I like Third Day. I think this is a beautiful song. I hope you enjoy it.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday Recap 1-29-12
Morning: The sermon, "Becoming God's Friend," focused on James 4:4-10. In this passage, James warns that becoming friends with the world makes us enemies of God. He captures our attention by asking two questions to remind us of what we already know: that being like the world makes us enemies with God and that we have a sin nature.
These reminders are followed by a word of hope. God gives grace to the humble.
Following this word of encouragement, James gives us a recipe for repentance. He tells us to submit to God, to resist the devil, to come close to God, to feel the weight of our sins, and to humble ourselves before God. If we will do this, God will lift us up.
Evening: We had movie night. It was a great time of fellowship.
These reminders are followed by a word of hope. God gives grace to the humble.
Following this word of encouragement, James gives us a recipe for repentance. He tells us to submit to God, to resist the devil, to come close to God, to feel the weight of our sins, and to humble ourselves before God. If we will do this, God will lift us up.
Evening: We had movie night. It was a great time of fellowship.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Pride Come Before a Fall
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18).
When we speak of pride, we typically use it in one of two ways. We can speak of pride in a positive way to express a healthy respect for one's ability or person. Such as, John takes pride in his work. The second way is negative. Often, pride reflects an unhealthy confidence in and attention to one's own skills, accomplishments, etc. This kind of pride is sin.
One of the clearest pictures of pride in Scripture, is the story of Uzziah. The story seems to unfold as if it was written to illustrate this very proverb. In 2 Chronicles 26:1-22, we get to witness the fall of Uzziah. It's a sad story, played out too often in human history.
Uzziah was a young man of great potential. He became king at the age of 16 by the will of the people. He was commended by God. He was a mighty warrior. A builder. A entrepreneur. He possessed great wealth and an army to defend it. If you would have asked anyone who knew him to describe him in one word, they would have, most certainly, said, "Powerful."
All that Uzziah possessed had been given to him by the Lord. Uzziah's name meant "Yahweh is my strength." His strength, his brilliance, his wisdom, his wealth all came from the Lord.
However, it appears Uzziah forgot that. Apparently, he had began to believe his own press. He had begun to think he was the source of all his power. His pride brought about his downfall. We can see his thoughts through his actions.
Uzziah barged into the holy place ready to offer incense at the altar. Yet, it was unlawful for him to do so. His, "I can do what I want" attitude is evident.
When confronted by the priests, Uzziah became enraged. His actions scream, "Who do you think you are to stop me?". His rebellion was met with leprosy and rejection.
The Lord showed mercy to Uzziah, by giving him leprosy. He could have just killed him there on the spot. Yet, he gave him the opportunity to repent.
The sad end to Uzziah's story is that he never repented. He ended his life locked away from his family, cut off from God, and stripped of his power. In the end, they would even bury him with his forefathers.
The lesson is simple: pride destroys. God calls us to humility. Pride tells us that we can do whatever we want, and we won't have to answer for it. Humility says apart from Christ, I can do no good thing. Don't let pride trip you up.
When we speak of pride, we typically use it in one of two ways. We can speak of pride in a positive way to express a healthy respect for one's ability or person. Such as, John takes pride in his work. The second way is negative. Often, pride reflects an unhealthy confidence in and attention to one's own skills, accomplishments, etc. This kind of pride is sin.
One of the clearest pictures of pride in Scripture, is the story of Uzziah. The story seems to unfold as if it was written to illustrate this very proverb. In 2 Chronicles 26:1-22, we get to witness the fall of Uzziah. It's a sad story, played out too often in human history.
Uzziah was a young man of great potential. He became king at the age of 16 by the will of the people. He was commended by God. He was a mighty warrior. A builder. A entrepreneur. He possessed great wealth and an army to defend it. If you would have asked anyone who knew him to describe him in one word, they would have, most certainly, said, "Powerful."
All that Uzziah possessed had been given to him by the Lord. Uzziah's name meant "Yahweh is my strength." His strength, his brilliance, his wisdom, his wealth all came from the Lord.
However, it appears Uzziah forgot that. Apparently, he had began to believe his own press. He had begun to think he was the source of all his power. His pride brought about his downfall. We can see his thoughts through his actions.
Uzziah barged into the holy place ready to offer incense at the altar. Yet, it was unlawful for him to do so. His, "I can do what I want" attitude is evident.
When confronted by the priests, Uzziah became enraged. His actions scream, "Who do you think you are to stop me?". His rebellion was met with leprosy and rejection.
The Lord showed mercy to Uzziah, by giving him leprosy. He could have just killed him there on the spot. Yet, he gave him the opportunity to repent.
The sad end to Uzziah's story is that he never repented. He ended his life locked away from his family, cut off from God, and stripped of his power. In the end, they would even bury him with his forefathers.
The lesson is simple: pride destroys. God calls us to humility. Pride tells us that we can do whatever we want, and we won't have to answer for it. Humility says apart from Christ, I can do no good thing. Don't let pride trip you up.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hymns: "The Power of the Cross (O to See the Day)"
This is a beautiful song. I like how it draws our attention to the cross.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday Recap 1-22-12
Morning: The sermon, "Guarding the Trust," focused on 1 Tim. 6:20-21. These verses sum up Paul's message to Timothy. Timothy needed to hold onto what he had been given, while avoiding false teaching, and resting in God's grace.
Timothy had to guard what was entrusted to him. But what was entrusted to him? He was entrusted with a task, with sound doctrine, with the good fight of faith, with the work of prayer, with a spiritual gift, and with a heritage. In a word, he was trust with the gospel. He was called to preach the message of Christ as first importance (see 1 Cor. 15:1-11).
Timothy had to turn from false teaching. Timothy had to stand against "godless chatter," and pseudo-knowledge. Those who give themselves over to false messages eventually abandon the faith.
Finally, Paul prayed for grace. It was an expression of hope. Paul hoped Timothy would be surrounded by God's grace. It was a prayer that God would surround Timothy with grace. And it expressed a promise. God's grace will abound wherever his people are.
Evening: The lesson, "Mad as Heck, or Why Man's Anger Can't Produce the Righteousness of God," focused on James 1:19-21. In this passage, James sets forth a principle, explains the reason behind it, and extends a command to enable us to follow it.
The principle is that "Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." James wants his audience to hear in the since of listen. Listening is the practice of paying attention, heeding, and obeying. The wise listen (see Prov. 1:5, 4:1, 19:20, and 25:12). He wants them to be slow to speak. The wise choose their words carefully (see Prov. 10:19, 15:1, and 17:27). Finally, we should be slow to get angry. Most anger is rooted in sinful desire (see James 4:1-3).
The reason behind the principle is that "human anger does not produce the righteous life God desires." It may be better to say, a man's anger doesn't produce the righteousness of God. Commentator, D. J. Moo states, "James's simple point is that human anger does not produce behavior that is pleasing to God." In fact, the Scriptures warn against angry people (see Prov. 22:24, 29:11, and 30:33. Most human anger is rooted in self-love, in an exaggerated sense of self-worth, in self-righteousness, or in a lack of trust in God's justice.
James's solution is a two-fold command: get rid of moral filth and humbly submit to God's Word. When James tells us to get rid of moral filth and evil what does he mean? He means we should life the Word, take care of widows and orphans, tame our tongues, stop showing favoritism, etc. Other writers help us to see it even more clearly. Paul gives detailed lists (see Gal. 5:19-20; Eph. 4:31; and Col. 3:5,7). Peter has a general list in 1 Peter 2:1. How do we push this "moral filth" out of our lives? By humbly accepting the Word of God. We allow the Scriptures to inform and shape us.
When it comes to God's Word, we are called to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. We are to let Scripture make us into what God wants us to be.
Timothy had to guard what was entrusted to him. But what was entrusted to him? He was entrusted with a task, with sound doctrine, with the good fight of faith, with the work of prayer, with a spiritual gift, and with a heritage. In a word, he was trust with the gospel. He was called to preach the message of Christ as first importance (see 1 Cor. 15:1-11).
Timothy had to turn from false teaching. Timothy had to stand against "godless chatter," and pseudo-knowledge. Those who give themselves over to false messages eventually abandon the faith.
Finally, Paul prayed for grace. It was an expression of hope. Paul hoped Timothy would be surrounded by God's grace. It was a prayer that God would surround Timothy with grace. And it expressed a promise. God's grace will abound wherever his people are.
Evening: The lesson, "Mad as Heck, or Why Man's Anger Can't Produce the Righteousness of God," focused on James 1:19-21. In this passage, James sets forth a principle, explains the reason behind it, and extends a command to enable us to follow it.
The principle is that "Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." James wants his audience to hear in the since of listen. Listening is the practice of paying attention, heeding, and obeying. The wise listen (see Prov. 1:5, 4:1, 19:20, and 25:12). He wants them to be slow to speak. The wise choose their words carefully (see Prov. 10:19, 15:1, and 17:27). Finally, we should be slow to get angry. Most anger is rooted in sinful desire (see James 4:1-3).
The reason behind the principle is that "human anger does not produce the righteous life God desires." It may be better to say, a man's anger doesn't produce the righteousness of God. Commentator, D. J. Moo states, "James's simple point is that human anger does not produce behavior that is pleasing to God." In fact, the Scriptures warn against angry people (see Prov. 22:24, 29:11, and 30:33. Most human anger is rooted in self-love, in an exaggerated sense of self-worth, in self-righteousness, or in a lack of trust in God's justice.
James's solution is a two-fold command: get rid of moral filth and humbly submit to God's Word. When James tells us to get rid of moral filth and evil what does he mean? He means we should life the Word, take care of widows and orphans, tame our tongues, stop showing favoritism, etc. Other writers help us to see it even more clearly. Paul gives detailed lists (see Gal. 5:19-20; Eph. 4:31; and Col. 3:5,7). Peter has a general list in 1 Peter 2:1. How do we push this "moral filth" out of our lives? By humbly accepting the Word of God. We allow the Scriptures to inform and shape us.
When it comes to God's Word, we are called to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. We are to let Scripture make us into what God wants us to be.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday Humor: "How Come Dinosaurs Don't Talk"
I saw this early this week, and it made me laugh. I hope it brightens your day.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Mark of Good Judgment
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, the ears of the wise seek it" (Prov. 18:15, NIV).
The heart was the center of thinking and decisions making. The discerning person, or individual of good judgment, acquires (learns over time) knowledge. Knowledge is intellectual understanding. It is comprehension of what truly is. The ears of the wise seek knowledge. Those who are truly wise want to learn.
Why does Solomon state such an obvious truth? The wise have knowledge seems like such a, "Well, Duh!" statement. Of course, the wise have knowledge. What is your point, Solomon?
Here are some truths we can glean from Solomon's insight:
1. Knowledge is possible, that is, there is a truth to be known.
2. The reason so few "know" it is because so few seek it.
3. Knowing doesn't come without effort.
4. Wise people are always ready to learn.
5. Wise people measure or test everything they learn against the standard of truth.
6. Solomon is exposing a pattern to imitate.
7. The wise are storehouse of sound advise.
8. We should surround ourselves with the wise.
9. We should seek to become wise.
Open your ears to the voice of truth, and you will acquire knowledge. May your heart grown in discernment as you seek knowledge.
The heart was the center of thinking and decisions making. The discerning person, or individual of good judgment, acquires (learns over time) knowledge. Knowledge is intellectual understanding. It is comprehension of what truly is. The ears of the wise seek knowledge. Those who are truly wise want to learn.
Why does Solomon state such an obvious truth? The wise have knowledge seems like such a, "Well, Duh!" statement. Of course, the wise have knowledge. What is your point, Solomon?
Here are some truths we can glean from Solomon's insight:
1. Knowledge is possible, that is, there is a truth to be known.
2. The reason so few "know" it is because so few seek it.
3. Knowing doesn't come without effort.
4. Wise people are always ready to learn.
5. Wise people measure or test everything they learn against the standard of truth.
6. Solomon is exposing a pattern to imitate.
7. The wise are storehouse of sound advise.
8. We should surround ourselves with the wise.
9. We should seek to become wise.
Open your ears to the voice of truth, and you will acquire knowledge. May your heart grown in discernment as you seek knowledge.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Hymns: "I'll Fly Away"
I think this hymns is best when sung with an upbeat tempo. It captures the excitement of entering eternity. The song points to a healthy view of death. Death is an acknowledged reality, but not focal point. Albert E. Brumley wasn't focused on death, but upon the continuation of life. The joy for believers isn't in dying; it is in the transitioning from a temporal, often difficult life to an eternal, joyous life.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday Recap 1-15-12
Morning: Today was "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday." We opened with this video from the Miniature Earth Project.
The sermon, "Hope in God," examined 1 Timothy 6:17-19. In this passage, Paul gives Timothy some last minute reminders to pass on. They come in two clusters of commands.
The first cluster of commands state:
1. Do not be arrogant. Those of us who are blessed with wealth shouldn't assume that God was obligated to give it to us because we are good. Nor should we think others don't have wealth because they are bad. We have be blessed to be a blessing.
2. Do not trust in wealth. It may last for generations, but it might just split like Usain Bolt when the starting pistol is fired.
3. Put you hope in God. God is the provider of all the good things in our lives. He is the One who will carry us through our times of trouble. He is the One who will great us when this life is over.
Before Paul moves on the second cluster of commands, he reminds his reader that God has given them their wealth for enjoyment. They are to enjoy what they have, but that doesn't mean they can squander it on selfish extravagance.
He urges Timothy to command them:
1. To do good. They are to use their money in proper ways, not in ways that will destroy.
2. To be rich in good deeds. They should do good things in abundance. Doing good should be a regular part of their life.
3. To be generous. Just as God has gifted them with wealth, they are to use that wealth to help others. They should be glad to help those in need.
4. To be willing to share. We are called to share what we have.
In this way, Paul reminds us, we store up treasure in heaven, while laying a solid foundation. As we hope in God, and give from our abundance, we seize the the life that is truly life.
We ended with this song by Andrew Peterson:
Evening: We looked at Psalm 15, and talked about self-reflection. When we focus on God's requirements for man, it drives us to the cross of Christ. He alone is able to make us stand before God, and he does it with gladness.
The sermon, "Hope in God," examined 1 Timothy 6:17-19. In this passage, Paul gives Timothy some last minute reminders to pass on. They come in two clusters of commands.
The first cluster of commands state:
1. Do not be arrogant. Those of us who are blessed with wealth shouldn't assume that God was obligated to give it to us because we are good. Nor should we think others don't have wealth because they are bad. We have be blessed to be a blessing.
2. Do not trust in wealth. It may last for generations, but it might just split like Usain Bolt when the starting pistol is fired.
3. Put you hope in God. God is the provider of all the good things in our lives. He is the One who will carry us through our times of trouble. He is the One who will great us when this life is over.
Before Paul moves on the second cluster of commands, he reminds his reader that God has given them their wealth for enjoyment. They are to enjoy what they have, but that doesn't mean they can squander it on selfish extravagance.
He urges Timothy to command them:
1. To do good. They are to use their money in proper ways, not in ways that will destroy.
2. To be rich in good deeds. They should do good things in abundance. Doing good should be a regular part of their life.
3. To be generous. Just as God has gifted them with wealth, they are to use that wealth to help others. They should be glad to help those in need.
4. To be willing to share. We are called to share what we have.
In this way, Paul reminds us, we store up treasure in heaven, while laying a solid foundation. As we hope in God, and give from our abundance, we seize the the life that is truly life.
We ended with this song by Andrew Peterson:
Evening: We looked at Psalm 15, and talked about self-reflection. When we focus on God's requirements for man, it drives us to the cross of Christ. He alone is able to make us stand before God, and he does it with gladness.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday Humor: Tim Hawkins Stand Up
Here is another Tim Hawkins clip. He makes me laugh. What can I say?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Good Grief
Hardship is a natural part of life of life in a fallen world. As God's children, we are called to comfort those who mourn. We need to develop the skills necessary to aid others in their grief. Although their behavior and attitudes in the rest of the book of Job don't display wisdom, we can learn wisdom from the examples of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar from Job 2:11-13.
Let's look at what they got right:
1. When they heard of Job's troubles, they sprang into action. They got together and went to show their support. We need to show our support and bring comfort to those in need.
2. They entered into Job's grief. When they saw their friend, but couldn't really recognize the man they knew and loved, they openly grieved. They wept loudly. They tore their clothes. They put dirt on their heads. All of these things indicated a deep, sincere grief. They hearts were breaking for Job.
3. They gave the gift of time. They sat with Job for seven days and nights. They just plopped right down next to him at the village dump. Job need someone to share his burden, so they joined him.
4. They gave him the gift of silence. During their seven day stay in the dumps, none of Job's friends spoke. They waited for him to break the silence. His heart was wounded, and they knew that no words could heal it. So they waited.
If they book would have ended here, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar would have been heroes. Their methods of grief counseling would be legendary. Unfortunately, they had to open their mouths and ruin it with horrible accusations and bad theology.
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar have shown us what we should do (and what we should not do) to help those who are grieving. If we follow the example they give us in Job 2:11-13, we will help to facilitate good grief in our communities. How do you help those around you, who are hurting?
Let's look at what they got right:
1. When they heard of Job's troubles, they sprang into action. They got together and went to show their support. We need to show our support and bring comfort to those in need.
2. They entered into Job's grief. When they saw their friend, but couldn't really recognize the man they knew and loved, they openly grieved. They wept loudly. They tore their clothes. They put dirt on their heads. All of these things indicated a deep, sincere grief. They hearts were breaking for Job.
3. They gave the gift of time. They sat with Job for seven days and nights. They just plopped right down next to him at the village dump. Job need someone to share his burden, so they joined him.
4. They gave him the gift of silence. During their seven day stay in the dumps, none of Job's friends spoke. They waited for him to break the silence. His heart was wounded, and they knew that no words could heal it. So they waited.
If they book would have ended here, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar would have been heroes. Their methods of grief counseling would be legendary. Unfortunately, they had to open their mouths and ruin it with horrible accusations and bad theology.
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar have shown us what we should do (and what we should not do) to help those who are grieving. If we follow the example they give us in Job 2:11-13, we will help to facilitate good grief in our communities. How do you help those around you, who are hurting?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Spiritual Songs: Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer
Here is a beautiful song for difficult times. We all go through rough patches in life. We are tested. We face temptation. We fail. We have a victory. The yearning of our hearts should be that God will turn our mess into something good, something beautiful. And if he trust him, he will. Note: the song ends around the 4:51 mark, if you want to stop the video there.
Monday, January 9, 2012
FAQs Mondays: To Be or Not to Be?
This week, I want to tackle a different sort of question: to be or not to be?
Originally, that question was posed by young Hamlet in the play by Shakespeare. It was a question concerning existence. Hamlet was wondering if he would be better off alive or dead.
Now, I ask the question, to be or not to be? But I'm not asking it about my life. I'm asking it about FAQs Mondays. I'm also thinking about the life of my blog.
Are the "FAQs" posts helping you as a reader? Have they been helpful in directing your meditation on the truths of the Scripture? Have they helped you grow in your faith? Is this a series you would like to see continue? How could I improve the posts? Feel free to post suggestions in the comments. I would love to here from you.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Sunday Recap 1-8-12
Morning: The sermon, "Standing in the Son," looked at Hebrews 4:14-16. In this passage, the author of Hebrews calls us to place our confidence in the Lord.
He reminds us that we have a high priest who has entered into heaven. The author of Hebrews talks about the tabernacle and temples as types or shadows of the real thing in heaven. Jesus, the Son of God, entered into the real holy of holies and poured his blood on the altar of God. He has genuinely purchased us redemption.
Because of this truth, we must cling to our profession. Christ is a treasure of infinite value. He should not be discarded, because we do so to our harm.
We have a sympathetic priest who has been tempted like us, but without the sin. Jesus is able to understand our experience because he has shared in it. At the same time, he is able to help us in our situation because he is sinless. He could offer himself as a substitute, becoming a sin offering on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God.
Because he can understand and help us, we should approach the throne of God with boldness. The author of Hebrews compels us to mercy and find grace at the throne of God. The work of Christ is so perfect that we may approach with the assurance that God will aid us in our time of need.
We should never entertain the thought of abandoning Christ, because he will never abandon us. We cling to him with the full knowledge of his redeeming love. Seek him for the help you need, and you will find mercy and grace.
Evening: We had business meeting tonight.
He reminds us that we have a high priest who has entered into heaven. The author of Hebrews talks about the tabernacle and temples as types or shadows of the real thing in heaven. Jesus, the Son of God, entered into the real holy of holies and poured his blood on the altar of God. He has genuinely purchased us redemption.
Because of this truth, we must cling to our profession. Christ is a treasure of infinite value. He should not be discarded, because we do so to our harm.
We have a sympathetic priest who has been tempted like us, but without the sin. Jesus is able to understand our experience because he has shared in it. At the same time, he is able to help us in our situation because he is sinless. He could offer himself as a substitute, becoming a sin offering on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God.
Because he can understand and help us, we should approach the throne of God with boldness. The author of Hebrews compels us to mercy and find grace at the throne of God. The work of Christ is so perfect that we may approach with the assurance that God will aid us in our time of need.
We should never entertain the thought of abandoning Christ, because he will never abandon us. We cling to him with the full knowledge of his redeeming love. Seek him for the help you need, and you will find mercy and grace.
Evening: We had business meeting tonight.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thursday Humor: "Kids Are Like Snowflakes"
I kept coming back to this one, because it made me laugh. I won't ruin the surprise. I hope you get a chuckle out of it.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
What the Lord Requires
Every society experiences injustice. Corruption is always on the brink of consuming humanity. Israel was not immune to the struggles of a fallen humanity. Injustice had become a way of life. Merchants were using false weights, widows and orphans were being taken advantage of, parents were sacrificing their children to false gods. Darkness was everywhere.
The Lord rose up and challenged his people. His words in Micah 6:1-5, call the people to remember is loving faithfulness. They call them to turn from their rebellion, and to see the foolishness of their ways. Micah, the prophet, is allowed to utter the question in hearts of his listeners: "What does God require?" (see Micah 6:6-7).
The context suggests that Micah's audience felt God demanded to much. As they rattle off items they think will appease him, the offerings grow in size and magnitude. Will there ever be enough? Their quest to appease God doesn't appear to be sincere. It is more of a pay for play theology. They are suggesting that God name the price it would take to overlook their sin.
Again, the prophet speaks, ""He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
If we want to do what God requires, we must: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. That leads me to three questions:
1. What does it mean to act justly? It means to live righteously, and to live righteously we must live by faith. To act justly means that we are walking in obedience to the Lord. It is to value life. It is to defend the weak. It is to let your "yes," mean yes, and your "no," mean no.
2. What does it mean to love mercy? It means that we do more than show mercy. We cultivate it. We rejoice in its display.
3. What does it mean to walk humbly with God? It means we realize that God is God and we are not. It means our confidence is not in our abilities, but in God's grace. It means we stop seeking our own kingdom, and instead pursue his.
If we want to do what God requires, we will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God? Are you willing to do what the Lord requires?
The Lord rose up and challenged his people. His words in Micah 6:1-5, call the people to remember is loving faithfulness. They call them to turn from their rebellion, and to see the foolishness of their ways. Micah, the prophet, is allowed to utter the question in hearts of his listeners: "What does God require?" (see Micah 6:6-7).
The context suggests that Micah's audience felt God demanded to much. As they rattle off items they think will appease him, the offerings grow in size and magnitude. Will there ever be enough? Their quest to appease God doesn't appear to be sincere. It is more of a pay for play theology. They are suggesting that God name the price it would take to overlook their sin.
Again, the prophet speaks, ""He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
If we want to do what God requires, we must: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. That leads me to three questions:
1. What does it mean to act justly? It means to live righteously, and to live righteously we must live by faith. To act justly means that we are walking in obedience to the Lord. It is to value life. It is to defend the weak. It is to let your "yes," mean yes, and your "no," mean no.
2. What does it mean to love mercy? It means that we do more than show mercy. We cultivate it. We rejoice in its display.
3. What does it mean to walk humbly with God? It means we realize that God is God and we are not. It means our confidence is not in our abilities, but in God's grace. It means we stop seeking our own kingdom, and instead pursue his.
If we want to do what God requires, we will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God? Are you willing to do what the Lord requires?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Hymns: "Are You Washed in the Blood?"
"Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb?" is one of my favorite hymns. Although I didn't always understand it, its upbeat tempo and provocative imagery captivated me. It wasn't until I began reading (and understanding) the Bible that the song really made sense.
The image of the lamb comes out to the Old Testament sacrificial system, and is applied to Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus is the "Lamb that takes away the sin of the world."
Blood and life are intimately connected in Scripture, for we are told the life is in the blood. Expressions like "the wages of sin is death," "The soul that sin will die," and "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin," all express the same reality. Sin brings death without hope.
All humans are destined to die because all are sinners. We are sinners by choice, and sinners by nature. As the descendants of Adam, we share in his guilt. Our blood (our death) cannot erase our sin debt. We need someone to pay our debt for us. Jesus can (and did) pay that debt by offering himself up as a substitute. He took our guilt upon himself, and gave us his innocence. He gave his blood (life) so that we could be cleansed of our guilt.
When the song asks us, "Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?," it is asking us if we have sought forgiveness in Christ through his atoning work on the cross. I hope the next time you hear this hymn you'll be able to answer with a resounding yes, and I hope you'll sing along with enthusiasm.
Here is an old country version of the song. I hope you enjoy it.
The image of the lamb comes out to the Old Testament sacrificial system, and is applied to Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus is the "Lamb that takes away the sin of the world."
Blood and life are intimately connected in Scripture, for we are told the life is in the blood. Expressions like "the wages of sin is death," "The soul that sin will die," and "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin," all express the same reality. Sin brings death without hope.
All humans are destined to die because all are sinners. We are sinners by choice, and sinners by nature. As the descendants of Adam, we share in his guilt. Our blood (our death) cannot erase our sin debt. We need someone to pay our debt for us. Jesus can (and did) pay that debt by offering himself up as a substitute. He took our guilt upon himself, and gave us his innocence. He gave his blood (life) so that we could be cleansed of our guilt.
When the song asks us, "Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?," it is asking us if we have sought forgiveness in Christ through his atoning work on the cross. I hope the next time you hear this hymn you'll be able to answer with a resounding yes, and I hope you'll sing along with enthusiasm.
Here is an old country version of the song. I hope you enjoy it.
Monday, January 2, 2012
FAQs Mondays: How Can Man Be Rescued? Part 2
Did the atonement, in connection
with the purposes of mercy which God had toward his people, render their
salvation certain?
It did.
Did the atonement, in its saving
design, embrace more than the elect?
The elect only; for whatever he designed he will accomplish, and he saves
only "his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21).
And yet, was it not, in its nature,
of sufficient value for the salvation of all mankind?
It was; and hence God is said to have sent His Son into the world "that
the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17). See also Heb. 2:9; John 1:29; 2
Cor. 5:14-20; 1 Tim. 2:6; and 1 John 2:2.
Did Christ suffer in his human or
his divine nature?
It is impossible for the Deity to suffer; and we are
taught; it was his soul that was "exceeding sorrowful" (Matt. 26:38). See also Isa. 53:10.
Were Christ's sufferings very
severe?
No doubt the were. In the garden he was 'in an agony," and sweat "became like drops of blood calling on the ground" (Luke 22:44), and on the cross he cried, "My God, why hast thou
forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46).
What should be the practical effect
of this great doctrine, upon every one to whom it is made known?
It should lead us to devout gratitude to God for his unspeakable gift, and to
love him who "first loved us" (1 John 4:19), and "while we were yet sinners" (Rom. 5:8) died for us.
Is it the duty of every one to
believe on Christ, as the Savior of sinners?
It is. "Whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).
Will the condemnation of those who
do not believe on him, be greater than it would have been, had he not died?
It will. "This, then, is the judgement: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
Are you personally interested in
the atonement of Christ?
Again we conclude with an open ended question. It is an important question that every student must answer for themselves. It is a great question to start the year. Are you personally interested in the atonement of Christ? Do you have the peace with God that it purchases? Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Feel free to leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.
Note: All quotations are the HCSB. I took the liberty to update the quotations for easier reading.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Sunday Recap 1-1-12
Morning: The sermon, "Don't Worry," explored Luke 12:22-34. In this passage, Jesus is commanding his followers to avoid worry. His simple, but profound, message focuses on two points: life is more than food and the body is more than clothes.
Jesus' first point, life is more than food, uses a raven to illustrate. What can the raven teach us? The raven is a scavenger, an unclean bird. Jesus uses it to illustrate God's care for even the most undesirable animals, so that he can then move from the raven to something much more valuable, human beings. Ravens don't sow or reap, they don't have storehouses, yet God cares for them. We learn that we have value beyond our ability to produce or possess.
As Jesus moves to his second point, he reminds us that worry doesn't change anything. It can't change the length of our life (positively), so it is a waste of time and energy. We have to stop worry before it consumes us.
Jesus' second point, the body is more than clothes, uses the lilies of the field to illustrate. What do the lilies teach us? If God puts so much interest in the beauty of a flower that fade, and is fuel for a fire, how much interest does he put in those who bear his image? We learn that our value, unlike "grass," doesn't fade.
Jesus warns against worry, because worry reveals a carnal mind. The "pagan world" refers to the nations, that is the unconverted. Worry reveals a heart that doesn't really know God, and that doesn't truly trust him.
How do we change?
1. Consider the raven and the lilies. God has placed patterns and types through the natural world to point us to his glory and remind us of his faithfulness.
2. Seek the kingdom. Make the glory of God you top priority.
3. Realize that it pleased God to give you the kingdom. How did he give you the kingdom? Jesus purchased it with his blood.
4. Get rid of the possessions that own you. If you aren't free to share what you have, you are a slave to your possessions.
5. Shift your priorities. Set your heart on heaven.
Evening: We didn't have services.
Jesus' first point, life is more than food, uses a raven to illustrate. What can the raven teach us? The raven is a scavenger, an unclean bird. Jesus uses it to illustrate God's care for even the most undesirable animals, so that he can then move from the raven to something much more valuable, human beings. Ravens don't sow or reap, they don't have storehouses, yet God cares for them. We learn that we have value beyond our ability to produce or possess.
As Jesus moves to his second point, he reminds us that worry doesn't change anything. It can't change the length of our life (positively), so it is a waste of time and energy. We have to stop worry before it consumes us.
Jesus' second point, the body is more than clothes, uses the lilies of the field to illustrate. What do the lilies teach us? If God puts so much interest in the beauty of a flower that fade, and is fuel for a fire, how much interest does he put in those who bear his image? We learn that our value, unlike "grass," doesn't fade.
Jesus warns against worry, because worry reveals a carnal mind. The "pagan world" refers to the nations, that is the unconverted. Worry reveals a heart that doesn't really know God, and that doesn't truly trust him.
How do we change?
1. Consider the raven and the lilies. God has placed patterns and types through the natural world to point us to his glory and remind us of his faithfulness.
2. Seek the kingdom. Make the glory of God you top priority.
3. Realize that it pleased God to give you the kingdom. How did he give you the kingdom? Jesus purchased it with his blood.
4. Get rid of the possessions that own you. If you aren't free to share what you have, you are a slave to your possessions.
5. Shift your priorities. Set your heart on heaven.
Evening: We didn't have services.
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