I would give anything for the title of this entry to be a mere spelling error, and the dispositions of my heart to be corrected at the stroke of a key.
Let me share with you a quote from the book "Gospel Remission" by Jeremiah Burroughs that has sparked a deep fire of conviction in my heart, and opened my eyes to my prating in place of praying:
"'Tis not prayer to mumble over a few words. This is to prate and not to pray."
So often my prayers of forgiveness are just mindless babble. The gravity of what I've done, the great work of God that He has done to make forgiveness possible, and the amazing grace He exercises in allowing me to participate in the results of His saving work, are, for the most part, barely discernible apparitions of truth in my heart. I know I need to ask for forgiveness, so I do, with about as much passion and reverence as I exude eating a ham sandwich.
How pathetic can I be? My prating increases my sin before God. So very often this heart needs to be reminded how to pray, reminded of the magnitude of my sin, and reminded of His infinite holiness. For these very things I am forever indebted to the godly examples we have in Scripture. David was a man after God's own heart, who sinned greatly, and repented greatly. The very next chance you get, read Psalm 51. This is a psalm of repentance, written by David after his sin with Bathsheba. Let God teach you by example how to pray, and put an end to your prate.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
"Directions for Hating Sin"
"Direct. VII. Bethink you what a life it is which you must live for ever, if you live in heaven; and what a life the holy ones there now live; and then think whether sin, which is so contrary to it, be not a vile and hateful thing.—Either you would live in heaven, or not. If not, you are not those I speak to. If you would, you know that there is no sinning; no worldly mind, no pride, no passion, no fleshly lust or pleasures there. Oh, did you but see and hear one hour, how those blessed spirits are taken up in loving and magnifying the glorious God in purity and holiness, and how far they are from sin, it would make you loathe sin ever after, and look on sinners as on men in bedlam wallowing naked in their dung. Especially, to think that you hope yourselves to live for ever like those holy spirits; and therefore sin does ill beseem you."
-"Directions for Hating Sin" by Richard Baxter in it's entirety can be found here.
-"Directions for Hating Sin" by Richard Baxter in it's entirety can be found here.
Often Oblivious to the Obvious
“True liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will.”
-Jonathan Edwards
Re-read and think on this quote, and then consider:
"... When you were slaves of sin... What benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life."
-Rom.6:20-22
Sin = Death.
Its so simple.
Just in case you were wondering, death is not a benefit.
Death is not something we cherish. Death is not something we wrap up and place under the tree to be given to our loved ones on the morn of our sweet Saviour's birth. Nor is it a tasty little treat we offer guests before a meal to whet their appetites.
Death is not a mere annoyance. Something we can live with, that just gets in the way like a pesky mosquito, bad gas, or the neighbor's yappy dog at 3am.
Death, in its least harmful form, is the physical end of you. In its worst, and most horrific form, is the eternal separation from, while experiencing the infinite wrath of, the one, true, all-powerful, holy God.
Death and sin are natural bedfellows. So why is it that I, a blood-bought child of God, no longer a slave to sin, still choose it, instead of that which brings benefit? This, in reality, is akin to standing on the freeway in front of a speeding semi because "I really like trucks, and this is how I choose to experience them." The sheer stupidity and colossal lack of faith in sound reason is astonishing.
The rebellious, wicked sinner whose eyes have not been opened to the "Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2Cor4:6) are those whom Edwards speaks of as "constrained to do what we ought not to will." They are slaves to sin, and therefore destined to death in it's worst possible form. You, Christian, however, are not so. You, through the death of Christ, have been "enslaved to God" which means instead of death, "you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life." You have the power of doing what you ought to will.
As Christians, we have the Word, we have the Spirit, yet we sin. We have everything we need to keep us healthy and satisfied, yet we choose the poison. May I be so bold as to suggest a very simple, and painfully obvious solution? Consider what the author of Hebrews teaches us about Israel's failure, and whether or not their failure might be your own...
"For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they [Israel] also; but the word they [Israel] heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard."
-Heb.4:2
Can you see the solution? Simply put, believe the Word.
"...the outcome of those things is death."
-Rom6:21
“True liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will.”
-Jonathan Edwards
-Jonathan Edwards
Re-read and think on this quote, and then consider:
"... When you were slaves of sin... What benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life."
-Rom.6:20-22
Sin = Death.
Its so simple.
Just in case you were wondering, death is not a benefit.
Death is not something we cherish. Death is not something we wrap up and place under the tree to be given to our loved ones on the morn of our sweet Saviour's birth. Nor is it a tasty little treat we offer guests before a meal to whet their appetites.
Death is not a mere annoyance. Something we can live with, that just gets in the way like a pesky mosquito, bad gas, or the neighbor's yappy dog at 3am.
Death, in its least harmful form, is the physical end of you. In its worst, and most horrific form, is the eternal separation from, while experiencing the infinite wrath of, the one, true, all-powerful, holy God.
Death and sin are natural bedfellows. So why is it that I, a blood-bought child of God, no longer a slave to sin, still choose it, instead of that which brings benefit? This, in reality, is akin to standing on the freeway in front of a speeding semi because "I really like trucks, and this is how I choose to experience them." The sheer stupidity and colossal lack of faith in sound reason is astonishing.
The rebellious, wicked sinner whose eyes have not been opened to the "Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2Cor4:6) are those whom Edwards speaks of as "constrained to do what we ought not to will." They are slaves to sin, and therefore destined to death in it's worst possible form. You, Christian, however, are not so. You, through the death of Christ, have been "enslaved to God" which means instead of death, "you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life." You have the power of doing what you ought to will.
As Christians, we have the Word, we have the Spirit, yet we sin. We have everything we need to keep us healthy and satisfied, yet we choose the poison. May I be so bold as to suggest a very simple, and painfully obvious solution? Consider what the author of Hebrews teaches us about Israel's failure, and whether or not their failure might be your own...
"For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they [Israel] also; but the word they [Israel] heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard."
-Heb.4:2
Can you see the solution? Simply put, believe the Word.
"...the outcome of those things is death."
-Rom6:21
“True liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will.”
-Jonathan Edwards
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
"Jesus is Lord"
Below is a phenomenal sermon by David Forsyth, the preaching pastor for Foothill Bible Church. The Lordship of Christ should permeate every aspect of life.
Sermon:
"Jesus is Lord"
Church website:
Foothill Bible Church
Sermon:
"Jesus is Lord"
Church website:
Foothill Bible Church
Running Boxers
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air..."
-1 Cor. 9:24-26 NASB
Three things stand out to me here; The nature of the prize, the purposefulness of the running/boxing, and the determination with which one both prepares and performs.
1) The Nature of the Prize.
Paul and the Olympic runner share something in common. They both have a highly valued prize in view, for which they give every last ounce of strength to obtain. The difference between the prizes is made extremely obvious by Paul. The runner runs for the "perishable wreath," while Paul, and his fellow Christian laborers, strive for the wreath "imperishable;" the "crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim.4:8). This imperishable wreath, or prize, is something eternal.
2) The Purposefulness of Paul's Running and Boxing.
Can you image an athlete who, determined to complete the race ahead of his competitors, runs with all his might, without the slightest idea of where the finish line is? In contradistinction, Paul runs, "as not without aim." Paul has the end in sight, finishes, and obtains the prize.
Can you imagine the boxer, whose aim is to beat the opponent into submission, trying to attain victory while hitting nothing but air? Paul replies to this ludicrous display, "I box in such a way as not beating the air." Paul lands his punches, and with monumental effect.
Beloved, each one of us is given a finish line; to each one, a target for our blows. Some of our races are life long marathons, others, quick sprints. Some of our fights are a 12 round, knock-out bout; some a quick skirmish. Our effectiveness depends on our ability to know our aim. Without purpose, we cannot effectively run or box. This reality presses deeply upon us the necessity of time in the Word, and in prayerful communion with God. Some races we will find general to Christianity, others, specific to our personal giftedness. These ends and aims must be made known to us though, by the Spirit, through His means, for us to live out victoriously the purposeful life and ministry Paul speaks of, and escape the poor plight of the ignorant runner and target-less boxer.
3) The Determination.
This comes in a very short, yet powerful statement by Paul at the end of verse 24, "Run in such a way that you may win."
Paul's point here is more than simply finishing. The grace and gifts of God are not to empower for the mere completion of a race, but to fit you with the strength and determination to be that one, the only one, who wins. Paul lays down the reality before us, that there is a race to be run, and we are to have the determination to win, which means we must train. God's graces and gifts do not fall upon us, and fit us for the race in an instant, but rather come through the appointed means, which we must make use of. We will mock and razz that athlete who comes to the Olympic games expecting to compete with seasoned athletes victoriously without any training to speak of. So should we expect failure, great loss, and a good jeering, should we discern our goal and intend to run triumphantly without first being trained.
Do you desire the imperishable wreath God has for the victorious?
What are those goals and opponents God has placed before you? Generally? Specifically?
Are you being fit for the task by taking advantage of the means God has appointed?
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air..."
-1 Cor. 9:24-26 NASB
-1 Cor. 9:24-26 NASB
Three things stand out to me here; The nature of the prize, the purposefulness of the running/boxing, and the determination with which one both prepares and performs.
1) The Nature of the Prize.
Paul and the Olympic runner share something in common. They both have a highly valued prize in view, for which they give every last ounce of strength to obtain. The difference between the prizes is made extremely obvious by Paul. The runner runs for the "perishable wreath," while Paul, and his fellow Christian laborers, strive for the wreath "imperishable;" the "crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim.4:8). This imperishable wreath, or prize, is something eternal.
2) The Purposefulness of Paul's Running and Boxing.
Can you image an athlete who, determined to complete the race ahead of his competitors, runs with all his might, without the slightest idea of where the finish line is? In contradistinction, Paul runs, "as not without aim." Paul has the end in sight, finishes, and obtains the prize.
Can you imagine the boxer, whose aim is to beat the opponent into submission, trying to attain victory while hitting nothing but air? Paul replies to this ludicrous display, "I box in such a way as not beating the air." Paul lands his punches, and with monumental effect.
Beloved, each one of us is given a finish line; to each one, a target for our blows. Some of our races are life long marathons, others, quick sprints. Some of our fights are a 12 round, knock-out bout; some a quick skirmish. Our effectiveness depends on our ability to know our aim. Without purpose, we cannot effectively run or box. This reality presses deeply upon us the necessity of time in the Word, and in prayerful communion with God. Some races we will find general to Christianity, others, specific to our personal giftedness. These ends and aims must be made known to us though, by the Spirit, through His means, for us to live out victoriously the purposeful life and ministry Paul speaks of, and escape the poor plight of the ignorant runner and target-less boxer.
3) The Determination.
This comes in a very short, yet powerful statement by Paul at the end of verse 24, "Run in such a way that you may win."
Paul's point here is more than simply finishing. The grace and gifts of God are not to empower for the mere completion of a race, but to fit you with the strength and determination to be that one, the only one, who wins. Paul lays down the reality before us, that there is a race to be run, and we are to have the determination to win, which means we must train. God's graces and gifts do not fall upon us, and fit us for the race in an instant, but rather come through the appointed means, which we must make use of. We will mock and razz that athlete who comes to the Olympic games expecting to compete with seasoned athletes victoriously without any training to speak of. So should we expect failure, great loss, and a good jeering, should we discern our goal and intend to run triumphantly without first being trained.
Do you desire the imperishable wreath God has for the victorious?
What are those goals and opponents God has placed before you? Generally? Specifically?
Are you being fit for the task by taking advantage of the means God has appointed?
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air..."
-1 Cor. 9:24-26 NASB
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Disembodied Appendages
I know a few of them.
How long can an arm be healthy when removed from the body? A leg? A head? Not long. Decay is quick and imminent. As graphic and violent as the picture can be, imagine an arm ripping itself from the body that nourishes it. Now imagine this arm, as it bleeds, suffers, and decays, wildly lamenting its present plight. A bit ridiculous, no?
Consider these words by the apostle Paul:
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.... And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."
-Eph. 4:1-7, 11-16 NASB
Can you see it? Can you see the multi-faceted jewel of blessing and purpose that is the body of Christ? Every single Christian belongs to this body. If you are saved, you are in the body. Allow me to stretch Paul's metaphor here, and say that each of us functions as a body part in a local body. Every last member has a purpose for existing in that body, as well as receiving blessing and nourishment from that body.
If you dare, as a member, a functional and dependent appendage, to rend yourself from the body, what can you expect but suffering and decay!? Dear Christian, look up! Look at the unity, the functionality, the blessedness, the health, the maturity, the strength, the purpose, of the member that remains secured! You cannot survive without being a dependent and active part of this body. If you are a Christian without a Church home, yes you are saved, but, dear brother or sister, expect to suffer. God loves His children. He nourishes, protects, educates, guides, and sustains those whom He has purchased, but accomplishes these ends through the regular means of the local Church.
Cry till there are no tears left, pray till your knees are raw and sore, read till your head spins, but don't expect miraculous help from God for whatever ales you when you repeatedly reject His answer that stands before you here in Scripture, and before your very face in audible form in the exhortations of friends. You belong in the body. You need to be nourished by the body. You need to serve the body. It is your life this side of eternity, as well as your eternity. Come, let us shower you with true agape love (1 Cor.13), and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
How long can an arm be healthy when removed from the body? A leg? A head? Not long. Decay is quick and imminent. As graphic and violent as the picture can be, imagine an arm ripping itself from the body that nourishes it. Now imagine this arm, as it bleeds, suffers, and decays, wildly lamenting its present plight. A bit ridiculous, no?
Consider these words by the apostle Paul:
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.... And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."
-Eph. 4:1-7, 11-16 NASB
Can you see it? Can you see the multi-faceted jewel of blessing and purpose that is the body of Christ? Every single Christian belongs to this body. If you are saved, you are in the body. Allow me to stretch Paul's metaphor here, and say that each of us functions as a body part in a local body. Every last member has a purpose for existing in that body, as well as receiving blessing and nourishment from that body.
If you dare, as a member, a functional and dependent appendage, to rend yourself from the body, what can you expect but suffering and decay!? Dear Christian, look up! Look at the unity, the functionality, the blessedness, the health, the maturity, the strength, the purpose, of the member that remains secured! You cannot survive without being a dependent and active part of this body. If you are a Christian without a Church home, yes you are saved, but, dear brother or sister, expect to suffer. God loves His children. He nourishes, protects, educates, guides, and sustains those whom He has purchased, but accomplishes these ends through the regular means of the local Church.
Cry till there are no tears left, pray till your knees are raw and sore, read till your head spins, but don't expect miraculous help from God for whatever ales you when you repeatedly reject His answer that stands before you here in Scripture, and before your very face in audible form in the exhortations of friends. You belong in the body. You need to be nourished by the body. You need to serve the body. It is your life this side of eternity, as well as your eternity. Come, let us shower you with true agape love (1 Cor.13), and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
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