Stuck on Repentance

Okay, I know that anyone who has followed my blog as of late has noticed a theme. I am obsessed with the topic of repentance. As many of you know, our church has been and is pursuing two matters of church discipline. There is nothing easy about this process. I find myself torn up by the emotions concerning the two individuals involved, both of whom have "grown up" in the church, having been in the youth group when I was the youth pastor and sitting under my teaching as the teaching pastor. One of the members has already been put out of the church and the other will be placed under church discipline. While my personal feelings are often on the proverbial roller coaster, rolling up and down between the hills of being "too easy" on sin and the valleys of being "too hard" on it , I am grateful for a standard outside myself - the Word of God.

But as difficult as this all has been, I have come to appreciate this time. I find myself continually on my knees, realizing the depth and depravity of my own heart, recognizing my own need for confession of sin, of true repentance (that forsaking of sin and truly turning to serve God - 1 Thessalonians 1:9). I have seen such tremendously huge logs in my eye that need to be removed (Matthew 5:5). So then, while the circumstances have not been the most "enjoyable" they have nonetheless been helpful and healing to my soul.

I guess what I am trying to say is that this is actually an "exciting" process. When I say "exciting" it is not as in "happy" but - well, let's say, like a train wreck. So much is happening and there is this constant looking to and dependence upon the Lord for grace and for direction. What I find exciting is that in all of this has been the desire and attempt to take God at His Word and follow His will. So, in a national church climate that discourages such discipline, we will follow the Lord's directives. And how does this bring excitement? It brings excitement knowing that as we follow God's will in this matter, the Lord's blessing will follow.

And just what blessings are we looking for?

Let me say that first and foremost is the glory of God in this situation (Isaiah 48:11). O how I pray that God is exalted in this matter.

Second, we are looking for the pursuit of purity in the His church. The great goal of the Lord is to present His church "in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:27); and we participate in this process by prayer and the application of His Word. Consider this thought by Spurgeon concerning Christ and His Church:

In love He espoused His Church as a chaste virgin, long before she fell under the yoke of bondage.

That is a fascinating thought – that before the entrance of sin into the world, the chosen bride of Christ was spotless and blameless. Sin marred Christ’s bride and He has done something about it, providing redemption by His blood and cleansing by His Spirit.

Third, we are praying and hoping (not wishing but with great expectation) for the genuine repentance and reconciliation of all involved to God and to His people. We must remember the exhortation of Ephesians 4:1-3,

1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Consider that last statement please; "being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Sin always destroys and disrupts the unity of the Spirit within the body of Christ. The application of diligence - that is of using all speed, effort, and earnestness to see the body strive together in faith and holiness, is such a necessary endeavor of each and every member of the body of Christ. What sets itself against this purpose must be rightly dealt with. But as such things are dealt with, God does set out about His work to cleanse and restore. May it be our earnest prayer that any person who is loved enough by a congregation to be placed under discipline, would respond to such love with utter humility, confession, and again reconciliation to God and to His people. But the key here, the great prayer, and the great need, is biblical repentance. But just what is biblical repentance? What does it look like? I came across the following that helps us answer these questions:

1. Repentance is taking full responsibility for the sin

2. Repentance is turning from the idol we serve to the true God

What do we mean by idols? How does that tie into sin? Sin is not just a transgression of a law of God. It involves a turning from God in unbelief and turning to something else as a "god.” When I sin I am saying to God, "I do not trust you. I do not believe your way is good and best. I do not believe you are wise.” In place of the true God I worship pleasure, a lover, a lie, my money, a career advancement, my reputation etc. We cannot worship God and sin. We cannot sin without worshipping idols. Deep in the heart of man there is a powerful pull of idolatry. We want to worship this other god because of the pleasure it brings us. That love for sin and out false lover can actually
keep us from repentance.

- Mark Lauterbach - The Transforming Community 142-144

Here we have both the basics of what is repentance as well as what keeps us from repentance. And so here is our prayer;

“Lord, help us to take responsibility for our sin, to acknowledge it, confess it and plead with God for deliverance from it. Help us forsake sin, to hate it and want nothing else but to follow You. O God, regardless of what is might cost us; enable us to give up anything and anybody that would take the place of priority and preeminence in our lives. Open our eyes to see things clearly, so as not to be duped into thinking that Christ is first in our lives if, in fact, He is not. Keep us from the tendency to self-justification of our actions, attitudes, and activities; counting them as not interfering with our walk with Christ when in fact they are.”

May our prayer echo the sentiment of the psalm of David who wrote:

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
(NKJV)

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

The continuous nature of repentance

Repentance is a grace, and must have its daily operation, as well as other graces. A true penitent must go on from faith to faith, from strength to strength; he must never tand still or turn back. True repentance is a continued spring, where the waters of godly sorrow are always flowing. 'My sin is ever before me'.

Thomas Brooks

Who do you choose?

I gave an illustration the other day that got me thinking more about the nature of sin as well as the nature of repentance. Suppose that a person is involved in an improper relationship. The leaders of the church expose the error and the danger of continuing in such a relationship, identifying it as "idolatrous." By "idolatrous" I mean that the persons involved have put one another before Christ - Christ no longer has preeminence or prominence in the relationship.

Now, the illustration: Before you stands Jesus Christ, in all His glory and holiness. He holds out His hand to you, calling you to "follow Me." In following Him is the promise of hope, of peace, of eternal joy and of the utter bliss of heaven.

Also standing before you is another person. This person is in sin, ugly (spiritually) and defiled. He holds out his hand and says, "follow me." In following him there is no promise of hope, of peace, of eternal joy and only the expectation of difficulty.

Here is the question: Who do you choose?

Now I know that most of us would be quick to say, "I would certainly choose Christ. That's a no-brainer." And while we may be so assured in this circumstance, I wonder how often we actually do forsake Christ in favor of something else. It may not be a relationship that you struggle with. Consider any sin, any vice, any transgression that you hold on to, that you nurture and pursue. The nature of sin causes us to hesitate and consider not following Christ, if even for a season.

I had to talk with one of my children about the addictive nature of video games; the playing of which consumed too much time and rendered many aspects of spiritual life unfruitful. Would not the same picture apply? While Jesus holds out His hand and says, "follow Me" into joy and peace and communion with God, we might be more apt to forsake Him in view of the temporary pleasure of a video game. And just where will the video game lead you in light of eternity? (I am not condemning the playing of video games, rather I am concerned with additive and obsessive devotion to something or someone other than Christ). Examine carefully the people, the things, the hobbies, the commitments you have. Does anything take precedence over Christ?

When the pursuits of our lives leave out Christ; when the people we commune with cause us to neglect or forsake Christ; if the expenditure of our energies leave us with nothing by which to serve Christ; then such things are idols, idols that must be torn down. We must plead with God for a singular devotion and passion for His glory and not our own pleasure and for His purposes and not our own wills. Christ must be our priority and must have preeminence in our lives.

Colossians 1:18
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

My prayer:

"O Lord, forgive me where I have not given You first place in everything. Forgive my stubborn pride, my self-will and all that seeks to rob You of the glory due Your name for saving my soul from the pit of hell. Grant me eyes to behold the beauty of Christ so that I might long for nothing else but to be in His presence and to follow Him. Replace in me the addictive and earthly longings of this heart of stone, so calloused, so lifeless with that heart of flesh the beats with the pulse of Christ. May I not only surrender all, my I forsake all that feeds my busy pride and find the utter joy of serving You in holiness and righteousness. O God, may I never be a stumbling block to Your people - but may Christ always be seen in me."

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

God's Great Design!

What is God's will for my life? How many times do we wrestle with that question? And yet, how much more difficult do we make the answer than it is supposed to be? In a challenging tone, the LORD spoke to Aaron throuhg Moses these words:

Leviticus 10:3
By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.

God is to be glorified, honored, revered and of first importance to the believer. But oh how self so quickly wiggles its way to the top of all things! Without effort, self will assume for itself priority and preemmience. There is to be a daily battle against sin and the flesh. We must literally labor and angonize to see self crucified, to see sin put down and to see Christ exalted in our lives.

You say, "Oh the effort that requires! The time it will take!" Yes, it will will take effort and time, but the short term pains are more than worth the long term gains. By these labors we bring glory to God and it is the glory of God that is to be of first importance in our lives. Consider this words by Charles Spurgeon:

God's great design in all His works is the manifestation of His own glory. Any aim less than this were unworthy of Himself. But how shall the glory of God be manifested to such fallen creatures as we are?

Man's eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why He bringeth His people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when He comes forth to work their deliverance.

He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God. They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who "do business in great waters," these see His "wonders in the deep." Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man.

Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God's greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as He did His servant Moses, that you might behold His glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of His glory in His wonderful dealings with you.

O Lord, bring to pass those things in my life by which I might better glorify You and by which I may come to love You more.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Respecting God

Romans 12:1-2
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

To anyone who has spent time in church, these are familiar words, are they not? Yes, many have memorized them. Yes, many have heard countless messages from them. Perhaps many of you have even taught from these verses.

I was meditating on these verses in preparation of an upcoming youth camp, the theme of which is “No Pride.” The youth staff is using Romans 12 to teach the issue of proper respect. Our outline is as follows:

• Respect for God (Romans 12:1-2)
• Respect for the Church [as a whole entity; the organization and organism] (Romans 12:3-8)
• Respect for the People of God [individually] (Romans 12:9-13)
• Respect for all People (Romans 12:14-17)
• Respect for our Enemies (Romans 12:18-21)

I have the privilege of starting the camp teaching off with “Respect for God” (Romans 12:1-2). The apostle Paul immediate urges his readers to consider all that God has done (His “mercies”) as the catalyst which is to motivate us to holy living. It got me thinking about all these “mercies.” What are they? Does Paul give us a clue?

As a matter of fact, Paul does clue us in on just what these mercies are. They are found in Romans 1-11. Please consider the vastness and greatness of the mercies of God and revealed in Romans 1-11. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does include the most impressive highlights:

-in Christ we are justified by faith (4:1f)
-in Christ we have peace with God (5:1f)
-in Christ we are made righteous (5:12f)
-in Christ we are dead to sin and raised to new life (6:1f)
-in Christ we are set free from sin and misery and are able to follow the Spirit (7:1f)
-in Christ there is no condemnation (8:1f)
-in Christ we are free not to walk after the flesh but after the Spirit (8:5f)
-in Christ we are daughters/sons and heirs of God (8:12f)
-in Christ we have a glorious future hope (8:18f)
-in Christ our prayers are heard (8:26f)
-in Christ God works everything for our ultimate good (8:28)
-in Christ we are elect (8:29)
-in Christ no charges are laid against us (8:33)
-in Christ we are conquerors (8:37)
-in Christ nothing can separate us from God's love (8:38f)
-in Christ we are grafted into the tree of Israel and are now part of the people of God (11:11f)

Impressive list, is it not? And just what are we called to in light of these “mercies”? We are called to “present [our] bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God…” One of the things that struck me here is that our presentation to God is not just a “spiritual” one. We are called to offer even our bodies, our physical beings. I think the John Stott said it well:

No worship is pleasing to God which is purely inward, abstract, and mystical; it must express itself in concrete acts of service performed by our bodies.

Paul made it plain (Romans 3) that our human depravity reveals itself in our bodies, in tongues which practice deceit, in feet which are swift to shed blood, in eyes which look away from God.

Conversely, Christian worship must show itself in the deeds of the body. We are to offer the parts of our bodies as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6), our feet walking in His paths, our lips speaking the truth and spreading the gospel, our hands lifting up those who have fallen.

If we are to rightly respect God, we must come to rightly appreciate what He has done for us in Christ (“mercies”), calling and enabling us to serve Him and serving Him as we serve people. For remember the words of Jesus Christ who said in Matthew 25:40;

The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

Whatever we do for the “least” of the brethren, we do as unto Jesus. These acts of doing involve physical acts of feeding the hungry, filling the thirsty, clothing the naked and visiting the imprisoned. To respect God is to be actively involved in the life of people in both spiritual matters (prayer, Bible Study, worship) as well as in the physical. This is why we are not to allow our bodies to engage in unprofitable, immoral activities (Romans 6). When we are consumed with the pursuit of satisifying our flesh, our spiritual lives will invariably fall short. We are to worship God then in both body and spirit. With the very actions of our lives as well as the things we meditate and contemplate.

In Philippians 4 we see the apostle Paul again set up this combination of worshiping God in both body and spirit.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Here then is the soul and spirit’s meditation. But note what follows in Philippians 4:9.

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

These are real, physical actions. What we have seen in Paul, we are to emulate and imitate. Let us so learn to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20); with our very lives, the way we behave, the way we talk, the very things we do. May all these bring nothing but glory and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, showing our deep and loving respect to God.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

You would not suspect him to be a Christian

So maybe there is a trend starting here. First, for some reason, I find it hard to post anything on Sundays. Perhaps I am just a little too preoccupied, being a pastor and all. The point is, I probably will rarely post on a Sunday.

This morning, in my quiet time, I found myself continuing in a time of self-examination and the study of both repentance as well as the sins that keep one from repentance, I came across this excerpt of an article by Mr. Archibald Alexander (1844 – isn’t it amazing how it appears that the older authors had far more of an intent to examine such things?). You may read the whole article by clicking here.

Below then is just a sampling of the article, but a sample strong enough to cause godly reflection. May it be a blessing.

Backsliding occurs when the Christian is gradually led off from close walking with God, loses the lively sense of divine things, becomes too much attached to the world and too much occupied with secular concerns; until at length the keeping of the heart is neglected, prayer and the seeking of the Lord in private are omitted or slightly performed, zeal for the advancement of religion is quenched, and many things once rejected by a sensitive conscience are now indulged and defended.

All this may take place and continue long before the person is aware of his danger, or acknowledges that there has been any serious departure from God. The 'forms of religion' may still be kept up, and 'open sin' avoided. But more commonly backsliders fall into some evil habits--they are evidently too much conformed to the world, and often go too far in participating in the pleasures and amusements of the world.

Too often there is an indulgence in known sin into which they are gradually led, and on account of which they experience frequent compunction, and make solemn resolutions to avoid it in future. But when the hour of temptation comes, they are overcome again and again, and thus they live a miserable life, enslaved by some sin, over which, though they sometimes struggle hard, they cannot get the victory.

There is no more inconsistent thing than a backsliding Christian. Look at one side of his character and he seems to have sincere, penitential feelings, and his heart to be right in its purposes and aims; but look at the other side, and he seems to be "carnal, sold under sin". O wretched man! How he writhes often in anguish, and groans for deliverance--but he is like Samson shorn of his locks--his strength is departed, and he is not able to rise and go forth at liberty as in former times.

The sleeping backslider is one who, being surrounded with earthly comforts and engaged in secular pursuits, and mingling much with the decent and respectable people of the world, by degrees loses the deep impression of divine and eternal things. His spiritual senses become obtuse, and he has no longer the views and feelings of one awake to the reality of spiritual things. His case nearly resembles that of a man gradually sinking into sleep. Still he sees dimly and hears indistinctly--but he is fast losing the impression of the objects of the spiritual world, and is sinking under the impression of the things of time and sense.

There may be no remarkable change in the external conduct of such a person, except that he has no longer any relish for pious conversation, and rather is disposed to waive it. The difference between such a one and the rest of the world becomes less and less distinguishable. From anything you see or hear--you would not suspect him to be a Christian, until you see him taking his seat at church!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

More on Repentance

Isaiah 47:10-11
10 You felt secure in your wickedness and said, 'No one sees me,' Your wisdom and your knowledge, they have deluded you; for you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides me.' 11 But evil will come on you Which you will not know how to charm away; And disaster will fall on you For which you cannot atone; And destruction about which you do not know Will come on you suddenly.

Thus says, the LORD!

How easily we can dwell secure even in the midst of our sin. How easily we justify our sins, saying in our hearts, "My actions are not like those of others. I have reason to act or be this way. No one else understands or knows." And, as the LORD said through the prophet Isaiah above, the unrepentant person says, "I am, and there is no one beside me."

What a dangerous place to be found! What frightful words are these, "I am, and there is no one beside me." The unrepentant person sees himself in the place of God. For it is the LORD Himself who said,

Isaiah 45:6
That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other...

It absolutely sickens me to think how many times I place myself in the position of God. "O LORD, forgive my hard heartedness, my pride and delusions of grandeur. Make me a humble and useful servant."

Charles Spurgeon exhorted:

Clasp that cross! Backsliding Christian, go at once to the cross! There, and there only, can you get your spirit quickened. No matter how hard, how insensible,how dead you may have become, go again inall your rags and poverty. Clasp that cross!

Again, I pray: "Keep me O Lord, from presumptuous sins. Let me not be deceived by sin, satan or self, into thinking that I have the ability to "charm away" the evil that I might willinging engage in so as to escape the consequences. For there is no escaping the consequences of open rebelliousness and there is no atonement that I can offer. Give me a proper hatred, a genuine fear and an earnest resolve against sin. Oh, how I fear I have been duped by sin! Oh the aching of my heart when I think of how callous I have become, how complacent I am and how dull is my heart. Let me turn away from sin and draw near to You, my God. Let me forsake the ways and wiles of sin and learn to walk in the same manner as of my Lord Jesus. I plead for Your mercy, for Your grace and for the deliverance from sin. Keep me, O Lord, from presumptuous sins. Let them not rule over me.

Teach me, empower me, enable me to offer the members of my body, everything I am, my heart, my soul, my mind, my all, as a faithful, obedient slave to righteousness. Let me be known as a child of righteousness. Let people see the righteousness of Christ in me and say as they go, "There goes a child of righteous; a bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ who lives out, 'Not my will, but Your will be done.'"

Lord, teach us the meaning of repentance, of turning away from idols to serve the living God.

Repentance is a deep, radical, fundamental, lasting change; and you will find that, whenever you meet with it in Scripture, it is always accompanied with sorrow for past sin. And rest assured of this fact-- that the repentance which has no tear in its eye, and no mourning for sin in its heart, is a repentance which needs to be repented of.

In such false repentance, there is no evidence of conversion, and no sign of the existence of the grace of God. The man who knows that his sin is forgiven, does not cease to mourn for it. No, brethren, his mourning becomes deeper as his knowledge of his guilt becomes greater. His hatred of sin grows in proportion as he understands that love of Christ by which his sin is put away.In true believers, mourning for sin is chastened and sweetened, and, in one sense, the fang of bitterness is taken out.

But, in another sense, the more we realize our indebtedness to God's grace, and the more we see of the sufferings of Christ in order to effect our redemption, the more do we hate sin, and the more do we lament that we ever fell into it.The man who has led the purest life, when he is brought before God by the humbling influence of the Holy Spirit, is the man who almost invariably considers himself to have been viler than anybody else. Repentance is to leave the sin we loved before, and show that we in earnest grieve by doing so no more.

Charles Spurgeon

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Repentance

A recent topic at our church has been the ordo salutis, or the Order of Salvation. I had the privilege of speaking on faith and repentance (a recent post here), particularly as it relates to regeneration (i.e. “being born again). In accordance with Scripture, regeneration precedes both faith and repentance. These are gifts granted to the sinner so that he might exercise faith and repentance. With reference to repentance we read:

Acts 5:31
He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

2 Timothy 2:25
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

The topic of repentance has become even more meaningful as of late in our church. What are the fruits of repentance? How is repentance manifested in the life of the truly regenerate? What do you do with a “member” who consistently fails to manifest genuine fruits of repentance; who puts up a façade of righteousness while secretly living in total rebellion to God and His word, even while such a person is being held “accountable” by leaders in the church?

What a dangerous condition to find oneself in. I wonder how often I might manifest such an attitude? Again I pray, “Lord, keep your servant from presumptuous sins” (Psalm 19:13). I came across this exhortation by William Plumer in his work, "Vital Godliness: A Treatise on Experimental and Practical Piety," 1864. They don’t come up with titles like that anymore.

Anyway, here are some ways in which a person may know that he is practicing (or not practicing) genuine repentance. Let us all examine our hearts, confess our sins and walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).

Godly men weep

"And he went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:75

We cannot have too low an opinion of ourselves; or too high an opinion of Christ.

Godly men weep over the evils which are found in themselves, such as . . .

error,

ignorance,

prejudice,

pride,

self-righteousness,

worldliness,

levity,

unloving tempers and dispositions,

censoriousness,

envy,

sinful anger,

hatred,

a proneness . . .

to remember wrongs,

to indulge complaints,

to forget mercies.

There is no plague like the plague of an evil heart!

There is no misery like the wretchedness of 'conscious vileness'.

There are no sighs so long and so deep-drawn as those caused by indwelling sin.

Though the righteous shall not weep always, yet they may weep
bitterly.

"Wretched man that I am!" Romans 7:24

"Behold, I am vile!" Job 40:4

"Therefore, I abhor myself!" Job 42:6 (NKJV)

"Woe is me! For I am undone!" Isaiah 6:5

"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" Luke 5:8

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Added Thought: A.W. Pink wrote:

True conversion is . . . a tearing down of every idol, a renouncing of the empty vanities of a cheating world, taking God for our portion, our ruler, our all in all.

Are You A Distressed Believer!

Have you ever noticed how you can get on a role? Not always the most exciting role? I posted yesterday about the “long day” – and now I feel as though I am “on a role.” I have not gotten to bed before 1 am for the past three nights. Now I am may not be late for some of you, but it is for me. That of course messes up my morning (I used to be a morning person) and seems to just set the whole day on edge.

Oh, how I am grateful for the grace and mercy of God in my life. For even while I am going through some trying and stressful times, having my personal emotions tested by recent events at the church, God yet is ever faithful, giving me encouragement from the Word and from His people.

I read the following from J.C. Ryle's "The Cross of Christ" and was greatly encouraged. I pass it on now:

Are you a distressed believer?

Is your heart . . . pressed down with sickness, tried with disappointments, overburdened with cares? To you I say, "Behold the cross of Christ!" Think whose hand it is that chastens you!

Think whose hand is measuring to you the cup of bitterness which you are now drinking!It is the hand of Him who was crucified! It is the same hand which in love to your soul was nailed to the accursed tree! Surely that thought should comfort and hearten you. Surely you should say to yourself, "A crucified Savior will never lay upon me anything that is not for my good. There is a needs be. It must be well."

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

PS - I was just reading Steve Camp's Blog and I could not believe my eyes. He published J.C. Ryle's "The Cross of Christ" - So, if you would like to read it, please click here

Just another long day

Okay, I could not stand it; I had to blog for therapeutic reasons. Wednesday (yesterday) was a particularly long day. It began with my being unable to sleep. I spent much of the night in prayer and in thought. When my alarm finally went off at 5 am, it was at the time (of course) that I was the most asleep. I got up, went through my morning routine, and headed out at 6:20 am for a meeting I have with one of the men in the Church. This meeting ended about 7:20 and I went home to get my family as we were making the two hour trip to Tulsa, to take Kristina and Ty to the airport - sending them home to Phoenix after a fun-packed month with them here in Arkansas.

Apart from the emotion my family experienced at the airport as we said our good-byes, the trip itself was rather uneventful. We pulled back into Rogers about 4 pm, going straight to the church for meetings and youth group. Upon arrival to my office, a quick check of my email revealed some disturbing news, news that required some thought and action. In the midst of trying to nail down what the exact nature of this disturbing news was, I led the youth group meeting, teaching the youth about the nature of the Trinity. After teaching, about 8 pm, I had received more information concerning the disturbing news that I then followed up on. But I also learned that on a particular forum board that I had left some questions on, I had been labeled as one who “make[s] too little of the Word” and that I ought the ask the question, “How are you not asking for leeks and onions? To paraphrase Keith Green, "so you wanna go back to Egypt?” Without going into all the particulars on that matter, let just say that I amazed at how people can twist one’s words to make you say something you never said. I believe I have had it with this particular forum, at least by way of leaving any posts (I had a similar bad experience). But, what was most disturbing to me was to be essentially regarded as a rationalistic heretic, not because of what I said and asked but because of what others had contrived by their own devices as being my words. This day was ending on a high note. But, it wasn’t over yet.

After meeting with some who could offer insight concerning the earlier disturbing news, the incident then escalated to a point that required, if possible, some immediate action. And so, after some efforts, I was, with the help of Jase (thank you sir) able to confront the issue at about 11 pm. This lasted until just after mid-night. Upon arriving at home, I sought to sort through things for a time and finally went to bed just after 1 am. Just another (long) day in the life of a pastor.

Perhaps I have been a bit too transparent. I have not posted this for sympathy per say, but would appreciate your prayers. We all have days like this, days that never seem to end. Days that are filled with emotion, drama, and heartache. What is a person to do in such times? He must do what is always his privilege and responsibility. To look to the Lord. Such days make me appreciate the familiarity and comfort of God’s Word. For while we may often quote certain passages almost mindlessly, I was reminded of the wonder of such a familiar passage as Proverbs 3:5-7 which says,

Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

So, I offered my prayer: Lord, help me to trust you completely. Keep me from the vanity of rationalizing things according to my knowledge. Let me see all things in light of Your Word – in light of who You are. For You alone are God. Your ways are perfect. Your Word is sure. You have spoken and I believe – help me in my unbelief! Grant me Your direction. Keep me, dear Lord, on Your path. Do not allow me to pursue a path of my own making, a path of destruction. Grant me Your wisdom Lord. Help me to know You. Help me to apply Your principle always, in every situation. Father, help me to fear You – to fear bringing dishonor to Your name by my own selfish and foolish actions. Keep me, I pray, from the evil one. Be glorified in my life. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

The Value of Christ

I feel as if I have been neglecting of this blog for a couple of days. There have been a number of "things" come my way this week, things of a heavy nature, that do remind me that while blogging has its benefits, it is only a secondary thing, particularly in comparison to my other pastoral duties.

So, I apologize for not taking the time to express more original and personal thoughts. In one sense there is so much going on in my mind that I am having a difficult time organizing it all. Hopefully one day soon, I will be more "together" in thought. In the meantime I will continue to post things that have spoken to or challenged me. Appropriately enough, the quote I offer this morning reminds us to so value Christ, particularly in light of our sinfulness. Let us so value Christ.

The Value Of Christ
Christ is not valued nor His grace appreciated until men have a genuine knowledge of their misery, helplessness, and lost condition because of sin. When sin is sin indeed, then grace is grace indeed, and Christ is Christ indeed. If men have a superficial sense of sin, they have a superficial faith in Christ. - Thomas Manton (1620-1677)

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Timeless Principles for Fruitful Christian Living

We are on our way to Tulsa this morning to take some friends to the airport. The compressed morning has not allowed me alot of time to write a blog, so I thought I would post something that has been signficant to me over the years; a little exhortation that I picked up from Grace Gems. May we always heed the call of 2 Corinthians 13:5:

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test?

I hope this encourages you as it has me:

· Lordship of Christ (Luke 9:23)
Our lives must be built on an unconditional, absolute, lifetime surrender to Jesus as Lord.

Is there any area of my life where I am reserving the right to make the final decision?

My Prayer. My God, You are Lord over all. I surrender myself afresh to You this day and acknowledge Your right to reign over every area of my life. My life is not my own. May my choices, my actions, my words, my attitudes, and even my thoughts reflect Your Lordship.

· Authority of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Word of God must determine our thinking, direct our decision-making, and reign supreme over every area of our lives.

Is there any Biblical truth that I am not obeying?

My Prayer. Father, I thank You for revealing Your will and Your ways through Your Word. I bow before the supreme authority of Your Word. Increase my hunger and love for the Scripture, and help me to meditate on it and obey it with all my heart. May it determine my thinking and my decisions in every area of my life.

· Ministry of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4, 8, 11)
As we are dependent upon and directed and energized by the Holy Spirit, the supernatural power of God will be manifested in and through our lives.

Am I depending on my own abilities, or on the power of the Spirit to live the Christian life and to serve the Lord?

My Prayer. Thank You, Father for sending Your Holy Spirit to live within me and to comfort, lead, and purify me. I want to live this day in the realm of the supernatural, not depending on my strength and abilities, but drawing upon the power of Christ. Please fill me with Your Spirit and produce in me the likeness of Your son, Jesus.

· Life Message (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Our lives must be living demonstrations of the truth of God's Word.

Is there any truth I am communicating to others, that I am not practicing in my own life?

My Prayer. Lord, may my life be a reflection of You; a living demonstration of Your heart and ways. May the reality of my life be consistent with what I claim to believe. Reveal any hypocrisy or pretense in my walk; any area where I am leaving a better impression of myself than is honestly true. May my life create in others a thirst to know and walk with You.

· Message of the Cross (Galatians 2:20)
Through Christ's death on the cross, we received eternal life. Through our death with Him, we enter into His abundant life.

Is there any area of pride, resistance, or self sufficiency in my life that is hindering the life of Jesus from flowing through me?

My Prayer. My Redeemer, You chose death that I might choose life. This day I count myself crucified with You. I choose to die to myself, my rights, and my reputation. As I lay down my life at Your cross, may Your resurrection life flow unhindered in me.

· Biblical Priorities (Matthew 6:33)
An effective, fruitful life and ministry flows out of a commitment to Scriptural priorities.

Based on my checkbook and my calendar, what are my real priorities?

My Prayer. Lord, by Your Word and Your Spirit, please show me what is on Your agenda for this season of my life. I yield to You my own plans, my priorities, and my schedule for this day. Help me to know what matters most to You, and to devote my time, efforts and energy to those things that will count for eternity.

· Spirit of Excellence (1 Peter 2:9)
Our lives and service ought to reflect the excellence of God's names and works. He is worthy of the very best we can offer Him.

Am I reflecting the excellence of God's character in my appearance, my attitudes and my work?

My Prayer. How excellent is Your Name, O Lord. May everything about my life reflect the beauty and order of Your character. Help me to pay attention to details, even as You care for the minutest details of the universe, and to honor You in my work, my attitudes, my appearance, and the way I care for my surroundings.

· Walking by Faith (Ephesians 3:20)
Faith in the person and power of God; faith that acts on the principles of the Word will move us into the realm of the supernatural.

What am I believing God for, that only He can do?

My Prayer. Lord, my natural tendency is to want to be able to control my circumstances and to figure everything out in advance. But I know I am never more secure than when I am walking by faith. Thank You for placing me in situations where I have to depend on You. Help me to trust You, even when I cannot see where You are leading or how You are going to provide.

· Servant's Heart (Mark 10:43-45)
We are called to be servants of Christ and of His people. A true servant esteems others better than himself and seeks to make those around him a success.

Is there anyone that I do not esteem better than myself, or that I am unwilling to serve?

My Prayer. Blessed "foot washer," it has been said that the test of true servanthood is how we respond when we are treated like a servant. May I, like You, choose to take up the "bowl and towel," and willingly take the place of a servant toward You and toward others, regardless of how menial the task.

· Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2)
God has not called us to be 'successful,' as the world measures success, but to be faithful.

Am I being faithful in fulfilling the responsibilities and caring for the possessions that God has entrusted to me?

My Prayer. Each new sunrise reveals Your faithfulness, my Father. Help me to live this day in such a way that if it were my last, I would be able to hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I do not seek human recognition or some impressive assignment, but simple to faithful fulfill each responsibility, large or small, that You have given me.

· Sacrificial Giving (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
God blesses us so we can bless others. Our lives should be characterized by sacrificial giving to meet the needs of others and to further the Kingdom of Christ.

How have I exercised faith and sacrifice in my giving this week?

My Prayer. My Father, You are a generous God whose giving heart knows no bounds. Your love led You to sacrifice Your greatest treasure, so I could have eternal life. Help me not to cling to the things I hold dear. All that I have is Yours. As You freely gave Your very best, may I gladly give all that You ask in return.

· Prayer (Philippians 4:6)
Through prayer our lives are linked to a Sovereign God, and His purposes are fulfilled in our world. A prayerless life is a self sufficient and fruitless life.

How much time have I spent in prayer in the past twenty-four hours?

My Prayer. Father, what an incredible gift it is that You would invite me to come before Your throne and lay before You my own needs, as well as the needs of others. Forgive me for so often trying to solve things on my own, rather than looking to You to meet the need. Help me to know what is on Your heart, and to intercede according to Your will.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

In Adam or In Christ?

In spiritual terms, all people are either “in Adam” or “in Christ.” In the eyes of God it is as if no one else exists and no one else is doing anything. With regard to the question of salvation, God sees only Adam or Christ, two federal heads whose actions precede those who they represent. These two act on behalf or in the stead of all those who they represent. The very choices these two make will impact the many after them. The actions of Adam being imputed, or transferred to all those who are “in Adam” – which, by the way, is the entire human race; and the actions of Christ being imputed, or transferred to all those who are “in Christ” by virtue of their faith in Him are the choices that impact us.

In a nutshell, this teaching of the imputation of Adam’s actions, or sins and the subsequent penalty of death to the entire human race, along with the imputation of Christ’s actions, or righteousness and the subsequent provision of salvation to those who would believe on Him is the foundation of the Protestant Reformation. The Catholic church had minimalized and nullified the effect of the work of Christ on behalf of believers, offering salvation then not on the basis of the righteous actions of Christ alone, but on the basis of Christ works plus man’s works.

How do people go to heaven? You must be found “in Christ”. His act of righteous obedience must become your own – it must be transferred to you and He must become your federal head. And herein lies the good news. For the Bible tells us that if a person repents of his sin, if he will surrender his life to the provision and authority of Jesus, he will be placed “in Christ” and “in Christ” it will be just as if he had lived the perfect life of Christ, as if he had fulfilled all righteousness, as if he is standing before God as His own sinless Son. How is this so, because all these benefits have been transferred to the life of the one who so believes and so lives under the provision and authority of Christ. "Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15).

These are the only options. There is nothing more complicated or further to report. A person is either "in Adam" and therefore under sin and its condemnation, or he is "in Christ" and therefore under the gracious provision of grace and eternal life. All of us are born into Adam. No one can change or help that. All must however, be born again into Christ and being born again is the work of God on your behalf whereby He changes your heart so that you long to know Christ, long to follow Christ and long to serve Christ. When you are born again, you have been given to Christ and Christ is given to you. He becomes your representative before God and this representative is beloved of God (Matthew 3:17). And so, being in Christ means being beloved of God.

My question for you is simply this, “who represents you?” Christ or Adam? The question is not simply, “who do you want to represent you?” For there are many who may “want” Christ to represent them yet do nothing to see it come about. No, the question is one of assurance. Do you know who represents you? Are you "in Adam," or are you "in Christ?" My prayer for you all is that today you would be certain that you are "in Christ" and if you are not, plead with God, repent of your sins, beseech the guidance of other believers to help you, but know for certain about God’s calling and choosing you.

2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you...

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

God's Work and Man

There has been much discussion at our church concerning regeneration, faith and repentance, monergism and synergism. You may read my simple blog concerning this matter by clicking here:

One of the issues that have been considered is how faith and repentance are necessary requirements for man's salvation (synergistic - Mark 1:15) yet noting how Scripture itself tells us that while it is man's responsibility to repent and believe, because of his fallen and depraved nature (Ephesians 2:1), he is unable to do so until God first regenerates him (monergistic: Ephesians 2:4-5 - "made us alive"). Even the faith and repentance man is to exhibit as a result of God's regenerative work are gifts (Ephesians 2:8; Acts 5:31). In simple and concise form, Jonathan Edwards wrote:

"We are dependent on God, not only for redemption itself but for our faith in the Redeemer; not only for the gift of His Son but for the Holy Ghost for our conversion."

Martin Luther wrote:

I say that man, before he is renewed into the new creation of the Spirit's kingdom, does and endeavours nothing to prepare himself for that new creation and kingdom, and when he is re-created has does and endeavors nothing towards his perseverance in that kingdom; but the Spirit alone works both blessings in us, regenerating us, and preserving us when regenerate, without ourselves..." Martin Luther (Bondage of the Will pg. 268)

Mr. Steve Camp posted a statement by John Hendryx from monergism.com that explains this issue in more detail. I have determined to post it here for those who may not have visited Mr. Camp's site. If you have visted his site and read this comment from the post on the doctrine of regeneration then just enjoy the very simple statements above from Edwards and Luther.

Synergism
Before defining Monergism, we should start on more familiar ground to 21st century man by explaining the more familiar "synergism", which the majority of our churches teach today. Synergism is the doctrine that the act of being born again is achieved through a combination of human will and divine grace. (From Greek sunergos, working together : sun-, syn- + ergon, work).

The Century Dictionary defines synergism as "...the doctrine that there are two efficient agents in regeneration, namely the human will and the divine Spirit, which, in the strict sense of the term, cooperate. This theory accordingly holds that the soul has not lost in the fall all inclination toward holiness, nor all power to seek for it under the influence of ordinary motives."

Synergism: A Belief That Faith Arises Out of An Inherent Capacity of the Natural Man.
In other words, synergists believe that faith itself, a principle standing independent and autonomous of God's action of grace, is something the natural man must add or contribute toward the price of his salvation. Unregenerate man, in this scheme, is left to his freewill and natural ability to believe or reject God. Synergists teach that God's grace takes us part of the way to salvation but that the [fallen, rebellious] human will must determine the final outcome. It does this by reaching down into an autonomous principle within in its fallen unrenewed nature in order to either produce a right thought or create a right volition toward God. But, the Scriptures are clear that as long as the natural man hates God he will not come to Him. In this system, then, grace is merely an offer or a help but does not do anything to change man's heart of stone or natural hostility to God. This means that God will only look favorably upon and reward those natural men who are able to produce or contribute faith, independent of God's inward gracious call or spiritual renewal. This is a subtle, but serious, error that is plaguing the church of the 21st century. It is a misapprehension of the biblical teaching concerning the depth of our fallen nature and the radical grace needed to restore us.

This leads me to believe that one of the greatest challenges facing the church today is its re-evangelization. While many evangelicals may understand the doctrine of "sola fide" (faith alone), that we must place our faith in Christ to be saved, it seems many have abandoned the biblical concept of "sola gratia" (grace alone). The Synergistic Conception of "Sola Fide" therefore must, by definition, draw on nature to cooperate with God's grace as the human fulfillment of a condition. Why do people believe this? I can only guess it is because by nature we want to maintain an island of righteousness, a last bastion of pride in thinking that he can still contribute something, be it ever so small, to our own salvation. It would involve great humility on our part to admit this. If the Church took more efforts to search the Scriptures and reform her doctrine on this point, I am convinced that a great deal of blessing would be restored and God would remove much of the current worldliness in our midst.

How is Monergism Different?
In contrast, historic Christianity, as best explained by Augustine and the Reformers, would reject the above position and honor the more biblical position of monergism. This position teaches that salvation is entirely a work of God; That man can contribute nothing toward the price of his salvation and that one is saved wholly and unconditionally by grace through faith. That faith itself is a gift of God (Eph 2:8, John 1:13, 2 Tim 2:25, Phil 1:29, Hebrews 12:2, 1 John 5:1, Rom 3:24, Ezekiel 11:19-20; Ezekiel 36:26-27) which is not the cause, but the witness of God's regenerative grace having worked faith in the inner man. This gracious act of God was based on nothing meritorious in the individual, but rather, entirely on God's sovereign good pleasure (Eph 1:5). It was not because God knew which persons would believe of their own free will, for there are no persons which fit that description. This is because apart from grace their is no delight or inclination to seek God (in man's unregenerate nature). And since those dead in sin will not seek God (Rom 3:11), regenerative grace precedes justifying faith. God must, in effect, raise them from the dead- (see Eph 2:5, Col 2:13).

Regeneration is the Work of God Alone
To get a better hold on this concept we should first define the meaning of the term "Monergism" and then explore how it relates to the doctrine of regeneration (new birth). The word "Monergism" consists of two main parts. The prefix "mono" signifies "one", "single", or "alone" while "ergon" means "to work". Taken together it means "the work of one".

The Century Dictionary's definition of Monergism is helpful here: "In theol., The doctrine that the Holy Spirit is the only efficient agent in regeneration - that the human will possesses no inclination to holiness until regenerated, and therefore cannot cooperate in regeneration."

Very simply, then, Monergism is the doctrine that our new birth (or "quickening") is the work of God, the Holy Spirit alone, with no contribution of man toward Christ's work, since the natural man, of himself, has no desire for God or holiness (ROM 3:11,12; ROM 8:7; John 3:19, 20). The unregenerate man, in his bondage, desires sin more than he desires God so as to always choose according to the corrupt desires of his fallen nature. Due to the unspiritual man's natural love of sin, and inability to save himself out of his love of sin, the Holy Spirit, in light of Christ's work of redemption, must act independently of the human will in His merciful work of regeneration, or none would be saved. Thus, Monergism is just another way of more fully understanding the doctrine of "salvation by grace alone" (sola gratia). It must be stressed that the grace of God is the only efficient cause in initiating and effecting the renewal of our fallen will leading to conversion (John 1:13).

Monergistic regeneration is God's merciful response to the consequences of our fall in Adam which has resulted in natural man's moral inability. We must be clear that it does not apply to the entire process of salvation, but only to the first step in bringing a person to faith in Christ. It is only in God's power to bring to life a person who is spiritually dead. This means that a man’s soul is utterly passive (if not hostile) until it has been regenerated. But when regenerated the disposition of his heart which once loved darkness is changed. He willingly turns to embrace the Savior since his hatred of God has been transformed to a love for Him (Ezekiel 11:19-20). In other words, God doesn't do the believing for us but empowers and restores us by the Holy Spirit to delightfully respond in faith and obedience. Man will not and cannot offer any help in renewing himself spiritually without this grace. We can do nothing spiritual, including turning to Christ in faith, apart from God's grace which is grounded in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. Later in this essay I will answer how this relates to preaching repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Note, I would like to clear up a common confusion about regeneration and justification. Regeneration, the work of the Holy Spirit which brings us into a living union with Christ, only refers to the first step in the work of God in our salvation. It is universally agreed among evangelicals, myself included, that the second step, faith in Christ, must be exercised by the sinner if one is to be justified (saved). Therefore, justification is conditional (on our faith) ... but our regeneration (or spiritual birth) is unconditional; an expression of God's grace freely bestowed, for it is unconstrained and not merited by anything God sees in those who are its subjects. Regeneration and Justification, although occurring almost simultaneously are, therefore, not the same. Regeneration, has a causal priority over the other aspects of the process of salvation. The new birth (regeneration), therefore, is what brings about a restored disposition of heart which is then willing to exercise faith in Christ unto justification (Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26).

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Thanking God for the Little Things

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the apostle Paul exhorts the believers;

in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I must confess that I more often fail to give thanks in everything. I find it much easier to complain about this or that rather than seeing the hand of providence. But what really strikes me is that giving thanks in everything implies thanking God for the little things as well. But just what are the little things? Perhaps you may be thinking about things like tap water, refrigerators, or maybe, on a hot day as it is here in Rogers, Arkansas, for air-conditioning. Maybe little things include the variety of foods available in my pantry or even the simple companionship of one of my cats sitting on my lap.

But with all that said, sometimes little things are not as little as we might think. This morning I took my wife into the dentist for her third root canal and crown in about 18 months. At least I can sympathize with the experience having gone through it personally, but while I was out in the lobby working on my laptop, trying to get some work done, my wife was sitting in the dentist chair being worked over. When she comes out from these procedures, her face looks a little beat up. There are the deep creases under her eyes where the glasses they had put on her to protect her eyes had been pressed into her skin by the working of the dentist. My wife has a particularly small mouth making it hard for her to keep it open through the procedure. So, by the end, she is tired, sore and, as I said beat up.

But in the midst of all this, what is it that my wife was thinking about? What were the thoughts that went through her mind as she underwent all this hoopla? Well, after we got home and she could talk a bit more, she made the comment as to how thankful she was for things like Novocain, jaw braces (to hold her mouth open) and a dentist that knew what he was doing. She praised God for these little things that so many in previous generations had to go without during procedures on their teeth. I am not sure, but I believe that 100 years or so ago, the dentist would have given my wife a shot of whiskey and then just pulled that tooth right out. Yes, I too give thanks for the little things that really are not so little.

O Lord, make me ever mindful of the multitude of blessings that are bestowed upon me day by day, even minute by minute. Help me to be a humble child with a thankful heart, always mindful, always contemplating the many things You do for me. May I have the heart of David saying continually, "Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count" (Pslam 40:5).

Let me close with this hymn by Mr. Isaac Watts. In the context of what I have written today, I particularly like the second stanza (which I have bolded):

O bless the Lord, my soul!

Let all within me join,

And aid my tongue to bless His Name

Whose favors are divine.

O bless the Lord, my soul,

Nor let His mercies lie

Forgotten in unthankfulness,

And without praises die.

Tis He forgives thy sins,

Tis He relieves thy pain,

Tis He that heals thy sicknesses

And makes thee young again.

He crowns thy life with love,

When ransomed from the grave;

He that redeemed my soul from hell

Hath sovereign power to save.

He fills the poor with good,

He gives the suff'ers rest;

The Lord hath judgments for the proud,

And justice for th'oppressed.

His wondrous works and ways

He made by Moses known

But sent the world His truth and grace

By His beloved Son.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

PS - Happy Birthday to my friends (all on July 10th): Rocky Wyatt; Chris Riser and Rebekah Samuelson.

Why I am a Recent Creationist

Hey - on a side note - why I am a recent creationist.



Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

In View of Your Participation in the Gospel

Yet another brain-numbing day. I have been studying Federal Headship, Imputation, Faith, Repentance, Monergism, and Synergism in preparation for my messages for Sunday. So, for those of you concerned, yes – my mind is still “squishy.”

The day started out with the blessing of men’s prayer breakfast. We had some good food, thanks to Katie W. and proceeded into a good time of prayer and communion with God. Before we prayed, I had the privilege of sharing just a few, nearly random, thoughts concerning Philippians 1:5 –

“in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day
until now.”

I had been dwelling on this verse for the past week, particularly the phrase “your participation in the gospel.” The word for “participation” can also be translated “fellowship” – that is to have in common. This participation on the part of the saints at Philippi was no casual or simply vicarious act. The idea here is that these believers had in common with Paul a vigorous sharing in and of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This made me question myself, asking, “How do I participate in the gospel?” Perhaps one would think that I have it rather easy in this regard, being a Pastor and all. Of course I participate in the gospel. But, can I hide myself behind my responsibilities at church? Can I so focus upon getting the next lesson done, calling on some members, or even visiting someone in the hospital that I actually fail in participating in the gospel? You see, even in the exercise of “good things” and even “noble things” it is possible to do them for self or even for others and fail to see them done solely and purely for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Also, the tyranny of the urgent, the necessity of getting those things accomplished that seemingly must be accomplished often get in the way of what we, as believers in Christ and those who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, spiritually need to accomplish. I suppose my point is this – I want to be an active, effective and fruitful participant in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I even need to ask myself, “Is the activity I am about to engage in more important, more God-honoring than what He has expressly revealed to me via His Word? I am not suggesting that there is no “fun” time or no “down” time. But my life is to bring glory to God in whatever I do (1 Corinthians 10:31) and so I must be mindful of this in everything I do.

I do not want to be a side-line Christian. I do not want to wait there in fear wondering if the Coach will ever send me into the game. I am a believer in Christ. I am an ambassador o f Christ. I am a witness for Christ. I am in the “game” and need to participate accordingly. I want to fellowship with Christ and with all those who are actively engaged in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

How do I participate in the gospel? Humm. How do you participate in the gospel?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Repentance and Faith

I have been studying in my office most of the day and occasionally (actually quite often), after multiple hours of such, I find my mind a bit squishy (squishy is a highly technical term for overloaded). Such times are difficult because there usually is still plenty of day left for fruitful exercise and yet the mind is just not working with me.

So, what to do? Many times I will take up the playing and singing of a hymn or praise song. Sometimes, like today, I will simply take out a hymnal (today it was my Gadsby Hymnal) and skim the hymns until I come across a text that catches my attention. I know that does not sound extraordinarily spiritual, but it is the way it often happens. And then, by God's providence, I am, as I said, struck by some hymn text, sometimes just a line or two, that speaks to my heart, challenges my faith, or just causes me the desire of deeper communion with God.

And so, with a mind made squishy from study, I pulled out my Gadsby hymnal and sure enough, I came across a hymn that put into simple terms some of the very things I was studying. You see, I was preparing for my Sunday Evening message on repentance and faith, getting myself a bit bogged down in theological detail, when I read this text by Joseph Hart. I thought on it for some time, appreciating the straight-forwardness of Hart's thoughts, thinking why it is that we don't really have songs being written like this any more?

Faith and repentance are the great honors and privilege of the believer. While they are not solitary means of salvation, for we are saved by Christ alone through His work alone, they are nonetheless an integral part of salvation, absolutely necessary in that they reflect the work of Christ within us. The acts of repentance and faith are the believer's participation with God in the work of salvation, the work being done by God, for even these are said to be gifts from God (Ephesians 2:8; Acts 5:31). Repentance and faith are the outward manifestations and the God-required means by which a person reveals his election, calling, and regeneration from God. As John Murray wrote in his little book, "Redemption, Accomplished and Applied,":

Regeneration is the act of God and of God alone. But faith is not the act of God; it is not God who believes in Christ for salvation, it is the sinner. It is by God's grace that a person is able to believe but faith is an activity on the part of the person and of him alone. In faith we receive and rest upon Christ alone for salvation.

It might be said: this is a strange mixture. God alone regenerates. We alone believe. And we believe in Christ alone for salvation.

This is well stated by Mr. Murray, a seemingly "strange mixture" as God and man "work out salvation" (Philippians 2:12) - noting however that it is ultimately not man working "for" salvation, but working "out" that which God has already wrought within him. We must embrace faith and repentance with eagerness, as they are God's means by which we may know the reality of our salvation. And understand that faith and repentance do not exists separately, as some teach today. There is no such thing, Biblically speaking, as faith without repentance and repentance without faith, or again, as John Murray put it, "penitent faith" and "believing repentance."

Let us be wary of the unorthodox teaching that someone may simply intellectually have faith in Christ as Savior while failing to repent of their sins. There is no faith in Christ as Savior without faith that He is Lord and that as Lord He commands us to "Go and sin no more." Repentance and faith are simply the two sides of the same coin - while distinct they are ever melded together. Anyway, enough commentary. And by the way, if the commentary doesn't make any sense, I will blame it on my squishy mind. Here is the hymn that I read by Joseph Hart:

What various ways do men invent,
To give the conscience ease!
Some say, Believe; and some, Repent;
And some say, Strive to please.

But, brethren, Christ, and Christ alone,
Can rightly do the thing;
Nor ever can the way be known,
Till he salvation bring.

What mean the men that say, Believe.
And let repentance go?
What comfort can the soul receive
That never felt its woe?

Christ says, "That I might sinners call
To penitence, I'm sent;"
And, "Likewise ye shall perish all,
Except ye do repent."

Those who are called by grace divine
Believe, but not alone;
Repentance to their faith they join,
And so go safely on.

But should repentance, or should faith,
Should both deficient seem,
Jesus gives both, the Scripture saith;
Then ask them both of him.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Memorizing Philippians

Yesterday was a rather unique day for me. There was something challenging about studying the Word of God through cold medicines and typing with a messed up pinky finger (see my last post concerning the finger). Through these challenges I have also been working on memorizing Philippians 1 and it is concerning the memorization of the book of Philippians that I write.

As many of you know, we just finished memorizing and quizzing on the book of Titus. When we began the book of Titus, the youth staff knew it would be tough to get all the kids excited about it, particularly because we had so many newer youth who had not experienced it before. Let me tell you, we had our difficulties, yet when it came time to quizzing, something happened that always happens. The kids got excited. And the kids that only memorized half the book or only half-heartedly memorized at all, ended up with a new found commitment to memorize the next book (which happens to be Philippians).



So I write to inform everyone interested that we are not pressing on, committing to memory Philippians. If you happen to be one of the parents of a youth who has been encouraged to memorize – we need your help. We need to ride the wave of their enthusiasm as long as possible. There are two critical time in the memory work process. The first is simply getting started. Often people look at the book and wonder “How will I ever get through it all?” Of course, that why we start with just one chapter at a time. The second stage comes about midway through the memory work. Philippians is a longer book than Titus and the inevitable time will come when they will put off their memory work because it seems like it goes on and on. Please help the youth stick with it. And, on a side note, we do have several adults that are going to work on Philippians as well. Memory work is not only for the youth, but for all the children of God. So please consider memorizing with us (using the NASB 95 update)

Our schedule is as follows:

Philippians Chapter 1 completed by July 31
Philippians Chapter 2 completed by August 31
Philippians Chapter 3 completed by September 20
Philippians 4 completed by October 31.



Our final quiz on the book will be held on Saturday, November 18. Please mark that down on your calendars. There will be monthly quizzes held at the church for each chapter as follows:

Sunday, August 13, 3 pm - Philippians 1
Sunday, September 3, 3 pm – Philippians 2
Sunday, October 1, 3 pm – Philippians 3
Sunday, November 5, 3 pm – Philippians 4
Saturday, November 18, 10 am – 4 pm – Final quiz on the book of Philippians.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

The Day After (the Fourth)

Good Morning!

I begin this day happy and joyful in the Lord, yet still suffering from a head cold, aggravated a bit by the smoke from the fireworks I suppose; and, I am having some trouble typing because I jammed my pinky finger playing football. This is the third finger I have jammed in about 2 months. At least it is a nice shade of blue, red, purple, etc.

Our church did have a wonderful time last night. We had a great turn out, lots of fun and I personally enjoyed the conversations I had with all. Being still a bit droggy (I hope from the cold medicine), my intention is simply to post some pictures for your enjoyment. You may click on the pictures to see them larger.

Here is our host and hostest - cooking up the goodies! (along with the goodies):


Jim and his platform of firework mania:


And the children:


It was so nice to have "superman" drop in on our celebration - don't you think?


And just some various shots:



Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Freedom

This is my second post today. Last Saturday I was listening to Paul Harvey on my way to the church. He began a monologue that I thought was appropriate for consideration as we celebrate our Nation's birthday. My wife transcribed the text from the internet (hope this is legal) and now I offer it for your benefit.

I do offer this one disclaimer - while I am in whole hearted agreement with the sentiment of this monologue, there is a subtle reference to some prosperity theology, which I would not espouse. Be that as it may, please consider these words by Paul Harvey:

In our nation’s Declaration of Independence, have you noticed there is a significant Declaration of Dependence also? Because one without the other won’t work. So our text for today is taken from the next to last sentences in our Nation’s Declaration of Independence. Understand I’m no preacher. The pulpit is a responsibility infinitely higher to any to which I would aspire. I am an historian and inevitably our profession overlap. Our Nation’s Fourth of July celebrations have tended to focus on the word “freedom” and yet, even as our Nation’s founders offered their lives and their fortunes to win for our fledgling nation “freedom” from British rule, in that same eloquent document they sought the guidance and blessings of the Almighty. They appealed to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our institutions. “Rectitude,” that’s God’s standard of integrity and honesty.

Our founders proclaimed themselves free to do whatever they want? No, hardly. No, they declared themselves free to do what they ought! There’s a distinct difference. They prayed “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth.” They bowed themselves to God’s will and that’s when in an instant ,as historical time is measured, our little 6% of this planet’s population began to accumulate more than half of all of the world’s good things, collecting on God’s written promise that believing on certain things and behaving ourselves, all else would be added. And so it was.

It was only recent generations of Americans mouthing platitudes about “freedom” that obscured the very meaning of the America. And now all over the bleak, black, bloody, front page it is apparent that self government without self discipline won’t work. And you can say that another way, “Capitalism without God is no better than Communism.” The Third Reich was a classic example of capitalism without God. The land which had produced Bach and Beethoven and Brahms ended up producing Auschwitz, Dachau, Buchenwald.

Self government without self discipline won’t work. And today, once free Americans, have to be searched before they can board an airliner, not because there’s a dictator in Washington, but because there’s a handful of irresponsible ingrates running around loose. Because some who are free don’t deserve to be, none of us can be. Again, not because there is tyranny in government but because there is anarchy in the unbuttoned brains of a handful of loony birds.

And it’s down that road of thumbing our noses at rightness and wrongness, it’s down that road that whole nations go from regulation to regimentation then to tyranny. Self government without self discipline won’t work. Much more important than our Nation’s Declaration of Independence from foreign domination is our Nation’s Declaration of Dependence on Divine Providence and sacred honor. You ignore the guidance system that was built into our republic and we are like any unguided missile inevitably destined to self destruct.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed