FAQs Mondays: What other benefits come from being in Christ?

"FAQs Mondays" is an ongoing series of posts based on an adaptation of The Baptist Catechism.  You can view the original documents from which it is drawn: here, here, and here.  The most recent posts include: "What Is the Work of the Redeemer", "How Is Redemption Applied", and "What Are the Benefits of Effectual Calling".  The previous post explored the benefits of effectual calling during this life.  This post will explore the benefits of being in Christ that extend beyond this life.

What benefits do believers receive from Christ at Death?

At death the souls of believers are made perfect in holiness, and immediately pass into glory.  Their bodies rest in their graves until the resurrection. The author of Hebrews reminds us, "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect" (Heb. 12:22-23, ESV).  Paul states, "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep" (1 Thes. 4:14, ESV). The realities that await us beyond this life are great enough to provoke a deep yearning within (see Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:8; Job 19:25-27).

What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection?

At the resurrection, believers are raised up in glory; they shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.  Jesus said, "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 10:32, ESV).  Paul states, "So it is with the resurrection of the dead.  What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable" (1 Cor. 15:42, ESV).  Again Paul explains, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20, ESV).  Also consider: 1 John 3:2 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Conclusion

Being in Christ is of great value, in this life and the next.  The realities of life in Christ generate gratitude and praise from his followers.  But what happens to those who are not in Christ?  We will seek to answer that question next Monday.

Sermon Recap 5-30-10

Morning: The sermon, "A Message for Employees and Employers," expounded upon Ephesians 6:5-9:

 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.  Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.  Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.  And masters, treat your slaves in the same way.  Do no threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him (Eph. 6:5-9, NIV).

Paul is speaking to a context where slavery was fairly common.  Slaves were people who hired themselves out to a benefactor for some reason (like debt or education), or they were people who had been forced to work for another person for some reason (like war, ect.).  Social contracts where an individual agrees to work for a certain amount of money are similar enough to situation Paul describes that we can draw out some important implications.

First, in light of the gospel, we need to realize the there is more at stake than a paycheck.  The way in which we live our lives either confirms the gospel or it denies it.  We might not ever consider saying the gospel isn't affective with our mouth, but if we fail to live out the good news we might practically deny it by our actions.  We labor because work is part of God's good creation.  We labor because our Father is always at work, and we are trying to follow his example.  We labor because in doing so, for the glory of God, we are rewarded.

Second, we have to work as if we are working for the Lord.  We may serve a person or corporation that couldn't care less about us.  However, the reality is that God, in his providence, has provide us with that job opportunity.  Ultimately, we work for him.

Third, we have to work with a sincere heart.  Our labor should be about making us look better.  It should be about glorifying God through our obedient service. We should not just play the part when someone is looking, rather we should work hard whether we get noticed our not.  We must also work with an undivided heart.  We work wholeheartedly when we work with enthusiasm and focus.

Fourth, we must give respect where it is due.  Thus, we should respect and honor our earthly voices, because they reflect the glory of the Creator.  We walk in fear--fear that we might dishonor Christ through laziness or inability.  As we grow in ability and skill, reflect God's glory back into the world.

Fifth, Employers should treat their workers in the same way.  Paul reminds employers that those under their charge are really God's servants.  He also reminds employers that they too are God's servants.  God is not a respecter of persons.  He gives to each what his work deserves.

Finally, we need to labor hard for the glory of God.  God created us to work, and through that work he will bring forth his glory.  We need to be the best at what God has called us to, so that we might honor him.  Employees--work hard.  Employers-- take care of those who work for you.  Any thing less and Christ's glory is diminished. 

Evening: (5 pm) We had our last VBS clinic tonight centered on the question: "What to I do now?"  (6 pm) We looked a Philippians 4:4-9.  In this passage, Paul urges us to live out the gospel with joy, gentleness, an abiding knowledge of God's real presence, prayerfulness, and gratitude.  He also urges us to strive for purity of mind.

Saturday's Seven 5-29-10

Here are some faith stirring, thought provoking articles to help you in the week ahead:

"A Black Cat in a Dark Room--Are Theologians Really Saying Anything?" by Albert Mohler. An excellent article on the place of theology.

"Has Man Created Life?" by Albert Mohler.  A reminder not to believe the hype behind recent scientific studies.

"Weakness" by Ray Ortlund. God is not undone by our weakness, but is an ever-present Help.

"Straight Talk to Church Members about Their Pastors" by Thom Rainer.  This contains some good advice for church members.

"Alert to Spiritual Warfare" by Jerry Rankin.  As a former missionary and former President of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Jerry Rankin has been on the front lines of spiritual warfare.  This article reflects that.

"The Eyes of Angels and the Face of My Father" by Greg Lucas.  Greg Lucas rights some of the most touching and faith stirring posts I've read.  I find they often break my heart, challenge me, and lead me to pray of Greg and his family. 


"Great Commission Giving and the Annual Church Profile" by Ronnie Floyd.  I think this article helps to clarify some of what the GCR taskforce's recommendations really means.

The Problem with Consciences

You have probably heard the song, "Give a Little Whistle." Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio sang it in Disney's Pinocchio. The last line of the song states, "And always let your conscience be your guide."  At face value, this statement sounds like sage advice.  However, a closer look at Jiminy Cricket reveals he was a pretty defective conscience.

Jiminy had an eye for the ladies, and ogles them throughout the movie.  Not only is he unable to articulate a clear definition of temptation, he continually loses sight of Pinocchio just long enough for the puppet to get himself into danger.  Jiminy's weaknesses help to explain why Pinocchio was able to get into so much trouble--his conscience was his guide.

Whether intentional or not, Disney was able to capture the human predicament.  We are creatures who at our cores understand that an external "ought" exists which presses its demands on us.  The concept of right and wrong is deeply ingrained into the human experience in almost every culture.  While we may not be able to perceive our transgressions against others, we unmistakably know when we are transgressed against, and we often become enraged at such injustice.  As Paul says, "They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them" (Rom. 2:15).

The truth is our consciences are defective.  Our consciences are quite adept at permitting us to wander off, and then chastising us for wandering.  Sometimes our conscience are unclear as to what is and what is not right or wrong.  The conscience can be heavily influenced by outside forces, or misdirected by personal desires.

If we always let our conscience be our guide, we will find ourselves in as much trouble as the young Pinocchio.  We need a better way.  The author of Hebrews said, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10:22).  How do we overcome a defective conscience?  We overcome defective consciences by drawing near to Christ in faith through the experience of regeneration.  As we draw closer to Christ in faith, the Spirit informs our consciences by the Word of God.  So "when you get in trouble and you don't know right from wrong," always let the Scripture be your guide.

Two Signs You Might Be a Bad Parent

When you want to adopt, you give up all your privacy.  Government agency look into every nook and cranny of your life.  They know if you have been naughty or nice, and usually deny you a child if you've been naughty (rightfully so).  For the most part, you really have to want to be a parent to push through the paperwork, intrusions, and red tape.  I have often wondered what would happen if every person had to go through this kind of screening before they were allowed to have any children.

Have you ever wondered how your parenting skills rate?  While there may be room for improvement in our parenting technique, we are probably not as bad as we imagine.  Remember to love your children, pray for them, and teach them to follow the Lord. Here are two video clips that demonstrate parental failure.  If you have done something similar to this, repent.


Crazy Parents Let Baby Wrestle Cobra - Watch more Funny Videos


Two-Year Old Toddler Smokes Cigarettes - Watch more Funny Videos

Moral: never let your child wrestle with a venomous snake and never let your 2 year old smoke.  It's just bad. 

Praise the Lord

"Praise the Lord! Blessed it the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments" (Ps. 112:1).

The person who fears the Lord is blessed.  The second part of this statement suggests that fearing the Lord is the same as greatly delighting in his commands.  Those who dwell in the favor of the Lord delight in doing his will.  Those who delight in doing his will dwell in his favor.

The natural response to the reality of blessing should be praise. The Lord is infinitely worthy of praise.  Everyday he pours out blessings in abundance.  We should desire to make his name known both far and wide.  We should continually recite his works, on our behalves, to ourselves and others.

Psalm 112 expresses several ways in which we are blessed.  The righteous are perpetually fruitful (2-3).  They experience good (4-6).  They have no reason to fear for they will ultimately triumph (7-8).  They will frustrate their enemies (9-10).

The righteous experience a perpetual fruitfulness, because their faith is contagious.  They train their children to walk with the Lord, and often their children continue to walk with him.  Their children in turn teach their children and the pattern is perpetuated.  Often the righteous a blessed with more than enough, which they willingly share.  Because of their character, their memory influence future generations.

The experience good even in hardship.  Hardship comes to shape and mold, but it cannot destroy.   God tends carefully to us, so that we are not cast down.  The dark night may descend, but the Lord's grace will cause the morning to dawn on us.  Because God is good, good things come about in our lives.  Because good things happen to us, we do good to others.  Because we do good to others, God showers goodness in our lives.  He is the source of all good things.

When we fix our mind on the Lord, on his steadfast and trustworthy nature, we have no reason to fear, because nothing can overcome us.  Satan may besiege us.  Heartache set in.  Difficulties might come in droves.  But God still holds us.  He will not let us be plucked from his hand.  He will not let us slip out of it.  We are his, and he loves us dearly.

In the end, we will see the frustration of our enemies.  Those who rail against the cross of Christ, and who despise the gospel, want to see us pushed from the world, but they cannot overcome us.  They want fame, but the name above every name will one day appear in the clouds.  The want power, but Christ is coming with power.  They want wealth, but Jesus owns it all.  The wants of the wicked will come to nothing.

Our King be praised for his kingdom cannot be overthrown.  Our King be praised because he has caused us to triumph in Christ.  Our King be praised because he has showered us with good things.  Our King be praised because he has made us fruitful forever.  His name be praise.  Praise the Lord.

Defending Walls

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls" (Prov. 25:28).

In the ancient world walls were the best defense against invasion.  If a city planned wisely and their walls were strong, they could hold off an enemy indefinitely.  However, once the wall was breached the outcome was determined by those who had greater strength, better weapons, and more skill.  Without a wall, a city was wide open to attack.  There was nowhere to run to and nowhere to hide.

Thus, the analogy is drawn.  A man without self-control is defenseless.  He is wide open for attack.  People that lack self-control are easily manipulated.  They are like lambs to the slaughter.

The Scripture uses various images for the forces of darkness--lions, wolves, locusts, hordes, etc.  Each image is meant to flesh out the dangers posed by demonic forces.  These forces pose a real threat to our lives.  They hunt.  They seek to devour.

If we are not able to keep watch, they will maul us with their malevolence. Catching us off guard, they will pounce.  Solomon's warning strikes home.  Without self-control we are defenseless against them.  There is nothing we can do.


Self-control is not a natural reality.  Although, some individuals are able to control themselves to a much higher degree than others, none of us is always in complete control.  Paul tells us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.  Which means that genuine self-control is a supernatural reality.  God must work it in us.


The good news is that through Christ Jesus, we are indwelt by the Spirit and self-control is part of our new nature.  A believer may grieve the Spirit during the process of growing in self-control, or he may quench the Spirit, but if the Spirit is present self-control will follow.  By the Spirit's power, we should begin to see more and more of our attitudes, thoughts, and actions coming under the Spirit's sanctifying presence.


If you are overcome by anger, or given to laziness, or prone to exaggeration, etc., then you need to realize your defenses are down.  The enemy is on the march.  He is rapidly approaching, if he hasn't already set siege to your life.  By the grace of God, erect the walls of self-control around your life, and find in him your hiding place.

FAQs Mondays: What Are the Benefits of Effectual Calling?

"FAQs Mondays" is an ongoing series of posts based on an adaptation of The Baptist Catechism.  You can view the original documents from which it is drawn: here, here, and here.  Previous posts include: "the Introduction", "What Is the Chief End of Man?", "Who Is God?", "What is the Word?", "What is God?",  "How Does God Work within His Creation?", "What Went Wrong?", "Was That the End of the Story?", "What Is the Work of the Redeemer", and "How Is Redemption Applied". Last week, we looked how redemption was applied.  Redemption is applied to the believer through the effectual calling of the Holy Spirit.  But what are the benefits of that calling?

What benefits do those who are effectually called receive in this life?

Those who are effectually called receive in this life justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life accompany or flow from them. Paul summarizes it this way:

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.  What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?(Rom 8:30-32)

We are also predestined to adoption (see Gal 3:26; Eph. 1:5), sanctified (see 1 Cor. 6:11), and many other benefits (see 1 Cor 1:30).  Thus, effectual calling brings us into the blessings set apart for us in Christ Jesus.

What is justification?

Justification is an act of God's free grace, by which he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. Contrasting Christ's work to Adam's sin, Paul explains, "For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous" (Rom. 5:19).  Thus, justification is a grace gift (see Rom. 3:24, Gal. 2:16), that provides forgiveness through Christ's blood (see Eph. 1:7), and gives us Christ's righteousness (see Phil. 3:9)Paul states, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21).  

What is adoption?

Adoption is an act of God's free grace, by which we are received into the company of God's children and have a right to all the privileges of his sons.  John explains, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God" (John 1:12).  John exclaims, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called the children of God; and so we are" (1 John 3:1)!  Paul states,

For all those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoptions as sons, by whom we cry out, "Abba! Father!  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provide we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him (Rom. 8:14-18).

What is sanctification?

Sanctification is the work of God's free grace by which we are renewed in the whole person after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. Paul, expressing gratitude for the work of God in the life of the saints in Thessalonica , states "But we ought always give thanks for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth" (2 Thes 2:13).  Sanctification is the process through which the Spirit changes us as we mature in the Lord.  Paul states, "And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness"  (Eph. 4:23-24).  We accomplish this by counting ourselves dead to sin (see Rom. 6:11).

What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, fellowship with Christ, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, the privilege of prayer, and perseverance therein to the end.  Consider these passages: Romans 5:1-5, 14:17; Proverbs 4:18; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 5:13; 1 Corinthians 1:9; and John 15:7.

Conclusion

The benefits of effectual calling are many.  They all spring from God's gracious nature, through his gracious provision, in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Next week, we will answer the question, "What other benefits come from being in Christ?"

Sermon Recap 5-23-10

Morning:  The sermon, "A Message for Parents," explored Ephesians 6:4.  In this passage, Paul gives gospel-centered parents two tasks.

Task one is stated in the negative: do not exasperate your children.  Christian parents should not provoke their children to anger.  Some of the things that parents might do to anger their children include: neglecting them, showing favoritism, injustice, brutality, unrealistic expectation, failing to remember a child's inexperience and immaturity, etc.  Children who are frustrated in these ways find it difficult to follow in the faith of their parents.

The second task is stated in the positive: bring up your children in the training and instruction of the Lord. We are to teach our children the law of the Lord, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the doctrines of the faith.  We are train them by example, instruction, and discipline.

When we do this, we imitate the heavenly Father, who is the pattern all parents are to seek to follow.

Evening: At 5 pm we had VBS clinic for day four.  We looked at the Scriptures to be used in answering the question: "How can I be like Jesus?".  At 6 pm we looked at Philippians 2:5-11, where Paul urges us to imitate Christ's great humility.

Saturday's Seven 5-22-10

Here are some articles worthy of consideration.

"The Headship of Christ" by Thabiti Anyabwile.

"Renewing the Great Commission" by Michael Horton.

"Leading by Silence" by David Murray.

"Scientifically, Nothing Should Exist" by Gene Veith.

"How Can I Prepare My Heart to Visit Someone in the Hospital" by Brian Croft.

"The Glory of Plodding" by Kevin DeYoung.

"Wilberforce and Goofing Off" by Ray Ortlund.

An Action Plan for Reading to Children

Do you read to your children or grandchildren?  I recently picked up a copy of Bernice E. Cullinan's Read to Me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read.  This book explores the importance of reading to children and offers practical advice on how to raise children who love to read (as the subtitle would indicate).  In chapter 3, she suggests some ideas on where to get a start on reading to children.

Consider these tips:

1. Keep books on hand.
2. Choose good books your child will like.
3. Set a special time for reading.
4. Read at bedtime.
5. Don't panic if you miss a day.
6. Read twenty minutes a day.
7. Talk about the story as you read.
8. Mention the author and illustrator.
9. Get others in on the reading act.
10. Share your reactions to books you read.
11. If you can't answer a child's question, look up the answer in a book.

These tips offers an easy way to create a lifelong love of reading for your children.  Delia and I are trying hard to instill such a love in Sophia.  We want her to grow up loving to read.  There are many benefits to reading to our children.  It lengthens their attention span, it helps to them to become better readers, and it gives you an opportunity to bond with them. And these are just a few of the benefits.  I hope you will make time to read to your children or grandchildren.  It will bless them in more ways than you can count.

Esteeming the Anointed

"But David said to Abishai, 'Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD's anointed and be guiltless'" (1 Sam. 26:9).


1 Samuel 26:1-25 relates another instance where Saul is pursuing David to kill him.  Again the Lord give Saul into David's hand, and David is able to sneak up to where Saul his sleeping and take his spear and water jar.  In fact, the whole camp of some 3000 soldiers were brought under a deep slumber from the Lord.  Abishai, one of David's  warriors, recognizes David's apprehension and offer to eliminate Saul.  Yet, David cannot even allow a friend to raise a hand to the anointed of the Lord.


Saul's and David's anointing  marked them out as God's appointed servant for a particular task (king), for a particular time.  They were both anointed with oil, and empowered with the Spirit for their task.  I am persuaded that Saul was chosen first to punish the people for rejecting their rightful king, God.  Saul is a king like all the other nations had.  His was the only agenda that mattered.


David knew that the kingdom had been taken away from Saul by God, because he too had been anointed by Samuel.  Yet, David seems to have understood the anointing as something that could not be taken fully away.  The anointing that set Saul apart, continued to rest upon him, even after the kingdom had been taken from him.  


David esteemed the anointed, because he esteemed the one who anointed him.  It appears that David saw Saul as marked by the Lord, and took that to mean that an attack on Saul was an attack on the Lord.  David could not raise his hand against Saul, without striking out at the Lord.  This he could not even imagine.  Nor could he associate (or let live) anyone who would dare such a feat. 


David's attitude seems to anticipate  "The Anointed."  All of the other anointings that occur throughout Israel's history (of prophets, priests, and kings) point to the coming of one who will not only be anointed, but who will be the Anointed, that is the Messiah or the Christ.  


Do we esteem the Anointed so highly, that we cannot bring ourselves to think evil of his "little anointeds"?  As those who profess to follow Christ are we vehemently opposed to harming other Christians (little Christs).  I am not saying we cannot point our error that is occurring in the name of Jesus.  David points out Saul's errors, but he cannot bring himself to harm him.  The mark of God's favor still lingers on him, so David will do him no harm.


How much do we esteem Christ?  Do we serve everyone with understanding that they bear the mark of his favor?  Do we labor to protect the "Lord's anointed" from exploitation?  Are we terrified that we might diminish the glory of the Lord or cause his named to be blasphemed by our lax and careless ways?  Do we honor those who labor under the authority of the Word and seek to protect them?  Do we labor diligently to ensure we are not swept away by some wind of false doctrine?


How we approach the problems in our lives speaks volumes about what truly think about the Lord's anointed.  Do you feel compelled to take matters into your own hands? That attitude suggests that you don't trust the Lord to get it done.  Are you angry when God blesses sinners?  That attitude suggests that you don't understand the grace that has been given to you.  Friends, esteem Christ and seek the good of his people.

Considering David

"He [David] said to his men,'The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD's anointed'" (1 Sam. 24:6).

David fascinates me.  Every time I read through his story, I find myself trying to get into his head.  I want to know the reasons behind his actions.  I know that David was a man after God's own heart, but I want really want to understand it.  I want to learn how to live and think this way.

In the passage the above quote is drawn from, Saul is pursuing David to kill him, and unknowingly enters David's hideout.  David's companions urge him to strike Saul down, and become king.  However, David refuses to do it.  His reason is simple: Saul is the Lord's anointed.  David creeps up to Saul, who is using the bathroom, and cuts off part of Saul's robe.  Even this event strikes David's conscience.  Yet, David uses it to show Saul that he does not desire him.

Although I know how the story goes, it always excites me to read it.  Here are some of the things that amaze me:

• David was content to wait on God's time. David was the rightful king.  The kingdom had been taken from Saul, and given to David by God.  Yet, David was willing to wait for God to bring him to his throne.

• David was confident that God's Word would not fail.  David's confidence in the promises of God were the fuel for his contentment.

• David's love for the Lord extended to his anointed.  He understood, at least in part, that you cannot despise the anointed without despising the Anointer.

• David's bold nature and willingness to take initiative were an expression of his submission to God's will. 

• David had a very tender conscience. David felt guilty just for cutting Saul's garment.

• David was truly humble.  Compared to Saul, David (even as rightful king) saw himself as a dog and a flea. 

I yearn to see these things becoming more evident in my life.  My heart's desire is to walk in the footsteps of David's greater son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  May the Lord grant us hearts that pursue his glory over our own.  May it be said of us that we are people after God's own heart.

The Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).

I know very little about sheep.  I have read that sheep are known to be defenseless, stupid, and timid.  It upsets a lot of people to be compared with sheep.  Yet, the Lord compares his people to sheep all the time.  Jesus had compassion on the crowds because he viewed them as sheep with out a shepherd.  Thus, he viewed them as individuals in grave danger.

We imagine ourselves to be greater than sheep.  We take measures to protect ourselves against danger.  We wear seat belts, helmets, or life jackets. We insure ourselves, our cars, and our homes.  We participate in neighborhood watches and avoid strangers.  We buy guns, get concealed carry permits, and take self-defense courses.  We use these measures to assure ourselves that it is all okay.   But it's not.  Without Christ, we are sheep without a shepherd--defenseless, helpless, and weak.

We fool ourselves into believing that world isn't really a bad place, that the devil doesn't really exist, and we're not vulnerable to attack.  Yet, we are sheep in a world filled with lions, wolves, bears, etc.  We need a Shepherd who is might to save, who is always ready to protect us with his rod and his staff.

So often we are afraid to approach our Shepherd.  The reasons are numerous I am sure, but all are unfounded.  He invites us to come to him, to be near him.  He delights in protecting us, in comforting us, and in caring for us.  His voice is known to us; it resonates deep within our hearts calling us to him.

While we may not wish to be sheep, nevertheless, we are safe in the Good Shepherd's arms.  He is with us, even through the valley of the shadow of death.  He has prepared for us a table, and a cup that over flows.  His arms are mighty to save, so we can lay down in the green pastures and rest beside the still waters.

Because our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, laid down his life and took it up, we shall not want.  We lack no good thing.  We have forgiveness, cleansing, and a righteousness from heaven.  We have the Spirit of adoption, whereby, we cry "Abba, Father."  We have an inheritance.  We have a ministry of reconciliation.  We have a hope and a future.

Jesus said, "the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."  In essence, Jesus is telling us that he willfully exchanges his life for the life of his sheep.  By doing this he displays his goodness.  He demonstrates that it is his desire to rescue and not to destroy us.  It is easy to rest in a love like that.  As Isaiah says, "We all like sheep have gone astray" (Isa. 53:6).  The Good Shepherd is calling you to come, heed his voice and find rest for your weary soul.

FAQs Mondays: How Is Redemption Applied?

"FAQs Mondays" is an ongoing series of posts based on an adaptation of The Baptist Catechism.  You can view the original documents from which it is drawn: here, here, and here.  Previous posts include: "the Introduction", "What Is the Chief End of Man?", "Who Is God?", "What is the Word?", "What is God?",  "How Does God Work within His Creation?", "What Went Wrong?", "Was That the End of the Story?", and "What Is the Work of the Redeemer". Last week, we looked at his work as the Redeemer.  This week, we will explore the way in which redemption is applied.

How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effective application of it to us, by His Holy Spirit.  Paul explains, "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior" (Titus 3:5-6).  Jesus tells us, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:5-6).

How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.  Paul states, "For by grace have you been saved through faith.  And this not of your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8).  Elsewhere, he states, "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake" (Phil. 1:29).  Consider also: 1 John 5:1: Acts 16:14, 18:27; John 3:8, 6:64.

What is effectual calling?

Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, to convince us of our sin and misery, to enlighten our minds in the knowledge of Christ, to renew our wills, and thus persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.  The Lord spoke of this through Ezekiel, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.  And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezk. 36:26). Jesus explained, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.  And I will raise him up on the last day.  it is written in the Prophets, 'And they will be taught by God.'  Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me" (John 6:44-45).  Paul states, "[God] who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began" (2 Tim. 1:9).  Consider also: John 16:8-11; Acts 2:37, 26:18; Rom. 8:30; and 1 Cor. 1:24, 12:3.

Conclusion

Redemption is applied to us effectually by the Holy Spirit.  He makes us aware of our sin and need for Christ, renews our wills, and persuades us to freely accept the gospel.  Next week, we will explore the benefits of effectual calling.

Sermon Recap 5-26-10

Morning: The sermon, "A Message for Children," was an exposition of Ephesians 6:1-3.  In these verses, Paul is still exploring how the gospel plays out in life of children.  Paul's address to children reminds us at least two important things: children are expected to participate in church life and children are capable of responding in repentance and faith.  With these things in mind, Paul instructs children to obey their parents in the Lord.  Children are to pay careful attention to what their parents expect and respond in obedience that is motivated by love, and accompanied with joy.  The command to obey our fathers and mothers comes with the promise that all things will go well for us and that we will live long on the earth.

Evening:  We had VBS clinic again at 5:00 pm.  We looked at Luke 19:1-10 to answer the question: What is God's Plan for My Life?  His plan is for us to know him through Jesus Christ his Son.  At 6:00 pm, we looked at Jeremiah 29:10-14.  In this passage, the Lord explains his plans for his people: he plans to prosper them and not harm them, he plans to give them hope and a future.

Saturday's Seven 5-15-10

Here are some helpful articles:

"Top 10 Motivation Boosters and Procrastination Killers" by Kevin Purdy.  Here are ten tips to help you overcome procrastination.  I am still waiting to put them into use.

"Why You Need a Technology Basket at Home" by John Dyer.  Technology can clutter our lives and eat up our free time if we are not careful.  This article offers some helpful advice for families that love technology.

"The Practice of Prayer in the Throne Room of God" by Christ Tomlinson.  This is just a great reflection of prayer.

"Are Christian Meant to Feel Guilty All the Time" by Kevin DeYoung. It is easy to feel you aren't doing enough.  DeYoung offers some words of encouragement.

"Gospel Doctrine, Gospel Culture" by Ray Ortlund. This is an article about the death of selfish pride.

"Should We Marry If We Are Theologically Divided?" by Russell Moore.  Wise advice for couples, from different denominations, concerning marriage.

"Start Something You Cannot Finish: The Eschatology of Christian Mission" by Albert Mohler. Dr. Mohler offers recent SBTS graduates, and other believers, some important counsel.

Keep Yourselves from Idols

" And Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.  For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king'" (1 Sam. 15:22-23).

The LORD had given Saul that task of eliminating the Amalekites and devoting all of their things to destruction.  However, Saul has spared their king, Agag, and the choice animals.  When Saul sees Samuel coming, He reports to Samuel that he has obeyed the the LORD.  However, Samuel calls his bluff and asks why there is the bleating and lowing of animals in the camp.  Saul makes it seem like they were going to sacrifice the animals to honor the LORD.  But Samuel, under the leadership of the Spirit, refuses to listen.

Samuel asks,  "Has the LORD as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?"  The obvious answer is no.  The Lord takes no delight in a sacrifice offered insincerely or as a bribe.  When we give in order to appease our guilt for willfully sinning against the Lord, that is the same as trying to bribe God.  Saul, in essence, was saying that he didn't have to obey God as long as he was willing to "pay off" his debt.

But Samuel says that won't work.  He says, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.  For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry"  (1 Sam. 15:22b-23a).  Rebellion against the Word of the Lord (willful disobedience) is as the sin of divination, because it seeks to predict the future response of God.  It denies God's trustworthiness, because it assumes that he will not act in the way in which he says he will.  Presumption is like idolatry, because it is based on a faulty understanding of God.  It assumes that God will be satisfied with our offer.

Photo by Andreas F. Borchert

Obedience is the only thing that pleases God.  Therein lies our trouble.  We are not capable of the kind of obedience in which God delights.  Therefore a sacrifice not mingled with impure motives or presumption must be offered, and it has been.  Christ alone walked in complete obedience to the Father's will.  When Jesus Christ offered himself as a sacrifice on our behalves, his offering was a pleasing aroma unto the Father.  In Christ, God's wrath is appeased, and through Christ we are given righteousness.

Through faith in Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to walk in obedience.  Although we may stumble often, we confess and keep moving forward in faith.  We must seek to rid our hearts of idols and idolatrous understandings of God.  He cannot be bought with our giving, but rather has bought us through his love.  His holiness cannot turn a blind eye to our sin, but his mercy has applied Christ's righteousness to our lives.

Let us put away presumption and disobedience.  Let us stop thinking that we are the exceptions to the rule.  When we think and live in such a way, we demonstrate that we do not know God as we should.  We demonstrate the nature of the idol (or idols) which we follow.  As followers of Christ, we must be flee from idolatry.  That doesn't mean we don't have contact with idolaters, because we would have seal ourselves off from the world.  It does mean that we remove all idols from our lives.  Anything we put before Jesus is an idol.  As the apostle John states, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

How do we keep ourselves from idols?

• We must recognize them for what they are.

• We must reject their presence in our lives.

• We must confess our sins to the Lord.

• We must remember that we have been forgiven and cleansed because of the completed work of Christ.

• We must move forward in faith.

Quench Your Thirst

On the last day of the feast, the great day, 

Jesus stood up and cried out,

"If anyone thirsts, 

let him come to me and drink.  

Whoever believes in me, 

as the Scripture has said, 

'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" 

(John 7:37-38).

Arachnophobia

Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders.  There are varied reasons a person might fear a spider: their fangs, their eight hairy legs, their fangs, or their clusters of eyes.  I think spiders are cool to look at (from a distance).  And though I might be tempted to scream like a schoolgirl if one got on me, I am not afraid of spiders.  However, I do hate them.  Well, not the spider so much as its web. 

I think most spider webs are a work of art—best viewed from a distance. Yet, when I unknowingly walk through a spider web, I come unglued.  I want to pat my body down like it’s on fire to extinguish the life of the million little invisible spiders that go flooding over my body like a tsunami wave.  I thrash about like a man under attack by a swarm of bees. I want to run screaming into a body of water, or throw myself on the ground and roll around like a dog with fleas. My skin is crawling just thinking about it.

I hate those webs, but they’re the only webs I hate.  I hate the webs sin weaves around my life.  Sin is a subtle weaver, working tirelessly in the background, spinning and spinning.  Sin is content to set the trap and wait; because it knows that sooner or later we’ll come stumbling along.  If only we would flee at the first contact with the trap.  But it seems we are content with wrapping ourselves within its sticky confines.

Paul urges, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2).  We are to be watchful in prayer always anticipating the next trap, and always seeking wisdom from the Lord to escape that trap.  Watchfulness isn't easy, but it is necessary.  If we let our guard down for even a moment, we are headed for trouble.  Let us seek the Lord, who is ever watchful, and who is able to make us to keep watch.

His Steadfast Love

"He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.  Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men" (Ps. 107:20-21).

The psalmist calls us to give thanks and praise for the steadfast love of the LORD (Ps. 107:1).  This is a psalm reminding the redeemed of the Lord of his infinite praiseworthiness. The Lord has delivered them from all of their troubles, even the troubles that they have brought upon themselves by their wanton waywardness. He does this because his love, unlike their love, is steadfast.

The Lord's steadfast love is rock solid.  It is unbreakable.  His love is an attribute of his character, and thus, it is infinite, holy, perfect, and true.

Were we not the objects of his love, our situation would be hopeless.  Our wayward hearts would lead us farther and farther from his loving embrace.  We would flee his love, like we were running from destruction itself.  But his love pursues us, it surrounds us, and it holds us captive.

The people mentioned in Psalm 107:20-21, were "fools through their own ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction" (Ps. 107:17).  They were knocking at death's door, because the rejected God's provision.  Yet, God sends out his word and heals them.

In these words, we see grace displayed.  He isn't rescuing those who are looking for him.  He is conquering his enemies with his love.  They are locked in their rebellion to the point of death, and yet, he nurses them back to life.

The Word of Christ brings healing as the Spirit works faith in the believer.  The poison of rebellion is slowly drawn from the sin-wounded heart, through the process of sanctification.  Every day that Spirit seeks to apply the healing balm of the Word to our sin-sick hearts.  Through the gospel, we have been brought back from death to life, but while we live in this body sins poison still affects us.

But God has sent out his Word, and it will not return unto him void.  It will accomplish what he wills.  We can say with Paul, "I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).

With this confidence, a gratitude must flow forth from us.  Reflection upon the overflowing graciousness of God's steadfast love should drive us to thankfulness.  God's praise should forever be upon our lips, because of Christ's death and resurrection.  He loved us when we were enemies, he made us his own, and now he should be the object of our greatest adoration and gratitude.  Love him, thank him, because he first loved you.

FAQs Mondays: What Is the Work of the Redeemer?

"FAQs Mondays" is an ongoing series of posts based on an adaptation of The Baptist Catechism.  You can view the original documents from which it is drawn: here, here, and here.  Previous posts include: "the Introduction", "What Is the Chief End of Man?", "Who Is God?", "What is the Word?", "What is God?",  "How Does God Work within His Creation?", "What Went Wrong?" and "Was That the End of the Story?". Last week, we learned that the fall of man was not the end of the story.  God had a plan to redeem mankind.  We were introduced to the Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, and how he became a man.  This week we are going to look at his work as the Redeemer.  What is the work of the Redeemer?

What offices does Christ perform as our Redeemer?

Christ, as our Redeemer, performs the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his condition of humiliation and exaltation.  Speaking of Christ, Peter states, "Moses said, 'The Lord God will send raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.  You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you'" (Acts 3:22).  The author of Hebrews tells us, concerning Jesus, "As he [God] says in another place, 'You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek'" (Heb. 5:6). David tells us that the Christ is a King.  David records the Lord's words, "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill" (Ps. 2:6).

How does Christ perform the office of a prophet?

Christ performs the office of a prophet in revealing to us, by his Word of Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. Jesus reveals the Father to us.  John states, "No one has ever see God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" (John 1:18).  The Spirit comes to reveal Christ's teaching.  Jesus states, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26).  Jesus also says, "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made know to you" (John 15:15).

How does Christ perform the office of a priest?

Christ performs the office of a priest by once offering himself as a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and to reconcile us to God; and by making continual intercession for us before God. The author of Hebrews states, "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Heb. 2:17).  He also says, "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25).  Again he states, "So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" (Heb. 9:28).  Peter states, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (1 Pet. 2:24).  See also Romans 8:34 and Ephesians 5:2.

How does Christ perform the office of a king?

Christ performs the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Gabriel, an angel of God, said of Christ, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:32-33).  Matthew relates this prophecy, "And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel" (Matt. 2:6).  David recounts, "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'  The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies" (Ps. 110:1-2). Paul tells us, "For he [Christ] must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet" (1 Cor. 15:25).

What do we mean by Christ's humiliation?

By Christ's humiliation we mean that he was born, and that in a low condition; that he was made under the law, and underwent the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; that he was buried, and continued under the power of death for a time. Paul tells us, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal. 4:4).  Paul also states,

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with Go a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:5-8).

Here are a few more verses to meditate on: Matthew 12:40, 27:46; Luke 2:7, 22:44; Isa. 53:3 and Mark 15:45-46.

What do we mean by Christ's exaltation?

By Christ's exaltation we mean his rising again from the dead on the third day, ascending up into heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and coming to judge the world at the last day.  Paul reminds us, "that he was buried, that he was raised up on the third day in accordance with Scripture" (1 Cor. 15:4). After the ascension, two angels told the disciples, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the heaven?  This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come again the same way you saw him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).  Paul warned the Athenians, "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has give assurance to all by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:30-31). 

Conclusion

Thus, the work of the Redeem is clear.  He works out mankind's redemption through the functions of his offices: prophet, priest, and king.  As our prophet he reveals the Father and his will to us.  As our priest he cleanses and purifies us by offering his body as a sacrifice, and by praying for us.  As our King he leads and protects us.  In order for him to fulfill these offices, he had to endure humiliation (becoming human, subject to the law, death on the cross, and burial).  However, for enduring such humiliation "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11).

Now that we know what the Redeemer did for us, we will turn our attention to how redemption is applied.  Next week, we will look at the question: "How do we get redeemed?"

Sermon Recap 5-9-10

Morning: The Mother's Day sermon was from 2 Kings 4:8-37.  The message was a word of comfort for those who have lost their mothers, mother's who have lost children, and those wrestling with infertility.  We looked at four principles: God does not forget your acts of kindness, God is able to grant you the desires of you heart that you are afraid to ask, surrendering to hope breeds more hope, and God is always good--truly, unquestionablly good. Here are some applications: live above fear by entrusting your heart to the Lord, remember the Lord has not forgotten you, and pray for the desires of your heart, but be content with having just the Lord.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Since today is Mother's Day, I thought I would say a few words about my Mom. I have been blessed with a wonderful Mother who has always tried to encourage me. She is a special lady with a whole lot of love. I have been blessed to have her as a mother, and I grateful that I still have her.

My Mom taught us a lot of things.  She taught us how to love.  She taught us to trust God's Word.  She taught us the importance of family.  My Mom is still teaching me, even today.  She is a hard working woman, with strength and determination (even if she doesn't always see it).  I am proud she's my mom. 

I am grateful for my Mom. And thank you Mom, for all of you love and support. I love you and hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day, Delia!

I am truly blessed to be married to Delia, my wonderful wife. She is an amazing woman and mother.  Her strength and spirit are a constant source of joy for me.

From the moment I met her, I was convinced that she would be a great mother.  Her love is visible.  It was visible with Ellie, and everyday I see it as she interactes with Sophia.  This is her second Mother's Day with Sophia.
I am grateful to God for Delia.  She is so many things to me: my best friend and companion, the mother of my children, and the list goes on.  I plan to honor her everyday, because she means so much to me.

Saturday's Seven 5-8-10

"7 Thought on Reading the Bible" by J. C. Ryle.  This brief post offers good advise for us as we approach the Scriptures.

"5 Reasons You May Not Be Seeing Spiritual Growth" by Jonathan Dodson.  Some wise words about spiritual growth.

"7 Ways to Deal with 'Haters'" by David Murray.  Advice for those who face opposition.

"Who Will Be Tested Next-the Dilemma of Franklin Graham" by Albert Mohler.  A reminder of the times in which we live.

"Seven Ways We Can Guard and Repair Relationships" by Ray Ortlund.  Helpful advise for relationships.

"The Secret of Appreciating Church" by Hunter Baker.  This post addresses the consumer mentality that often seeps into our quest to find a church.

"I Have Begun to Suspect My Wife" by Mostevilangel.  We received a link to this article in an email this week.  It is a satirical approach to the new law in Arizona.  I found it very funny, but be warned he uses some objectionable language.

I'm Down with UP

Today, I watched the Pixar/Disney film, Up.  While there were several themes woven together throughout the movie, one really stuck out to me: life is the adventure.  Sometimes, we get caught up with wanting to see far away places, and doing amazing stuff.  We want to blaze trails, climb mountains, etc.  These far away places and amazing events dull the hues of every day life.

If you aren't familiar with the movie, it is about an old man, Carl, who ties thousands of helium-filled balloons to his house so he can travel to South America in order to keep a promise.  A young boy, Russell, accidentally stows away on the floating house and tries to help Carl fulfill his mission.  Although Russell is a "Wilderness Explorer" (think cub scout), he hasn't really had any experience exploring the wilderness.  Carl spent his lifetime loving his childhood sweetheart, and after losing her fears he failed her.  The life they loved so much seems incomplete with one of their (her) biggest dreams unfulfilled.

I spent much of my adolescence watching adventure movies, and yearning to taste some of that excitement.  Family vacations were never exciting because we weren't finding pirate treasure or capturing some notorious outlaws, or stopping the end of the world.  Yet, my parents tried to take us to far away places, and show us things we couldn't see in our world. (Thanks Dad and Mom for the effort, even thought we were usually [always] ungrateful and hateful).

Up reminded me that the life we live is the adventure.  Everyday we write another chapter, experience another caper, laugh and cry, grow and change.  Everyday is an adventure filled with many lessons and memories.   Some of our destinations are not exotic, but they're real.  Some of the events in our lives aren't exciting, but we experience them.

If we are always looking for the next adrenaline rush, we might just miss out on the amazing, albeit, humdrum adventure that is our life.  I'm not saying it is wrong to look for adventure.  What I am saying is don't miss the adventure around you, because it isn't as exciting as the "dream" adventure you want to go on someday.

In the movie, Russell reflects on the time he shared with his dad doing exciting stuff, and then explains how the ended their adventures by sitting on a bench eating ice cream and counting cars.  He says, "It may seem funny, but the boring parts are the ones I remember the most."  It wasn't really the boring things he remembered, it was the time he shared with someone he loved that he remembered.  In those simple moments of mutual love and bonding, a lasting impression was made.

By the grace of God, I have got to see parts of this world I never thought I would see.  I remember bits and pieces of each adventure, but they aren't the images that fill my mind night and day.  Everyday when I look at Delia, my lovely wife, my mind jumps back to our wedding day.  She was, and is, so beautiful.  Or when I hear Sophia laugh or call me Daddy, or when she holds my hand.  My heart is lifted.  I have stumbled into a treasure for which I would have never thought to look.

Although it may sound corny, I am living my greatest adventure. Each day we experience a lot of the same old things: love, laughter, tears, joy, sorrow, hope, trust, etc.  But it is still an adventure, and we pray for many years of adventure to come.  I pray that you, too, will be content to enjoy your adventure.  Life is an adventure, live it to the glory of God.

Walk in the Way of Life

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress" (Prov. 6:23).

The "evil"  adulteress woman is used as a type in the book of Proverbs. Solomon is trying to get his son(s) to understand that wrong woman can destroy a man.  Her power to destroy is not so much in her actions or nature, although she is corrupt and acts without honor.  The power of destruction lies in the man's choice of such a woman.  The heart of her power rests in the foolishness of the man who embraces her.  She represents the path of foolishness which leads to destruction.

Solomon says the remedy for young men, who are tempted to follow her wayward path, is to let the commandment shine light on him.  He says, "The command is a lamp and the teaching a light."  Thus, the Word of God illuminates the mind to instruct it in the right ways to go.  The command says, "Do not commit adultery" and Jesus adds, "If a man looks at a woman to lust after her, he has committed adultery in his heart."  The command warns us not to covet our neighbor's spouse (or anything else they have).

The commandment sets the boundaries for safe conduct.  We are experience some flooding in our area.  The roads have been blocked of because there is water over them.  They are not safe to pass for many reasons.  Wisdom looks at these warnings and seeks alternative roots.  Likewise, the commandment says, "These roads a dangerous."  Death awaits those who follow along these paths.  Maybe a person will beat the odds for a time, but on judgment day justice will be served.

Sometimes, we don't heed good advice, and we take some hard knocks because of it.  Solomon says, "The reproofs of discipline are the way of life."  So you drive through high water, you car stalls and now you have a big bill for towing and cleaning.  At least you lived, and hopefully learned.  Maybe you saw on the news where someone was swept away while driving through water over the road, and you thought I'll never do that again.  Reproof stings when it lands on us.  Discipline is unpleasant, but a heart corrected is a heart alive.

Solomon express universal truths: the commands of God illuminate our minds to his desires and requirements, the teachings of his Word offer us light to guide us, and discipline is a necessary corrective.  He applies these truth to sexual immorality, in general (the evil woman), and adultery, in particular (the adulteress).  Solomon knew what it was to have wondering eyes and fickle heart.  He knew how destructive loving the wrong woman (or women) could be.  So he wants to point his sons in a different direction.  In essence, he is saying, "I was a fool to neglect God's standards, and you would be a fool to follow my example in this."

Is Solomon were alive today, with his 700 wives and 300 concubines, society would expect him to be in rehab for his sexual addiction.  He would be vilified for his insatiable desire for female companionship, and he would probably agree.  He had permitted his heart to wonder without restraint.  His wisdom, knowledge, wealth, and power brought him into unprecedented fame.  His head (and his heart) swelled with foolish pride.  He lost his balance, and fell into disgrace.  Throughout Proverbs, Solomon warns against such foolishness.

Friends, the Word offers boundaries that protect.  The cones and signs that block access to flood covered roads are not there to hinder our freedom.  They are there to protect our lives, and to rescue us from what lies unseen, beneath the surface.  Likewise, the commands do not hinder our freedom.  They protect our lives, and rescue us from the dangers we cannot see.  Allow the Word to illuminate your path, and walk in the way of life.

Good Verses Evil

I love it when the good guy gets the bad guy.  Delia, Sophia, and I watch, Walker, Texas Ranger, on occasion, and I like it when he is beating up the bad guys. Sophia often cheers when Walker starts kicking the bad out of them.  The concept of right and wrong is deeply ingrained within humanity.  Most us yearn to see justice done.  We want the bad guy punished.

I think the reason this type of storyline is so appealing is because we still bear the image of God.  Granted, that image is marred by sin, and we don't bear it perfectly, but the concept of good overcoming evil resonates within us.  We want the bad guys thrown down, so decent, honest folks can live in peace.

The good news is that God also wants the bad guys thrown down.  He not only wants it, he has seen to it. The dragon has been cast down, and is awaiting his punishment when Christ comes again.  Although Satan still has some authority to vent his rage, his days are numbered.  God in his patience is granting to humanity the opportunity to repent and trust.  He is showing us his great mercy.

In the last days, when Christ comes in the clouds and in glory, He won't stop Satan with a roundhouse kick to the face (although that would be cool to watch).  He'll stop him with a word.  As quick as an exhale, he cast the old Serpent into the lake of fire.  Justice will be poured out on the enemies of God, and we who believe will rejoice in his righteous judgment.

As you wait for that day, don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  There is a time and place in this life to fight for justice.  We need to defend those who can't defend themselves, and speak up for those who have no voice.  When we do these things the glory of God shines forth, because he is a defender of the weak.  Just don't kick anybody in the face.

Trust the Word

I am currently reading the C. H. Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students.  In the passage I was reading today, Spurgeon quotes one Mr. Arthur Mursell.  Mursell had an excellent summary of theologians who reject the Bible.  In part, it reads:

The histories and events of the great chronicle are rudely contradicted and gainsaid, because some schoolmaster with a slate and pencil cannot bring his sums right.  And every miracle which the might of the Lord wrought for the favor of His people, or the frustration of their foes, is pooh-poohed as an absurdity, because the professors cannot do the like with their enchantments.. . . And so our great men are satisfied when they think that their toy wand has swallowed up the wand of Aaron: but when Aaron's wand threatens to swallow up theirs, they say that part is not authentic, and that the miracle never occurred (Lectures, page 229).

In other words, if they, like Pharaoh's magicians, were able to mimic the miraculous, they profess they would believe.  They deny what their eyes cannot see, because they are hard hearted and blind.

Why should we Christians doubt the Bible?  What evidence really exists against it?  Does the fact that some people have questions really undermine the Bible?  Beyond shear imagination, where is the proof that miracles don't happen?  The best evidences put forth against the truth claims of Christianity are usually anecdotal (I have never seen), and theoretical (if, then).  But the rejection of Christianity is as rooted in "faith," as the acceptance of Christianity.  The only way a person could truly know that there was no God is by knowing everything.  If there is any gap in a person's knowledge, then logically it is possible that evidence could be waiting in the gap.  As to rejecting the Scripture, where is the definitive proof?  If you listen long enough, you realize its all conjecture.

As believers, we trust the Scripture because God breathed them out.  They are true and trustworthy, as the Spirit bears witness in our hearts. The Scriptures cannot lie, because God cannot lie.  As we study the truth, the Word takes root in our hearts, and crowds out the lies of the world.  The Word of Truth cannot be swallowed up by the lies of Satan or else it would no longer exist.  Where the Bible is faithfully preached, the gospel of Jesus Christ is still transforming lives.  Hold fast to the truth, stay in the Word, and it will bear its fruit in your life.

FAQs Mondays: Was That the End of the Story?

"FAQs Mondays" is an ongoing series of posts based on an adaptation of The Baptist Catechism.  You can view the original documents from which it is drawn: here, here, and here.  Previous posts include: "the Introduction", "What Is the Chief End of Man?", "Who Is God?", "What is the Word?", "What is God?",  "How Does God Work within His Creation?" and "What Went Wrong?". Last week, we looked at the root of the problem.  The perfect world was brought into a fallen state by the sin of Adam and Eve, but was that the end of the story?

Did God leave all mankind to perish in the condition of sin and misery?

God, out of his good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the condition of sin and misery, and bring them into a condition of salvation by a Redeemer.  As Paul exclaims, "Blessed be the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him" (Eph. 1:3-4).  Paul also informs us, "For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to them image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those to whom he justified he also glorified" (Rom. 8:29-30).  Here are a few more verses to consider: 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Romans 5:21; 9:11-12, 11:5-7; Acts 13:48; and Jeremiah 31:33.

Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?


The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ; who being the eternal Son of God, became a man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever. Of Christ, Paul states, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal. 4:4-5).  He also says, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'" (Gal. 3:13).  Again Paul explains, "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time" (1 Tim. 2:5).  Other verses to consider: 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 7: 24-25; and Luke 1:35.

How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul.  He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and was born of her, yet without sin. Luke reports, "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in you womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. . . . the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; there for the child to be born will be called holy --the Son of God' (Luke 1:30-35; see also Luke 2:52).   The author of Hebrews reminds us that, "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he [Jesus] himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power over death, that is, the devil" (Heb. 2:14; see also Heb. 4:14). Again he states, "For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" (Heb. 7:26).  Paul tells us, "For in him [Christ] the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Col. 2:9).

Conclusion

So we see from these questions and answers that the story of humanity didn't end with the fall.  God had a plan to redeem mankind from the foundation of the world.  His plan always included sending a Redeemer into the world to take away the sin debt through death.  This introduction to the Redeemer leads us to ask, "What does the Redeemer do?"  And that is the question we will look at next Monday.


Unless otherwise noted all quotes are from the English Standard Version (ESV).