Wednesday, September 27, 2006
John Owen - A Puritan Stud
Alert - there is a new book out entitled Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen, edited by Justin Taylor and Kelly M. Kapic. The forward is by John Piper and this book has a line-up of great theologians supporting it: J.I. Packer, Jerry Bridges, Mark Dever, Sinclair B. Ferguson, and C.J. Mahaney to name a few. The editors have compiled three of Owen's works into one book. This is a MUST READ. You can click here to read the forward, preface, and introduction to the book. For more resources and books by John Owen, go to his website. Also, John Piper's new book What Jesus Demands from the World is out and you can read the entire book online by clicking here.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Is God Wild at Heart?
I was recently made aware that John Eldridge is coming out with a new book and it reminded me of the great influence that "Wild at Heart" has had among many men. There are some good things in his book but there are also some things that present unbiblical views of God and man. I have previosly posted an article by Randy Stinson, Executive Director of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and he has also written a review of "Wild at Heart" that I would encourage you to click here and read it. When we read books, we must always evaluate them in light of the teachings of Scripture. This is a discipline that we must all develop as we read and study other men of God. Thank God for the Scriptures, perfect and without error. We can read them and be certain of TRUTH.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Healthy Church Member - Part 2
The second mark of a healthy church is biblical theology. Therefore, Thabiti Anyabwile calls the 2nd mark of a heathly church member a Biblical Theologian. Click here to read his article. These are the only two that I think he has written and when he writes the other ones, I will link to them as well. May we all be Healthy Church Members.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Healthy Church Member - Part 1
Dr. Mark Dever has written a book called 9 Marks of Healthy Church. In his book he presents nine marks that he believes need to become more distinct and evident in the church today. He claims that these aren't the only marks that a church should have but they are essential ones. Well, a former fellow elder of his, Thabiti Anyabwile, recently has taken those nine marks and turned them into Marks of a Healthy Church Member. The 1st mark of a healthy church is "Expositional Preaching" so Anyabwile calls the 1st mark of a healthy church member, "Expositional Listening." Click here to read his article. My desire is that we all would become the best churcm member that we can be for the service of the church to the glory of God.
Goldsworthy on Evangelism
Graeme Goldsworthy in Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture makes some great remarks concerning evangelism. The entire book is excellent but listen to these excerpts:
"My concern about evangelism is that sometimes there is a greater emphasis on the need for some kind of response than on the clear exposition of the gospel. Telling people they need to come to Jesus, that they must be born again, that they should commit their lives to Christ, and so on, is not preaching the gospel. It is, at best, telling them what they ought to do or, in the case of the new birth, what has happened when they have received the gospel. It is a remarkable thing in Acts 2 that Peter's sermon contained no appeal. The appeal came from the congregation: 'What should we do?' It was the power and clarity of the gospel message that impressed them with the need to do something about it." p. 95
Later he says,
"Whenever people's sense of assurance of salvation is expressed in the first person, something is amiss. When the question 'How do you know God will accept you?' is answered by 'I have Jesus in my heart,' 'I asked jesus into my life,' 'The Holy Spirit is in me,' and so on, the real gospel basis for assurance needs to be reviewed. We rejoice when the answer comes in the third person: 'God gave his only Son to die on the cross for me,' 'Jesus died, rose, and is in heaven for me.' When the focus is on the finished and perfect work of Christ, rather than on the yet unfinished work of the Spirit in me, the grounds for assurance are in place." p. 95
"My concern about evangelism is that sometimes there is a greater emphasis on the need for some kind of response than on the clear exposition of the gospel. Telling people they need to come to Jesus, that they must be born again, that they should commit their lives to Christ, and so on, is not preaching the gospel. It is, at best, telling them what they ought to do or, in the case of the new birth, what has happened when they have received the gospel. It is a remarkable thing in Acts 2 that Peter's sermon contained no appeal. The appeal came from the congregation: 'What should we do?' It was the power and clarity of the gospel message that impressed them with the need to do something about it." p. 95
Later he says,
"Whenever people's sense of assurance of salvation is expressed in the first person, something is amiss. When the question 'How do you know God will accept you?' is answered by 'I have Jesus in my heart,' 'I asked jesus into my life,' 'The Holy Spirit is in me,' and so on, the real gospel basis for assurance needs to be reviewed. We rejoice when the answer comes in the third person: 'God gave his only Son to die on the cross for me,' 'Jesus died, rose, and is in heaven for me.' When the focus is on the finished and perfect work of Christ, rather than on the yet unfinished work of the Spirit in me, the grounds for assurance are in place." p. 95
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Church Membership - Part 2
I hope many of you had the opportunity to read the post by Dr. Mark Dever that I linked for you yesterday. Today I would just like to raise some issues as it relates to church membership. Many people view church membership in the same way that they view a "Country Club" Membership. You pay your dues and then you get to use the facilities to meet your needs. You can come as often as you like. You only use those facilities and those resouces that meet your own needs. If it doesn't meet your own need, then you don't use it. If you haven't been there in a few weeks or a month or so, no one is going to be calling you on the phone saying, "Where have you been, we're going to drop your membership if you don't come this week." Your response is, "You can't drop my membership because I paid for it. I paid for the right to come whenever I please." Is this the way church membership should work as well? Is it all about me and what will meet my needs? Can I just come whenever I want to come as long as I pay my tithes? I want to propose to you that church membership is meant to be something so much greater than this.
There is something that is radically different between a country club and a church. The purpose of a church is not to keep its facilities running and to make a profit. The purpose of the church is to present people mature in Christ for the glory of God. You see, I may join a country club so that I can play golf, use its pool, and meet some very nice people. There is nothing necessarily spiritual about any of this. Lost people can join a country club and believers can join a country club. This is not so within the church. This leads to a crucial question: why become a member of a local church? If what you really want is to meet some nice people, use its babysitting service, and use it facitilities, then go join a country club.
On the other hand, if God has radically changed your life and you see that God's plan for your life is pursue holiness, then by all means, go become a member of a church. For the church is full of sinners who are saved by the grace of God and are pursing holiness for the glory of God. Church membership consists of sinners saved by God's grace coming together and commiting their lives to each other to do whatever it takes to pursue holiness. It involves giving, teaching, serving, loving, sharing, worshipping, etc. in order that we might be mature in Christ and present others mature in Christ. When I become a member I am saying to the rest of the members, "If you see anything in my life that is hindering me from becoming mature in Christ, please help me." That help might involve church discipline, rebuke, and correction but if it leads me into holiness, praise be to God. This is why a person who hasn't been there in a while ought to be confronted and challenged to rejoin the fellowship for in church membership, there are no fans. We are all participants. We don't just pay our dues, we give our lives. And if a person wants to be a member but doesn't want to be commited, they need to be challenged concerning their commitment first to Jesus Christ and then to OTHERS.
Finally, you may already see why it is important that the requirements for membership be clear. For if a person has not been saved, how can they help others pursue holiness? The goal for membership is that it would reflect who truly are saved. It is also crucial that the expectations for membership be clear as well. People need to taught what every member expects of them as well as the leadership of the church. Do you understand what is expected of you as a church member? One final thought: if church membership doesn't mean anything, then why do we have it? If it's sole purpose is just to boast about how many people we have at our church, is that biblical? I would encourage you all to pursue meaningful church membership and to seek out what that looks like in your church. Tomorrow I will post some comments about being a "Healthy Church Member."
There is something that is radically different between a country club and a church. The purpose of a church is not to keep its facilities running and to make a profit. The purpose of the church is to present people mature in Christ for the glory of God. You see, I may join a country club so that I can play golf, use its pool, and meet some very nice people. There is nothing necessarily spiritual about any of this. Lost people can join a country club and believers can join a country club. This is not so within the church. This leads to a crucial question: why become a member of a local church? If what you really want is to meet some nice people, use its babysitting service, and use it facitilities, then go join a country club.
On the other hand, if God has radically changed your life and you see that God's plan for your life is pursue holiness, then by all means, go become a member of a church. For the church is full of sinners who are saved by the grace of God and are pursing holiness for the glory of God. Church membership consists of sinners saved by God's grace coming together and commiting their lives to each other to do whatever it takes to pursue holiness. It involves giving, teaching, serving, loving, sharing, worshipping, etc. in order that we might be mature in Christ and present others mature in Christ. When I become a member I am saying to the rest of the members, "If you see anything in my life that is hindering me from becoming mature in Christ, please help me." That help might involve church discipline, rebuke, and correction but if it leads me into holiness, praise be to God. This is why a person who hasn't been there in a while ought to be confronted and challenged to rejoin the fellowship for in church membership, there are no fans. We are all participants. We don't just pay our dues, we give our lives. And if a person wants to be a member but doesn't want to be commited, they need to be challenged concerning their commitment first to Jesus Christ and then to OTHERS.
Finally, you may already see why it is important that the requirements for membership be clear. For if a person has not been saved, how can they help others pursue holiness? The goal for membership is that it would reflect who truly are saved. It is also crucial that the expectations for membership be clear as well. People need to taught what every member expects of them as well as the leadership of the church. Do you understand what is expected of you as a church member? One final thought: if church membership doesn't mean anything, then why do we have it? If it's sole purpose is just to boast about how many people we have at our church, is that biblical? I would encourage you all to pursue meaningful church membership and to seek out what that looks like in your church. Tomorrow I will post some comments about being a "Healthy Church Member."
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Church Membership - Part 1
Have you ever considered why we have church membership in our churches? What is the purpose of church membership? What is the role of a church member? Can a church member just show up whenever they want to? These are some questions that we all ought to pursue and seek answers. Today I'm linking you all to a great post by Dr. Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church and founder of 9Marks Minisries. Read it and post any comments you may have. His post will definitely make you think about what REAL church membership should be.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Mohler on Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen is one of the most watched Television Preachers and therefore he is having a huge influence on numbers of people. Read this blog by Albert Mohler and the response of Osteen as it relates to Homosexuality.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
The Prosperity Gospel - some thoughts
I would first like to comment that I am not seeking to produce a comprehensive biblical theology of “wealth and riches.” I will not reference every verse that I possibly could and I will not address every passage that I possibly could. My goal is not to write a book but to make a few comments. I would suggest that you read an article on “wealth” in the Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology for a more comprehensive discussion. This is a great tool that you can use to do a quick biblical theology on any subject you like. You can also find resources on "money" from Desiring God.
The question is, “Does God want YOU to be rich?” It is important first of all to see that this is a question concerning God’s will, namely, God’s particular will for your life. Second, what does it mean to be “RICH?” Does riches refer to money or is it possible that there can be riches that we can possess that have nothing to do with money? The way to a sure and solid answer would be to reference everything that God says about money, riches, and wealth, and then to evaluate all of the evidence to come to a conclusion. Another thought: my name is no where in the Bible. No where does it say, “Thus sayeth the Lord, ‘Jon Chasteen, I want you to be rich.’” So there is a broader question that needs to be addressed which is, “How do I know what God wants for MY life?” As an evangelical, I affirm that the Bible is the supreme authority by which all other authorities (experience, tradition, reason, etc.) must bow to. So, it is the word of God that gives direction to what God wants for my life.
Here are just a few thoughts from God’s word: “Do not lay up treasure for yourselves on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-21). In the explanation of the parable of the sower Jesus says, “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and it proves unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22). Riches deceive people into thinking that joy and happiness is tied up with their monetary attainment. Therefore, their joy is dependent on their riches. The prosperity gospel is NO GOSPEL. I am a sinner and I need a savior but the prosperity gospel removes the atoning work of Christ on the cross. The prosperity gospel confuses what our real needs are. If I have Christ, I don’t need money or wealth. If I have Christ, I have everything. The prosperity gospel leads many to hell because it leads people to think they have found life and the blessing of God in riches and many will die rich sinners and lose EVERYTHING. Why settle for less when God has offered us never-ending joy in Jesus Christ. There is really a flaw in many who ask, “Does God want me to be rich?” I would challenge them first of all to ask, “God, what do you want from my life?” His response is going to be, “Love me, and love your neighbor.” In other words, “Worship me! Make me your treasure.”
The point is, whether you are rich or poor, God can be your treasure. This gospel, this good news that Christ offers us is incredibly rich. Read through Ephesians and see how Paul uses the term “riches” throughout this letter (1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16). He is writing to the church at Ephesus, a place which was known as the economic center of that area and he is telling them about the riches in Christ. Moses considered the reproach of Christ great riches that the treasures of Egypt (Heb. 11:26). Paul, who was a godly man was definitely not rich. He said, “...as having nothing, yet possessing everything” (2 Cor. 6:3-10; see also 2 Cor. 11:23-29; 1 Cor. 4:8-13). There are many warnings against the collection of monetary wealth and riches (1 Tim. 6:10; James 5:1-6). You will also find places in the OT where wealth was a blessing from the Lord. I will affirm this, wealth can be a blessing but it can also be a curse.
In coming back to the question, “Does God want me to be rich” I’ll make some final remarks. Jesus told the rich young man, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me” (Mark 10:21). If it was God’s will for us all to be rich, why is Jesus (God) telling this young man to sell everything for TREASURE IN HEAVEN. He earlier said, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? (Mark 8:36). God wants us all to be rich with the inheritance that he has for us in heaven.
What is rich? Compared to the rest of the world, every single one of us is rich. Look at our cars, homes, clothes, shoes, etc. If God wants us all to be rich, then are we then in SIN if we aren’t rich? What does this say about the rest of the world? This could easily lead someone to believe that because they are rich they have the blessing of God on their life and they could be on there way to hell separated from God forever. God is more concerned that HE is your treasure than that you have treasures on earth. If HE is your treasure, no matter what happens on earth, you can always be satisfied because he is CONSTANT and ALWAYS THERE. Do not hope in riches, but in a God who is extremely rich and who will never leave you or forsake you. Why settle for less? “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). I close with the famous Jim Eliott quote, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
The question is, “Does God want YOU to be rich?” It is important first of all to see that this is a question concerning God’s will, namely, God’s particular will for your life. Second, what does it mean to be “RICH?” Does riches refer to money or is it possible that there can be riches that we can possess that have nothing to do with money? The way to a sure and solid answer would be to reference everything that God says about money, riches, and wealth, and then to evaluate all of the evidence to come to a conclusion. Another thought: my name is no where in the Bible. No where does it say, “Thus sayeth the Lord, ‘Jon Chasteen, I want you to be rich.’” So there is a broader question that needs to be addressed which is, “How do I know what God wants for MY life?” As an evangelical, I affirm that the Bible is the supreme authority by which all other authorities (experience, tradition, reason, etc.) must bow to. So, it is the word of God that gives direction to what God wants for my life.
Here are just a few thoughts from God’s word: “Do not lay up treasure for yourselves on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-21). In the explanation of the parable of the sower Jesus says, “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and it proves unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22). Riches deceive people into thinking that joy and happiness is tied up with their monetary attainment. Therefore, their joy is dependent on their riches. The prosperity gospel is NO GOSPEL. I am a sinner and I need a savior but the prosperity gospel removes the atoning work of Christ on the cross. The prosperity gospel confuses what our real needs are. If I have Christ, I don’t need money or wealth. If I have Christ, I have everything. The prosperity gospel leads many to hell because it leads people to think they have found life and the blessing of God in riches and many will die rich sinners and lose EVERYTHING. Why settle for less when God has offered us never-ending joy in Jesus Christ. There is really a flaw in many who ask, “Does God want me to be rich?” I would challenge them first of all to ask, “God, what do you want from my life?” His response is going to be, “Love me, and love your neighbor.” In other words, “Worship me! Make me your treasure.”
The point is, whether you are rich or poor, God can be your treasure. This gospel, this good news that Christ offers us is incredibly rich. Read through Ephesians and see how Paul uses the term “riches” throughout this letter (1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16). He is writing to the church at Ephesus, a place which was known as the economic center of that area and he is telling them about the riches in Christ. Moses considered the reproach of Christ great riches that the treasures of Egypt (Heb. 11:26). Paul, who was a godly man was definitely not rich. He said, “...as having nothing, yet possessing everything” (2 Cor. 6:3-10; see also 2 Cor. 11:23-29; 1 Cor. 4:8-13). There are many warnings against the collection of monetary wealth and riches (1 Tim. 6:10; James 5:1-6). You will also find places in the OT where wealth was a blessing from the Lord. I will affirm this, wealth can be a blessing but it can also be a curse.
In coming back to the question, “Does God want me to be rich” I’ll make some final remarks. Jesus told the rich young man, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me” (Mark 10:21). If it was God’s will for us all to be rich, why is Jesus (God) telling this young man to sell everything for TREASURE IN HEAVEN. He earlier said, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? (Mark 8:36). God wants us all to be rich with the inheritance that he has for us in heaven.
What is rich? Compared to the rest of the world, every single one of us is rich. Look at our cars, homes, clothes, shoes, etc. If God wants us all to be rich, then are we then in SIN if we aren’t rich? What does this say about the rest of the world? This could easily lead someone to believe that because they are rich they have the blessing of God on their life and they could be on there way to hell separated from God forever. God is more concerned that HE is your treasure than that you have treasures on earth. If HE is your treasure, no matter what happens on earth, you can always be satisfied because he is CONSTANT and ALWAYS THERE. Do not hope in riches, but in a God who is extremely rich and who will never leave you or forsake you. Why settle for less? “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). I close with the famous Jim Eliott quote, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The Prosperity Gospel?
Today I read a post by Dr. Al Mohler on his blog concerning TIME's cover story this week, "Does God Want You to Be Rich?" 61% of the people they polled said that God wants you to be prosperous. WHAT DO THINK? Does God want us to be rich? Is so, what are the implications of this? Is this then the gospel, the good news? This is a theology question concerning GOD. What is God like? What is his plan and his will for his people? Read Dr. Mohler's post as well as the article in TIME Magazine. I would appreciate your comments about the issue or your answers to the above questions along with biblical support or questions that you may have in general concerning this matter. Tomorrow (around lunch-time) I will respond to any comments or questions as well as post some of my own thoughts in light of the teachings of Scripture on this matter. WHATEVER YOU BELIEVE ABOUT THIS ISSUE WILL DETERMINE HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE! Because what we BELIEVE about God determines how we LIVE!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
John Owen - Recommended Books
I have been posting some great quotes by John Owen. Let me just recommend some of his books that are must reads.
- Mortification of Sin
- Works of John Owen, volume 6, Temptation and Sin
- Communion with God
- God’s Statesman: The Life and Work of John Owen, by Peter Toon
- John Owen on the Christian Life, by Sinclair Ferguson
Also, many articles on him by J.I. Packer can be found at www.johnowen.org. Click here to see those articles.
Monday, September 11, 2006
John Owen - Part 2
For all of us who are involved in teaching and preaching the Word of God, Owen has a great challenge for us. Listen to these words:
"Experience of the power of the truth which they preach in and upon their own souls. Without this they will themselves be lifeless and heartless in their own work, and their labour for the most part will be unprofitable towards others…But a man preacheth that sermon only well unto others which preacheth itself in his own soul. And he that doth not feed on and thrive in the digestion of the food which he provides for others will scarce make it savoury unto them; yea, he knows not but the food he hath provided may be poison, unless he have really tasted of it himself. If the word do not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us. And no man lives in a more woeful condition than those who really believe not themselves what they persuade others to believe continually. The want of this experience of the power of gospel truth on their own souls is that which gives us so many lifeless, sapless orations, quaint in words and dead as to power, instead of preaching the gospel in the demonstration of the Spirit." [1]
"It is an easier thing to bring our heads to preach than our hearts to preach. To bring our heads to preach, is but to fill our minds and memories with some notions of truth, of our own or other men, and speak them out to give satisfaction to ourselves and others: this is very easy. But to bring our hearts to preach, is to be transformed into the power of these truths; or to find the power of them, both before, in fashioning our minds and hearts, and in delivering of them, that we may have benefit; and to be acted with zeal for God and compassion to the souls of men. A man may preach every day in the week, and not have his heart engaged once." [2]
May we be men who teach with power because what we teach has worked powerfully in us. Whether you are teaching or preaching God's Word, you must first preach to yourself before you can preach and teach to others. May God use his Word in us to draw us continually to himself.
[1] Owen, vol. 16, p. 76; emphasis mine.
[2] Owen, Vol. 9, p. 455; emphasis mine.
"Experience of the power of the truth which they preach in and upon their own souls. Without this they will themselves be lifeless and heartless in their own work, and their labour for the most part will be unprofitable towards others…But a man preacheth that sermon only well unto others which preacheth itself in his own soul. And he that doth not feed on and thrive in the digestion of the food which he provides for others will scarce make it savoury unto them; yea, he knows not but the food he hath provided may be poison, unless he have really tasted of it himself. If the word do not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us. And no man lives in a more woeful condition than those who really believe not themselves what they persuade others to believe continually. The want of this experience of the power of gospel truth on their own souls is that which gives us so many lifeless, sapless orations, quaint in words and dead as to power, instead of preaching the gospel in the demonstration of the Spirit." [1]
"It is an easier thing to bring our heads to preach than our hearts to preach. To bring our heads to preach, is but to fill our minds and memories with some notions of truth, of our own or other men, and speak them out to give satisfaction to ourselves and others: this is very easy. But to bring our hearts to preach, is to be transformed into the power of these truths; or to find the power of them, both before, in fashioning our minds and hearts, and in delivering of them, that we may have benefit; and to be acted with zeal for God and compassion to the souls of men. A man may preach every day in the week, and not have his heart engaged once." [2]
May we be men who teach with power because what we teach has worked powerfully in us. Whether you are teaching or preaching God's Word, you must first preach to yourself before you can preach and teach to others. May God use his Word in us to draw us continually to himself.
[1] Owen, vol. 16, p. 76; emphasis mine.
[2] Owen, Vol. 9, p. 455; emphasis mine.
Friday, September 08, 2006
John Owen - Part 1
For those of you who do not know of John Owen, he is a stud. He lived from 1613 - 1683. He accompanied Oliver Cromwell from 1643-1651. He was appointed the dean of Christ Church in Oxford where he trained ministers for the state church. He later become the vice-chancellor to the University from 1652-1657. He pastored a congregational church in London for the last twenty or so years of his life. J.I. Packer called him “the greatest among the Puritan theologians,”[1] and Charles Spurgeon called him “the prince of divines.”[2] Click here to go to a website totally devoted to his works. He wrote much on how to have Spirit-Empowered preaching. One of the components to this is the role of the HEARERS. So, as you prepare to go and hear God's word preached this Sunday, reflect on Owen's thoughts:
"What do men come to hear the word of God for? What do they pray for? What do they expect to receive from him? Do they come unto God as the eternal fountain of living waters, - as the God of all grace, peace, and consolation? or do they come unto his worship without any design, as unto a dry and empty show?...or do they think they bring something unto God, but receive nothing from him…to receive any thing from him they expect not, nor do ever examine themselves whether they have done so or no? It is not for persons who walk in such ways ever to attain a due delight in the ordinances of divine worship.[3]"
"Many of the better sort of professors are too negligent in this matter. They do not long and pant in the inward man after renewed pledges of the love of God; they do not consider how much need they have of them…they do not prepare their minds for the reception of them , nor come with expectation of their communication unto them; they do not rightly fix their faith on this truth,--namely, that these holy administrations and duties are appointed of God in the first place as the ways and means of conveying his love and a sense of it unto our souls. From hence spring all that lukewarmness, coldness, and indifferency in and unto the duties of holy worship, that are growing among us. [4]"
" …when men find the worth and effect of the word preached on theirs souls, in it enlightening, refreshing, strengthening, transforming power; when they find their hearts warmed, their graces excited and strengthened, the love of God improved, their desponding spirits under trials and temptations relieved, their whole souls gradually more and more conformed unto Christ; when they find themselves by it extricated out of snares, doubts, fears, temptations, and brought unto satisfaction and rest,--they cannot but delight in the dispensation of it, and rejoice in it as the food of their souls.[5]"
Do you prepare to go and hear a word from God? Do you hunger for God to speak to you? Do you delight in the dispention of God's word? May we always come expecting God to speak!
[1] J.I. Packer. A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1990), 11.
[2] J.I. Packer. Among God’s Giants: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. (Eastborne, England: Kingsway Publications, 1993), 251.
[3] Owen, vol. 7, 438-39.
[4] Owen, vol. 7, 439.
[5] Owen, vol. 7, 442.
"What do men come to hear the word of God for? What do they pray for? What do they expect to receive from him? Do they come unto God as the eternal fountain of living waters, - as the God of all grace, peace, and consolation? or do they come unto his worship without any design, as unto a dry and empty show?...or do they think they bring something unto God, but receive nothing from him…to receive any thing from him they expect not, nor do ever examine themselves whether they have done so or no? It is not for persons who walk in such ways ever to attain a due delight in the ordinances of divine worship.[3]"
"Many of the better sort of professors are too negligent in this matter. They do not long and pant in the inward man after renewed pledges of the love of God; they do not consider how much need they have of them…they do not prepare their minds for the reception of them , nor come with expectation of their communication unto them; they do not rightly fix their faith on this truth,--namely, that these holy administrations and duties are appointed of God in the first place as the ways and means of conveying his love and a sense of it unto our souls. From hence spring all that lukewarmness, coldness, and indifferency in and unto the duties of holy worship, that are growing among us. [4]"
" …when men find the worth and effect of the word preached on theirs souls, in it enlightening, refreshing, strengthening, transforming power; when they find their hearts warmed, their graces excited and strengthened, the love of God improved, their desponding spirits under trials and temptations relieved, their whole souls gradually more and more conformed unto Christ; when they find themselves by it extricated out of snares, doubts, fears, temptations, and brought unto satisfaction and rest,--they cannot but delight in the dispensation of it, and rejoice in it as the food of their souls.[5]"
Do you prepare to go and hear a word from God? Do you hunger for God to speak to you? Do you delight in the dispention of God's word? May we always come expecting God to speak!
[1] J.I. Packer. A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1990), 11.
[2] J.I. Packer. Among God’s Giants: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. (Eastborne, England: Kingsway Publications, 1993), 251.
[3] Owen, vol. 7, 438-39.
[4] Owen, vol. 7, 439.
[5] Owen, vol. 7, 442.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The Gospel and Marriage
Ligon Duncan , Pastor and also the Chairman of the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, recently commented on the implications of the gospel and marriage. For all of you who are married, engaged, or either desire to be married one day, this is a MUST READ:
"Meanwhile, we've been working through Ephesians 5 at First Presbyterian, and a Lloyd-Jones quote/thought has recently taken my breath away. While looking at Eph. 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her," we asked -- so what does that love look like? How are we supposed to love? Paul doesn’t leave us without an answer. He points to the cross. What is Christ’s love for the church like? Look at the cross.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones taught me something about Ephesians 5:25 that I had never before grasped. How many times have I read, and preached, this verse and missed it? Then I read his pastoral words of application: "How many of us have realized that we are always to think of the married state in terms of the doctrine of the atonement? Is that our customary way of thinking of marriage?. . . Where do we find what the books have to say about marriage? Under which section? Under ethics. But it does not belong there. We must consider marriage in terms of the doctrine of the atonement." (Life in the Spirit, 148)
That means, by the way, that every time we hear a sermon on the atonement, we as Christian husbands are being shown and taught by our Lord how to love our wives. Yes, certainly, above all, whenever we hear atonement proclaimed, we are always first to consider the matchless work of God on our behalf. The atonement always and foremost is to evoke in us wonder, love, gratitude and praise for saving grace freely given to us at the cost of the Father’s only and beloved Son. It is about what God is doing for us, for our redemption, outside of us, without any assistance from us, or any input from us, or any contribution from us. For the atonement is the awesome display of the stunningly surprising saving love of God at work on our behalf. It is never a mere example of love. It is never a mere illustration. It is never merely a means of moral influence.
But here in Ephesians 5:25b, Paul bids Christian husbands to look at the cross, to look at how Christ gave himself for his people there, to look at how he gave himself totally, to look at how he gave himself to the uttermost, to look at how he endured the shame and suffering, to look at how he died – all for his bride, all for his people, all for the church.
And then the apostle Paul applies the atonement to Christian husbands. "Men," he says, "Christ lived, suffered and died for the eternal good of his bride – now, you go love your wives like that. Love your wives like Christ loved the church. Love your wives like Christ gave himself for the church. Love your wives in light of the atonement."
So next time you are wishing that the preacher would talk about something practical, and he’s up there again preaching about the cross, preaching about the atonement, just remember the triple practicality of it – (1) he’s not only teaching you about the love of God, a love so deep you’ll never see to the bottom of it in all eternity, (2) he’s not only teaching you about the glorious work of redemption by penal substitution, a work without which you would not and could not have been saved from an eternity in hell, (3) he’s teaching you as a Christian husband how to love your wife – Christ lived, suffered and died for his bride; you live, and if necessary suffer and die for your wife’s good."
"Meanwhile, we've been working through Ephesians 5 at First Presbyterian, and a Lloyd-Jones quote/thought has recently taken my breath away. While looking at Eph. 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her," we asked -- so what does that love look like? How are we supposed to love? Paul doesn’t leave us without an answer. He points to the cross. What is Christ’s love for the church like? Look at the cross.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones taught me something about Ephesians 5:25 that I had never before grasped. How many times have I read, and preached, this verse and missed it? Then I read his pastoral words of application: "How many of us have realized that we are always to think of the married state in terms of the doctrine of the atonement? Is that our customary way of thinking of marriage?. . . Where do we find what the books have to say about marriage? Under which section? Under ethics. But it does not belong there. We must consider marriage in terms of the doctrine of the atonement." (Life in the Spirit, 148)
That means, by the way, that every time we hear a sermon on the atonement, we as Christian husbands are being shown and taught by our Lord how to love our wives. Yes, certainly, above all, whenever we hear atonement proclaimed, we are always first to consider the matchless work of God on our behalf. The atonement always and foremost is to evoke in us wonder, love, gratitude and praise for saving grace freely given to us at the cost of the Father’s only and beloved Son. It is about what God is doing for us, for our redemption, outside of us, without any assistance from us, or any input from us, or any contribution from us. For the atonement is the awesome display of the stunningly surprising saving love of God at work on our behalf. It is never a mere example of love. It is never a mere illustration. It is never merely a means of moral influence.
But here in Ephesians 5:25b, Paul bids Christian husbands to look at the cross, to look at how Christ gave himself for his people there, to look at how he gave himself totally, to look at how he gave himself to the uttermost, to look at how he endured the shame and suffering, to look at how he died – all for his bride, all for his people, all for the church.
And then the apostle Paul applies the atonement to Christian husbands. "Men," he says, "Christ lived, suffered and died for the eternal good of his bride – now, you go love your wives like that. Love your wives like Christ loved the church. Love your wives like Christ gave himself for the church. Love your wives in light of the atonement."
So next time you are wishing that the preacher would talk about something practical, and he’s up there again preaching about the cross, preaching about the atonement, just remember the triple practicality of it – (1) he’s not only teaching you about the love of God, a love so deep you’ll never see to the bottom of it in all eternity, (2) he’s not only teaching you about the glorious work of redemption by penal substitution, a work without which you would not and could not have been saved from an eternity in hell, (3) he’s teaching you as a Christian husband how to love your wife – Christ lived, suffered and died for his bride; you live, and if necessary suffer and die for your wife’s good."
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Bible Study: Dynamics of Biblical Change
David Powlison (teacher of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary) has written a bible study which Justin Taylor posted on his blog. It is a bible study on the Dynamics of Biblical Change. It would be a great Bible Study for you to go through sometime and even share with others.
I have joined "Facebook"
Well, due to the influence of Jason Palmer and Shay Reyner, I have now joined Facebook. I was coerced into doing it and it is all their fault (Ricky Green as well). But, you will all receive the benefits their misconduct.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The Pastor as Theologian
I could also have said, everyone as a theologian. A theologian is someone who studies about God. Every person is a theologian to some extent. We all have thoughts and beliefs about God. Dr. Albert Mohler did a 3 Part series earlier in the year on the Pastor as Theologian. Click here to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Also, John Piper has an article entitled, "Pastor as Theologian: Reflections on the Ministry of Jonathan Edwards." May God raise up a generation of pastors who will not just be great speakers, but who will be great theologians; who will teach and preach great and exalted things about God. That is my heart's desire. Is God calling you out to be a Pastor Theologian? If so, what are you doing to live out that calling? I would love to talk with you if you sense God leading you in that direction...to the glory of God.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Prayer of Confession
A few days ago, I posted a blog reflecting on discipline and rebuke in the life of a believer referring you all to an article by Bob Kauflin. Today's post stems from another article by Kaulfin on Confession. When you find yourself in the presence of the Holy God and you are confessing your sins, what does your confession look like? What type of things should we confess? Do we confess our sins because we really see our wickedness or just because we know that the is what we are supposed to do? Read this Prayer of Confession by Kauflin and may God use it in your own life to stimulate worship and confession. At the Cross, there is an abundance of mercy and grace - run to the Cross.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Do you rightly handle the word of truth?
In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul writes, "Do you best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." Would you say that you handle the word of God in such a way that you can present yourself before God as "one approved?" Again, Dr. Andreas Köstenberger has posted a great blog on being a student of the word who rightly handles the word of truth. Click here to read it.
Desiring God - New Website
Desiring God ministries has just put their new website up. It has an abundant amout of resources from Pastor John Piper. You can watch videos of sermons and questions. You can search articles on numbers of great topics. You can search sermons by the text in the Bible. There is so much you can do and be blessed. May God use the ministry of John Piper to challenge you in your christian walk and to pursue God in all things. Click here to go to Desiring God.
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