Law & Gospel Preaching

From the podcast Issues, Etc.

"Law is everything in scripture which commands us to obey God, to do the things that He requires or to avoid the things He prohibits. The law shows us when we have fail to do so and what we deserve as a result.

The gospel tells us what God has done for us in Christ Jesus to forgive for all of our failures, to give us the gift of eternal life and to assure us of God's presence and care for us everyday.

This is the Biblical model for Christian preaching." -- Dr. Carl Fickenscher

Listen to more.

A call for character

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper. Romans 1:30

There were times where I could remember honoring Presidents due to their character. Abraham Lincoln was a known for a man of integrity. George Washington was praised for his courage and hard work. But…. In the 90’s, we as a nation for the first ever, gave a rise in popular vote to president Bill Clinton for admitting to have an affair with another woman.

He was just ummmm….errr “keeping it real” so they say.

In society we put people who are unrighteous, arrogant, slanderers, adulterous, and greedy on the covers of magazine as if these characters were virtues.





Well, unrighteousness is great at making money.

Sex sells! Gossip sells! And so does Vanity!

C’mon. How much money could these magazines make if you they started advertising the fruit of the spirit? (Galatians 5: 22-23)
People would exercise self-control. Stop buying things and in fact, start putting their money towards ministry.

Dona Karan would be so mad!

It does not take much to convince even an unregenerate that we are living in a time and society in which the …end is near. And as a result God calls us to be lights in these dark times. He calls us to excellent moral character.

The Bible is very clear on what Godly character looks like. We are to be loving, long-suffering, merciful, pure, meek, humble, and peaceful.

These may not necessarily the easiest or the best at making money but…

…..they are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Psalm 19:10

He Is No Fool

Music and Words by Twila Paris. She's talking about a certain man who gave it all to gain the most precious prize.


There once was a man born of high circumstance
Heir to advantage, He had every chance to succeed
But light from the cross made his dreams appear small
And to their surprise he went far--from it all
For the love of his Savior, for one priceless jewel
They could not understand so they called him a fool

He is no fool
If he would choose
To give the thing he cannot keep
To buy what he can never lose
To see a treasure in one soul
That far outshines the brightest gold
He is no fool, He is no fool
He is no fool, He is no fool

There once was a boy who could run like the wind
Given to lead, every man was his friend at the line
But light from the cross made his race appear small
And to their amazement, he followed the call
For the love of his Savior, for one priceless jewel
They could not understand so they called him a fool


Show me the fool who abandons his life
To walk in the steps of our Lord Jesus Christ

Free Stuff

Sovereign Grace Ministries is now offering all of their audio messages for free.

Foreknown Remorse

The mind and character of God continually blow my mind. His capability of emotions on all levels of complexity beyond all human comprehensiveness, that I simply have to sit back and savor Him as God. John Piper's website Desiring God is a daily read for me, and today he has posted an article discussing God's foreknowledge in making decisions that He later "regrets" and "repents" of. One particular paragraph caught my attention:

"After Saul disobeys Samuel, God says, 'I regret [= repent] that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands' (1 Samuel 15:11). Some have argued that since God 'repents' of things he has done, therefore he could not have foreseen what was coming. Else why would he repent or regret, if he knew in advance the consequence of his decision?

"However, this is not a compelling argument against God's foreknowledge. First of all, the argument assumes that God could not, or would not, lament over a state of affairs he himself chose to bring about. That not true to human experience; and more importantly, God's heart is capable of complex combinations of emotions infinitely more remarkable that ours. He may well be capable of lamenting over something he chose to bring about."

This brings up an important topic of God's all-knowing purposes and His promise that He loves us unconditionally. In Numbers 23:19, it seems to clarify that God knows what He is doing, and that His promise that all things work together for God are in accordance with His will: "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

I want to challenge you today, wherever your are to meditate on the character of God. Take time to think about His infinite complexity, and ability to possess emotions in dynamics far surpassing our own. To really rest assure in the promise that God is sovereign and loves His own should cultivate in you a heart to honor Him and love Him with your whole being- bearing fruit unto good works.

The "other" Joey

The Noose Ministry of Judas Iscariot

“Not to put your halo down around your neck and tug you off your cloud” but one thing that scares me about my ministry is how much of it is tainted with pride and ulterior motives no matter my prayers of trying to serve with a pure heart. A trap of ministry is the yearning and seeking for the praise and accolades of fellow men and gloryfying myself instead of God.

I guess one reason why this shakes me to the core is because of the life of Judas Iscariot. He ministered and fellowshipped with Jesus Christ himself. Outwardly his actions and activities looked holy and God honoring. He would often greet Jesus with a holy kiss. But because of his pride and greed, he was the one to betray Jesus.

It all comes down to motives.

Christian Hardcore music has actual words?

Lyrics from Symphony in Peril's song Portrait....



we serve god in the image that we have painted.
honor and reverence has been filtered through the sifter of our minds.
cultural influenced thinking
and misspoken word have distorted the truth.
so many times we have taken a past experience
and allowed it to carry us to the future,
while new revelation is placed on the backburner.
then we wonder why illumination is so dim in our lives.
the more extensive our comprehension of god’s greatness,
the greater god can move upon the canvas of our lives,
to paint a portrait of honor....

This song pretty much speaks out to me because it is a good description of what American Christianity is like today. We choose to ignore what God's word has to say to listen to the opinions of our peers. Proverbs 14:12 as well as 16:25 both say:

There is a way that seems right unto a man, but its end is the way to death.

yeah, both those verses say the same thing so obviously they are of much importantance. I mean, the whole bible is important, but you get what im saying. We can't let other people tell what's right and what's wrong. It's up for us to go into the Word and look it up for ourselves.

It's important that we continually be in God's word because if we're not, then well never know who or how he is. Please pray for me, that I have more discipline in this area.

meet the puritans.

On this day (August 24th) in 1662, English Parliament/The Church of England banished the puritans from the churches and schools in England. The decree was known as "The Uniformity Act of 1662" or "The Great Ejection." Puritans didn't let that stop them from preaching God's word. They ended up preaching in fields, barns, or wherever possible. In 1664, The Conventicle Act was passed. This banned all "non-conformists" from preaching in fields or conducting services in secret. In 1665 the Five Mile Act was passed and outlawed puritans from coming within five miles of their former churches or any city or town.

Although Puritans were barred, it didn't silence them. They continued to preach God's word and write many incredible God-exalting books.

The reason for such hostility against the Puritans was for their fervent dedication to God and scripture, that provoked them to speak up about the problems within the Church of England. The church began to become weak on scripture, which led to much compromise in teaching, church leadership, obedience, and truth. Some major goals/focuses of the Puritans were:

1. Dedication to search and study the truths/doctrines of scripture and apply them to their lives. They believed doctrine and life-change went hand in hand.

2. A fascination with the character of God and His work in their lives (but not on the experience itself) to give all glory to God for any work done in one's life. Their high view of God was also evidenced also by their strong reformed theology. (High view of God/Low view of Man.)

3. A passion for love.

"It is unusual today to find books that feed the mind with solid biblical substance and move the heart with affectionate warmth, but the puritans do both. They reason with the mind, confront the conscience, and appeal to the heart. They write out of love for God's Word, love for the glory of God, and love for the souls of readers. They set forth Christ in His loveliness, moving us to yearn to know Him better and live wholly for Him."

-Meet The Puritans (Joel R. Beek & Randall J. Pederson)

4. In the same mind as the Reformers, they sought for change within the church that called for the church to conform to the instruction of Scripture on all matters of doctrine, leadersip, and fellowship.

5. Focused on personal evangelism by proclaiming God's word/the gospel.

There is so much more I can write about these men and women. They were/are my heroes.

Just like Mikey from the movie "Goonies" told the pirate One-Eyed Willie: "you were the first Goonie..." So I tell the Puritans: "you were the first Talians."

(much of the information that i got for this post was summarized from what I read in the book "Meet The Puritans")

joanna

The Talia family is blessed to have Joanna as a family member.
Joanna formally ran a blog that was noticed by the likes of James White and the members of Team Pyro, however she has now invested her blogging expertise into Talia.

Joanna is a member of Reality Church in Hollywood. She is loves God's Word and has a passion to counsel other women with the Word. Pray for her as she prepares for the hard soil of the entertainment industry, that God would prepare her as well as the hearts that she ministers to.

the God-centeredness of God.

It's easy as human beings to fall into the trap of attempting to make God man-centered. But thankfully God sets us straight and lets us know what focus has always been and will always be. Here are just a few verses that I looked up... There are plenty more throughout scripture...

Isaiah 43:25

"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake"

Exodus 9:16

(to pharoah)

"But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Exodus 33:19

(to moses)

"And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

Psalm 106:8

"Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power."

Isaiah 42:8

"I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.'

Isaiah 43:7

"everyone who is called by my name,whom I created for my glory,whom I formed and made."

Isaiah 48:9

"For my name’s sake I defer my anger,for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you,that I may not cut you off.

Ezekiel 20:44

"And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I deal with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD."

Romans 1:5

"Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith."

Romans 3:24-26

"and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 9:11-22

"Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory"

Ephesians 1:4-6

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace."

1 John 2:12

"I am writing to you, little children,because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake."

Revelation 4:11

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,and by your will they existed and were created."

Revelation 5:12

"saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"

Tears To My Eyes

Ever laugh so hard your eyes start to water. The guys at Sacred Sandwich had me in stitches. It's been over a year since I've been there so today's visit had me catching up on some humor.

Here are three pictures that particularly had me rollin'. The last one had me laughin' the hardest.

# W0N Rudolph the Purpose-Driven Reindeer

# TOO Purpose-Driven Shirt

# THR33 Organ Playa

Evangelism & The Doctrines Of Grace

Does rightly understading the doctrines of grace affect your understanding and method of evangelism?

Audio Sermon

Just wanted to recommend a sermon to listen to. Go to sermonindex.net and search for "Ten Shekels and a Shirt" by Paris Reidhead. It is a great message on humanism invading Christianity. Its a little slow at first but give it some time. He lays it out hardcore.

Everyday

So here I am in Hawaii on vacation. Praise God for his faithfulness, and his grace, allowing me to be in this beautiful place. And I went to a worship service while here. This morning.

We were singing the song "Everyday"

Let me bust an Ernesto and post the lyrics.

What to say Lord
It's You who gave me life and I
Can't explain just how
Much You mean to me now that
You have saved me Lord
I give all that I am to You
That everyday I can
Be a light that shines Your name

Everyday Lord I'll
Learn to stand upon Your word
And I pray that I
That I might come to know You more
That You would guide me
In every single step I take
That everyday I can
Be Your light unto the world

Everyday, It's You I'll live for
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You my Lord

It's You I live for everyday
It's You I live for everyday
It's You I live for everyday

Ok now that the melody is in your mind...
I remember having a conversation with Baltasar about this song. We said that our mind would replace a few letters in this song, causing it to have a different meaning.

The chorus says
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You my Lord

But, on occasion, BJ and I had accidentally said
Everyday, I'll wallow after you.

Quite a different message. Wallow means to luxuriate or revel in something. Even dictionary.com's example of the word is "wallow in self righteousness"

Man that got me thinking. Isn't that how we live sometimes? We wallow in our faith! We act like we are better than everyone else because we have found Jesus.

Sorry my friends. Jesus has found us. And it was not on our own. It was a gift from God. Not of our works, that way nobody can wallow!

Of course that is a paraphrase of a popular verse, but its still true! Don't wallow after God. Follow Him.

Oh yeah! By the way...

Let us welcome Scott to the Talia fold.
Scott is a member of Faith Bible Church of Murrieta, California.
Scott was a protege of our close friend Shawn Farrell, and has recently graduated from high school.
Scott will be attending college in Salt Lake City, Utah, so keep him in your prayers as he will be enduring much resistance from the "latter day saints".

The Preeminent Authority of Holy Scripture

Hello everyone, my name's Scott. I wrote the following notes as a response to another set of notes, which were handed out in a Catholic Apologetics class I attended at St. Martha's Catholic Church in Murrieta. I think it might be helpful by giving a glimpse of a Catholic's perspective of the Bible, as well as some ready answers to certain questions. I've tried to present it in question answer format for ease of use. God bless you all, amen.

Question 1:

Since you use the Bible as your sole rule of faith, then can you tell me where the Bible came from?

A Protestant’s Response:

The bible is an integrated message system consisting of 66 books by over forty authors, which has been written over a period of thousands of years and, ultimately, comes from a source that is outside our time domain (i.e. God).

Catholic response:

“The canon of scripture was given to us and determined by the

Catholic Church at the councils of Hippo in 393 and Carthage (397)”

Inquiry of Catholic Response:

1a.

According to the Catholic response, the “Catholic Church” is the authority by which scripture is determined. The inevitable question that follows is, “who determines the authority of the Catholic Church?”. Only God is qualified to grant such authority. As such if any person or thing other than God has bestowed this authority on the Catholic Church, the said authority of said church is invalid.

1b.

If God determined the authority of the Catholic Church, how can the layperson determine that for his or her self? After all, scripture commands us –

“1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

1c. If we are to be in obedience to Holy Scripture, we must prove the authority of the Church, but how do we do it?

Scripture provides us with the answer-

2Ti 3:16All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Scripture tells us that scripture itself is profitable for reproof. In other words, we should use it in reproving things. So we should use it as our reference in determining the validity of the authority of the Catholic Church.

2a In terms of the authority of the Church in relation to the authority of Holy Scripture, there is an important question to be asked. “Is the bible our final authoritative reference, or does the Church (clergy) have the final say?”

What does scripture tell us on this point?

Act 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

In this passage, Luke explicitly states that it is “more noble” to search the scriptures to test apostolic authority.

Furthermore, we read in Galatians 1:8-

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

In this passage, Paul does not explicitly extol the authority of scripture, yet it is implied.

He speaks of a “Gospel” being “that which we have preached unto you” and he proclaims a curse on anyone who preaches a gospel other than that already preached by the apostles. This is obviously a reference to apostolic authority, yet he states that if he (or the other apostles) or even an angel from heaven were to preach some other gospel, that man or angel is to be cursed. (“anathema”)

What does this have to do with scriptural authority? Very much, when taken in conjunction with 1 Corinthians 15, which states-

“1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand”

Here Paul details the very gospel he refers to in Galatians (“which I preached unto you”). (To say it were a different Gospel would require either a contradiction in scripture, or a spiritual curse on the apostle himself.) The first point is that this gospel is an aspect of Holy Scripture (being written in one of his earliest epistles) and thus when Paul declares his spiritual curse, he not only gives authority to holy scripture, but gives scripture pre-eminence over the authority of himself, the other apostles, and even angelic ministers (vis Galatians 1:8).

Naturally, this isn’t a particularly solid foundation for the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Nevertheless, it is there. Further, in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul continues-

“1Cr 15:3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1Cr 15:4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

Here, Paul (an apostle of Jesus Christ, under the inspiration of the holy spirit no less) after referring to the gospel, which he preached, refers us to “the scriptures” as his authority.

Jesus Christ appeals specifically to scripture 24 times in the gospels and the angel Gabriel refers Daniel to the scriptures in relation to a prophecy, which he gives to Daniel and interprets for him.

This is the list of specific appeals to the authority of the scriptures where the “scriptures” word itself is explicitly used-

Dan 10:21, Mat 21:42, Mat 22:29, Mat 26:54, Mat 26:56, Mar 12:10, Mar 12:24, Mar 14:49, Mar 15:28, Luk 4:21, Luk 24:27, Luk 24:32, Luk 24:45, Jhn 2:22, Jhn 5:39, Jhn 7:38, Jhn 7:42, Jhn 10:35, Jhn 13:18, Jhn 17:12, Jhn 19:24, Jhn 19:28, Jhn 19:36, Jhn 19:37, Jhn 20:9, Act 1:16, Act 8:32, Act 8:35, Act 17:2, Act 17:11, Act 18:24, Act 18:28, Rom 1:2, Rom 4:3, Rom 9:17, Rom 10:11, Rom 11:2, Rom 15:4, Rom 16:26, 1Cr 15:3, 1Cr 15:4, Gal 3:8, Gal 3:22, Gal 4:30, 1Ti 5:18, 2Ti 3:15, 2Ti 3:16, Jam 2:8, Jam 2:23, Jam 4:5, 1Pe 2:6, 2Pe 1:20, 2Pe 3:16

An exhaustive list of references to scripture in the bible may exist, but it may be pertinent to mention a quote from the Greek, Hebrew, English Interlinear bible, published by green.

“While on earth in the body, ten percent of the daily [recorded] conversation of Jesus consisted of Old Testament words, quoted literally.

Consider the following interesting facts:

1. His use of it and reliance upon it in daily life. Note: The four Gospels contain the recorded words he spoke.

The Gospel of Mathew:--

Contains 1181 verses. 603 verses are Jesus’ words. This is 51%. 83 of these verses are old testament quotations. This is 14%.

The Gospel of mark:--

Contains 609 verses. 275 of these are quotations of Jesus. This is 45%. 34 of these, or 13%, are Old Testament quotations.

The Gospel of Luke:--

Contains 1251 verses of which 570 are His words. This is 45%. 42 of these verses, or 7% of his quotations, are from Old Testament.

The Gospel of John:--

Contains 879 verses. 417, or 49%, are quotations from Jesus. 20 of these quotations are from the Old Testament.

The Four Gospels:--

Contain 3920 verses. 1865 of these are His words recorded. This is 48%. Of his quoted conversation, 179 verses are literal Old Testament words.

In summary:

The scripture is not only held as an authority in the scripture, but it is never placed below any other authority, including god himself. This seems only natural, as it is god’s word that we are dealing with. Furthermore, the scriptures are held as pre-eminent relative to the authority of the apostles, the church, angelic ministers, etc..

hide.

Genesis 3:6-8

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden."

I believe the first step (after effectual grace) in either justification or sanctification is coming to God with your hands in the air in admission/repentence. Look at the first beatittude - bankruptcy in spirit. What is the opposite? Hiding. Pretending there is no sin or even reshaping our view of God and his attributes.

"First characteristic of depravity: It seeks to hide from God. It understands its nakedness; it understands its corruptness, but it doesn't want exposure to God. I don't expect unbelievers to come flooding into this church, do you? I know churches that are mostly populated by unbelievers. That's because you can go there and not be exposed to God. You can go there and still hide from God. Satan had promised them freedom from God's limiting control. Satan had told them that God was less good than God purported to be, and that by eating they would be like God and, therefore, they would free themselves from God's restraining control. Well, they didn't get freedom. They got slavery to sin, slavery to shame, slavery to guilt, and fear. Sinners fear God. Romans 1:32: They know that those who do those things are worthy of death, but they do them just the same, and they approve of those who do them." That's Romans 1:32. The sinner understands his sin, he understands his corruption, understands his guilt, understands shame. That's built into the fabric of his life. He understands that there's an accountability before God. He understands all that; cannot do anything about it, still loves his sin, cannot repent, will not repent, but runs to hide from God one way or another. That's depravity. "I was afraid." Fear replaced joy."

-John MacArthur

love in action

Speaking the truth to someone often doesn't feel good. The Holy Spirits work of conviction hurts. Pride is subtle and will cause a person to immediately question the sincerity of the truth. Love comes into question.

However, the Bible clearly teaches that letting someone go on with out truth or correction is a lack of love.

Look at what Hebrews says about God regarding discipline and love:

Hebrews 12:6-8

"And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?:

'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.'

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons."

The Bible not only says that sparing discipline is a lack of love, but it calls it "hatred":

Proverbs 13:24

"He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."


"The great mark of a believer is love for one another as God’s children. Love always necessitates discipline. If genuine love is to be manifested in the local church, biblical discipline must be practiced.

It is not an act of love when discipline is avoided. It is not an act of love if the local church does not practice biblical discipline. It is selfish and unfaithful to let a person continue sinning unchastened. Intervention can perhaps prevent the ultimate discipline.

The process sounds hard and cruel, but it is true Christian love. A believer cannot grow and mature if he persists in sin. God’s goal in discipline is always to bring about maturity in Him."

-Gil Rugh

It's like if your friend had dirt on their face - if you cared about them you would tell them. If you didn't want to offend them, so you remained silent about it, it wouldn't be considered noble or loving.

Speaking truth in someone's life is love. Without the speaking of truth, there is no love. Without love there is no truth. It goes hand in hand. So don't stay quiet. Let it be known.

Get Your Cyborg Name

What Do You Want On Your Tombstone?

The following quote was taken from "Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry." It serves as a startling and sober reminder that men of God are not here for our own agenda but for the service of the Lord.

"To keep the gospel unadulterated and unchanged and undiluted is very hard. While the word faithful may seem old-fashioned and weak, like the Bible word meek, it is not. It is required of men entrusted with the sacred charge that they prove faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

Christian pastors want "faithful" written on their tombstone, not "innovative," not "creative," not "he pushed the envelope." Those terms are left for the biographies of the liberals, the heretics and the heterodox. Biblical shepherds want to hear our Lord say on Judgment Day, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'"

Get Your Cyborg Name

look.

"When Jesus was traveling to Samaria, He met a woman getting water. She told the people in her town about Jesus. As the people from the town came out to meet him, He said to the disciples," :

"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true, 'One sows, and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." (John 4:35-38)

"The disciples were reaping the results of other people’s labor. Those people did not see all the result of their labor, but their efforts still bore fruit.

William Carey spent thirty-five years in India before he saw one convert. Some people think he led a fruitless life. But almost every convert in India to this day is fruit on his branch, because he translated the whole New Testament into many different Indian dialects. He was not the one to reap directly what he had sown, but his life’s legacy bore much fruit.

One of the most fulfilling experiences in life is to bear fruit for God. If it isn’t happening in your life, the reason is simple—you are not abiding in the Vine."

-John MacArthur

harvest time.

Matthew 9:36-38:

"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'"

The greatest is love...

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak with the tongues of men and angles, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

In the church at Corinth spiritual gifts were present and right doctrine was even in place, however there was a massive void of love. This absence of love resulted in arguments, selfishness, and pride.

Instead of desiring love for one another they desired “showy” spiritual gifts. Instead of love they desired knowledge and wisdom that led to selfishness and pride.

1 Corinthians 13:1 Tongues of Men and Angels

No matter how linguistically gifted one is, no matter how amazing one speaks his own language or how capable he is to speak a foreign language, if he does not love it is noise only. Even if a man can speak with angelic tongue, if he does not have love he is just noise resounding.

1 Corinthians 1:2 Know all mystery and all knowledge and all Faith

If a man has all knowledge, all wisdom, and all discernment but fails to love he has missed the most important thing. What good is it to know all doctrine, all theology if you are prideful? What good is it to know the word of God and not love? To know truth and not love is useless. If you have truth but do not love you are of no use to the kingdom of God.

If you have all the faith in the world, enough to move and remove mountains but you do not love, your faith means nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3 Burned

A man could give up his life, and it profit him nothing if he does not love. We could give up our lives, but if we do not love it helps us not.

You can speak all languages in order to spread the fame of God’s name, but if you do not love you are like a gong, which pagans rang when worshipping false gods.

You can have all knowledge, all wisdom, all discernment, but if you do not love all your words are as empty noise.

You can have all faith, enough to remove mountains, but if you do not love you are of no use to the kingdom of God. You can lay your life down for Christ, but if you do not love, your life is lost for not.

Three things should exist within the fellowship of Christ, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest is love.

Lets not be like the Corinthians and gain knowledge, wisdom, faith, and forget the things that ties all these together, love. Lets not be puffed of with pride, but let us be filled with love for almighty God, and for each other.

Exegetical Fallacies #1

I don't know about you, but I like it when things make sense logically. Example: All mortals age. I am mortal. Therefore, I age. These types of logical reasoning are often referred to as "syllogisms". There is a premise (All mortals age). There is a minor premise (I am mortal). And there is a conclusion (I age). Unfortunately, our corrupt minds are not infallible and can often come to faulty conclusions.

In his book Exegetical Fallacies, D.A. Carson shares how Philip B. Payne makes this error when examining 1 Timothy 3:11 and Acts 6:1-6. And while Payne did not state his position in syllogistic fashion, others have chosen to state Payne's position in a such fashion to help clarify position and difference. D.A. Carson states:

Payne suggests that becuase 1 Timothy 3:11 refers to female deacons, and two of the men chose as deacons in Acts 6:1-6 speak publicly and baptize converts, "presumably these activity could be part of the role of women deacons." Of course, Payne does not set forth his suggestios as a syllogism. Nevertheless, the inference he draws could be recast as a syllogism:

The seven men appointed in Acts 6:1-6 were deacons (the unstated premise). Some of the men mentioned in Acts 6:1-6 spoke publicly and baptized. Therefore all deacons, including women, could presumably speak publicly and baptize.

Even if we grant the exegetical debatable points (e.g., that the seven men in Acts 6:1-6 were deacons), the argument as here ste for is inadequate--whatever we conclude about the right or otherwise of women to speak publicly and baptize. It is inadequate because it illegitimately presupposes that in the minor premise the two men from the group of seven in Acts 6:1-6 speak publicly and baptize by virtue of their role as deacons.

In the New Testament, arguably teaching is irretriveably bound up within the role of the elder/pastor/bishop; it is far from clear that it is bound up with the role of the deacon. That others than elders taught in various settings is certain; but the fact that some deacons did so is not itself warrant for supposing that any deacon was authorized to do so simply because he or she was a deacon.

D.A. Carson goes on to give a clear example of this mistake.

All true Christians learn to love their enemies.
Mary Jo loves her enemies.
Therefore, Mary Jo is a Christian.

A "not necessarily" sort of thought should have popped up into our heads when that last stament was made. This is the same mistake that some have made with other passages in scripture.

Perhaps you've seen the same fallacious syllogism made by others. One area in which I've seen that happen is in the area of good works and deeds. It is true that Christians are to love others. It is true that Christians should care for the poor. But is it true that anyone who lives this way is a Christian? Is one a Christian/saved simply because one lives in "the way of Christ"--as some have put it? Some argue that this is so.

I have read some blogs in which the Christian author clearly makes this mistake. The argument goes like this: "Will God send an atheist to hell? Suppose this atheist feeds the poor, reaches out to the sick, loves his enemies and lives in the way of Christ, but does not believe in Christ or believe in God? Isn't their life demonstrating the same things that us repentant Christians demonstrate? Therefore they must be one of God's own." To put it in a syllogism:

1. (Premise) Those that are saved live in the way of Christ.

2. (Minor Premise) A particular atheist lives in the way of Christ.

3. (Conclusion) Therefore, this atheist is saved (even if they deny God and do not believe in Christ).

The Bible clearly shows the above syllogism to be false. A man is not saved simply by doing good works and being a good person or even imitating the morality of Christ. One is saved by repenting and trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ which makes necessary a belief in God. Only then can one be put into a right standing and intimate relationship with God. Thus one has a proper motive for serving God and doing good works that glorify God.

Much more could be said on current fallacious syllogisms being made in Christendom, but I'll leave it at that. Hey, I may have even unknowingly made one in this post because...

All people make mistakes...

I am a "people"...

Therefore, I make mistakes.

the american church

It seems that the american church is easily blinded to the task at hand.
there are over 6,000 people groups in the world that have absolutely no access to the gospel whatsoever.
they do not have the gospel translated into their language.

yet

Revelation 5:9 says that there will be worshipers in heaven "from every tribe and language and people and nation".

and

Jesus said in matthew 24:14

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

and Paul declares what the strategy for this very task that is remaining is in romans 15:20-21

"and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand."

then why is only .0001% going to the mission field. and why is only 4% of the .0001% going to the unreached?

there is a task remaining.

His fame, His name worshipped in every tribe, toungue, people, nation.

effectual grace?

In my last post on grace, i compared grace to a battery. Now, there actually are many that would disagree with me.
There are many who believe that God's grace is the saving gift of Christ's work on the cross, and if we accept that gift, then we have partaken of grace. However, they would argue that grace is not actually "effectual". In other words, that grace doesn't "cause" anything. They may say that God "helps" people, but they wouldn't agree that God's grace "causes" people to do anything.

There are a couple of terms that we use often to describe "effectual" grace.

1. Regeneration - The supernatural work of God's grace that causes us to repent and believe. (2 Timothy 2:25 - God grants repentence)So regeneration precedes belief, which means we aren't technically justified (saved) until we are regenerated. (Titus 3:5-6 - We are saved BY regeneration - this verse is SO clear because it not only distinguishes between the two [justification [declared not-guilty] and regeneration], but it also gives the order!)

(also Romans 8:30 - "And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified") - the call precedes the justifying. This is really important because this verse also shows us that grace is irresistable. Those who he predestines HE WILL CALL. Those who he calls HE WILL JUSTIFY.

2. Sanctification - The supernatural work of God's grace that causes obedience. (John 17:17 -Jesus asks the Father to grant sanctification to his followers) (Philippians 1:6-7 - If God began a work in us then HE WILL COMPLETE IT) (Philippians 2:13 - It is God who causes us to desire to obey and causes us to obey)

NOW

with all that being said, I have always had trouble with Paul's closing statements in all of his epistles (except Romans). He always says, "grace be with you." It never really made sense because I used to take a take a different view of grace. But when you look at Paul's closing words with "effectual grace"-colored lenses, it makes complete sense.

Paul's closing sentences in the following letters:

1 Corinthians: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you."

2 Corinthians: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Galatians: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers, Amen"

Ephesians: "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptable"

Philippians: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."

Colossians: "Grace be with you."

1 Thessalonians: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

2 Thessalonians: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."

1 Timothy: "Grace be with you."

2 Timothy: "Grace be with you."

Titus: "Grace be with you all."

Philemon: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."

Hebrews: "Grace be with all of you."

What kind of grace? The kind of grace that has the power to supernaturally transform people to deny sin, desire to do good, and obey.

Tips To Improve Your Teaching

Pain! That's a word that describes what it's like to dig through the archives of past sermons. What was once considered "my best sermon to date" is now looked down upon as "oh, I can't believe I used to teach like that." Those of us that have been teaching for some time know what it's like to be in an empty room cringing with dusty transcripts of old sermons in hand while hoping that nobody ever finds out that you once preached this raggedy old thing. Hopefully we feel that way because there has been improvement in one's preaching and teaching, not necessarily because the sermon was actually that bad. But chances are there were more than a few that were worthy of being stored at the local city dump.

In Alexander Strauch's book, Leading With Love, he presents a few helpful suggestions on how teachers and preachers of God's Word can improve. I was excited to see this in print because it affirmed a few things I was doing and gave me some other ideas to improve. As pastors we are held accountable to God for being teachers of His Word, therefore we must strive to improve in this area.

James 3:1 (NASB) Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.

Strauch suggests that we:



1. Lay out a clear biblical philosophy of teaching and preaching the Scripture.

He does not expound or give any examples on what a philosophy of teaching and preaching might look like, but I have some thoughts on what he may have been referring to. Philosophy may likely include the necessity of expository preaching, the necessity of sermons that center around Christ and the gospel, a mandate to preach both Old and New Testaments, a commitment to declare the whole counsel of God, a refusal to bow to the contemporary influences of psychology or postmodernism, etc.

2. Listen to the expository preaching of excellent preachers and teachers, and make their tapes or CD's available to others.

3. Always be building a library of Bible study tools to help you study the Scriptures.

These resources should include at least a good Bible, concordance, Bible dictionaries and quality commentaries. Strauch rightly notes that many of these resources are on the web for free.

4. Call a seminary or Bible college and ask the professor of homiletics for suggestions. Or take a homiletics course.

My thought is that most people won't do this, but there are many good books available on preaching as well as delivery.

5. Listen to yourself (audiotape or videotape).

Ouch! If you've ever done this it can be painful but good for those of us that struggle with pride. You might be surprised at the amount of UMs and UHs you dish out. What was said in 60 minutes may have been able to be said in 45 if those verbal pauses were eliminated. Then there's the distracting habits of playing with a wedding ring, raising and lowering/raising the microphone or moving the portable music stand back and forth. All these plus much more can be "caught on tape" and used as evidence to throw you in jail for being such a terrible preacher.

6. Have someone close to you evaluate your teaching and preaching.

I've done this before and was pleasantly surprised at how much better the teachers and preachers I mentored improved. It helped me too! Actually, an evaluation gives everyone a little mental process to walk through ahead of time to see if they have studied, prepared, organized, explained and applied scripture appropriately. On the evaluation I've used I had about 20 or so questions that we would walk through to help us improve. Questions range from delivery to content to clarity and then some. Each speaker was evaluated by his peers and then given feedback to in order to improve.

7. Abound in love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NASB) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. [3] And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

This is a great place to get started if you desire to improve in preaching and teaching. I would simply like to add a few more things that have helped me.

8. Study scripture like crazy.

The Bible is one giant revelation of Christ woven together by the Holy Spirit. The more you study it, the more you realize how it all ties together. As you build new sermons, you'll continue to grow and you'll have your own resources to draw from. As you study it all and teach it all, those that you shepherd will begin to see how it all fits together. But that won't happen if you don't study all of scripture.

9. Be well read.

Good Christian books are a great resource. Sometimes we get in a rut and will say the same things in the same way with same tone of voice with the same passion with the same whatever. Christian authors may declare an identical truth that you were attempting to say, but perhaps they've used a thesaurus and said the same truth with more power or color. Perhaps there was a truth about a certain doctrine or parable that you had not seen but through their writings they were able to disciple you and pass that on. Whatever the case, be well read.

It's said, but I've talked to teachers of God's word who have said, "Oh, I hate to read. It's so boring." I'm not sure what they were reading, but there are plenty of exciting, interesting and soundly biblical books out there that would serve them well if they would find them and read them.

10. Pray and ask God to help you grow.

Always depend upon the Lord. We live, move and breath because He sustains our live. Likewise, we can only grow in this areas with His help.

Perhaps by this time next year, if we've applied some of these tips, we'll look and and see that God has brought us along in some areas. And maybe in the future there'll be less of those lonely cringing moments when we're looking back on our old sermons in private.

To God be the glory.

Are We Raising Pharisees?

Have you ever wondered if you are raising Pharisees in your ministry? With current preaching philosophies that focus almost exclusively on being a moral person rather than preaching that exalts the Lord in all His splendor, you may very well be raising Pharisees. Our church members may ending up observing all the "do's" in scripture without ever coming to really know God and His image, Jesus Christ. The words of John Owen are rather penetrating and serve as a wake-up call to worldly philosophies that have invaded preaching.

"It is our duty and our privilege to behold the glory of Christ. But today, many who call themselves Christians are strangers to this duty. Our Lord Jesus Christ told the Pharisees that in spite of all their boasting, they did not know God. They had no real acquaintance with him, no spiritual view of his glory. And it is the same with us. In spite of so many claiming to know Christ, yet few behold his glory, few are transformed into his image and likeness.

Some talk much of imitating Christ and following his example. But no mall will ever become 'like him' by trying to imitate his behavior and life if they know nothing of the transforming power of beholding his glory. The truth is that most of us are woefully defective in this, and many are discouraged because thoughts of this glory of Christ seem too high or too hard. But is not the real cause our own lack of spirituality?

If we regularly beheld the glory of Christ our Christian walk with God would become more sweet and pleasant, our spiritual light and strength would grow daily stronger and our lives would more gloriously represent the glory of Christ. Death would be most welcome to us.

Is Christ, then, glorious in our eyes? Do we see the Father in him? Do we daily meditate on the wisdom, love, grace, goodness, holiness and righteousness of God as revealed to us in Christ? Do we realize that to see this glory in heaven will be our everlasting blessedness? Does the sight of his glory which we have here increaser our desire for that perfect sight of it we shall one day have of it above?"

We need to preach Christ. Take the Scripture and elevate Christ as best as you can. Help others in your church to see Christ as He is revealed in Scripture. Let them "taste and see that the Lord is good." Expound His wonderful attributes. In doing so, you will help your brothers and sisters in the Lord to be transformed into the likeness of Christ as they behold Him in His majesty.

But be forewarned. You may be criticized. You will be made out to be the "old school" or "irrelevant" church member because you stress doctrine and not practical living. The people will demand, "tell us what to do" not "tell us what has been done for us." Your may be told that this kind of thing does not grow a church, but in saying such a thing one only reveals their pragmatism, not his concern for the glory of Christ.

When these things happen, ask yourself: Who do I ultimately answer to? Is it not the glorious Savior Himself? Am I not ultimately His servant? So why not obey Him and proclaim Him? Do not the entire Scriptures testify of Him? Should I not do the same?

I encourage you to be faithful to the Lord and His Word. My prayer is that, while contemporary Christianity prides itself in becoming more and more moral by observing rules, we may be found spotless and blameless at the return of Christ because we have beheld His image and allowed the Spirit to transform us accordingly.

It's not what you do, but who you know...

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."

The Brotherhood

A while ago I posted this piece on a former blog of mine. I thought it'd be a good to reflect on where I was, where God has brought me...and His hand in it all.






BEGIN:
There are few things greater than having a "band of brothers" with whom to serve the Lord in student ministry. In the first church that I served I had "helpers" in student ministry. We all need helpers--those that help set up, clean up, make calls and so on. There's no denying the value of such people in ministry. Big wheels, small wheels, they all help with the inner-workings of church life. Those that served in my former student ministry were invaluable in this capacity. At the same time it seems necessary to have people serving in ministry that function on another level. It is this level of ministry partnership that God has blessed me with at the current church I serve.

I'm not sure how you might categorize such friends in ministry. But I'm not sure that this is most necessary. For discussion sake, I will borrow a term that I read in an article by Sinclair. B. Ferguson. Brotherhood.

There is a group of young men within our church that are very much a Brotherhood. No, we do not have any initiation practices. We do not have any special wardrobe or apparel that we don on special ocassions. On the outside, there's no distinguishing us from any other members in our church. But if you were to dive into our hearts you might see what draws us together. Though not perfect, we all have an intense hunger for God. We have a desire to keep the gospel pure that lost souls might come to know our all-surpassing Savior Jesus Christ. We have a passionate love for God's people. As scripture says of the early believers, we are of one accord. And because we are sons of God who have these common desires, we are drawn together. Now that doesn't mean that we agree on everything or that others in our church are not in accord with us or that we are a faction within our church. It simply means that God has used our friendships in such a way that we push each other towards God. We hold each other accountable. We share with each other what we are learning in order that we do not fall into doctrinal error. In fact, this bond in us is so intense that the thought of "doing" ministry apart is practically unbearable. Although any of us would have God's will over our own desires.

In discussing the "principles that recur in the annals of the expansion of the Christian church", Sinclair B. Ferguson writes in a Tabletalk article titled, "Columba: Missionary to Scotland,"

"The third principle is that God's way, customarily, is to advance His cause through spiritual brotherhoods (not meaning exclusively male societies). Herein lay part of the pwer of the monastic movement, and certainly of Columba's mission: he and his companions, bound together by their common vision, were prepared to risk all for the cause and for one another. This pattern goes back through Scripture to the schools of the prophets, to the Lord and the apostles, to the apostolic missions, to Augustine and his friends, to the great Reformers, and, perhaps most notably in our own history, to the Puritans and to the Great Awakening. Iron sharpens iron.

Columba's story thus serves to encourage us to pray that God would raise up laborers for His harvest, and bind them together to live, serve, and--if need be--give all for Christ and His cause. This so often, has been the instrument God has used to advance His kingdom into future generations."

As I read this portion of the article a few weeks ago for the first time, it resonated with me in such a way that my thoughts dwelt for some time on the goodness of God for giving me such brothers in student ministry. They are the men that are part of this group blog--although a few have yet to post anything! I imagine that they will eventually.

These men are crucial to my spiriutal health. John Piper, in his biography on David Brainerd, said that ministry partners are important becuase they keep up from becoming proud in ministry "success" and they keep us from being discouraged at what seems to be ministry "failure". Yes, they do this for me and so much more. My prayer is that God will use me in some small way to return to them what they have given to me.

I do not know what the future holds, but it would a most wonderful blessing if God allowed us to serve alongside each other til the Lord returns. And if you do not have a "brotherhood" or a "sisterhood", I pray that God brings you into such a fellowship with a group of godly believers.
:END

In being part of a church plant, one thing I have prayed for and desired is a new brotherhood. Slowly but surely God is answering that prayer. At the same time, I am still privileged to be close friends with those that have moved away or be directed by the Lord elsewhere. Joey, Jeremy, Matt, Ruben, Richie, Paul, Ernesto, Brian, BJ...I love you guys and miss serving together. Maybe one day God will allow us to serve together once again.

The Conscience

When you sin does your heart condemn you and say "You're not a child of God?" You see, our consciences are powerful and effective and keeping us from sinning, but sometimes they go beyond their duty and say untrue things about believers when they do sin. Every area of our lives is tainted by sin and depraved, even our "Jiminy Crickets"! In order to have them grow in holiness they, too, must submit to the word of God. So next time your conscience condemns you remember this passage of Scripture.

1 John 3:18-24 [18] Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. [19] By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; [20] for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. [21] Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; [22] and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. [23] And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. [24] Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

God knows who belong to him (2 Timothy 2:19). And He has not kept it entirely secret. We can have assurance of our salvation. The Apostle John points out several things that show that the Spirit of God dwells in us as God's children.

1. Love for others. John is not mentioning love for others in general. Specifically he is referring to love for other believers or the church.

2. Answered prayer. Obviously this would be according to the will of God.

3. Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, though, that belief in any imagination of Jesus Christ will not do. The Apostle has written the letter of 1 John to fight the gnostic/docetic heresy that said that Christ only appeared to be flesh and blood. Salvation is possible only by faith in the true Christ. He was God incarnate who came to earth, died and rose again for the forgiveness of the sins of His people.

Do you see these graces in your life? Be assured of your salvation. Although your heart condemns you for sinning, God the Father does not condemn His children. That's what the cross of Christ was all about. Christ took our condemnation. He bore the wrath of God for our sins and by faith we wear the righteousness of Christ and are counted as righteous even though we still sin.

So next time your heart condemns you, make it submit to the written word of God. Continue to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, love the church and continue to go to the Lord in prayer.

Space Invaders

Invaders always had a difficult time breaking in, stealing, and disrupting the peace within cities who put up massive walls. Armies often had to fight not against the citizens but against the walls to try and break them down. The armies often grew tiresome, fatigue, loose men, and eventually surrender and retreat.

Walls were put up to maintain the peace of the city.

It is in Gods word that


Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit. Proverbs 25:28

The temptations of lust, anger, pride and greed often attacks a Christian. They are without self control and these temptations rob them of the peace that they have inside.

Self Control is a virtue. In fact it is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is not a trait native to the human body therefore it has to be put in by God through the Holy Spirit.

The problem is when we try and fight sin and temptations by our own flesh it is only a matter of time before we fail because man is fallible. But when we deeply root ourselves in the walls of Bible, Church, and personal worship of God we have the Spirit thriving in us and our decisions become led by Spirit leading us to strive to become more like Christ.

As a result, our direction changes and fighting temptations come naturally because the walls of the Bible, Church, and personal worship of God are doing the fighting for us therefore maintaining the peace within the believer.