Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Thoroughly stained, thoroughly cleansed. We are made white, by Red; Christ's righteousness replaced our filthy rags of self righteousness by the shedding of His precious blood, death, and resurrection. Oh for a thousand tongues to sing!!!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hebrew children or Hebrew men?
I am sure you have heard Shadrach, Meshach and Obendego referred to as Athe three Hebrew children@ as I have. I may have said it myself, it is a popular phrase. But I am not going to say it anymore.
First of all, scripture refers to them as men. In Dan. 3:12 and again in verse 16 they were called men. We need to rely on scripture, and that alone. So many people are led and deceived by stories and tales they hear some preacher say. I have heard, as you may have too, someone telling you something that is in the bible, that is not there. They have heard someone they trust tell them about the bible, but haven=t checked for themselves like the noble Bereans. Sunday School classes, may sing beloved Sunday school songs, but are they scriptural? I have 3 young children, and there are many biblical books for children, with cute cartoons and pictures, but some, not all, misrepresent the biblical record of truth on some of the more widely know biblical, historical tales. You may think that it is unimportant, or taking this too far, but is it really? How many wise men were at the manger to see Jesus when he was born? Answer: Zero. The wise men did not go to the manger, but the home, not to see the infant babe, but the young child. Well how many wise men were there? We don=t know, it does not say. There were three gifts, but the bible does not tell us how many men there were. Not going by biblical record, and just repeating the stories and saying we have heard, are doing harm to the hearers of the word. Is it a rank heresy if someone says Hebrew children, no of course not, but I use this example to illustrate a broader issue, that is the accuracy and final authority of scripture, and how subtly the Devil works in putting doubt and misunderstanding in the hearts and minds of hearers of the word of God. Note Eve, Did God really say?.. Our job is not to criticize the bible, but to base our beliefs on scripture, not on what we have heard. Our era, more than any other, has no excuse for not knowing what the bible teaches on a subject. In the country in which we live, there is not trouble getting and reading the bible. From the internet, to numerous stores, we have so much access to scripture, and helps, there is no excuse for us. I am not trying to say that simply using the phrase Hebrew children indicates one lacking in knowledge, study or ability to teach, so I ask that you not take it in that light, but after catching myself say it, and considering why I said it, some thoughts that came from my own meditation on phrasing and why I am not going to say it anymore.
The second reason I don=t say Hebrew children is, even if they were children or young men, they sure did not act like it. Shadrach, Meshach and Obendego acted like men. I Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. This may not be politically correct, but it is biblically correct, they acted like men. Is it a reflection on our society, that in some places, it may be required for one to explain what it means to act like a man? In our time, that is insulting to say act like a man. We live in a culture that tries to feminize men, especially younger boys. That boys are taught that their God given instincts to protect and lead are wrong and are taught they are no different that the girls. Public schools will take a boy, full of the natural masculine tendencies given to him by God, and will be put on medication and forced to get in touch with his feminine side. There is a difference in overlooking sin by saying boys will be boys, and actually allow boys to be boys. How many times do you think that David used his sling before he met Goliath? He certainly was not home playing with dolls during his youth. But acting like a man, is not meant here by pastimes, but by taking charge of the situation, and standing up for what is right and what you believe in. Despite the challenges that were presented, and despite what they faced, they acted like the spiritual leaders men should act like.
They did not compromise when others did. Ephesians 4:13-15 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Every pastor of the Lord=s churches would love to have men like Shadrach, Meshach and Obendego. When the music started playing and everyone bowed down, but them. They did not succumb to peer pressure, they did not bow to keep from starting trouble, they did not bow because the were not tossed to and fro by this wicked idolatry. In Ephesians four, we read of the Lord's church, that in the preaching of the word, the members of the church, as the body of Christ, should grow in the truth unto a full grown man, that not acting like children, being tossed about by everything they hear and see. The devil attacks the churches of our Lord in such a way, seeking to devour. When trouble comes, and it will, there needs to be men, who will stand and speak the truth, who will not bow the knee to false doctrine, false teachings, and head to fables by those who subvert the truth. No, we are to have a child like faith in the word, in humility, but we are not to act like children in the work of the Lord. Could you imagine, being held captive in this foreign land, all the things these people had done to their families and homes, the decree that had already been issued, facing death. What about their job? They were ones whom had been put in a position that set over the affairs of the province. Did they waiver? Did they compromise, why after all, what good would they be if they were dead, there is no need to start a fight, or cause trouble, right? No, when the others bowed the knee, God had men who acted like me, and stood and fought the good fight of faith.
I do not call them children, because they were men in the faith. Timothy, apparently, had some issue with his age, as Paul instructed that others should not despise his youth. Timothy, though young in age, was mature in truth. There are some people, who the Lord saw fit to save at a young age, have been Christians and Baptist for many, many years. And there are those, who are elders in the flesh, who the Lord was pleased to save in the later years of life, who are babes in Christ. I won't call these men the Hebrew children because they acted like men in the faith. Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. They may have been younger men in years, but they were men of faith. Others, who may have fell, and may have been deceived in the idol worship, these men were strong. You may say, well God has not given me such wisdom, I am a babe in Christ because I haven=t been blessed with knowledge. Did you ask? Have you prayed for wisdom? You have not because you ask not. God promises wisdom to those who ask and seek it. I once heard a song on the radio praising this kind of attitude. It went "I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed, what God has planned." In an attitude that it was either not important or only for some people to know what God has willed. If you want to know, read it. He told us in His word! Why was the songwriter not skilled? Because they have not grown. You may question that not all will know as much, God blesses some with incredible knowledge of scripture. That is true. What is also true is strong meat belongeth TO THEM THAT ARE FULL AGE even those WHO BY REASON OF USE have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. I also know that the giants of the faith did not learn and know the truth through osmosis, those who have a great knowledge, spend great time in study and prayer, and God blesses them in it. I am not inclined to believe that these Hebrew men just woke up and knew what they knew out of no where. As David was prepared in the field with the lion and the bear for Goliath, and Elijah was prepared for Carmel at the brook of Cherith, so are God's people prepared for their struggles in this life, by preparation. Study to show thyself approved.
They stood up like men, in the face of evil, and spoke the truth. Dan. 3:17-18 if it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Like men, they submitted to their true King, the Lord Jesus. Little children, when mom and dad tell them things, like to ask why? They have problems listening and accepting authority. We do that as well, when we murmur and complain about things that happen in our lives. When is it said, "why does this happen to me?", who are we asking? We are questioning God. But the men of our story said thy will be done. What a reply! How we can learn from these men. God is able to deliver us from the furnace, if it is His will. And if it is not his will, and we die in the furnace, either way, O king, He is going to deliver us out of your hand. So either way, we are delivered, and either way we are not going to worship your false god.
Now that I have told you why they were men, and not children, I will tell you why they are children. They were men among men, they were men of faith, but they were the children of God. Indeed, so much courage shown in the face of so much to loose, so many to go against, but because they were children of God, they were never alone. They had a child like faith in God.
They were the adopted children, by faith, trusting in God.
They were the children of God because they loved him, not through their works, but by faith.
The bible, time and again, is full of accounts of ordinary people, whom the world thought little of, never would have noticed, or in positions of hardship, doing the extraordinary in the service of God for His glory. It is our God who hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. It is our Lord who enables men to stand like men, and may God help us all to stand for the truth.
First of all, scripture refers to them as men. In Dan. 3:12 and again in verse 16 they were called men. We need to rely on scripture, and that alone. So many people are led and deceived by stories and tales they hear some preacher say. I have heard, as you may have too, someone telling you something that is in the bible, that is not there. They have heard someone they trust tell them about the bible, but haven=t checked for themselves like the noble Bereans. Sunday School classes, may sing beloved Sunday school songs, but are they scriptural? I have 3 young children, and there are many biblical books for children, with cute cartoons and pictures, but some, not all, misrepresent the biblical record of truth on some of the more widely know biblical, historical tales. You may think that it is unimportant, or taking this too far, but is it really? How many wise men were at the manger to see Jesus when he was born? Answer: Zero. The wise men did not go to the manger, but the home, not to see the infant babe, but the young child. Well how many wise men were there? We don=t know, it does not say. There were three gifts, but the bible does not tell us how many men there were. Not going by biblical record, and just repeating the stories and saying we have heard, are doing harm to the hearers of the word. Is it a rank heresy if someone says Hebrew children, no of course not, but I use this example to illustrate a broader issue, that is the accuracy and final authority of scripture, and how subtly the Devil works in putting doubt and misunderstanding in the hearts and minds of hearers of the word of God. Note Eve, Did God really say?.. Our job is not to criticize the bible, but to base our beliefs on scripture, not on what we have heard. Our era, more than any other, has no excuse for not knowing what the bible teaches on a subject. In the country in which we live, there is not trouble getting and reading the bible. From the internet, to numerous stores, we have so much access to scripture, and helps, there is no excuse for us. I am not trying to say that simply using the phrase Hebrew children indicates one lacking in knowledge, study or ability to teach, so I ask that you not take it in that light, but after catching myself say it, and considering why I said it, some thoughts that came from my own meditation on phrasing and why I am not going to say it anymore.
The second reason I don=t say Hebrew children is, even if they were children or young men, they sure did not act like it. Shadrach, Meshach and Obendego acted like men. I Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. This may not be politically correct, but it is biblically correct, they acted like men. Is it a reflection on our society, that in some places, it may be required for one to explain what it means to act like a man? In our time, that is insulting to say act like a man. We live in a culture that tries to feminize men, especially younger boys. That boys are taught that their God given instincts to protect and lead are wrong and are taught they are no different that the girls. Public schools will take a boy, full of the natural masculine tendencies given to him by God, and will be put on medication and forced to get in touch with his feminine side. There is a difference in overlooking sin by saying boys will be boys, and actually allow boys to be boys. How many times do you think that David used his sling before he met Goliath? He certainly was not home playing with dolls during his youth. But acting like a man, is not meant here by pastimes, but by taking charge of the situation, and standing up for what is right and what you believe in. Despite the challenges that were presented, and despite what they faced, they acted like the spiritual leaders men should act like.
They did not compromise when others did. Ephesians 4:13-15 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Every pastor of the Lord=s churches would love to have men like Shadrach, Meshach and Obendego. When the music started playing and everyone bowed down, but them. They did not succumb to peer pressure, they did not bow to keep from starting trouble, they did not bow because the were not tossed to and fro by this wicked idolatry. In Ephesians four, we read of the Lord's church, that in the preaching of the word, the members of the church, as the body of Christ, should grow in the truth unto a full grown man, that not acting like children, being tossed about by everything they hear and see. The devil attacks the churches of our Lord in such a way, seeking to devour. When trouble comes, and it will, there needs to be men, who will stand and speak the truth, who will not bow the knee to false doctrine, false teachings, and head to fables by those who subvert the truth. No, we are to have a child like faith in the word, in humility, but we are not to act like children in the work of the Lord. Could you imagine, being held captive in this foreign land, all the things these people had done to their families and homes, the decree that had already been issued, facing death. What about their job? They were ones whom had been put in a position that set over the affairs of the province. Did they waiver? Did they compromise, why after all, what good would they be if they were dead, there is no need to start a fight, or cause trouble, right? No, when the others bowed the knee, God had men who acted like me, and stood and fought the good fight of faith.
I do not call them children, because they were men in the faith. Timothy, apparently, had some issue with his age, as Paul instructed that others should not despise his youth. Timothy, though young in age, was mature in truth. There are some people, who the Lord saw fit to save at a young age, have been Christians and Baptist for many, many years. And there are those, who are elders in the flesh, who the Lord was pleased to save in the later years of life, who are babes in Christ. I won't call these men the Hebrew children because they acted like men in the faith. Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. They may have been younger men in years, but they were men of faith. Others, who may have fell, and may have been deceived in the idol worship, these men were strong. You may say, well God has not given me such wisdom, I am a babe in Christ because I haven=t been blessed with knowledge. Did you ask? Have you prayed for wisdom? You have not because you ask not. God promises wisdom to those who ask and seek it. I once heard a song on the radio praising this kind of attitude. It went "I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed, what God has planned." In an attitude that it was either not important or only for some people to know what God has willed. If you want to know, read it. He told us in His word! Why was the songwriter not skilled? Because they have not grown. You may question that not all will know as much, God blesses some with incredible knowledge of scripture. That is true. What is also true is strong meat belongeth TO THEM THAT ARE FULL AGE even those WHO BY REASON OF USE have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. I also know that the giants of the faith did not learn and know the truth through osmosis, those who have a great knowledge, spend great time in study and prayer, and God blesses them in it. I am not inclined to believe that these Hebrew men just woke up and knew what they knew out of no where. As David was prepared in the field with the lion and the bear for Goliath, and Elijah was prepared for Carmel at the brook of Cherith, so are God's people prepared for their struggles in this life, by preparation. Study to show thyself approved.
They stood up like men, in the face of evil, and spoke the truth. Dan. 3:17-18 if it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Like men, they submitted to their true King, the Lord Jesus. Little children, when mom and dad tell them things, like to ask why? They have problems listening and accepting authority. We do that as well, when we murmur and complain about things that happen in our lives. When is it said, "why does this happen to me?", who are we asking? We are questioning God. But the men of our story said thy will be done. What a reply! How we can learn from these men. God is able to deliver us from the furnace, if it is His will. And if it is not his will, and we die in the furnace, either way, O king, He is going to deliver us out of your hand. So either way, we are delivered, and either way we are not going to worship your false god.
Now that I have told you why they were men, and not children, I will tell you why they are children. They were men among men, they were men of faith, but they were the children of God. Indeed, so much courage shown in the face of so much to loose, so many to go against, but because they were children of God, they were never alone. They had a child like faith in God.
They were the adopted children, by faith, trusting in God.
They were the children of God because they loved him, not through their works, but by faith.
The bible, time and again, is full of accounts of ordinary people, whom the world thought little of, never would have noticed, or in positions of hardship, doing the extraordinary in the service of God for His glory. It is our God who hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. It is our Lord who enables men to stand like men, and may God help us all to stand for the truth.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
When Christians Cry
So many Christians, when they cry, do so unto the world. There is no true comfort here, not for one who has been enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Once we have tasted of that sweet fellowship with the Father, through the Son, by the power of the Spirit, one could travel every inch of this world, and not find the peace and comfort of soul that is found in Christ. Oh, the vanity of life when we are downcast! We don't need to despair, for where ever we are found, from the ends of the earth, we are never too far from the Masters ear. We are never too far from the love of God. Whether under the depths of the sea, to the farthest reaches of the plains, God will hear our cry. We may be far from friends and family, we may be alone and afraid, but we are never truly alone if we have Christ. He who bore our sins will never leave nor forsake us. David said "when my heart is overwhelmed". Browns Driver Briggs defines the Hebrew word here ataph translated overwhelmed as 'to cover, to envelop ones self, or to be feeble, faint, growing weak.' The idea is that the heart is weak, feeble, overcome by sorrows. As if shipwrecked at sea, with the waves of grief shrouding the soul. How many times have the children of God been overwhelmed? Our hearts are feeble. Even the most hardened soul, at some point has been overwhelmed. How much more so for the children of the most high? We see our families away from God, our neighbors leaving this world with out Christ, we suffer persecutions and are attacked by our enemy, the Devil, looking about this world which waxes worse and worse each day. Sometimes the saints of God, we once had sweet fellowship with, now forsaking the assembly of our great God. The grief, the pain, the sorrow is overwhelming. That doesn't even take into consideration the sorrow of our hearts over our own souls for our own sin. How we fail our Lord! Oh how oft we sin against our Saviour! Are not our hearts grieved and overwhelmed at our failures, the sin in our lives? Are we not overwhelmed at times from the great work we have been commissioned to do, and yet it seems we spin our wheels, and toil and labor, with seemingly no results? I cry unto God when my heart is feeble. When I am filled with doubts and fears. When I don't understand, and strive to serve my God. I cry unto my God when I am alone, when my faith is weak and I'm sorely tried. The children of God have and truly know what it is like to where the cloak of despair, and to languish in the depths of grief, and to have the heart overwhelmed, beyond the ability to express the emotion of our fainting fits of despondency. We will have a heart that is overwhelmed.
But if that was the end of our walk with Christ, we would be of all men most miserable. All the son's of Adam experience such woe, but the joy of the Christian is we do not remain. The world will seek comfort in self, pleasures and other futile attempts of merriment, but we have such a blessed treasure, for when we are weak, He is made strong. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Jesus is the Rock that is higher than I.
When our hearts are overwhelmed, it is Christ in which we find safety and refuge. When we are overcome we are as is we were lost at sea, shipwrecked with no hope of recovery, no hope of making it to shore, with drowning in despair our only conceivable hope. Jesus Christ is the Rock that is higher than I. He is the safety when our hearts are overwhelmed, He is the mighty Rock of refuge, and of our salvation. He is higher than I, higher than our troubles, higher than we could ever get ourselves. Psalm 18:2 says The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. When we are overcome by grief and sorrow, Christ is where we must flee. Jesus is the solid, secure, and safe refuge. Through the blood of Christ, we have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us, which hope we have as an anchor of the soul. Lead me to the Rock, for I can't go on my own. I am too distraught to find my own way, to weak to see, lead me, Holy Spirit, in my distress, to the Rock. Let me never look for refuge in any other. Lead me, take me, help me! I cry out when I can=t help myself, but not to my own devices, not to my own works, but to the Rock, the solid rock, that is higher, loftier, mightier than I, that has hope and life for all who cling to Him.
But if that was the end of our walk with Christ, we would be of all men most miserable. All the son's of Adam experience such woe, but the joy of the Christian is we do not remain. The world will seek comfort in self, pleasures and other futile attempts of merriment, but we have such a blessed treasure, for when we are weak, He is made strong. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Jesus is the Rock that is higher than I.
When our hearts are overwhelmed, it is Christ in which we find safety and refuge. When we are overcome we are as is we were lost at sea, shipwrecked with no hope of recovery, no hope of making it to shore, with drowning in despair our only conceivable hope. Jesus Christ is the Rock that is higher than I. He is the safety when our hearts are overwhelmed, He is the mighty Rock of refuge, and of our salvation. He is higher than I, higher than our troubles, higher than we could ever get ourselves. Psalm 18:2 says The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. When we are overcome by grief and sorrow, Christ is where we must flee. Jesus is the solid, secure, and safe refuge. Through the blood of Christ, we have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us, which hope we have as an anchor of the soul. Lead me to the Rock, for I can't go on my own. I am too distraught to find my own way, to weak to see, lead me, Holy Spirit, in my distress, to the Rock. Let me never look for refuge in any other. Lead me, take me, help me! I cry out when I can=t help myself, but not to my own devices, not to my own works, but to the Rock, the solid rock, that is higher, loftier, mightier than I, that has hope and life for all who cling to Him.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Update
Aplogies for the rather incomplete post on my books last week. I mentioned that I was expecting some more books, but didn't mention the titles, only that I was expecting them. Well, I received the last of them today. "How to Read a book" and "Preachers and Preaching by Jones." came first, and I have started “How to read a book”, and I think that I am going to get a lot out of it, and I pray that it will help me to get more out of the books that I read.
Today, I received Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God by Voddie Baucham Jr. I look forward to reading this book, as I feel the burden of my responsibility to my children, day by day.
The next two books are “Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church” by Michael Horton and “Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate” by Jerry Bridges.
I welcome all comments about these books, if you have read them, and as I finish, I'll let you know what I think, both here and at Shelfari.
Today, I received Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God by Voddie Baucham Jr. I look forward to reading this book, as I feel the burden of my responsibility to my children, day by day.
The next two books are “Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church” by Michael Horton and “Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate” by Jerry Bridges.
I welcome all comments about these books, if you have read them, and as I finish, I'll let you know what I think, both here and at Shelfari.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Psalms 119:33-34
Psalms 119:33-34 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
At first glance, it may appear that the psalmist has said the same thing in two verses. Teach me the way of thy statutes, give me understanding, I shall keep it unto the end, I shall keep thy law. Though subtle, there is a difference. In verse 33, the prayer is that God would teach the way of the statutes. God is our teacher in spiritual matters, and when we learn, or are taught the word, it is God that teaches us. Being taught also intimates the babe in Christ, one who didn't have previous knowledge. All spiritual knowledge and learning is of Christ. Though a man may preach, or one may read and study, it is God that reveals these truths to us. This is not the same as understanding. In my personal life, I was taught about the trinity. Prior to being taught, I didn't know anything about the Godhead, but after being taught, God gave me knowledge I previously did not have, but I didn't (and still don't) have full understanding of the Trinity. It is God who gave me the little understanding I have now. In secular terms, I have been taught some about auto mechanics. I can troubleshoot basic problems. I know that fuel is needed, a spark to ignite the fuel, a battery and starter etc. but I don't have a good understanding of why these components are needed. The spiritual babe in Christ is taught, but needs understanding to grow into maturity. We need to know the law to keep it, and need understanding to observe it with our whole heart.
At first glance, it may appear that the psalmist has said the same thing in two verses. Teach me the way of thy statutes, give me understanding, I shall keep it unto the end, I shall keep thy law. Though subtle, there is a difference. In verse 33, the prayer is that God would teach the way of the statutes. God is our teacher in spiritual matters, and when we learn, or are taught the word, it is God that teaches us. Being taught also intimates the babe in Christ, one who didn't have previous knowledge. All spiritual knowledge and learning is of Christ. Though a man may preach, or one may read and study, it is God that reveals these truths to us. This is not the same as understanding. In my personal life, I was taught about the trinity. Prior to being taught, I didn't know anything about the Godhead, but after being taught, God gave me knowledge I previously did not have, but I didn't (and still don't) have full understanding of the Trinity. It is God who gave me the little understanding I have now. In secular terms, I have been taught some about auto mechanics. I can troubleshoot basic problems. I know that fuel is needed, a spark to ignite the fuel, a battery and starter etc. but I don't have a good understanding of why these components are needed. The spiritual babe in Christ is taught, but needs understanding to grow into maturity. We need to know the law to keep it, and need understanding to observe it with our whole heart.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Reading
There is a common thread you seem to find in the men God uses, and it is they are readers. They were well read and read well. Considering the men of the bible, they were well read, and they knew the Word of God. Paul had a high regard for the written word as well, "when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." It was one of the things he charged Timothy to do, in the book of First Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
AW Pink said “In my early years, I assiduously followed this threefold course: First, I read through the entire Bible three times a year (eight chapters in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament daily). I steadily preserved in this for 10 years, in order to familiarize myself with its contents, which can only be done by consecutive reading. Second, I studied a portion of the Bible each week, concentrating for ten minutes (or More) each day of the same passage, pondering the order of it, the connection between each statement, seeking a definition of the important terms in it, look up all the marginal references being on the look out for its typical significance, Third, I meditated on one verse every day; memorizing it.” That is a schedule that would put most to shame indeed, but that was simply his Bible reading, Pink spent much time reading other works as well. “In born to write”, by R.P. Belcher, it is said that A.W. Pink had read more than one million pages of religious literature. “If one averages that one million pages over 27 years, it comes to over 37,000 pages a year. Therefore, Pink was not only a student of the Bible, but also a student of theological literature as well.”
I recall B.H. Carroll said that he read around 300 pages a day, besides the bible, and men like Gill, and Spurgeon are also famous for their reading prowess. Biography after biography of Christian men who preached with great power, you will find them to be voracious readers. These men didn’t sit back and wish they could be great preachers, nor did they say that God hadn’t given them the gifts to be great preachers, but they worked at it, and worked hard. Yes, men like Spurgeon could stand and give eloquent extemporaneous sermons, and had a mind that could recall great amounts of information, and present it in an impromptu, yet powerful way, but remember that the information had to be first obtained! Pink’s books and sermons overflow with scripture, and he had great power in pulling the themes of the bible together, but where did that familiarity come from? Reading. Without the power of computer aided study, these men worked, and worked hard for their knowledge, and God blessed their effort.
Certainly they were blessed of God, and were given great gifts of natural ability, skill, and mental prowess, but it is also not to say they didn't hone and sharpen the gifts God gave them. Spurgeon would not have been Spurgeon had he not read. Pink would not have been Pink, if he had not given all he had in the service of God.
AW Pink said “In my early years, I assiduously followed this threefold course: First, I read through the entire Bible three times a year (eight chapters in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament daily). I steadily preserved in this for 10 years, in order to familiarize myself with its contents, which can only be done by consecutive reading. Second, I studied a portion of the Bible each week, concentrating for ten minutes (or More) each day of the same passage, pondering the order of it, the connection between each statement, seeking a definition of the important terms in it, look up all the marginal references being on the look out for its typical significance, Third, I meditated on one verse every day; memorizing it.” That is a schedule that would put most to shame indeed, but that was simply his Bible reading, Pink spent much time reading other works as well. “In born to write”, by R.P. Belcher, it is said that A.W. Pink had read more than one million pages of religious literature. “If one averages that one million pages over 27 years, it comes to over 37,000 pages a year. Therefore, Pink was not only a student of the Bible, but also a student of theological literature as well.”
I recall B.H. Carroll said that he read around 300 pages a day, besides the bible, and men like Gill, and Spurgeon are also famous for their reading prowess. Biography after biography of Christian men who preached with great power, you will find them to be voracious readers. These men didn’t sit back and wish they could be great preachers, nor did they say that God hadn’t given them the gifts to be great preachers, but they worked at it, and worked hard. Yes, men like Spurgeon could stand and give eloquent extemporaneous sermons, and had a mind that could recall great amounts of information, and present it in an impromptu, yet powerful way, but remember that the information had to be first obtained! Pink’s books and sermons overflow with scripture, and he had great power in pulling the themes of the bible together, but where did that familiarity come from? Reading. Without the power of computer aided study, these men worked, and worked hard for their knowledge, and God blessed their effort.
Certainly they were blessed of God, and were given great gifts of natural ability, skill, and mental prowess, but it is also not to say they didn't hone and sharpen the gifts God gave them. Spurgeon would not have been Spurgeon had he not read. Pink would not have been Pink, if he had not given all he had in the service of God.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Happy Birthday
Today is my dear wife’s birthday. She is an amazing woman. Not only is she a model wife, but the magnificent mother of three (soon to be four) boys, whom she skillfully home-schools. Since I was called to preach even before we met, she knew what she was getting into by marrying a preacher, and not only has she been supportive to me in my preaching, she has be a great help, support and encouragement to me. Never complaining, never questioning preaching engagements, always open to the next door that God would open. She is a wonderful woman, and though no one reads my blog, I still offer to her this tribute. Happy birthday.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
New Books
I have started the new year off with several book purchases. I received the first today "The Mercies of a Covenant God" which came highly recommended. Though the book is in fairly good condition, the seller on Abebooks.com advised that it was in "new" condition and being a paperback, I suppose I expected it to be in better condition than it arrived in. But, to his credit, I received the book VERY quickly. I ordered a couple books from Amazon the day before, and still yet to receive them. The book is here now, and soon to be digested, if the Lord be willing.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Psalm 119:9
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
The world offers untold ways of counseling to help the young in their way. Sports, clubs, counseling, rehabilitation programs, boot camp, hard work, etc. etc. The problem the young face, as well as the old, if we are shaped in iniquity. We have inherited a natural disposition to sin and evil. It is not good kids gone bad, but bad kids manifesting their natural desires. How then shall the young man cleanse his way? Is there no hope? Won't our government implement some way for the young to feel good about himself, and make up for the fact of not having a father, or growing up in poverty? Isn't that the socialist way, through tax dollars at problems, create more programs, so government can "solve" all our problems?
There is a way, by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Friends, It is the word that needs to be taught. For our young lambs, it is not programs or holidays that will cleanse the way, but it is the word of God. For our lost young, even more important is the instilling of God's word in them, and pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Word, the blessed Holy Bible, the book of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gospel message that I preach, only faith and repentance in the Word, Jesus Christ, will cleanse the way of anyone. Only the word in the life of a child of God will bring one closer to God. Read the word, believe the word, live the word, love the word.
The world offers untold ways of counseling to help the young in their way. Sports, clubs, counseling, rehabilitation programs, boot camp, hard work, etc. etc. The problem the young face, as well as the old, if we are shaped in iniquity. We have inherited a natural disposition to sin and evil. It is not good kids gone bad, but bad kids manifesting their natural desires. How then shall the young man cleanse his way? Is there no hope? Won't our government implement some way for the young to feel good about himself, and make up for the fact of not having a father, or growing up in poverty? Isn't that the socialist way, through tax dollars at problems, create more programs, so government can "solve" all our problems?
There is a way, by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Friends, It is the word that needs to be taught. For our young lambs, it is not programs or holidays that will cleanse the way, but it is the word of God. For our lost young, even more important is the instilling of God's word in them, and pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Word, the blessed Holy Bible, the book of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gospel message that I preach, only faith and repentance in the Word, Jesus Christ, will cleanse the way of anyone. Only the word in the life of a child of God will bring one closer to God. Read the word, believe the word, live the word, love the word.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Resolution
OK, I need to loose weight. Now that we are past that, is it biblicaly a good idea to have New Year's resolutions? I believe that anytime you take an assessment of your life, and find areas where improvement is necessary, that it's a good thing. Here is a list of resolutions that I am going to pray that God would enable me to do this year, and every year after.
1. To know them which labour among me, and And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.
2. warn them that are unruly
3. comfort the feebleminded
4. support the weak
5. be patient toward all men
6. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
7. Rejoice evermore.
8. Pray without ceasing.
9. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
10. Quench not the Spirit.
11. Despise not prophesying.
12. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
13. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-24)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
1. To know them which labour among me, and And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.
2. warn them that are unruly
3. comfort the feebleminded
4. support the weak
5. be patient toward all men
6. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
7. Rejoice evermore.
8. Pray without ceasing.
9. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
10. Quench not the Spirit.
11. Despise not prophesying.
12. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
13. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-24)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wise Men
Anyone know where I can find the passage where the wise men were with Jesus when He was born? Also, anyone know the passage that says there were THREE wise men?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Talking to Myself
I heard a comedian once say "Writing a blog that no one reads is like talking to yourself in the car." I agree.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
My New Bible
I have my new bible today, and I love it. After almost a year of diligent searching, I finally found a company that was able to convert my bible into an interleaved bible (a blank page between every page of scripture). I could have purchased an interleaved, but I am so familiar to my current bible, that often when I can't remember the chapter or verse, I know what side of the page it's on, and I didn't want to start that process over with an new bible.
Now, I am looking forward to filling it up with study notes. I think that it will be a profitable tool, especially for someone with a poor memory such as myself. I know many times I regretted not having the ability to put more detailed notes in the small margins, but that problem has been solved.
Now, I am looking forward to filling it up with study notes. I think that it will be a profitable tool, especially for someone with a poor memory such as myself. I know many times I regretted not having the ability to put more detailed notes in the small margins, but that problem has been solved.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
“How poor, how rich, how abject, how august;
How complicate, how wonderful is man!
How passing wonder he who made him such,
Who mingled in our make such strange extremes
Of different natures, marvellously mixed!
Helpless immortal, insect infinite,
A worm, a god - I tremble at myself!”
Oh, my soul, tremble at thyself! Tremble at the fearfulness of thy situation; and commit thine immortal all into his hands “who is able to keep thee from falling, and to present thee faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” - Andrew Fuller.
How complicate, how wonderful is man!
How passing wonder he who made him such,
Who mingled in our make such strange extremes
Of different natures, marvellously mixed!
Helpless immortal, insect infinite,
A worm, a god - I tremble at myself!”
Oh, my soul, tremble at thyself! Tremble at the fearfulness of thy situation; and commit thine immortal all into his hands “who is able to keep thee from falling, and to present thee faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” - Andrew Fuller.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
ROMANS 5:12
ROMANS 5:12
So death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned-
A difficult saying. Not that it is difficult to understand, but a hard pill to swallow, we are born guilty. The ancient heresy of Pelagianism teaches that man has the tendency to commit evil, and this passage means that man simply does commit sin, but has the free will to do good and is able to live without sin or guilt. While it is true that we do have a sinful nature, our state is much worse than a tendency to sin. Our whole being, all of mankind, was thrust into complete and total guilt in Adam. We not only inherited a sinful nature, but we are born guilty sinners. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation. Modern day evangelist, in so-called churches are closer to Pelagius than they are Arminian, that works are possible, and that you can live without guilt and sin. This passage should forever be the death nail of Pelagianism, and the semi-pelagiansim of giving God a helping hand in salvation, that we have the ability to do something (make decisions etc.). Charles Hodge, in his comentary on Romans says of this passage. "The words “have sinned” does not mean “do sin” or “have sinned” but it is in the historical tense, expressing momentary action in past time. All sinned, i.e., sinned in Adam, sinned through or by one man."
Rom 5:8-11 But God commendeth (He proved, He showed or exhibited) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified (Not simply forgiven, but stand as if innocent) by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
So death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned-
A difficult saying. Not that it is difficult to understand, but a hard pill to swallow, we are born guilty. The ancient heresy of Pelagianism teaches that man has the tendency to commit evil, and this passage means that man simply does commit sin, but has the free will to do good and is able to live without sin or guilt. While it is true that we do have a sinful nature, our state is much worse than a tendency to sin. Our whole being, all of mankind, was thrust into complete and total guilt in Adam. We not only inherited a sinful nature, but we are born guilty sinners. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation. Modern day evangelist, in so-called churches are closer to Pelagius than they are Arminian, that works are possible, and that you can live without guilt and sin. This passage should forever be the death nail of Pelagianism, and the semi-pelagiansim of giving God a helping hand in salvation, that we have the ability to do something (make decisions etc.). Charles Hodge, in his comentary on Romans says of this passage. "The words “have sinned” does not mean “do sin” or “have sinned” but it is in the historical tense, expressing momentary action in past time. All sinned, i.e., sinned in Adam, sinned through or by one man."
Rom 5:8-11 But God commendeth (He proved, He showed or exhibited) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified (Not simply forgiven, but stand as if innocent) by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Psalm 119:14
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Oh the joy of being a Christian! There are trials and temptations, but who would trade the joy for anything at all? The way of Christ is a way of peace, joy, loving kindness, God’s graciousness and tender mercy. The way of forgiveness. The way of obedience is not grievous, but what could be more joyful than walking in the light as He is in the light? Will riches every satisfy, or only pacify? Consider a young infant, when they are wanting mothers milk, they will cry out until they are satisfied. Take a pacifier and put it in their mouth. Are they content? Is the heart of the child now quiet, or are they pacified. Take away the pacifier, and they will surly cry again. All the riches in the world will not bring true, lasting joy, only pacify our hearts.
Oh the joy of being a Christian! There are trials and temptations, but who would trade the joy for anything at all? The way of Christ is a way of peace, joy, loving kindness, God’s graciousness and tender mercy. The way of forgiveness. The way of obedience is not grievous, but what could be more joyful than walking in the light as He is in the light? Will riches every satisfy, or only pacify? Consider a young infant, when they are wanting mothers milk, they will cry out until they are satisfied. Take a pacifier and put it in their mouth. Are they content? Is the heart of the child now quiet, or are they pacified. Take away the pacifier, and they will surly cry again. All the riches in the world will not bring true, lasting joy, only pacify our hearts.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
They let her down?
FROM FOX NEWS:
A mother who decided to abort her son because he may have inherited a life-threatening kidney condition is overjoyed that he survived the procedure.
Jodie Percival of Nottinghamshire, England, said she and her fiancee made the decision to abort baby Finley when she was eight weeks pregnant.
Percival's first son Thane died of multicystic dysplastic kidneys — which causes cysts to grow on the kidneys of an unborn baby — and her second child Lewis was born with serious kidney damage and currently has just one kidney, the Daily Mail reported.
Click here for a photo of baby Finley.
"I was on the (birth control pill) when I became pregnant," Percival, 25, said. "Deciding to terminate at eight weeks was just utterly horrible but I couldn't cope with the anguish of losing another baby."
A short time after the abortion, Percival felt a fluttering in her stomach. She went to the doctor for a scan and discovered she was 19 weeks pregnant.
/**/
"I couldn't believe it,' Percival said. "This was the baby I thought I'd terminated. At first I was angry that this was happening to us, that the procedure had failed. I wrote to the hospital, I couldn't believe that they had let me down like this.
"They wrote back and apologized and said it was very rare," she added.
Dr. Manny Alvarez, managing health editor for FOXNews.com, said Percival's situation is actually quite common.
"Women that have early terminations in weeks six, seven and eight, many times the pregnancy is so small that doctors miss removing the baby," Alvarez said. "The danger is that the failed attempt can damage the baby. That is why these patients who get early terminations need follow-ups."
Another scan a week later confirmed the baby also had kidney problems, but doctors told the couple the baby was likely to survive, so they decided he deserved another chance at life.
In November, Finley was born three weeks premature. He had minor kidney damage but is expected to lead a normal life.
Did you notice her reaction? "I couldn't believe it,' Percival said. "This was the baby I thought I'd terminated. At first I was angry that this was happening to us, that the procedure had failed. I wrote to the hospital, I couldn't believe that they had let me down like this.
Pray for our country.
A mother who decided to abort her son because he may have inherited a life-threatening kidney condition is overjoyed that he survived the procedure.
Jodie Percival of Nottinghamshire, England, said she and her fiancee made the decision to abort baby Finley when she was eight weeks pregnant.
Percival's first son Thane died of multicystic dysplastic kidneys — which causes cysts to grow on the kidneys of an unborn baby — and her second child Lewis was born with serious kidney damage and currently has just one kidney, the Daily Mail reported.
Click here for a photo of baby Finley.
"I was on the (birth control pill) when I became pregnant," Percival, 25, said. "Deciding to terminate at eight weeks was just utterly horrible but I couldn't cope with the anguish of losing another baby."
A short time after the abortion, Percival felt a fluttering in her stomach. She went to the doctor for a scan and discovered she was 19 weeks pregnant.
/**/
"I couldn't believe it,' Percival said. "This was the baby I thought I'd terminated. At first I was angry that this was happening to us, that the procedure had failed. I wrote to the hospital, I couldn't believe that they had let me down like this.
"They wrote back and apologized and said it was very rare," she added.
Dr. Manny Alvarez, managing health editor for FOXNews.com, said Percival's situation is actually quite common.
"Women that have early terminations in weeks six, seven and eight, many times the pregnancy is so small that doctors miss removing the baby," Alvarez said. "The danger is that the failed attempt can damage the baby. That is why these patients who get early terminations need follow-ups."
Another scan a week later confirmed the baby also had kidney problems, but doctors told the couple the baby was likely to survive, so they decided he deserved another chance at life.
In November, Finley was born three weeks premature. He had minor kidney damage but is expected to lead a normal life.
Did you notice her reaction? "I couldn't believe it,' Percival said. "This was the baby I thought I'd terminated. At first I was angry that this was happening to us, that the procedure had failed. I wrote to the hospital, I couldn't believe that they had let me down like this.
Pray for our country.
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