The Great Central Truths of the Gospel

We are often overly consumed with trying to figure out all those supernatural events in the Scripture. From the parting of the Red Sea, to the manna from heaven, and how the earth even stood still in a battle. The truth is, it's supernatural and a God thing and something, that I can assure you, was an easy thing for God to do.

Instead of our focus being too often taken to trying to explain the unexplainable, I would ask you to look deep into the great central truths of the gospel. Let's focus in on the holiness of God, the ugliness of sin, the helplessness of man, the death and resurrection of Christ, justification by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, the glory of Christ's return, and the final judgment.

Now there above is a list and one to check twice. Behind all of it is Yahweh himself. It's God's design and way. His aim is simple - that all nations would worship His Son Jesus (Matthew 24:14), to whom all authority was given (Matthew 28:18).

Oh that we might know Him and the power of his resurrection (Philippians 3:10)! Let us look again at the gospel. Let us look again into the face of Jesus - "and the word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).

John Stott wrote in commenting on the tremendous truths of Romans 1–11 which provoked Paul’s outburst of praise. "The worship of God is evoked, informed and inspired by the vision of God. Worship without theology is bound to degenerate into idolatry. Hence the indispensable place of Scripture in both public worship and private devotion. It is the Word of God which calls forth the worship of God."

Transforming Grace

The Preface to Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges.

 

As with all of Jerry Bridges books, I recommend that you read this book. It is both challenging, yet devotional in nature.

The grace of God is one of the most important subjects in all of Scripture. At the same time it is probably one of the least understood.

All Christians by definition believe in grace. Many of us frequently quote Paul’s well-known words in Ephesians 2:8–9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." And John Newton’s beloved hymn "Amazing Grace" is said to be the all-time favorite hymn in the United States. Why then do I say the grace of God is one of the least understood subjects in the Bible?

When we think of grace, we almost always think of being saved by grace. That is why Ephesians 2:8–9 is so familiar to us. Even Christian literature available on the subject of grace seems to deal almost exclusively with salvation. But the Bible teaches we are not only saved by grace, but we also live by grace every day of our lives. It is this important aspect of grace that seems to be so little understood or practiced by Christians.

My observation of Christendom is that most of us tend to base our personal relationship with God on our performance instead of on His grace. If we’ve performed well—whatever "well" is in our opinion—then we expect God to bless us. If we haven’t done so well, our expectations are reduced accordingly. In this sense, we live by works rather than by grace. We are saved by grace, but we are living by the "sweat" of our own performance.

Moreover, we are always challenging ourselves and one another to "try harder." We seem to believe success in the Christian life (however we define success) is basically up to us: our commitment, our discipline, and our zeal, with some help from God along the way. We give lip service to the attitude of the apostle Paul, "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10), but our unspoken motto is, "God helps those who help themselves."

The realization that my daily relationship with God is based on the infinite merit of Christ instead of on my own performance is a very freeing and joyous experience. But it is not meant to be a one-time experience; the truth needs to be reaffirmed daily. That is what this book is all about.

I often study some important topic of Scripture using what I call the "Crock Pot" or slow cooker method. That is, I let it "cook" slowly over the back burner of my mind for months, even years. That has been true with the subject of God’s grace. It has been on my "back burner" for more than ten years. I’ve written three other books during that time, but my mind and heart have kept coming back to God’s grace.

As I’ve studied this subject, and more particularly in recent months as I have focused my thoughts into the material for this book, I’ve frequently felt like a child trying to dip all the water out of the ocean. The grace of God is so inexhaustible and at times overwhelming. I trust I have been able to express something of that feeling in the message of this book, and that you, too, will come to appreciate more the vast riches of God’s grace given to us through Christ.

Several people have played an important role in the writing of this book. My pastor, Rick Fite, read the complete manuscript and affirmed and encouraged me in this emphasis on grace. Another friend, Don Simpson, also read the manuscript and gave me valuable feedback and suggestions. Jon Stine, a very exacting editor, constantly challenged me to clarify my thoughts and to present a biblically balanced message. A number of friends across the country have prayed regularly for this work, but "senior saint" Grace Peterson has again been my Moses on the top of the hill while I have been fighting the "Amalekites" of concepts and thoughts, which often would just not come together. (Refer to Exodus 17:8–13 if you’re not familiar with the Bible analogy I’m using.)

Jessie Newton, my administrative assistant, has put my handwritten manuscript on a computer, ready to be typeset. This is the second book Jessie has typed for me, and she has done a superb job.

My dear wife, Jane, has been a constant encourager and never complained, either in word or attitude, about being a "writer’s widow" during the months when I devoted all my free time to writing this book.

Most of all, God Himself has poured out His mercy and grace on me. I trust my efforts will not be in vain and, through the message of this book, many will "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever more! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18).

What are You Preaching?

Good question right? The question is “What is it that you are preaching?” I'm not just talking to or about preachers here. You do realize that, yes, there is an office of pastor, who is to preach, but everyone is to preach (1 Peter 3:15).

So what is it that we are to be preaching? This is not a trick question, and the answer is just one word. Okay, I’ll tell you. It’s Christ Jesus. That’s right, it’s the person and work of Jesus Christ. We are to preach Christ, and him crucified. The apostle Paul says it pretty clear, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).

Now, I think that most that will read this would agree emphatically. But have you listened to your pastor lately and what he preaches? Have you listened and examined what it is that you are preaching to your children? Now I know that you don’t want to necessarily “preach” to your children as a pastor would from a pulpit.

Let me get to the point of what I’m getting at with an example in what we “preach” to our children. Let’s say that your child gets into trouble at school and was caught stealing or cheating on an exam. When he gets home what is going to be the main point of your message that you will communicate? Is it “Little Johnny, you were a bad boy because good boys don’t steal or cheat. You have made mommy and daddy very upset and are extremely disappointed in you, and we didn’t raise you to act like this.” That, I would submit to you, is how most parents would generally address the situation. However, all that focuses on is the morality of little Johnny and not the person of Jesus Christ.

A Biblical way to address the situation with the centrality of Christ might look like this: “Little Johnny, your actions today in cheating and stealing are very serious as you have disobeyed what God clearly tells you not to do in the Bible (Ex. 20:15; Hos. 12:7; Amos 8:5; Eph. 6:2 etc.). That’s what the Bible calls sin and why God had to send His Son to die for. This is very serious and greatly disappoints Jesus.” We could go on and further explain this to Johnny, but my point is, we need to preach Christ and not morality. Jesus needs to be central in all we preach.

The same is true from the pulpit. Many pastors tend to preach a self-help message that is more focused on morality that the person and word of Jesus Christ. When we preach on marriage, it’s easy to give three points on how we are to communicate, love, and be committed to one another. Instead, let’s preach that when we communicate, love, or are not committed to one another that our relationship with Christ is first and foremost not right – it’s called sin. We need to then repent and make our relationship with Christ right and honor and glorify Him. Then we are to obey His command and remain committed to one another as He is committed to us. We will love one another as He first loved us and gave His life as a ransom. We will communicate in a loving and respectful way as our marriage is a picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So let’s “sanctify the Lord God in [our] hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

May that answer be centered on the person and work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Preaching and Preachers

This past weekend, my wife and I had a little away time. The weekend away was going to include being away from the pulpit and preaching. Although I don't like to be away from Sunday morning, I have found it's a necessary thing to do if you're going to complete the marathon of ministry.

This also meant, I had an opportunity to go to a church and be a recipient of a good gospel message. I wanted to go to a Southern Baptist Church as this is my denomination and I wanted to see what's going on outside my church and in other pulpits. So I went to the Southern Baptist Convention website and found a possibility of five or so churches that were in my area. To my dismay, the information on that site was not very good and many churches did not have basic information - i.e., service times. In fact, the church we ended up going to had the wrong information on the site so it was a good thing we drove by to find the church the night before and that they did have their services times clearly posted.

Sunday morning we were up and allowed plenty of time to get to the church and find good seats. It started off good as the choir was full with at least 50 people to include those playing the musical instruments. They even had a baptism that morning of a lady probably in her 50's or 60's. However from there it went down hill.

I felt from the beginning that it was a "dead" or "dying" church but I maintained a positive attitude and prayed for the preacher and the preacher. He started with "Children's time" which there are still many churches that do this. This is a time where all the kids come into the auditorium and the pastor gives them a short message and then the teachers are supposed than build on the lesson the pastor gives in their classes. The message unfortunately was about a jar of peanut butter and that the month of September was their churches month to supply the food pantry. To his credit, he did throw in a little Scripture from Matthew 25.

The moment finally came for the preaching. I had my Bible out and turned to the text, although it was already printed out in the bulletin. I was hungry for the Word and the text was a familiar one but well needed for today. The text was Ephesians 6:10-20 and so I was expecting a message on Spiritual Warfare or something in that realm. As the preacher got up and moved to the platform he positioned himself in front of the pulpit and began his introduction. I noticed he put his Bible on the pulpit and that he was one of those preachers who preach without any notes. Something that I'm still fearful of today and know myself not that good to preach without my manuscript, although, I seldom read it but it's there as a safety net just in case.

His introduction was okay, but from there it just went on a terminal nose dive. He didn't follow the text at all and there was no real thesis or point of the message. The most I got out of it was to "stand firm." What was never answered was stand firm on what? What are the resources that are given to the believer for spiritual warfare? What is this the helmet, shield, sword, etc., and how do I use it?

None of those questions were answered fully and how could he answer them as his message was a total of 17 minutes. I must say, I was glad it was only 17 minutes because he had already said all that he was going to say and began to repeat a lot of what he already had said. Some of you know what I'm talking about. It's called rambling or filling time with words that have nothing to do with what your message is all about. It happens when you  are unprepared and you don't really know what you want to say. The message takes you nowhere and leaves you there, wherever that is, bewildered.

All is good though, because we ended at 12:00 pm on the dot so we can get to our favorite restaurants and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Of course, there was no evening service so we could watch both football games from start to finish.

I hope you read in on the sarcasm in the last paragraph. I was sorely disappointed as this church is part of my denomination. What church is supposed to be about and center around is Christ and His Word. That was not the case here, as it was obvious that they spent more time in preparing the bulletin, which has a detailed order of service and plenty of inserts for all the programs that the church was sponsoring. I sense that this church was an "audience-driven" church that is prevalent in our day. Os Guiness in 1993 put it this way:

"The preacher, instead of looking out upon the world, looks upon public opinion, trying to find out what the public would like to hear. Then he tries his best to duplicate that, and bring his finished product into a marketplace in which others are trying to do the same. The public, turning to our culture to find out about the world, discovers there is nothing but its own reflection. The unexamined world, meanwhile, drifts blindly into the future."

 My admonition to that church and preacher is the same admonition Paul gave Timothy:

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Tim 4:1-4)

 

Some Ramblings about Sharing Christ

We just finished a week of renewal service or more commonly called a revival. Revival, I don't believe is the right word but I won't go into that now.

However, the services we had beginning on Sunday and continuing through to Wednesday were good and surely renewed my spirit. One message stood out for me personally, and that was the one on sharing our faith. We sometimes call this witnessing, or soulwinning. This is done commonly on a day of visitation, which is a time a church has to partner up and go spread the gospel. This is a good thing, no doubt, but it's also encouraged to be a witness for Christ at all times. At least, that’s what we say.

If we are honest, we would all have to admit to some degree that we fall short of this most serious command given to us by Jesus himself to share the good news. I like the quote by Leonard Ravenhill:

“Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry? Could a doctor sit in comfort and just let his patients die? Could a fireman sit idle, let men burn and give no hand? Can you sit at ease in Zion with the world around you DAMNED?” – Leonard Ravenhill

Pretty in your face right? When was the last time you thought about eternity and where your family, friends, neighbors and associates will spend it? When was the last time you even mentioned the name of Jesus besides when you are at church or a church-related activity?

I find that you can talk to someone about anything with anybody as it relates to church and even eligion, but as soon as you mention the name “JESUS” the conversation quickly changes. There is an instant uneasiness that arises. What’s interesting is that you would think that uneasy feeling would be felt only by the person you are talking to. However, that’s not the case is it? I have found that I too have that same uneasy feeling. Ever wonder why? Is it because we are ashamed of Him? Romans 10:11 states: “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Is it because we are afraid of rejection? Or maybe it’s the fear we all have that they will ask us a question we don’t know?

All the above are more or less true; however, I believe it comes down to one thing. We are uneasy because we really don’t have an intimate relationship with Him. We ourselves our not comfortable around Jesus because we really haven’t spent much time with Him to get to even know Him as we should. So when by chance He does come to mind, and we do get up the courage to mention His name, everyone gets a bit uneasy.

Independance is absolute Dependence

As we celebrate Independence Day this 4^th of July, it is important for us to remember that ultimate freedom is not achieved through independence but dependence.  Independently we only inherit and deserve death as a consequence of our sin. All are dependent on God whether they acknowledge it or not. The Bible says that are next breath is dependent on God graciously granting it (Isa. 42:5; Acts 17:25). As Christians we are to glorify God in our dependence on Him because we have salvation from our sin and power over this world through the indwelling power and willing dependence of the Holy Spirit. True Independence comes through a total Dependence on God.  Jonathan Edwards eloquently stated this much better than I ever could.

There is an absolute and universal dependence of the redeemed on God. The nature and contrivance of our redemption is such that the redeemed are in everything directly, immediately, and entirely dependent on God: they are dependent on him for all, and are dependent on him every way... Men are dependent on the power of God for every exercise of grace, and for carrying on the work of grace in the heart, for the subduing of sin and corruption, and increasing holy principles, and enabling to bring forth fruit in good works, and at last bringing grace to its perfection, in making the soul completely amiable in Christ's glorious likeness, and filling of it with satisfying joy and blessedness; and for the raising of the body to life, and to such a perfect state, that it shall be suitable for an habitation and organ for a soul so perfected and blessed... Let us be exhorted to exalt God alone, and ascribe to him all the glory of redemption. Let us endeavor to obtain, and to increase in, a sensibleness of our great dependence on God, to have our eye on him alone, to mortify a self-dependent, and a self-righteous disposition.

Jonathan Edwards [1730], God Glorified in Man’s Dependence, Sermons and Discourses, 1730-1733 (WJE Online Vol.17)

Repentance

Repentance in the context of salvation it either implies faith or is associated with faith.  Thus, in a soteriological (salvation) context repentance means to change one's mind about whatever is keeping one from trusting Christ and trust him as the only means of salvation.

In presenting the gospel to people either one on one or in the context of a worship service, I can often sense the Holy Spirit of God drawing them to the Cross of Christ.  However, there is also a battle going on within their soul.  That battle comes in many different ways as there are people.  For some it's not totally understanding this "new" information about their standing before God.  For others it could be fear, or some other emotional aspect that's keeping them from trusting Christ.  Still others are thinking about what they are currently doing and/or not doing and are not wanting to have to change their lifestyle.  Obviously I could go on and on. 

However, the root of the problem is self.  It's the same problem that Adam and Eve had in the garden - PRIDE.  We often here in invitations and when dealing with people one on one that they need to turn from self and turn to Christ (Repentance).  The context, I believe, is different for everyone at that moment of responsibility to respond to the gospel.  We know that all are born with a sin nature and that we got that nature from Adam.  Meaning we are born with a sin deficit.  It's like we are born with a bank account where we owe an insurmountable amount of debt because of sin and have no possible means to repay it.  Not only that, but because of that sin nature, sinning comes natural.  But I'm not done yet because since that is our nature, we then actually do sin and we sin over and over and over again. 

Nevertheless, during that moment of whether to trust Christ for salvation or not, most people do not have all that information I just talked about above in their head.  However, if the Spirit of God is working through the gospel drawing that person to Christ and convicting that person of sin, whatever that thing or things that is in their mind at that moment repentance needs to take place.  But remember, repentance is not just turning away from some sin and a desire to turn over a new leaf and live better.  No, it's a turning away from that sin (repentance) and turning to Christ for His forgiveness of your sin and for the imputation of His righteousness.

In doing this, some change their mind (repentance) on concept of God - He is indeed God and Christ is indeed His Son.  For other's it's their works and their realization that they can't save you.  Admittedly, the seriousness of sin and that you are indeed a sinner in need of a Savior.  Thus, once your mind is changed and you place your trust in Him for salvation both the gift of faith and repentance have taken place. 

What Are You Enslaved To?

I read the following during my devotions and thought I would share it with you. It comes from a small devotional that I'm reading by Milton Vincent.  

The righteousness of God, credited to me through Christ, is not merely something I rest in, but it is also the premier saving reality by which God governs me. According to Romans 6, when I obeyed the gospel call I was both declared righteous and “became a slave to righteousness” at the same time (Romans 6:17, 18). Quite literally, the righteousness that God credited to me became my master on the day I was converted! And now I am daily called by God to surrender the members of my being as slaves to do whatever the righteousness dictates (Romans 6:19). 

That I would be called to present my members as slaves of this imputed righteousness implies that my justification has something to say to me by way of directing me how to live my life each day. What it directs me to do is to be holy; and what results from my obedience to its rules sanctification, or holiness of life (Romans 6:19). Hence, it could be said that ‘sanctification’ is merely the lifelong process wherein I joyfully surrender myself to God’s imputed righteousness and then do whatever this righteousness directs me to do. Indeed, God has clothed me with His righteousness. Now He wants this righteousness to master me.

The more I exult in the reality of my justification in Christ, the more I position myself to experience the full governing force of its sanctifying power in my life. And the more sanctified I become, the more I experience the full breadth of eternal life that God has given me in Christ (Romans 6:19, 22).

Bibliography
Quoted from A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent (pg. 21-22)

The Good of Good Friday - The Death, Burial, & Resurrection of Jesus, the Christ

The Cross of Christ – His death and resurrection is what the entire Bible points to. The Old Testament looks forward to the Cross of Christ and the New Testament gives the account and also continues, through the apostles and their preaching Christ and Him crucified. This historical event is the turning point for all of creation.

This is why we have a Good Friday, where we are to set time aside and worship Christ with all our heart, soul and might (Deut. 6:5-6; Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk 10:27) and what this event means in our new covenant relationship with the Father through Christ. 

I will be preaching on one of the sayings of Christ from the cross. However, some have asked what the other sayings were made by our Savior. Below are those sayings and I pray that we would think on these things not just during Easter but we might wright these in the cover of our Bibles and meditate on them throughout the year.

1.      “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

2.      “Verily [truly] I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

3.      “[Jesus] saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26-27).

4.      “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)

5.      “I thirst.” (John 19:28)

6.      “It is finished:” (John 19:30).

7.      “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:” (Luke 23:46)

Bibliography:

Lutzer, Erwin W. Cries from the Cross: A Journey into the Heart of Jesus. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2002.

Pink, Arthur Walkington. The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2005.

The Centrality of the Cross

Martin Luther wrote that “I feel as if Jesus Christ died only yesterday.” Wow. How about you and I? Do we feel that way? I know that I want to. 

I not only want to feel that way but I want my faith family to learn to cultivate our understanding and appreciation and affection for the Cross. Why? So that we live the rest of our lives increasingly feeling as if He died only yesterday. 

Imagine how that would transform our lives. Preaching the gospel to ourselves everyday. That's exactly what the apostle Paul did, who wrote most of the New Testament. He said "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). A relevant passage for when it was written and to whom as the Christians in Corinth had drifted from the centrality of the Cross as is very relevant for us today.

God help us to determine in our lives to preach Christ and him crucified to ourselves each and every day. May we keep the centrality of the Cross in our lives as it is seen all through Scripture.

The Gospel

Have you thought about the Gospel lately? The gospel is the good news of salvation for hell-deserving sinners through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. It really should be something that we think about often as it relates to us. It is the one thing we are to be most passionate about. And not just passionate about sharing it with others, but also thinking and meditating on it ourselves. We need to rejoice in it, dwell on it and allow it to be the lens in which we look at our lives and the world around us.

I pray that we would learn that we need to be desperate for the gospel everyday. We need it to help us to keep from becoming a religion based people instead of a relationship based people. We need it to help keep us from becoming performance based Christian instead of grace based.

May we first preach the gospel to ourselves each day and in doing so we will realize with greater clarity the grace of God that was shed abroad in our hearts. We not only need to know the gospel, but also to love the God of the gospel and to see how it applies to every aspect and area of our lives.

"Moreover, bretheren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have reeived, and wherin ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. for I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried and he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:1-3).

Repentance

We don't hear much about repentance anymore. Even during our invitations we seldom hear that a person must repent and place his faith or trust in the person and work of Christ. King David set the pattern for us. David confessed and repented.

C.H. Spurgeon preached on repentance week after week, and somebody came to him and said, "When are you ging to quit preaching on repentance, pastor?" Spurgeon replied, "When you repent." When we talk about confession and repentance, we need to keep right on talking about it until either it has had its effect or we know it will have none. In those situations, Jesus said it best: "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet" (Matthew 10:14).

Do you need to do some repenting? Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself and in doing so, I think it will be obvious that we all need to spend some time in confessing and forsaking our sin and then to turn to Christ. 

1. Am I always truthful and honest?
2. Do I have any habits I am ashamed to let anybody know I have?
3. Is my speech clean?
4. Am I using my money wisely?
5. Do I gossip about people?
6. Am I heavenly minded or earthy minded?
7. Am I faithful in prayer?

These are a few questions. You can answer them evasively or truthfully. If you decide NOT to deal with them through repentance, you will find yourself very dissatisfied with your walk with the LORD. Or you can answer them truthfully and see renewal and satisfaction in your heart.

Put yourself in the hands of the LORD who loves you infinitely. If you have failed Him, you will have to admit that there is sin of omission or commission in your life. Tell Him - don't hide it. He will not turn His back in anger and say, "You disappoint me and betrayed me." He immediately sends his grace and mercy. His healing is complete in the blood of the Lamb will get you back to an intimate relationship with your Savior. 

The Infection of Commonplace Religion

Anyone who is honest will have to admit that there is an infection in the church in North America. That infection is a "Commonplace Religion." A commonplace religion is what is pleasing to flesh and blood.  A religion that has no self-denial in it, no cross bearing, no self-crucifixion and forsaking all. 

Where has the Scriptures gone?  It used to be that the Scriptures alone stated the standard of life and experience.  However, by us making our own standard, there is now a delusion and falsity for our desires, conveniences and pleasures that now form the rule of life, and that is always a fleshly and low rule.  A rule that is ever changing based on whatever we feel is right and pleasing to ourselves. 

This commonplace religion is one that is compromising - a low level of life that is as the world lives.  There is a question that continues to thunder in my heart and mind.  Is heaven a fit place for non-praying, loose living, ease loving people who scarcely have a thought that is not directed at self?

Not so!  Jesus said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, whcih leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).  Paul also cautions us about making for ourselves a commonplace religion.  A religion that is haphazard, pleasure-seeking and all about us and our standard of measurement: "For we dare not make ourselves the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but the measure themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you" (2 Corinthians 10:12-13). 

With that said, I would humbly submit to you that there is no standard of religion that is worth any consideration which is not saturated with prayer, reading the Word, attending the church in which Christ died for - His bride, and a love for obeying our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm tired of the infection of the commonplace religion that is devoid of what the Scripture teaches as the standard. I'm tired of a religion that sees the church, his Word, prayer and total obedience and allegiance to our King as being optional and based on when convenient to our schedule and desires.  This vague, indefinite, popular view of religion has not the God of the Bible as the center of our lives; but it's a religion of self, where we have place "us" at the center and God is to be only summoned when we have exhausted all our own resources. He is our last ditch effort at getting what we want. 

The standard that we have set before us in this commonplace religion is one that is easily met as it's our own standard and is able to be changed on a whim. No longer is our aim the standard which God has set. It's the opinions of man that matters most.

Again, I would submit to you that it's the Scriptures set before us today that is the standard for our religion and consecration to our Creator God. This is the Divine standard and our part is to give to Him the sacrifice that is acceptable to God. A sacrifice that requires our all. It's a sacrifice that is complete and according to His rule laid down in the Word of God. Nothing less than this can be pleasing to God. Nothing half-hearted can please Him. It's a "living sacrifice, holy, and perfect will of God." It's a full renunciation of self, a free recognition of God's right to us, and a sincere offering for all to Him - this is our requirement.

So where are you today? Do you have a common place religion? I'm reading through Leviticus and all the sacrifices that had to be made unto God. No offering to God was acceptable unless it was a "whole burnt offering." Are you putting yourself entirely at the disposal of God? In your devotion and consecration to God, what are you aiming at - His standard or your own?

A Scriptural standard of religion includes a clear relational experience with the Lord. This religion or relationship is one that appeals to the inner consciousness. It's both internal as well as external. Not only are we to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling," but "it's God that worketh in us to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13). Folks, there is a "good work in you," as well as a life outside to be lived. The new birth is a definite experience, proved by a definite, clear inward assurance given by the Holy Spirit that we are the children of God.

Let us be a people not given to a commonplace religion of our own making and standard. Let us be a peculiar people. Let us be a people of prayer. Let us be a people of the Word. Let us be people of love and service to our Lord. We must aim for His standard - we must aim for Christ our standard.

Prayer of Submitting to God

Because of all You have done for me, I present my body to You as a living sacrifice for this day. I want to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, affirming that Your will for me is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We cannot have spiritual growth apart from prayer. The key to any quality relationship is time spent in communication with each other. How much of our time is spent in the most important of all relationships - our personal relationship with our heavenly Father? May we speak to Him frequently in our prayers and listen to His voice from the inspired Scriptures. 

Attention all Pastors and Teachers!

As preachers and teachers all over the world continue to prepare the message from God's Word. May we remember that we too need to cultivate our own souls and pray and allow the Holy Spirit to internalize the message in our own hearts. The crucible matters from which the Master and message is poured. 

Speak for eternity. Above all things, cultivate your own spirit. A word spoken by you when your  conscience is clear and your heart full of God's Spirit is worth ten thousand words spoken in unbelief and sin. Remember that God, and not man, must have the  glory. If the veil of the world's machinery were lifted off, how much we would find is done in answer to the prayers of God's children.
                                                      - Robert Murry McCheyne

 "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3)

A Poem: In Christ

I'm reading a book by C.H. Spurgeon titled: The Pastor in Prayer.  In that book was this poem that I thought I would share with you.  The Lord is working this pastor over as it relates to how little we - how little I pray.  May God through the Spirit of God continue to convict me and drive me to my knees.  May I stay there until I am no longer driven but ever present at the mercy-seat in the throne room in the New Jerusalem.

Spurgeon was familiar with this mercy-seat, he sought for heavenly guidance and found in the exercise of prayer a well-spring of joy, and the inspiration for his ministry.  Things not seen and eternal ever lay within the range of his soul’s vision, and he lived as one who had business with eternity.  I too want that and have access to it being in Christ.  Enjoy...


In Christ I feel the heart of God

Throbbing from heaven through earth:

Life stirs again within the clod:

Renewed in beauteous birth,

The soul springs up, a flower of prayer,

Breathing his breath out on the air.

In Christ I touch the hand of God,

From His pure height reached down,

By blessed ways before untrod,

To lift us to our crown;—

Victory that only perfect is

Through loving sacrifice, like His.

Holding His hand, my steadied feet

May walk the air, the seas;

On life and death His smile falls sweet,—

Lights up all mysteries:

Stranger nor exile can I be

In new worlds where He leadeth me.

Not my Christ only: He is ours;

Humanity’s close bond;

Key to its vast unopened powers,

Dream of our dreams beyond.—

What yet we shall be, none can tell;

Now are we His, and all is well.

                                                                                      - Lucy Larcom.

Prayer

Read a great quote this morning on prayer.

The principle cause of my leanness and unfruitfulness is owing to an unaccountable backwardness to pray. I can write or read or converse or hear with a ready heart; but prayer is more spiritual and inward than any of these, and the more spiritual any duty is the more my carnal heart is apt to start from it. Prayer and patience and faith are never disappointed. I have long since learned that if ever I was to be a minister faith and prayer must make me one. When I can find my heart in frame and liberty for prayer, everything else is comparitively easy.

- Richard Newton (1813-1887)

Pray, then Prayer, then finish up by Praying

Spurgeon says: "Of course the preacher is above all others distinguished as a man of prayer. He prays as an ordinary Christian, else he were a hypocrite. He prays more than ordinary Christians, else he were disqualified for the office he has undertaken. If you as ministers are not very prayerful, you are to be pitied. If you become lax in sacred devotion, not only will you need to be pitied but your people also, and the day cometh in which you shall be ashamed and confounded. All our libraries and studies are mere emptiness compared with our closets. Our seasons of fasting and prayer at the Tabernacle have been high days indeed; never has heaven's gate stood wider; never have our hearts been nearer the central Glory."

Is prayer of primary concern for us who handle the Word of God? I'm finding that prayer must be entered into first and foremost and that the message is then refreshed by the breath of God. How we must labor in the Word but first we must begin in prayer, continue in prayer and to finish in prayer. 

Edward Payson was an American Congregational preacher in the early 19th century and said this in regards to prayer: "Prayer is the first thing, the second thing, the third thing necessary to a minister. Pray, then, my dear brother; pray, pray, pray."

I recently got together with some pastors and the conversation went to the Wednesday night prayer service. The question was asked "what do you do in your prayer service?" Of course, most there said they did all kinds of things but prayer was certainly not the emphasis and what was done most in those services. One minister said that he used it to pray. He followed that up with, however, you might as well know that you won't have a well attended service.

In my last church I was given the Wednesday night prayer service. However, I changed the name to the Mid-week service because the name certainly did not describe what we were doing at those service. Another one of my minister friends told me that they indeed pray and it's the highlight of the service. But he also told me that he struggled with the idea that his people would think that he was just coping out and too lazy to put together a sermon.

Wow. What does that say about our attitude towards prayer. What does that say about the reality that we really don't pray. We can talk the talk but when it comes down to the rubber hitting the road, we do very little work on bended knee.

For me, one of the hardest disciplines to do, is to pray. I believe it's difficult because Satan knows that it's the most needed discipline for you and I and, of course, the church. That is if we're going to be lead by the Father, and to have His mind, direction, and power in our lives.

We see all kinds of examples of this in Scripture. Jesus, the very Son of God, often got alone to be with God to pray.  "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed" (Mark 1:35).  The Psalmist said: "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and and glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary" (Ps. 63:1-2).  

When was the last time you prayed? Have you prayed yet today? We are living in a dry and thirsty land and yet we forgo entering into his sanctuary - the New Jerusalem to see and spend time with our heavenly Father. To see his power and glory and to be empowered by his holiness. To be encouraged by his grace. To take a drink of the living water that only can quench our thirst and give us a greater thirst for him.

Let's pray.

My House Shall Be a House of Prayer

I have, as of late, been deeply convicted about prayer. Prayer not only for me and individuals but also for the church.  Jesus said himself, "My house shall be called a house of prayer" (Matt 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46).  What exactly does that mean? 

In context we know that this was when Jesus came into the temple to cleanse it. His indignation was directed toward those who had changed the character of the temple from a place of prayer into a place of corrupt commercialism. The Temple was to be a place of worship, quiet meditation, contemplation, praise, and devotion, a place where God's people could draw close to Him in worship, sacrifice, offerings and could seek His will and blessing.

I don't think that has changed for us in the New Testament. Yet how often do we gather together and fail to worship our heavenly Father?  When was the last time you came to church and prayed without being lead by someone else?  When was the last time you came early or stayed late to pray and worship the King of kings?  When was the last time you bent your knee at an altar to pray for a lost loved one?  When was the last time you came to church and lifted up your hands in prayer and adoration to the Lord of lords?   When was the last time you came to church and you prayed for God to work in your heart and mind to see the holiness of God?  When was the last time you came and prayed that God through His Word and Spirit would speak to you? 

Most of us don't pray and we gather together, maybe not for commercialism but what about consumerism?  We come to see what we can "get" from the preacher.  Can he bless me?  Will he make me laugh, or cry or stroke my emotions?  Do they have the right kind of music?  What kind of ministries do they have for my kids?  Do they have a sports program?  How about a singing group for my little one? 

I believe with all my heart that we gather together for Him!  Our gathering together in worship is to give honor and praise to the One that is worthy of all our praise, honor and attention.  I would submit to that if we would come to worship service in an attitude of prayer and worship we would see Him and His holiness.  In seeing His holiness, we would see our sin and we would fall on our faces before Him.

The problem is we have not stood before "the throne high and lifted up" (Isa. 6:1) never "come unto Mt Zion, and unto the city of the living God, and heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels" (Heb. 12:22).   

Nope. When we go to the Church, we are looking to get the most bang for our buck.  Prayer and praise is stifled; worship is dead.  And we'll stay for awhile or at least until we can find a better show or where we can get a little more for our money.  Oh yea, we really aren't doing that either. 

God help us to pray!  May we be known as a people on bended knee, coming frequently and reverently before our King, Master, and Lord.  

Oh, How we Need to Pray

This morning as I check my email, I find again it full of new church grown methods, plans to advance the church and enlarge our congregations. However, I never find in any of these methods, plans, and ideas the need for and dependance on the LORD. 

From my understanding of Scripture and in looking at the 1st century church, it's the LORD who advances and adds to the church.  Luke said, "...And the LORD added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47).  What I also find in this chapter is a model - a Scriptural model that should be followed as cloesely as possible in the 21st century. 

Within that model in Acts, I find that God used people.  The church today has tended to lose sight of the man God uses for His plan.  Preachers today are not so concerned about themselves as they are about what new method to adopt that will guarantee their success. 

However, E.M. Bounds states that "God's plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God's method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looing for better men" (Bounds, "Power Through Prayer).  God is looking throughout the whole earth to show himself strong, however these people are to have a heart for God and His glory and not their own (see 1 Chron. 16:9). 

This means that the man matters to God.  The character of the preacher matters to God.  Again, Bonds states in a very convincing and convicting matter, "It is not great talents nor great learning nor great preachers that God needs, but men great in holiness, great in faith, great in love, great in fidelity, great for God - men always preaching by holy sermons in the pulpit, by holy lives out of it" (Bonds, p12). "And every man that has this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).

So how is our churces going to grow?  God is going to add to the church and he is going to do it through men who are active in the sanctification process, allowing the Holy Spirit of God to mold them into the image of his Son Jesus Christ.  That means I must be dependent upon Him and the best way to know if you or I are dependent upon God is how often we are on bended knee. 

Misemployment of time is injurious to the mind. In illness I have looked back with self-reproach on days spent in my study; I was wading through history and poetry and monthly journals, but I was in my study! Another man's trifling is notorious to all observers, but what am I doing? Nothing, perhaps, that has reference to the spiritual good of my congregation. Be much in retirement and prayer. Study the honor and glory of your Master."
                                       - Richard Cecil

Do You Understand God's Grace?

Romans 6:14-15 says, For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

The word "grace" is, no doubt, a most precious truth personified by God through Christ and the work on the Cross. We sing "Amazing Grace" by John Newton and is loved by both Christians and within the secular society. However, people within and without the church have little to no concept of grace as it is greatly misunderstood.

Many Christians believe it to mean that because of grace, they can live as they please without regard to God's law - specifically the moral will or commandments of God. Christian's take Paul's words to mean they can live as they please. This has sadly resulted in what is termed "easy believism" or "cheap grace."

Theologically this is termed antinomianism, which is the conviction that believers are freed from the demands of God’s law by depending upon God’s grace for their salvation. Of course, this is not a new concept and Jude addresses it when he states For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 4).

The difficulty as a pastor is to preach salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone and to do so without merging toward antinomianism or, at the other end of the spectrum, and to add works. Both are heretical and to combat this is for us to have a clear understanding and biblical view of the grace of God. 

We often define grace as "God's unmerited favor." That's good, but only gives us half of the whole definition. Galatians 3:10 states that  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. We are all deserving the "curse" of God because we all have fallen short of the mark and have not obeyed the law. That's why Jesus came and He alone as the God-Man could and did obey the law completely and perfectly.

In Matthew 5:17 Jesus states, Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am cnot come to destroy, but to fulfill. And praise God, that is exactly what He did for you and me. Christ fulfilled the law in which we could not do.

Thus, a more complete definition is one given by Jerry Bridges where he defines it as "God's blessings through Christ to people who deserve His curse" (The Transforming Power of the Gospel p.1192). He goes on to say that a concept of grace that does not include our "ill-deservedness" and Christ's work for us will lead people down the wrong path of "easy believism" or "cheap grace." However, a concept that does include our "ill-deservedness" and Christ's work for us leads us to a place of gratitude for His gift of grace, which then leads to a loving obedience. 

As Christians we need to be just as dependent on the grace of God that we received at salvation in our daily walk with the Lord. It's that same grace that is needed in all we do in and for His kingdom.

We Must Pray!

There is a sweet spirit in our church as of late. However, it's presence is not without many burdens, struggles, strongholds, and outright sin. There is a war that is waging for the hearts and minds of so many people and I sense that we are having more casualties than victories.

This spiritual warfare has of late overwhelmed my soul and caused my mind to race with inability to focus and comprehend on all the specific individual needs and struggles within my congregation.  How am I to meet these needs.  How am I to help those whom I don't even know the battle that their facing.  How am I to help the person who doesn't even recognize their sin and coolness to the things of God? What can I do?

As these questions pounded in my mind, it was answered very distintly with one word - pray. What can I do? ...I can pray. The fact is, I can do nothing outside the power of the Spirit of God. Only He can open the eyes that are blinded. Only He can heal the broken hearted. Only He can reveal and convict people of their sin. Only He can give the power to overcome struggles and strongholds. Only He can give me the strength to carry the burdens.

It is not even the amount of words that I pray, but the atitude of prayer. I see in Scripture how the great men of prayer had few words that were put on the printed page, but their wrestling with God was long. They were successful with few words but victory came in patience and in most instances a long wait. They prayed to God with fastings and mighty cries both day and night. 

In reading E.M. Bounds "The Power of Prayer" I read this quote that really spoke to my heart and drove me to my knees, knowing what can and will make the difference.

"This perpetual hurry of business and company ruins me in soul if not in body. More solitude and earlier hours! I suspect I have been allotting habitually too little time to religious exercises, as private devotion and religious meditation, Scripture-reading, etc. two hours or an hour and a half daily. I have been keeping too late hours, and hence have had but a hurried half hour in morning to myself. Surely the experience of all good men confirms the proposition that without due measure of private devotions the soul will grow lean. But all may be done through prayer - almighty prayer, I am ready to say - and why not? for that it is almighty is only through the gracious ordination of the God of love and truth, O then, pray, pray, pray!"  
                                                                - William Wilberforce

Our Good is Not Ever Good Enough

Isaiah 64:6 tells us that all our righteousness or all of our good works has nor earns any merit from our heavenly Father.  Somehow we believe that God's goodness or grace toward us is dependent on how well we perform.  Not so!  God's merit towards us dependent upon the sacrificial atonement that was met by His only begotten Son.  The same grace that was needed for our salvation is the same grace needed for our works or fruit as His children.

John Owen, known as the prince of Puritan theologians, wrote these words way back in 1657:

"Believers obey Christ as the one by whom our obedience is accepted by God. Believers know all their duties are weak, imperfect and unable to abide in God’s presence. Therefore they look to Christ as the one who bears the iniquity of their holy things, who adds incense to their prayers, gathers out all the weeds from their duties and makes them acceptable to God."[1]

In his quote, Owen speaks of Christ bearing the iniquity of our holy things—that is, the sinfulness of even our good works. As another Puritan preacher was reputed to have said, “Even our tears of repentance need to be washed in the blood of the Lamb.” So our best works can never earn us one bit of favor with God. Let us then turn our attention from our own performance, whether it seems good or bad to us, and look to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God’s provision for our sin, not only on the day we trusted Christ for our salvation but every day of our Christian lives.^[2]

May we continue to depend upon the grace of God for all that we are and do as believers. 

---

[1] John Owen, Communion with God, ed. R. J. K. Law (Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1991), 117.

^[2] Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2006), 44.