Behold! All Things Have Become New.

John 8:12

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Colossians 1:13-14

" For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Today is my birthday. I was born 31 years ago. However, there is a day that far surpasses the importance of this day. It is my spiritual birthday - April 7, 2007. The day that Jesus plucked me out of the kingdom of darkness and placed me into the kingdom of light.

Since then, everything has changed. A sudden distaste for sin. An unnatural longing for Him and His word. While before, I was attempting to tie on plastic fruit to my barren branches. Now - out came natural, plump, juice-filled fruits of the spirit. It was a whole new world.

I now know what "To live is Christ" means.
I now know what "Your lovingkindness is better than life" means.
I now know what "In your presence is fullness of joy" means.

Noah's Ark: Love, Care, Peace and Family?

What a massive replica this must be, if indeed it is to Biblical scale. I can only imagine how much effort and money this must have taken to build this. Although impressive in size, I wonder if the message of Noah's Ark will be lost if people think that this Biblical account is about love, care, peace and uh, family?



The words love, care, peace and family may be used to describe the account inaccurately if one understands these words from a human perspective. If one is thinking about the love and care of God for His elect, then yes, the story is partially about love and care. If one is thinking about the peace that God has with those that come to Him in faith for salvation, then yes, the story is partially about peace, too. But from a human standpoint, I don't think most people would be thinking about love, care and peace from this perspective. They may be more inclined to think this story is merely about the human love that is portrayed by Noah for his family and Noah's love for "mother nature" and her animals. That, I am convinced, is merely a man-centered perspective of looking at the Bible and in no way communicates the Biblical message of sin and salvation--which is what God intends for us to know from the account of Noah's ark.

God hates sin and will punish and destroy those who violate His holy nature and do not love His holy nature. Yet, God has made provision for salvation. That provision comes through faith in what God has said...faith in His Word...faith in the Living Word. When we take God at His Word, we are credited with the righeousness of God and are spared from the wrath of God for our sin and sin nature. Those poor souls who did not believe Noah's message from God were not spared, just as any soul who fails to believe God's Word will not be spared from the final judgment and destruction to come.

The rain of God's wrath is coming and will last not for 40 days and 40 nights but for all eternity. There is an ark that we can climb into to be spared from these horrible rains and floodwaters. That ark is Christ. We need to be immersed and baptized in Him. Like the ark covered Noah and His family from certain death, so the righteousness of Christ and His shed blood covers us from the wrath and damnation of God. This is God's love. This is God's care. This is peace with God. This makes us heirs and family of God. So if the story of Noah's ark is intended to communincate love, care, peace and family from this perspective, I say "AMEN!" If not, then I say "anathema" to the person who preaches a false gospel and message from Scripture.

There's nothing wrong with using the words love, care, peace and family to teach the account of Noah's ark. But you can have two separate meanings, understandings and perspectives depending on how you proclaim the story. And if you fail to use words like sin, judgment, death and salvation in the story of Noah's ark, then you've only told part of the story. Let's make sure we use the Biblical meanings to tell the whole story rightly.

Meet Chelsea Kauflin. Pt 1

I've been hanging out with my friend Chelsea Kauflin on my trip to Maryland for the Next Conference. I was able to ask her about her testimony not too long ago. I want to share her story with you.

(I have left her anti-capitalizing grammar intact)

"growing up in a christian home has taught me a lot. growing up in charlotte, nc, i was not a child that anyone would ever want to have. i was ruled by pride, selfishness, and anger. always wanting my own way and doing whatever it took to get it. In april of 1997 i gave my life to the Lord after numerous conversations with my dad. From then on, my mom said that I was a completely different child, God was helping me get rid of my pride, anger and selfishness that i had had for so long.

in may of '97 my family moved to gaithersburg, md where my dad took the job of the Director of Worship Development at Sovereign Grace Ministries. during this time, i got tired of being the "good christian girl" and tried to search for things that might make me happy. throughout high school i looked to a lot of things besides God to satisfy me, boys, shopping, my friends, and sports, were things that i strived after. i never did anything that i thought was really sinful, therefore i never felt a real remorse for what my sin was doing to me. i let this go on month after month, trusting myself more and more and placing myself in situations that i thought i could handle. if i had any distrust of my heart (jer 17:9), it was gone, and i was slowly going down the path i never thought to be possible. 

in april of '04 my parents found out all the ways i had been deceiving them. i was released from my job at Covenant Life, pulled out from the worship teams i was participating in, and still felt no remorse for what i had done. that summer, my parents told me i couldn't have a job, and so i spent the summer reading, praying and talking to my parents a lot. during this time, God revealed to me just how sinful i am. i had never thought of myself as the worst sinner i knew until i looked back at all the things i let myself do because i trusted myself too much. 

all this being said, growing up in Sovereign Grace Ministries, has definitely only been for my benefit, but i have made the mistake of trying to live on my own and not seeking the help of those around me. by God's grace, he is showing me more of himself every day, making me realize that i am not my own, he has bought me and the least i can do is give him my entire life for his glory by his grace."

Reliance On Biblical Principles For Sanctification

Studying the great Romans 7 debate, I have come across some beautiful gems of Gospel truth. One of them, once again, points out the inadequacy of relying on Biblical "do's" for sanctifying work. These Biblical principles that we all have a tendency to cling to in our Bible reading are no more than the "law" as described in Romans 2,3,4,5,6,7 and so forth.

Romans 7:4

"Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God."

Doug Moo:

"[in Romans 7], Paul argues that a person's bondage to the law must be severed in order that he or she may be put into a new relationship with Christ (7:1-6)... Despite [the law's] divine origin, the law can neither justify nor sanctify."

We are quick to say that the law will not justify us (save us), but after we are "in", we quickly hug the law as our sanctifying tool. Instead, we should use the law in the same way it was used to show us our need for Christ for justification - As unregenerate sinners we only bring sin to the table. But as believer's we STILL only bring sin to the table. We can't depend on our ability to "love God and love others" but we need complete reliance on the cross. The righteousness of Christ is our only righteousness. So instead of "do" we rely on His "did".

Should We Take It Down A Notch With All This Talk About The Cross?

Galatians 6:14

"But may it never be that I would BOAST, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

BOAST:

Preaching The Gospel To Yourself

"The cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, but we have to get near enough to it for it's sparks to fall on us."

-John Stott

How can we get near enough to the cross for its sparks to fall on us?
How can I grow in my understanding and appreciation of the cross?
How can I cultivate a passion for the cross?
How can I keep the main thing the main thing?

Preach the gospel to yourself daily.

C.J. Mahaney's recommendations:
(from his sermon: The Main Thing Part 2)

1. Practice Strategic Scripture Memory
(dealing the the cross)

examples:
Isaiah 53
Romans 3:21-26
Romans 5:6-11
Romans 8:28-39
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
2 Corinthians 5:21
Galatians 2:15-21

2. Read and reflect upon the Gospels

It would be well if professing Christians in modern days studied the four Gospels
more than they do. No doubt all Scripture is profitable. It is not wise to exalt one
part of the Bible at the expense of another. But I think it would be good for some who
are very familiar with the Epistles, if they knew a little more about Matthew, Mark,
Luke and John.

Now, why do I say this? I say it because I want professing Christians to know more
about Christ. It is well to be acquainted with all the doctrines and principles of
Christianity. It is better to be acquainted with Christ Himself. It is well to be
familiar with faith and grace and justification and sanctification. They are all
matters 'pertaining to the King'. But it is far better to be familiar with Jesus Himself,
to see the King's own face, and to behold His beauty. This is one secret of eminent
holiness. He that would be conformed to Christ's image, and become a Christ-like
man, must be constantly studying Christ Himself.

Now the Gospels were written to make us acquainted with Christ. The Holy Ghost
has told us the story of His life and death, His sayings and His doings, four times
over. Four different inspired hands have drawn the picture of the Saviour. His ways,
His manners, His feelings, His wisdom, His grace, His patience, His love, His power
are graciously unfolded to us by four different witnesses. Ought not the patient to be
familiar with the Physician? Ought not the bride to be familiar with the Bridegroom?
Ought not the sinner to be familiar with Saviour? Beyond doubt it ought to be so.
The Gospels were written to make men familiar with Christ, and therefore I wish men
to study the Gospels......Surely we cannot know this Christ too well! Surely there is
not a word, nor a deed, nor a day, nor a step, nor a thought in the record of His life,
which ought not to be precious to us. We should labour to be familiar with every line
that is written about Jesus.

-J. C. Ryle

3. Study the seven sayings of the Savior on the cross

4. Study the effects of the cross: atonement, substitution, propitiation, justification, redemption, reconciliation, salvation

5. Study Galatians and Romans accompanied by a good commentary.

(C.J. recommends John Stott's commentaries for both.)

6. Read a new book on the Cross each year.

7. Reread a good book on the Cross each year.

The Cross of Christ by John Stott
The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
The Atonement by Leon Morris
The Power of the Cross of Christ by Charles Spurgeon
The Apostles Doctrine of the Atonement by George Smeaton
The Glory of Christ by Peter Lewis
Experiencing God's Forgiveness by John Ensor
The Cross and Christian Ministry by Don Carson
[Joey recommends]
[A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent]
[The Truth Of The Cross by R.C. Sproul]
[The Gospel For Real Life by Jerry Bridges]
[Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chappell]
and of course [Living The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney]

8. Read Charles Spurgeon

It was said of Spurgeon: No matter where he began in Scripture he always took the
shortcut to the Cross.

9. Whatever verse you are reading or studying ask yourself, What is the relation of this
verse to the Cross.

In it's context every passage possesses one or more of four redemptive foci. Every
text is predictive of the work of Christ, preparatory for the work of Christ, reflective
of the work of Christ, and/or resultant of the work of Christ.

- Bryan Chapell

10. Do not study the Old Testament apart from the Cross.

Recommend the following book:

The Gospel and Kingdom; A Christian Interpretation of the Old Testament by
Graeme Goldsworthy

11. Study the holiness of God and the doctrine of sin.

How God deals with sin throughout scripture.

Remember the doctrine of sin is a means not an end. The doctrine of sin is a means
(and a necessary one) of appreciating justifying grace and appropriating sanctifying
grace.

Recommended reading:

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
The Enemy Within by Kris Lundgaard

12. Begin worship each day with Cross centered songs and hymns.

13. Begin prayer each day confining yourself to giving thanks for the Cross and the
effects of the Cross in your life.

14. If possible, listen to Cross centered preaching as you commute each day.

15. Arrange extended times of unhurried worship and study about the Cross.

16. Review your conversion testimony often and never grow familiar with the grace
you've experienced.

17.Recognize your need for the Holy Spirit and the gift of illumination.

There has not only been an objective, public act of divine self-disclosure in the
crucifixion of God's own Son, but there must be a private work of God by his Spirit, in
the mind and heart of the individual. If we should express unqualified gratitude to
God for the gift of his Son, we should express no less gratitude for the gift of the
Spirit who enables us to grasp the gospel of His Son...Unless the Spirit enlightens us,
God's thoughts will remain deeply alien to us.

-Don Carson

Let Grace Make Much of God

If there is one thing I love, it is the grace of God. And this grace was supremely revealed at the cross of Christ, where He was slain for the sinful. When I think about my salvation, I always like to put it in its proper context in order to make much of the grace of God. Grace pictured incorrectly diminishes God and makes grace look cheap. So, I don't picture myself standing at the gates of Heaven begging God to let me in. Then, God finally calls my name and I come sprinting through the gates of Heaven breaking the golden ribbon that was conveniently placed there to add drama to my entrance. Upon entrance there is a set of bleachers, you know the kind you see at a little league game, with a group of angels raising signs saying, "You made it," "Go you." No I don't picture my salvation like that, as flattering as it is. I don't picture myself playing a game of hide and go seek with God, one where God is hiding under my kitchen counter and I conveniently walk in as he sneezes alerting me to his position. Then, as I creep up to the counter doors I throw them open yelling, "FOUND YOU." No, when it comes to salvation God is definitely not the one hiding. I don't think either picture even comes close to touching the true reality and depth of the grace of God in a sinner's conversion like me. I like to picture my salvation like this: God is standing at the door of Heaven saying "Whosoever will, may come." But I am deaf to that call because I am running toward Hell with all the strength I can muster up all the while indulging myself in sinful passion along the way. But God overflowing in grace grabs me, turns me around, calls to my dead heart, "ARISE," and displays His infinite glory and worth to me. That is the way I picture my salvation and you should too, because apart from the grace of God you were deaf to God. And apart from the grace of God you were dead to God. Those who understand the reality of their deafness and deadness will picture their salvation like this, because it makes much of the grace of God. When I get to Heaven I am going to blame God for getting me there, because the same grace that grabs me is the same grace that guides me home. And that is how grace makes much of God.

Romans 9:16

"So then it depends not on human will and exertion

but on God who has mercy."

the gospel

any questions?

email:

Narrow Gate

Matthew 7:13-20

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
"So then, you will know them by their fruits.

the mirror.

Romans 3:20

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."

Don't forget to use the mirror while witnessing.

Born Again

1 Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Praise God that we are born again because of his great mercy.

This week...

... has been amazing. I've had the courage to witness to more than one person which is an accomplishment for me.

Yesterday this girl was totally hitting on me. She told me that she wanted to get to know me, that I should tell her something about myself. So, I told her I was christian, and it just went on from there. It got more tough for me when I found out she was muslim. I didnt know what to say.....

Can you guys please pray that witnessing be a continuous thing for me, not only this week but for the rest of my life...

A Loving Warning - The 5 Solas (2)

Two movements that I failed to mention that also are in opposition to the 5 solas would be the Emergent Movement and the Pentecostal Charasmatics. Now, my goal isn't to bad mouth or slam other denominations, but I believe that there are two important factors in signaling them out.

1. To warn our brothers and sisters in Christ of any dangerous teachings.
-protecting the flock (matthew 7:15, 1 Peter 5:1-9, 2 Peter 2:1-22)
-warning of false teachers was the reason why Paul wrote some of the epistles (Galatians, Colossians) and is urgently the first topic of discussion in the first letter to Timothy. He even names them by name. (2 Timothy 4:14-15)

2. To instruct on what these people believe in order to love them enough to give them an accurate picture of God and the gospel.
-winning people to Christ is the frontlines of the spiritual war. this war isn't against the people, but against the demonic forces holding them hostage in lies. training each other about these false teachings is preparing them for the weapons that the enemy is using in battle, when we lovingly evangelize.

Both the Emergent Movement and the Pentecostal Charasmatics reject the sufficiency of scripture.
This of course effects what they believe about salvation.

Most Emergents question truth in general, so it is no surprise that they question Sole Fide (Faith Alone Salvation). They have very close ties to the Catholic beliefs, and for some strange reason have very close ties to mystics and the new age movement.

Pentecostals believe that the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to work through signs supercedes the truth of God's word. They also often believe that speaking in tongues MUST accompany salvation.

Remember... use this information as a tool to understand how their view of the truth is obstructed, and lovingly give them the truth of God's word. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. (Romans 1:16)