Hymns: "Before the Throne of God Above"

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.  But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2, ESV).

It is easy to forget that the believer is in a continual state of war, until our enemies--the flesh, the world, and the devil--hand us a thorough beat down.  With our guard down, the enemy can easily slip in and plant seeds of disobedience in our hearts, which quickly germinate in the the flesh's fertile soil.  Once the desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin grows it leads to death (see James 1:15).  The careless believer is left wounded, and open to further predation.  Our enemy preys upon the weak.

There are many places in the New Testament in which we are warned to keep watch (Luke 21:36; Acts 20:31; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:6-8; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Pet. 1:13, 4:7, 5:8; 2 Pet. 1:6; etc.).  It is easy for the spiritually wounded to give in to despair.  It is easy to think, "I sinned, now God will not accept me."  However, John informs us that this is not the case.  It is true that God desires that we do not sin, but it is equally true that we have an advocate before the Father, Jesus our Lord.

I have found the song, "Before the Throne of God Above," to be a soothing reminder of the truth taught in 1 John 2:1-2.  The words, penned by Charitie Lees Bancroft (and Vikki Cook), state:

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea;
A great high priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written in His heart.
I know that while in heav'n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of my guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God the just is satisfied
To look on him and pardon me,
To look on him and pardon me.

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace.
One with Himself I cannot die;
My soul is purchased by His blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

Here is a video to encourage you:

FAQs Mondays: What Is Prayer?

Last week, we looked at the Lord's Supper in part 4 of our series How Does God Reveal the Benefits of Redemption?  You can view that post here.  Although this week it technically a continuation of that series, we will treat the subject of prayer as a separate series. 

What is Prayer?

Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.  Psalm 10:17 states, "You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry."  David wrote, "He [the LORD] fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them" (Psa. 145:19).  First John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  John also states, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).  Paul urges, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phil. 4:6).  Jesus said, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it" (John 14:13-14).

Summary

We begin our look at prayer with a concise definition.  It contains all the elements that make up true Christian prayer.  Prayer is us talking to God, asking for the things we want, that are according to his will, and that are in step with his nature.  We can ask for things that are not in his will or that are not in Christ's name, but there is no reason to hope that those prayers will be answered.  Prayer should include more than just requests, it should also contain confession of our sins, and expressions of our gratitude.  Next week, we will turn our attention to answering the question, "How do we learn to pray?"




Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations in this post are from the NIV.

Sunday Recap 11-28-10

Morning: The message, "Consider What the Lord Has Done," examined Ecclesiastes 7:13-18.  In this passage, Solomon calls for his readers to give consideration to the work of the Lord.  Solomon reminds us that mankind cannot straighten what God has made crooked.  God is sovereign over all things.  When life is good, we are to enjoy it.  When it is bad, we need to remember is God is in control.  The answer isn't the pursuit of karma.  The answer is not legalism or licentiousness.  The person who fears God avoids all extremes.  The answer is to walk in obedience to the Lord.

Evening:  We looked at Psalm 111.  In this passage, the reader is called to praise the Lord.  The psalmist reminds us that the right response to God is praise.  He then lists many reasons it is right to praise God:

• His works are great and delightful to study
• His deeds are glorious and majestic
• His righteousness endures forever
• He makes his wonders memorable 
• He is gracious and compassionate
• He provides for those who fear him
• He remembers his covenant forever
• He has demonstrated his power to his people by moving the nations
• His works are faithful and just
• His precepts are trustworthy, standing fast forever, done in faithfulness and uprightness
• He redeems his people
• He secures them with an eternal covenant
• His name is holy and awesome

Thus the psalmist concludes that the secret to a wise life it to fear the Lord, follow his precepts, and praise without ceasing.

A Day to Be Grateful

Thanksgiving Day should be a time of gratitude.  We can give thanks for so many things.  God blesses us in so many ways that we tend to forget most of them.

Somewhere in our country, there is someone complaining about "having" to fix Thanksgiving dinner.  Yesterday, I saw a story on the news about a single-mother whose family couldn't afford a Thanksgiving dinner, and who didn't even have a table to sit around.  A restaurant in her area not only provided a 5 course meal, they also had a table delivered to her house.  I'm sure she is grateful for the generosity of others, but I bet she would have been grateful if she could have done it on her own.  Take time to be grateful for the ability to prepare a meal (even though it is hard work that may go unappreciated).

There is probably someone at this very moment complaining about their company, while someone else is grieving over an empty place setting, because that person isn't coming back.  It so easy to forget that time is short.  We always assume that there will be a tomorrow in which we can get everything worked out.  But who knows if we will live to see tomorrow?  Take time to be thankful for the people in your life (even the annoying ones).

There is probably someone complaining about those noisy, rowdy kids who are running through the house, while someone else is weeping because they don't hear the pitter-patter of little feet.  We tend to forget how much we wished we had kids before we got them.  We dreamed of all they would be, thought of how cute they would look in this or that outfit, and how smart they would be.  Having children brings your head out of the clouds as you realize that there is this little person who is completely independent of you, yet dependent on you, and for whom you are responsible.  They need lots of attention, food, and someone to clean up after them.  It's not all fashion shows and spelling bees, but it is so worth it.  Take time to be thankful for the children in your life (even the noisy ones).

Gratitude is a wonderful feeling.  We should all feel grateful.  But it wasn't meant to be undirected.  Gratitude is an emotion that is to be expressed toward someone.  In particular, gratitude is meant to be directed toward God.  To paraphrase James, all good gifts come from our heavenly Father.  Thanksgiving Day is a day to reflect on the glorious grace of God, and to offer up prayers of thanks and praise in his name.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you take the time to thank God for all he has done for you.  May God continue to bless you and keep you.

Hymns: Farther Along

Have you ever known someone who felt that living the Christian life wasn't really worth all the trouble?  Maybe you have been there yourself.  We want hardship to be the lot of "sinners" and "unbelievers."  There is a common misconception among Christians today which suggests that placing one's faith in Christ will remove all hardship.  However, that is not the way Jesus counseled countless seekers.  Jesus always warned that one should count the cost of discipleship before following in his tracks.  For some it cost their wealth, others lost their family, others lost their freedom, and still others lost their lives.

Being aware of the fact that believers are guaranteed to suffer in Christ, does not always prepare a believer for suffering. Seeing a murderer go free because of a technicality, forces us to question the reality of justice.  It is difficult to understand how rapists and child molesters are allowed to continue the devastating practices.  Why doesn't God just stop them?  A glance at the paper or a clip of the evening news often leaves us wondering what is going on in the world.

These feelings are nothing new.  In 1937, W. B. Stevens, penned the words to the hymn, "Farther Along."  The song captures both the frustration of the human experience and the reality of providence.  We cannot see all ends.  We don't always (usually) know what God is up to.  In the midst of our confusion, we have the choice to trust or not.  The evidence of God's character compels us to trust.  In order to do that we must look beyond our circumstance to the one who is control, and remind ourselves that he is trust worthy.

Stevens wrote:

Tempted and tried we're oft made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long,
While there are others living about us,
Never molested tho' in the wrong.

(Chorus)
Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by.

When death has come and taken our loved ones,
It leaves our home so lonely and drear;
Then do we wonder why others prosper
Living so wicked year after year. (Chorus)

Faithful till death, said our loving Master,
A few more days to labor and wait,
Toils of the road will then seem nothing,
As we sweep through that beautiful gate. (Chorus)

When we see Jesus coming in glory,
When he comes from his home in the sky;
Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion,
We'll understand it all by and by. (Chorus)

 There will be times in which we must remind ourselves that a day is coming when we will no longer be tempted or tried.  A day is coming when the wicked will no longer prosper.  There is coming day when we shall see our Master in all of his glory and our questions will all drop away.  Until that day, we must remind ourselves that we'll understand it all by and by.

Here is Johnny Cash's version:



Here is Brad Paisley's version:

FAQs Mondays: How Does God Reveal the Benefits of Redemption? Part 4

Last week, we explored the meaning of baptism in part 3 of our look at the ways in which God reveals the benefits to redemption.  You can view that post here.  This week, we take a closer look at the Lord's Supper.

What is the Lord's Supper?

The Lord's Supper is a holy ordinance of the church.  By eating bread and drinking the cup according to Christ's appointment we who forth his death.  Those who eat and drink in a worthy manner partake of the Christ's body and blood, not physically, but spiritually in that by faith they are nourished with the benefits he purchased, and grow in grace.  Paul asks, "The cup of blessing that we bless, is is not a participation in the blood of Christ?  The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Cor. 10:6).   He also says,

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night hew was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you.  Do this in remembrance of me."  In the same way he also took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

Who are the proper subjects of the ordinance?

Those who have been baptized upon a personal profession of their faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from dead works.  Acts 2:42 states, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?

It is required of those who would worthily (that is, suitably) partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves--of their knowledge, that they may discern the Lord's body; their faith, that they feed upon him; and their repentance, love and new obedience; lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.  Paul states,

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.  Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the the body eats and drinks judgment on himself (1 Cor. 11:27-29). 

Paul also states, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Cor. 13:5).

Summary

This week, we have learned about the Lord's Supper.  Only the saved and baptized should partake of the Lord's supper.  It is a memorial that looks back at Christ's atoning sacrifice, and a look to the future when Christ returns to claim his own.  Next week, we look at the last way God communicates the benefits of redemption to his people.  We will try to answer the question, "What is prayer?"

Sunday Recap 11-21-10

Morning:  The sermon, "A Better Way," focused on Ecclesiastes 7:1-12.  Having considered the alternatives, Solomon returns to wisdom.  In the first six chapters, he has shown them where a life without obedience to God leads: darkness, dread, and despair. 

He urges them to realize that there is more than, now and then. He points out to his readers that they should spend time thinking about their deaths, and live in a way that produces a good reputation.

He then reminds them that laughter has a place.  Life should not be lived in self-absorbed pleasure seeking.  Serious reflection on life and its purpose, enables the individual to make wiser choices than foolish partying.

Combining the previous two concepts, he compels his readers to consider a longer view.  Life isn't about fast and furious starts.  Beginnings aren't as important as ending well.  Solomon suggests patience and calmness.

Finally, he reminds his reader that wisdom preserves.  Wisdom is like money in that it can shelter you in a storm in this life.  However, wisdom is better than money in that it prepares you for the after life.

Solomon's words remind us to pursue wisdom, to live wisely, and to rest in the Lord.

Evening:  We moved our evening services to join with our sister churches in the association for the annual Associational Thanksgiving Service.  It was a wonderful service.

Hosanna

Open to me the gates of righteousness, 

that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.

This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we pray, O LORD!

O LORD, we pray, give us success!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!

We bless you from the house of the LORD.

The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us.

Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;

You are my God; I will extol you.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 118:19-29

Thursday Humor: Ron Pearson "Teachers"

Here is another skit by Ron Pearson. I thought it was funny. I hope it makes you laugh.

A Brief Manual for Church Life

Paul lays out some final instructions for the church in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22.  We divided the concerns into three categories: concerning leaders, concerning liberty, and concerning life.

Concerning Leaders

Paul instructs the church in Thessalonica to respect their leaders.  Leaders are described as those who work hard among the people, who are over them (watch care), and who admonish (train) them.  The work of church leadership is to equip the saints for works of ministry.  They focus is primarily on the study and teaching of the Word and prayer.  They also have the responsibility of caring for God's people.  In addition to respecting their leaders, they are to hold them in the highest regard in love, because of the work they do.

Concerning Liberty

Paul urges the church to seek peace with everyone.  In this last part of verse 13, he transitions between our attitudes toward church leadership to our relationships with other believers. The call for peace sets the tone fro all that follows.

Concerning Life

Paul urges believers to live peaceably, but to also hold each other accountable.  He calls them to live well, and to help others to do the same.  He urges the church to :

• Warn the idle
• Encourage the timid (faint-hearted)
• Help the weak
• Be patient with everyone (don't let your emotions boil over)
• Not pay back evil with evil, to to pursue the good of the other person (see Matt. 5:44-48; Rom. 12:14-21)
• Be joyful always
• Pray continually (live in a worshipful attitude)
• Give thanks in all circumstances (or in all times)
• Not put our the Spirit's fire
• Not treat prophecies with contempt
• Test everything (carefully examine)
• Keep the good
• Avoid evil

In these verses, Paul sets forth a brief sketch of the ethical implications of the gospel.  His words can be viewed as a brief manual on church life.  His concise instructions are straight forward and profound.  May we be wise enough to heed them.

Hymns: Be Thou My Vision

The hymn, "Be Thou My Vision," draws from a prayer, attributed to Dallan Forgaill in the 6th Century (and by some to St. Patrick).  It was translated from Old Irish into English by Mary E. Byrne in 1905.  Eleanor H. Hull versified it in 1912.  The song captures the cry of a heart yearning for complete devotion to Christ.  It is a prayer for all the things it lacks, and a commitment to the One who can bring them about.  Here are two versions you might enjoy.  The first is by Selah, the second is by Eden's Bridge.

FAQs Mondays: How Does God Reveal the Benefits of Redemption? Part 3.

Last week, we have learned that Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effective for salvation through the blessing of Christ and the working of the Spirit upon those who receive them in faith.  These ordinances are different than the other ordinances, because they were instituted by Christ to function as visible and outward signs of the new covenant. You can view that post here.  This week, we will look at Baptism in greater detail.

 What is baptism?

Baptism is a holy ordinance, in which immersion in the water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifies our being joined to Christ and our sharing the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.  Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19).  Paul said,

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly by united with him in a resurrection like his (Rom. 6:3-5).

 Again of baptism, Paul states, "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead" (Col. 2:12).  We are also reminded, "For as many of you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).

To whom is baptism to be administered?

Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God, faith in and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ; and to no other.  Acts 2:38 states, "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  Acts 8:12 states, "But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."  Again we are told, "'Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people [Cornelius and those in his household who believed], who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?'  And he [Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Then they asked him to remain for some days" (Acts 10:47-48).   Sinners went out to John the Baptist, "and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins" (Matt. 3:6).

Are the infants of professing believers to be baptized?

The infants of believers are not to be baptized; because there is neither command nor example in the Holy Scriptures, nor implication from them to baptize such.  But baptism is made an expression of faith.  Peter said, "Baptism, which corresponds to this [the ark], now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 3:21, see also Col. 2:12 and Gal. 3:26-27).

How is baptism rightly administered?

Baptism  is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit according to Christ's institution, and the practice of the apostles, and not by sprinkling or pouring of water, or dipping some part of the body, after the tradition of men.  Of Jesus' baptism it states, "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him" (Matt. 3:16).  We are told, "John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there; and people were coming and being baptized" (John 2:23; see also John 4:1-2).  Acts 8:38 states, "And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized  him."

What is the duty of those who are rightly baptized?

It is the duty of those who are rightly baptized to give themselves to some visible and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  Acts 2:46-47 states, "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."  Peter said, "You yourselves like living stones are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 2:5).  The author of Hebrews said, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25).

What it the visible church?

The visible church is the organized society of professing believers, in all ages and places, wherein the gospel is truly preached and the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper administered in true faith.  Acts 2:42 describes the early church in these terms, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers."  Acts 20:7 states, "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight."  Paul states, "And he [Jesus] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:11-12).

What is the invisible church?

The invisible church is the who number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head.  Jesus said, "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold.  I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.  So there will be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16).  John recorded, "He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad" (John 11:51-52).  Paul said God revealed the mystery of the gospel, "As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" (Eph. 1:10).  He also said, "And he put all things under his [Christ's] feet and gave him as head over all thing to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). 

Summary

This week, we learned that baptism is the ordinance whereby a believer is immersed in water as a symbol of their union with Christ in his death and resurrection.  It is done in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Baptism signifies a person's commitment to walk in continual obedience to Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.  It is a prerequisite to membership in the visible church (a local congregation), and a mark of belonging to the invisible church (all of God's children, from every age).  Next week, we turn our attention to the Lord's Supper, as we seek to answer the question: "How does God reveal the benefits of redemption?" Part 4.

Sunday Recap 11-14-10

Morning: The message, "Why Not Me," examined Ecclesiastes 6:1-12. We find Solomon in a dark place in this passage.  He seems to be struggling with the reality that there are some who are blessed by God and they get to enjoy those blessings, and then there are those who are blessed by God, but don't get to enjoy those blessings.  Solomon uses exaggerated examples of "blessing" from his culture: wealth, long life, and children.  If the greatest good Solomon can imagine is knowing God and enjoying his blessing, then it is easy to see why knowing about God without the experience of enjoying his blessing is such a grievous evil to Solomon.

Solomon points out a great burden that (some) of mankind must bear.  He calls it an evil.  The great burden is to be blessed by God without ability to enjoy those blessings.  Stress, anxiety, fear, pride, foolishness, and more rob us of the ability to enjoy the many blessing is life.  Solomon seems to be asking the question, "Why don't I get to enjoy all that I have been blessed with?"  In other words, he is asking, "Why not me?"  But Solomon knows the answer.  He has striven under the sun, without giving God the proper place in his life.

The realization that he bore the burden of regret left Solomon with unending questions.  Don't we all go down to the grave?  Is there any point to choosing wisdom over folly?  Does anything ever change?  What's the point? 

The darkness of this passage reminds us of the dangers of self-pity.  With his focus on himself, Solomon can only sink lower and lower.  I this passage represents Solomon's rock bottom.  He can't get any lower.  All that is left is to look up.  Solomon has to take a dose of the medicine he has prescribed to others: he has to turn to God. 

Evening: We had a very enjoyable singing this evening with the Telestials.

Come Ye Sinners

As I mentioned in a previous post, I love the song, "Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy," or as it is also called, "I Will Arise and Go to Jesus."  The song captures the essence of the gospel.  Humanity is revealed in its weakness, Christ is displayed as gracious Redeemer.  The images are so well blended they both haunt and comfort the listener.

Verse one states, "Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love, and power."  This song is an invitation to receive the good news of Jesus Christ.  Sinners who are "poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore," are urged to come the the waiting Savior.  The Savior who awaits is not only wanting to save, but he also has the power to save.

Verse two states, "Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome, God's free bounty glorified; True belief and true repentance, every grace that brings you nigh."  In this verse, the demands of the gospel are laid out.  Salvation is an act of God's grace.  By his grace he calls us to believe and to repent.  Then in his grace, he receives our faith and justifies us in Christ.  The thirsty are compelled to come, in faith and repentance, and find grace in abundance.

Verse three states, "Come, ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall; If you tarry till you're better, you will never come at all." Here the song speaks to the undecided.  They know that they cannot keep God's righteous commandments, but they afraid to approach.  They are wondering if it is possible the Jesus would greet them with open arms.  They feel the weight of their sin, but fear that it's too great of a burden for Jesus to lift.  After all, they reason, why would he want to save someone like me.  Their minds waffle back and forth, usually settling on a compromise--they will reform their lives, then they will seek God's forgiveness.  Here we are warned, "If you tarry till you're better, you will never come at all."

The final verse states, "Let not conscience make you linger, nor a fitness fondly dream; all the fitness he requires, is to feel your need of Him."  The human conscience is warped.  Sin has damaged it, and without continual reformatting through Bible study it can lead us astray.  There is no righteousness in us.  No good thing dwells in our flesh. No is good, no not one. None seeks after God. (See Romans 3).  God requires a perfection that we do not and cannot possess.  We need a righteousness greater than the Pharisees (moralists), but the only way that can happen is to trust God to make us righteous through Jesus Christ.

The refrain offers the right response to the message of the gospel.  It says, "I will arise, and go to Jesus, he will embrace me in his arms; in the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms."  The Lord is calling humanity to return to him, to trust him.  Jesus stands ready to receive all who come to him in faith.  Have you heard that call?  Are you poor and needy?  Thirsty? Weary and heavy laden? Lost and ruined by the fall?  Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love, and power.  If you tarry till your better, you will never come at all.  Why not turn to Jesus in faith and repentance?

Thursday Humor: Great with Kids

After a long day, I like to wind down with a little comedy.  This clip of Ron Pearson is hysterical.  I hope it make you laugh.

Thoughts on the End

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thes. 5:9).

In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Paul offers the church a few thoughts on the end.  The early church didn't have time to focus on the study of the end times, they were busy establishing the church, defending the deity and humanity of Christ, and enduring persecution.  Although their doctrine of the end times was not as fleshed out as it has been in recent generations, they lived with the end in sight.  Now, as then, many people are trying to figure out how the end will turn out.  Paul is more concerned with how we live in light of the end.  Here are some thoughts on the end.

1. The coming Day of the Lord.

• Paul warns us that it isn't something we can pinpoint, but it is something for which we can prepare. 

• He warns that it will come like a thief in the night (see also Matt. 24:36-51; Luke 12:35-40; 2 Pet. 3:10). It is something that will catch the majority of humanity off guard, because they did keep watch for its coming.

• It will come like labor pains.  Paul may mean couple of things.  He may mean it comes suddenly even though it is anticipated.  Pregnant women are not surprised by the onset of labor, but they never know when it will hit them.  Paul may also mean that it is like labor in that once the starts, there is no stopping it.

2. A message for the sons of light

In verses 4-8a, Paul teaches us some important principles.  He states,

• The Day won't be a surprise for believers, because they are not in the darkness.  They are no longer spiritual blinded by the god of this age.  Their eyes have been opened by the Holy Spirit.

• Believers are sons of the light and sons of the day.  The term "son of" is used to express the reality of a shared nature.  We share in the same nature of the light and the day.  Light is our spiritual DNA.

• The darkness doesn't own us, so we're free to be different, free to obey Christ.

• We are not "asleep," so let's be alert and self controlled.  Paul is speaking of those individuals who are morally ambivalent. They are complacent.

• We belong to the day, so we need to quit the deeds of the darkness.  Sleep and drunkenness are metaphors for being defenseless and controlled by outside forces.

3. The right response

Paul sets out a four-fold response in verses 8b-11.

• We are to be (alert and) self-controlled.

• We do this by putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.  In other words, we have to preach the gospel to ourselves, as Paul demonstrates in verses 9-10.

• We must then encourage each other and build each other up. If we are going to build each other up, we will have to spend time with each other, correcting and encouraging, rebuking and training.

• Finally, we have to keep up the good work.  Paul recognized the good that the church was already doing, and encouraged them to keep it up.

Hymns: "Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy"

Music is a powerful medium.  There is something about music that reaches down deep within the inner man and penetrates the impenetrable. When words are combined with music, two powerful elements are combined into a  synergistic force.  Music impresses the message, like a signet ring in melted wax, upon heart, mind, and soul.

It is no wonder then why humanity has combined words and music since the beginning.  A lie set to music can ravage the soul, and by extension, a society.  Truth set to music can build up the soul, and by extension, a society.  Although what I am saying is not unique to the church, I want to focus on it from a Christian perspective.  Hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs should play a vital role in the life of a believer and in the life of the church.

I say these things in order to explain both my previous "hymn" entries and my future practice of posting hymns and other songs here.  I don't want to get into the habit of slapping a video up here and thinking I'm done.  The songs I select are songs that resonate with me.  They speak to some need in my life and keep directing me back to Jesus.  They expand my heart with visions of his greatness and teach my lips to praise his holy name.  They discipline my mind to think more biblically, more worshipfully.  I hope they will do the same for you.

Here is this week's song: "Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy" or "I Will Arise and Go to Jesus." My favorite version is performed by Ruut Sallinen. However, I couldn't find a video of that version.  I hope you enjoy this one:

FAQs Mondays: How Does God Reveal the Benefits of Redemption? Part 2

Last week we began looking at the outward and ordinary means through which the benefits of redemption are communicated to us.  We focused on the first one, the Word.  You can view that post here. This week, we'll start to look at Baptism and the Lord's supper for the second part of our question, "How does God reveal the benefits of redemption?"

 How do Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effective means of salvation?

Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effective means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in those who by faith receive them.  Peter states, "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 3:21).  Paul states, "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13).  He also said, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth" (1 Cor. 3:6-7).

How do Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from the other ordinances of God?

Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from the other ordinances of God in that they were specially instituted by Christ to represent and apply to believers the benefits of the new covenant by visible and outward signs.  Jesus commanded, "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. 28:19-20).  Matthew also records,

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matt. 26:26-28).

Ananias said to Paul, "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16).  Of baptism, Paul stated, "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4).

Summary

We have learned that Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effective for salvation through the blessing of Christ and the working of the Spirit upon those who receive them in faith.  These ordinances are different than the other ordinances, because they were instituted by Christ to function as visible and outward signs of the new covenant.  We will look at Baptism in greater detail next week in part 3.

Sunday Recap 11-7-10

Morning: The sermon, "More Money, More Problems," focused on Ecclesiastes 5:8-20.  In this passage, Solomon reminds us of the truth that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  He informs us of the many dangers of loving money.  Randy Alcorn paraphrases Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 and states:

• The more you have, the more you want.
• The more you have, the less you're satisfied.
• The more you have, the more people (including the government) will come after it.
• The more you have, the more you realize it does you no good.
• The more you have, the more you have to worry about.
• The more you have, the more you can hurt yourself by holding onto it.
• The more you have, the more you have to lose.
• The more you have, the more you leave behind.

Solomon encourages us once more to understand that the simple life, lived to the glory of God, is the best possible life.  Hard work, with enjoyment, is a gift from God.  So are the people who fill our lives.  God works in our lives in such a way, as we live to honor him, that brings contentment.

Evening:  Business meeting.

Thursday Humor

I have been under the weather for the last couple of days, but I'm on the mend now.  They say laughter is the best medicine.  I'm not so sure about that, but it does help.  Here is another funny clip from Anthony Griffith.

I Need a Hero

I have been posted hymns and spiritual songs on Tuesdays lately, so I thought would add another. It's Skillet's "I Need a Hero (to Save Me Now)." This song won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it does capture the feeling I was trying to express in Saturday's post, "Hero of the Day." You can view that post here.  I had hope to post a song by Andrew Peterson, as well,  but I couldn't find a video.  His son is "Windows on the World."  Both songs express a longing that often goes unrecognized and calls us to get busy searching.

Skillet:

FAQs Mondays: How Does God Reveal the Benefits of Redemption? Part 1

Last week, we answered the question, "How does a sinner escape the wrath of God?"  You can read that post here.  We were reminded that "To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward and ordinary means where by Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption."  Last week's post focused on faith and repentance.  This week's post begin a short series of posts that deal with the outward and ordinary means that God uses to show us Christ.  So this week we begin to answer the question, "How does God reveal the benefits of redemption?"

What are the outward and ordinary means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of Redemption?

The outward and ordinary means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord's Supper and Prayer; all of which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.  Acts 2:41-42 tells us, "So those who received his word were baptized, and there was added that day about three thousand souls.  And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Paul explains, "So faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17).  James explains, "Of his own will he [God] brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creation" (Jam. 1:18).

How is the Word made effective for salvation?

The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith unto salvation.  The David informs, "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Ps. 19:7).  The Psalmist states, "I have stored your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. . . . Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law" (Ps. 119: 11, 18).  Paul states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greeks" (Rom. 1:16).  Again Paul states, "And you became imitators of us, and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thes. 1:6).  Peter says, "So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation" (1 Pet. 2:1-2).

How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effective for salvation?

That the Word may become effective for salvation we must attend to it with diligence, preparation and prayer, receive it in faith and love, lay it up in our hearts and practice it in our lives.  Wisdom says, "Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors" (Prov. 8:34). Paul states, "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching" (1 Tim. 4:13).  The author of Hebrews states, "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. . . . How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard" (Heb. 2:1, 3).  He also says, "For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened" (Heb. 4:2).  James commands, "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (Jam. 1:21).

Summary

This week we began looking at the outward and ordinary means through which the benefits of redemption are communicated to us.  We focused on the first one, the Word.  Next week, we'll start to look at Baptism and the Lord's supper for the second part of our question, "How does God reveal the benefits of redemption?"