The post preceding this one showed the very commendable ability of Abraham Lincoln to interpret the times through the lens of scripture. He clearly knew and believed the Bible and had no problem using it as a source for decision making.
By extreme contrast, notice what happens when an unbeliever (President Obama) takes his very poor understanding of scripture and suggests the Bible has no place in public policy.
I think his mocking attitude toward the Bible says as much as his words. Like a true pragmatist, he will do what is right in his own eyes and use that as the lens for evaluating everything else - including the Bible!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Abraham Lincoln Quote
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation. March 30, 1863
Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.
And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.
And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!
It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.
That is powerful!
A good question for us to ponder - Should our nation, as it now exists, be expecting God's blessing or God's judgement?
Perhaps some scripture would help you decide - I do not believe there is a direct correlation between OT Israel and the U.S. but as God's character is unchanging we may well take head:
That is powerful!
A good question for us to ponder - Should our nation, as it now exists, be expecting God's blessing or God's judgement?
Perhaps some scripture would help you decide - I do not believe there is a direct correlation between OT Israel and the U.S. but as God's character is unchanging we may well take head:
Deut. 8:11 "Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end— 17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ 18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God. (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Friday, August 26, 2011
How do you know what to do modern person?
Sheryl Crow, probably expresses our times quite well in some song lyrics -
"If it makes you happy. It can't be that bad."
So we see rampant: Divorce, homosexuality, affairs, lying, abortion, gambling/lotteries, etc. etc. etc.....
But, perhaps we can't safely rely on our thinking and feelings -
Prov. 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. (NKJV)
Just as their are real consequences for breaking God's law, there is real hope in Jesus for those who will acknowledge their sin and be changed as they trust Him for salvation and follow Him in faith!
1 Cor. 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (NKJV)
Enough said!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
"If it makes you happy. It can't be that bad."
So we see rampant: Divorce, homosexuality, affairs, lying, abortion, gambling/lotteries, etc. etc. etc.....
But, perhaps we can't safely rely on our thinking and feelings -
Prov. 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. (NKJV)
Just as their are real consequences for breaking God's law, there is real hope in Jesus for those who will acknowledge their sin and be changed as they trust Him for salvation and follow Him in faith!
1 Cor. 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (NKJV)
Enough said!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Competent to Counsel
In 1970 Jay Adams titled a book he authored, Competent to Counsel. I would summaries Adams' premise in the book as - the job the church should be doing by teaching and applying the scriptures in the power of the Holy Spirit to people's problems, has been abandoned by us and left to secular experts with dangerous non-biblical worldviews and associated methodologies.
Adams essentially teaches that the word of God and Spirit of God are sufficient to deal with all non-physical human ailments. I am going to be teaching on one of the key biblical passages he used for under girding his work this Sunday -
Rom. 15:14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (NKJV)
It is worth considering that before 1952 when the first DSM (Diagnostic manual used by psychologists to label people's problems) was published and before Freud late 1800's to early 1900's people still had the same kinds of problems, they were just called other things and treated in other ways.
I think it is clear that the secular experts have accomplished a couple of significant things: an ever increasing list of diagnosis' of "mental disorders", hundreds of often conflicting "right treatments", and a way to be sure money keeps flowing from insurance companies to pay for the treatments of these newly labeled conditions.
Of course this does not mean any of it is actually good and a simple look around our fully psychologised country would suggest the exact opposite!
I would recommend Jay's many books on this topic as well as those by other authors concerned with returning the counsel of people to where there is truth and power - God's word, Spirit and church. If interested the link below has many of Jay and other biblical counselors works listed -
www.gatewaybiblicalcounseling.org/resources/bookstore/
Also - I have added a very good Biblical Counseling site to "Links I Enjoy".
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Adams essentially teaches that the word of God and Spirit of God are sufficient to deal with all non-physical human ailments. I am going to be teaching on one of the key biblical passages he used for under girding his work this Sunday -
Rom. 15:14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (NKJV)
It is worth considering that before 1952 when the first DSM (Diagnostic manual used by psychologists to label people's problems) was published and before Freud late 1800's to early 1900's people still had the same kinds of problems, they were just called other things and treated in other ways.
I think it is clear that the secular experts have accomplished a couple of significant things: an ever increasing list of diagnosis' of "mental disorders", hundreds of often conflicting "right treatments", and a way to be sure money keeps flowing from insurance companies to pay for the treatments of these newly labeled conditions.
Of course this does not mean any of it is actually good and a simple look around our fully psychologised country would suggest the exact opposite!
I would recommend Jay's many books on this topic as well as those by other authors concerned with returning the counsel of people to where there is truth and power - God's word, Spirit and church. If interested the link below has many of Jay and other biblical counselors works listed -
www.gatewaybiblicalcounseling.org/resources/bookstore/
Also - I have added a very good Biblical Counseling site to "Links I Enjoy".
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Friday, August 19, 2011
Christianity - a decision or a way of life?
A theological dictionary - by Jesus! Underlining is by me for emphasis only.
Call/Confess -
Rom . 10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (NKJV)
How does Jesus define "calling on the name of the Lord"?
Matt. 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (NKJV)
Calling/confessing Jesus as Lord for salvation is defined by Jesus as valid only when it is accompanied by doing the will of the Father!
Believe -
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
How does Jesus define belief as it relates do being an actual disciple/saved?
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (NKJV)
Jesus defines saving belief as that which is accompanied by abiding in His word!
Repent -
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, (NKJV)
How does Jesus define repentance as it relates to salvation?
Luke 3:7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (NKJV)
Jesus says that true repentance will have works to validate it.
Faith -
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (NKJV)
How does God's word elsewhere define faith? From James, but all of Bible is Jesus' words!
James 3:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (NKJV)
Saving faith is validated by a change in actions!
Jesus does not define asking Jesus into your heart, because it is not a biblical concept.
In every case we see Jesus defining a decision, whatever the terminology, in light of the changed life that should accompany it. This makes perfect sense considering the "new birth" Jesus said we need -
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (NKJV)
Below we see a description of the one who has been born again in contrast to the one who has not, regardless of whatever decision they may have made -
Rom. 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (NKJV)
When Jesus saves through the word and Spirit we are changed and continue to be changed from the inside out. To claim salvation by a decision without using the scripture/Jesus' definitions - is unwise and unable to save.
All glory to Him!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Call/Confess -
Rom . 10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (NKJV)
How does Jesus define "calling on the name of the Lord"?
Matt. 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (NKJV)
Calling/confessing Jesus as Lord for salvation is defined by Jesus as valid only when it is accompanied by doing the will of the Father!
Believe -
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
How does Jesus define belief as it relates do being an actual disciple/saved?
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (NKJV)
Jesus defines saving belief as that which is accompanied by abiding in His word!
Repent -
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, (NKJV)
How does Jesus define repentance as it relates to salvation?
Luke 3:7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (NKJV)
Jesus says that true repentance will have works to validate it.
Faith -
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (NKJV)
How does God's word elsewhere define faith? From James, but all of Bible is Jesus' words!
James 3:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (NKJV)
Saving faith is validated by a change in actions!
Jesus does not define asking Jesus into your heart, because it is not a biblical concept.
In every case we see Jesus defining a decision, whatever the terminology, in light of the changed life that should accompany it. This makes perfect sense considering the "new birth" Jesus said we need -
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (NKJV)
Below we see a description of the one who has been born again in contrast to the one who has not, regardless of whatever decision they may have made -
Rom. 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (NKJV)
When Jesus saves through the word and Spirit we are changed and continue to be changed from the inside out. To claim salvation by a decision without using the scripture/Jesus' definitions - is unwise and unable to save.
All glory to Him!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Christianity - a decision or a way of life?
More on where to look for assurance of our salvation -
Rom. 10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (NKJV)
Rom. 10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (NKJV)
Confess, believe, call on the name of the Lord - are these the same, what do they mean?
Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (NKJV)
Here we see repentance and the saving of as many as the Lord will call.
John 10:25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.” (NKJV)
Now we see belief defined in terms of hearing/following Jesus.
Are these all different ways of being saved – some harder and some easier? Are these contradictions in God’s word where one place says you must simply utter some words and another place suggests a changed life?
No – the scriptures don’t contradict so they all must be true and able to reconciled with each other. Since we can’t reduce hearing His voice and following to a mere verbal confession, we must interpret confession, belief, calling on and even repentance in light of hearing and following Jesus. This does not mean that it is our hearing/following of Jesus that saves us, but it does affirm that whatever these words mean they certainly result in our hearing and following Jesus.
No – the scriptures don’t contradict so they all must be true and able to reconciled with each other. Since we can’t reduce hearing His voice and following to a mere verbal confession, we must interpret confession, belief, calling on and even repentance in light of hearing and following Jesus. This does not mean that it is our hearing/following of Jesus that saves us, but it does affirm that whatever these words mean they certainly result in our hearing and following Jesus.
My belief that won’t listen to and follow Jesus is a belief in something else.
MY confession that will not listen to and follow Jesus is just empty words.
My Calling on the name of the Lord Jesus to save without a desire to listen to and follow Jesus is futile.
My repentance, no matter how emotional, if I won’t listen to and follow Jesus is fraudulent.
If you have been called by Jesus, heard Jesus, know and are known by Jesus, would you not want to follow Jesus?
So, if I want assurance in my faith should I look to my confession of long ago? Were the words right? Was my belief sincere? Was my repentance heartfelt? No, clearly I should look to Jesus and His word now. As I read, hear and follow now - that is the best assurance I can have.
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Guest Post -
I have been swamped with things to do since I got back into town, but I did want to get some dialogue going on this issue of where do we look for assurance as Christians - to a past decision or to our current lifestyle. TJ sent a comment which included both scripture and his own testimony on the issue so I thought I would let his words serve as the next post in the discussion. I hope he doesn't mind?
Here it is -
Good to have you back from the sunshine state, brother. I can affirm your view from experience, having went to the "alter" and said oh, I don't know, maybe 5 or so "repeat after me sinner's prayers". Each time I quickly reverted to same old me- And could not understand why. Had my heart been changed to love God's Word, my plight could have been diagnosed easily by passages such as EPH 4:1-5, and the many statements Jesus Himself said about what a real disciple of His looked like: They will bear their cross and follow Him (LUKE 14: 27 and 33) They will desire wholly to follow God's commandments (John 14:15) though they will also fall short, ever driving them Back to Jesus. They will desire His Word (John 14:23-24), as the Scripture combined with His Spirit in us is how God has chosen to speak to us. And because of the indwelling Spirit, the will burn for and proclaim the great name of Jesus the Christ (John 15:26, 16:14), as that is what the Spirit Does.
Also, though I could be wrong, I really take issue with the every head bowed every eyes closed slip up your hand if you JUST RECEIVED SALVATION secret ballet thing the church has invented as the process of profession. For one I can find that way of doing it nowhere in Scripture, and two, if that's the only way I'll do it, I'd doubt it, judging by descriptions of rebirth in the Bible. If I'd just won the lotto, you couldn't sit me down or shut me up. Ah, but it's only eternal life and sonship of Almighty God.
One interesting thing about when God truly Graced me with Life- I was on a bunk, listening to a radio sermon about the song of Zacharias from Luke 1. I heard the preacher read verse 77 and instantly-- hard to word, but like I was shown in the span of seconds how I really was, how God really was, how much trouble i was in because of that, all my wickedness, all His goodness,despair and hopelessness-and then I was shown Jesus and the TRUTH of it ALL. My sins were paid for by the same One I once upon a time called MYTH! I was shown my total unworthiness of His love. And you know what, beloved? I NEVER ASKED A THING. In fact, as I recall, all I could manage for awhile was two words-thank you. And I've not been the same since. Failings? Yes. Do I still follow? Yes. I love Jesus, because He first loved me-enough to give me His Spirit so I COULD love Him. That was Dec. 17, 4 years ago. So yes, it was one moment in time, but that moment will stretch into eternity. Amazing, I can't even grasp that, yet know it as FACT. tj
Here it is -
Good to have you back from the sunshine state, brother. I can affirm your view from experience, having went to the "alter" and said oh, I don't know, maybe 5 or so "repeat after me sinner's prayers". Each time I quickly reverted to same old me- And could not understand why. Had my heart been changed to love God's Word, my plight could have been diagnosed easily by passages such as EPH 4:1-5, and the many statements Jesus Himself said about what a real disciple of His looked like: They will bear their cross and follow Him (LUKE 14: 27 and 33) They will desire wholly to follow God's commandments (John 14:15) though they will also fall short, ever driving them Back to Jesus. They will desire His Word (John 14:23-24), as the Scripture combined with His Spirit in us is how God has chosen to speak to us. And because of the indwelling Spirit, the will burn for and proclaim the great name of Jesus the Christ (John 15:26, 16:14), as that is what the Spirit Does.
Also, though I could be wrong, I really take issue with the every head bowed every eyes closed slip up your hand if you JUST RECEIVED SALVATION secret ballet thing the church has invented as the process of profession. For one I can find that way of doing it nowhere in Scripture, and two, if that's the only way I'll do it, I'd doubt it, judging by descriptions of rebirth in the Bible. If I'd just won the lotto, you couldn't sit me down or shut me up. Ah, but it's only eternal life and sonship of Almighty God.
One interesting thing about when God truly Graced me with Life- I was on a bunk, listening to a radio sermon about the song of Zacharias from Luke 1. I heard the preacher read verse 77 and instantly-- hard to word, but like I was shown in the span of seconds how I really was, how God really was, how much trouble i was in because of that, all my wickedness, all His goodness,despair and hopelessness-and then I was shown Jesus and the TRUTH of it ALL. My sins were paid for by the same One I once upon a time called MYTH! I was shown my total unworthiness of His love. And you know what, beloved? I NEVER ASKED A THING. In fact, as I recall, all I could manage for awhile was two words-thank you. And I've not been the same since. Failings? Yes. Do I still follow? Yes. I love Jesus, because He first loved me-enough to give me His Spirit so I COULD love Him. That was Dec. 17, 4 years ago. So yes, it was one moment in time, but that moment will stretch into eternity. Amazing, I can't even grasp that, yet know it as FACT. tj
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Christianity - a decision or a way of life?
"Pray the prayer", "ask Jesus into your heart", "go forward", "walk the isle" and even the very biblical language "repent and believe", all have the tendency to emphasise a one time event that makes a person a Christian. It is true for any of us that we were once not a Christian, so if we are now a Christian, then there must be a moment in time when we became a Christian and some means by which it happened.
However, I propose that the scripture does not encourage us to look to our decision for our identity as Christians, but rather to our walk or lifestyle as Christians.
Eph. 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 5 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (NKJV)
I will write more on this later this week and would encourage anyone who has the time/desire to do so to consider the question and participate by sharing your insights/comments. Thanks
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
However, I propose that the scripture does not encourage us to look to our decision for our identity as Christians, but rather to our walk or lifestyle as Christians.
Eph. 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 5 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (NKJV)
I will write more on this later this week and would encourage anyone who has the time/desire to do so to consider the question and participate by sharing your insights/comments. Thanks
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Friday, August 12, 2011
Vacation is over!
I have been in Florida visiting family. It is good to be back. Nothing spiritual to blog yet, but just for fun -
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Personal and Corporate Identity in Christ
You could ask many people in America if they are Christians and get a yes answer. If you to follow up with a question about church membership and participation, many of the same people would say something like, "well my faith is a personal thing" or "I worship God in my own way" or "I believe in God, not church".
As I have written previously on this blog, there is no affirmation of this kind of Christian in the NT. The Christian life as revealed/described in the Bible always assumes believers are under the authority of and participating in a local church. Therefore, we can say with confidence that anyone who calls themselves a Christian and chooses not to participate in a local body is either not a true believer or needs to be exhorted to begin looking for the church where God would have them grow and serve. Being unable to participate is another issue, but it is clear when God calls someone to Christ he also calls them to participate in a local body of believers. The result of true salvation should always be a personal and corporate identity in Christ.
There is another possibility. What about the person who attends and participates in a local church, but has no personal relationship with the Lord? This is the person whose entire religious experience is the corporate one. They have no idea what to do outside church and official activities, because for them that is all there is. This person will serve on committees, make meals for people, share prayer requests and maybe even teach at the children's level where it tends to be pre-packaged, but they don't personally know the Lord. This may be the more difficult situation to address, because you can see if someone is not participating in the corporate church life and exhort them to start, but it is hard to see if someone knows the Lord when they are going through the motions at church.
As churches have become more and more activities oriented the unsaved church participant has many opportunities to appear Christian to themselves and others. What can we do to help people see themselves as they are and come to true faith in Christ?
As usual the answer is keeping church as simple and Christ/Word centered as possible. If we emphasize personal sanctification for each follower of Jesus and teach the full counsel of God, then we must assume the word will do its work as lost people get saved and saved people mature. Is there a risk that focusing on personal spiritual growth will cause corporate participation to decline? Absolutely not, because as people really mature they become more and more aware that the Christian life is a call to both the Lord Jesus and to the local body. If people were serving in programs without knowing the lord and they get saved, they may then get less involved in programs, because they are finally being led by the Lord. I hope we are OK with that!
By contrast, if corporate programs and service opportunities are emphasized over Bible teaching for personal spiritual growth there will be negative consequences. The corporate identity may be seen as a matter of personal comfort/choice, not an imperative from scripture, if people loose interest or find other things to do they won't see any problem with leaving. Also, the church participant who does not know the Lord may never hear the truth so as to be exposed as lost and be saved.
True Christian faith is by definition both a personal and corporate identity in Christ. However, only by teaching the whole counsel of God for the purpose of convicting/converting the lost and exhorting/growing the saved can we be sure we are doing our part to avoid the tragedy of people thinking they are Christians when they are not - whether they are sitting in the pews or staying home.
As I have written previously on this blog, there is no affirmation of this kind of Christian in the NT. The Christian life as revealed/described in the Bible always assumes believers are under the authority of and participating in a local church. Therefore, we can say with confidence that anyone who calls themselves a Christian and chooses not to participate in a local body is either not a true believer or needs to be exhorted to begin looking for the church where God would have them grow and serve. Being unable to participate is another issue, but it is clear when God calls someone to Christ he also calls them to participate in a local body of believers. The result of true salvation should always be a personal and corporate identity in Christ.
There is another possibility. What about the person who attends and participates in a local church, but has no personal relationship with the Lord? This is the person whose entire religious experience is the corporate one. They have no idea what to do outside church and official activities, because for them that is all there is. This person will serve on committees, make meals for people, share prayer requests and maybe even teach at the children's level where it tends to be pre-packaged, but they don't personally know the Lord. This may be the more difficult situation to address, because you can see if someone is not participating in the corporate church life and exhort them to start, but it is hard to see if someone knows the Lord when they are going through the motions at church.
As churches have become more and more activities oriented the unsaved church participant has many opportunities to appear Christian to themselves and others. What can we do to help people see themselves as they are and come to true faith in Christ?
As usual the answer is keeping church as simple and Christ/Word centered as possible. If we emphasize personal sanctification for each follower of Jesus and teach the full counsel of God, then we must assume the word will do its work as lost people get saved and saved people mature. Is there a risk that focusing on personal spiritual growth will cause corporate participation to decline? Absolutely not, because as people really mature they become more and more aware that the Christian life is a call to both the Lord Jesus and to the local body. If people were serving in programs without knowing the lord and they get saved, they may then get less involved in programs, because they are finally being led by the Lord. I hope we are OK with that!
By contrast, if corporate programs and service opportunities are emphasized over Bible teaching for personal spiritual growth there will be negative consequences. The corporate identity may be seen as a matter of personal comfort/choice, not an imperative from scripture, if people loose interest or find other things to do they won't see any problem with leaving. Also, the church participant who does not know the Lord may never hear the truth so as to be exposed as lost and be saved.
True Christian faith is by definition both a personal and corporate identity in Christ. However, only by teaching the whole counsel of God for the purpose of convicting/converting the lost and exhorting/growing the saved can we be sure we are doing our part to avoid the tragedy of people thinking they are Christians when they are not - whether they are sitting in the pews or staying home.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Israel's Monergistic Deliverance!
A reality check - How Israel became God's people -
Israel exists as a people because of a promise made long ago by God to Abraham and His descendants (Gen. 12-17).
Israel's would have ceased to exist as a people during a great famine had God not used the sins of their forefathers (selling their brother Joseph) to provide a miraculous salvation for His people (Gen. 37-50).
God brings Israel out of Egypt after four hundred years of slavery because of His promise to Abraham (Exod. 2:24).
God uses means that are 100% of His power and for His glory as He delivers Israel, in spite of their initial reluctance to be delivered (Exod. 5:21)
In the passage below we pick up the story as Israel has already witnessed the many plagues God brought on Egypt to deliver them and they are currently experiencing His presence as He leads them by a cloud in the day and pillar of fire by night (Exod. 13:21-22).
If God is going to take their faith and/or works into account, or if He expects their salvation to come by a synergistic cooperation between Him and them - would they be delivered at all!
Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” 13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (NKJV)
God's plan to glorify Himself in saving Israel and further judging Egypt will not be held hostage by Israel's fear, sinful attitude, or lack of power to deliver themselves. Rather, they are told to "stand still" and "hold their peace" ("hush up" is a good synonym), as they watch God bring salvation totally by His hand - again!
Synergism, where God does His part and man does His part, does not seem to be God's way of deliverance for Israel and I hope it is not His way for saving me!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Israel exists as a people because of a promise made long ago by God to Abraham and His descendants (Gen. 12-17).
Israel's would have ceased to exist as a people during a great famine had God not used the sins of their forefathers (selling their brother Joseph) to provide a miraculous salvation for His people (Gen. 37-50).
God brings Israel out of Egypt after four hundred years of slavery because of His promise to Abraham (Exod. 2:24).
God uses means that are 100% of His power and for His glory as He delivers Israel, in spite of their initial reluctance to be delivered (Exod. 5:21)
In the passage below we pick up the story as Israel has already witnessed the many plagues God brought on Egypt to deliver them and they are currently experiencing His presence as He leads them by a cloud in the day and pillar of fire by night (Exod. 13:21-22).
If God is going to take their faith and/or works into account, or if He expects their salvation to come by a synergistic cooperation between Him and them - would they be delivered at all!
Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” 13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (NKJV)
God's plan to glorify Himself in saving Israel and further judging Egypt will not be held hostage by Israel's fear, sinful attitude, or lack of power to deliver themselves. Rather, they are told to "stand still" and "hold their peace" ("hush up" is a good synonym), as they watch God bring salvation totally by His hand - again!
Synergism, where God does His part and man does His part, does not seem to be God's way of deliverance for Israel and I hope it is not His way for saving me!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Monday, August 1, 2011
The blessing of the Holy Spirit in us!
Numbers 11:29 Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” 30 And Moses returned to the camp, he and the elders of Israel. (NKJV)
This passage comes from when the nation of Israel has just recently been delivered from bondage in Egypt by God through great and miraculous signs. God has also provided everything they need for life in the wilderness until they enter the promised land. However, as if they suffered from selective amnesia they begin to complain to Moses about God's provision and even suggest they would be better off back in Egypt!
Moses feels the strain as he appears to be the only faithful one in the camp and calls out to God for help. This brings up some questions - Why is Moses faithful while others rebel? How can God bring help for Moses in leading this group?
In order to help Moses restore order to the camp God tells Moses to pick seventy elders (Num. 11:16), we might think they are picked because they are good/equipped to help, but God makes it clear how they will become able to help: "I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and put the same on them" (Num. 11:17).
It is Joshua seeing two of these elders prophesying in the Spirit that leads to the interchange between Moses and Joshua in the passage above (Num. 11:29-30). Moses clearly recognizes the the blessing of having the Spirit upon God's people. It is also obvious that this special work of the Spirit was an uncommon occurrence and can surmise it is part of why Israel's history is one of almost constant rebellion.
As much as we like to make heroes of OT servants of God, and it is right to affirm their faithfulness under God's call/empowerment, it is quite clear that it is the presence of the Holy Spirit as given by God that sets Moses apart. This is consistent as we see other OT prophets and kings, like David having the Spirit upon them in a special way.
The contrast between what OT Israel had of the Spirit's work and what we have in Christ should cause us to cut them some slack and be very thankful for the blessing of the Holy Spirit in us!
Now for those who are God's people in Christ -
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)
We are all permanently sealed for and guaranteed our inheritance because of the Holy Spirit in us!
1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
Rom. 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
We are all empowered to live in ongoing hope through the Spirit in us!
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (NKJV)
We are all empowered for God's service by the Holy Spirit in us!
If we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ -
Oh how blessed we are to have the Spirit in us!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
This passage comes from when the nation of Israel has just recently been delivered from bondage in Egypt by God through great and miraculous signs. God has also provided everything they need for life in the wilderness until they enter the promised land. However, as if they suffered from selective amnesia they begin to complain to Moses about God's provision and even suggest they would be better off back in Egypt!
Moses feels the strain as he appears to be the only faithful one in the camp and calls out to God for help. This brings up some questions - Why is Moses faithful while others rebel? How can God bring help for Moses in leading this group?
In order to help Moses restore order to the camp God tells Moses to pick seventy elders (Num. 11:16), we might think they are picked because they are good/equipped to help, but God makes it clear how they will become able to help: "I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and put the same on them" (Num. 11:17).
It is Joshua seeing two of these elders prophesying in the Spirit that leads to the interchange between Moses and Joshua in the passage above (Num. 11:29-30). Moses clearly recognizes the the blessing of having the Spirit upon God's people. It is also obvious that this special work of the Spirit was an uncommon occurrence and can surmise it is part of why Israel's history is one of almost constant rebellion.
As much as we like to make heroes of OT servants of God, and it is right to affirm their faithfulness under God's call/empowerment, it is quite clear that it is the presence of the Holy Spirit as given by God that sets Moses apart. This is consistent as we see other OT prophets and kings, like David having the Spirit upon them in a special way.
The contrast between what OT Israel had of the Spirit's work and what we have in Christ should cause us to cut them some slack and be very thankful for the blessing of the Holy Spirit in us!
Now for those who are God's people in Christ -
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)
We are all permanently sealed for and guaranteed our inheritance because of the Holy Spirit in us!
1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
Rom. 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
We are all empowered to live in ongoing hope through the Spirit in us!
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (NKJV)
We are all empowered for God's service by the Holy Spirit in us!
If we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ -
Oh how blessed we are to have the Spirit in us!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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