Grace Reformed

Daniel Purposed

2009-11-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

Daniel 1:8 (NKJV)
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Daniel is the incident in which God miraculously delivered him from the lion’s den. That episode is recorded in Daniel 7. That is truly a great miracle. Daniel was a courageous prophet who trusted God even if it put him in personal jeopardy. This was not the first time Daniel risked it all. Daniel lived in a society that was generally hostile to God. He was challenged from the very beginning. The first chapter of Daniel sets the stage with his counter cultural approach.

When Judah fell to Babylon in 586 BC one of the strategies of their captors was to take young men from the conquered land, bring them to Babylon and brain wash them into their belief system. Once these young men were retrained they could then be used to oversee the newly conquered land. Daniel and some other young men were among the first to be inducted into the “Babylon Jr. Executive Program.”

Can you imagine what it would be like for a young like Daniel to leave the meager setting of his home in Israel and be exposed to the glories and wonders of a city like Babylon. You may remember that one of the seven ancient wonders of the world includes the Hanging Gardens of Babylon which dates to this period of time. As a part of the kings court Daniel would have had a bird’s eye view of the best that Babylon had to offer. Yet notice our text in verse eight Daniel instead chooses to exclude himself from the temptations set before him. It says that he would not defile himself with the king’s delicacies.

Under Jewish law Daniel would have been forbidden to eat certain types of food and also be forbidden to eat food that was not prepared properly or offered to pagan gods. The kings food, although the choice meat of that day would have been ceremonially unclean for Daniel (Lev. 1:1). This was an incredibly courageous act for this young man considering his circumstances.

1. This action may have appeared to be disrespectful to the king.
2. Refusing food could have seemed to be an ungrateful act to the servants who prepared the food.
3. Peer pressure from all the other captives would have been a difficult challenge.
4. Acting this way no doubt would put Daniel’s potential career advancement at jeopardy.
5. The food that was refused was the best available.
6. Daniel was 900 miles away from home and family, it would be easy to get away with misconduct.
7. Perhaps Daniel could have justified giving in to this defilement after all God had allowed the children of Israel to be captive.

But Daniel did not give into his circumstances because from the beginning he purposed in his heart not to defile himself. We know the rest of the story that follows and how God used him and providentially protected him. All of this began with a purpose not to defile himself.

What is not told but implied in this narrative is also interesting. We are not told why Daniel stood firm on his decision to trust and obey God even in dire circumstances. By implication we may conclude that he had a heart for God, and no doubt it was nurtured in his early childhood. Someone taught Daniel that the king’s meat would defile him. Someone taught Daniel that God was to be trusted, believed, and obeyed. It would not be a stretch to conclude that his parents and the community of God’s people in helped to foster this courage.

The key passage for the Old Testament believer was Deuteronomy 6:4.

4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

This verse speaks of the nature of God and our proper response which is total commitment. This personal commitment is followed by an overflow into the lives of their children. Notice verses 6-9.

6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

From early on children were formally catechized with the great doctrines of God. But this teaching was not confined to the classroom it permeated the fabric of daily life.

The courage of Daniels convictions were forged in the furnace of a faithful family and community of faith.

A Year Ago Today

2009-10-30T17:41:00.001-04:00

A Year Ago Today

It’s been twelve months since I last spoke to my father.

A year ago the number of his days here on earth was done.

He spent the first half of his life pursuing vanity, looking for pleasures under the sun.

The last half was much better than the first for he found fulfillment in Jesus Christ God’s Son.

One day all his monuments to selfishness came crashing down.

The refuge he normally sought he now realized that they were empty of relief.

He heard a country preacher say, “give your heart to Jesus son, He is the refuge that you seek.”

It was the very next Sunday morn’, he asked forgiveness at the Saviors feet.

In the past he had visited church and brought his children with him.

This was not the first time he had heard Gospel for he heard many plead before.

But this time there was something different, and it would change him for evermore.

This time he heard a message as if directly from His Sovereign Lord.

It took some time to chip away the rough edges that still remained.

But in the end he became a quite a different man; sweet, kind, and true.

He became my closest friend and yes even like a brother too.

It pains me now to write this note and say, “Daddy I really, really, miss you.”

It’s been twelve months since I last spoke to my friend, and yet I know we will speak again.

For when Jesus ascended into heaven He promised that He would return and soon arrive.

And when He comes the dead will be the first to awake and then those of us who are alive.

We will be caught up together in the clouds, and forever with our Lord there abide.

All these words ring brightly true yet still sorrow sadly drones.

Sometimes the world seems dark, lonely, and often it is full of bleakness.

Yet if my father were to speak today I know he would share his favorite verse in meekness.

Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Wednesday October 21, 2009 @ GRBC

2009-10-21T08:25:00.000-04:00

Building A Biblical Church

Topic This Wednesday: Biblical Understanding of the Gospel

Expositors' Conference 2009 Day Two

2009-09-30T08:59:00.003-04:00

George Whitefield, the great revivalist preacher of the great awakening died this day in history in 1770.

Yesterday at the Expositors’ Conference Steve Lawson was scheduled to speak on two of the great preachers of the great awakening. He began with Jonathan Edwards and filled the entire hour with an exposition of his life and ministry. We were pleased and encouraged by this remembrance of this great American theologian/preacher.

The next session Dr Lawson was scheduled to share with us lessons from two preachers of the 19^th century, however many requested that we hear about Whitfield. Steve Lawson agreed and said that really Whitfield was one of his favorites. The next hour Lawson painted a clear picture of this preacher from the Great Awakening. Whitfield was theologian committed to the sovereignty of God in all things. This theology was one of the driving forces that empowered him to preach the gospel to all men and call for repentance and faith. Whitefield knew that his pleadings were not the cause of faith but they were the instrumental witness used by the Holy Spirit to bring repentance and faith. For example, in his sermon about the conversion of Zaccheus Whitefield said,

With what different emotions of heart may we suppose Zaccheus received this invitation? Think you not that he was surprised to hear Jesus Christ call him by name, and not only so, but invite himself to his house? Surely, thinks Zaccheus, I dream: it cannot be; how should he know me? I never saw him before: besides, I shall undergo much contempt, if I receive him under my rood. Thus, I say, we may suppose Zaccheus thought within himself. But what saith the scripture? "I will make a willing people in the day of my power." With this outward call, there went an efficacious power from God, which sweetly over-ruled his natural will: and therefore, verse 6, "He made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully;" not only into his house, but also into his heart.

Thus it is the great God brings home his children. He calls them by name, by his word or providence; he speaks to them also by his spirit. Hereby they are enabled to open their hearts, and are made willing to receive the King of glory. For Zaccheus's sake, let us not entirely condemn people that come under the word, out of no better principle than curiosity. Who knows but God may call them? It is good to be where the Lord is passing by. May all who are now present out of this principle, hear the voice of the Son of God speaking to their souls, and so hear that they may live! Not that men ought therefore to take encouragement to come out of curiosity.

For perhaps a thousand more, at other times, came to see Christ out of curiosity, as well as Zaccheus, who were not effectually called by his grace. I only mention this for the encouragement of my own soul, and the consolation of God's children, who are too apt to be angry with those who do not attend on the word out of love to God: but let them alone. Brethren, pray for them. How do you know but Jesus Christ may speak to their hearts! A few words from Christ, applied by his spirit, will save their souls. "Zaccheus, says Christ, make haste and come down. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully."

Biblical theology provides a solid foundation for Biblical passion or as Martin Lloyd Jones said, “preaching is theology on fire.”

An article published today in Christian History noted, “These were no ordinary sermons. He portrayed the lives of biblical characters with a realism no one had seen before. He cried, he danced, he screamed. Among the enthralled was David Garrick, then the most famous actor in Britain. "I would give a hundred guineas," he said, "if I could say 'Oh' like Mr. Whitefield."”

Well, we cannot hear Whitefield but we can read a number of his sermons. I think I will listen to Whitefield today.

Expositors' Conference 2009 Day One

2009-09-29T08:03:00.003-04:00

I am currently attending the Expositors' Conference hosted by Steven Lawson in Mobile, Alabama. This is my third pilgrimage here and things are exceeding my expectations already. This particular conference is relatively small. I am not exactly sure, but it is around 500. Other conferences such as the Shepherds or Together for the Gospel have about 5,000. I actually prefer the smaller number. It gives you a chance to interact more with the speakers, hosts, and other pastors.

Last night we heard from Steve Lawson and Joel Beeke. I knew what to expect with Steve. He taught a fiery exposition of encouragement from two great preachers, Luther and Calvin. Steve pointed out that these men were different in demeanor but similar in passion. Both had a passion for the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We were challenged to stand in our pulpits and proclaim the whole counsel of the living Word of God from the shore of Genesis to the shore of Revelation and all the shining sea of truth between.

This was my first encounter with Joel Beeke. His presentation was just as riveting, perhaps even more so. Joel’s mission was to give us a sense of Puritan preaching. The Puritans were those divines who renewed and expanded the Reformation a 100 years after the fire started and during a time when the flames began to wane. They stoked the fire of Reformation by calling God’s people to apply every aspect of God’s Truth to every aspect of their lives. The Puritan pulpits were on fire with truth and the pews caught that the ember of those passions and applied the principles taught to every aspect of their lives.

Joel encouraged me to look at the Puritans in a new light. They were a people who loved sermons. Perhaps one of the reasons the folks would sit for hours listening or reading sermons is because the content was compelling. The content of their sermons was not based on stories or anecdotes but the living breathing Word of God. The Word of God has a saving and sanctifying power. May it be unleashed as we preach as the Puritan Richard Baxter said as “a dying man to dying men.”

They feed us well at this conference. It is time that I go off to be fed a great Southern breast of sausage gravy, biscuits, eggs, pancakes and such. The volunteers at Christ Fellowship are so special. It is a joy to see them serve us with joy and treat us as if we are special servants. Following this meal we will be served another message about the Puritan divines. I am looking forward more to the second meal. That is saying a lot for a guy who doesn’t miss many meals.

Stephen Passmore

2009-09-26T10:11:00.001-04:00

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs014/1102701457773/archive/1102722577685.html

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Got Insurance?

2009-09-22T14:43:00.002-04:00

This week life has been interrupted quite a bit by the rains that have fallen resulting in considerable flooding. The photo above was taken today on Brainerd road a few blocks down from my insurance office (for those of you who may not know, my vocation is a pastor and my occupation is an insurance agent). Fortunately, our insurance office is on a hill and though the flood waters will continue to rise until eight this evening it is not likely to reach us.

We have had plenty of flood related claims called into the office this week. Several cars were flooded and many more homes received some flood damage. We have been able to help those who purchased flood coverage. Those who had losses who did not purchase coverage wish they did. Hindsight is 20/20.

I often tell folks that “you have to buy insurance when you don’t need it, because when you need it you can’t buy it.” Or to put it another way, “no one will sell you a fire policy when your house is on fire” or “flood insurance when your basement is full of water.”

Many in Chattanooga learned a tough lesson this week on being prepared for natural disasters.

There is another cataclysmic event on the horizon for which everyone needs to be prepared. It will not be a local event it will be a global event. The consequences of this event are even more severe in that they are eternal and final.

What event? The return of Jesus Christ can happen at any moment. He will crush Satan and the forces of evil and usher in the eternal state. Those who are clothed in the righteousness of Christ will be admitted to His kingdom and those who are not will be banished in eternal judgment forever. Jesus illustrated this event in several parables. For example, the ten virgins in Matthew 25:

" “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Matthew 25:1-13, NKJV)

The point of this story is that only those who were prepared received blessings. In the mundane insurance world which occupies much of my time only the people who were properly insured received benefits. Those who were not prepared were denied benefits. Likewise there will be two groups of people at Christ’s return, those who are prepared and those who are not prepared. In which group do you belong?

If you have doubts you can read the good news of how to be prepared to meet the Lord by following this link. If you have no doubts about your preparation do you know of someone who may? I encourage you to encourage them.

The Gospel According to Rome

2009-09-15T13:39:00.001-04:00

On occasion you may hear me state from the pulpit that the Roman Catholic Church teaches another gospel and thus I provide the warning that Paul gave in the first century to the church at Galatia.

Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

It is not that we do not appreciate the dedication and devotion to those who comprise the Church of Rome. The good works that the church provides all over the world is to be commended. However, because those works are done to merit justifying favor with God the motive for them must be condemned.

Nathan Businitz wrote a brief but good article on this topic posted at the Shepherds’ Fellowship that is worth reading.

The Gospel according to Rome

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009

(By Nathan Busenitz)

When it comes to an understanding of the gospel, the critical difference between the Reformed view and the Roman Catholic view centers on the role that good works play in the sinner's justification.

The Reformers taught that justification is by "faith alone" (hence, the Reformation principle of sola fide). By this, they meant that the believer's righteous standing before God is based solely on the imputed righteousness of Christ; and that salvation is received by grace alone through faith apart from any human effort or merit. This is not to say that good works were unimportant to the Reformers. But they saw good works as the fruit of justification, and not as a basis for it or a contributor to it.

By contrast, the Roman Catholic church teaches that good works participate in and contribute to the sinner's justification. As a result, the believer's righteous standing before God is largely based on his or her own good works (in addition to Christ's work on the Cross). Thus, from the Roman Catholic perspective, justification is not by faith alone, but rather by "faith co-operating with works" (to borrow a phrase from the Council of Trent).

That is a major distinction. So, is salvation by grace alone through faith apart from works? Or is eternal life is gained through faith PLUS good works?

According to Rome, the answer is faith PLUS works. Thus, the Catholic Catechism states:

The Council of Trent teaches that the Ten Commandments are obligatory for Christians and that the justified man is still bound to keep them [fn, Cf. DS 1569-1570]; the Second Vatican Council confirms: "The bishops, succors of the apostles, receive from the Lord . . . the mission of teaching all peoples, and of preaching the Gospel to every creature, so that all men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments" (P 2068; ellipsis in original).

Notice how "Baptism and the observance of the Commandments" (in context, the Ten Commandments) have been added to "faith" for what is required to "attain salvation."

Along these same lines, The Catholic Answers website notes that “good works are meritorious,” stating that “our obedience and love, combined with our faith, will be rewarded with eternal life.” The Catholic Encyclopedia (in an article entitled “Sanctifying Grace”) further states that the sinner “is formally justified and made holy by his own personal justice and holiness.” The article adds that “over and above faith other acts are necessary for justification” including fear, hope, charity, penance with contrition, and almsgiving.

Such sources help provide context for the words of Catholic theologian Ludwig Ott:

The Council of Trent teaches that for the justified eternal life is both a gift of grace promised by God and a reward for his own good works and merits. As God's grace is the presupposition and foundation of good works, by which man merits eternal life, so salutary works are, at the same time gifts of God and meritorious acts of man. . . . Blessedness in heaven is the reward for good works performed on this earth, and rewards and merit are correlative concepts. . . . A just man merits for himself through each good work . . . eternal life (if he dies in a state of grace). (Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, 264, 267)

On the one hand, Ott wants us to believe that "eternal life is . . . a gift of grace." But on the other hand, it is also "a reward for his [the sinner's] own good works and merits." This, then, underscores the inherent contradiction in Roman Catholic soteriology. On the one hand, salvation is by grace. On the other hand, salvation is by works (as faith co-operates with good deeds to merit eternal life).

But, biblically speaking, both cannot be true. As the apostle Paul explains in Romans 11:6, "If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace."

The New Testament gospel stresses the fact that "by grace you have been saved, through faith, it is the gift of God, not a result of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9); and that salvation is received "not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5).

When we compare the gospel according to Rome with the gospel of the New Testament we quickly find that the two are not compatible. By adding works into the equation, the Roman Catholic Church nullifies true grace.

Amazing Grace

2009-09-10T14:01:00.002-04:00

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV)

Emergent Preaching

2009-09-03T11:37:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday evenings here at LABC we are discussing what it means to be a Biblically healthy church. Next week we will finish reviewing why Expository Preaching is Biblically healthy and so necessary for the pulpits of our churches. One glaring example of unhealthy preaching is that of Brian Mclaren, one of the leaders of the emergent church. Brian is encouraging Christians to participate in the Muslim holy month of fasting known as Ramadan. His justification for his actions is a clear misunderstanding of the Bible. Maclaren writes,

“Just as Jesus, a devout Jew, overcame religious prejudice and learned from a Syrophonecian woman and was inspired by her faith two thousand years ago (Matthew 15:21 ff, Mark 7:24 ff), we seek to learn from our Muslim sisters and brothers today.”

I have a few questions for you to consider.

Can you see what is wrong with this line of thinking? [Try reading the texts that are cited.]

Can you provide some Biblical texts that may counter his premise? [Consider 2 Cor 6:14-15]

One of the problems with this line of thinking is that it begins with an idea or ideology and then attempts to find a text to support that concept. Expository preaching begins with the text to discover its meaning, explains the text, and allows the implications to be directly deduced from Scripture.

We will discuss this and more next Wednesday.

Proselytize an Atheist?

2009-08-05T16:40:00.006-04:00

This Sunday we will be discussing the implications of Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This simple statement answers every worldview that is antithetical to Christianity. For example, this simple proclamation answers atheism’s claim that there is no God. There is a God and everyone knows that to be a fact. Those who deny the existence of God are suppressing this knowledge (Romans 1:18) because of their sinfulness which is described as foolishness in the Bible (Psalm 14:1 cf. Isaiah 32:6).

So if we believe that indeed there is a God should not we proclaim His existence to everyone even those who deny Him? Would not the most loving thing we could do is share Christ with those who deny Him rather than ignore them? Penn Jillette an avowed atheist and no friend to Christianity agrees!

Tree Stump Mary

2009-07-20T12:50:00.004-04:00

Why do people prefer foolishness over truth?

"‘Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not: Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? And though its waves toss to and fro, Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it." (Jeremiah 5:21-22, NKJV)

New Testament Manuscripts

2009-06-30T14:25:00.002-04:00

For those of you interested in seeing scans of ancient New Testament manuscripts Daniel Wallace is in the process of uploading many to the internet for public viewing. Even if you do not have a proficiency in the original languages you can still appreciate that these ancient artifacts. Remember these documents were written by hand by our Christian brothers that have preceded us. God providentially used their work to preserve and transfer the Word of God to the next generations.

Today with the relative ease of printing and the availability of the digital media it is easy to take for granted that we easily can have in our possession something that would have been a priceless treasure just a few centuries ago. I pray that we would take opportunity of the advantages that we possess in this day to read, hear, and obey the Word of God.

"I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure." (Psalm 119:162, NKJV)

Visit www.csntm.org to begin your treasure hunt.

Living Righteously

2009-06-08T09:13:00.003-04:00

" And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:11-14, NKJV)

The apostle Paul concludes his admonition to submit to governmental authorities and to treat your neighbors with love by giving both the motivation and the means to accomplish this task. Notice the motivation is that “salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” The salvation he is referring to is the final culmination of salvation which is living in the eternal state with God as a sinless glorified being. When fighting temptation, remember through Christ the battle is already won. Christ will return very soon and you will enjoy the fullness of salvation. Jesus said, "“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”" (Revelation 22:7, NKJV). Jesus is coming soon!

In Romans 13 Paul also gives the means to accomplish to accomplish this task. Notice two things in verse 14, 1) Put on Christ and 2) Make no provision for the flesh. To put on Christ is to practice a daily renewal of your mind. "…be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24, NKJV). Making no provision for the flesh is to not allow sinful thoughts to linger in your mind. "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (James 1:14-15, NKJV)

Lord by your grace may we truly live in expectancy of your return.

" He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20, NKJV)

Regarding Iniquity

2009-06-06T11:02:00.002-04:00

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear." (Psalm 66:18, NKJV)

Perhaps one of the reasons we do not see more answers to prayer is that prayers are often made without a consideration of our personal righteousness. For example, we may be praying for God to help us in a particular area and yet we still harbor bitterness towards someone that hurt us. At the conclusion to the model prayer Jesus said, "“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15, NKJV). Daily confession of sin (1 John 1:9) should be accompanied by unconditional forgiveness to those who have harmed us if we expect that sin to be forgiven by God.

Even personal conflicts that do not have a clear offending party need to be dealt with appropriately if we expect to be in communion with God. In His sermon on the mount Jesus admonished, "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV) If this principle was practiced on a regular basis we would either have empty churches or churches full of worshiping folks empty of hypocrisy.

Fortunately most people I know that are submissive to the Word of God and responsive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit are quick to forgive and fast to repair broken relationships. Yet there is still a third area in which we can be guilty of harboring iniquity. It is hard to see our own faults. Sometimes we are not consciously aware of our sinfulness. David prayed, "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:12-14, NKJV)

Oh Lord search my heart today.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24, NKJV)

The Source of Faith

2009-06-04T09:50:00.002-04:00

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17, NKJV)

I appreciate the fact that a number of television and radio commentators respect Christians who place their faith in Christ. Generally they acknowledge that someone has a right to their belief system and seldom will challenge any particular ideology. It is usually said that faith is a personal decision based on the life experiences of the individual. Scripture contradicts that notion.

True Faith is not derived from the mind of man, but is a supernatural revelation of God. Moving from unbelief to belief is not simply a matter of weighing the evidence or considering all the facts. The weight of the evidence is clearly on the side of Christianity (Heb. 11:1). People do not see the significance of Christ because they are spiritually blinded to the truth. Paul reminds us that"… the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:4, NKJV)

So how do people go from unbelief to belief? Paul continues, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:5-6, NKJV)

God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to convict and convince people of the truth of the gospel and the reality of Christ (1 Cor. 1:21). So the challenge for those who believe the Gospel is to trust the power of the Gospel and to proclaim its truth with gentle dogmatism. Because "…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17, NKJV)

Oh, Lord grant us faith to believe in the life changing power of your truth.

Thirsty for God

2009-06-03T09:20:00.002-04:00

" A Psalm of David When He Was in the Wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1, NKJV)

Concepts such as thirsting for God found in passages like this one make for great devotional references, but if we are honest thirsting for God is not part of our day to day reality. One of the reasons that we are not as thirsty for God as we like is because we live in a culture that has an over abundant supply of seemingly refreshing streams. Granted none of them are as satisfying as God, yet it is hard to be thirsty for God when you are drunk on the culture. On second glance perhaps David’s thirst for God was not a self manufactured virtue but rather a response to the perfecting grace of God.

Notice the setting for this Psalm is in the wilderness of Judah. Most likely this was when David was fleeing for his life from his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15). Can you imagine David’s circumstances? He was the King of Israel and yet his own son was trying to overthrow his monarchy. He must have felt desperate and alone. Speaking of mixed emotions, he wanted to protect himself and his throne, but at the same time he did not want to harm his own child. Driven into the wilderness and deprived from all other sources of satisfaction the intensity of David’s thirst for God was magnified.

We are all thirsty for God, but it is difficult to recognize that desire outside of dire circumstances. If you are going through difficult times today, why not use this as an opportunity to draw nearer to God. For those who love Christ, remember that God will providentially use what harms you to help you (Romans 5:3-5,8:28). If you are not going through tough times today pray that God will grant you an increased desire for Him that your joy may be increased in Him. (Psalm 16:11).

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NKJV)

Denying Ungodliness

2009-06-02T13:24:00.005-04:00

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV)

Although Christians desire to live godly lives too often their behavior betrays their belief. Even the Apostle Paul admitted to struggling with living a righteous life. He stated in Romans 7:18-19 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." The distinction that Paul made in Romans was that even after a person is made new in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) he still may struggle with what theologians call remaining sin (Rom. 5:20). Remaining sin is that part of unredeemed humanity referred to as the flesh that remains till death (Rom. 6:6). In Christ the believer is given the ability to overcome the weight of sin.

In Titus 2:11-14 Paul points to the key to living a godly life. It is the grace of God. It is God’s grace (unmerited favor) that grants salvation, and salvation does more than enable someone to enjoy the hereafter. God’s grace is powerful enough for the Christian to live a powerful godly life in this present age. The writer of Hebrews admonished us to “… come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV) Those who desire to live godly must develop a thirst for His grace and serve Him with the strength He provides (1 Peter 4:11).

John Newton captured this concept well and shared it with us in the third verse to Amazing Grace.

Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come.

T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us home.

Oh Father cause us to rely on your Grace now and forever more. Amen

Bible Study without a Permit

2009-05-29T11:59:00.003-04:00

The phenomena of churches promoting home Bible studies has continued to increase all across the country. There are many practical benefits. For example, it promotes building relationships in a less formal setting. It gives opportunities for laymen to use their spiritual gifts. In addition, home Bible studies provide another avenue for outreach within the community. The days of informal fellowships may be numbered.

The pendulum of attitudes in America is slowly swaying towards secularism. I did not think I would live to see the day in which rule makers would create, interpret, and enforce an action against hosting a home Bible study. But it happened. Fox News reports that “Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, California home for a Bible study—unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.

It is impossible to tell if the motivation for this action is for the purpose of collecting money or for creating an unfavorable environment for faith to flourish. In any case events like this are likely to continue and be repeated across the country, especially if San Diego County is successful. I do not want to sound like an alarmist, but ten years ago, who would have thought the proponents of homosexual marriage would have so much success today.

What can we do?

1. Pray.

" Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NKJV)

Pray that God would grant us a country in which we can freely communicate the Gospel free from political harassment. Pray that we take every opportunity now to continue to share the Gospel.

2. Vote.

In many cases we are not left with much of a choice. Through the years for me voting has been a choice of lesser evils. But how do you make a choice when there are pro’s and con’s for each candidate. For the Christian the priority should be Biblical morality.

3. Trust.

It is easy to allow events like these to cause us to think that God is not ultimately in control of all things. He is.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;" (Philippians 4:6, NKJV)

4. Obey.

There may come a point in time in which our obedience to Christ cause us to be at odds with our community.

"So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”" (Acts 5:25-32, NKJV)

Accountability: Cord Groups

2009-05-27T14:48:00.003-04:00

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Tonight at our Wednesday Evening Bible Fellowship we will be discussing the topic of Accountability. By accountability I mean the intentional relationship between a few Christians for the purpose of mutual encouragement in sanctification. We are individually accountable to God and should mutually be answerable to each other for the purposes of spiritual growth.

Accountability is perhaps the most overlooked spiritual disciplines in the church today. In our culture it is easy to live in the spiritual realm of anonymity. Many Christians live in a superficial way because they have no fellow believer who we have granted the right to confront spiritual hypocrisy. In addition, it is hard to see your own short comings. It is much easier to notice the minor flaws in others than the major failings in our own lives.

Matthew 7:5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

A friend of mine in college always referenced this text illustrating it as a toothpick compared to a telephone pole. You get the imagery. This would be really funny if it were not so true.
The apostle Paul challenged the Church at Galatia to be proactive in our mutual accountability.

Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

In most churches today the act of real restoration is practically nonexistent. Perhaps one of the reasons why this is true is because Christians are not encouraged to practice mutual accountability for the purpose of reciprocal sanctification.

One of the best ways I have found to foster personal accountability is to encourage likeminded Christians to meet in small groups of three on a regular basis (1-2 times per month) and submit to mutual accountability. I call them cord groups based on Ecclesiastes 4:12.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Three is better than two because from time to time one may not be available. In addition, having a third point of view can help arbitrate between two different views. Once you get beyond three or four then the group loses its personal intimacy. It is wise not to expect confidentiality with a wider group of people.

The format of the meetings should include fellowship, prayer, and Bible reading. But the main purpose is to address issues that lead to accountability. I have found that having a set of questions like the example below provides an objective way to get to the heart of the matter.

Sample Questions

Accountability Questions

1. Have you been with someone this week in such a way that was inappropriate or could have looked to others that you were using poor judgment?

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2. What was your biggest joy this week?

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

3. Have you been completely above board in your financial dealings this week?

Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

4. In what ways have you encouraged someone or has someone encouraged you to love and good works?

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

5. Have you purposely exposed yourself to any explicit material (pornographic and/or sexually suggestive material) this week?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

6. What principles impacted your life from your daily time in prayer and in God’s Word this week?

Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

7. What opportunities have you had to share Christ with others and or disciple them in the faith?

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

8. In what ways did you express encouragement and praise to your spouse, kids, or another family member this week?

Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

9. Is there anyone you need to ask for forgiveness from or anyone to forgive?

Matthew 6:13-14 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

10. Have you just lied to us?

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

Defend your Faith

2009-04-28T17:07:00.002-04:00

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Recently my daughter was given an assignment by one of her teachers to interview someone from another religious perspective, preferably a cult member. Now that would be a difficult task. I was pleasantly pleased to discover that not only was she able to find a good candidate, a Jehovah’s Witness, but was able to have a good dialogue as well.

After “debriefing” her I discovered that she felt that she was fairly solid on her theology, but felt that she could have been better prepared to defend some of her positions from the Bible.
Typically a cult member is well versed in a limited number of doctrines and have their skills honed to defend a particular stance. Many orthodox Christians have a general knowledge of Scripture and orthodox theology, but are not experienced in defending their position.

According to the Apostle Peter’s admonition, the Christian should be prepared to give a credible argument for his faith. A follower of Jesus Christ should know what, why, and how to defend his belief.

It is true that the Bible is a large volume and theology is a massive subject. It is unrealistic to ask the average layperson to be a master of this subject. In my own experience I have an advanced seminary degree in theology, yet I am ever learning. My grasp of theology is not much more than a thimble full of the ocean of its depth. So can we really expect more from the “non professional” Bible student?
Yes and no. Most people will not be able to defend every doctrine, but they should be able to defend some doctrines. At the very least one should be able to explain from Scripture the gospel, the person and nature of Christ, the nature of God, and the nature of man.

Let me give you a challenge.

Can you give a concise explanation of the gospel using the Scriptures?
Can you explain who Christ is including His divinity and humanity from the Bible?
Can you describe the nature of God and man from the Word of God?

If you can perhaps you are better prepared to heed the Apostle Peter’s admonition. If you are not perhaps you may want to take some extra time ‘cracking open the Book.”

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Satan Bound?

2009-04-18T22:32:00.001-04:00

Revelation 20:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.

Sunday April 19, 2009 I will be preaching on the first few verses from Revelation 20. This chapter is one of the more controversial passages in Revelation. It refers to the Millennium. One of the reasons I hold to a premillennial view is because what is described here in context is the binding of Satan. An angel is said to take the Devil put him in the bottomless pit (always a temporary holding place in Scripture) shut him up, and put a seal on him. The purpose is so that he would no longer deceive the nations. Both postmillennialists and amillennialists believe that Satan is bound now. Both experience and Scripture indicate that his influence is not hindered in this age.

Matthew Waymeyer in his book Revelation 20 and the Millennial Debate highlights 23 passages that are clear indicators that Satan is alive and well in this age. This is another indicator that the millennium will occur in the future.
Activity of Satan in the Present Age

1. He entered Judas and influenced him to betray Christ (Luke 22:3, John 13:27)
2. He sought to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31)
3. He filled the heart of Ananias and influenced him to lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3)
4. He sent a messenger to buffet the Apostle Paul (2 Cor 12:7)
5. He thwarted Paul from traveling to Thessalonica (1Thess 2:18)
6. He snatches the Word of God from unbelieving hearers of the gospel before it can take root (Matt 13:19, Luke 8:12)
7. He tells lies (John 8:44)
8. He has unbelievers under his dominion (Acts 26:18)
9. He tempts believers (1 Cor 7:5)
10. He seeks to take advantage of believers (2 Cor 2:11)
11. He is called the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4)
12. He blinds the minds of the unbelieving (2 Cor 4:4)
13. He seeks to deceive believers as he did with Eve (2 Cor 11:3)
14. He disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14)
15. He is at work in unbelievers to influence them to live as they do (Eph 2:2)
16. He seeks to deceive believers as the battles against them (Eph 6:11-12)
17. He deceives and traps unbelievers (2 Tim 2:26)
18. He holds unbelievers captive to do his will (2 Tim 2:26)
19. He prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)
20. He is the father of those who practice sin (1 John 3:8-10)
21. He holds unbelievers in his power (1 John 5:19)
22. He is called the one who deceives the whole world (Rev 12:9)
23. He will deceive those who dwell upon the earth (Rev 13:14; 18:23; 19:20)

John Walvoord comments:

"If one accepts these Scriptures as testifying to the fact that Satan has power to tempt, to deceive to blind, to buffet, to hinder, to work signs and lying wonders, and who is free like a raging lion to walk about seeking whom he may devour, how then can one hold that Satan is now bound?"

Glory of God's Creation in the Dolphin Stampede

2009-04-09T10:21:00.002-04:00

" The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat." (Psalm 19:1-6, NKJV)

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-07T14:36:00.002-04:00

Easter Sunday or as I like to call it “Resurrection Sunday” is one of my favorite days on the church calendar. No it is not because of the candy or the traditional Easter Sunday lunch with my family…well wait a minute…okay no it is not those things. It is because this is the most important event that has ever occurred in the world up to this point. It is even greater than Christmas (the first Advent) because without the Resurrection Christianity is meaningless.

"And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." (1 Corinthians 15:17-19, NKJV)

Well, Christ did rise again, in fact it is one of the most verifiable facts of history. This season the television will be peppered with shows challenging the veracity of Jesus’ resurrection. Normally scholars who challenge these facts do not provide enough facts. In other words they deal with a limited aspect of this event and fail to solve all the myriad of questions that are left unanswered by their solution. The only explanation that answers all the questions is the Resurrection.

One of my seminary professors, Gary Habermas, provided us with a list of critically recognized resurrection facts of which nearly 90% of the skeptics that deny the bodily resurrection agree. Now they all do not agree on all the facts. Some will agree with six or seven another set of scholars will agree on four or five different. You get the picture. In the end if you read the skeptics work they argue against each other’s resurrection theory by using some of the facts below. In the final analysis the only resurrection theory that answers all of these facts is that Jesus Christ actually rose again from the grave in a bodily form.

Critically-recognized resurrection facts (90%)

Jesus died due to crucifixion

Jesus was buried, probably in a private tomb.

The disciples became bereaved and discouraged, losing hope.

Jesus’ tomb was found empty very soon afterwards (75%)

The disciples had real experiences that they thought were appearances of the risen Jesus.

As a result, the disciples were completely transformed, even to the point of being willing to die for their faith.

The disciples’ proclamation of the resurrection began shortly afterwards, at a very early dated. Acts 2:29ff

The disciples’ initial resurrection preaching occurred in Jerusalem, where all these events had occurred.

The early Gospel message centered on Jesus’ death and resurrection.

1 Cor 15

The Christian church was birthed about this same time, with Sunday being the primary worship day.

James, Jesus’ brother and a skeptic during Jesus’ life, was converted after he thought that he also saw an appearance of the risen Jesus.

A few years later, Saul of Tarsus—Paul—became a Christian, based on a real experience that he also thought was an appearance of the risen Jesus.

House Rules

2009-02-09T21:22:00.002-05:00

The Bible says we must:

Be at peace with one another - Mark 9:50
Love one another - John 13:34; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12
Build up one another - Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Be of the same mind toward one another - Romans 12:16
Give preference to one another - Romans 12:10
Greet one another - Romans 16:16
Esteem others as better than yourself - Philippians 2:3
Serve one another - Galatians 5:13
Receive one another - Romans 15:7
Recognize your relationship to one another - Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:25
Be devoted to one another - Romans 12:10
Rejoice or weep with one another - Romans 12:15
Admonish one another - Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16
Care for one another - 1 Corinthians 12:25
Show tolerance toward one another - Romans 15:1-5; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13
Be kind and forgiving to one another - Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
Submit to one another - Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5
Comfort one another - 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Encourage one another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13
Consider one another - Hebrews 10:24-25
Minister your gifts to one another - 1 Peter 4:10
Be compassionate with one another - 1 Peter 3:8
Pray for one another - James 5:16
Confess your faults to one another - James 5:16
Accept one another - Romans 14:1; 15:7
Be hospitable to one another - 1 Peter 4:9

The Bible says we must not:

Be proud against each other - 1 Corinthians 4:6
Judge one another - Romans 12:16
Lie to one another - Colossians 3:9
Be partial with one another - 1 Timothy 5:21
Provoke or envy one another - Galatians 5:26
Lust after one another - Romans 1:27
Hate one another - Titus 3:3
Take one another to court - 1 Corinthians 6:1-7
Use each other - Galatians 5:15