The next time you sit down to pray, keep in my mind the men you know, and perhaps don’t know, that are out of work. In this economic crisis there must be at least one man you know who has lost his position. We as men are not designed to stay home even if we are keeping our selves busy with necessary duties and chores around the home. Sure, we can mend that fence and replace that leaky faucet and clean out the garage. But we were designed to work, to bring in the Kingdom with the skills and talents that our Lord has entrusted to us. It’s not only the loss of income that can be so devastating. The pure lack of fixed employment can crush the male spirit. So, go before the Lord on behalf of those men who are unemployed and ask the Lord to give them employment and until such time pray that they will not fall into despair or feel discouraged. Ask that their financial needs will be met. Ask that they will be strengthened and feel energized each day to seek for employment and not be troubled by news of the economy. Ask that they will remember and be as confident as Job when he said, The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)
26 March 2009
The Next Time You Pray...
The next time you sit down to pray, keep in my mind the men you know, and perhaps don’t know, that are out of work. In this economic crisis there must be at least one man you know who has lost his position. We as men are not designed to stay home even if we are keeping our selves busy with necessary duties and chores around the home. Sure, we can mend that fence and replace that leaky faucet and clean out the garage. But we were designed to work, to bring in the Kingdom with the skills and talents that our Lord has entrusted to us. It’s not only the loss of income that can be so devastating. The pure lack of fixed employment can crush the male spirit. So, go before the Lord on behalf of those men who are unemployed and ask the Lord to give them employment and until such time pray that they will not fall into despair or feel discouraged. Ask that their financial needs will be met. Ask that they will be strengthened and feel energized each day to seek for employment and not be troubled by news of the economy. Ask that they will remember and be as confident as Job when he said, The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)
The Creedal Emphases of Our Faith
Jump over and read Iain Campbell's latest post, Means of Grace. Its a valued reminder of our means of grace as he states, The emphasis on grace is a reminder that it is possible for us to have a real relationship with God, and that such a relationship is founded and grounded upon his action toward us. And, its not over when we receive his grace, either. Christian living means living in the light and in the grip of grace. I won't steal his thunder so please read it for yourself but allow me to share his conclusion, This may all seem academic, but it is anything but. There is a need to recover the creedal emphases of our faith, with their high view of the way God has chosen to minister his grace into the lives of his people. We have tended to dumb down the idea of the church, and even a need for it. But Christ has appointed it, and, however distasteful the idea might appear to some, outside of it there is no ordinary possibility of our receiving the grace of God at all.
21 March 2009
Some Thoughts on Church Attendance, The Welfare State and The Family
There is an interesting connection between the welfare state in this country and church attendance. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal by W. Bradford Wilcox points out that, The secular tide appears to be running strongest among young Americans. Religious attendance among those 21 to 45 years old is at its lowest level in decades, according to Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow. Only 25% of young adults now attend services regularly, compared with about one-third in the early 1970s.
The most powerful force driving religious participation down is the nation's recent retreat from marriage, Mr. Wuthnow notes. Nothing brings women and especially men into the pews like marriage and parenthood, as they seek out the religious, moral and social support provided by a congregation upon starting a family of their own. But because growing numbers of young adults are now postponing or avoiding marriage and childbearing, they are also much less likely to end up in church on any given Sunday. Sounds bad enough, eh? He continues by pointing out that, Now, President Barack Obama seems poised to give secularism in America another boost, however inadvertently...the president's audacious plans for the expansion of the government -- from the stimulus to health-care reform to a larger role in education -- are likely to spell trouble for the vitality of American religion. His $3.6 trillion budget for fiscal 2010 would bring federal, state and local spending to about 40% of the gross domestic product -- within hailing distance of Europe, where state spending runs about 46% of GDP. The European experience suggests that the growth of the welfare state goes hand in hand with declines in personal religiosity.
A recent study of 33 countries by Anthony Gill and Erik Lundsgaarde found an inverse relationship between religious observance and welfare spending. Countries with larger welfare states, such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark, had markedly lower levels of religious attendance, affiliation and trust in God than countries with a history of limited government, such as the U.S., the Philippines and Brazil. Public spending amounts to more than one half of the GDP in Sweden, where only 4% of the population regularly attends church. By contrast, public spending amounts to 18% of the Philippines' GDP, and 68% of Filipinos regularly attend church.
What will almost certainly happen? The president's plans will make it ever more possible for the American public to turn away from their churches and/or church attendance and look to the government to satisfy their various needs. We already see this occuring all around us from education to health care.
Wilcox concludes by stating, This is not to say that the health of the American religious sector depends only on some level of economic or social dislocation to attract people to congregations. Many Americans are religious for reasons that have nothing to do with the mutual aid found in churches and charities, such as the desire to be in a personal relationship with God or to keep faith with important family traditions. But the reasons for going to church are not so easily separated. And many of those who initially turn to religious organizations for mutual aid end up developing a faith that is as supernatural as it is material. But first they need to enter the door.
So my friends, how do you and I, the regular church attending American, concerned about the religious and spiritual state of our country, proceed from here?
Read the entire article here.
The most powerful force driving religious participation down is the nation's recent retreat from marriage, Mr. Wuthnow notes. Nothing brings women and especially men into the pews like marriage and parenthood, as they seek out the religious, moral and social support provided by a congregation upon starting a family of their own. But because growing numbers of young adults are now postponing or avoiding marriage and childbearing, they are also much less likely to end up in church on any given Sunday. Sounds bad enough, eh? He continues by pointing out that, Now, President Barack Obama seems poised to give secularism in America another boost, however inadvertently...the president's audacious plans for the expansion of the government -- from the stimulus to health-care reform to a larger role in education -- are likely to spell trouble for the vitality of American religion. His $3.6 trillion budget for fiscal 2010 would bring federal, state and local spending to about 40% of the gross domestic product -- within hailing distance of Europe, where state spending runs about 46% of GDP. The European experience suggests that the growth of the welfare state goes hand in hand with declines in personal religiosity.
A recent study of 33 countries by Anthony Gill and Erik Lundsgaarde found an inverse relationship between religious observance and welfare spending. Countries with larger welfare states, such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark, had markedly lower levels of religious attendance, affiliation and trust in God than countries with a history of limited government, such as the U.S., the Philippines and Brazil. Public spending amounts to more than one half of the GDP in Sweden, where only 4% of the population regularly attends church. By contrast, public spending amounts to 18% of the Philippines' GDP, and 68% of Filipinos regularly attend church.
What will almost certainly happen? The president's plans will make it ever more possible for the American public to turn away from their churches and/or church attendance and look to the government to satisfy their various needs. We already see this occuring all around us from education to health care.
Wilcox concludes by stating, This is not to say that the health of the American religious sector depends only on some level of economic or social dislocation to attract people to congregations. Many Americans are religious for reasons that have nothing to do with the mutual aid found in churches and charities, such as the desire to be in a personal relationship with God or to keep faith with important family traditions. But the reasons for going to church are not so easily separated. And many of those who initially turn to religious organizations for mutual aid end up developing a faith that is as supernatural as it is material. But first they need to enter the door.
So my friends, how do you and I, the regular church attending American, concerned about the religious and spiritual state of our country, proceed from here?
Read the entire article here.
Lord's Day 12 Heidelberg Catechism
Lord's Day 12:
Scripture Readings: Exodus 29:1-9; 1 Samuel 13:1-14; Romans 12: 1-8
Question 31. Why is he called "Christ," meaning anointed?
Answer. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who perfectly reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God for our redemption; our only high priest who has redeemed us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the redemption he has won for us.
Question 32. But why are you called a Christian?
Answer. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.
For discussion:
In what ways can we present ourselves as a living sacrifice?
Scripture Readings: Exodus 29:1-9; 1 Samuel 13:1-14; Romans 12: 1-8
Question 31. Why is he called "Christ," meaning anointed?
Answer. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who perfectly reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God for our redemption; our only high priest who has redeemed us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the redemption he has won for us.
Question 32. But why are you called a Christian?
Answer. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.
For discussion:
In what ways can we present ourselves as a living sacrifice?
18 March 2009
New Fundamentalist?
I'd like to draw your attention to Erik's recent post at the Irish Calvinist. He begins it this way, I am not a fundamentalist. At least I don’t think that I am. In fact, I have prided myself on some occasions with my acerbic criticism of those who wear their fundi-wear a little too tight. But here recently, as I look in the mirror and watch some of my friends, I wonder if we are not the ‘new fundamentalists’.
See I am like many of my friends. I am 32 year old pastor. I am a Calvinist and I love the gospel of Christ. I have multiple tattoos and am sketching another right now. I am comfortable wearing my 14 gauge earrings, flat bill, suede Adidas, grunged out jeans. I drink almost exclusively English imported Beer (St. Peter’s and Boddingtons are favorites). I don’t listen to Christian radio and could not tell you the difference between the Newsboys or Casting Crowns (I actually had to google ‘top Christian bands’ to get that info). And on and on the list could go, but you get the idea. I’m one of these guys.
Sounds like a cool dude to me because I'm a 49 year old layman, a Calvinist and I, too, love the gospel of Christ. I have multiple tattoos and I'm always considering several new tat designs. I spend most of my time in black jeans, t-shirts and often where a skull & cross bones bandana to cover my bald head. I imbibe almost exclusively English or Scottish stouts (Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Guinness and McEwans Scotch Ale are my favorites). I do know who the Newsboys and Casting Crowns are but often would rather listen to something heavier such as Decyfer Down or Day of Fire. So, I'm one of these guys, too. I think Erik & I were cut from the same cloth.
Moreover, Erik goes on to point out that some of these preferences often become our own test of orthodoxy. Just like the old fundy's of the non-movie going, non-card playing, white, button down collar, shirt and tie crowd we can now have our own test of Christianity. He goes on to make a crucial point, This is really dangerous. Our moral code (in this case liberties and preferences) becomes the test of our orthodoxy...Maybe this is our preference or perhaps it is our craving...The danger in this type of new fundamentalism is the same as with the old. The glory of Christ gets eclipsed by the glory of self. Our identity slow becomes wrapped up in who we are not rather than who Christ is. This is so true. Am I so busy trying to be "me" that my focus becomes me rather than glorifying Christ? As with all sinful people the answer can always be a resounding "yes." Erik points out that we should always to be preaching the truth to ourselves and he reminds us of 1 Cor. 1:26-31 where we read that we should Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
I invite you to read the whole article here and thanks Erik for making us think through this issue.
See I am like many of my friends. I am 32 year old pastor. I am a Calvinist and I love the gospel of Christ. I have multiple tattoos and am sketching another right now. I am comfortable wearing my 14 gauge earrings, flat bill, suede Adidas, grunged out jeans. I drink almost exclusively English imported Beer (St. Peter’s and Boddingtons are favorites). I don’t listen to Christian radio and could not tell you the difference between the Newsboys or Casting Crowns (I actually had to google ‘top Christian bands’ to get that info). And on and on the list could go, but you get the idea. I’m one of these guys.
Sounds like a cool dude to me because I'm a 49 year old layman, a Calvinist and I, too, love the gospel of Christ. I have multiple tattoos and I'm always considering several new tat designs. I spend most of my time in black jeans, t-shirts and often where a skull & cross bones bandana to cover my bald head. I imbibe almost exclusively English or Scottish stouts (Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Guinness and McEwans Scotch Ale are my favorites). I do know who the Newsboys and Casting Crowns are but often would rather listen to something heavier such as Decyfer Down or Day of Fire. So, I'm one of these guys, too. I think Erik & I were cut from the same cloth.
Moreover, Erik goes on to point out that some of these preferences often become our own test of orthodoxy. Just like the old fundy's of the non-movie going, non-card playing, white, button down collar, shirt and tie crowd we can now have our own test of Christianity. He goes on to make a crucial point, This is really dangerous. Our moral code (in this case liberties and preferences) becomes the test of our orthodoxy...Maybe this is our preference or perhaps it is our craving...The danger in this type of new fundamentalism is the same as with the old. The glory of Christ gets eclipsed by the glory of self. Our identity slow becomes wrapped up in who we are not rather than who Christ is. This is so true. Am I so busy trying to be "me" that my focus becomes me rather than glorifying Christ? As with all sinful people the answer can always be a resounding "yes." Erik points out that we should always to be preaching the truth to ourselves and he reminds us of 1 Cor. 1:26-31 where we read that we should Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
I invite you to read the whole article here and thanks Erik for making us think through this issue.
17 March 2009
Joy in Adversity?
Yes, joy in adversity. We can have it. The current economic crisis has made me dig even deeper into the depths of Scripture to find answers for life's trials. It always comes back to something like this: God in His wise providence has deemed my (fill in the blank here - trial, problem, heartache, job loss, disease, etc.) necessary and has done so for a reason that I may never know or understand on this side of heaven. Yet, joy comes from the Lord, not our situation. God knows our situation and is using it for His grand and glorious purposes. So, even if I could change my situation, would I? CJ Mahaney has let us in on his thoughts on this here. He concludes his brief explication this way, "I reminded [my friend] of Philippians 4:4 and passed along D.A. Carson’s comments on the verse from his book Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1996):
"The ultimate ground of our rejoicing can never be our circumstances, even though we as Christians recognize that our circumstances are providentially arranged. If our joy derives primarily from our circumstances, then when our circumstances change, we will be miserable. Our delight must be in the Lord himself. That is what enables us to live with joy above our circumstances. As Nehemiah puts it, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). Perhaps that is one of the reasons why the Lord sometimes allows miserable circumstances to lash us—that we may learn this lesson.…Whatever the mysteries of evil and sorrow, they do have the salutary effect of helping believers to shift the ground of their joy from created things to the Creator, from the temporary to the eternal, from jingoism to Jesus, from consumption to God."(p. 106)
How about you? Are you personally experiencing a season of adversity with no end in sight? If so, rather than peering into the future trying to predict the concluding date of the trial, I recommend you look down and then up.
Look down and realize a transition is under way to shift the ground of your joy “from created things to the Creator.” Then look up and delight in the Lord himself. Contemplate his changeless character and the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Then—dependent upon God’s grace—obey this command given for our good and his glory. Rejoice as you realize afresh you are doing much better than you deserve.
This will not alter the severity of your trial, but it will transform your perspective and strengthen your soul for the trial."
"The ultimate ground of our rejoicing can never be our circumstances, even though we as Christians recognize that our circumstances are providentially arranged. If our joy derives primarily from our circumstances, then when our circumstances change, we will be miserable. Our delight must be in the Lord himself. That is what enables us to live with joy above our circumstances. As Nehemiah puts it, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). Perhaps that is one of the reasons why the Lord sometimes allows miserable circumstances to lash us—that we may learn this lesson.…Whatever the mysteries of evil and sorrow, they do have the salutary effect of helping believers to shift the ground of their joy from created things to the Creator, from the temporary to the eternal, from jingoism to Jesus, from consumption to God."(p. 106)
How about you? Are you personally experiencing a season of adversity with no end in sight? If so, rather than peering into the future trying to predict the concluding date of the trial, I recommend you look down and then up.
Look down and realize a transition is under way to shift the ground of your joy “from created things to the Creator.” Then look up and delight in the Lord himself. Contemplate his changeless character and the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Then—dependent upon God’s grace—obey this command given for our good and his glory. Rejoice as you realize afresh you are doing much better than you deserve.
This will not alter the severity of your trial, but it will transform your perspective and strengthen your soul for the trial."
16 March 2009
15 March 2009
Where Are We Headed?
I find it interesting in light of Time magazine's proclamation that the New Calvinisim is one of the 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now that we also have a declaration of the Collapse of Evangelicalism at the Christian Science Monitor. This is a fascinating article and the author, Michael Spencer, asserts many truths about Evangelicalism that many of us ignore. Why will this happen? Spencer offers several reasons the first being, "Evangelicals have identified their movement with the culture war and with political conservatism." How true. We have seen this before in Evangelical history in the early 19th century. We cannot ignore this trend. He also cites the fact that, "We Evangelicals have failed to pass on to our young people an orthodox form of faith that can take root and survive the secular onslaught." Again he is spot on. There is no doubt that we are saved by simple faith but to pass on this faith takes training, understanding and perseverence that likes of which is hard to find in today's evangelical church culture.
Spencer concludes his article by answering if the collapse of Evangelicalism is a bad thing. In part he speculates, Will the coming collapse get Evangelicals past the pragmatism and shallowness that has brought about the loss of substance and power? Probably not. The purveyors of the evangelical circus will be in fine form, selling their wares as the promised solution to every church's problems. I expect the landscape of megachurch vacuity to be around for a very long time.
Will it shake lose the prosperity Gospel from its parasitical place on the evangelical body of Christ? Evidence from similar periods is not encouraging. American Christians seldom seem to be able to separate their theology from an overall idea of personal affluence and success.
The loss of their political clout may impel many Evangelicals to reconsider the wisdom of trying to create a "godly society." That doesn't mean they'll focus solely on saving souls, but the increasing concern will be how to keep secularism out of church, not stop it altogether. The integrity of the church as a countercultural movement with a message of "empire subversion" will increasingly replace a message of cultural and political entitlement.
I don't agree with all of Spencer's assertions or conclusions but it is thought provoking article worth a read. As a very amatuer church historian I believe I can safely say that much of what we see today we have seen before without a collapse of "Evangelicalism". [I dont like the term "Evangelical" and will no longer desribe myself by that term]. However, we do all know that Christ will be victorious and all will acknowledge Him as such. But in the meantime, where are we headed?
Read more comments on this at the Ref21 blog here and here.
Spencer concludes his article by answering if the collapse of Evangelicalism is a bad thing. In part he speculates, Will the coming collapse get Evangelicals past the pragmatism and shallowness that has brought about the loss of substance and power? Probably not. The purveyors of the evangelical circus will be in fine form, selling their wares as the promised solution to every church's problems. I expect the landscape of megachurch vacuity to be around for a very long time.
Will it shake lose the prosperity Gospel from its parasitical place on the evangelical body of Christ? Evidence from similar periods is not encouraging. American Christians seldom seem to be able to separate their theology from an overall idea of personal affluence and success.
The loss of their political clout may impel many Evangelicals to reconsider the wisdom of trying to create a "godly society." That doesn't mean they'll focus solely on saving souls, but the increasing concern will be how to keep secularism out of church, not stop it altogether. The integrity of the church as a countercultural movement with a message of "empire subversion" will increasingly replace a message of cultural and political entitlement.
I don't agree with all of Spencer's assertions or conclusions but it is thought provoking article worth a read. As a very amatuer church historian I believe I can safely say that much of what we see today we have seen before without a collapse of "Evangelicalism". [I dont like the term "Evangelical" and will no longer desribe myself by that term]. However, we do all know that Christ will be victorious and all will acknowledge Him as such. But in the meantime, where are we headed?
Read more comments on this at the Ref21 blog here and here.
14 March 2009
New Calvinism - Truly Remarkable
Time magazine has named the New Calvinism as one of the 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now. That is simply astounding! The author is not entirely accurate in his description of the Old/New Calvinism but we'll take what we can get, right? Mark Driscoll has been all over this declaration by Time and has posted some good stuff on it such as this.
The author draws our attention to a decisive position when he states, Like the Calvinists, more moderate Evangelicals are exploring cures for the movement's doctrinal drift, but can't offer the same blanket assurance. "A lot of young people grew up in a culture of brokenness, divorce, drugs or sexual temptation," says Collin Hansen, author of Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists. "They have plenty of friends: what they need is a God." Mohler says, "The moment someone begins to define God's [being or actions] biblically, that person is drawn to conclusions that are traditionally classified as Calvinist." Of course, that presumption of inevitability has drawn accusations of arrogance and divisiveness since Calvin's time. Indeed, some of today's enthusiasts imply that non-Calvinists may actually not be Christians. Skirmishes among the Southern Baptists (who have a competing non-Calvinist camp) and online "flame wars" bode badly. (Emphasis mine.) He's got a point. Driscoll responds by stating, Sadly, Cruel Calvinists are a small but loud bunch. Thus, now more than ever, it is vital that all Christians in general, and Reformed Christians in particular, demonstrate the kind of love and humility that our theology requires. The cruel, flame-thrown half-truths and misquotes between Christians do not speak well to the watching world of the love we are supposed to share. ...borders include spiritual gifts, baptism, communion, worship styles, Bible translations, sense of humor, and the like. Various states can have their own proverbial borders on these issues. Nonetheless, like states we must be able to live as a loving and unified nation. We cannot turn our state borders into national borders and refuse to live at peace in unity and love with those who live in other proverbial states. Simply, the state borders should not be battle lines where personal and theological wars are fought because bigger things are at stake, such as the evangelizing of lost people and the planting of missional churches.
So, where are you & I as Calvinists? Are we loving our fellow Christian that has a different viewpoint?
The author draws our attention to a decisive position when he states, Like the Calvinists, more moderate Evangelicals are exploring cures for the movement's doctrinal drift, but can't offer the same blanket assurance. "A lot of young people grew up in a culture of brokenness, divorce, drugs or sexual temptation," says Collin Hansen, author of Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists. "They have plenty of friends: what they need is a God." Mohler says, "The moment someone begins to define God's [being or actions] biblically, that person is drawn to conclusions that are traditionally classified as Calvinist." Of course, that presumption of inevitability has drawn accusations of arrogance and divisiveness since Calvin's time. Indeed, some of today's enthusiasts imply that non-Calvinists may actually not be Christians. Skirmishes among the Southern Baptists (who have a competing non-Calvinist camp) and online "flame wars" bode badly. (Emphasis mine.) He's got a point. Driscoll responds by stating, Sadly, Cruel Calvinists are a small but loud bunch. Thus, now more than ever, it is vital that all Christians in general, and Reformed Christians in particular, demonstrate the kind of love and humility that our theology requires. The cruel, flame-thrown half-truths and misquotes between Christians do not speak well to the watching world of the love we are supposed to share. ...borders include spiritual gifts, baptism, communion, worship styles, Bible translations, sense of humor, and the like. Various states can have their own proverbial borders on these issues. Nonetheless, like states we must be able to live as a loving and unified nation. We cannot turn our state borders into national borders and refuse to live at peace in unity and love with those who live in other proverbial states. Simply, the state borders should not be battle lines where personal and theological wars are fought because bigger things are at stake, such as the evangelizing of lost people and the planting of missional churches.
So, where are you & I as Calvinists? Are we loving our fellow Christian that has a different viewpoint?
Lord's Day 11 Heidelberg Catechism
Lord's Day 11:
Scripture Readings: Colossians 2; Romans 3:9-31
Question 29. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," meaning Savior?
Answer. Because he saves us from our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in any other.
Question 30. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only Savior Jesus?
Answer. No. Although they boast of being his, by their deeds they deny the only Savior and Redeemer Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect Savior, or those who in true faith accept this Savior have in him all they need for their salvation.
For discussion:
In what other ways do we continually try to achieve salvation?
How would you further explain the answer to question 30 to a Roman Catholic friend?
Scripture Readings: Colossians 2; Romans 3:9-31
Question 29. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," meaning Savior?
Answer. Because he saves us from our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in any other.
Question 30. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only Savior Jesus?
Answer. No. Although they boast of being his, by their deeds they deny the only Savior and Redeemer Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect Savior, or those who in true faith accept this Savior have in him all they need for their salvation.
For discussion:
In what other ways do we continually try to achieve salvation?
How would you further explain the answer to question 30 to a Roman Catholic friend?
11 March 2009
10 March 2009
Spurgeon on Trials
None of us can come to the highest maturity without enduring the summer heat of trials. As the sycamore fig never ripens if it be not bruised, as the corn does not leave the husk without threshing, and as wheat makes no fine flour until it be ground, so are we of little use till we are afflicted. Why should we be so eager to escape such benefits? -C.H. Spurgeon
09 March 2009
A Tough Week
Its been a tough week here at the Renegade household. Last Thursday evening I started with the stomach flu and the other assorted symptoms and it would just not stop. I became dehydrated and so spent Saturday afternoon in the local ER getting an IV of fluids and other good stuff to get this under control. I praise God I live today when modern medicine can bring these maladies under control.
Moreover, its been tough as last week I was laid off with no hope of returning to my position of 18 1/2 years. I've had my ups and downs over the last week but like Job, I believe I can say, "Though he slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). I have felt drawn into some type of full time ministry for some time now so I believe this may be the door the Lord has opened to follow that path. Please pray for the wisdom needed to discern my next steps.
All this seems so trivial in light of what happened in that church in Maryville, Illinois yesterday. Please pray for all those involved in this horrible situation and especially for the family of the slain Pastor.
Moreover, its been tough as last week I was laid off with no hope of returning to my position of 18 1/2 years. I've had my ups and downs over the last week but like Job, I believe I can say, "Though he slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). I have felt drawn into some type of full time ministry for some time now so I believe this may be the door the Lord has opened to follow that path. Please pray for the wisdom needed to discern my next steps.
All this seems so trivial in light of what happened in that church in Maryville, Illinois yesterday. Please pray for all those involved in this horrible situation and especially for the family of the slain Pastor.
07 March 2009
Lord's Day 10 Heidelberg Catechism
Lord's Day 10:
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 28; Genesis 37; 39-46; 50:15-21; Romans 8:28
Question 27. What do you understand by the providence of God?
Answer. The almighty and ever present power by which God upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaves and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and unfruitful years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, and everything else, come to us not by chance but from God's sustaining hand.
Question 28. How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
Answer. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from God's love. All creatures are so completely in God's hand that without the divine will they can neither move nor be moved.
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 28; Genesis 37; 39-46; 50:15-21; Romans 8:28
Question 27. What do you understand by the providence of God?
Answer. The almighty and ever present power by which God upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaves and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and unfruitful years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, and everything else, come to us not by chance but from God's sustaining hand.
Question 28. How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
Answer. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from God's love. All creatures are so completely in God's hand that without the divine will they can neither move nor be moved.
03 March 2009
Baxter on Books
A poor pedlar came to the door...and my father bought of him Sibb's Bruised Reed...It suited my state...and gave me a livelier apprehension of the mystery of redemption and how much I was beholden to Jesus Christ...Without any means but books was God pleased to resolve me to himself. - Richard Baxter (emphasis mine.)
28 February 2009
Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
An old hymn with with worship inspiring lyrics, Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken has a new tune. You can find the new tune here with the lyrics on plain text or a pdf file. May God bless us as we joyfully sing praises to His name.
Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
Composer: Davide C. Marney, 2004
Lyricist: Henry F. Lyte, 1824; text of 1833
Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee;
Destitute despised, forsaken,
Thou from hence my all shalt be:
Perish ev'ry fond ambition
All I've sought, or hoped, or known;
Yet how rich is my condition,
God and heav'n are still my own.
Man may trouble and distress me,
'Twill but drive me to thy breast;
Life with trials hard may press me,
Heavn' will bring me sweetter rest:
O 'tis not in grief to harm me
While thy love is left to me;
O 'twere not in joy to charm me,
Were that joy unmixed with thee.
Take, my soul, thy full salvation,
Rise o'er sin and fear and care;
Joy to find in ev'ry station
Something still to do or bear;
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
What a Father's smile is thine,
What a Saviour died to win thee:
Child of heav'n shouldst thou repine?
Haste then on from grace to glory,
Armed by faith, and winged by prayer;
Heav'n's eternal day's before thee,
God's own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthyly mission
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope soon change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.
Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
Composer: Davide C. Marney, 2004
Lyricist: Henry F. Lyte, 1824; text of 1833
Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee;
Destitute despised, forsaken,
Thou from hence my all shalt be:
Perish ev'ry fond ambition
All I've sought, or hoped, or known;
Yet how rich is my condition,
God and heav'n are still my own.
Man may trouble and distress me,
'Twill but drive me to thy breast;
Life with trials hard may press me,
Heavn' will bring me sweetter rest:
O 'tis not in grief to harm me
While thy love is left to me;
O 'twere not in joy to charm me,
Were that joy unmixed with thee.
Take, my soul, thy full salvation,
Rise o'er sin and fear and care;
Joy to find in ev'ry station
Something still to do or bear;
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
What a Father's smile is thine,
What a Saviour died to win thee:
Child of heav'n shouldst thou repine?
Haste then on from grace to glory,
Armed by faith, and winged by prayer;
Heav'n's eternal day's before thee,
God's own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthyly mission
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope soon change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.
Mohler on Porn
Al Mohler on the Pornification of Cuture. This is the conclusion of his post:
Pornography is not just about dirty magazines and movies, or even just about the Internet and one-click-away sexual fantasies. Pornography now threatens to redefine the way this society views sex itself. The real danger here is that pornography becomes so pervasive that it is no longer distinguishable from the other images and messages transmitted and received within the culture.
A society that embraces pornography as a constitutionally protected form of "speech" will have a hard time policing sexually explicit material. When courts rule that filtering pornography from public computers in a public library is unconstitutional, the public library is transformed into a pornographic playground. When employees spend company time (and government funds) viewing pornography at work, the moral character of the entire enterprise is at stake.
The real cost of pornography cannot be reduced to lost hours of labor. The far larger issue is the cost to the nation's soul. When public libraries become places parents do not let their children go, something precious is lost.
The real cost of pornography is measured in broken lives, broken marriages, broken children, and broken dreams. In reality, the true cost is spiritual, for pornography destroys the soul.
This one fact is enough to prove just how immense this problem is -- 70 percent of pornography on the Internet is viewed at work. That explains why so many employees are distracted. It also underlines the fact that pornography is truly a spreading cancer. It will not easily be forced into retreat.
Pornography is not just about dirty magazines and movies, or even just about the Internet and one-click-away sexual fantasies. Pornography now threatens to redefine the way this society views sex itself. The real danger here is that pornography becomes so pervasive that it is no longer distinguishable from the other images and messages transmitted and received within the culture.
A society that embraces pornography as a constitutionally protected form of "speech" will have a hard time policing sexually explicit material. When courts rule that filtering pornography from public computers in a public library is unconstitutional, the public library is transformed into a pornographic playground. When employees spend company time (and government funds) viewing pornography at work, the moral character of the entire enterprise is at stake.
The real cost of pornography cannot be reduced to lost hours of labor. The far larger issue is the cost to the nation's soul. When public libraries become places parents do not let their children go, something precious is lost.
The real cost of pornography is measured in broken lives, broken marriages, broken children, and broken dreams. In reality, the true cost is spiritual, for pornography destroys the soul.
This one fact is enough to prove just how immense this problem is -- 70 percent of pornography on the Internet is viewed at work. That explains why so many employees are distracted. It also underlines the fact that pornography is truly a spreading cancer. It will not easily be forced into retreat.
Lord's Day 9 Heidelberg Catechism
Lord's Day 9:
Scripture Readings: Matthew 14:15-21; John 2:1-11; 2 Peter 3:1-3
Question 26. What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth"?
Answer. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ, God's Son. I trust God so much that I do not doubt that God will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and will turn to my good whatever adversity God sends me in this sad world. God, being almighty God, is able to do this; God, being a faithful Father, desires to do this.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 14:15-21; John 2:1-11; 2 Peter 3:1-3
Question 26. What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth"?
Answer. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ, God's Son. I trust God so much that I do not doubt that God will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and will turn to my good whatever adversity God sends me in this sad world. God, being almighty God, is able to do this; God, being a faithful Father, desires to do this.
25 February 2009
Through the Fire
Day Of Fire is an outstanding heavy metal band with a lead vocalist that has a quite a story to tell. I leave it to you to read that story here. My focus today however, is the lyrics of Through the Fire. The song is heavy, thunderous and lyrically robust with biblical references. Take a look and if you have a chance to hear them, go for it.
Walk in the flame again, (Dan. 3:24-25)
I'll be there to hold your hand, (Ps. 73:23)
Keeping you safe until the end (Ps. 4:8)
And when the flood begins, (Gen. 6:17-18; Ps. 29:10)
I'll be there with you to stand,
Walking in faith until the end (Hebrews 13:5)
Chorus: 2x's
I'll see you through the flood, (Gen. 6:17-18)
I'll see you through the fire, (Daniel 3)
I'll see you through the storms-a-raging. (Ps. 107:29)
Walking the darkest rain (Matt. 7:25)
I cover you by my name, (John 17:11-12)
A shelter inside your world of pain (Is. 32:2)
Step on the waters waves (Matt. 8:23-27)
Coming to me by faith (James 2:24)
I am the light of better days (John 8:12)
(Chorus)2x's
I'll see you through the flood,
I'll see you through the fire,
I'll see you through, the storms-a-raging
Don't be afraid (Php. 4:6)
I'll never leave you lying
Forever yours
Forever yours
Forever yours
Forever yours I am
(chorus) 2x's
I'll see you through the flood
I'll see you through the fire
I'll see you through the storms-a-raging
24 February 2009
Having Joy in Sorrowful Times
...the joy that endures through sorrow is the foretaste of that future joy in God which we hope for in the future. When Jesus was “very sorrowful, even to death” in Gethsemane he was sustained by “the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). This does not mean that he felt in the garden or on the cross all that he would feel in the resurrection. But it does mean that he hoped in it and that this hope was an experienced foretaste of that joy.
Therefore, we groan here, waiting for the redemption of our bodies and for the removal of all our sins (Romans 8:23). This groaning and grieving is godly if it is molded by our delight in hope of glory (Romans 5:2-3). The delight is muffled by the pain. But it is there in seed form. It will one day grow into a great vine that yields wine of undiluted delight.
So let us embrace whatever sorrow God appoints for us. Let us not be ashamed of tears. Let the promise that joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5) sustain and shape our grief with the power and goodness of God. - John Piper.
I encourage you to read the entire article here.
Therefore, we groan here, waiting for the redemption of our bodies and for the removal of all our sins (Romans 8:23). This groaning and grieving is godly if it is molded by our delight in hope of glory (Romans 5:2-3). The delight is muffled by the pain. But it is there in seed form. It will one day grow into a great vine that yields wine of undiluted delight.
So let us embrace whatever sorrow God appoints for us. Let us not be ashamed of tears. Let the promise that joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5) sustain and shape our grief with the power and goodness of God. - John Piper.
I encourage you to read the entire article here.
21 February 2009
Lord's Day 8 Heidelberg Catechism
Lords' Day 8:
Scripture Readings: Hebrews 1:1-4; John 1:1-8; Genesis 18; Matthew 28:18-20
Question 24. How are these articles divided?
Answer. Into three parts: The first concerns God the Father and our creation; the second, God the Son and our redemption; and the third, God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
Question 25. Since there is only one divine Being, why do you speak of three, Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit?
Answer. Because that is how God is revealed in God's own Word; these three distinct persons are one, true, eternal God.
G.I. Williamson sums up his chapter on Lord's Day 8 in his Study Guide this way, ...Let us think of the words of the Apostle John. They make it clear that we must believe in each of these persons. "Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also" (1 John 2:23). Those who do not know - and believe in - this triune God do not have God but only an idol. So let us make sure that we confess this triune God with the church of all ages.
Scripture Readings: Hebrews 1:1-4; John 1:1-8; Genesis 18; Matthew 28:18-20
Question 24. How are these articles divided?
Answer. Into three parts: The first concerns God the Father and our creation; the second, God the Son and our redemption; and the third, God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
Question 25. Since there is only one divine Being, why do you speak of three, Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit?
Answer. Because that is how God is revealed in God's own Word; these three distinct persons are one, true, eternal God.
G.I. Williamson sums up his chapter on Lord's Day 8 in his Study Guide this way, ...Let us think of the words of the Apostle John. They make it clear that we must believe in each of these persons. "Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also" (1 John 2:23). Those who do not know - and believe in - this triune God do not have God but only an idol. So let us make sure that we confess this triune God with the church of all ages.
18 February 2009
16 February 2009
MacArthur on Suffering
Blues fans like myself are familiar with the John Lee Hooker tune, It Serves Me Right To Suffer.
The first verse goes something like this:
It serves me right to suffer
It serves me right to be alone
It serves me right to suffer
It serves me right to be alone
Because the life livin'
I'm livin' in memories gone by
As Christians we do suffer & if you're not perhaps you should be asking yourself why you're not, at least from time to time. Unlike this blues tune which unwillingly accepts suffering, we should be embracing it, as contradictory as that may seem, its true (James 1:2-4). Permit me to quote John MacArthur on Paul embracing suffering in Stand. Its worth a read.
Success frightens me because it panders to my flesh. When Paul looked at his own life, he thought of himself not only as a mere clay pot but also as a battered one: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8-9). These four contrasts all say the same thing, which is that Paul experienced severe trials in his ministry, but none of them prevailed. He goes on, The prosperity gospel is absolutely non-biblical. It is an affront to God. The way to power is through suffering and weakness. As Paul said, “For the sake of Christ . . . I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” All true servants of Christ learn through the years to embrace the assaults that cut to the heart, the mutinies, the betrayals, the disaffection, the massive disappointment, the heartache, and even the physical pain and suffering because they know all those things work together to destroy self-reliance. Paul said, “[We are] always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (2 Cor. 4:10). In other words, Christ is more powerfully revealed in his servants when they bear up under severe affliction. Jesus has already died, risen, and ascended to heaven. People can’t get at him anymore, but they can get to us. People will sometimes hate us for Jesus’ and the gospel’s sake. Paul knew all about that, saying, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17) and “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Col. 1:24). Can you and I say with Paul, “He took the blows meant for me, so I’ll take the blows meant for him—let them come!”? (pgs 66-67). Its time we starting gettings our heads around suffering in whatever form it takes in our lives. Its a difficult thing to do but do it we must so that we can count it all joy when we encounter the trials of this life. Download a free copy of Stand here.
The first verse goes something like this:
It serves me right to suffer
It serves me right to be alone
It serves me right to suffer
It serves me right to be alone
Because the life livin'
I'm livin' in memories gone by
As Christians we do suffer & if you're not perhaps you should be asking yourself why you're not, at least from time to time. Unlike this blues tune which unwillingly accepts suffering, we should be embracing it, as contradictory as that may seem, its true (James 1:2-4). Permit me to quote John MacArthur on Paul embracing suffering in Stand. Its worth a read.
Success frightens me because it panders to my flesh. When Paul looked at his own life, he thought of himself not only as a mere clay pot but also as a battered one: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8-9). These four contrasts all say the same thing, which is that Paul experienced severe trials in his ministry, but none of them prevailed. He goes on, The prosperity gospel is absolutely non-biblical. It is an affront to God. The way to power is through suffering and weakness. As Paul said, “For the sake of Christ . . . I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” All true servants of Christ learn through the years to embrace the assaults that cut to the heart, the mutinies, the betrayals, the disaffection, the massive disappointment, the heartache, and even the physical pain and suffering because they know all those things work together to destroy self-reliance. Paul said, “[We are] always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (2 Cor. 4:10). In other words, Christ is more powerfully revealed in his servants when they bear up under severe affliction. Jesus has already died, risen, and ascended to heaven. People can’t get at him anymore, but they can get to us. People will sometimes hate us for Jesus’ and the gospel’s sake. Paul knew all about that, saying, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17) and “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Col. 1:24). Can you and I say with Paul, “He took the blows meant for me, so I’ll take the blows meant for him—let them come!”? (pgs 66-67). Its time we starting gettings our heads around suffering in whatever form it takes in our lives. Its a difficult thing to do but do it we must so that we can count it all joy when we encounter the trials of this life. Download a free copy of Stand here.
14 February 2009
Stand
John Piper and Justin Taylor have put together the small tome, Stand. Its concise, convicting and well worth a read. Some of the most convicting portions are Piper's thoughts on retirement. He drills it home in his chapter, Getting Old to the Glory of God. For example, he quotes J. Oswald Sanders on retirement, O God, don't let me waste my final years! Don't let me buy the American dream of retirement - month after month of leisure and play and hobbies and putzing around in the garage and rearranging the furniture and golfing and fishing and sitting and watching television. Lord, please have mercy on me. Save me this curse. Piper goes on himself to say, Oh, that God would give us a passion in our final years to spend ourselves to make him look as great as he really is - to get old to the glory of God. And further, Don't settle for anything less than the joyful sorrows of magnifying Christ in the sacrifices of love. Now, I'm not anywhere near the age of retirement but Piper's point is well taken.This little book was born out of a recent conference and has several contributors including John MacArthur. Its full title reveals the thrust of the book, Stand, A Call for the Endurance of the Saints. Its full of life-giving advice and help. At only $10 from Desiring God, don't let this one pass you by.
Lord's Day 7 Heidelberg Catechism
Lord's Day 7
Scripture Readings: Acts 16:11-15; Eph. 2:1-10; Hebrews 11
Question 20. Will all people then be saved through Christ just as they were lost through Adam?
Answer. No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all his blessings.
Question 21. What is true faith?
Answer. It is not only a certain knowledge by which I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in the Word, but also a wholehearted trust which the Holy Spirit creates in me through the gospel, that, not only to others, but to me also God has given the forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation, out of sheer grace, solely for the sake of Christ's saving work.
Question 22. What then must a Christian believe?
Answer. All that is promised us in the gospel, a summary of which is taught us in the articles of our universally acknowledged Christian faith.
Question 23. What are these articles?
Answer. I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he
shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Scripture Readings: Acts 16:11-15; Eph. 2:1-10; Hebrews 11
Question 20. Will all people then be saved through Christ just as they were lost through Adam?
Answer. No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all his blessings.
Question 21. What is true faith?
Answer. It is not only a certain knowledge by which I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in the Word, but also a wholehearted trust which the Holy Spirit creates in me through the gospel, that, not only to others, but to me also God has given the forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation, out of sheer grace, solely for the sake of Christ's saving work.
Question 22. What then must a Christian believe?
Answer. All that is promised us in the gospel, a summary of which is taught us in the articles of our universally acknowledged Christian faith.
Question 23. What are these articles?
Answer. I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he
shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
10 February 2009
Beale on Christ the Center
The Christ the Center podcast of 09-01-30 is well worth a listen. Greg Beale is interviewed about his new book and Carl Trueman joins the regular panel. Inerrancy is a crucial issue that deserves our attention. And if you’re not listening regularly to these dudes, well ya should be. Their podcasts always include interesting and thought provoking subjects that need our consideration. Take a look at Dr. Beale's book at Westminster Bookstore on the sidebar or at the Christ the Center website.
07 February 2009
Lord's Day 6 Heidelberg Catechism
I'm a bit late getting started but I'd like to post the weekly Heidelberg Catechism questions with accompanying Scripture. I've wanted to work through this catechism, at least read through and meditate on it weekly, for some time now so, I may as well get started and post the readings here. Without further delay, here we go...
Lord's Day 6
Scripture Reading Psalm 110, Isaiah 53
Question 16. Why must the mediator be truly human and perfectly righteous?
Answer. God's justice demands that a human being must pay for human sin; but a sinful human could never pay for others.
Question 17. Why must the mediator also be truly God?
Answer. So that the mediator, by the power of divinity, might bear the weight of God's wrath as a human being, and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
Question 18. Who is this mediator true God and at the same time truly human and perfectly righteous?
Answer. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given to redeem us completely and to make us right with God.
Question 19. How do you come to know this?
Answer. The holy gospel tells me. God began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, God proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law and, finally, fulfilled it through God's own dear Son.
Let this be a reminder to us all that the final and ultimate atonement was made by Jesus Christ, seed of the woman.
An inexpensive book worth investing in is Williamson's The Heidleberg Catechism, A Study Guide. Cheap and easy to read yet worth the mental investment to work through this catechism.
Lord's Day 6
Scripture Reading Psalm 110, Isaiah 53
Question 16. Why must the mediator be truly human and perfectly righteous?
Answer. God's justice demands that a human being must pay for human sin; but a sinful human could never pay for others.
Question 17. Why must the mediator also be truly God?
Answer. So that the mediator, by the power of divinity, might bear the weight of God's wrath as a human being, and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
Question 18. Who is this mediator true God and at the same time truly human and perfectly righteous?
Answer. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given to redeem us completely and to make us right with God.
Question 19. How do you come to know this?
Answer. The holy gospel tells me. God began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, God proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law and, finally, fulfilled it through God's own dear Son.
Let this be a reminder to us all that the final and ultimate atonement was made by Jesus Christ, seed of the woman.
An inexpensive book worth investing in is Williamson's The Heidleberg Catechism, A Study Guide. Cheap and easy to read yet worth the mental investment to work through this catechism.
05 February 2009
Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty is a very old hymn penned by Benjamin Schmolck. I enjoy the reminders of communion with God and the comforts thereof. I specially like the last verse. It is good for us to think on these things and remember the care we receive daily from the Lord. Its taken from Psalm 84.
Open now thy gates of beauty,
Zion, let me enter there,
Where my soul in joyful duty
Waits for him who answers prayer.
Oh, how blessed is this place,
Filled with solace, light, and grace!
Lord, my God, I come before thee,
Come thou also unto me;
Where we find thee and adore thee,
There a heav'n on earth must be.To my heart,
O enter thou,Let it be thy temple now!
Here thy praise is gladly chanted,
Here thy seed is duly sown;
Let my soul, where it is planted,
Bring forth precious sheaves alone,
So that all I hear may be
Fruitful unto life in me.
Thou my faith increase and quicken,
Let me keep thy gift divine,
Howsoe'er temptations thicken;
May thy Word still o'er me shine
As my guiding star through life,
As my comfort in my strife.
Speak, O God, and I will hear thee,
Let thy will be done indeed;
May I undisturbed draw near thee
While thou dost thy people feed.
Here of live the fountain flows,
Here is balm for all our woes.
Open now thy gates of beauty,
Zion, let me enter there,
Where my soul in joyful duty
Waits for him who answers prayer.
Oh, how blessed is this place,
Filled with solace, light, and grace!
Lord, my God, I come before thee,
Come thou also unto me;
Where we find thee and adore thee,
There a heav'n on earth must be.To my heart,
O enter thou,Let it be thy temple now!
Here thy praise is gladly chanted,
Here thy seed is duly sown;
Let my soul, where it is planted,
Bring forth precious sheaves alone,
So that all I hear may be
Fruitful unto life in me.
Thou my faith increase and quicken,
Let me keep thy gift divine,
Howsoe'er temptations thicken;
May thy Word still o'er me shine
As my guiding star through life,
As my comfort in my strife.
Speak, O God, and I will hear thee,
Let thy will be done indeed;
May I undisturbed draw near thee
While thou dost thy people feed.
Here of live the fountain flows,
Here is balm for all our woes.
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