Godward Thoughts

Hope in Chastisement

2009-12-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Since God chastises those He loves, here is a great verse to keep in mind when His hand is heavy upon us for our sins, “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up." Hosea 6:1

Doug

Please Pray for Bobby Grow

2009-12-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Please keep my friend Bobby Grow and his wife Angela Grow in prayer as he battles cancer and if the Lord is leading you to help them out, you can find out how to do so at the link.

A Day at the Oncologist: A Full-Fledged Health Update, and Real Life Request for Help «

Doug

Empty Deceit and "Christian" Self-help

2009-12-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

To the atheist, the conscience is the end product of a long line of evolutionary and social conditioning, so when it bothers them they are not really guilty of anything. As James Sire puts it, they are really only guilty of guilt. This is why we live in a culture of therapy. The goal is to rid ourselves of the feeling of guilt instead of the guilt itself. Unfortunately, we see this being translated into many churches as sin and the cross of Christ are ignored and replaced with a "Christian" self-help regimen. So even under the name of Jesus, empty deceit can hold sway.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

-Colossians 2:8-

Doug Eaton

A Shepherd's Christmas

2009-12-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

To hear the shepherds tell their story must have been wonderful.

More Conservative Than Scripture

2009-11-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Being more conservative than scripture is no more praiseworthy than being more liberal than scripture.

Doug

The Funny Thing About a False Belief

2009-11-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

The funny thing about a false belief is how beautiful and strong it can often appear before reality applies its pressure. Take for example the person who believes that God would never want his people to face affliction because he loves them so much that he couldn’t stand to see them suffer. During the good times, this idea has a way of sounding beautiful in that it encourages them to believe that God, in his affections toward them, is going to always keep them at peace. It can also give the perception of strength as they think of the all the dangers of this life, yet feel hedged in by a God that would never let their foot slip into distress. But when the person who holds to this false notion is tested in the furnace of affliction, they will out find how quickly it begins to crumble. In the midst of suffering they will either have to admit that their God, who does not want them to suffer, either does not exist, or he is not powerful enough to stop it. Either way, what they trusted in is gone right when they needed it the most. We must build our life upon the Word of God, because when the storms come, everything else will be washed away.

Doug Eaton

The Problem with Many "Seeker" Churches

2009-11-24T14:51:00.000-08:00

The problem with many “seeker” churches, is that they really don’t understand people who are truly seeking after God. Usually, the person who is seeking God, is under the conviction of their sin and trying to understand how a just God could forgive them, and unfortunately, the guilt of sin and the justice of God are two things many seeker churches avoid mentioning in order to not annoy the "seeker."

Doug Eaton

Application Without Exegesis: A Destructive Trend

2009-11-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

Exegesis is foundational to understand scripture’s application to our lives. The problem is that many in the church want to hear the application without doing the work of the exegete. In many cases this has also been translated into the way many preachers preach. In order to keep congregants happy, they are given large amounts of life application with little if any scriptural content. This puts both the preacher and the congregant in a dangerous position, because now neither the preacher nor the churchgoer is tethered to the text. Two major problems can arise in the life of the church member because of this. First, even if the application of scripture is correct, when it is challenged by those who disagree, the church member is left defenseless when it comes to defending this truth biblically. And second, if the application is not truly derived from scripture, then the church member has been sold some kind self-help scheme as if were a “biblical principle.” And when this self help scheme eventually lets them down, not only will they be disappointed in the church, but they may even start to believe scripture is no longer trustworthy. This is indeed a destructive trend.

-Doug Eaton-

10 Ways Daily Bible Reading Will Enhance Corporate Worship

2009-11-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

1. When a scripture is read you will already have some idea of the context of the passage and be able to draw more from it.

2. As you sing songs in worship you will recognize many of the passages of scriptures alluded to in the music, which will enrich the truths they are communicating.

3. You will better understand the significance of the ordinances like baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which will make you be able to see more of the imagery of the law and gospel in them.

4. As you study the text while it is being preached, you will be able to relate it to other passages of scripture not included in the sermon.

5. During discussion times you will better be able to contribute to discussions and edify others.

6. You will have a greater hunger for the word because you have been feeding on it and finding satisfaction in it. This hunger takes away much of the dryness that some people experience when attending church and makes it a pleasure to be in the house of the Lord.

7. In times of fellowship you will be able to apply the scripture to people’s lives as they talk about their daily joys and struggles.

8. It will reveal your sinfulness and give you strength as you fight against the indwelling sin in your own life, and make you better able to strengthen others. And better understanding this struggle produces contrition and begins to eliminate the pride which causes unneeded divisions in many churches.

9. As you desire success for your church, you will better understand what true church success is, and it will keep you trusting in the Lord who gives the increase instead of trusting in worldly tactics as you seek growth.

10. Since the Word moves us to prayer, you will be more prayerful as you spend time in the Lord’s house which is called a house of prayer.

This list is designed to let people know a few of the ways daily bible reading will enhance the corporate worship in bible teaching churches. If you attend a church where the bible is neglected and pop psychology is the main course, attending those types of churches while engaged in daily bible reading will only frustrate you. This is because you will find that motivational “preaching” neglects the main themes that run throughout scripture and replaces theology with therapy and replaces redemption with a self-help regimen. Of course even that frustration is a good thing.

-Doug Eaton-

The Cities of Refuge: Sermon on Youtube

2009-11-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Lane Chaplin has graciously posted the Cities of Refuge sermon on youtube.

Doug

Christ Our Refuge (Christ in the Cities of Refuge)

2009-10-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a sermon I preached recently on the cities of refuge and how they point to Christ. The text is Joshua 20. The MP3 can also be downloaded at the link.

Christ our Refuge

God Bless,

Doug

Truth and Personal Peace

2009-09-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes truth and personal peace seem to be at odds. So what do you do when that happens? You follow the advice of John Owen.

"See in the meantime that your faith brings forth obedience, and God in due time will cause it to bring forth peace." - John Owen

God Bless,

Doug

Christianity, The Church, and Government

2009-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Why is it that many Christians who decry Christian political involvement (read Tony Campolo types) because power and politics are tools of Satan, then go on to argue for government solutions to global warming and health care? Do they really want Satan and his tools cooling our plannet and running our health care? Perhaps a more balanced approach is needed.

Should Christians be involved in government? Isn’t Christ our hope not politics? Is any influence of Christian thought on the state a violation of the separation of church and state? In this episode of Apologetics.com radio, Dean, Donald McConnell of Trinity Law School, Doug Eaton, and Lane Chaplin discuss several questions that pertain to the Christian’s role in government and the governments role in Christianity.

http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=385:christianity-the-church-and-government&catid=43:kkla-995-fm-los-angeles&Itemid=74

This show can also be downloaded for free as a podcast in itunes. Simply search for apologetics.com in the itunes store.

Discomfort and Daily Dependence Upon God

2009-08-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

When we become believers we still have a strong natural tendency to consider our earthy pleasures and our feelings as the measure of what is really important in life. So much so, that we may often desire the old flesh-pots of Egypt, instead of what we really need. To break us from this the Lord will take us through times of discomfort as He teaches us daily dependence upon Him instead of the frames and feelings of this life. Through it all He is moving us further along in our sanctification where we begin all the more to understand that Christ is the greatest treasure we could ever have.

God Bless,

Doug

Dark Nights of the Soul

2009-08-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sanctification is process that will not be completed on this side of heaven, which means that right now we still have issues of sin that the Lord is dealing with. This video looks at some of the things a true Child of God can face when God deals with us in our sinfulness. Even though these times can be the darkest of nights for the believer, they are also some of the most precious as the Lord works in us great progress in our sanctification. Which will make us much more useful for His glory.

God Bless,

Doug

Charles Finney and the Heresy of American Pelagianism (White Horse Inn)

2009-08-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism

2009-08-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is from Lane Chaplin's Youtube Channel. This is a great resource.

Lanes Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/LaneCh

Link to purchase the DVD: http://www.theapologeticsgroup.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=219

Study Guide for Amazing Grace:http://www.theapologeticsgroup.com/export/Articles/1%20AmazingGraceStudyGuide.pdf

Sanctified Affliction

2009-07-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

"No trial is so hard to bear as a sense of sin. If Thou shouldst give me choice to live in pleasure and keep my sins, or to have them burnt away with trial, give me sanctified affliction. Deliver me from every evil habit, every accretion of former sins, everything that dims the brightness of Thy grace in me, everything that prevents me taking delight in Thee. Then I shall bless Thee, God of jeshurun, for helping me to be upright."

-Valley of Vision-

He Restores My Soul - Video Devotion

2009-07-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Lord is my shepherd and He restores my soul.

God Bless,

Doug

Affliction and the Chastisement of God - John Calvin

2009-07-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

"[O]ur most merciful Father requires not only to prevent our weakness, but often to correct our past faults, that he may keep us in due obedience. Therefore, whenever we are afflicted we ought immediately to call to mind our past life. In this way we will find that the faults which we have committed are deserving of such castigation. And yet the exhortation to patience is not to be founded chiefly on the acknowledgment of sin. For Scripture supplies a far better consideration when it says, that in adversity "we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world," (1 Cor. 11: 32.) Therefore, in the very bitterness of tribulation we ought to recognise the kindness and mercy of our Father, since even then he ceases not to further our salvation. For he afflicts, not that he may ruin or destroy but rather that he may deliver us from the condemnation of the world. Let this thought lead us to what Scripture elsewhere teaches: "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth," (Prov. iii 11, 12.) When we perceive our Father's rod, is it not our part to behave as obedient docile sons rather than rebelliously imitate desperate men, who are hardened in wickedness? God dooms us to destruction, if he does not, by correction, call us back when we have fallen off from him, so that it is truly said, "If ye be without chastisement," "then are ye bastards, and not sons," (Heb. 12: 8.) We are most perverse then if we cannot bear him while he is manifesting his good-will to us, and the care which he takes of our salvation. Scripture states the difference between believers and unbelievers to be, that the latter, as the slaves of inveterate and deep-seated iniquity, only become worse and more obstinate under the lash; whereas the former, like free-born sons turn to repentance. Now, therefore, choose your class."

-John Calvin-

Boredom, Self-Denial, and the Christian Life

2009-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

As a Christian are you bored? There should be some things that bore you, but are you bored by the right things?

God Bless,

Doug

A Vision of Your Sinfulness - Oswald Chambers

2009-06-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

"When God wants to show you what human nature is like apart from Himself, he has to show it to you in yourself. If the Spirit of God has given you a vision of what you are apart from the grace of God (and he only does it when His Spirit is at work), you know there is no criminal who is half so bad in actuality as you know yourself to be in possibility."

- Oswald Chambers -

The Imputation of Sin - Charles Spurgeon

2009-06-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

“And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt- offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”- Lev_1:4

Our Lord’s being made “sin for us” is set forth here by the very significant transfer of sin to the bullock, which was made by the elders of the people. The laying of the hand was not a mere touch of contact, for in some other places of Scripture the original word has the meaning of leaning heavily, as in the expression, “thy wrath lieth hard upon me” (Psa_88:7). Surely this is the very essence and nature of faith, which doth not only bring us into contact with the great Substitute, but teaches us to lean upon him with all the burden of our guilt. Jehovah made to meet upon the head of the Substitute all the offences of his covenant people, but each one of the chosen is brought personally to ratify this solemn covenant act, when by grace he is enabled by faith to lay his hand upon the head of the “Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world.” Believer, do you remember that rapturous day when you first realized pardon through Jesus the sin-bearer? Can you not make glad confession, and join with the writer in saying, “My soul recalls her day of deliverance with delight. Laden with guilt and full of fears, I saw my Saviour as my Substitute, and I laid my hand upon him; oh! how timidly at first, but courage grew and confidence was confirmed until I leaned my soul entirely upon him; and now it is my unceasing joy to know that my sins are no longer imputed to me, but laid on him, and like the debts of the wounded traveller, Jesus, like the good Samaritan, has said of all my future sinfulness, ‘Set that to my account.’“ Blessed discovery! Eternal solace of a grateful heart!

“My numerous sins transferr’d to him,
Shall never more be found,
Lost in his blood’s atoning stream,
Where every crime is drown’d!”

-Charles Spurgeon-

Are You Using God Given Gifts to Sin?

2009-06-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

In the book of Hosea, God had strengthened the people and they turned around and used that strength to sin against Him. We do the same thing when we sin.

God Bless,

Doug

Michael Jackson Has Died (A Christian Reflection)

2009-06-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

It was just reported that Michael Jackson has died after going into cardiac arrest. During this time our hearts, as Christians, go out to the family and his children. To reflect on such an event as a believer is sobering to say the least. To reflect on the death of anyone would do the same, but there seems to be something extra when it is a person like Michael Jackson. To imagine that even kings, even if they were just the “King of Pop,” will one day stand before the King of kings, should cause us all to pause and reflect for a moment on our lives.

Scripture tells us that it is appointed once for a man to die, then the judgment (Heb. 9:27). All men, even those who seemed to have the world by the tail for a time, are subjected to it. What is more troubling for the Christian who considers such an event, is to see how many people are still clamoring to have what Michael had at the height of his fame, knowing that many fail to see how quickly these kingdoms will come crashing down.

There is no doubt that fame has engulfed many to the point that it seems to have consumed them, and it should not be surprising when we consider that scripture tells us that “the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest” (Isa 57:20). Even if we end up with all that we dreamed of in this world, unless Christ is our treasure we will not find the rest that seems to be eluding us (Matt. 16:26). In fact, we often impale ourselves with many troubles as we pursue it (1 Tim 6:10).

There is a restlessness in the human heart as Augustine pointed out when he said, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” This restlessness comes from the fact that there is a knowledge of God written on our hearts, and in our sinfulness we want nothing to do with it (Rom. 1:18-20). It is from this point that our pursuits for peace take us everywhere except the one place we would be able to find it.

In our sinfulness we reject God, knowing that we have violated his ways (Rom 1:32), and to cover up that knowledge, we tend to work even harder to find things that can distract us from that truth. In it we tend to go further and further down a path of vanity, for all is vanity apart from Christ (Ecc. 1:2).

From here we create our own standards of what we think a good person ought to be, but even by our own standards we fail to measure up. Only by deceiving ourselves are we able maintain any level of respectability and righteousness. Often during these pursuits, we find ourselves engaging in all kinds of aberrant behavior simply trying to measure up to our own standards. In it, we are clinging to our own righteousness in order to appease the God we know is there. For many, even in their suppression of the truth, will create a God to their liking and will try to appease him (Rom 1:23), but the God of scripture tells us that all our righteousness is like filthy rags, and he wants nothing to do it them (Isa. 64:6). But, praise God, He then goes on to tell us of the remedy that he has offered in Christ Jesus for all of us have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (Rom. 3:23) . You see, God the Father sent his son to die upon the cross to bear the punishment for all who will believe in Him (John 3:16) in order to bring us into a right relationship with Him and give us the peace we are seeking.

As was mentioned before, it is appointed once for a man to die then the judgment, but the only way anyone will be able to stand in the judgment is if they are in Christ, because he is the only one who has lived a truly righteous life and paid the penalty for our sins (Acts 4:12), and if we are not in Christ we will have to pay our own penalty for sins. This truth applies to all men and women, whether rich or poor, famous or unknown, loved by the world or not.

To paraphrase John Donne, when we hear that someone has died and we wonder for whom the bell tolls, there is a sense in which it will always be tolling for us. It is a constant reminder of our own frailty, telling us to be cognizant of our own end, and to ponder what awaits us afterward, and whether or not we are living life the way it should be lived; to the glory of God (Psalm 39:4).

God Bless,

Doug Eaton