In Hebrews 12:14, the writer of Hebrews gives this sobering exhortation: “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”
Sanctification or “holiness,” as the ESV and AV uses is a pursuit of every believer.
At salvation, he is made holy through the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross, but through his new life he is to pursue that for which he has become.
The writer says he is to “pursue” not only peace (this refers to peace with all men) but also “the sanctification” or “holiness.”
Pursuing sanctification or holiness suggests two thoughts:
First, that diligence and effort are required; and second, that it is a lifelong task.
Think for a moment of this involving “diligence and effort.”
Some think that being holy or pursuing sanctification doesn’t involve them--it’s all God’s responsibility.
It is true no one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life, but just as surely no one will attain it without effort on his own part.
God has made it possible for us to walk in holiness. But He has given to us the responsibility of doing the walking; He does not do that for us.
Jerry Bridges is correct when he says, “We Christians greatly enjoy talking about the provision of God, how Christ defeated sin on the cross and gave us His Holy Spirit to empower us to victory over sin. But we do not as readily talk about our own responsibility to walk in holiness.”
Yet Scripture is filled with such exhortations.
For example, Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 says, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3 is even more specific than the previous two when it says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.”
Being pure in heart, cleansing ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, and abstaining from sexual immorality is our responsibility.
God has given us the power over sin through the indwelling Holy Spirit and our responsibility is to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal.5:16), to be “filled with the Spirit” (Eph.5:18).
Pursuing holiness, as John MacArthur states is, “submitting to the Lord’s commands, doing His will, based on what is so clearly revealed in Scripture.”
In other words, it is “obedience.”
Why don’t Christians talk about their responsibility to walk in holiness?
There are two primary reasons:
One, they are simply reluctant to face up to their responsibility, and two, they do not understand the proper distinction between God’s provision and their own responsibility for holiness.
As Hebrews 12:14 states this is a pursuit.
It involves effort on our part that will go on until we see Jesus.
So then we need to learn how to “cultivate” holiness in our lives.
In a practical word, it involves killing sin in our lives.
It’s more than just saying “No” to sin, it’s being schooled in righteousness.
Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.”
What does Paul refer to as the teacher of denying ungodliness and worldly desires?
What teaches us to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age?
It’s the incarnation of the grace of God.
Who is the manifestation of God’s grace? Jesus Christ.
He clearly taught by His words and example of what it meant to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly.
Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
1 Peter 2:21-23 says, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.”
In Hebrews 12:14, the writer of Hebrews uses the word “sanctification” or “holiness” (hagiasmos) [to express] an action...[and it is used] as always proceeding from a holy person, and thus in the case of self-sanctification (as here) always presupposing the holiness that is obtained by Christ’s reconciliation in justification.
[In other words], the word denotes a process by which we become separated unto God in our entire life and conduct.
Think of a farmer.
A farmer plows his field, sows the seed, and fertilizes and cultivates—all the while knowing that in the final analysis he is utterly dependent on forces outside of himself.
He knows he cannot cause the seed to germinate, nor can he produce the rain and sunshine for growing and harvesting the crop. For a successful harvest, he is dependent on these things from God.
Yet the farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his responsibilities to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate, he cannot expect a harvest at the end of the season.
You are the farmer.
Yes you depend on God to provide the harvest but you plow the field, sow the seed, fertilize and cultivate.
That’s what I want us to talk about in the next few weeks---how to pursue holiness in our lives.
I don’t want to use big words but to speak as practically as possible.
So when we have our discussion time at the end of the service, I want you to think practically as well.
Don’t hide behind fancy words.
Talk specifically about holiness in your life as a pursuit.
Before we go any further, let’s take our remaining time to define the word “holy” and the problems we face.
In seeking an adequate definition, R.C. Sproul, reveals that “the difficulties involved in defining holiness are vast [because] in the Bible the word holy is used in more than one way.”
As we will see in this study, the idea of being holy is to be morally blameless.
It is to be separated from sin and, therefore, consecrated to God.
The word signifies “separation to God, and the conduct befitting those so separated.”
That means holiness affects our attitude in all areas of our lives.
It addresses our speech, thought life, as well as our actions.
You may have a good day go bad.
That doesn’t mean you stop pursuing holiness.
It means you need it all the more and now you’re faced with living out who you are in Christ!
Jerry Bridges, in his book, “The Pursuit of Holiness” shares one of those experiences from his own life that I would like to share with you. I think this is a good example of some of the same kind of things you and I experience in our own lives.
He says, “The shrill ring of the telephone shattered the stillness of the beautiful, crisp Colorado morning. On the other end was one of those utterly impossible individuals God seems to have sprinkled around here on earth to test the grace and patience of His children.
He was in top form that morning—arrogant, impatient, demanding. I hung up the phone seething inside with anger, resentment, and perhaps even hatred. Grabbing my jacket, I walked out into the cold air to try to regain my composure. The quietness of my soul, so carefully cultivated in my “quiet time” with God that morning, had been ripped into shreds and replaced with a volatile, steaming emotional volcano.
As my emotions subsided, my anger turned to utter discouragement. It was only 8:30 in the morning and my day was ruined. Not only was I discouraged, I was confused. Only two hours before, I had read Paul’s emphatic declaration, “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” But despite this nice-sounding promise of victory over sin, there I was locked in the vise-like grip of anger and resentment.
“Does the Bible really have any answers for real life?” I asked myself that morning. With all my heart I desired to live an obedient, holy life; yet there I was utterly defeated by one phone call.
Perhaps this incident has a familiar ring to you. The circumstances probably differed, but your reaction was similar. Perhaps your problem was anger with your children, or a temper at work, or an immoral habit you can’t overcome, or maybe several “besetting sins” that dog you day in and day out.
Whatever your particular sin problem (or problems), the Bible does have the answer for you. There is hope. You and I can walk in obedience to God’s Word and live a life of holiness.”
But in order for that to happen, we need to identify 3 basic problems:
The first problem is:
Our Attitude Toward Sin is More Self-Centered Than God-Centered
We are more concerned about our own “victory” over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God.
When David finally came to the place of confessing his sin of adultery with Bethsheba and murdering her husband Uriah, he said in Psalm 51:4, “Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight...”
His eyes were now off himself and he finally saw that his sin grieved God.
W.S. Plumer said, “We never see sin aright until we see it as against God....All sin is against God in this sense: that it is His law that is broken, His authority that is despised, His government that is set at naught....Pharaoh and Balaam, Saul and Judas each said, ‘I have sinned’; but the returning prodigal said, ‘I have sinned against heaven and before thee’; and David said, ‘Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned.’”
The second problem is:
We Have Misunderstood “Living By Faith” (Galatians 2:20) to Mean No Effort at Holiness is Required On Our Part
Some have even suggested that any effort on our part is “of the flesh” but that can be no further from the truth.
If you look at Ephesians 4-6, you clearly learn that this is a practical response to the first three chapters Paul has just given on the believer’s identity in Christ.
When we received Christ as Savior we became citizens of His kingdom and members of His family. Along with those blessings and privileges we also received obligations. The Lord expects us to act like the new persons we have become in Jesus Christ.
He expects His standards to become our standards, His purposes our purposes, His desires our desires, His nature our nature. The Christian life is simply the process of becoming what you are.
When we are told to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Eph.4:1), that is a call to action and responsibility.
That is seen in the next verse when he shows the Ephesians how they are to walk.
He says, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (vv.2-3).
We must face the fact that we have a personal responsibility for our walk of holiness.
The third problem is:
We Do Not Take Some Sin Seriously
We have mentally categorized sins into that which is unacceptable and that which may be tolerated a bit.
In commenting on some of the more minute Old Testament dietary laws God gave to the children of Israel, Andrew Bonar said, “It is not the importance of the thing, but the majesty of the Lawgiver, that is to be the standard of obedience....Some, indeed, might reckon such minute and arbitrary rules as these as trifling. But the principle involved in obedience or disobedience was none other than the same principle which was tried in Eden at the foot of the forbidden tree. It is really this: Is the Lord to be obeyed in all things whatsoever He commands? Is He a holy Lawgiver? Are His creatures bound to give implicit assent to His will?”
Are we willing to call sin “sin” not because it is big or little, but because God’s law forbids it?
We cannot categorize sin if we are to live a life of holiness. God will not let us get away with that kind of attitude.
CONCLUSION
As you think about your responsibility towards sin and your pursuit of being holy, do you see yourself in any of these problems we just mentioned?
Is your attitude toward sin more self-centered or is it God-centered?
What about your effort at killing sin?
Does living by faith involve no effort at holiness on your part?
And last, do you take all sin seriously?
Not just some but all?
Song of Solomon 2:15 (KJV) says it is “the little foxes that spoil the vines.”
It is compromise on the little issues that leads to greater downfalls.
Before you can pursue holiness in your life, you have to be made holy and that is only possible by surrendering your life to Jesus Christ.
When you repent of your sin and turn to Him, He forgives you and gives you His Spirit. It is at that point you’re made positionally holy before God.
If you haven’t repented and embraced Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I beg you to do so right now.
LIFE APPLICATION
What did you think when Pastor Steve said our pursuit of holiness is a joint venture with God?
Have you ever seen yourself as not responsible for your holiness? If no, why?
What are you doing to pursue holiness in your life?
What kind of response did you have the last time someone was arrogant, impatient, and demanding toward you?
Have you had your “quiet time” interrupted by an argument with your spouse or kids? If yes, what did you do afterwards?
Do you see your attitude toward sin as being self-centered or God-centered?
Do you feel there are some sins you don’t take as seriously as others? If yes, what can you do to change your attitude toward this?
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Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monday, March 07, 2011
Heidelberg Catechism 11 - 20
Q. 11. Is not God then also merciful?
A. God is indeed merciful, (a) but also just; (b)? therefore his justice requires, that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of body and soul.
(a) Exod 34:6,7; Exod 20:6
(b) Ps 7:9; Exod 20:5; Exod 23:7; Exod 34:7; Ps 5:5,6; Nah 1:2,3
Q. 12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into favor?
A. God will have his justice satisfied: (a) and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another. (b)
(a) Gen 2:17; Exod 20:5; Exod 23:7; Ezek 18:4; Matt 5:26; 2 Thess 1:6; Luke 16:2
(b) Rom 8:3,4
Q. 13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?
A. By no means; but on the contrary we daily increase our debt. (a)
(a) Job 9:2,3; Job 15:15,16; Job 4:18,19; Ps 130:3; Matt 6:12; Matt 18:25; Matt 16:26
Q. 14. Can there be found anywhere, one, who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
A. None; for, first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed; (a) and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it. (b)
(a) Ezek 18:4; Gen 3:17; Heb 2:14-17
(b) Nah 1:6; Ps 130:3
Q. 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A. For one who is very man, and perfectly (a) righteous; (b) and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God. (c)
(a) 1 Cor 15:21; Jer 33:16; Isa 53:9; 2 Cor 5:21
(b) Heb 7:16,26
(c) Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6; Rom 9:5; Jer 23:5,6; Luke 11:22
Q. 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
A. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin; (a) and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others. (b)
(a) Ezek 18:4,20; Rom 5:12,15,18; 1 Cor 15:21; Heb 2:14-16; 1 Pet 3:18; Isa 53:3-5,10,11
(b) Heb 7:26,27; Ps 49:7,8; 1 Pet 3:18
Q. 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
A. That he might, by the power of his Godhead (a) sustain in his human nature, (b) the burden of God's wrath; (c) and might obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life. (d)
(a) Isa 9:6; Isa 63:3
(b) Isa 53:4,11
(c) Deut 4:24; Nah 1:6; Ps 130:3
(d) Isa 53:5,11; Acts 2:24; 1 Pet 3:18; John 3:16; Acts 20:28; John 1:4
Q. 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God, (a) and a (b) righteous man? (c)
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ: (d) "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." (e)
(a) 1 John 5:20; Rom 9:5; Rom 8:3; Gal 4:4; Isa 9:6; Jer 23:6; Mal 3:1
(b) Luke 1:42; Luke 2:6,7; Rom 1:3; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:7; Heb 2:14,16,17; Heb 4:15
(c) Isa 53:9,11; Jer 23:5; Luke 1:35; John 8:46; Heb 4:15; Heb 7:26; 1 Pet 1:19; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 Pet 3:18
(d) 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 2:9; Matt 1:23; 1 Tim 3:16; Luke 2:11
(e) 1 Cor 1:30
Q. 19. Whence knowest thou this?
A. From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise; (a) and afterwards published by the patriarchs (b) and prophets, (c) and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; (d) and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son. (e)
(a) Gen 3:15
(b) Gen 22:18; Gen 12:3; Gen 49:10,11
(c) Isa 53; Isa 42:1-4; Isa 43:25; Isa 49:5,6,22,23; Jer 23:5,6; Jer 31:32,33; Jer 32:39-41; Mic 7:18-20; Acts 10:43; Rom 1:2; Heb 1:1; Acts 3:22-24; Acts 10:43; John 5:46
(d) Heb 10:1,7; Col 2:7; John 5:46
(e) Rom 10:4; Gal 4:4,5; Gal 3:24; Col 2:17
Q. 20. Are all men then, as they perished in Adam, saved by Christ?
A. No; (a) only those who are ingrafted into him, and, receive all his benefits, by a true faith. (b)
(a) Matt 7:14; Matt 22:14
(b) Mark 16:16; John 1:12; John 3:16,18,36; Isa 53:11; Ps 2:12; Rom 11:17,19,20; Rom 3:22; Heb 4:2,3; Heb 5:9; Heb 10:39; Heb 11:6
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A. God is indeed merciful, (a) but also just; (b)? therefore his justice requires, that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of body and soul.
(a) Exod 34:6,7; Exod 20:6
(b) Ps 7:9; Exod 20:5; Exod 23:7; Exod 34:7; Ps 5:5,6; Nah 1:2,3
Q. 12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into favor?
A. God will have his justice satisfied: (a) and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another. (b)
(a) Gen 2:17; Exod 20:5; Exod 23:7; Ezek 18:4; Matt 5:26; 2 Thess 1:6; Luke 16:2
(b) Rom 8:3,4
Q. 13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?
A. By no means; but on the contrary we daily increase our debt. (a)
(a) Job 9:2,3; Job 15:15,16; Job 4:18,19; Ps 130:3; Matt 6:12; Matt 18:25; Matt 16:26
Q. 14. Can there be found anywhere, one, who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
A. None; for, first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed; (a) and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it. (b)
(a) Ezek 18:4; Gen 3:17; Heb 2:14-17
(b) Nah 1:6; Ps 130:3
Q. 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A. For one who is very man, and perfectly (a) righteous; (b) and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God. (c)
(a) 1 Cor 15:21; Jer 33:16; Isa 53:9; 2 Cor 5:21
(b) Heb 7:16,26
(c) Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6; Rom 9:5; Jer 23:5,6; Luke 11:22
Q. 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
A. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin; (a) and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others. (b)
(a) Ezek 18:4,20; Rom 5:12,15,18; 1 Cor 15:21; Heb 2:14-16; 1 Pet 3:18; Isa 53:3-5,10,11
(b) Heb 7:26,27; Ps 49:7,8; 1 Pet 3:18
Q. 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
A. That he might, by the power of his Godhead (a) sustain in his human nature, (b) the burden of God's wrath; (c) and might obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life. (d)
(a) Isa 9:6; Isa 63:3
(b) Isa 53:4,11
(c) Deut 4:24; Nah 1:6; Ps 130:3
(d) Isa 53:5,11; Acts 2:24; 1 Pet 3:18; John 3:16; Acts 20:28; John 1:4
Q. 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God, (a) and a (b) righteous man? (c)
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ: (d) "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." (e)
(a) 1 John 5:20; Rom 9:5; Rom 8:3; Gal 4:4; Isa 9:6; Jer 23:6; Mal 3:1
(b) Luke 1:42; Luke 2:6,7; Rom 1:3; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:7; Heb 2:14,16,17; Heb 4:15
(c) Isa 53:9,11; Jer 23:5; Luke 1:35; John 8:46; Heb 4:15; Heb 7:26; 1 Pet 1:19; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 Pet 3:18
(d) 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 2:9; Matt 1:23; 1 Tim 3:16; Luke 2:11
(e) 1 Cor 1:30
Q. 19. Whence knowest thou this?
A. From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise; (a) and afterwards published by the patriarchs (b) and prophets, (c) and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; (d) and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son. (e)
(a) Gen 3:15
(b) Gen 22:18; Gen 12:3; Gen 49:10,11
(c) Isa 53; Isa 42:1-4; Isa 43:25; Isa 49:5,6,22,23; Jer 23:5,6; Jer 31:32,33; Jer 32:39-41; Mic 7:18-20; Acts 10:43; Rom 1:2; Heb 1:1; Acts 3:22-24; Acts 10:43; John 5:46
(d) Heb 10:1,7; Col 2:7; John 5:46
(e) Rom 10:4; Gal 4:4,5; Gal 3:24; Col 2:17
Q. 20. Are all men then, as they perished in Adam, saved by Christ?
A. No; (a) only those who are ingrafted into him, and, receive all his benefits, by a true faith. (b)
(a) Matt 7:14; Matt 22:14
(b) Mark 16:16; John 1:12; John 3:16,18,36; Isa 53:11; Ps 2:12; Rom 11:17,19,20; Rom 3:22; Heb 4:2,3; Heb 5:9; Heb 10:39; Heb 11:6
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Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Heidelberg Catechism 9
Q. 9. Does not God then do injustice to man, by requiring from him in his law, that which he cannot perform?
A. Not at all; (a) for God made man capable of performing it; but man, by the instigation of the devil, (b) and his own wilful disobedience, (c) deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts.
(a) Eph 4:24; Eccl 7:29
(b) John 8:44; 2 Cor 11:3; Gen 3:4
(c) Gen 3:6; Rom 5:12; Gen 3:13; 1 Tim 2:13,14
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A. Not at all; (a) for God made man capable of performing it; but man, by the instigation of the devil, (b) and his own wilful disobedience, (c) deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts.
(a) Eph 4:24; Eccl 7:29
(b) John 8:44; 2 Cor 11:3; Gen 3:4
(c) Gen 3:6; Rom 5:12; Gen 3:13; 1 Tim 2:13,14
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Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Heidelberg Catechism 7-8
Q. 7. Whence then proceeds this depravity of human nature?
A. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise; (a) hence our nature is become so corrupt, that we are all conceived and born in sin. (b)
(a) Gen 3; Rom 5:12,18,19
(b) Ps 51:5; Gen 5:3
Q. 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness?
A. Indeed we are; (a) except we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. (b)
(a) Gen 8:21; John 3:6; Gen 6:5; Job 14:4; Job 15:14,16,36; Isa 53:6
(b) John 3:3,5; 1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 3:5
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A. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise; (a) hence our nature is become so corrupt, that we are all conceived and born in sin. (b)
(a) Gen 3; Rom 5:12,18,19
(b) Ps 51:5; Gen 5:3
Q. 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness?
A. Indeed we are; (a) except we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. (b)
(a) Gen 8:21; John 3:6; Gen 6:5; Job 14:4; Job 15:14,16,36; Isa 53:6
(b) John 3:3,5; 1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 3:5
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Heidelberg Catechism 5-6
Q. 5. Canst thou keep all these things perfectly?
A. In no wise; (a) for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor. (b)
(a) Rom 3:10,20,23; 1 John 1:8,10
(b) Rom 8:7; Eph 2:3; Titus 3:3; Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21; Jer 17:9; Rom 7:23
Q. 6. Did God then create man so wicked and perverse?
A. By no means; but God created man good, (a) and after his own image, (b) in true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness to glorify and praise him. (c)
(a) Gen.1:31
(b) Gen.1:26-27
(c) Col.3:9-10; Eph.4:23-24; 2 Cor.3:18
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A. In no wise; (a) for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor. (b)
(a) Rom 3:10,20,23; 1 John 1:8,10
(b) Rom 8:7; Eph 2:3; Titus 3:3; Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21; Jer 17:9; Rom 7:23
Q. 6. Did God then create man so wicked and perverse?
A. By no means; but God created man good, (a) and after his own image, (b) in true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness to glorify and praise him. (c)
(a) Gen.1:31
(b) Gen.1:26-27
(c) Col.3:9-10; Eph.4:23-24; 2 Cor.3:18
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Friday, February 25, 2011
Why Should Every Christian Join a Church
According to Scripture, why should every Christian join a church?
Every Christian should join a church because Scripture requires it. Granted, there is no direct command in Scripture that says, “Every Christian must join a local church,” but two factors in Scripture indicate that every Christian should be a member of a local church.
Jesus established the church to be a public, earthly institution that would mark out, affirm, and oversee those who profess to believe in him (Matt. 16:18-19, 18:15-20). Jesus established the church to publicly declare those who belong to him in order to give the world a display of the good news about himself (John 17:21, 23; see also Eph. 3:10). Jesus wants the world to know who belongs to him and who doesn’t. And how is the world to know who belongs to him and who doesn’t? They are to see which people publicly identify themselves with his people in the visible, public institution he established for this very purpose. They’re to look at the members of his church. And if some people claim to be part of the universal church even though they belong to no local church, they reject Jesus’ plan for them and his church. Jesus intends for his people to be marked out as a visible, public group, which means joining together in local churches.
Scripture repeatedly commands Christians to submit to their leaders (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). The only way to do that is by publicly committing to be members of their flock, and saying in effect, “I commit to listening to your teaching, following your direction, and to submitting to your leadership.” There’s no way to obey the scriptural commands to submit to your leaders if you never actually submit to them by joining a local church.
(taken from 9Marks Ministry)
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Every Christian should join a church because Scripture requires it. Granted, there is no direct command in Scripture that says, “Every Christian must join a local church,” but two factors in Scripture indicate that every Christian should be a member of a local church.
Jesus established the church to be a public, earthly institution that would mark out, affirm, and oversee those who profess to believe in him (Matt. 16:18-19, 18:15-20). Jesus established the church to publicly declare those who belong to him in order to give the world a display of the good news about himself (John 17:21, 23; see also Eph. 3:10). Jesus wants the world to know who belongs to him and who doesn’t. And how is the world to know who belongs to him and who doesn’t? They are to see which people publicly identify themselves with his people in the visible, public institution he established for this very purpose. They’re to look at the members of his church. And if some people claim to be part of the universal church even though they belong to no local church, they reject Jesus’ plan for them and his church. Jesus intends for his people to be marked out as a visible, public group, which means joining together in local churches.
Scripture repeatedly commands Christians to submit to their leaders (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). The only way to do that is by publicly committing to be members of their flock, and saying in effect, “I commit to listening to your teaching, following your direction, and to submitting to your leadership.” There’s no way to obey the scriptural commands to submit to your leaders if you never actually submit to them by joining a local church.
(taken from 9Marks Ministry)
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Heidelberg Catechism 3-4
Q. 3. Whence knowest thou thy misery?
A. Out of the law of God (a)
(a) Rom 3:20
Q. 4. What does the law of God require of us?
A. Christ teaches us that briefly, Matt 22:37-40,"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and the great commandment; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
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A. Out of the law of God (a)
(a) Rom 3:20
Q. 4. What does the law of God require of us?
A. Christ teaches us that briefly, Matt 22:37-40,"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and the great commandment; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Heidelberg Catechism 2
Q. 2. How many things are necessary for thee to know, that thou, enjoying this comfort, mayest live and die happily?
A. Three; (a) the first, how great my sins and miseries are; (b) the second, how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries; (c) the third, how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance. (d)
(a) Matt 11:28-30; Luke 24:46-48; 1 Cor 6:11; Titus 3:3-7
(b) John 9:41; John 15:22
(c) John 17:3; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:43
(d) Eph 5:8-11; 1 Pet 2:9,10; Rom 6:1,2,12,13
A. Three; (a) the first, how great my sins and miseries are; (b) the second, how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries; (c) the third, how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance. (d)
(a) Matt 11:28-30; Luke 24:46-48; 1 Cor 6:11; Titus 3:3-7
(b) John 9:41; John 15:22
(c) John 17:3; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:43
(d) Eph 5:8-11; 1 Pet 2:9,10; Rom 6:1,2,12,13
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Heidelberg Catechism 1
Heidelberg Catechism
Q. 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
A. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c) who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)
(a) Rom 14:7,8
(b) 1 Cor 6:19
(c) 1 Cor 3:23; Titus 2:14
(d) 1 Pet 1:18,19; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:2,12
(e) Heb 2:14; 1 John 3:8; John 8:34-36
(f) John 6:39; John 10:28; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5
(g) Matt 10:29-31; Luke 21:18
(h) Rom 8:28
(i) 2 Cor 1:20-22; 2 Cor 5:5; Eph 1:13,14; Rom 8:16
(j) Rom 8:14; 1 John 3:3
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Q. 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
A. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c) who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)
(a) Rom 14:7,8
(b) 1 Cor 6:19
(c) 1 Cor 3:23; Titus 2:14
(d) 1 Pet 1:18,19; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:2,12
(e) Heb 2:14; 1 John 3:8; John 8:34-36
(f) John 6:39; John 10:28; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5
(g) Matt 10:29-31; Luke 21:18
(h) Rom 8:28
(i) 2 Cor 1:20-22; 2 Cor 5:5; Eph 1:13,14; Rom 8:16
(j) Rom 8:14; 1 John 3:3
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Monday, February 21, 2011
Man Shall Not Live By Facebook Alone
I just finished reading John Piper's blog. I thought I would pass it on to you.
Beware: The Bible Is About to Threaten Your Smartphone Focus
February 21, 2011 | John Piper | Category: Commentary
Are apps a threat to God-focus? Yes. But it works both ways. Fight fire with fire.
If you are reading your Bible on your computer or your smartphone or your iPad, the presence of the email app and the news apps and the Facebook app threaten every moment to drag your attention away from the word of God.
True. Fight that. If your finger offends you, cut it off. Or use any other virtuous violence (Matthew 11:12) that sets you free to rivet your soul on God.
But don’t take mainly a defensive posture. Fight fire with fire.
Why should we think of the Facebook app threatening the Bible app? Why not the Bible app threatening the Facebook app, and the email app, and the RSS feeder, and the news?
Resolve that today you will press the Bible app three times during the day. No five times. Ten times! Maybe you will lose control and become addicted to Bible! Again and again get a two-minute dose of life-giving Food. Man shall not live by Facebook alone.
I’m serious. Never has the God’s voice been so easily accessible. The ESV app is free. The OliveTree BibleReader app is free. And so are lots of others. Let the Bible threaten your focus. Or better: Let the Bible bring you back to reality over and over during the day.
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Beware: The Bible Is About to Threaten Your Smartphone Focus
February 21, 2011 | John Piper | Category: Commentary
Are apps a threat to God-focus? Yes. But it works both ways. Fight fire with fire.
If you are reading your Bible on your computer or your smartphone or your iPad, the presence of the email app and the news apps and the Facebook app threaten every moment to drag your attention away from the word of God.
True. Fight that. If your finger offends you, cut it off. Or use any other virtuous violence (Matthew 11:12) that sets you free to rivet your soul on God.
But don’t take mainly a defensive posture. Fight fire with fire.
Why should we think of the Facebook app threatening the Bible app? Why not the Bible app threatening the Facebook app, and the email app, and the RSS feeder, and the news?
Resolve that today you will press the Bible app three times during the day. No five times. Ten times! Maybe you will lose control and become addicted to Bible! Again and again get a two-minute dose of life-giving Food. Man shall not live by Facebook alone.
I’m serious. Never has the God’s voice been so easily accessible. The ESV app is free. The OliveTree BibleReader app is free. And so are lots of others. Let the Bible threaten your focus. Or better: Let the Bible bring you back to reality over and over during the day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Written Word of God
Article 3: The Written Word of God
We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered by the will of men, but that holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit, as Peter says.
Afterwards our God-- because of the special care he has for us and our salvation-- commanded his servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit this revealed Word to writing. He himself wrote with his own finger the two tables of the law.
Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.
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We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered by the will of men, but that holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit, as Peter says.
Afterwards our God-- because of the special care he has for us and our salvation-- commanded his servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit this revealed Word to writing. He himself wrote with his own finger the two tables of the law.
Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Means By Which We Know God
Article 2: The Means by Which We Know God
We know him by two means:
First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: his eternal power and his divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20.1
All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse.
Second, he makes himself known to us more openly by his holy and divine Word, as much as we need in this life, for his glory and for the salvation of his own.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We know him by two means:
First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: his eternal power and his divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20.1
All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse.
Second, he makes himself known to us more openly by his holy and divine Word, as much as we need in this life, for his glory and for the salvation of his own.
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Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Only God
Belgic Confession (Article 1)
Article 1: The Only God
We all believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that there is a single and simple spiritual being, whom we call God -- eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty; completely wise, just, and good, and the overflowing source of all good.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Article 1: The Only God
We all believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that there is a single and simple spiritual being, whom we call God -- eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty; completely wise, just, and good, and the overflowing source of all good.
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Loved Unto the End
For the LORD will not cast off for ever Lamentations 3:31
He may cast away for a season but not forever. A woman may leave off her ornaments for a few days, but she will not forget them or throw them upon the dunghill. It is not like the LORD to cast off those whom He loves, for "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." Some talk of our being in grace and out of it, as if we were like rabbits that run in and out of their burrows; but, indeed, it is not so. The LORD's love is a far more serious and abiding matter than this.
He chose us from eternity, and He will love us throughout eternity. He loved us so as to die for us, and we may therefore be sure that His love will never die. His honor is so wrapped up in the salvation of the believer that He can no more cast him off than He can cast off His own robes of office as King of glory. No, no! The LORD Jesus, as a Head, never casts off His members; as a Husband, He never casts off His bride. Did you think you were cast off? Why did you think so evil of the LORD who has betrothed you to Himself? Cast off such thoughts, and never let them lodge in your soul again. "The LORD hath not cast away his people which he foreknew" (Romans 11:2). "He hateth putting away" (Malachi 2:16).
Sent from the Faith's Checkbook Devotional, by Charles Spurgeon. For devotionals like this one for your iPhone, visit us at 43rdElement.com
He may cast away for a season but not forever. A woman may leave off her ornaments for a few days, but she will not forget them or throw them upon the dunghill. It is not like the LORD to cast off those whom He loves, for "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." Some talk of our being in grace and out of it, as if we were like rabbits that run in and out of their burrows; but, indeed, it is not so. The LORD's love is a far more serious and abiding matter than this.
He chose us from eternity, and He will love us throughout eternity. He loved us so as to die for us, and we may therefore be sure that His love will never die. His honor is so wrapped up in the salvation of the believer that He can no more cast him off than He can cast off His own robes of office as King of glory. No, no! The LORD Jesus, as a Head, never casts off His members; as a Husband, He never casts off His bride. Did you think you were cast off? Why did you think so evil of the LORD who has betrothed you to Himself? Cast off such thoughts, and never let them lodge in your soul again. "The LORD hath not cast away his people which he foreknew" (Romans 11:2). "He hateth putting away" (Malachi 2:16).
Sent from the Faith's Checkbook Devotional, by Charles Spurgeon. For devotionals like this one for your iPhone, visit us at 43rdElement.com
Dealing with Sin
To offer a sinner the gift of salvation based upon the work of Christ, while at the same time allowing him to retain the idea that the gift carries with it no moral implications, is to do him untold injury where it hurts him most!
AW Tozer
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AW Tozer
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Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Ray Comfort
Join Ray and the Living Waters team
for today's premier episode of "On the Box!"
"On the Box" is a daily (Monday through Friday) live, 30-minute, web-based talk show hosted by Ray Comfort and the Living Waters team.
Ray and the team will talk about open-air preaching, apologetics, and a host of other evangelism-related topics; and will answer questions from you, the listening audience.
The show airs on UStream, today (January 5), at 11:30 AM (PST). You won't want to miss it!
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for today's premier episode of "On the Box!"
"On the Box" is a daily (Monday through Friday) live, 30-minute, web-based talk show hosted by Ray Comfort and the Living Waters team.
Ray and the team will talk about open-air preaching, apologetics, and a host of other evangelism-related topics; and will answer questions from you, the listening audience.
The show airs on UStream, today (January 5), at 11:30 AM (PST). You won't want to miss it!
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A Wonderful Guarantee
I will strengthen thee
Isaiah 41:10
When called to serve or to suffer, we take stock of our strength, and we find it to be less than we thought and less than we need. But let not our heart sink within us while we have such a word as this to fall back upon, for it guarantees us all that we can possibly need. God has strength omnipotent; that strength He can communicate to us; and His promise is that He will do so. He will be the food of our souls and the health of our hearts; and thus He will give us strength. There is no telling how much power God can put into a man. When divine strength comes, human weakness is no more a hindrance.
Do we not remember seasons of labor and trial in which we received such special strength that we wondered at ourselves? In the midst of danger we were calm, under bereavement we were resigned, in slander we were self-contained, and in sickness we were patient. The fact is that God gives unexpected strength when unusual trials come upon us, We rise out of our feeble selves. Cowards play the man, foolish ones have wisdom given them, and the silent receive in the selfsame hour what they shall speak, My own weakness makes me shrink, but God's promise makes me brave. LORD, strengthen me "according to thy word."
From CH Spurgeon
Faith's Checkbook
January 5, 2011
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Isaiah 41:10
When called to serve or to suffer, we take stock of our strength, and we find it to be less than we thought and less than we need. But let not our heart sink within us while we have such a word as this to fall back upon, for it guarantees us all that we can possibly need. God has strength omnipotent; that strength He can communicate to us; and His promise is that He will do so. He will be the food of our souls and the health of our hearts; and thus He will give us strength. There is no telling how much power God can put into a man. When divine strength comes, human weakness is no more a hindrance.
Do we not remember seasons of labor and trial in which we received such special strength that we wondered at ourselves? In the midst of danger we were calm, under bereavement we were resigned, in slander we were self-contained, and in sickness we were patient. The fact is that God gives unexpected strength when unusual trials come upon us, We rise out of our feeble selves. Cowards play the man, foolish ones have wisdom given them, and the silent receive in the selfsame hour what they shall speak, My own weakness makes me shrink, but God's promise makes me brave. LORD, strengthen me "according to thy word."
From CH Spurgeon
Faith's Checkbook
January 5, 2011
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Friday, March 19, 2010
How Does God Heal Today?
How Does God Heal Today? Pastor Steve answers this question on Pulpit Moments from Changed By Grace. To hear the full length message, click here.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Justification By Faith
What is justification? It is a legal declaration whereby God declares the believing sinner righteous. This is not based on anything the believing sinner has done but on the perfect atonement of Jesus Christ. When one put their trust in Jesus Christ, His righteousness is credited to them.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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