"A Thankful Heart"

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Rom.14:19)

In this post, on the first day of 2010, please allow me to wax sentimental for a moment!

I just wanted to express my thankfulness for each one of you whose blog posts I read and enjoy. I am greatly profited by each one! I also am truly grateful for all of the encouraging and helpful comments.

It is a blessing beyond words to know you all, even those whom I have never seen face to face, and to consider together, the unsearchable riches of Christ!

I look forward to the coming days and the food for the soul that I am sure is to come!

Blessed beyond measure!
Tom

"The Mercy Seat"

I am currently pondering the Mercy Seat, which was the covering lid on the Ark of the Covenant, and has so much to tell us in regards to the person and work of Christ.
This "Seat" or place of "propitiation" was the place where the gaze of the Cherubim was fixed and where the blood was spinkled on the Day of Atonement.
It is the place where God had told Moses: "And there I will meet with thee, and I will comune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel." (Ex.25:22)

What a vivid foreshadowing of Christ as the one by whom and through whom God reveals Himself to us, and by which we are able to come into His holy presence!

A study of the these shadows and types under the old covenant make it plain that God has a prescribed way and means of entering in before Him and communing with Him, and that no other way is acceptable.......That way is the Christ, His own Son, "the propitiation for our sins" (1John 4:9-10) .

Paul says....."Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forebearance of God;
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Rom.3:24-26)

Any other approach is denied and condemned. To circumvent God's way to life and the way of acceptance with Him is to place oneself under the wrath of the law. I believe this is illustrated well in 1Samuel 6 where it is written...."And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.
And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?"

When the "mercy seat" is bypassed, all that is left to behold is the Holy Law of God which pronounces death on the sinner!

The blood of the Lamb must be interposed between the eyes of God and the demands of the law. We must be propitiated for and covered with that blood which alone can make the foulest clean.

He communes with us in Christ and because of His righteousness, and in no other way can I come to Him.

As Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

And, as the writer to the Hebrews declares, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
And having an high priest over the house of God;
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
(Heb.10:19-22)

Christ is our Mercy Seat which ensures for us entrance into the holiest of all! Not only now, but for eternity!

"The Three Mountains of God"

In this post I would like to share word pictures that appeared to my mind some time ago as I was meditating on the Law, the Gospel, and the destiny of God's pilgrim people.

A thought arose in my mind that I had never considered before in a connected way, that is, the prominence of Three Mountains in the redemptive history recorded in scripture.

They are, of course, Mt.Sinai....Mt.Calvary....and Mt.Zion

The word pictures in my own mind begin with this question:

"What do we experience as we approach Mt.Sinai?"

"From a distance we see a dark foreboding cloud that overshadows the mount, then we begin to see exceeding bright flashes of lightning shoot forth in every direction. The thunder claps are so loud that human speech cannot be heard and every mouth is stopped and all the world becomes guilty before God!
The voice of a schoolmaster calls out with stern authority...Do this and live, for the soul that sinneth shall die! And....cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things that are written in the law to do them!
Suddenly, I see a smoke arising that seems to ascend forever and ever, as the smoke from the bottomless pit. This smoke rises from the burning of the fiery indignation and wrath of Almighty God!
Quickly, in my mind, I reply....All that the Lord hath said, I will observe and do, but, close on its heels, comes this thought....When I would do good, evil is present with me!
Then, this question, Why?
The reply speedily comes like one of those lightning bolts....The carnal mind is enmity against God, it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be!
OH the Despair!
I strain to see if maybe there is some way around it, but, to no avail, for it fills the horizon in front of me and I dare not take one step closer, lest I be consumed!

Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?

But Wait!
A heavenly light breaks through my dark hopelessness. It is that light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world! I now hear these words... Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world!
Oh, how I desire to be clean! But, how can this be? Then come these words...Without the shedding of blood is no remission.

Immediately now, before my eyes, appears another mountain. I am struck with the terrible appearance of it because of its resemblance to a skull and I shrink back again in dismay.
I hear these words....Even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. I feel constrained to move closer to this mount, even to climb up its rocky heights and survey what is there.
I proceed, and as I reach the summit of this mount called Golgotha, I am horrified by the scene that fills my view. Before me are three men suspended between heaven and earth on cruel crosses!
My horrrified gaze is drawn to Him in the midst, and I hear these words....Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body thou hast prepared me, and....This is the blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

I also hear loudly declared....Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. And....The Just shall live by faith.

The light of this truth bursts into my very soul and I feel joy unspeakable and full of glory as I hear these words....There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus!

I walk from Calvary in silent awe and contemplation, when, suddenly, this fiery dart pierces my inner joy. This question is raised...He is dead, on what grounds do you account your debt paid before a Holy God?

For three days my mind is tormented with these thoughts. I must go to the place where they laid Him, but wait, the stone is rolled away and the most glorious words that have fallen on my ears since beginning this journey break through my doubts and fears....He is not here, He is risen! And then, it seems as if I am witnessing the very crushing of the serpents head as I hear....He was raised again for our justification!

Oh to dwell in this place of joyous reconcilliation and cleansing, Oh to bask in the light of those words...."NO CONDEMNATION"!

But, again, a voice speaks, come and I will show you another Mountain....."For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.....But ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Home at Last!!

"How Should We Then Live?"

As I consider the present state of our nation and this world, as I consider the turmoil in so many lives, the cancers, the sorrows, the upheavel, I am once again confronted with the reality that things are terribly awry on this earth.

I was reminded of the title of a Francis Schaeffer book that I read some time ago which asked the question: "How should we then live?" In this book Schaeffer deals with the decline of western civilization through the centuries as they move from one form of "leaning to their own understanding" to another rather than looking unto the one in "whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge". (Col.2:3)

This self, man-centered direction has led to misery and chaos rather than the promised utopia that was thought to be at the end of man's self created rainbow.

We are a people who have listened to the arch liar and have spurned the God of truth!

So, I am either, brought to the place of despair and gloom, or I am brought to once again gaze upon my Savior's face and live with the joyous anticipation that sorrow, sickness, turmoil, and death do not have the final word.

These things have an appointed end, and I relish the thought of being delivered from the bonds of corruption in full, and dwelling in the new heavens and earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness!

How am I to spend this "vapor" of a life? What am I to be about? How should I then live?

I believe the word that God has revealed to us makes it plain.

For example, I recalled these passages: "For our converstaion is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Phil.3:20-21)

and: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." (Col.3:1-4)

also: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14)

These passages declare clearly to me that, in the midst of the darkness and distress of the present age, I am to live with great expectation and anticipation of my coming glorified state when I will forever be united to Him who is my life!

And, in the mean time, while I await His coming and the glorious marraige supper of the lamb, I must be about my Father's business, redeeming the time and laboring in His heavenly labors.

What a privelege, to look beyond the outward forms of things that are perishing, and to look into the face of Him who lives forever more! And, because He lives, I live!

"Count Your Blessings"

Here is another reminder of God's great mercy and provision for us. What cause we have for His praise to be continually on our lips!



My God will supply every need of yours.
Philippians 4:19


"The ways of God's providence direct us into the calling and employment that is ordered for us in this world. To have an honest, lawful employment in which you do not dishonour God is no small mercy. If it is suited also to your genius and strength, this is a double mercy. If you have less toil than others and more time for heavenly exercises, ascribe this benefit to the special care of providence for you. How strangely are things wheeled about by providence! David followed the sheep and likely never raised his thoughts to higher things, but God made him the royal shepherd. Some have work, but not enough strength. Others have strength, but no employment. If God blesses your labour and gives you and yours necessary support and comfort in the world, it is a choice providence and should be acknowledged with all thankfulness. If you find yourself scarcely able to provide for the necessities of life, consider: though you have a small portion of the world, if you are godly, he has promised never to forsake you (Heb. 13:5). Provdence has ordered the condition that is really best for your eternal good. If you had more of the world you might not be able to mnage it to your advantage. We are directed to be content with food and clothing, and the little that the righteous has is better than the riches of many wicked (Psa. 37:16). If providence has so disposed you that you cannot only eat your own bread but have enough for works of mercy upon others, and all this is brought to pass in a way you did not expect, let God be honoured in this providence. Remember that the success of your callings and earthly employments is by divine blessing and not human diligence alone. Be well satisfied in the station and employment where you have been placed. God is wise and seeks your eternal good."


John Flavel, Works, IV:387-391

"Rejoice in the Lord Always"

"In everything give thanks"

"See what cause the saints have to be frequent in the work of thanksgiving. In this Christians are defective; though they are much in supplication, yet little in gratulation. The apostle says. "In everything give thanks" (1 Thess. 5.18). Why so? Because God makes everything work for our good. We thank the physician, though he gives us a bitter medicine which makes us sick, because it is to make us well; we thank any man who does us a good turn; and shall we not be thankful to God, who makes everything work for good to us? God loves a thankful Christian. Job thanked God when he took all away: "The Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1.21). Many will thank God when He gives; Job thanks Him when He takes away, because he knew that God would work good out of it. We read of saints with harps in their hands (Rev. 14.2), an emblem of praise. We meet many Christians who have tears in their eyes, and complaints in their mouths; but there are few with their harps in their hands, who praise God in affliction. To be thankful in affliction is a work peculiar to a saint. Every bird can sing in spring, but some birds will sing in the dead of winter. Everyone, almost, can be thankful in prosperity, but a true saint can be thankful in adversity. A good Christian will bless God, not only at sun-rise, but at sun-set. Well may we, in the worst that befalls us, have a psalm of thankfulness, because all things work for good. Oh, be much in blessing of God: we will thank Him that doth befriend us."

Taken from Banner of Truth's Puritan Paperback, "All Things for Good," by Thomas Watson, pp 62-63.

"Survival of the Fittest"?

Truth and Consequences
Social Darwinism
by Gene Edward Veith

Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was never just about biology. Nor were its consequences just about religion. Rather, the origins and effects of Darwinism were largely cultural and moral.

Darwin’s Origin of Species was published in 1859, which was at the height of the Industrial Revolution and the Capitalist Revolution. The dynamic free market economy, characterized by intense competition in which weak companies went broke and the strong companies thrived, had brought unparalleled economic and technological progress. It was a small step to speculate that animal species compete and progress in a similar way. What Darwin did was to apply the principles of free market capitalism to biology.

Immediately after Darwin’s theories were published, people were relating his biological theories back to economics and, more importantly, to ethics. Herbert Spencer, the great popularizer of Darwinism, coined the phrase “survival of the fittest,” applying it not only to animals but to human society.

In the very works in which he explained Darwin’s scientific theories to the world, Spencer formulated what would be called “Social Darwinism.” To achieve social progress, according to Spencer, the fittest must survive and the unfit must die out. Efforts to help the “unfit” — charity for the poor, mental hospitals, government programs for the disadvantaged — actually interfere with social evolution and should be stopped. Meanwhile, unfettered economic and social competition will favor the “fittest,” who will usher in the next stage of human evolution.

At the same time, Darwin’s own cousin, Francis Galton, was arguing that natural selection had to do with who was able to reproduce. The “unfit,” he said, should not be allowed to breed. Only the “fittest” should be allowed to have children. Furthermore, it should be possible to breed these fit human beings for desirable traits, just as we breed domesticated animals. By sterilizing the unfit and selectively breeding the fittest, we can usher in the next stage of human evolution. Darwin’s cousin was the founder of the eugenics movement.

Friedrich Nietzsche took Darwinist moral ideas even further. Whereas Marx believed that Christianity was a way for the strong to keep the weak under control (the “opiate of the masses”) Nietzsche believed the opposite — that Christianity with its teachings of love and compassion enabled the weak to control the strong. Christianity made the strong feel guilty and manipulated them into supporting those who would otherwise die out. As Nietzsche writes in The Twilight of the Gods, Christianity upheld “the poor and base,” representing “the general revolt of all the downtrodden, the wretched, the failures, the less favored.”

Now that “God is dead,” Nietzsche said, mankind can evolve into the “Superman.” His virtue will not be compassion but cruelty. “It is not sufficient for him to be capable of cruelty merely at the sight of much suffering, perishing, and destruction: such a man must be capable of himself creating pain and suffering and experience pleasure in so doing, he must be cruel in hand and deed (and not merely with the eyes of the spirit).”

Whereas the Social Darwinism of Spencer, Galton, and Nietzsche applied mainly to individuals, other thinkers, noting that Darwin was talking about species and not just individual animals, applied natural selection to various kinds of human groups. Marxists believed social evolution would emerge from the conflict between economic classes. A new movement of nationalist scholars focused on the conflict between nations. The new “race scientists,” claiming to be more Darwinian by concentrating on biology, focused on the conflict between races.

In our own time, Margaret Sanger combined eugenics with racism, seeking birth control and sterilization for “inferior races,” becoming the founder of Planned Parenthood. Ayn Rand, the libertarian guru, embraced Spencer’s socio-economic program along with Nietzsche’s critique of Christian compassion with her “virtue of selfishness.”

But the most thoroughgoing Social Darwinist of all was Adolf Hitler, whose Nazi party carried racial theory, nationalism, eugenics, and Nietzsche to their logical conclusion and put them into practice.

As I document in my book Modern Fascism, the Nazi regime practiced both “positive eugenics” (breeding for positive characteristics) and “negative eugenics” (eliminating undesirables from the gene pool). In the former, couples with positive “Aryan” racial characteristics were mated outside of marriage. In the latter, a third of a million of the “unfit” were sterilized.

And then began the euthanasia program. In the so-called T4 program, disabled children, the mentally ill, the incurably sick, and the residents of nursing homes were euthanized. Portable gas chambers were engineered for the project. Larger models were installed in the concentration camps. At first, only prisoners who were “unfit” to work went into the gas chambers. Then the gas chambers were used on a larger scale to eliminate an entire “inferior” race.

All of this was for the Darwinist purpose of ushering in the next stage of human evolution.


Dr. Gene Edward Veith is academic dean of Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia, and author of God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life.
The aim of Truth and Consequences is to help readers understand the broader cultural and historical implications of every theme Tabletalk magazine chooses to cover. Noted commentator Dr. Gene Edward Veith lends his talents to this column each month.
© Tabletalk magazine


From Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul. © Tabletalk magazine.
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"God in the Wasteland" continued.......

I continue to be challenged by David Wells as he writes concerning the effects of modernity on our society and our churches. I wanted to share some more excerpts from the book that were particularly striking and current.
In these excerpts, Wells takes up the issue of the modern consciousness, or lack thereof, of God. He titled the chapter, "The Weightlessness of God", he deals with our modern distractions and our self-absorption which have had a dramatic impact on, not only on the unchurched, but also on professing believers.


"It is one of the defining marks of Our Time that God is now weightless. I do not mean by this that he is ethereal but rather that he has become unimportant. He rests upon the world so inconsequentially as not to be noticeable. He has lost his saliency for human life. Those who assure the pollsters of their belief in God's existence may nonetheless consider him less interesting than television, his command less authoritative than their appetites for afluence and influence, his judgement no more awe-inspiring than the evening news, and his truth less compelling than the advertisers sweet fog of flattery and lies. That is weightlessness. It is a condition we have assigned him after having nudged him out to the periphery of our secularized life. His truth is no longer welcome in our public discourse. The engine of modernity rumbles on, and he is but a speck in its path.

Few would deny that this is the case in our modernized society; it is less clear to many that it may also be the case, albeit in less blatant and obvious ways, in the church. Why is this so? One of the reasons is that it is always more difficult to perceive a pattern of which we ourselves are a part. We need the advantage of a little distance to grasp the meaning of complex events. We experience our own time as such a rich and intense confusion that it is not always easy to distinguish vices from virtues. The untrue appears true, the bad passes itself off as good, and often the trivial masquerades as important. This perennial difficulty is only compounded by the effects of modernity. The faster pace of life and the relentless roar of the media only heighten the confusion, and the unprecedented wealth of goods, conveniences, and opportunities with which modernity has showered us constitute a powerful incentive not to look to closely at its liabilities and biases.

God has not disappeared in the sense that he has been abducted or overwhelmed. He is not like a child snatched away while its parents were momentarily distracted. No, God is more like a child that has been abandoned within a family, still accorded a place in the house, but not in the home. Because the doctrine is professed, perhaps even routinely in creed or confession, it seems as if all is well. But it is like a house that gives no outward signs of decay even though termites have rendered it structurally unsound.

The growing weightlessness of God is an affliction that is neither peculiarly Protestant nor peculiarly Catholic but is the common form in which modernity rearranges all belief in God. It is an illness that has entered the bones of religious liberals and conservatives alike. Weightlessness is a condition, a cognitive and psychological dispostion. It can sweep through all doctrinal defenses because it is not itself perceived to be a doctrine. It can evade the best ecclesiastical defenses, sidestep the best intentions, and survive the most efficacious spiritual techniques because it is not recognized as a kind of belief. Although this weightlessness is not itself a doctrine, it has the power to hobble all doctrines; although it is not an ecclesiology, it can render all ecclesiologies impotent; although it is not itself a spirituality, all spiritualities are withered by its presence. Weightlessness tells us nothing about God but everything about ourselves, about our condition, about our psychological disposition to exclude God from our reality."

Corrie Ten Boom

If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest. Corrie Ten Boom, Nazi camp survivor"

(Below, an excerpt from Corrie's encounter with a man, at one of her speaking engagements, who was among the brutal guards at the concentration camp where she and her sister were held. This man told her he had become a Christian and desired her forgiveness.)

"Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him....Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness....And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives along with the command, the love itself."

(More quotes from Corrie)


"There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans."

"Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you."

Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way . . . God can give us the perfect way."

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."

"Of The World"

I am currently reading a book by David F. Wells entitled, "God in the Wasteland".
In this book Wells discusses the weakening effects of modernism on the church.
He asserts that the "cultural corruption" of the church has led to a departure from the fundamentals of God's sovereignty and holiness.
He speaks of evangelicals as having become "heavily invested in the mindset of modernity, a mindset that Wells correlates with the biblical concept of the "world."

Below is an excerpt from the book:

"It is one of the remarkable features of contemporary church life that so many are attempting to heal the church by tinkering with its structures, its services, its public face. This is clear evidence that modernity has successfully palmed off one of its great deceits on us, convincing us that God himself is secondary to organization and image, that the church's health lies in its flow charts, its convenience, and its offerings rather than in its inner life, its spiritual authenticity, the toughness of its moral intentions, its understanding of what it means to have God's word in this world.
Those who do not see this are out of touch with the deep realities of life, mistaking changes on the surface for changes in the deep waters that flow beneath.
An inspired group of marketers might find a way of reviving a flagging business by modifying its image and offerings, but the matters of the heart, the matters of God, are not susceptible to such cosmetic alteration.
The world's business and God's business are two differant things.

The fundamental problem in the evangelical world today is not inadequate technique, insufficient organization, or antiquated music, and those who want to squander the church's resources bandaging these scratches will do nothing to stanch the flow of blood that is spilling from its true wounds.
The fundamental problem in the evangelical world today is that God rests too inconsequentially upon the church. His truth is too distant, his grace is too ordinary, his judgement is too benign, his gospel is too easy, and his Christ is too common."

"Possessor of Heaven and Earth"

"A man who knows that he owns a tree and thanks you for the use he has of it, even though he does not know its exact height or the width of its spread, is better than another who measures it and counts all its branches, but neither owns it nor knows and loves its Creator. In just the same way, a man who has faith in you owns all the wealth of the world, for if he clings to you, whom all things serve, though he has nothing yet he owns them all. It would be foolish to doubt that such a man, though he may not know the track of the Great Bear, is altogether better than another who measures the sky and counts the stars and weighs the elements, but neglects you who allot to all things their size, their number, and their weight."
(Augustine)

The observations of Augustine remind me again that our God, who has made all things and sustains all things for His own glory, has not vacated the throne and is still the owner and disposer of it all! As the hymn writer asked: "Why should I be discouraged?" The response of an enlightened heart came: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."

"Practical Atheism"

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." (Psa.14:1)

There is much talk today of Atheism. I hear concern expressed with regards to such things as atheistic phrases on the sides of buses and billboards around the world.

These are certainly disturbing trends, nevertheless, I must respond to these concerns with a question: "Are these expressions of atheistic philosophy in word contrary to the overall human condition in practice?

In other words, is not man a practical atheist from birth? Does not the Bible describe the natural man as one alienated from the life of God and at enmity with Him?

The scriptures describe him as one who does not even want to retain the knowledge of God in his mind and when exposed to the truth seeks to suppress it.

Does not the above verse from the Psalms speak to us of man's evil heart? Out of this evil, atheistic heart flows the issues of life. So, what is it that flows from such an unbelieving heart?
Here it is declared that the outworkings of atheism are "abominable works" that show forth his unbelieving hatred of God.

Therefore, when we consider practical living, how many lives display what they profess to believe, that is, that there is a God who has given us life, who has given us direction for that life, and who rules over all things?

"And why call ye me, Lord,Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
(Luke6:46)

With this in view, is Atheism a minority report? Or, is it the testimony of the many, even among professed believers?

Is a phrase on the side of a bus really the issue, or is this simply a diversion that keeps us from facing our own "foolish" hearts and their outworkings of practical atheism?

My prayer is this: "I want faith in God to be expressed not just in my words, but also in my deeds! O' for grace to not display the attributes of a practical atheist!"

"No Greater Love"!

"What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom.8:31-32)

What can one add to such profound questions as these? What can the flesh, the world, or the Devil do to seperate me from the grace of God by which I stand. I am captured by His unspeakable love and mercy that sought me and bought me and will never leave me nor forsake me!

We have every reason to be glad with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

A Dichotomy?

In this post I want to share some ponderings of mine concerning the declarations of scripture that pertain to the believer and sometimes appear to be contradictory.

I first acknowledge and assert that I am convinced that there are no such contradictions in God's perfect and Holy word and that the difficulty lies in my lack of clarity and diligence.

Specifically, what I am referring to are particular statements that speak of "completed", "past tense" acts of God on behalf of the Christian which seem to stand in contrast to other statements that speak of these same acts as contingent on the believers actions.

For instance, Paul speaks of us as having been (past tense) crucified with Christ in various places in his letters: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Rom.6:6) And: "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Gal.5:24) Also: "I am crucified with Christ...." (Gal.2:20)

But then, we have statements that Paul gives as his own testimony that speak of him "dying daily" and believers are exhorted to:
"...mortify the deeds of the body..." (Rom.8:13) And to: "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;....." (Col.3:5) Then, just a few verses below this statement he again asserts a completed act: "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" (Col.3:9-10)

So, what am I then? Have I been crucified with Christ, put on the new man, been translated from darkness to light or am I laboring to attain these things?

The answer is YES to both!

I see in these declarations, "already and not yet" statements. What I mean is, we have described for us in scripture our "position" and our "walk", our "standing" and our "experience". That is, we are a completed work in Christ, yet we are striving to "walk" and "experience" these God wrought attributes in our earthly pilgrimage.
(Consider Paul's desire to "experience" the resurrection life in his earthly walk, Phil.3:10-11)

They are not automatically active. I think of some examples: "....work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil.2:12-13) There is a concurrence or confluence here that is going on between the working of God and the desire and efforts of the quickened, no longer dead in sins believer. God calls us to "fight the good fight of faith" and to "work out" what He has "worked in"! If it hasn't first been worked in it can't be worked out. As I heard someone say in the past: "You have to have a garden before you can work it out." God has given us an abundant "garden" of spiritual enablement and fruit!

Also note: (Phil.3:10-15) Here, Paul speaks in one verse of not having attained perfection and then shortly thereafter speaks of being perfect. Again, "walk" and "position".

There are many examples and illustrations of this in the epistles and I am reminded of another that we have been looking at in our Sunday night Bible study. It is found in 2Peter 1:3,5-7. Peter declares in verse 3 that: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" then he goes on to exhort his readers to: ".....add to your faith virtue......"

Therefore, I am again confronted with a statement of God's "past tense" empowering and completed work and the Christian's responsibility to "walk" in it by faith.

Paul says in Romans 8:9, "....Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." And he reveals to us in Galatians 5:22-23 the fruit of the indwelling Spirit. This fruit includes "temperance" which Peter says in the above mentioned passage that we need to "add to faith"!

So, this begs the question, if we are believers, who are indwelt by the Spirit, who is the source of this attribute, then why isn't it just there when we get up in the morning?

How many times have I wished that were so! But, it is certain, that this is not whats best according to God's purposes for His children. He has ordained that we "feel" the "experience" of sanctificaton in this earthly journey, even though in Christ, we are fully sanctified.(1Cor.1:2/6:11/Heb.10:14) We are allowed to struggle in the fight and by this struggle we are driven to the word and prayer and to the acknowledgement of our need of other believers.

Yes, it is hard, but it is also good, and is evidently doing something for us that the instant experience of these attributes would not accomplish.

I will admit that many times I have desired more power, more faith, etc.,etc. But, I must now acknowledge the correction that the word has given me in Peter's second epistle: "According as his divine power hat given unto us ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness,...."

We have been told plainly that we have everything we need to live unto God and now I need to heed the words of Paul in Galatians 5:25, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Your observations please!

"Service with a Smile"

Only Our Duty

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.



In the parable of a good servant, Jesus said: “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Lk. 17:10)

Human nature, being what it is, demands recognition, even if its deeds are evil. This is a marked defining line between the carnal and the spiritual. The carnal nature of man starves for self-glorification, while the heaven born spiritual nature strives to glorify God and the Lord Jesus Christ. One who must constantly be fed recognition to continue in the way of righteousness steals that which does not belong to him. All real glory belongs to God; “self” must be lost in giving glory to God. Honest obedience to the Word and the will of God is done with the thought of “it’s only our duty, for only He is worthy.” The believer gives himself to faithful service so that the Master might be glorified and find no more motivation than love for duty.

If one’s life is spent in the service of the Lord and Master, it is merely spent in doing his just duties. Duty to the Father demands no special acknowledgments. Doing one’s duty is expected of faithful servants. To serve as a living sacrifice that is acceptable unto God is no more and no less than the believer’s reasonable service. (Rom. 12:1) Not to do so is to be unreasonable, and it is to be an evil servant. To do what is commanded is to do one’s duty. Perhaps the atmosphere in the assembly of saints would change if “serving hidden personal agendas” would change to the fulfilling of one’s duty unto the LORD. Being king of the mountain is so insignificant in the shadow of the King of kings upon Mt. Zion. There is only one King in the kingdom.

Duty can either be slavery in the darkest of dungeons because of the lustful pride of the heart, or it can be a celebration of joys because of the love of the heart for the Master. Burdens become menial tasks when yoked with heavenly love. Duty is a matter of the heart! The greater love one has for the King of kings, the greater celebration of joys he has for every opportunity to faithfully complete his duty in fullness of glory to the LORD! Duty with honor is always the mark of a good and faithful servant. To some, “duty” is a harsh demanding word; but for those in love with Jesus, it is a blessed opportunity.


This Pastor's comments confronted me again with a dose of reality with regards to who we are, whose we are, and how we got there!

Prayer Changes Us

The Power And Purpose Of Prayer

We've been taught that prayer changes things. In view of God's sovereignty, what is the role of prayer in a Christian's life?

First of all, we need to establish that it is the sovereign God who not only invites us but commands us to pray. Prayer is a duty, and as we perform that duty, one thing for sure is going to be changed, and that is us. To live a life of prayer is to live a life of obedience to God.

Also, we must understand that there is more to prayer than intercession and supplication. When the disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray,” they saw a connection between the power of Jesus and the impact of his ministry and the time he spent in prayer. Obviously, the Son of God felt that prayer was a very valuable enterprise because he gave himself to it so deeply and passionately. But I was surprised that he answered the question by saying, “Here’s how you ought to pray,” and gave them the Lord’s Prayer. I would have expected Jesus to answer that question a different way: “You want to know how to pray? Read the Psalms,” because there you see inspired prayer. The Spirit himself, who helps us to pray, inspired the prayers that are recorded in the Psalms. When I read the Psalms, I read intercession and I read supplication, but overwhelmingly what I read is a preoccupation with adoration, with thanksgiving, and with confession. Take those elements of prayer, and what happens to a person who learns how to adore God? That person is changed. What happens to a person who learns how to express his gratitude to God? That person will now become more and more aware of the hand of Providence in his life and will grow in his sense of gratitude toward God. What happens to the person who spends time confessing his sins? He keeps in front of his mind the holiness of God and the necessity of keeping short accounts with God.

But can our requests change God’s sovereign plan? Of course not. When God sovereignly declares that he is going to do something, all of the prayers in the world aren’t going to change God’s mind. But God not only ordains ends, he also ordains means to those ends, and part of the process he uses to bring his sovereign will to pass are the prayers of his people. And so we are to pray.

©1996 by
R.C. Sproul. Used by permission of Tyndale.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. ©1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"...Christ who is our Life..."

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
(Col.3:1-4)

GOOD NEWS! GLAD TIDINGS! THE GOSPEL!

Because He lives, I live also!

In the beginning....

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
(Gen.2:7)

But then....

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Rom.5:12)

Mankind was plunged into darkness and alienation from the life of God! (Eph.4:18)

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not."
(John 1:4-5,10)

Therefore, is there any hope of life?

Jesus says: "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Mat.4:4)

and when questioned concerning the requirements to attain unto eternal life He responds: "....but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Mat.19:17)

But we know, for the children of Adam, these words serve to dash our hopes!

"And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death."
(Rom.7:10)
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Rom.3:20)

But God, who is rich in mercy..... HOPE RESTORED!

by... the "promise of life which is in Christ Jesus," and the bringing to light life and immortality through the gospel.
(2Tim.1:1,10)

by the revelation of another law.... "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom.8:2)

we have been.... "begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1Pet.1:3)

Our gaze is now drawn and directed to Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, by our "schoolmaster".

"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light." (Psa.36:9)

The "life" has come...."I am the resurrection and the life:.../"I am the way, the truth, and the life:..../Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also." (John 11:25,14:6,19)

"For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;"(1John1:2)

We no longer abide in death--we abide in the life and light of the Son and He abides in us!

"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." (Rom.14:8)

We are His Holy dwelling place...."....for ye are the temple of the living God;..."(2Cor.6:16)

and..."He that hath the Son hath life;" (1John 5:12)

Behold, old things have passed away: Self- preservation has passed away: "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." (John 12:25)
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,...." (Acts 20:24)
"...and they loved not heir lives unto the death."
(Rev. 12:11)

So then we must confess with Paul...."I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."(Gal.2:20)

We are a "new creation", a people who live by the Spirit..."But he that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit." (1Cor.6:17)
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Gal.5:25)

and we can say with confidence..."For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
(Phil.1:21)

We have been given boldness to enter into the Holiest of all! How?

"By a new and living way,..." (Heb.10:20)

and also, we have been given the glorious privilege of testifying to this "Life".

"Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."
(Acts 5:20)
"Holding forth the word of life;...." (Phil.2:16)

Truly, God has spoken to us and made plain that: "In him we live, and move, and have our being;"!

The Genuine Article

Jesus speaks of an attribute of His disciples that would set them apart as truly being His followers.
This attribute would be their sacrificial love for one another.
This is that "family resemblence" that cannot be mimicked or counterfeited by Satan like most other religious "doings" because he knows nothing about it.

This is supernatural, an indwelling of the Spirit of Christ, that makes Christianity shine above all of man's religious practice and devotion.

This must be the foundation of true faith, that is, "faith that worketh by love."

This is the first thing to fall by the wayside or to be absent when dead orthodoxy takes over.

This is the characteristic of biblical Christianity that Satan cannot abide!

If such love is missing then all our efforts are certainly paltry imitations at best.

As Paul writes:

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (cold,dead noise)
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (empty religious motions)
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (charity without charity)
(1Cor.13:1-3)

Such a love makes evident and plain that a radical transformation has taken place. All the religious ceremony and intellect in the world cannot compare to this!

"The Perfect Human Trap"

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
(Gen.3:6)

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
(1John2:16)

There is a perfect trap available. This trap works wonderfully and if one uses this trap they are guaranteed success!
This trap is not a new invention, it is of old, from ancient times.
Also, we need to understand that this trap is not engineered to catch four legged critters, no,it is much more advanced and is capable of snaring the most intelligent class of homo sapien!
This trap never needs to be hidden, nor does the bait ever have to be changed, it works for both the male and the female prey!

Isn't it amazing what easy prey we are in the flesh? This trap worked so well on our first parents who were in a state of innocence, how much better will it work on a race that is now at enmity with God and full of self-love?

This world operates and thrives on these three "baits". They all cater to our falleness and appeal to our never satisfied appetites for self-gratification and exaltation.

Where would be without the one who "sets the captives free"?
Where would we be without the renewing of our minds?
Where would we be without a faithful Father who again and again corrects us and brings us back into the safe path?
Without God's prevenient grace I would have no hope!

Satan truly, has the "perfect human trap", but the Lord Jesus is infinitely stronger than this strong trapper of men!

I must constantly be reminded, as I walk through this trap infested world, of the words of our Lord, who did not please Himself, but instead, ever sought to honor and glorify the Father, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mat.26:41)

Also, Paul's words to the Ephesians apply here: "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
(Eph.5:15-16)

May we walk by the Spirit and watch our steps, lest we place our foot in one of the many traps that surround us and even abide in our own hearts!

Without Him I can do nothing!

"Gifts of the Spirit"

In this post my desire is to invite discussion on the subject of "gifts of the Spirit". Specifically, what are commonly referred to as "sign gifts", that is, the gifts of tongues, healing abilities, etc.
So, my focus will be limited to these particular kinds of gifts and not such gifts as teaching and the like.
I am throwing this together in a hurry and I do not intend for this initial post of mine to be exhaustive but intend for it to simply spur a fellowship of discussion. I will start with the gift of tongues.

Let me begin by asking some opening questions and giving my understanding of these gifts at this point in my life:

1.)What are "tongues"? (a language/Acts 2:4-11, 1 Cor.12:28,13:1)

2.)What were they for? (a sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit/ Mark 16:17, Acts 10:44-46,19:6)
(a sign to the Jew/ of blessing when spoken by a Jew: Acts 2:4-11/ of judgement when spoken by a gentile: Deut.28:49,Isa.28:11,Acts 10:44-46,1Cor.14:21-22)
(for the purpose of declaring the gospel/ Acts 2:4-11)
(for establishing doctrine/ 1Cor. 14:6)

3.)Who used them? (Apostles/1Cor.13:1,14:6,14-15,18)
(some early believers/ Mark 16:17,Acts 10:44-46,19:6,1Cor.12:10,30)

4.)How were they used? (in an orderly manner/ 1Cor.14:13,26-28/ with need of an interpreter)

5.) What was said about them? (Temporary/1Cor.13:8)(a sign to the Jew/1Cor.14:21-22)
(prophesy was better because it edified others/ 1Cor.14:1,3-5,23-25)
(words that could be understood were better and edified the church/ 1Cor.14:9,11-12,14-17,19)

One thing that I have also noted about the "sign gifts" is their apparent focus on Israel and The Jew. The Jews were a "sign nation", that is, their history was one marked by requiring "signs" in order to believe. (1Cor.1:22)
They had begun as a nation under the deliverance of Moses to expect such "proofs"
(Ex.4:1-9)Recall their regular request of signs in the gospels.
It appears to me that in the "early church" period in which the Corinthian letters would fall these "sign gifts" were still in operation and had as their main end a testimony and witness to the Jew as long as priority was still being given to them ("to the Jew first").

Hopefully, this is enough to get the conversation going! As I said, I am seeking input on this subject and have included the discussion starters above for that purpose.

So, I await your thoughts, observations, additions, subtractions, etc!

No Tongue Can Express

"When I am told that God became man, I can follow the idea, but I just do not understand what it means. For what man, if left to his natural promptings, if he were God, would humble himself to lie in the feedbox of a donkey or to hang upon a cross? God laid upon Christ the iniquities of us all.

This is that ineffible and infinite mercy of God which the slender capacity of man's heart cannot comprehend and much less utter--that unfathomable depth and burning zeal of God's love toward us. And truly the magnitude of God's mercy engenders in us not only a hardness to believe but also incredulity itself.
For I hear not only that the omnipotent God, the creator and maker of all things, is good and merciful, but also that the Supreme Majesty was so concerned for me, a lost sinner, a son of wrath and of everlasting death, that he spared not his own Son but delivered him to the most ignominious death, that, hanging between two thieves, he might be made a curse and sin for me, a cursed sinner, that I might be made just, blessed, a son and heir of God.
Who can sufficiently declare this exceeding great goodness of God? Therefore the holy Scripture speaks of far other than philosophical or political matters, namely of the unspeakable and utterly divine gifts, which far surpass the capacity both of men and of angels."
(Martin Luther)

Luther at Worms

The Prayer of Luther at Diet of Worms


Luther at Worms, before the second day at trial:


"O Almighty and Everlasting God! How terrible is this world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so little trust in Thee! . . . How weak is the flesh, and how powerful is Satan! If it is in the strength of this world only that I must put my trust, all is over! My last hour is come, my condemnation has been pronounced! O God! O God! . . . O God! do Thou help me against all the wisdom of the world! Do this; Thou shouldest do this. . . . Thou alone . . . for this is not my work, but Thine. I have nothing to do here, nothing to contend for with these great ones of the world! I should desire to see my days flow on peaceful and happy. But the cause is Thine . . . and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord! help me! Faithful and unchangeable God! In no man do I place my trust. It would be vain! All that is of man is uncertain; all that cometh of man fails. . . . O God! my God, hearest Thou me not? . . . My God, art Thou dead? . . . No! Thou canst not die! Thou hidest Thyself only! Thou has chosen me for this work. I know it well! . . . Act, then, O God . . . stand at my side, for the sake of Thy well-beloved Jesus Christ, who is my defense, my shield, and my strong tower. — Lord! where stayest Thou? O my God! where art Thou? . Come! come! I am ready! I am ready to lay down my life for Thy truth . . . patient as a lamb. For it is the cause of justice – it is Thine! . . . I will never separate myself from Thee, neither now nor through eternity! . . . And though the world should be filled with devils, – though my body, which is still the work of Thy hands, should be slain, be stretched upon the pavement, be cut in pieces . . . reduced to ashes . . . my soul is Thine! . . . Yes! I have the assurance of Thy Word. My soul belongs to Thee! It shall abide forever with Thee. . . . Amen! . . . O God! help me! . . . Amen”

Truly, in our day also, the battle is the LORD's! He is our mighty fortress!

Apathy Considered

Who Cares?

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.



“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.” (Psalm 142:5) To the Laodicean church Jesus said: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:15-16)

David hounded by King Saul found himself trapped in the midst of overwhelming odds. As he looked around he could see no one to trust, and no one who really cared if he lived or died. His words were: “no one cared for my soul.” Saul cared; that is why he hunted him, to kill him. God cared; that is why He rescued him from a state of no hope. Those who were apathetic did not care one way or the other; they were “neither cold nor hot.” If he lived or died was his own problem; after all, we have our own lives to live and things to do!

That is the point about apathy; it cannot look beyond itself, and “sufficient for me is all I need.” Apathy is unconcerned about others. Apathy lacks interest and attention in spiritual matters. Apathy is unresponsive to the preaching of the Word of God. Apathy is unmoved by the multitudes dying condemned to an eternity in the Lake of Fire. Apathy is uncommitted to the witness of Jesus, to the study of the Word of God, and to a prayer life filled with a burden for the salvation of others. Apathy is void of all spiritual zeal. It has a “ho-hum” attitude. Apathy cares for no one but “self.”

“Apathetic” describes the character of most churches today. Their interest in heavenly matters is all but non-existent. At the preaching of “thus saith the Lord,” there is hardly anyone responding. Hearts are unmoved, tears have vanished away, and consciences are void of feelings. The common attitude is “it has nothing to do with me.” If souls are lost for all eternity, “what is that to me”? Apathy in the churches makes the Lord Jesus want to vomit!!!! It is better for a church that is refusing to be made hot in the zeal of God for the witness of Jesus Christ to close its doors than to remain self-righteously indifferent in His sovereign truth. Perhaps, if the ax were laid to the root of dead churches, others would pray for a rekindling of that Spirit-filled fire of the witness of Christ. CARE and LIVE!!!

A Takeover by Birth

Some Startling Statistics!

Hope is.....

Our Lord Jesus Christ:

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;" (1Tim.1:1)

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:13)

What a sure hope we have as believers! In Christ there is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION! This is the sure hope that enabled Paul and Silas to sing in the prison at midnight even after being severly beaten.
This is the sure hope that enables Christian martyrs in the past and in the present to face death with the assurance and unwavering resolve which stirs them to declare:

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom.8:18)

How wonderful to contemplate the day when this faith and hope become sight!

He is Near

I was reading a quote from Calvin last night and was reminded again of God's abundant goodness to us. He truly sheds His grace upon us in manifold ways.

Calvin says: "When the church has good and faithful teachers and others that labor to show us the way of salvation, it is a sign that our Lord Jesus Christ has not left us, nor forgotten us, but that he is present with us, and watches for our salvation."

Isn't it wonderful beyond description to know that when one of God's people speaks His word to us or ministers to us, it is Christ who is present speaking and ministering!

As Peter declares: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen
(1Pet.4:10-11)

Geneva

"Ever since in the creation of the universe he brought forth those insignia whereby he shows his glory to us, whenever and wherever we cast our gaze...And since the glory of his power and wisdom shine more brightly above, heaven is often called his palace. Yet...wherever you cast your eyes, there is no spot in the universe wherein you cannot discern at least some sparks of his glory."
(John Calvin/Institutes 1.5.1)

Here are some of the photos that were taken in Geneva at St. Pierre Cathedral:

1.)R.C. preaching in the Cathedral of St.Pierrre where Calvin preached.
2.)The Bell towers of the church.
3.)Me and Calvin's chair!
4.)The front entrance to the church.(the massiveness of which is not really captured by pictures!)

 

 

 

 

Great is Thy Faithfulness

I receive these brief devotionals on a regular basis from this pastor and here is another that spoke to my heart.



Forsaken by All

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.



By heaven’s eternal decree, Jesus came into the world for the ultimate purpose of dying upon the cross. When He was working miracles, multitudes flocked to Him. When He fed the multitudes, they gladly took all they could from Him. However, when Jesus began to teach hard things, the multitudes dwindled to the few. When Jesus was determined to do the will of the Father and to finish the work for which He was sent, it is written: “And they all forsook him, and fled.” (Mk. 14:50) Jesus was left alone to fulfill the will of the Father. Forsaken by all, Jesus finished the work for which He was sent. The Sacrificial Lamb of God died upon the cross, forsaken by all.

When Paul the Apostle stood to give his defense in the judgment hall, he said: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me...” In Paul’s determination to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of the consequences, he found himself abandoned by man, especially when it came to the heaviest yoke of the calling. Yet, in contrast to the Lord, Paul wrote: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me...” (II Tim. 4:16,17) Man forsook him, but God did not; God ever remained his Comforter.

When Joshua was commissioned by God after the death of Moses, God told him: “...as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage...” (Josh. 1:5,6) In his calling he would be alone to fulfill his duty, but God promised not to forsake him, and He never did.

King David wrote: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread. ... For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever...” (Ps. 37:25,28) God never forsakes the righteous!

The heavenly calling of God frequently brings one to journey through the valley forsaken by all men. No man can tell you how to fulfill the purpose of God for your life. Those closest to Jesus tried to stop Him from going to the cross. Those closest to Paul tried to stop him from fulfilling his destiny. The hardest part of God’s calling is when those closest to you THINK they know what the purpose of God is for you, even better than you know what it is. Do what God has called YOU to do, and He will never leave you standing alone!

Experiential Knowledge

To Know the Love of Christ

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.



It is written: “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”(Eph. 3:19)

Three things need to be noticed in this passage:

First, - TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST - It is one thing to hear about the love of Jesus Christ but quite another to know intimately the love of Christ. Folks may hear about the love my wife and I have for each other, and they may even witness the evidence of it; but they do not know it intimately because this love is not directed towards any outsider. It is the breadth and length the depth and height of our personal relationship that makes it peculiar to us. No one knows the quintessential of this love but we. So it is with knowing through a personal relationship the love of Jesus Christ. Religionists are mere wishful thinkers, outsiders, and “Peeping Toms” lusting for what they do not have. Yet, to know Christ is to know the love of the Christ. Only true salvation can bring this intimate relationship.

Second, - THE LOVE OF CHRIST PASSES KNOWLEDGE - It is amazing how the unregenerate know exactly what the love of Christ ought to be; but in truth they know absolutely nothing. According to the Holy Scriptures, the love of Christ surpasses the knowledge of man. Those who have in fact experienced the saving grace of God and the love of Christ that was responsible for purchasing their salvation know they do not fully comprehend what kind of love this is or what prompted such great love towards them.

Third, - THE LOVE OF CHRIST FILLS ONE WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD - How does one fathom all the fullness of God filling up the knower (not hearer) by the love of Jesus Christ? Yet, as it is written, to comprehend with all saints the breadth and length, the depth and height, and to know the love of Christ fills one with all the fullness of God. It has its beginning in the heavenly birth, and it grows by an interactive loving and knowing relationship with Jesus which opens the reservoirs of the soul to be flooded with the fullness of God. The saints have yet to even scratch the surface of the wonders of it all. To know the love of Christ is the fueling energy of one’s rejoicing in the spirit with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

"After Darkness Light"

Here are some scenes from Wittenberg. This is that well known place of the posting of the 95 Theses and it is also where Martin Luther and Philip Melancthon spent most of their time teaching and preaching.
In this first post I have included a picture of an original copy of the aforementioned 95 Theses.
Second, there is a view of the inside of the "Castle Church" where Luther nailed the Theses (written in Latin) to the door in order to elicit academic discussion. (and we know the rest of the story! The Theses was instead taken and translated into German and spread far and wide.)
Thirdly, there is a picture of the room and table where the famous "table talks" would take place. While these theological discussions were occuring students were able to sit around the walls of the room which were equipped with benches and glean from the learned conversations.
Fourth, the towers of St. Marys church are seen. This is where Luther and Melancthon preached and held services for the town.

 

 

 

 

More to come!

Reformation Needed Again

We are back from an experience of Sixteenth century Reformation history. It was thrilling to stand in some of the places that played such an important role in the recovery of Gospel light. The sights of ancient churches and documents relating to these years of struggle were truly inspiring.
We were blessed by the teaching of R.C. Sproul during our tours and we especially counted it a privilege to hear him preach in the churches where Calvin and Luther preached in Geneva and Wittenberg.
There was though, and is, sadness in the midst of all of this enjoyment. The sadness springs from the present spiritual state of the European countries where such great light shown forth in times past.
These nations that have been so blessed have now seemingly fallen back into spiritual apathy and darkness once again. Moral looseness is evident everywhere.
There appears to be no comprehension of spiritual or eternal things. Life is about this present world and fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
How tragic to see churches that were once places where the power of the gospel was boldly declared standing now as mere museums and memorials!
This is the case in both Catholic and Protestant churches!
On a train ride to Berlin I had the opportunity to speak with an elderly German woman who seemed to be quite surprised that we in America were there because of interest in the Reformation. She made it clear that most people in that country were no longer interested in these things or, for that matter, the things of God in general.
I was able to share with this lady, who had been raised in Catholicism, some of the truths regarding how we are justified and the issues that the Reformation revolved around. (I pray God will give the increase in her life!)
She seemed to be genuinely interested in what I was telling her.
My heart cried out inside because she is one of millions abiding in this same hopelessness!
One of the famous statements made with regard to the reformation in the sixteenth century was, "AFTER DARKNESS LIGHT"
Once again we need such light because, once again, darkness has enveloped the lands of our Forebearers!
There is certainly a famine in the land, not of bread or of material things, but of hearing the word of God and of being changed by the Spirit.
My burden is for God's light to once again shine forth and dispell the darkness that is taking soul after soul into a Christless eternity, not just for Europe but for our nation as well.

Brave Soldiers

This quote is taken from a sermon given by Charles Spurgeon at the time of the "Down Grade Controversy".

"We must never hide our colors. There are times when we must dash to the front and court the encounter, when we see that our Captain's honor demands it. Let us never be either ashamed or afraid. Our Lord Jesus deserves that we should yield ourselves as willing sacrifices in defense of His faith. Ease, reputation, life itself, must go for the name and faith of Jesus. If in the heat of the battle our good name or our life must be risked to win the victory, then let us say, "In this battle some of us must fall; why should not I? I will take part and lot with my Master and bear reproach for His sake. Only brave soldiers are worthy of our great Lord. Those who sneak into the rear, that they may be comfortable, are not worthy of the kingdom...
Brethren, we must be willing to bear ridicule for Christ's sake, even that peculiarly envenomed ridicule which "the cultured" are so apt to pour upon us. We must be, willing to be thought great fools for Jesus sake... For my part I am willing to be ten thousand fools in one for my dear Lord and Master, and count it to be the highest honor that can be put upon me to be stripped of every honor and loaded with every censure for the sake of the grand old truth which is written on my very heart...
Before I could quit my faith I should have to be ground to powder, and every seperate atom transformed."

Let us pray for strength to stand and contend always for the faith once delivered to the Saints!!

The Justice of God

"I greatly longed to understand Paul's epistle to the Romans and nothing stood in the way but that one expression, "the justice of God," because I took it to mean that justice whereby God is just and deals justly in punishing the unjust.
My situation was that, although an impeccable monk, I stood before God as a sinner troubled in conscience, and I had no confidence that my merit would assuage him.
Therefore I did not love a just and angry God, but rather hated and murmured against him. Yet I clung to the dear Paul and had a great yearning to know what he meant.

Night and day I pondered until I saw the connection between the justice of God and the statement that "the just shall live by his faith." Then I grasped that the justice of God is that righteousness by which through grace and sheer mercy God justifies us through faith. Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise. The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning, and whereas before the "justice of God" had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in greater love. This passage of Paul became to me a gate to heaven....

If you have a true faith that Christ is your Saviour, then at once you have a gracious God, for faith leads you in and opens up God's heart and will, that you should see pure grace and overflowing love. This it is to behold God in faith that you should look upon his fatherly, friendly heart, in which there is no anger nor ungraciousness. He who sees God as angry does not see him rightly but looks only on a curtain, as if a dark cloud had been drawn across his face."

--MARTIN LUTHER--

"Symptoms"

When considering the lack of evangelical zeal in our day I would have to confess that the following quote, in large part, captures the heart of the problem.

"Nothing shuts the mouth, seals the lips, ties the tongue, like the poverty of our own spiritual experience."
(John R. Stott)

"...and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

Stand Fast

"It is today as it was in the time of the Reformation: decision is needed. Here is the day for the man, where is the man for the day? We who have had the gospel passed to us by martyr's hands dare not trifle with it, nor sit by and hear it denied by traitors, who pretend to love it, but inwardly abhor every line of it. The faith I hold bears upon it the marks of the blood of my ancestors. Shall I deny their faith, for which they left their native land to sojourn here? Shall we cast away the treasure which was handed to us through the bars of prisons, or came to us charred with the flames of those burned at Smithfield? Personally, when my bones have been tortured with rheumatism, I have remembered Job Spurgeon, doubtless of my own stock, who in Chelmsford Jail was allowed a chair, because he could not lie down by reason of rheumatic pain. That Quaker's broad-brim over shadows my brow. Perhaps I inherited his rheumatism; but that I do not regret if I have his stubborn faith, which will not let me yield a syllable of the truth of God. When I think of how others have suffered for the faith, a little scorn or unkindness seems a mere trifle not worthy of mention. Having so many ancestors who were lovers of the faith before us, ought to be a great plea with us to ourselves abide by the Lord God of our Fathers, and the faith in, which they lived. As for me, I must hold the old gospel: I can do no other. God helping me, I will endure the consequences of what men think in obstinacy. Look you, sirs, there are ages yet to come. If the Lord does not speedily appear, there will come another generation, and another, and all these generations will be tainted and injured if we are not faithful to God and to His truth today. We have come to a turning point in the road. If we turn to the right, perhaps our children and our children's children will go that way; but if we turn to the left, generations yet unborn will curse our names for having been unfaithful to God and to His word. I charge you, not only by your ancestry, but by your posterity (on behalf of your children...and your children's children), that you seek to win the commendation of your master, that though you dwell where Satan's seat is, you yet hold fast His name, and do not deny His faith. God grant us faithfulness, for the sake of the souls around us! How is the world to be saved if the church is false to her Lord? How are we to lift the masses if our fulcrum is removed? If our gospel is uncertain, what remains but increasing misery and despair? Stand fast, my beloved, in the name of God! I, your brother in Christ, entreat you to abide in the truth. Handle yourselves like men! Be strong! And may the Lord sustain you....Amen"
(C.H.Spurgeon)

Book Quotes

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spingtime."
(Martin Luther)

"By reading the Scriptures, I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The sky seems to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet."
(Thomas Merton)

"No book is worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond."
(C.S.Lewis)

"When I get a little money, I buy books; and if there is any left, I buy food and clothes."
(Desiderius Erasmus)

(The last quote is especially aimed toward Mr. David Smithey!)

Times of Refreshing

My heart is always blessed and stirred whenever I read the accounts of past Spiritual Awakenings and revivings of God's work on the earth.
Many times throughout human history God has been pleased to "make bare His arm" and to send forth in extraordinary measure His grace and power.
I was reminded again of this "special" and "mysterious" work of God as I read the observation of J.Fordyce in regards to the character of the Evangelical Revival of the eighteenth century.

Fordyce writes,

"These preachers did not care much to argue much about the existence of God, the probabilities connected with a future life, or the reasonableness of Christianity.
To them Christ was a real Being, and His Gospel a real salvation; to them this salvation was not a future prospect, but a present and conscious possession; to them the Bible did not merely contain things of high value - it was the word of the living God, the full and final word on all matters connected with man's highest life here and hereafter.
Believing all this with intensity of faith, they spoke out of full hearts, and their word was with power; their gospel became the 'power of God unto salvation' to many thousands.
Hence the new life and quickening experienced far and wide; hence the crowds that gathered round these new preachers, wherever they stood up to speak.
Men who could see nothing in the logic of Berkeley or the ethics of Butler, for whom Paley's twelve men had no message, saw before them, felt within them, new manifestations of Divine power.
God not only lived somewhere and somehow: He was actually present among them.
The triumphs of Christianity and the living power of Christ were not merely found in the records of early history, in the thousands of Pentecost, or the heroes and martyrs of a later age; they were to be seen and felt in every city, town, and village of old England.
Thus without any reasoning, with but little argument, the Deistic position was completely undermined, and the walls of the proud Jericho of eighteenth-century unbelief fell flat before the blasts of the new evangel."

May the Lord of the Harvest stir our hearts afresh to the present reality of our Savior and our salvation!

"......and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Mat.28:20b)