God Owns Our Battles - 2 Chronicles 20:15

 A Prayer about God’s Ownership of Our Battles

The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s. 1 Sam. 17:47
 
This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chron. 20:15
 
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 Jn. 4:4
 
     Dear heavenly Father, I love it when you’re selfish with things I don’t really want anyway—especially when you claim ownership of our battles. Though you give us armor to wear (Eph. 6:10–18), it’s you we must trust in as the Divine Warrior. We’re never more than David facing Goliath; but with you, we’ll not be afraid. Whether it’s a mere skirmish or an all-out assault, the battle belongs to you. Fear and discouragement are not the order of the day; faith and peace are.
     When we’re afraid of events in world history—when it seems like evil and terror will triumph, let us hear the laughter of heaven. Let us see your installed King, the Lord Jesus—the ruler of the kings of the earth. Give us a fresh sighting of the occupied throne of heaven (Rev. 4), and it will shut up our fears (Ps. 2).
     When we’re under attack by the seducer, accuser, and condemner of the brethren, once again let us see Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30–31). Our boast is in Jesus, not in anything in us.
     When we get pulled into petty fights with our brothers and sisters in Christ, slay us with the gospel and bring us back to faith expressing itself in love.
     When marriage becomes a momentary battleground of two stubborn people—vying for control, ”rightness,” or self-glory, convict us by the Spirit, humble us with grace and return us to servant love.
     When we’re in the presence of evil and very broken people, keep us sane and centered by the gospel. Give us wisdom and freedom to love well in the dark places.
     When our divided hearts wage war inside of us, come to us in the storm, Lord Jesus, and make peace. It’s your grip of us, not our weak grasp of you, that will win this day and every day. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name. - Scotty Smith

Scotty Smith shared this a few days ago. What a relief to know our gracious Father is not only concerned about our battles but is indeed in control of them.  Let us rest easy knowing He guides and directs all the events that come our way.

The Word Became Manifest - 1 John 1:1-4

    That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
    (1 John 1:1-4 ESV)

RE Mark Van Drunen

Which city will you chose?

How we need to learn the lesson of suffering...

"Is there a lesson here for how we should suffer? Have you ever noticed that we are not only to imitate the Lord's suffering, but the Lord's joy in it? Paul said to the Thessalonians, "You became imitators...of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). It was the joy of the Lord in affliction that filled this young church.

"This is a call to us now in our day. Will we embrace suffering for the cause of Christ? Not joylessness, but suffering. Will we heed the call of Hebrews 13:13, "Let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured"? The answer is going to hang on whether the city of God is more desirable to us than the city of man. Will we answer, "Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come" (Hebrews 13:14)?

...For those who have tasted the joy of Jesus, surely nothing is more compelling than the all-surpassing hope of hearing his final word, "Well done good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21). The city of God is a city of joy. And that joy is the indestructible joy of Christ. Taken from Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper, pgs. 38-39.

Which city will you chose, the city of man or the city of God?

Walking on Water - Matthew 14:22-33

    Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
    And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
    (Matthew 14:22-33 ESV)

This past Lord's day morning we welcomed Rev. Jason Strong to our pulpit. 

We were blessed by the word he brought to us.

Rev. Jason Strong

J.I. Packer on Weakness

I think I need this book by Packer.

J. I. Packer helps Christians to embrace weakness as he shares about his own struggles in this book of meditations on 2 Corinthians. Ultimately, Packer directs us to the ultimate source of strength and power: Christ himself.

Tim Keller on Work

Thought this was good. Get the book!

One Request - Psalm 27:4

 

Redeemer's New Website

Hey, check out the new website for Redeemer Church (PCA). You can keep up on events, schedules our calender, & listen and download sermons and classes. Its all available to view. Also, check out our page for info on this Summer's VBS. 

While your surfin' the net have a look at our Facebook page and "like" us, too.

Writing and Ministry: Reaching the Next Generation

Cool beans...

Writing and Ministry: Reaching the Next Generation from Westminster Theological Seminary on Vimeo.

Thanks to WTS for posting!

Church Discipline

    “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
    (Matthew 18:15-20 ESV)

The Widow's Mite - Mark 12:41-44

    And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. (Mark 12:41-44 ESV)

Interview with Liam Goligher

Interesting comments from Liam Goligher...





Thanks WTS Online for sharing.

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Week 11

The Leading of the Spirit
   
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
    (Romans 8:12-17 ESV)

My flesh and my heart may fail...

    My flesh and my heart may fail,
        but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:26 ESV)

 

This verse offers no end of comfort and many of us come to it often. Concerning this passage John Calvin rightly states

I am rather disposed to think that there is here a contrast between the failing which David felt in himself and the strength with which he was divinely supplied; as if he had said, Separated from God I am nothing, and all that I attempt to do ends in nothing; but when I come to him, I find an abundant supply of strength. It is highly necessary for us to consider what we are without God; for no man will cast himself wholly upon God, but he who feels himself in a fainting condition, and who despairs of the sufficiency of his own powers. We will seek nothing from God but what we are conscious of wanting in ourselves. Indeed, all men confess this, and the greater part think that all which is necessary is that God should aid our infirmities, or afford us succor when we have not the means of adequately relieving ourselves. But the confession of David is far more ample than this when he lays, so to speak, his own nothingness before God. He, therefore, very properly adds, that God is his portion.

John Calvin (2009-06-03). Commentary on Psalms - Volume 3 - Enhanced Version (Calvin's Commentaries) (Kindle Locations 2502-2509). Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Kindle Edition.

Three Duties - Colossians 4:16-18

    And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
    I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
(Colossians 4:16-18 ESV)

The Scribes Conceit - Mark 12:38-40

    And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
(Mark 12:38-40 ESV)

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Week 10

The Guarantee of the Spirit

    For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
    (2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV)

Richard Gaffin on Sanctification & Justification

Sanctification Is Our Work Of Gratitude For God's Work Of Justification, Right? (Richard Gaffin; CCEF) from Desiring God on Vimeo.

Five More Friends - Colossians 4:12-15

    Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
    (Colossians 4:12-15 ESV)

What Do You Think of Christ? - Mark 12:35-37

   And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,
    “‘The Lord said to my Lord,
    “Sit at my right hand,
        until I put your enemies under your feet.”’
    David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.
(Mark 12:35-37 ESV)

    The LORD says to my Lord:
        “Sit at my right hand,
    until I make your enemies your footstool.”
    The LORD sends forth from Zion
        your mighty scepter.
        Rule in the midst of your enemies!
    Your people will offer themselves freely
        on the day of your power,
        in holy garments;
    from the womb of the morning,
        the dew of your youth will be yours.
    The LORD has sworn
        and will not change his mind,
    “You are a priest forever
        after the order of Melchizedek.”
    The Lord is at your right hand;
        he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
    He will execute judgment among the nations,
        filling them with corpses;
    he will shatter chiefs
        over the wide earth.
    He will drink from the brook by the way;
        therefore he will lift up his head.
(Psalm 110 ESV)

Richard Gaffin on "New Creation"

A good explanation in just 6 minutes...

In Christ = New Creation (Richard Gaffin; CCEF) from Desiring God on Vimeo.

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
    (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

Five Friends

Acknowledge those who are faithful.

    Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
    Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
    (Colossians 4:7-13 ESV)

Redeemer Church's website has a new look. Check it out here.

Not Far But Not In - Mark 12:28-34

How far are you from the Kingdom of God?

    And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
(Mark 12:28-34 ESV)

Check out Redeemer Church's new website here.

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Week 9

    So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
    (Romans 8:12-17 ESV)

Check out Redeemer Church's updated website here.