Responses to friends or family, or even strangers, who talk to us about spiritual matters tend to result in knee-jerk reactions trying to avoid hearing or openly discussing what they have to say. But why is that?
Why do we feel so uncomfortable when someone close to us wants to talk to about the very things we all know matter most in life?
Doubtless, we all know what its like to be scolded by someone unnecessarily, or to be in the room with the person who is overly critical but will not listen to anyone else's opinion. I'm not referring to that particular kind of uncomfortable conversation. There are good strategies for dealing with people in such situations, but that's a topic for another time.
It would take quite some time to describe in detail all the answers that could be found in the Bible for why we tend to feel stressed in conversations regarding spiritual realities. Some natural reasons, of course, may be that we believe there is too much disagreement among various religious points of view. However, I believe the answer lies in questioning why we believe so strongly that agreement is unattainable.
The Bible teaches that we tend to avoid uncomfortable discussions about spiritual truth because we naturally do not like to be in the light. Just after telling Nicodemus about God's love for the world in John 3:16, Jesus also said that people hate the light and will not come into the light because they are afraid of having their sinful behavior exposed (John 3:19).
We usually react to statements like that by thinking it does not apply to us, but must be referring to other people out there somewhere. That kind of reasoning is called self-justification, which the Bible also points out as sinful. King David wrote that he wanted to be rebuked for his sin because it would help him avoid what was evil (Psalm 141:5; see also v. 4). David's son and heir to his royal throne, Solomon, wrote that people who hate correction are stupid (Proverbs 12:1) but that a wise man will love you if you rebuke him (Proverbs 9:8). Solomon also said that the prayer of the person who will not listen to God's Law is an abomination, and if they continually refuse to listen to correction, they will come to ruin suddenly without any hope (Proverbs 28:9; Proverbs 29:1). Jesus taught that unrighteous thoughts spring from a corrupt heart (Mark 7:20-22) and the apostle Paul, quoting from Psalm 14, explained that there is no one who is righteous and without sin. But when someone openly brings up similar things in a conversation, we may feel annoyed, or worse, angry.
We do not like to be judged, and so we often respond with the notion that "only God can judge our hearts...and he loves everybody anyway," so we tend to avoid talking about it. But what we forget is that God's Word is judging our hearts openly already, because that is its purpose (Hebrews 4:12). We do not need to run from that judgment like running from a fiery explosion, but we should step into it like stepping into the warm sunshine where all our blemishes can be seen for what they are, and can be healed as well.
So the next time anyone talks to you about the uncomfortable truths of the Bible, instead of shutting them down or turning away, engage with them openly and tell them how much you appreciate it, even though it may make you feel uncomfortable or you may disagree. Usually the best things in life make us feel uncomfortable at first, until we are trained by them. Exercise is never comfortable at the beginning, but we all know how much better we feel and look in the long run when we endure it. Endure the pain of those tough conversations for your own good and for the good of your loved ones. If they lead you to a deeper relationship with Christ, then you will be eternally blessed and happy for it.
Showing posts with label truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label truth. Show all posts
January 29, 2013
February 1, 2012
Proclaiming the Triune God
The following is a little tract I'm working on as part of a series of very brief evangelistic messages that I've been producing. During the long period of time I have spent not blogging, I have not stopped writing. Much of my writing has been in the form of making little tracts or doing personal Bible study. Here is one of my newest tracts titled:
WHAT IS THE TRINITY?
GOD has not hidden Himself from people so that they cannot know Him, but has revealed Himself in history and in the Holy Scriptures. In the Bible, God speaks of Himself as three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We read God saying, “Let us make man in our image,” in Genesis chapter one. We also read the Shema, a Hebrew confession of faith, which says, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This confession tells us that God is one. Yet God speaks of Himself as “us,” and also reveals Himself as Father, Word, and Spirit. In John 1:1 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word refers to Jesus, the Son. In verse 14 it says, “And the Word became flesh.” That is, the Word, who is called God, became a real, physical man. Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Jesus also spoke of another Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, the Father spoke of His beloved Son and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. Jesus also sent His disciples into the world to teach and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). God is three, yet one, which is why we use the term Trinity. While we may not understand everything about God, we can and must understand what He has clearly revealed about Himself. God has told us what He is like in the Bible, and the Bible shows that He is three distinct Persons in unity and harmony as one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. See the New Testament for more.
WHAT IS THE TRINITY?
GOD has not hidden Himself from people so that they cannot know Him, but has revealed Himself in history and in the Holy Scriptures. In the Bible, God speaks of Himself as three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We read God saying, “Let us make man in our image,” in Genesis chapter one. We also read the Shema, a Hebrew confession of faith, which says, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This confession tells us that God is one. Yet God speaks of Himself as “us,” and also reveals Himself as Father, Word, and Spirit. In John 1:1 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word refers to Jesus, the Son. In verse 14 it says, “And the Word became flesh.” That is, the Word, who is called God, became a real, physical man. Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Jesus also spoke of another Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, the Father spoke of His beloved Son and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. Jesus also sent His disciples into the world to teach and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). God is three, yet one, which is why we use the term Trinity. While we may not understand everything about God, we can and must understand what He has clearly revealed about Himself. God has told us what He is like in the Bible, and the Bible shows that He is three distinct Persons in unity and harmony as one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. See the New Testament for more.
October 20, 2009
Grace and Understanding Justice
Proverbs 28:5 says, "Evil men do not understand judgment, but those who seek Yahweh understand all."
Men controlled by evil (Rom. 1:28,29) do not understand judgment.
They don't understand what is just, righteous and absolutely morally correct.
They don't understand that which is opposite of their own evil,
they don't understand that which condemns their ways and thoughts.
They do not understand God as just and holy.
They don't understand the offense of sin and unbelief.
they don't understand right versus wrong,
judgment versus rebellion.
Those who love another god do not understand justice.
They don't understand the fall of unbelieving man,
pain, suffering, death.
They don't understand wrath,
the fire that burns injustice.
But those who seek Yahweh,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
understand all.
They understand their sin,
they understand the fall,
they understand the judgment
they understand hell.
They understand the Son of God and Son of Man.
They understand the cross of calvary.
They understand the propitiation of the Savior,
the suffering, the death, the burial,
the substitution, the satisfaction.
They understand the resurrection,
the need for a new birth,
the reconciliation and life everlasting.
The mercy and justice that provide forgiveness.
They understand because God's grace has taught it to them (Titus 2:11-12,13-14).
June 4, 2009
How to Stand Up For Your Faith
I believe we must always be learning more about how to defend the Bible in the face of intolerant liberalism using that kind of information. But what is the average Christian going to say to his unbelieving family members who accuse him of being "brain-washed"? What is the average Christian going to say to her co-workers who think she is being "too strict about her beliefs"? and the list goes on.
What better answer can you give than to simply reply:
I cannot do this, behave like that, agree with you, or be a different way, simply because Jesus Christ died for me. The Son of God, whom I serve and love and enjoy, gave His life for me, gave me the Bible by His Spirit, and has reconciled me to His Father. I know God my friends, and so I cannot change.
We have a defense, it is the gospel.
God bless!
June 3, 2009
The Bible is Always Unshakably True
Truly Objective
Available online at: http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/A320
COPYRIGHT ©2009 Grace to You
by John MacArthur
Biblical truth is objective. It is true by itself. It is true whether or not we feel it’s true. It is true whether or not it has been validated by someone’s experience. It is true because God says it is true. It is wholly true, and it is true down to the smallest jot and tittle. Psalm 119:160 says, “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”
That is the very starting point and the necessary foundation for a truly Christian world-view. Give up the ground of biblical truth, and whatever belief-system you have left is not worthy to be labeled Christian, even if it retains vestiges of Christian symbolism and terminology.
Many who would call themselves Christians today are in precisely that situation. They use the language and symbolism of Christianity, but their real source of authority is something besides Scripture. Some simply live by their feelings and shape their beliefs in accord with their own personal preferences. Others actually claim God speaks directly to them through voices, strong impressions, or vague feelings which they interpret as direct revelations from the Holy Spirit. Still others think of the Scriptures as an improvisational script, which they can modify or interpret any way they please. In any case, their lives and beliefs are ordered in accord with their own personal preferences.
But historic Christianity is based on the objective revelation of Scripture. That is why our first key word for describing the Christian world view is objectivity. Our faith is grounded in the conviction that God has spoken, and His Word is objective truth. What He has given us is absolute and unshakable — and it is the truth by which all other truth-claims are measured.
Available online at: http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/A320
COPYRIGHT ©2009 Grace to You
May 31, 2009
"Nobody Can Know What is Really True?"
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (1 John 2:21).
People today are taught to glorify contradiction, to embrace that which is absurd, to prefer that which is subjective, and to let feelings (rather than intellect) determine what they believe.
Scripture itself is completely free of all errors and deficiencies. "It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail" (Luke 16:17). That is how Christ viewed Scripture, and anyone who takes a different approach is not in that respect a genuine follower of Christ.
Scripture should be both the starting point and the final test of truth in all our thinking. If Scripture is wholly true, then anything that contradicts Scripture is simply false, even if we're talking about the fundamental beliefs upon which the world's most popular ideologies are based.
That sort of black and white rationality is one of the main reasons biblical Christianity is intolerable in a generation that despises the very idea of absolute truth.
(From the small book, Why One Way? by John MacArthur. Recommended reading for everybody!!! IF I WERE RATING THIS LITTLE BOOK, IT WOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, even before all those other books you are reading! and the good news is that its on sale at gty.com or get it at Amazon.com.).
(From the small book, Why One Way? by John MacArthur. Recommended reading for everybody!!! IF I WERE RATING THIS LITTLE BOOK, IT WOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, even before all those other books you are reading! and the good news is that its on sale at gty.com or get it at Amazon.com.).
February 8, 2009
Sovereign Grace: Understanding the Bible
Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.
(Luke 24:44-49).
Only Jesus can give us a proper understanding of the Word of God, since He is in fact the living Word (John 1:14). I have been praying for more understanding of the Scriptures, as well as for strength to be able to comprehend God's great and incomprehensible love. Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, that God would grant them according to the "riches of his glory" to be "strengthened with power through his Spirit" in the inner man, so that "Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." He also prayed that "being rooted and grounded in love, [you] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints... the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge" (see Ephesians 3:15-19).
January 23, 2009
Thinking About God
Some thoughts I wrote down at the end of the day:
From the beginning of time, humans have always had a conscience knowledge of a Divine Creator. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are completely surrounded by (and even made up of) the beautiful art of a Supernatural Being, all of which sing billions of crystal notes, declaring without apology, the glory of this great God. The Bible is a book about God, and it does not hesitate to speak of a personal relation to Him as a fact of creation. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1). Some no doubt scoff at this, but they might as well scoff at billions of eye-witnesses testifying before them in a courtroom. There have been so many throughout history who have had real encounters with the living God, despite the naivety of such scoffers.
At some point after God created him, man stopped trusting and started trying to get his own way by believing a serpent's lie. So God cursed the land, along with all people afterward (including you and I), to an eternal judgment. Therefore, in His mercy, the Lord promised a Savior who would one day come and make it all better than before. God requires one thing, that we believe in the one He sent (John 6:29). This new man would be the incarnation of the Holy Divine Being, sent to reveal the Father's love in the power of the Spirit by the sacrifice of Himself on a cross. The story of redemption is a story about love, and this love is all about one thing... God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Praise His mighty name!
From the beginning of time, humans have always had a conscience knowledge of a Divine Creator. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are completely surrounded by (and even made up of) the beautiful art of a Supernatural Being, all of which sing billions of crystal notes, declaring without apology, the glory of this great God. The Bible is a book about God, and it does not hesitate to speak of a personal relation to Him as a fact of creation. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1). Some no doubt scoff at this, but they might as well scoff at billions of eye-witnesses testifying before them in a courtroom. There have been so many throughout history who have had real encounters with the living God, despite the naivety of such scoffers.
At some point after God created him, man stopped trusting and started trying to get his own way by believing a serpent's lie. So God cursed the land, along with all people afterward (including you and I), to an eternal judgment. Therefore, in His mercy, the Lord promised a Savior who would one day come and make it all better than before. God requires one thing, that we believe in the one He sent (John 6:29). This new man would be the incarnation of the Holy Divine Being, sent to reveal the Father's love in the power of the Spirit by the sacrifice of Himself on a cross. The story of redemption is a story about love, and this love is all about one thing... God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Praise His mighty name!
January 16, 2009
Are We Beginning to See a Revival?
Just Because Calvinism and Humble Orthodoxy are "in" with a lot of young Christians today, doesn't necessarily mean it will last.
What do I mean by saying that? With all the excitement about being a Sovereign Grace fan or a Desiring God addict, you would think that God's new generation of fired up Christians are really a great thing. It certainly is wonderful to see people become fired up for truth. However, does that mean all are Spirit filled? I think of what I have learned about other movements in the past, and I must say, the world gets 'em in the end.
What about this one? Well, I'm still not sure if many of the followers are even out of the world yet. Nevertheless, they are certainly into theology. That is a good thing, but if good theology does not make our Biblical convictions last regarding true saving faith in Christ, the glory of God in evangelism and missions, and genuine assurance, then it will have accomplished very little, if not worse.
I hope to be one who resists going with the flow, but rather stands on the Word of God and the hope of Christ Jesus at all times. This should lead me to practice humble orthodoxy in a lasting way when it is the Spirit of God at work in my heart. I love the leaders of this movement and their messages. Men such as John Piper, John MacArthur, Paul Washer, as well as others are worthy of honor, but if their words are what I hang on, then what will there be after they are gone? Don't get me wrong, I love what is happening, and am very, very thankful for my answered prayers for a sort of 'Bible revival'. I also am concerned that the true children of God must mature to the point where we can stand on the Words of Scripture so steadfastly, even when, perhaps those within such a great movement might fail to do so. Are we able? Are we trusting in the Builder of the house, rather than in the house? By God's grace we will do so and more.
Grace to all and God bless.
[I just heard a well-known preacher give a very similar message, and so, since I had written this in my notes months ago I was reminded of it again. Perhaps it will help to "stir you up by putting you in remembrance" (2 Peter 1:13 KJV).]
What do I mean by saying that? With all the excitement about being a Sovereign Grace fan or a Desiring God addict, you would think that God's new generation of fired up Christians are really a great thing. It certainly is wonderful to see people become fired up for truth. However, does that mean all are Spirit filled? I think of what I have learned about other movements in the past, and I must say, the world gets 'em in the end.
What about this one? Well, I'm still not sure if many of the followers are even out of the world yet. Nevertheless, they are certainly into theology. That is a good thing, but if good theology does not make our Biblical convictions last regarding true saving faith in Christ, the glory of God in evangelism and missions, and genuine assurance, then it will have accomplished very little, if not worse.
I hope to be one who resists going with the flow, but rather stands on the Word of God and the hope of Christ Jesus at all times. This should lead me to practice humble orthodoxy in a lasting way when it is the Spirit of God at work in my heart. I love the leaders of this movement and their messages. Men such as John Piper, John MacArthur, Paul Washer, as well as others are worthy of honor, but if their words are what I hang on, then what will there be after they are gone? Don't get me wrong, I love what is happening, and am very, very thankful for my answered prayers for a sort of 'Bible revival'. I also am concerned that the true children of God must mature to the point where we can stand on the Words of Scripture so steadfastly, even when, perhaps those within such a great movement might fail to do so. Are we able? Are we trusting in the Builder of the house, rather than in the house? By God's grace we will do so and more.
Grace to all and God bless.
[I just heard a well-known preacher give a very similar message, and so, since I had written this in my notes months ago I was reminded of it again. Perhaps it will help to "stir you up by putting you in remembrance" (2 Peter 1:13 KJV).]
September 25, 2008
Moving On To Maturity or Leaving The Gospel Behind?
There are a lot of times when we need to get real and grow up... and stop acting like children (Hebrews 5:11-12,13-14, 6:1-2). In America, the tendency can be to remain childish and stupid, and that makes you a better person (as long as you are 'loving') than those grown up mature *#%jerks. It is foolish to never learn to tell the difference between what is good for you and what will kill you. Such knowledge requires some level of maturity and experience.
However, when it comes to one thing, we must never move on. That is the one thing people sometimes will tempt us to leave, saying, "I've heard enough about the gospel and all that... I just feel it's time to move on to something deeper."
Colossians 1:21-22,23 reminds us to be stable, steadfast and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. Galatians 1:6-7,8-9 strongly warns with a curse against being led away from the one and only gospel of the grace of Christ. There is no other subject we should hold to more tightly than the good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners... (1 Timothy 1:15).
I was reminded again this morning as I read Galatians chapter one, of how important it is to hold firmly to the true grace of Christ without moving. By the mighty power of God through His Holy Spirit, we who are saved must and will do so to the end.
Related Posts:
Justified by Grace
Full of Grace
Hell and Grace
However, when it comes to one thing, we must never move on. That is the one thing people sometimes will tempt us to leave, saying, "I've heard enough about the gospel and all that... I just feel it's time to move on to something deeper."
Colossians 1:21-22,23 reminds us to be stable, steadfast and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. Galatians 1:6-7,8-9 strongly warns with a curse against being led away from the one and only gospel of the grace of Christ. There is no other subject we should hold to more tightly than the good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners... (1 Timothy 1:15).
I was reminded again this morning as I read Galatians chapter one, of how important it is to hold firmly to the true grace of Christ without moving. By the mighty power of God through His Holy Spirit, we who are saved must and will do so to the end.
Related Posts:
Justified by Grace
Full of Grace
Hell and Grace
September 15, 2008
How do we know there is a God?
Is there clear evidence for God?God's works of creation and providence plainly make it clear that there is a God. The masterful design found in all of creation requires a Mastermind Designer, and providence requires a Provider. However, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit testify more effectively by revealing God as He must be known for salvation in the Scriptures.
(see Job chpt. 38 & 39; Psa 19; John 16:8-14, 17:8; 1 Cor. 2:10; click here to see a selection of verses).
August 15, 2008
Translation of 1 John 1:1-4 and Comment
I taught on 1 John for a few months at the end of last year and on into the beginning of 2008. I wish I would have been learning how to translate the words from zhubert.com back then. I knew about the program, but I suppose I was too busy and wasn't interested at the time in learning Greek this way. Anyway, I am now overly excited about the wonderful riches of truth firmly fixed within the Holy Spirit inspired, inerrant and sufficient Word of Truth - the Bible, as I read it and meditate on it. I thank God for the Bible, because it shows us so clearly who our Savior really is. And now, here is my personal translation of 1 John 1:1-4 and following are my notes from today:
1 John Chapter 1
1 About the Word of Life, who was from the beginning, whom we heard, whom we saw with our eyes, whom we looked at and our hands touched.
2 The Life appeared and we have seen it, and we bear witness to it. We proclaim to you the Life eternal, who was with the Father and whom we have seen.
3 Whom we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you also may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father and the Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things we are writing so that our joy will be full.
This is one of the most amazing introductions in the Bible. It is clear and to the punch. It is straightforward in its bold statements of fact. "We have seen... We have heard... We have touched... the Logos of Life, i.e. the Word of Life." Such a powerful statement totally exposes any false ideas coming from the gnostic heresies, and boldly declares the truth about the Son of God. The gnostics were a group of pagans who mixed Christianity with their false ideas. They denied that Jesus had human flesh, claiming He was only a spirit. They also believed in many gods, not unlike the mormon church reportedly does. Others, such as Jews, did not believe in the Deity of Christ, but thought He was only a man and nothing more. Others said Jesus was an exalted Angel, sort of like the JW's do today.
John left no room for such false beliefs right from the get-go. If you don't believe Jesus came in the flesh - Bam! Your black in the eye. If you don't believe Jesus is eternally Divine with the Father, and yet one God - Pow! Your knocked out. John hit between the eyes in this introduction. He just thrust his sword right through the dragon's throat. He left no room for such false ideas in this introduction of who Jesus is.
And notice how the purpose for writing is stated in verses three and four. The proclamation of the plain truth about Christ, was so that we might also have fellowship with the apostles, and with God as both Father and Son. And verse four is special, in that it was written "so that our joy is full." Who's joy is "our" joy? It would have to be those who are truly saved, those walking in the light and abiding in the truth (1 John 1:7), and so experiencing genuine fellowship. For anyone else, the implied call is to immediate repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as God in the flesh, the Son of the Father. Those who genuinely repent and believe this testimony are also promised genuine fellowship.
John's bold statement would have been clear to any Hellenistic (Greek cultured) person reading this, "The Life appeared and we have seen it, and we bear witness to it. We proclaim to you the eternal Life who is from the Father, and whom we have seen."
[Caution: I just read and watched some videos about Todd Bentley, and felt like what I wrote above sounded a little too much like his false enthusiasm. Forgive me, my point was that the apostle John was very sharp in correcting the heresies that were arising in the early church, and not that we should go around beating people up in the name of Jesus like a maniac. Thanks.]
1 John Chapter 1
1 About the Word of Life, who was from the beginning, whom we heard, whom we saw with our eyes, whom we looked at and our hands touched.
2 The Life appeared and we have seen it, and we bear witness to it. We proclaim to you the Life eternal, who was with the Father and whom we have seen.
3 Whom we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you also may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father and the Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things we are writing so that our joy will be full.
This is one of the most amazing introductions in the Bible. It is clear and to the punch. It is straightforward in its bold statements of fact. "We have seen... We have heard... We have touched... the Logos of Life, i.e. the Word of Life." Such a powerful statement totally exposes any false ideas coming from the gnostic heresies, and boldly declares the truth about the Son of God. The gnostics were a group of pagans who mixed Christianity with their false ideas. They denied that Jesus had human flesh, claiming He was only a spirit. They also believed in many gods, not unlike the mormon church reportedly does. Others, such as Jews, did not believe in the Deity of Christ, but thought He was only a man and nothing more. Others said Jesus was an exalted Angel, sort of like the JW's do today.
John left no room for such false beliefs right from the get-go. If you don't believe Jesus came in the flesh - Bam! Your black in the eye. If you don't believe Jesus is eternally Divine with the Father, and yet one God - Pow! Your knocked out. John hit between the eyes in this introduction. He just thrust his sword right through the dragon's throat. He left no room for such false ideas in this introduction of who Jesus is.
And notice how the purpose for writing is stated in verses three and four. The proclamation of the plain truth about Christ, was so that we might also have fellowship with the apostles, and with God as both Father and Son. And verse four is special, in that it was written "so that our joy is full." Who's joy is "our" joy? It would have to be those who are truly saved, those walking in the light and abiding in the truth (1 John 1:7), and so experiencing genuine fellowship. For anyone else, the implied call is to immediate repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as God in the flesh, the Son of the Father. Those who genuinely repent and believe this testimony are also promised genuine fellowship.
John's bold statement would have been clear to any Hellenistic (Greek cultured) person reading this, "The Life appeared and we have seen it, and we bear witness to it. We proclaim to you the eternal Life who is from the Father, and whom we have seen."
[Caution: I just read and watched some videos about Todd Bentley, and felt like what I wrote above sounded a little too much like his false enthusiasm. Forgive me, my point was that the apostle John was very sharp in correcting the heresies that were arising in the early church, and not that we should go around beating people up in the name of Jesus like a maniac. Thanks.]
August 9, 2008
I'm in a battleground, and it isn't Gettysburg
Gettysburg may have plenty of reenactments of the Civil War and the battles fought there, but the Christian life is a continuous battle ground where real fighting is happening all the time. It isn't pretend. I'm not going to write about the Christian battle right now, just throwing that statement out so that it will be clear that the verses I'm about to quote from God's Word to us, will be read in that light.
The first verse is about faith, and faith is probably the least understood part of being a Christian in America today. I could be wrong, but I haven't met too many church goers here who have it, so I'm praying that God would revive real faith in our people, just as He sovereignly and graciously did for me in a dramatic way a number of years ago. I have never been the same since.
I came across this verse while reading this morning in Acts:
"Since they [everyone on the ship] had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island." (Acts 27:21-26 ESV).
That is another example of faith in the WORD of God. Paul was not saying he 'hoped' it would be as God said, or that it will 'probably' be as God said, or that they 'ought to believe' that it will be so, and then it will be. No. Paul said, "it will be exactly as I have been told."
I'm pretty discouraged by all the people running around saying, "God told me this," and "God told me that." Now, I've been caught up in that kind of excitement before in the past. I've even had supernatural dreams and other experiences I could boast about, but that would be a sickening thing to do in light of real love for others. So I want to simply say that by grace, we believe God's written words in the Bible are absolutely, positively certain. Everything will be exactly as it is written. And faith believes that. Do we believe the written word of God?
Paul, being an apostle and chosen vessel of God in order to write words of truth said, "assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." (Ephesians 3:2-5 ESV).
So, I'm not discrediting supernatural experiences if they are genuine, but I am emphasizing that real faith must be solidly planted in the sure words of God, and not in anything less. And for us, those words are to be found only in the Bible. Now, of course, it will do us no good if we simply believe the words of Scripture are true, but we must trust Him who is faithful, "who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." (Romans 4:24-25). Of course, as the verse on the header says, "it is the gift of God."
Grace to you and God bless.
The first verse is about faith, and faith is probably the least understood part of being a Christian in America today. I could be wrong, but I haven't met too many church goers here who have it, so I'm praying that God would revive real faith in our people, just as He sovereignly and graciously did for me in a dramatic way a number of years ago. I have never been the same since.
I came across this verse while reading this morning in Acts:
"Since they [everyone on the ship] had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island." (Acts 27:21-26 ESV).
That is another example of faith in the WORD of God. Paul was not saying he 'hoped' it would be as God said, or that it will 'probably' be as God said, or that they 'ought to believe' that it will be so, and then it will be. No. Paul said, "it will be exactly as I have been told."
I'm pretty discouraged by all the people running around saying, "God told me this," and "God told me that." Now, I've been caught up in that kind of excitement before in the past. I've even had supernatural dreams and other experiences I could boast about, but that would be a sickening thing to do in light of real love for others. So I want to simply say that by grace, we believe God's written words in the Bible are absolutely, positively certain. Everything will be exactly as it is written. And faith believes that. Do we believe the written word of God?
Paul, being an apostle and chosen vessel of God in order to write words of truth said, "assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." (Ephesians 3:2-5 ESV).
So, I'm not discrediting supernatural experiences if they are genuine, but I am emphasizing that real faith must be solidly planted in the sure words of God, and not in anything less. And for us, those words are to be found only in the Bible. Now, of course, it will do us no good if we simply believe the words of Scripture are true, but we must trust Him who is faithful, "who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." (Romans 4:24-25). Of course, as the verse on the header says, "it is the gift of God."
Grace to you and God bless.
July 29, 2008
From Genesis to Grace
I started this blog as a resource to learn of the great power and abundance of the grace of our Almighty Creator. So far, I have tried to direct everything to that end. However, as I am studying the book of Genesis, I don't know if I really am able to write accurately about man's horrible fall and God's magnificent grace, without first learning about creation. To anyone who has never studied the book of Genesis, or who has not learned about the wonders of creation from God's word, it may seem to be a very insignificant and unimportant place to start. I am increasingly convinced that it is not. The first two chapters of Genesis almost make me shudder into convulsive spasms when I think about what a perfect paradise this earth was when God first made it all - it was beautiful! Before sin entered into the world (Rom. 5:12), the earth was the perfect place to live, but now it is basically "going to hell."Though I cannot begin to describe it, I do want to encourage any serious grace man or woman to make it your aim to get familiar with Genesis 1-3, and to check out some good resources on it. The significance of it all, is that it puts everything else the Bible says in a proper perspective. So with Genesis 1-3 in mind, the topics of sin, judgment, mercy, the love of God and grace through Jesus Christ, all fit together to paint the perfect picture of the glory of God through Jesus Christ as He reconciles *lost,* *sinful* and *justly condemned* people to Himself. It puts in perspective the amazing birth of Christ, His death on the cross, and the significance of His resurrection on Sunday as the start of a *new creation*. Whatever it takes, do not miss out on what God is doing in His world!
Below is a list of resources to help get you started. I have included my own current ongoing studies of Genesis 1-3 (on my other blog) as the first resource (if you are already familiar with these sites or this topic, then please feel free to leave your helpful comments and feedback - thanks):
- As It Is Written (my current posts are on Genesis one, chapters two and three are on their way)
- Man in the Garden of God (you must read this study by MacArthur)
- http://www.gty.org/Resources/Transcripts/scripture/1 (John MacArthur's excellent in-depth studies of Genesis)
- Answers in Genesis (Cool Creation site with tons of articles, books and videos)
If you don't do any digging for yourself, you will never experience the thrill of finding hidden treasure, so go ahead and jump into your Bible!
July 23, 2008
Total Depravación, part 2
That title translates into "Total Depravity" from the Spanish tongue. It means totally corrupt, depraved, wicked, sinful, rebellious, ungodly... totally unworthy of grace. (Note: the following verses are really found in the Bible. I am pretty sure you will not find many of them like this in the Quran, the book of Mormon, or any other religious book that claims to be from God, except the only true book - the Bible. They are a powerful reminder of exactly why we need Jesus Christ as our Savior, and why it is by grace we are saved and not by our own efforts).
Here are more of the verses on my Depravity Verse list:
Again:
Man says, "Man is good."
God says, "Man is evil."
Who is telling the truth?
John 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.
Romans 3:10-12 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
Romans 5:6-10 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person - though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:18-19 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
Romans 8:7-8 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
1Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
and return to the LORD!
Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:
"We have transgressed and rebelled,
and you have not forgiven." (Lamentations 3:40-42 ESV).
"Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored!" (Lamentations 5:21).
Here are more of the verses on my Depravity Verse list:
Again:
Man says, "Man is good."
God says, "Man is evil."
Who is telling the truth?
John 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.
Romans 3:10-12 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
Romans 5:6-10 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person - though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:18-19 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
Romans 8:7-8 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
1Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:12
Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:17-19
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
The doctrine of Total Depravity is seen most horrifically during the events of the crucifixion of our Lord. When He was betrayed. When His disciples were asleep. When He was arrested. When they bound Him, mocked Him, spit in His face, beat Him, judged Him, condemned Him. When the Sanhedrin questioned Him, and when He had answered they accused their own promised Messiah of blaspheming (truly they were evil to the core). They had Him delivered to Pilate, then to Herod and back to Pilate again. Even though they found no fault in Him, yet they could not stand to be near the light, so they condemned Him anyway. They hated Him without a cause, and so fulfilled the Scripture which was written about them. The guards did not regard His clothing as holy, but treated Him mockingly. Even the dying thieves next to Jesus were so depraved that they "cast the same in his teeth." Judas Iscariot is also an example of this awful condition. After he betrayed the Master whom he had followed for so long, he then sought to clear himself. But after being rejected any help by the priests, he went out and hung himself. A man who had walked and talked with Jesus Christ for so long, seeing His miracles and hearing His wisdom every day and night. Nevertheless, Judas ended his own life in utter darkness. How sad. How terrible it is to reject God. And oh how this is the condition our country is in, our world, even ourselves unless we repent. And we need the Sovereign grace of God to turn us from darkness unto light, so that we may receive eternal forgiveness of our sins and an eternal inheritance with those who are sanctified through faith in Jesus Christ. His atrocious death was our payment. His resurrected life is our security. He is our only hope. Thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!
"Let us test and examine our ways,and return to the LORD!
Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:
"We have transgressed and rebelled,
and you have not forgiven." (Lamentations 3:40-42 ESV).
"Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored!" (Lamentations 5:21).
July 21, 2008
A Discussion on being Courageous with the Truth
I would like to promote Stephanie's blog post today, from her blog: Thirsty Soul, on the topic of opening up with people when discussing the gospel or the Word of God. My heart is full of evangelistic passion, which desires to fan the same passion into flame in the hearts of others. So here is a resource I hope will help to start that, encourage, or cause you to think more about it. It is a post from Stephanie's blog, Thirsty Soul called: Open Up! Please read her post and leave your comments. Thank you.(Thanks Stephanie for your permission)
As you can see, I'm still working on mustering enough courage before I even talk to people! :) (That's the problem... "I'm still working," it's gotta' be the Lord working His love in me to pray and go).
July 14, 2008
Total Depravación, part 1
Here are some verses that have me convinced. The more I meditate on what exactly they are communicating, the more real the depravity of sinful mankind becomes to me, not only of those lost in the world, but especially of myself apart from the grace of God.
Genesis 6:5
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:11
And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
Psalm 51:5
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psalm 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the womb;
they go astray from birth, speaking lies.
Proverbs 28:26
Whoever trusts in his own mind [or heart] is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin
or the leopard his spots?
Then also you can do good
who are accustomed to do evil.
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
Matthew 7:11
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Mark 7:20-23
And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Those last two verses were spoken directly from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Loving, compassionate, gentle, gracious, merciful, Jesus spoke some very sharp words about the true heart of mankind. I believe He said it all with deep compassion and love, even when He blasted the Pharisees in Mattew 23, but nevertheless He spoke the truth plainly.
My hope is that in reading these verses, and becoming more familiar with them, my heart (as well as yours) will grow more deeply in love with the great mercy and kindness of God our Savior. As I wrote before about Hell and Grace, grace would not be necessary if we were not in this situation.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV). "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." (Romans 5:10 ESV).
Man says, "Man is good."
God says, "Man is evil."
Who is telling the truth?
God says, "Man is evil."
Who is telling the truth?
Genesis 6:5
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:11
And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
Psalm 51:5
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psalm 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the womb;
they go astray from birth, speaking lies.
Proverbs 28:26
Whoever trusts in his own mind [or heart] is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin
or the leopard his spots?
Then also you can do good
who are accustomed to do evil.
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
Matthew 7:11
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Mark 7:20-23
And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Those last two verses were spoken directly from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Loving, compassionate, gentle, gracious, merciful, Jesus spoke some very sharp words about the true heart of mankind. I believe He said it all with deep compassion and love, even when He blasted the Pharisees in Mattew 23, but nevertheless He spoke the truth plainly.
My hope is that in reading these verses, and becoming more familiar with them, my heart (as well as yours) will grow more deeply in love with the great mercy and kindness of God our Savior. As I wrote before about Hell and Grace, grace would not be necessary if we were not in this situation.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV). "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." (Romans 5:10 ESV).
July 2, 2008
"Utterly Inconsistent with Grace..."
I read this quote in a letter from a dear brother and evangelist in Christ (as you read it, just know these are the words of a man who loved people):
"Oh, if you have the hearts of Christians or of men in you, let them yearn towards your poor ignorant, ungodly neighbors. Also, there is but a step betwixt them and death and hell; many hundred diseases are waiting to seize on them, and if they die unregenerate, they are lost forever. Have you hearts of rock, that cannot pity men in such a case as this? If you believe not the word of God, and the danger of sinners, why are you Christians yourselves? If you do believe it, why do you not bestir yourself to the helping of others? Do you not care who is damned, so you be saved? If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourselves, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace... Dost thou live close by them, or travel with them, or sit and talk with them, and say nothing to them of their soul, or the life to come? If their houses were on fire, thou wouldst run and help them; and wilt thou not help them when their souls are almost at the fire of hell?" (Richard Baxter).
That quote convicted me so much. It is grace that motivates true believers to love the lost. I thank God for this reminder to check my own heart and seek to love those who are ignorant of their guilt and condemnation apart from the grace of Christ Jesus, who is the Savior of all men. I want to tell them of the reconciliation, forgiveness and free righteousness that is through faith in Him alone.
"Oh, if you have the hearts of Christians or of men in you, let them yearn towards your poor ignorant, ungodly neighbors. Also, there is but a step betwixt them and death and hell; many hundred diseases are waiting to seize on them, and if they die unregenerate, they are lost forever. Have you hearts of rock, that cannot pity men in such a case as this? If you believe not the word of God, and the danger of sinners, why are you Christians yourselves? If you do believe it, why do you not bestir yourself to the helping of others? Do you not care who is damned, so you be saved? If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourselves, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace... Dost thou live close by them, or travel with them, or sit and talk with them, and say nothing to them of their soul, or the life to come? If their houses were on fire, thou wouldst run and help them; and wilt thou not help them when their souls are almost at the fire of hell?" (Richard Baxter).
That quote convicted me so much. It is grace that motivates true believers to love the lost. I thank God for this reminder to check my own heart and seek to love those who are ignorant of their guilt and condemnation apart from the grace of Christ Jesus, who is the Savior of all men. I want to tell them of the reconciliation, forgiveness and free righteousness that is through faith in Him alone.
The letter also challenges those in the reformed community: "There are many... who know the doctrines of grace, but how many know Jesus Christ the God of All Grace! Also, how many know of His mighty grace that can work through us to make Him known. Paul knew this grace: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2:11-12)." Knowing this grace ought to help us remember our first love, repent, and do the things we did at first (Revelation 2:4-5).
May those of us privileged to know and love the grace of the Lord Jesus never get so involved with this world that we forget what is coming on the last day. Jesus calls His followers by grace, then He makes them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).
June 27, 2008
Hell and Grace
One of the essential truths that must be understood by all grace believers, is hell. Hell is the place of punishment for all who suffer the righteous judgment of God without forgiveness of their sins. Grace is God's free and undeserved favor toward some, sparing them from His wrath in hell by setting forward Jesus Christ as a propitiation instead. Without hell, grace would not be amazing, it would not even be necessary. But grace is necessary, because hell is real.
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 ESV).
"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority." (2 Peter 2:4-10 ESV).
"But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:26-28 ESV).
May our praise of God be a combination of both healthy fear and joy with thankfulness. And let all saints who fear Him continually praise the Lord for His steadfast love and grace!
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 ESV).
"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority." (2 Peter 2:4-10 ESV).
Understanding hell is important, because it has to do with the righteous judgment of God, which is what makes salvation necessary. So it had significant meaning when Paul wrote: "among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved..." (Ephesians 2:3-5). Grace is amazing, because the justice of God is terrible. For all who have truly repented and have cast themselves completely on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, the judgment and wrath they deserved has already been poured out upon the Lord on the cross.
"But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:26-28 ESV).
May our praise of God be a combination of both healthy fear and joy with thankfulness. And let all saints who fear Him continually praise the Lord for His steadfast love and grace!
June 7, 2008
Full of Grace
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
And of his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.
(John 1:1,14,16-18 ESV).
It's all about Him. Grace and truth are from one source, and it is not from the Law. Neither is it found in any other system of works or efforts done by human beings. Grace and truth flow from the head spring which is Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. When we turn our eyes away from worthless things (Psalm 119:37) and set our gaze upon the King of kings, we see glory. The very glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). No one has seen God ever! But the only begotten Son, who is the Word and is God, he has made him known. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This is how we know God - through His Son. "And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." There is a never ending abundance of grace for the poorest of souls and the vilest of sinners, found only in Christ Jesus my Lord and God. When the wrath of God and the Lamb comes (which it will - Revelation 6:16-17), will you be found safely hid in Him by grace?
Praise His name!
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
And of his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.
(John 1:1,14,16-18 ESV).
It's all about Him. Grace and truth are from one source, and it is not from the Law. Neither is it found in any other system of works or efforts done by human beings. Grace and truth flow from the head spring which is Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. When we turn our eyes away from worthless things (Psalm 119:37) and set our gaze upon the King of kings, we see glory. The very glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). No one has seen God ever! But the only begotten Son, who is the Word and is God, he has made him known. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This is how we know God - through His Son. "And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." There is a never ending abundance of grace for the poorest of souls and the vilest of sinners, found only in Christ Jesus my Lord and God. When the wrath of God and the Lamb comes (which it will - Revelation 6:16-17), will you be found safely hid in Him by grace?
Praise His name!
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