We can discuss theology and technicalities but you must start with the basics. Do you know Jesus Christ and does Jesus Christ know you?
Read this Before You Die!!
5 days ago
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Saved?
There is no one in right standing with or that seeks after God on their own. I will be held accountable to the laws of God. (Romans 3:9-20) On the day of judgment the evil ones will be separated out and thrown in the lake of fire. (Matthew 13:49-50)
Even if I want to do what is right I do not have the ability to keep doing it on my own because nothing good dwells in me apart from Christ. (Romans 7:18) But, God the Father draws me in - He calls me out of the depths of my sin. (John 6:44)
Before Christ my heart is hard and I am storing up God’s anger against me and it is set to be given to me on judgment day because I deserve it. If I am self seeking and do not obey the truth I will have the full wrath of God on me. However, if I seek the Lord and I persevere in the truth I will receive eternal life. It does not matter how I started out or who I was; it only matters if I sought Jesus when He called. (Romans 2:5-11)
I once lived however I wanted doing whatever I wanted, but I was spiritually dead. But, even when I was foul and a God hater, God chose to have mercy on me. He loved me enough to give His son to pay the price for my sin. It is not because of anything I did but only because of the grace and kindness of God that I am able to carry on and receive eternal life. (Ephesians 2:1-10 & John 3:16)
You see when God called me I was able to believe and tell everyone that Jesus was raised from the dead after He paid the price for my sins. God saved me. (Romans 10:9)
Now I know God’s law and in my life there is less sin everyday. But, if I do sin Jesus is my advocate. He paid for my sins. And now my life reflects that in my actions. You see if I said that I know Jesus but my life was the same as before what would that say? (1 John 2:1-6)
God works everything together to accomplish what He wants. Whether it is good or bad He uses it to further His kingdom. So, if God is for me and works all things for good, then what do I have to worry about? (Romans 8:28-33) The Bible tells me the only thing I should fear is that which can destroy my soul and send me to hell. (Matthew 10:28)
So, now I have peace with God through Jesus and I can be joyful in every situation. I am not joyful because of the situation but because of what God is doing through it. (Romans 5:1-5)
Even if I want to do what is right I do not have the ability to keep doing it on my own because nothing good dwells in me apart from Christ. (Romans 7:18) But, God the Father draws me in - He calls me out of the depths of my sin. (John 6:44)
Before Christ my heart is hard and I am storing up God’s anger against me and it is set to be given to me on judgment day because I deserve it. If I am self seeking and do not obey the truth I will have the full wrath of God on me. However, if I seek the Lord and I persevere in the truth I will receive eternal life. It does not matter how I started out or who I was; it only matters if I sought Jesus when He called. (Romans 2:5-11)
I once lived however I wanted doing whatever I wanted, but I was spiritually dead. But, even when I was foul and a God hater, God chose to have mercy on me. He loved me enough to give His son to pay the price for my sin. It is not because of anything I did but only because of the grace and kindness of God that I am able to carry on and receive eternal life. (Ephesians 2:1-10 & John 3:16)
You see when God called me I was able to believe and tell everyone that Jesus was raised from the dead after He paid the price for my sins. God saved me. (Romans 10:9)
Now I know God’s law and in my life there is less sin everyday. But, if I do sin Jesus is my advocate. He paid for my sins. And now my life reflects that in my actions. You see if I said that I know Jesus but my life was the same as before what would that say? (1 John 2:1-6)
God works everything together to accomplish what He wants. Whether it is good or bad He uses it to further His kingdom. So, if God is for me and works all things for good, then what do I have to worry about? (Romans 8:28-33) The Bible tells me the only thing I should fear is that which can destroy my soul and send me to hell. (Matthew 10:28)
So, now I have peace with God through Jesus and I can be joyful in every situation. I am not joyful because of the situation but because of what God is doing through it. (Romans 5:1-5)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Election
I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as
preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what is
nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism;
Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can
preach the gospel...unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His
dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable,
eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor do I think we
can preach the gospel unless we base it upon the special and
particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ
wrought out upon the Cross; nor can I comprehend a gospel which
lets saints fall away after they are called.
-Charles Spurgeon
The doctrines of our election, and free justification in Christ Jesus
are daily more and more pressed upon my heart. They fill my soul
with a holy fire and afford me great confidence in God my Saviour.
I hope we shall catch fire from each other, and that there will be a
holy emulation amongst us, who shall most debase man and exalt the
Lord Jesus. Nothing but the doctrines of the Reformation can do
this. All others leave freewill in man and make him, in part at least, a
saviour to himself. My soul, come not thou near the secret of those
who teach such things...I know Christ is all in all. Man Is nothing: he
hath a free will to go to hell, but none to go to heaven, till God
worketh in him to will and to do his good pleasure.
Oh, the excellency of the doctrine of election and of the saints' final
perseverance! I am persuaded, til a man comes to believe and feel
these important truths, he cannot come out of himself, but when
convinced of these and assured of their application to his own heart,
he then walks by faith indeed!
-George Whitefield
preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what is
nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism;
Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can
preach the gospel...unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His
dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable,
eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor do I think we
can preach the gospel unless we base it upon the special and
particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ
wrought out upon the Cross; nor can I comprehend a gospel which
lets saints fall away after they are called.
-Charles Spurgeon
The doctrines of our election, and free justification in Christ Jesus
are daily more and more pressed upon my heart. They fill my soul
with a holy fire and afford me great confidence in God my Saviour.
I hope we shall catch fire from each other, and that there will be a
holy emulation amongst us, who shall most debase man and exalt the
Lord Jesus. Nothing but the doctrines of the Reformation can do
this. All others leave freewill in man and make him, in part at least, a
saviour to himself. My soul, come not thou near the secret of those
who teach such things...I know Christ is all in all. Man Is nothing: he
hath a free will to go to hell, but none to go to heaven, till God
worketh in him to will and to do his good pleasure.
Oh, the excellency of the doctrine of election and of the saints' final
perseverance! I am persuaded, til a man comes to believe and feel
these important truths, he cannot come out of himself, but when
convinced of these and assured of their application to his own heart,
he then walks by faith indeed!
-George Whitefield
Monday, January 26, 2009
Structure
Our society has setup a standard of acceptance, tolerance and excuse making. Some churches have embraced this attitude and others struggle. But, the practice has crept into our daily lives without notice; much to the detriment of the health of the church.
So, the very Christians that should be leading by example are now busy making excuses on why the teenagers cannot possibly live up to the standards that God has setup, women can do anything men can do no matter what you say, you don’t know my past and how hard it has been, I cant possibly understand all of this so why bother, church people are difficult and mean. This is where our structure is falling apart.
You see God setup the church and the family to function in a certain way and the modern church is struggling. The older are suppose to mentor the younger, the men are suppose to lead, there are suppose to be standards for the children, women are to submit, we are to honor one another and learn from one anther. But, our society has set us up to be so me centered we get wrapped up in making sure I get what I need that we leave our brother or sister lying on the side of the road.
Here’s an example of the breakdown:
A husband is so worn out from an unsubmitted wife that he gives up and does not lead his family in prayer and scripture; he would rather work than take on the entire family.
His children begin to have to make life decisions but have little Biblical basis to go on. The family has never really had the intimacy of Bible study together so the kids are not comfortable discussing tough issues with their parents so they just make whatever decision they want. The child gets in trouble, the father tries to discipline, the mother blames the father and the whole family is in turmoil.
Now while all of this is going on they are trying to learn and teach at their church. But, because of the home life they are not sufficiently fed in their personal time to give back to others and they feel guilty that they are not getting it right so they are reluctant to participate.
Now multiply that by 30 families and put them in one church. Now you have a bunch of reluctant malnourished Christians wondering why they are worn out and feeling defeated. And there stands the pastor pouring out everything he has with little structural support.
Now here is an example of working within the structure God has given us:
A man, with the support of his wife, sits his family down everyday to pray together and read the Bible. The children have a strong background in the word as well as countless hours of serious and intimate time with their parents.
Now the child has the opportunity to make decisions and they have the Biblical knowledge to make wise ones. But, even when they make mistakes the parents unite and discipline the child quickly. The child learns of grave, forgiveness, consequences and love.
The house is ordered and the parents are united. When this family comes to church they are well fed from the week’s Bible study they had together. They are ready to speak wisdom and train others. Multiply that by 30 families and the pastor has support and does not bear the full weight of the burden.
Church discipline can also be used properly in a church like this because the men are able to discern what is needed to be done without the cloudiness of their own guilt in the way. The home practiced submission of the congregation also makes church discipline possible.
Now I understand that these are simplified examples but the point is the same. God setup a structure for a reason; it was not just because He felt like it. If your home is not in order it is difficult for your church to be in order.
It is true within families that you must sometimes choose your battles with your children wisely. I will definitively say that reading the Bible and praying with your family is a battle you must choose if you are a Christian family!
Men do not leave your families lying on the side of the road. Women do not hinder your husband’s God given mandate to be the spiritual leader of the house. Stop robbing your children of the upbringing that God intended for them. If you never give your children standards they have nothing to aim for.
So, the very Christians that should be leading by example are now busy making excuses on why the teenagers cannot possibly live up to the standards that God has setup, women can do anything men can do no matter what you say, you don’t know my past and how hard it has been, I cant possibly understand all of this so why bother, church people are difficult and mean. This is where our structure is falling apart.
You see God setup the church and the family to function in a certain way and the modern church is struggling. The older are suppose to mentor the younger, the men are suppose to lead, there are suppose to be standards for the children, women are to submit, we are to honor one another and learn from one anther. But, our society has set us up to be so me centered we get wrapped up in making sure I get what I need that we leave our brother or sister lying on the side of the road.
Here’s an example of the breakdown:
A husband is so worn out from an unsubmitted wife that he gives up and does not lead his family in prayer and scripture; he would rather work than take on the entire family.
His children begin to have to make life decisions but have little Biblical basis to go on. The family has never really had the intimacy of Bible study together so the kids are not comfortable discussing tough issues with their parents so they just make whatever decision they want. The child gets in trouble, the father tries to discipline, the mother blames the father and the whole family is in turmoil.
Now while all of this is going on they are trying to learn and teach at their church. But, because of the home life they are not sufficiently fed in their personal time to give back to others and they feel guilty that they are not getting it right so they are reluctant to participate.
Now multiply that by 30 families and put them in one church. Now you have a bunch of reluctant malnourished Christians wondering why they are worn out and feeling defeated. And there stands the pastor pouring out everything he has with little structural support.
Now here is an example of working within the structure God has given us:
A man, with the support of his wife, sits his family down everyday to pray together and read the Bible. The children have a strong background in the word as well as countless hours of serious and intimate time with their parents.
Now the child has the opportunity to make decisions and they have the Biblical knowledge to make wise ones. But, even when they make mistakes the parents unite and discipline the child quickly. The child learns of grave, forgiveness, consequences and love.
The house is ordered and the parents are united. When this family comes to church they are well fed from the week’s Bible study they had together. They are ready to speak wisdom and train others. Multiply that by 30 families and the pastor has support and does not bear the full weight of the burden.
Church discipline can also be used properly in a church like this because the men are able to discern what is needed to be done without the cloudiness of their own guilt in the way. The home practiced submission of the congregation also makes church discipline possible.
Now I understand that these are simplified examples but the point is the same. God setup a structure for a reason; it was not just because He felt like it. If your home is not in order it is difficult for your church to be in order.
It is true within families that you must sometimes choose your battles with your children wisely. I will definitively say that reading the Bible and praying with your family is a battle you must choose if you are a Christian family!
Men do not leave your families lying on the side of the road. Women do not hinder your husband’s God given mandate to be the spiritual leader of the house. Stop robbing your children of the upbringing that God intended for them. If you never give your children standards they have nothing to aim for.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Some Spurgeon Wisdom
Thought I would share this little piece from Charles Spurgeon:
“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
- 1Co_9:22
Paul’s great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our Christian labours been aimed at anything below this great point? Then let us amend our ways, for of what avail will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? Blood-red will our skirts be if through life we have sought inferior objects, and forgotten that men needed to be saved. Paul knew the ruin of man’s natural state, and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he saw men sinking to hell, and did not talk of refining them, but of saving from the wrath to come. To compass their salvation, he gave himself up with untiring zeal to telling abroad the gospel, to warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were importunate and his labours incessant. To save souls was his consuming passion, his ambition, his calling. He became a servant to all men, toiling for his race, feeling a woe within him if he preached not the gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in things indifferent, and if men would but receive the gospel, he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies: the gospel was the one all-important business with him. If he might save some he would be content. This was the crown for which he strove, the sole and sufficient reward of all his labours and self-denials. Dear reader, have you and I lived to win souls at this noble rate? Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners, cannot we live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where our love to Christ, if we seek not his honour in the salvation of men? O that the Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.
“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
- 1Co_9:22
Paul’s great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our Christian labours been aimed at anything below this great point? Then let us amend our ways, for of what avail will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? Blood-red will our skirts be if through life we have sought inferior objects, and forgotten that men needed to be saved. Paul knew the ruin of man’s natural state, and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he saw men sinking to hell, and did not talk of refining them, but of saving from the wrath to come. To compass their salvation, he gave himself up with untiring zeal to telling abroad the gospel, to warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were importunate and his labours incessant. To save souls was his consuming passion, his ambition, his calling. He became a servant to all men, toiling for his race, feeling a woe within him if he preached not the gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in things indifferent, and if men would but receive the gospel, he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies: the gospel was the one all-important business with him. If he might save some he would be content. This was the crown for which he strove, the sole and sufficient reward of all his labours and self-denials. Dear reader, have you and I lived to win souls at this noble rate? Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners, cannot we live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where our love to Christ, if we seek not his honour in the salvation of men? O that the Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Streams of Water
This is a song by EPO.
I was fortunate enough to be part of writting this song...but today I learned the weight of this song in life.
Lord, I have cried many tears for the ones I love that are not getting it right. This is the prayer of our hearts, to truly love your law.
Sustain me according to your promise
Your Word is truth that endures forever
Uphold me, and I will be delivered
Give me life according to your word
To your word
I cry out Lord as I stand in your presence
You give me understanding of your Word
Your law is my delight and I will praise you
Your righteousness is righteous forever
Forever
Streams of water run down my eyes
Because of those who do not keep your law
Turn to me and have mercy on me
As you do to those who love your name
As you do to those who love your name
I rise before dawn and cry for your help oh Lord
I will maintain hope in all of your Words
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love
According to your justice give me life
Give me life
Your reject all who stray from your law
The wicked you discard like dross
Therefore I love your law
I stand in awe
Streams of water run down my eyes
Because of those who do not keep your law
Turn to me and have mercy on me
As you do to those who love your name
As you do to those who love your name
I was fortunate enough to be part of writting this song...but today I learned the weight of this song in life.
Lord, I have cried many tears for the ones I love that are not getting it right. This is the prayer of our hearts, to truly love your law.
Sustain me according to your promise
Your Word is truth that endures forever
Uphold me, and I will be delivered
Give me life according to your word
To your word
I cry out Lord as I stand in your presence
You give me understanding of your Word
Your law is my delight and I will praise you
Your righteousness is righteous forever
Forever
Streams of water run down my eyes
Because of those who do not keep your law
Turn to me and have mercy on me
As you do to those who love your name
As you do to those who love your name
I rise before dawn and cry for your help oh Lord
I will maintain hope in all of your Words
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love
According to your justice give me life
Give me life
Your reject all who stray from your law
The wicked you discard like dross
Therefore I love your law
I stand in awe
Streams of water run down my eyes
Because of those who do not keep your law
Turn to me and have mercy on me
As you do to those who love your name
As you do to those who love your name
Thursday, November 6, 2008
A New Nation - Changes
So here is the scene:
There is a country torn by war and in economic crisis. The middle class is disappearing and the country is politically split. Everyone agrees change is needed but it is difficult to agree on what that change needs to be.
The political system is full of doubt and corruption. It is difficult to find a worthy leader among them. The people are bitter and tired; the previous governmental policies have left behind what seems to be uncertainty.
But a party begins to rally the displaced, the poor, the angry, those longing for change. Their party begins to gain seats in the government; they are gaining power and a chance for change.
The leader in power, struggles with everything he can muster to save the country from the economic disaster that is pending; but “his ineffectual government undermined what remained of belief in democracy.”
Playing on the economic fears and unrest of the country there is a chance to pull enough votes for change. Finally, the party rising to power has found a charismatic and strong leader. He has a chance to lead us into the next era.
Sound familiar?
Well let me tell you the rest of the story….
The leader does come to power and does ignite changes and unity within the country. The country becomes a powerful nation and the economic status improves. Many benefit financially from this administration’s policies. There is food, housing and education available.
But, here is the rest of the story: to ignite that change the country committed horrific acts and ignored the death of their democracy. This was the price of their comfort and lifestyle.
This country was Germany and this leader was Hitler.
What price are you willing to pay for the change that is coming? What are you willing to sacrifice to spread the wealth? Who decides where the wealth should go? Who should get your money if you can’t keep it?
There is a country torn by war and in economic crisis. The middle class is disappearing and the country is politically split. Everyone agrees change is needed but it is difficult to agree on what that change needs to be.
The political system is full of doubt and corruption. It is difficult to find a worthy leader among them. The people are bitter and tired; the previous governmental policies have left behind what seems to be uncertainty.
But a party begins to rally the displaced, the poor, the angry, those longing for change. Their party begins to gain seats in the government; they are gaining power and a chance for change.
The leader in power, struggles with everything he can muster to save the country from the economic disaster that is pending; but “his ineffectual government undermined what remained of belief in democracy.”
Playing on the economic fears and unrest of the country there is a chance to pull enough votes for change. Finally, the party rising to power has found a charismatic and strong leader. He has a chance to lead us into the next era.
Sound familiar?
Well let me tell you the rest of the story….
The leader does come to power and does ignite changes and unity within the country. The country becomes a powerful nation and the economic status improves. Many benefit financially from this administration’s policies. There is food, housing and education available.
But, here is the rest of the story: to ignite that change the country committed horrific acts and ignored the death of their democracy. This was the price of their comfort and lifestyle.
This country was Germany and this leader was Hitler.
What price are you willing to pay for the change that is coming? What are you willing to sacrifice to spread the wealth? Who decides where the wealth should go? Who should get your money if you can’t keep it?
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