The God I worship saves. He does not merely "offer" salvation and leave it up to the "guilty sinner" to make the difference. If Scripture does not convince you of grace, then I sure cannot improve on Scripture; If the Holy Spirit does not give you a humble heart, then I sure cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit.
The God I worship saves; He does not command repentance, leaving it up to the guilty sinner to make the difference. If Scripture does not convince you of grace, then I sure cannot improve on Scripture; If the Holy Spirit does not give you a humble heart, then I sure cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
UNITY AND PURITY
"But Jesus does not just pray for the unity of the Church. He prays for the purity of the Church."
--Dr. R.C. Sproul (Quoted from Onward Christian Soldier pg 212)
--Dr. R.C. Sproul (Quoted from Onward Christian Soldier pg 212)
ALL BUT DEMIGODS
2. WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THERE IS NOKNOWLEDGE OF SELF
Again, it is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God’s face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself. For we always seem too urselves righteous and upright and wise and holy — this pride is innate inall of us — unless by clear proofs we stand convinced of our ownunrighteousness, foulness, folly, and impurity. Moreover, we are not thus convinced if we look merely to ourselves and not also to the Lord, who is the sole standard by which this judgment must be measured. For, because all of us are inclined by nature to hypocrisy, a kind of empty image of righteousness in place of righteousness itself abundantly satisfies us. And because nothing appears within or around us that has not been contaminated by great immorality, what is a little less vile pleases us as a thing most pure — so long as we confine our minds within the limits of human corruption. Just so, an eye to which nothing is shown but black objects judges something dirty white or even rather darkly mottled to be whiteness itself.
Indeed, we can discern still more clearly from the bodily senses how much we are deluded in estimating the powers of the soul. For if in broad daylight we either look down upon the ground or survey whatever meets our view round about, we seem to ourselves endowed with the strongest and keenest sight; yet when we look up to the sun andgaze straight at it, that power of sight which was particularly strong on earth is at once blunted and confused by a great brilliance, and thus we are compelled to admit that our keenness in looking upon things earthly is sheer dullness when it comes to the sun. So it happens in estimating our spiritual goods. As long as we do not look beyond the earth, being quite content with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue, we flatter ourselves most sweetly, and fancy ourselves all but demigods.
Suppose we but once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and to ponder his nature, and how completely perfect are his righteousness, wisdom, and power —the straight edge to which we must be shaped. Then, what masquerading earlier as righteousness was pleasing in us will soon grow filthy in its consummate wickedness. What wonderfully impressed us under the name of wisdom will stink in its very foolishness. What wore the face of power will prove itself the most miserable weakness. That is, what in us seems perfection itself corresponds ill to the purity of God.
-- John Calvin, Institutes. B.1. C.1. page 83
Again, it is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God’s face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself. For we always seem too urselves righteous and upright and wise and holy — this pride is innate inall of us — unless by clear proofs we stand convinced of our ownunrighteousness, foulness, folly, and impurity. Moreover, we are not thus convinced if we look merely to ourselves and not also to the Lord, who is the sole standard by which this judgment must be measured. For, because all of us are inclined by nature to hypocrisy, a kind of empty image of righteousness in place of righteousness itself abundantly satisfies us. And because nothing appears within or around us that has not been contaminated by great immorality, what is a little less vile pleases us as a thing most pure — so long as we confine our minds within the limits of human corruption. Just so, an eye to which nothing is shown but black objects judges something dirty white or even rather darkly mottled to be whiteness itself.
Indeed, we can discern still more clearly from the bodily senses how much we are deluded in estimating the powers of the soul. For if in broad daylight we either look down upon the ground or survey whatever meets our view round about, we seem to ourselves endowed with the strongest and keenest sight; yet when we look up to the sun andgaze straight at it, that power of sight which was particularly strong on earth is at once blunted and confused by a great brilliance, and thus we are compelled to admit that our keenness in looking upon things earthly is sheer dullness when it comes to the sun. So it happens in estimating our spiritual goods. As long as we do not look beyond the earth, being quite content with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue, we flatter ourselves most sweetly, and fancy ourselves all but demigods.
Suppose we but once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and to ponder his nature, and how completely perfect are his righteousness, wisdom, and power —the straight edge to which we must be shaped. Then, what masquerading earlier as righteousness was pleasing in us will soon grow filthy in its consummate wickedness. What wonderfully impressed us under the name of wisdom will stink in its very foolishness. What wore the face of power will prove itself the most miserable weakness. That is, what in us seems perfection itself corresponds ill to the purity of God.
-- John Calvin, Institutes. B.1. C.1. page 83
100 PERCENT FIELD GOAL
What would you say of a basketball player who made EVERY SINGLE free throw, three pointer, layup, field goal, point he attempted to make? Wilt Chamberlin has the best yearly field goal of 73%, but that was for only one season. The best lifetime percentage is 60%. What about someone who attempts 1 billion shots and makes all 1 billion without fail.
THE LATTER IS THE GOSPEL
Either your Christianity will focus primarily on what you do and the power of your choices and will or else it will focus on what Christ has already done for you. The former is humanism, the latter is the Gospel. ~ Andrew Taylor
Monday, December 27, 2010
THE CONVINCER
The convincer and convicter of men is the Holy Spirit, who may use us as His vessels, but never as His substitute-- not even men so spiritually advanced as I may think myself to be may presume to do His work for Him. His office, permanently filled, is not to be usurped by even the most righteous of believers-- Al Hartman.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
HEART OF STONE
You may heat a stone if you thrust it into the fire, but for how short a time will it retain its heat; and though it glowed just now, how very soon it loses all its warmth and returns again to its native coldness. Such is the heart of man. You may think you have heated it under a powerful exhortation, or in presence of a solemn judgment, but how soon it returns to its natural state!
C. H. SPURGEON
C. H. SPURGEON
Saturday, December 25, 2010
JOHN NEWTON ON INDWELLING SIN
Quotes from The Letters of John Newton - Indwelling Sin and the Believer
Though sin wars in us — it shall not reign in us. And though it breaks our peace — it cannot separate from his love. Nor is it inconsistent with his holiness, and perfection, to manifest his favor to such poor defiled creatures, or to admit them to communion with himself; for they are not considered as in themselves — but as one with Jesus, to whom they have fled for refuge, and by whom they live a life of faith.
==========
His power is displayed — in maintaining his own work in the midst of so much opposition, like a spark burning in the water, or a bush unconsumed in the flames.
==========
They dare not, they will not ascribe anything to themselves — but are glad to acknowledge, that they must have perished a thousand times over — if Jesus had not been their Savior, their Shepherd, and their Shield!
==========
Whoever is truly humbled — will not be easily angry, nor harsh or critical of others. He will be compassionate and tender to the infirmities of his fellow-sinners, knowing that if there is a difference — it is grace alone which has made it! He knows that he has the seeds of every evil in his own heart. And under all trials and afflictions — he will look to the hand of the Lord, and lay his mouth in the dust, acknowledging that he suffers much less than his iniquities have deserved.
Quotes from The Letters of John Newton - Indwelling Sin and the Believer
Though sin wars in us — it shall not reign in us. And though it breaks our peace — it cannot separate from his love. Nor is it inconsistent with his holiness, and perfection, to manifest his favor to such poor defiled creatures, or to admit them to communion with himself; for they are not considered as in themselves — but as one with Jesus, to whom they have fled for refuge, and by whom they live a life of faith.
==========
His power is displayed — in maintaining his own work in the midst of so much opposition, like a spark burning in the water, or a bush unconsumed in the flames.
==========
They dare not, they will not ascribe anything to themselves — but are glad to acknowledge, that they must have perished a thousand times over — if Jesus had not been their Savior, their Shepherd, and their Shield!
==========
Whoever is truly humbled — will not be easily angry, nor harsh or critical of others. He will be compassionate and tender to the infirmities of his fellow-sinners, knowing that if there is a difference — it is grace alone which has made it! He knows that he has the seeds of every evil in his own heart. And under all trials and afflictions — he will look to the hand of the Lord, and lay his mouth in the dust, acknowledging that he suffers much less than his iniquities have deserved.
Quotes from The Letters of John Newton - Indwelling Sin and the Believer
John Owen Christologia Preface
JOHN OWEN: CHRISTOLOGIA
OR A DECLARATION OF THE GLORIOUS MYSTERY OF THE PERSON OF CHRIST — GOD AND MAN:
In his preface writes....
Unto them that believe unto the saving of the soul, he (Jesus) is, he always has
been, precious — the sun, the rock, the life, the bread of their souls —
every thing that is good, useful, amiable, desirable, here or unto eternity.
In, from, and by him, is all their spiritual and eternal life, light, power,
growth, consolation, and joy here; with everlasting salvation hereafter. By
him alone do they desire, expect, and obtain deliverance from that woeful
apostasy from God, which is accompanied with — which containeth in it
virtually and meritoriously whatever is evil, noxious, and destructive unto
our nature, and which, without relief, will issue in eternal misery. By him
are they brought into the nearest cognation, alliance, and friendship with
God, the firmest union unto him, and the most holy communion with him,
that our finite natures are capable of, and so conducted unto the eternal
enjoyment of him. For in him “shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and
shall glory;” (Isaiah 45:25;) for “Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an
everlasting salvation;” they “shall not be ashamed nor confounded, world
without end:” verse 17.
On these and the like accounts, the principal design of their whole lives
unto whom he is thus precious, is to acquaint themselves with him — the
mystery of the wisdom, grace, and love of God, in his person and
mediation, as revealed unto us in the Scripture, which is “life eternal;”
(John 17:3;) — to trust in him, and unto him, as to all the everlasting
concernments of their souls — to love and honor him with all their hearts
— to endeavor after conformity to him, in all those characters of divine
goodness and holiness which are represented unto them in him. In these
things consist the soul, life, power, beauty, and efficacy of the Christian
religion; without which, whatever outward ornaments may be put upon its
exercise, it is but a useless, lifeless carcass. The whole of this design is
expressed in these heavenly words of the apostle: (Philippians 3:8-12:)
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win
Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him,
and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his
sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means
I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had
already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if
that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of
Christ Jesus.”
This is a divine expression of that frame of heart of that design — which is
predominant and efficacious in them unto whom Christ is precious
OR A DECLARATION OF THE GLORIOUS MYSTERY OF THE PERSON OF CHRIST — GOD AND MAN:
In his preface writes....
Unto them that believe unto the saving of the soul, he (Jesus) is, he always has
been, precious — the sun, the rock, the life, the bread of their souls —
every thing that is good, useful, amiable, desirable, here or unto eternity.
In, from, and by him, is all their spiritual and eternal life, light, power,
growth, consolation, and joy here; with everlasting salvation hereafter. By
him alone do they desire, expect, and obtain deliverance from that woeful
apostasy from God, which is accompanied with — which containeth in it
virtually and meritoriously whatever is evil, noxious, and destructive unto
our nature, and which, without relief, will issue in eternal misery. By him
are they brought into the nearest cognation, alliance, and friendship with
God, the firmest union unto him, and the most holy communion with him,
that our finite natures are capable of, and so conducted unto the eternal
enjoyment of him. For in him “shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and
shall glory;” (Isaiah 45:25;) for “Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an
everlasting salvation;” they “shall not be ashamed nor confounded, world
without end:” verse 17.
On these and the like accounts, the principal design of their whole lives
unto whom he is thus precious, is to acquaint themselves with him — the
mystery of the wisdom, grace, and love of God, in his person and
mediation, as revealed unto us in the Scripture, which is “life eternal;”
(John 17:3;) — to trust in him, and unto him, as to all the everlasting
concernments of their souls — to love and honor him with all their hearts
— to endeavor after conformity to him, in all those characters of divine
goodness and holiness which are represented unto them in him. In these
things consist the soul, life, power, beauty, and efficacy of the Christian
religion; without which, whatever outward ornaments may be put upon its
exercise, it is but a useless, lifeless carcass. The whole of this design is
expressed in these heavenly words of the apostle: (Philippians 3:8-12:)
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win
Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him,
and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his
sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means
I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had
already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if
that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of
Christ Jesus.”
This is a divine expression of that frame of heart of that design — which is
predominant and efficacious in them unto whom Christ is precious
TIED MY REBELLIOUS IGNORANT LEGS TOGETHER
My God is a robust Savior, He is not a weak willed confused being with no real power except that which His subjects willingly surrender. All throughout scripture He is shown majestic and holy, glorious and triumphant able to do all that He wills without limitation. Notice when the angel speaks of Him in Matthew 1:21 he says, "...He WILL save HIS people from their sins."
It isn't Mary's obediance we should herald this day, nor the willingness of any of His creatures.
He busted through the door of my stoney heart and wrestled me to the ground like a lost sheep then tied my rebellious ignorant legs together, ...threw me over His shoulders and will carry me all the way home. This God my friends is mighty to save and worthy of my worship, forever and ever and ever! (emphasis mine, my favorite part, thanks Tim!)
May the Christ child be celebrated today as not the great enabler but King! His last words... "It is finished".
-- Tim Haufler
It isn't Mary's obediance we should herald this day, nor the willingness of any of His creatures.
He busted through the door of my stoney heart and wrestled me to the ground like a lost sheep then tied my rebellious ignorant legs together, ...threw me over His shoulders and will carry me all the way home. This God my friends is mighty to save and worthy of my worship, forever and ever and ever! (emphasis mine, my favorite part, thanks Tim!)
May the Christ child be celebrated today as not the great enabler but King! His last words... "It is finished".
-- Tim Haufler
NOT THY FAITH
"It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not even thy faith in Christ, though that be the instrument; it is Christ’s blood and merit."
- Charles H. Spurgeon
- Charles H. Spurgeon
Friday, December 24, 2010
DARKER FOULER
Let the Stable Still Astonish
Let the Stable still astonish:
Straw -- dirt floor, dull eyes,
Dusty flanks of donkeys, oxen;
Crumbling, crooked walls;
No bed to carry that pain,
And then, the child,
Rag-wrapped, laid to cry
In a trough.
Who would have chosen this?
Who would have said: “Yes,
Let the God of all the heavens
and earth
Be born here, in this place”?
Who but the same God
Who stands in the darker, fouler
rooms
of our hearts
and says, “Yes,
let the God of Heaven and Earth
be born here --
in this place.”
Leslie Leyland Fields
Let the Stable still astonish:
Straw -- dirt floor, dull eyes,
Dusty flanks of donkeys, oxen;
Crumbling, crooked walls;
No bed to carry that pain,
And then, the child,
Rag-wrapped, laid to cry
In a trough.
Who would have chosen this?
Who would have said: “Yes,
Let the God of all the heavens
and earth
Be born here, in this place”?
Who but the same God
Who stands in the darker, fouler
rooms
of our hearts
and says, “Yes,
let the God of Heaven and Earth
be born here --
in this place.”
Leslie Leyland Fields
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
SECRET TO ACCOMPLISH
the duties God requires of us are not in proportion to the strength we possess in ourselves. Rather, they are proportional to the resources available to us in Christ. We do not have the ability in ourselves to accomplish the least of God’s tasks. This is a law of grace. When we recognize it is impossible to perform a duty in our own strength, we will discover the secret of its accomplishment. But alas, this is a secret we often fail to discover.
--John Owen
--John Owen
Monday, December 20, 2010
DESIGNED FOR GOD
Tomato Sauce was designed for Lasagna, Spaghetti, and Pizza...not for painting walls, staining furniture, or cleaning clothes; Likewise Music was designed for God's Glory and God's Pleasure...not for the secular world to make money, become famous, and entertain themselves; what waste and misuse of a gift.
REJOICE IN THE LORD
My Joy is not based on sinners.
My Joy is not based on sinners, whether it be other sinners, or my old nature considered dead.
It is not based on my performance as it relates to intellectual progress, athletic progress, financial progress, ministry exposure, ministry reception.
My Joy IS based on the Sovereign, the Savior;
My Joy IS based on...
who HE is: Fully God, Fully Man, King, Messiah, Sovereign, Savoir, Lion, Lamb.
what HE has accomplished: incarnate, life, cross, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, enthronement.
what HE has accomplished: redemption, atonement, propitiation, preservation of His Bride.
where HE is: at the right hand of the Father, in glory, with adoration and exultation.
what HE has promised: to return, to rescue, to restore, to reign, to vindicate His Holiness, Righteousness, Glory, Name.
that He is...... who He is......without me, my contribution, my effort, my intentions, my zeal, my tears.
Circumstances change, Christ does not.
Rejoice in the Lord always....and I again I say, Rejoice IN THE LORD.
My Joy is not based on sinners, whether it be other sinners, or my old nature considered dead.
It is not based on my performance as it relates to intellectual progress, athletic progress, financial progress, ministry exposure, ministry reception.
My Joy IS based on the Sovereign, the Savior;
My Joy IS based on...
who HE is: Fully God, Fully Man, King, Messiah, Sovereign, Savoir, Lion, Lamb.
what HE has accomplished: incarnate, life, cross, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, enthronement.
what HE has accomplished: redemption, atonement, propitiation, preservation of His Bride.
where HE is: at the right hand of the Father, in glory, with adoration and exultation.
what HE has promised: to return, to rescue, to restore, to reign, to vindicate His Holiness, Righteousness, Glory, Name.
that He is...... who He is......without me, my contribution, my effort, my intentions, my zeal, my tears.
Circumstances change, Christ does not.
Rejoice in the Lord always....and I again I say, Rejoice IN THE LORD.
Friday, December 17, 2010
THE ONLY WAY
One thinks he could serve God much better if he were more prospered temporally...another if only he could have more society and Christian fellowship. But, my reader, the only way to serve God better is to be content with the place in which He has put you, and therein get a better heart!
~AW Pink
~AW Pink
A TRUE PURITAN
A true Puritan is one whose heart is warmed by the Lord's sweet communion,
whose esteem is bent to the ground, facedown in His awesome presence,
whose mind is captured by the words of the Word Incarnate,
whose will succumbs to the sovereignty of God Almighty,
whose bones burn with the fire of the Holy Spirit,
whose desires are inflamed with the pleasures of the Great I Am,
who knows that he is yet incomplete, wretched, undeserving, unworthy, still persevering, still longing, still in dire need of His tender mercies and steadfast love.
A true Puritan doesn't yet know that indeed he is one.
– A Reformed sister in India, who wishes to remain anonymous.
whose esteem is bent to the ground, facedown in His awesome presence,
whose mind is captured by the words of the Word Incarnate,
whose will succumbs to the sovereignty of God Almighty,
whose bones burn with the fire of the Holy Spirit,
whose desires are inflamed with the pleasures of the Great I Am,
who knows that he is yet incomplete, wretched, undeserving, unworthy, still persevering, still longing, still in dire need of His tender mercies and steadfast love.
A true Puritan doesn't yet know that indeed he is one.
– A Reformed sister in India, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
OBJECT LESSON
When asked to give examples of sin, one little boy raised his hand, when called on, he didnt say a word, he simply slapped the boy next to him on the back of the head. (via Ndivhuwo Rembuluwani)
CONFLICT
"You are but a poor soldier of Christ if you think you can overcome without fighting and suppose you can have the crown without conflict."
- John Chrysostom
(Of course the overcoming and crown are from Christ, not our fighting or conflict)
- John Chrysostom
(Of course the overcoming and crown are from Christ, not our fighting or conflict)
CHRIST HIMSELF
"All promises are either Christ himself, or by Christ, or from Christ, or for Christ. All promises that ever were made to God's people, they were either of Christ Himself, when He was promised, or such as were promised for Christ."
- Richard Sibbes
- Richard Sibbes
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