church is to make disciples. The way that they must do this is to go, to baptize those who repent and believe, and to train them obey Christ's commands. If we do this, the Lord will add to our number those he has saved.
This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission, and it is the marching orders of the Church. The Church has been given a charge to fulfill. We are to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them for the glory of Christ. But, how do we accomplish this task? I think local congregations all over are struggling with achieving this task. For most of us, it isn't not knowing what we are supposed to do, it's not knowing how to do what we are supposed to do.
First, we must go. We cannot make disciples where the gospel is not proclaimed. This "commission" was given to the apostles, but they turned around and taught to the other 109 people gathered with them in the upper room (see Acts 1-2). Although the book of Acts centers on the ministries of a few, it suggests that the work was done by the many. Christianity spread, because most, if not all, Christians were sharing their faith.
Gospel proclamation is absolutely essential to fulfilling the Great Commission. Paul states,
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 'But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, " Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom.10:13-17, ESV).Therefore, we must go, proclaiming the gospel, before we can make disciples. In Matthew 13:1-9, Jesus teaches what has been called the "Parable of the Sower." While the parable deals with different responses to the gospel message (the seed), it is built around the concept of a sower (a gospel witness) going out spreading the seed (the word of Christ). Response is only possible where the gospel is preached. People cannot reject or accept something of which they have no knowledge. Ignorance is no excuse. They will be held accountable for their sins, and this truth adds urgency to the call to go.
Second, we are to baptize them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We are to mark them out through the act of immersion which symbolizes their death, burial, and resurrection. Believers are people who have, through faith, died to their sins and have been raised to newness of life. The baptism of the believer also signifies their entry into the community of faith and covenant with God. They were dead, but now they are alive. They are sealed with the mark, "holy unto the Lord." They are his prized possession, his beloved children whom he adopted.
Third, we are to instruct them in the teachings of Christ. The commands of Christ include more than the red letters we see in the New Testament (if your Bible is a red-lettered edition). It includes everything in the Bible from the first creation to the new creation. We teach them to walk in his ways, to observe what he commanded. Christ Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, becomes their compass, their North Star. He is the fixed point by which they guide their lives. As they mature as they grown in grace and knowledge of their Lord Jesus Christ.
What would a congregation, built on and perpetuating the Great Commission, look like? The book of Acts gives us an excellent picture, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul. . . And the Lord added their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2: 42-47, ESV). The mission of every true church is to make disciples. The way that they must do this is to go, to baptize those who repent and believe, and to train them obey Christ's commands. If we do this, the Lord will add to our number those he has saved.
Monday, March 15, 2010
FAQs Mondays an Introduction
Several years ago, I read The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter, and it really got me to thinking. Baxter went from house to house in his church field teaching the families doctrine. He did this with the help of a catechism. A catechism is basically a systematic way of teaching biblical doctrine through a series of questions and answers. Around the same time, I discovered Tom Nettles' work, Teaching Truth, Training Hearts, which contained several Baptist catechisms. These two books have convinced me of the practicality and usefulness of catechisms.
Nettles' book lists three reasons Baptists (among others) should return to use of catechisms in the instruction of new believers (as well as others). He states that history commends their usefulness, the Bible encourages their use, and that it is practical. The early church was noted for being devoted to the "apostles' doctrine." Paul and other New Testament writers passionately taught the necessity of sound doctrine and its instruction. A catechism serves as a tool to instruct believers in what the Bible teaches, in a simple question and answer format.
Catechisms can aid devotional times, as well as inform. As we learn the answers to the questions, it permits the mind to meditate upon these important truths. Catechisms help believers form clearer understanding of biblical teaching. They also enable believers to speak the same doctrinal language. It also enables church members to recognize errant thought and teaching. A theologically informed congregation will be more apt to spot false teachers. They will also reap greater benefits from sound preaching, in that they will better understanding.
I have been trying to figure out a way to make use of a catechism in my ministry for years now. I have also been struggling with writing quality content to post on my blog. So I have decided to combine the two problems into one solution: FAQs Monday. For the foreseeable future, I will post articles on questions and answers put forth from an adaptation of the Baptist Catechism. I look forward to exploring these timeless truths with you.
Nettles' book lists three reasons Baptists (among others) should return to use of catechisms in the instruction of new believers (as well as others). He states that history commends their usefulness, the Bible encourages their use, and that it is practical. The early church was noted for being devoted to the "apostles' doctrine." Paul and other New Testament writers passionately taught the necessity of sound doctrine and its instruction. A catechism serves as a tool to instruct believers in what the Bible teaches, in a simple question and answer format.
Catechisms can aid devotional times, as well as inform. As we learn the answers to the questions, it permits the mind to meditate upon these important truths. Catechisms help believers form clearer understanding of biblical teaching. They also enable believers to speak the same doctrinal language. It also enables church members to recognize errant thought and teaching. A theologically informed congregation will be more apt to spot false teachers. They will also reap greater benefits from sound preaching, in that they will better understanding.
I have been trying to figure out a way to make use of a catechism in my ministry for years now. I have also been struggling with writing quality content to post on my blog. So I have decided to combine the two problems into one solution: FAQs Monday. For the foreseeable future, I will post articles on questions and answers put forth from an adaptation of the Baptist Catechism. I look forward to exploring these timeless truths with you.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sermon Recap 3-14-10
Morning: The sermon, "He Freed Us to Serve Him," focused on 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. In this passage, reminds us that as followers of Christ, we died with Christ, and therefore sin no longer has dominion over us. Paul states, "For the love Christ controls us, because we have concluded, this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Those who live, refer to those who trust Christ. He died for all so that those who live "might no longer live for themselves." Paul states that one reason Christ died is to free us to serve him.
Evening: We studied the doctrine of the church from the Baptist Faith and Message (1963 and 2000).
Evening: We studied the doctrine of the church from the Baptist Faith and Message (1963 and 2000).
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Saturday's Seven
I am trying my hand a generating a "favorite posts of the week" list. These posts have a lot to say, and they're worth reading. The post from the Desiring God blog is a video, The"Librophiliac Love Letter: A Compendium of Beautiful Libraries" is an article containing some vary beautiful pictures. Book lovers beware, it might make you very covetous. I hope you check these out, and I hope you find them helpful.
What I Need You All To Know by Beth Embry
Adopted for Life . . . And Death by Dr. Albert Mohler
I Don't Want My Children to Be Happy from It's Almost Naptime
Growing Readers from Make a Difference to One
What Happens to Infants that Die? from Desiring God Blog.
Hard Thoughts About God--In Parenting from Sovereign Grace Ministries Blog
Librophiliac Love Letter: A Compendium of Beautiful Libraries from Curious Expeditions
What I Need You All To Know by Beth Embry
Adopted for Life . . . And Death by Dr. Albert Mohler
I Don't Want My Children to Be Happy from It's Almost Naptime
Growing Readers from Make a Difference to One
What Happens to Infants that Die? from Desiring God Blog.
Hard Thoughts About God--In Parenting from Sovereign Grace Ministries Blog
Librophiliac Love Letter: A Compendium of Beautiful Libraries from Curious Expeditions
Friday, March 12, 2010
Down and Out in Provo
I was up late working on a couple of projects last night, so I was really looking forward to sleeping in this morning. Delia had planned on taking Sophia to Cradle School today, so I was good to go. I laid there alone in bed this morning enjoying the space and the quiet. All of the sudden, Sophia burst into the room and shouted, "Mommy hurt!"
I jumped out of bed, careful not to knock Sophia over, and began slowly moving through the house. In case you weren't aware of it, I should let you know that Delia can be a prankster. As I'm drifting through the house following Sophia, I keep waiting for the punchline. I passed through the living room, and into the the kitchen and Delia is nowhere to be found. I looked in the laundry room, then peered into Sophia's room, but no trace of Delia. Just as I was about to holler, "Where are you?", I heard Delia laugh and say, "What did you tell your daddy?" I was beginning to suspect that I had been the object of a very elaborate con by my not so innocent little girl. I go over to the bathroom door where Sophia was standing (with a really big smile on her face), and from where Delia's voice was coming, and when I looked inside I found Delia on the floor. Her back had went out as she was helping Sophia go potty.
After several attempts, we were able to get her up off the floor and eventually to the chiropractor. Apparently, she had a muscle spasm, and its going to take a couple of days before she's back to being comfortable on her feet. Delia never stops amazing me. Although she was in pain this morning, she never lost her sense of humor. She has been up doing stuff, in spite of her discomfort. She refuses to quit. I am blessed to have her love and companionship in my life. Please pray that the Lord with ease her discomfort, and bring healing to her lower back. We have a two-and-a-half year old who doesn't understand why Mommy can't get up and dance or play hide and seek.
I jumped out of bed, careful not to knock Sophia over, and began slowly moving through the house. In case you weren't aware of it, I should let you know that Delia can be a prankster. As I'm drifting through the house following Sophia, I keep waiting for the punchline. I passed through the living room, and into the the kitchen and Delia is nowhere to be found. I looked in the laundry room, then peered into Sophia's room, but no trace of Delia. Just as I was about to holler, "Where are you?", I heard Delia laugh and say, "What did you tell your daddy?" I was beginning to suspect that I had been the object of a very elaborate con by my not so innocent little girl. I go over to the bathroom door where Sophia was standing (with a really big smile on her face), and from where Delia's voice was coming, and when I looked inside I found Delia on the floor. Her back had went out as she was helping Sophia go potty.
After several attempts, we were able to get her up off the floor and eventually to the chiropractor. Apparently, she had a muscle spasm, and its going to take a couple of days before she's back to being comfortable on her feet. Delia never stops amazing me. Although she was in pain this morning, she never lost her sense of humor. She has been up doing stuff, in spite of her discomfort. She refuses to quit. I am blessed to have her love and companionship in my life. Please pray that the Lord with ease her discomfort, and bring healing to her lower back. We have a two-and-a-half year old who doesn't understand why Mommy can't get up and dance or play hide and seek.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thoughts on Video Games
Video games have been a presence in my life for as long as I can remember. Atari. Nintendo. PlayStation. Now my attention has shifted to Facebook apps. When I am not careful, I catch myself mindlessly click-click-clicking the mouse button for way longer than I care to admit. In light of the challenges I face in finding time to accomplish what I need to in a given day, I often wonder why I bother. In fact, I have been trying to answer the why question for some time now. Some reasons to that come to mind are: they offer temporary escape, they demonstrate improvement in a tangible way, and in games, mistakes are not fatal.
The Great Escape
There are times were almost all of us want a temporary escape from reality. Some find it by putting on a pair of earphones and letting music drown the world around them. Others get lost in the lives and landscapes of other worlds they discover in books. Some people zap their cares away with video games. The momentary respites from the stresses of everyday life are healthy coping mechanisms. However, they can become unhealthy if we overindulge. When we find it harder and harder to abandon our escape and return to the responsibilities of life, we can be sure that we are in too deep.
Leveling Up
Another reason I play games is because they permit me to see improvement in a tangible way. It isn’t always easy to see growth in everyday life. Maturity is very difficult to quantify, but characters in video games show progress by leveling up. If I start out on level one, and in a matter of days I’m at level 100, it feels like an achievement. Putting your clothes in the hamper, without your wife reminding you to do so, doesn’t come with the same feeling. Compared to real life, with its continual ebb and flow, video games offer a seductive simplistic approach to understanding personal improvement.
Resume Play
Closely related to the idea of tangible growth, video games operate under the assumption that failure is not fatal. Making a mistake in a video game may cost your character energy, money, or even its digital life, but you can always continue the game. “Game over,” to my knowledge, has never really been game over. It’s really more of like a “sessions over.” I have never heard of a video game that permanently locked a player out for failing to advance. No, they get to start over, again and again. For a person who fears failure, this is an alluring enticement.
Summary
It turns out I play video games so that my mind can return, refreshed and renewed through temporary reassignment, to the task of solving real world problems. Although I have to be careful not to overindulge in escapism, I have learned some things from playing video games. I have learned that leveling up in life is more difficult and more rewarding, than leveling up in a game. A character in a game is unaware of his achievements, but if we will continually reflect on our lives, we will see the pattern of growth in them. I also learned that most failure is not fatal. The Lord grants us the opportunity to do things over, if we will cease them. The most dangerous mistakes are the ones we don’t learn from, and the ones we don’t make because we don’t do anything.
How do you escape the worries of your day? Do you do it in a healthy manner? How do you measure growth in your life? In other words, how do you know if you are leveling up? What mistakes have you learned the most from? How have you put those lessons into practice?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Walk in Integrity
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out" (Prov. 10:9, ESV).
There is no escaping the eye of the Lord. There is no way to slip into sin unnoticed. Sure our friends and family might not immediately notice the drift in our lives, but God sees. This verse reminds us of this important truth. The only way to have an easy conscience (that isn't seared by sin) is to walk in integrity.
Integrity is moral soundness. Integrity is moral soundness of the whole person. The author of Proverbs isn't concerned with making moralistic people, but making followers of the Lord. Proverbs appears to be written to train individuals to walk in "the fear of the LORD." Walking in the fear of the Lord refers to living in reverential obedience to the revealed will of God. Thus, to walk in integrity is to walk in reverential obedience to the Lord.
To walk in integrity is to walk securely, that is to walk with confidence. We can be confident that God accepts us because we are doing what he has told us pleases him. We can walk with confidence in the knowledge that he will forgive us of our unrighteousness, if we will confess and repent.
However, no confidence exists for those whose way is crooked. More specifically, those who go out of their way to make their ways crooked will be exposed. Their sins will eventually come out. All of their stealth and planning will come to nothing. On an instinctive level, they sense this.
They move about waiting for the other shoe to drop. They are always watching over their shoulders, wondering if they will get caught. As time wears on, they mistake the patience of God for blindness, and they begin to let their guard down. They start to settle into their crookedness with ease. They may even begin to think they will never be discovered.
Sometimes their hearts convince them that they are the cleverest individual to ever live. Their consciences are dull with misuse. As they continue on in their sin, their hearts get harder and harder. They begin to walk in confidence, only it is a false confidence. They move about as if they were untouchable. Then, in a moment the bottom falls out, and they are caught. Then there are press conferences to acknowledge guilt, or tell-all books to expose and expunge their misdeeds. Some individuals slip under the radar for years, some even for a lifetime, but rest assured, God will not let sin go unpunished.
What about you? Are you walking in integrity? Is your confidence in the Lord's ability to enable you to live for his good pleasure? Or are you confident you won't get caught?
There is no escaping the eye of the Lord. There is no way to slip into sin unnoticed. Sure our friends and family might not immediately notice the drift in our lives, but God sees. This verse reminds us of this important truth. The only way to have an easy conscience (that isn't seared by sin) is to walk in integrity.
Integrity is moral soundness. Integrity is moral soundness of the whole person. The author of Proverbs isn't concerned with making moralistic people, but making followers of the Lord. Proverbs appears to be written to train individuals to walk in "the fear of the LORD." Walking in the fear of the Lord refers to living in reverential obedience to the revealed will of God. Thus, to walk in integrity is to walk in reverential obedience to the Lord.
To walk in integrity is to walk securely, that is to walk with confidence. We can be confident that God accepts us because we are doing what he has told us pleases him. We can walk with confidence in the knowledge that he will forgive us of our unrighteousness, if we will confess and repent.
However, no confidence exists for those whose way is crooked. More specifically, those who go out of their way to make their ways crooked will be exposed. Their sins will eventually come out. All of their stealth and planning will come to nothing. On an instinctive level, they sense this.
They move about waiting for the other shoe to drop. They are always watching over their shoulders, wondering if they will get caught. As time wears on, they mistake the patience of God for blindness, and they begin to let their guard down. They start to settle into their crookedness with ease. They may even begin to think they will never be discovered.
Sometimes their hearts convince them that they are the cleverest individual to ever live. Their consciences are dull with misuse. As they continue on in their sin, their hearts get harder and harder. They begin to walk in confidence, only it is a false confidence. They move about as if they were untouchable. Then, in a moment the bottom falls out, and they are caught. Then there are press conferences to acknowledge guilt, or tell-all books to expose and expunge their misdeeds. Some individuals slip under the radar for years, some even for a lifetime, but rest assured, God will not let sin go unpunished.
What about you? Are you walking in integrity? Is your confidence in the Lord's ability to enable you to live for his good pleasure? Or are you confident you won't get caught?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Love Is A Good Thing
I recently had the privilege of hearing Andrew Peterson sing live at the Adopting for Life Conference. During one of the sessions he sang the song, "Love Is a Good Thing." The song captured my heart. As I sat there listening to him sing, I couldn't help thinking about Delia, Ellie, and Sophia. As I thought of my family, I realized how truly blessed I am. When I couldn't find a video for the song on Youtube, I got the idea to make this video. I hope you enjoy it.
For more information concerning Andrew Peterson's music visit andrew-peterson.com.
For more information concerning Andrew Peterson's music visit andrew-peterson.com.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Content with God
"Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the Lord who is among you and have wept before him saying, 'Why did we come out of Egypt?'" (Num. 11:18-20, ESV).
The attitudes of our hearts reveal a world of information. It is never just "things" with which we are displeased. If someone gives us a "crappy" gift, we grumble. We say things like: "how could they have given me that?," "this just shows how little they know me," etc. We fuss and complain.
This account reminds us that grumbling has serious consequences. And I don't just mean grumbling out loud has consequences. The grumbling of the lips is little more than the heart's attempt at voicing its opinion without being heard. If they can't prove I said it, they can't do anything about it.
Israel was whining because they only had manna to eat for a time. The precious bread from heaven had lost its flavor for them. They wanted something more. The preferred the slave master's stew, to the King of heaven's bread. They were yearning for what they left behind, because they believed it to be greater than what they had received.
It wasn't their tongues that were displeased with manna, it was their hearts that were displeased with God. They had come to believe that the Lord wasn't worthy of the journey. He was costing them too much, with too little of a pay off.
In the end, their grumbling cost them dearly. The meat that they used as an excuse for their displeasure with God was forced upon them. They had to eat it and eat it until it was running out of their noses. This "pleasure" became a burden.
Have you ever found yourself dissatisfied with what the Lord has given you? Are you content with his provision? Do you believe the Lord is good and just and merciful? Or do you believe that he asks too much of you, and gives too little in return? If you find yourself grumbling about the things in your life, take warning. It could always be worse. Just as the Israelites discovered, you had better be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.
The attitudes of our hearts reveal a world of information. It is never just "things" with which we are displeased. If someone gives us a "crappy" gift, we grumble. We say things like: "how could they have given me that?," "this just shows how little they know me," etc. We fuss and complain.
This account reminds us that grumbling has serious consequences. And I don't just mean grumbling out loud has consequences. The grumbling of the lips is little more than the heart's attempt at voicing its opinion without being heard. If they can't prove I said it, they can't do anything about it.
Israel was whining because they only had manna to eat for a time. The precious bread from heaven had lost its flavor for them. They wanted something more. The preferred the slave master's stew, to the King of heaven's bread. They were yearning for what they left behind, because they believed it to be greater than what they had received.
It wasn't their tongues that were displeased with manna, it was their hearts that were displeased with God. They had come to believe that the Lord wasn't worthy of the journey. He was costing them too much, with too little of a pay off.
In the end, their grumbling cost them dearly. The meat that they used as an excuse for their displeasure with God was forced upon them. They had to eat it and eat it until it was running out of their noses. This "pleasure" became a burden.
Have you ever found yourself dissatisfied with what the Lord has given you? Are you content with his provision? Do you believe the Lord is good and just and merciful? Or do you believe that he asks too much of you, and gives too little in return? If you find yourself grumbling about the things in your life, take warning. It could always be worse. Just as the Israelites discovered, you had better be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sermon Recap 3-7-10
Morning: The sermon, "He Became a Curse," looked at Galatians 3:10-14. In this passage, Paul explains that attempts to work our way into God's pleasure ultimately fail, because we are incapable of doing enough. We have all fallen short of God's glory, and therefore, we need to be rescued. Paul demonstrates from Scripture that the curse of God's wrath abides on us because we have failed to keep all of the law. He then reminds us that Jesus absorbed the full wrath of God, for the sins of the world, upon the cross. He took our curse upon himself, so that the favor of God might rest upon us. Thus, we are now acceptable to the Father, through faith in the Son.
Evening: We had our monthly business meeting.
Evening: We had our monthly business meeting.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Odds and Ends
Here is a list of updates you might have missed:
- I have (finally) updated Sophia's slideshow. I have reduced the number of infant pictures and added pictures from the last year. I have also put them in random order to keep it fresh.
- The "Search This Blog" link at the top of the right column allows you to search the Burning Word's archives.
- The "Subscribe Here" link in the right column allows you to subscribe to the Burning Word's RSS feed. You can subscribe to the posts, or comments (if I ever get any), or both.
- I try to keep an active "What I Am Reading" list going. I try and post links to bookstores (primarily Amazon.com and www.wtsbooks.com), so the books are easier to find should you be interested in reading them yourself. Please check out the links. I'm a blog partner with WTSbookstore, so if you check out the links, I might get a coupon.
- I have also added a NetworkedBlogs widget that allows you to follow my blog on Facebook. There were already links for following me on Google Friends and Twitter.
- Following The Burning Word through Google Friend Connect, NetworkedBlogs, or both. If you are already following my blog, thank you.
- Telling your friends, family, church family, mail deliverer, waiter/waitress, gas station attendant, or anyone you think might be helped by the content. I greatly appreciate it.
- Entering into a dialog with me. Feedback is one of the best ways to learn and grow. It makes for a better writer, which makes for a better blog. Of course, I reserve the right not to publish comments I don't believe to be helpful.
- Praying for me. I struggle with writer's blog quite often, and a poor time manager. Please, ask the Lord to help me write with clarity and insight. Also, when you pray, ask the Lord to help me maintain my focus and remember my purpose.
Friday, March 5, 2010
A Word on Prayer
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote:
Hmmm. Ouch! These words have been a thorn in my side for nearly a week. They just keep digging deeper and deeper in. Have have met very few people that feel they pray enough, and those who have thought so, were sorely mistaken. Pray for me, that I would give prayer the attention my ministry mandates.
The minister who does not earnestly pray over his work must surely be a vain and conceited man. He acts as if he thought himself sufficient of himself, and therefore needed not to appeal to God. Yet what a baseless pride to conceive that our preaching can ever be in itself so powerful that if can turn men from their sins, and bring them to God without the working of the Holy Ghost. If we are truly humble-minded we shall not venture down to the fight until the Lord of Hosts has clothed us will all power, and said to us, "Go in this thy might." The preacher who neglects to pray much must be very careless about his ministry. He cannot have computed the value of a soul, or estimated the meaning of eternity.
Hmmm. Ouch! These words have been a thorn in my side for nearly a week. They just keep digging deeper and deeper in. Have have met very few people that feel they pray enough, and those who have thought so, were sorely mistaken. Pray for me, that I would give prayer the attention my ministry mandates.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Keep Watch Over Your Heart
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life" (Prov. 4:23, ESV).
Although I preached a sermon on this verse over a year ago, I think I am only beginning to grasp its significance. Each passing day, I find this verse's relevance growing more and more.
I am learning that there is never a moment when we can let our guard down. We can never take a vacation day where our heart is concerned. We must continually keep vigil over our heart. Given the opportunity the heart would mutiny, and sell us into slavery. We must keep watch.
If we allow our heart to turn to its own way, we poison our life. The heart is the wellspring of life. From out of the stores of the heart the mouth speaks. If we are not careful, our heart can be swept away by any number of enemies: lust, covetousness, hatred, complacency, apathy, rebellion, laziness, self-worship, addiction, etc.
The heart is susceptible to many attacks. We all have weakened defenses. We must all be on our guard. Are you vigilantly watching your heart to ensure that you remain loyal to the Lord? The only way we can succeed at guarding our hearts is to ask God to enable us to guard it and to keep us watchful. Friends, keep watch over your hearts.
Although I preached a sermon on this verse over a year ago, I think I am only beginning to grasp its significance. Each passing day, I find this verse's relevance growing more and more.
I am learning that there is never a moment when we can let our guard down. We can never take a vacation day where our heart is concerned. We must continually keep vigil over our heart. Given the opportunity the heart would mutiny, and sell us into slavery. We must keep watch.
If we allow our heart to turn to its own way, we poison our life. The heart is the wellspring of life. From out of the stores of the heart the mouth speaks. If we are not careful, our heart can be swept away by any number of enemies: lust, covetousness, hatred, complacency, apathy, rebellion, laziness, self-worship, addiction, etc.
The heart is susceptible to many attacks. We all have weakened defenses. We must all be on our guard. Are you vigilantly watching your heart to ensure that you remain loyal to the Lord? The only way we can succeed at guarding our hearts is to ask God to enable us to guard it and to keep us watchful. Friends, keep watch over your hearts.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Reasons to Pray
Psalm 86:1-17 is said to be "a prayer of David." As we look at this prayer of David, we are able to see several reasons to pray. We need to pray because:
- We are poor and needy (see Ps. 86:1). Most likely, David is speaking about his spiritual poverty and his need for grace. Even if he were speaking solely of his physical or material poverty, it could still be applied to his spiritual condition.
- We are devoted to the Lord (see Ps. 86:2a). The Lord has set us apart for his own purposes. We are his prized possession.
- We are his trusting servants (see Ps. 86:2b-3). We continually cry out to the Lord, because we know him to be the kind of God who hears his people, and responds to them. Perseverance in prayer is the result of an abiding trust in God.
- We want to experience a greater joy (see Ps. 86:4). The Lord is the source of our joy.
- He is forgiving, good, and abounding in love (see Ps. 86:5). These three attributes overlap each other. God's forgiveness is available because he is abounding in love and good.
- He will answer (see Ps. 86:6-7). God delights in answering the prayers of his saints. He desires to bring about his purposes in their lives.
- There is no god like him (see Ps. 86:8). God continually reminds his people, through his prophets, that all other gods are false idols. They are worthless because they cannot see, speak, act, hear, etc.
- We want to see God glorified (see Ps. 86:9-10). One of the central desires in all our prayers should be the glory of God. We were placed here to reflect God's glory. We should desire to make his name known among the nations.
- That we may learn to fear him (see Ps. 86:11). David asks the Lord to teach so that he may walk in his truth. This request is parallel to the request for a unified heart. Fear of the Lord is reverential living that seeks to honor God through obedience.
- He has delivered us, in love, from death (see Ps. 86:12-13). God delivered us from the wages of sin, by punishing our sin in Christ Jesus upon the cross. God delivers us from death, through Christ, because he loves us.
- We are under attack (see Ps. 86:14). David is writing about wicked men who are seeking to destroy him, but our war is not against flesh and blood. We are under attack from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
- He is who he is (see Ps. 86:15). Reflecting on the Lord's revelation to Moses, David reminds us of who God truly is. He is the merciful and gracious one, who is slow to anger and abounding in love. Prayer is the natural response to God's nature.
- For the strength to serve (see Ps. 86:16). We need the Lord's enabling if we are accomplish the tasks he has set out for us.
- That we would be vindicated (see Ps. 86:17). The goal of David's request was for a humbling of his enemies. Without humility they stand in jeopardy, because "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
So here is a list of reasons you should pray. If you don't pray, can you honestly say you've got one good reason not to? What other reasons to pray can you think of?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
His Steadfast Love
"Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" (Ps. 44:26, ESV).
In difficult circumstances it is important that we remember the source of our greatest hope: the steadfast love of the Lord. His love is unstoppable. It can't be broken down, worn out, or exhausted. His love is by its nature (and his nature) unending.
When we find ourselves in these situations, we need to continue to revisit the steadfast love of the Lord. In numerous places in the Scriptures, we see the people of God reminding themselves of his past faithfulness. The reason they did this is because they knew that God is unchanging. His nature stays consistent.
Many view God as capricious. They assume God acts without rhyme or reason, but this is just not true. God is infinitely wise and holy. He is slow to anger and abounding in love, and because of this love he redeems us.
The Psalmist in his hour of need cried out to God, "Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" We, too, can have such confidence in God's steadfast love. God's love is as unbreakable as his word--he cannot lie, nor can he deny his own nature. His love must always remain steadfast, because that is his nature. He desires to redeem his people. He stoops down to hear their prayers, and delights in answering them.
He has redeemed his people through Jesus Christ the Lord. He has bought them back from their slavery to sin. Jesus received the full wages of our sin, by dying in our place. He bore the wrath of God, and was forsaken so that we might be received. Christ's death and resurrection are the certain proof of God's enduring love (see Rom. 5:8).
Are you in a difficult circumstance? Are you desperate for God to come and rescue you? Are you resting in his steadfast love? Are you confident of the fact that no matter what the circumstances, he loves you? I encourage you to entrust yourself to his steadfast love. It's strong enough to withstand more than you can imagine.
In difficult circumstances it is important that we remember the source of our greatest hope: the steadfast love of the Lord. His love is unstoppable. It can't be broken down, worn out, or exhausted. His love is by its nature (and his nature) unending.
When we find ourselves in these situations, we need to continue to revisit the steadfast love of the Lord. In numerous places in the Scriptures, we see the people of God reminding themselves of his past faithfulness. The reason they did this is because they knew that God is unchanging. His nature stays consistent.
Many view God as capricious. They assume God acts without rhyme or reason, but this is just not true. God is infinitely wise and holy. He is slow to anger and abounding in love, and because of this love he redeems us.
The Psalmist in his hour of need cried out to God, "Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" We, too, can have such confidence in God's steadfast love. God's love is as unbreakable as his word--he cannot lie, nor can he deny his own nature. His love must always remain steadfast, because that is his nature. He desires to redeem his people. He stoops down to hear their prayers, and delights in answering them.
He has redeemed his people through Jesus Christ the Lord. He has bought them back from their slavery to sin. Jesus received the full wages of our sin, by dying in our place. He bore the wrath of God, and was forsaken so that we might be received. Christ's death and resurrection are the certain proof of God's enduring love (see Rom. 5:8).
Are you in a difficult circumstance? Are you desperate for God to come and rescue you? Are you resting in his steadfast love? Are you confident of the fact that no matter what the circumstances, he loves you? I encourage you to entrust yourself to his steadfast love. It's strong enough to withstand more than you can imagine.
Nothing to Say
Andrew Peterson - Nothing to Say from Michael Geertsma on Vimeo.
Sometimes its just difficult to find the right words to say. Although it doesn't appear that is the case with Andrew Peterson. You should really check out his music, and no, I'm not getting paid to say that.
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