1 Kings 17:16: The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah.
See the faithfulness of divine love. You observe that this woman had daily necessities. She had herself and her son to feed in a time of famine; and now, in addition, the prophet Elijah was to be fed too. But though the need was threefold, yet the supply of meal wasted not, for she had a constant supply. Each day she made calls upon the barrel, but yet each day it remained the same. You, dear reader, have daily necessities, and because they come so frequently, you are apt to fear that the barrel of meal will one day be empty, and the cruse of oil will fail you. Rest assured that, according to the Word of God, this shall not be the case. Each day, though it bring its trouble, shall bring its help; and though you should live to outnumber the years of Methuselah, and though your needs should be as many as the sands of the seashore, yet shall God's grace and mercy last through all your necessities, and you shall never know a real lack. For three long years, in this widow's days, the heavens never saw a cloud, and the stars never wept a holy tear of dew upon the wicked earth: famine, and desolation, and death, made the land a howling wilderness, but this woman never was hungry, but always joyful in abundance. So shall it be with you. You shall see the sinner's hope perish, for he trusts his native strength; you shall see the proud Pharisee's confidence totter, for he builds his hope upon the sand; you shall see even your own schemes blasted and withered, but you yourself shall find that your place of defence shall be the munition of rocks: "Your bread shall be given you, and your water shall be sure." Better have God for your guardian, than the Bank of England for your possession. You might spend the wealth of the Indies, but the infinite riches of God you can never exhaust.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Suffering Persecution
What makes you think that it can't happen here?
originally appeared on http://defendingcontending.com
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Spurgeon on the Wrath of God
Matthew 3:7: The wrath to come.
It is pleasant to pass over a country after a storm has spent itself; to smell the freshness of the herbs after the rain has passed away, and to note the drops while they glisten like purest diamonds in the sunlight. That is the position of a Christian. He is going through a land where the storm has spent itself upon His Saviour's head, and if there be a few drops of sorrow falling, they distil from clouds of mercy, and Jesus cheers him by the assurance that they are not for his destruction. But how terrible is it to witness the approach of a tempest: to note the forewarnings of the storm; to mark the birds of heaven as they droop their wings; to see the cattle as they lay their heads low in terror; to discern the face of the sky as it groweth black, and look to the sun which shineth not, and the heavens which are angry and frowning! How terrible to await the dread advance of a hurricane-such as occurs, sometimes, in the tropics-to wait in terrible apprehension till the wind shall rush forth in fury, tearing up trees from their roots, forcing rocks from their pedestals, and hurling down all the dwelling-places of man! And yet, sinner, this is your present position. No hot drops have as yet fallen, but a shower of fire is coming. No terrible winds howl around you, but God's tempest is gathering its dread artillery. As yet the water-floods are dammed up by mercy, but the flood-gates shall soon be opened: the thunderbolts of God are yet in His storehouse, but lo! the tempest hastens, and how awful shall that moment be when God, robed in vengeance, shall march forth in fury! Where, where, where, O sinner, wilt thou hide thy head, or whither wilt thou flee? O that the hand of mercy may now lead you to Christ! He is freely set before you in the gospel: His riven side is the rock of shelter. Thou knowest thy need of Him; believe in Him, cast thyself upon Him, and then the fury shall be overpast for ever.
It is pleasant to pass over a country after a storm has spent itself; to smell the freshness of the herbs after the rain has passed away, and to note the drops while they glisten like purest diamonds in the sunlight. That is the position of a Christian. He is going through a land where the storm has spent itself upon His Saviour's head, and if there be a few drops of sorrow falling, they distil from clouds of mercy, and Jesus cheers him by the assurance that they are not for his destruction. But how terrible is it to witness the approach of a tempest: to note the forewarnings of the storm; to mark the birds of heaven as they droop their wings; to see the cattle as they lay their heads low in terror; to discern the face of the sky as it groweth black, and look to the sun which shineth not, and the heavens which are angry and frowning! How terrible to await the dread advance of a hurricane-such as occurs, sometimes, in the tropics-to wait in terrible apprehension till the wind shall rush forth in fury, tearing up trees from their roots, forcing rocks from their pedestals, and hurling down all the dwelling-places of man! And yet, sinner, this is your present position. No hot drops have as yet fallen, but a shower of fire is coming. No terrible winds howl around you, but God's tempest is gathering its dread artillery. As yet the water-floods are dammed up by mercy, but the flood-gates shall soon be opened: the thunderbolts of God are yet in His storehouse, but lo! the tempest hastens, and how awful shall that moment be when God, robed in vengeance, shall march forth in fury! Where, where, where, O sinner, wilt thou hide thy head, or whither wilt thou flee? O that the hand of mercy may now lead you to Christ! He is freely set before you in the gospel: His riven side is the rock of shelter. Thou knowest thy need of Him; believe in Him, cast thyself upon Him, and then the fury shall be overpast for ever.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
End Times in Our Time
Amos 8:11-12
“‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, But shall not find it.’”
We are living in times, I believe, that are unprecedented in church history. I believe that we are specifically and literally living in the time prophesied by the Apostle Paul and Peter:
1 Timothy 4:1-2: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”
2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
2 Peter 2:1-3: “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
Why would God send such a famine? Why wouldn’t He want His Word faithfully proclaimed and taught?
First of all, I believe that the number one reason is that He cannot find faithful men who will simply and truthfully proclaim and teach His Word, Proverbs 20:6, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?” Most (yes I said most) today are too busy with their own program and agenda. They are seeking to build their own little kingdom right here on earth.
Second, God will give you what you want. Do you doubt He won’t? Consider Paul’s words (inspired by the Holy Spirit):
Romans 1:24, “…God also gave them up to uncleanness…”
Romans 1:26, “…God gave them up to vile passions…”
Romans 1:28, “…God gave them over to a debased mind…”
Paul’s point in Romans 1? If you don’t want God in your life, He will give you a life devoid of Him. So Amos tells us that a hallmark of the last days will be a famine, “Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD.” It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a church today that faithfully teaches the Word because most don’t want to hear it.
So many men, seeing the so-called success of mega-churches, are filled not with a passion for lost souls, but rather with a lust to be like the mega-church pastor (who, incidentally, may very well have compromised the gospel for the purpose of filling the pews).
I believe that Paul accurately described the so-called “Faith Movement, when he wrote, “…some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy…” Initially, they taught what they knew was lies; now they actually believe what they teach to be the truth, and as a result, “…having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” They are no longer able to hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit, convicting them for telling lies and teaching falsehood.
Paul described these teachers and those who follow them as one would an oak veneer on a pressed sawdust table, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” What they espouse seems godly, however, it has no ability to transform lives like the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peter spoke of these as well, “…there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them…” One of their own declared that any born again man armed with the word of God could to the very thing Jesus did. (You won’t need to google very far to find out who this gentleman is). To teach such things is to deny the Lord who bought you.
And unfortunately, this is not limited to the so-called “Faith Movement.” Many in the modern so-called “Church Growth Movement” are guilty of heresy as well. They have soft soaped the Gospel so that Jesus is no longer Lord, but a guide and leader who may be called upon in to assist you in your plan and purpose for your life, instead of being your Lord and Master who saved you from your sins by dying in your place and to whom you submit your life to for His plan and purpose.
Who told these guys they could grow the church? Consider the following:
Psalms 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it…”
Matthew 16:18: “…and on this rock I will build My church…”
Anything you do apart from seeking Jesus to build His church is nothing more than a façade and doomed for failure.
Our nation is in trouble and I believe that the church is the primary cause. The church in America is asleep. While we were sleeping, prayer was removed from schools; while we were sleeping the Ten Commandments have been removed from public places; while we were sleeping we lost the right to stand out in front of an abortion mill and share Jesus.
Currently, moves are underway to remove “In God We Trust” as our national motto; to make it a crime to teach the morality of the Bible; to make it a crime to share our faith in our workplace and even in public places. All this is going on, and still we sleep.
Jesus said that we are to be salt, Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” The church in America is increasingly being thrown aside as irreverent, bigoted and judgmental (if you doubt me, read “Unchristian” by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, Baker Books, publisher).
Jesus said that we are to be light, Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“ Yet we elect politicians who promote abortion and ungodliness, as long as we are comfortable.
Now lest you think I am being too harsh (or even judgmental) consider what the Lord says, 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
“If my people” – not the government or the politicians.
“Humble themselves” – we must agree with God that we have turned away from Him.
“Pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways” – this involves not only praying, but also a genuine repentance (that’s what the word repentance means, a turning away from sin and turning towards God).
“Then I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land” – then and only then.
I find it interesting that at the end of Jesus letters to the churches of Revelation, we see Jesus doing and saying something very particular, Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
What door is Jesus knocking at? It is the door of the church, and Jesus is patiently waiting to be invited back in.
“‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, But shall not find it.’”
We are living in times, I believe, that are unprecedented in church history. I believe that we are specifically and literally living in the time prophesied by the Apostle Paul and Peter:
1 Timothy 4:1-2: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”
2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
2 Peter 2:1-3: “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
Why would God send such a famine? Why wouldn’t He want His Word faithfully proclaimed and taught?
First of all, I believe that the number one reason is that He cannot find faithful men who will simply and truthfully proclaim and teach His Word, Proverbs 20:6, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?” Most (yes I said most) today are too busy with their own program and agenda. They are seeking to build their own little kingdom right here on earth.
Second, God will give you what you want. Do you doubt He won’t? Consider Paul’s words (inspired by the Holy Spirit):
Romans 1:24, “…God also gave them up to uncleanness…”
Romans 1:26, “…God gave them up to vile passions…”
Romans 1:28, “…God gave them over to a debased mind…”
Paul’s point in Romans 1? If you don’t want God in your life, He will give you a life devoid of Him. So Amos tells us that a hallmark of the last days will be a famine, “Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD.” It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a church today that faithfully teaches the Word because most don’t want to hear it.
So many men, seeing the so-called success of mega-churches, are filled not with a passion for lost souls, but rather with a lust to be like the mega-church pastor (who, incidentally, may very well have compromised the gospel for the purpose of filling the pews).
I believe that Paul accurately described the so-called “Faith Movement, when he wrote, “…some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy…” Initially, they taught what they knew was lies; now they actually believe what they teach to be the truth, and as a result, “…having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” They are no longer able to hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit, convicting them for telling lies and teaching falsehood.
Paul described these teachers and those who follow them as one would an oak veneer on a pressed sawdust table, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” What they espouse seems godly, however, it has no ability to transform lives like the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peter spoke of these as well, “…there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them…” One of their own declared that any born again man armed with the word of God could to the very thing Jesus did. (You won’t need to google very far to find out who this gentleman is). To teach such things is to deny the Lord who bought you.
And unfortunately, this is not limited to the so-called “Faith Movement.” Many in the modern so-called “Church Growth Movement” are guilty of heresy as well. They have soft soaped the Gospel so that Jesus is no longer Lord, but a guide and leader who may be called upon in to assist you in your plan and purpose for your life, instead of being your Lord and Master who saved you from your sins by dying in your place and to whom you submit your life to for His plan and purpose.
Who told these guys they could grow the church? Consider the following:
Psalms 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it…”
Matthew 16:18: “…and on this rock I will build My church…”
Anything you do apart from seeking Jesus to build His church is nothing more than a façade and doomed for failure.
Our nation is in trouble and I believe that the church is the primary cause. The church in America is asleep. While we were sleeping, prayer was removed from schools; while we were sleeping the Ten Commandments have been removed from public places; while we were sleeping we lost the right to stand out in front of an abortion mill and share Jesus.
Currently, moves are underway to remove “In God We Trust” as our national motto; to make it a crime to teach the morality of the Bible; to make it a crime to share our faith in our workplace and even in public places. All this is going on, and still we sleep.
Jesus said that we are to be salt, Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” The church in America is increasingly being thrown aside as irreverent, bigoted and judgmental (if you doubt me, read “Unchristian” by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, Baker Books, publisher).
Jesus said that we are to be light, Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“ Yet we elect politicians who promote abortion and ungodliness, as long as we are comfortable.
Now lest you think I am being too harsh (or even judgmental) consider what the Lord says, 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
“If my people” – not the government or the politicians.
“Humble themselves” – we must agree with God that we have turned away from Him.
“Pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways” – this involves not only praying, but also a genuine repentance (that’s what the word repentance means, a turning away from sin and turning towards God).
“Then I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land” – then and only then.
I find it interesting that at the end of Jesus letters to the churches of Revelation, we see Jesus doing and saying something very particular, Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
What door is Jesus knocking at? It is the door of the church, and Jesus is patiently waiting to be invited back in.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday Quotes
"If dependence is God's agenda, then weakness is actually our advantage." Alistair Begg
"A consciousness of our powerlessness should cast us upon Him who has all power. Here then is where a vision and view of God's sovereignty helps, for it reveals His sufficiency and shows us our insufficiency." Arthur W. Pink
"I think that there can be no doubt that the need above all other needs in the Church at this moment is the power of the Holy Spirit." A. W. Tozer
"God will allow us to follow self-help, self-improvement programs until we have tried them all, until we finally come to the honest confession, "I can't do it. I can't be righteous in my own strength!" It is then, when we admit our utter powerlessness, that we find hope. For it is then when the Lord intervenes to do a work that we could not do for ourselves." Chuck Smith
"A consciousness of our powerlessness should cast us upon Him who has all power. Here then is where a vision and view of God's sovereignty helps, for it reveals His sufficiency and shows us our insufficiency." Arthur W. Pink
"I think that there can be no doubt that the need above all other needs in the Church at this moment is the power of the Holy Spirit." A. W. Tozer
"God will allow us to follow self-help, self-improvement programs until we have tried them all, until we finally come to the honest confession, "I can't do it. I can't be righteous in my own strength!" It is then, when we admit our utter powerlessness, that we find hope. For it is then when the Lord intervenes to do a work that we could not do for ourselves." Chuck Smith
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A.W. Tozer on The Grace of God
While Tozer is often known for being direct and challenging, here are some quotes on the Grace of God:
As mercy is to God’s goodness confronting human misery and guilt, so grace is His goodness directed toward human debt and demerit. It is by His grace that God imputes merit where none previously existed and declares no debt to be where on had been before.
Because he is what He is, He lifts up our heads out of the prison house, changes our prison garments for royal robes, and makes us to eat bread continually before Him all the days of our lives.
Before the great flood Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” and after the law was given God said to Moses, “You have found grace in My sight.” How could it be otherwise? God will always be Himself, and grace is an attribute of His holy being. He can no more hide His grace that the sun can hide its brightness.
In olden times men looked forward to Christ’s redeeming work; in later times they gaze back upon it, but always they came and they come by grace, through faith.
As mercy is to God’s goodness confronting human misery and guilt, so grace is His goodness directed toward human debt and demerit. It is by His grace that God imputes merit where none previously existed and declares no debt to be where on had been before.
Because he is what He is, He lifts up our heads out of the prison house, changes our prison garments for royal robes, and makes us to eat bread continually before Him all the days of our lives.
Before the great flood Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” and after the law was given God said to Moses, “You have found grace in My sight.” How could it be otherwise? God will always be Himself, and grace is an attribute of His holy being. He can no more hide His grace that the sun can hide its brightness.
In olden times men looked forward to Christ’s redeeming work; in later times they gaze back upon it, but always they came and they come by grace, through faith.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Entertainment in the Church
For centuries the Church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what is was – a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability.
For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she had become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers.
So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured out into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God. Many churches these days have become little more than poor theaters where fifth-rate “producers” peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of the delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it.
The great god Entertainment amuses his devotes mainly by telling them stories. The love of stories, which is a characteristic of childhood, had taken fast hold of the minds of the retarded saints of our day, so much so that not a few persons manage to make a comfortable living by spinning yarns and serving them up in various disguises to church people. What is natural and beautiful in a child may be shocking when it persists into adulthood, and more so when it appears in the sanctuary and seeks to pass for true religion.
A. W. Tozer
For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she had become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers.
So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured out into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God. Many churches these days have become little more than poor theaters where fifth-rate “producers” peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of the delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it.
The great god Entertainment amuses his devotes mainly by telling them stories. The love of stories, which is a characteristic of childhood, had taken fast hold of the minds of the retarded saints of our day, so much so that not a few persons manage to make a comfortable living by spinning yarns and serving them up in various disguises to church people. What is natural and beautiful in a child may be shocking when it persists into adulthood, and more so when it appears in the sanctuary and seeks to pass for true religion.
A. W. Tozer
Saturday, February 14, 2009
AMERICAN MINUTE, Bill Federer
In the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II was faced with defending the Roman Empire from invading Goths. He believed single men made better soldiers so he temporarily forbade marriage.
Claudius also forced the Senate to deify the former Emperor Gallienus, including him with the Roman gods to be worshipped.
Legend has it that Saint Valentine was a bishop in Italy who risked the Emperor's wrath by refusing to worship idols and for secretly marrying young couples. Saint Valentine was dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and have his head cut off on FEBRUARY 14, 269AD. While awaiting execution, it is said he prayed for the jailers' sick daughter, who miraculously recovered. He wrote her a note and signed it, "from your Valentine."
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius designated February 14th as "Saint Valentine's Day." Signing an X for a kiss began in Medieval times where those who could not write their name marked a criss-cross or "Christ's cross" in the presence of witnesses and kissed it to show sincerity as a form of the oath "So help me God."
In the Greek alphabet, X is called Chi, and it is the first letter of the Greek name of Christ, giving rise to the use of X-mas for Christmas.
Claudius also forced the Senate to deify the former Emperor Gallienus, including him with the Roman gods to be worshipped.
Legend has it that Saint Valentine was a bishop in Italy who risked the Emperor's wrath by refusing to worship idols and for secretly marrying young couples. Saint Valentine was dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and have his head cut off on FEBRUARY 14, 269AD. While awaiting execution, it is said he prayed for the jailers' sick daughter, who miraculously recovered. He wrote her a note and signed it, "from your Valentine."
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius designated February 14th as "Saint Valentine's Day." Signing an X for a kiss began in Medieval times where those who could not write their name marked a criss-cross or "Christ's cross" in the presence of witnesses and kissed it to show sincerity as a form of the oath "So help me God."
In the Greek alphabet, X is called Chi, and it is the first letter of the Greek name of Christ, giving rise to the use of X-mas for Christmas.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday Night Spurgeon
Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation.
Come, my soul, think thou of this. Believing in Jesus, thou art actually and effectually cleared from guilt; thou art led out of thy prison. Thou art no more in fetters as a bond-slave; thou art delivered now from the bondage of the law; thou art freed from sin, and canst walk at large as a freeman, they Saviour's blood has procured thy full discharge. Thou hast a right now to approach thy Father's throne. No flames of vengeance are there to scare thee now; no fiery sword; justice cannot smite the innocent. Thy disabilities are taken away: thou wast once unable to see thy Father's face: thou canst see it now. Thou couldst not speak with Him: but now thou hast access with boldness. Once there was a fear of hell upon thee; but thou hast no fear of it now, for how can there be punishment for the guiltless? He who believeth is not condemned, and cannot be punished. And more than all, the privileges thou mightst have enjoyed, if thou hadst never sinned, are thine now thou art justified. All the blessings which thou wouldst have had if thou hadst kept the law, and more, are thine, because Christ has kept it for thee. All the love and the acceptance which perfect obedience could have obtained of God, belong to thee, because Christ was perfectly obedient on thy behalf, and hath imputed all His merits to thy account, that thou mightst be exceeding rich through Him, who for thy sake became exceeding poor. Oh! How great the debt of love and gratitude thou owest to thy Saviour!
"A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear with Thy righteousness on,
My person and offerings to bring:
The terrors of law and of God,
With me can have nothing to do;
My Saviour's obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions from view."
Come, my soul, think thou of this. Believing in Jesus, thou art actually and effectually cleared from guilt; thou art led out of thy prison. Thou art no more in fetters as a bond-slave; thou art delivered now from the bondage of the law; thou art freed from sin, and canst walk at large as a freeman, they Saviour's blood has procured thy full discharge. Thou hast a right now to approach thy Father's throne. No flames of vengeance are there to scare thee now; no fiery sword; justice cannot smite the innocent. Thy disabilities are taken away: thou wast once unable to see thy Father's face: thou canst see it now. Thou couldst not speak with Him: but now thou hast access with boldness. Once there was a fear of hell upon thee; but thou hast no fear of it now, for how can there be punishment for the guiltless? He who believeth is not condemned, and cannot be punished. And more than all, the privileges thou mightst have enjoyed, if thou hadst never sinned, are thine now thou art justified. All the blessings which thou wouldst have had if thou hadst kept the law, and more, are thine, because Christ has kept it for thee. All the love and the acceptance which perfect obedience could have obtained of God, belong to thee, because Christ was perfectly obedient on thy behalf, and hath imputed all His merits to thy account, that thou mightst be exceeding rich through Him, who for thy sake became exceeding poor. Oh! How great the debt of love and gratitude thou owest to thy Saviour!
"A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear with Thy righteousness on,
My person and offerings to bring:
The terrors of law and of God,
With me can have nothing to do;
My Saviour's obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions from view."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
From Crosswalk.com
Church to Shut Down for a Month to Save Money
Religion News Service reports that one mainline church is taking strict measures to save money: First Unitarian Church in Portland, Ore., will close for the month of July. The decision has prompted some to wonder if it's appropriate for a church to shut its doors during tough times. The Rev. Marilyn Sewell, senior pastor, says the church will save about $100,000 in staff pay by closing during the slow month. This would help alleviate some of the stress from a projected $185,000 deficit without having to eliminate employees. "The congregation needs to own the problems and understand the consequences," said Sewell, who announced the decision during services on Jan. 25 and then sent a letter to the church's 1,500 members. The closure will mean no worship services, no adult or children's education and no programming for the month.
Note from Okie: Too bad their only closing for a month.
Religion News Service reports that one mainline church is taking strict measures to save money: First Unitarian Church in Portland, Ore., will close for the month of July. The decision has prompted some to wonder if it's appropriate for a church to shut its doors during tough times. The Rev. Marilyn Sewell, senior pastor, says the church will save about $100,000 in staff pay by closing during the slow month. This would help alleviate some of the stress from a projected $185,000 deficit without having to eliminate employees. "The congregation needs to own the problems and understand the consequences," said Sewell, who announced the decision during services on Jan. 25 and then sent a letter to the church's 1,500 members. The closure will mean no worship services, no adult or children's education and no programming for the month.
Note from Okie: Too bad their only closing for a month.
A Terrible Example...
Numbers 20:2-12:
2 Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and Aaron.
3 And the people contended with Moses and spoke, saying: "If only we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
4 Why have you brought up the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here?
5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt, to bring us to this evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink."
6 So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the LORD appeared to them.
7 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
8 "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals."
9 So Moses took the rod from before the LORD as He commanded him.
10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them,"Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?"
11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
12 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." NKJV
Here Moses misrepresented the Lord before the people, leading them to believe that God was mad at them, when He was not. For that, Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land.
Moses stands as an everlasting example for those who would be tempted to misrepresent the Lord before the people. James 3:1: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." NKJV
This does not mean that we will lose our salvation; but what it fully means, I do not know. I have no desire to misrepresent the Lord before the people.
God is not mad at His people. He loves His people. Yes, He convicts, rebukes, and corrects His people; but He is never mad at them. He loves them so much that He sent His Son to redeem them from their sins.
Those who represent the Lord before the people: Never forget the example of Moses.
Those who are ministered to by those who represent the Lord: Never forget, God is not mad at you.
2 Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and Aaron.
3 And the people contended with Moses and spoke, saying: "If only we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
4 Why have you brought up the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here?
5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt, to bring us to this evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink."
6 So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the LORD appeared to them.
7 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
8 "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals."
9 So Moses took the rod from before the LORD as He commanded him.
10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them,"Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?"
11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
12 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." NKJV
Here Moses misrepresented the Lord before the people, leading them to believe that God was mad at them, when He was not. For that, Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land.
Moses stands as an everlasting example for those who would be tempted to misrepresent the Lord before the people. James 3:1: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." NKJV
This does not mean that we will lose our salvation; but what it fully means, I do not know. I have no desire to misrepresent the Lord before the people.
God is not mad at His people. He loves His people. Yes, He convicts, rebukes, and corrects His people; but He is never mad at them. He loves them so much that He sent His Son to redeem them from their sins.
Those who represent the Lord before the people: Never forget the example of Moses.
Those who are ministered to by those who represent the Lord: Never forget, God is not mad at you.
Oklahoma Tornadoes
Last night (10feb09) at least two tornadoes ripped through parts of Oklahoma. 8 people are known dead. Many others are injured and homeless. Those whose houses were hit have lost everything. Many are still without power.
Please pray for those who lost loved ones and for those who are picking up the pieces this morning.
Please pray for those who lost loved ones and for those who are picking up the pieces this morning.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Understanding the Post-Abortive Woman
Understanding the Post-Abortive Woman
Jane Brennan
Author, Motherhood Interrupted
“You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139: 13-14a)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10
Impending motherhood for most women is a time of excitement, joy, anticipation and hope. Mothers hope that their child will be happy, healthy, and all that they can be. New moms wait in breathless anticipation for this new life, this special gift from God. Who will she look like? What will he want to be when he grows up? I can’t wait to hold my baby in my arms!
Yet for some there isn’t any excitement, joy or hope. There is only anger, despair and powerful, persistent fear. How can I possibly have a baby now? My parents will kill me. My boyfriend will leave me. My boss will fire me. These are real emotions and thoughts that go through a woman’s mind when faced with an unintended pregnancy.
I know this because it happened to me.
I was a young college student in Boston in the early 80’s when I found out I was pregnant. My first reaction was one of total fear. My parents will kill me. I had won an academic scholarship to Boston University. My parents had high hopes for my future, and I did too. A baby would certainly put those plans in jeopardy.
My friends suggested I get an abortion. At the time, abortion was well publicized all over the city and on the campus. There were many ads in the student newspaper, on bus benches and trolley stops. It seemed everywhere you went abortion was talked about, discussed, accepted and publicized. I went to my boyfriend and informed him of my predicament. He wasn’t very interested in “my” problem. When I brought up abortion he told me he would give me half the money for the procedure. So, that day I decided abortion was my only choice.
How could a woman have her own baby killed? Well, you see, at the time, I didn’t even know it was a baby. I was 20 years old and didn’t know anything about fetal development. When I went to the abortion clinic the counselor affirmed for me that it wasn’t a baby. She told me I was just carrying a clump of cells. I believed her. In fact, I felt relief, thinking, Well, if it’s not a baby yet then I’m not doing anything wrong.
She also told me that the procedure would be simple and quick and that I could get on with my life after it was over. It sounded like the perfect solution to me.
After my abortion, I became very involved in feminism. I believed all the rhetoric; that it was my body and I could do what I wanted with it - even have a second abortion. I believed men were women’s enemy and were out to keep us barefoot and pregnant. I believed religion was a tool to oppress women and keep them from fulfilling their desires. I became very militant -- speaking out, going to marches and protests. Any chance I got, I vociferously voiced my beliefs.
It wasn’t until many years later that I realized the counselor at the abortion clinic gave me false information. Through the love and compassion of Jesus Christ I realized that “clump of cells” was a baby from the moment of conception. A special child of God, unique, unrepeatable and given to me. I felt consuming anger at this counselor’s deception. I felt betrayed, used and manipulated.
With this new information, I began to question. As I investigated the ideologies I had embraced for so long, I began to see things with new eyes. I discovered doctors who believed in the sanctity of life were not “medieval” and the Church, contrary to radical feminist belief, is not out to oppress women.
As I began to write and speak to others on the topic of abortion, I met other post-abortive women; women who had similar stories to mine. We all shared the guilt and shame of aborting our babies. We waged a ferocious interior battle to forgive ourselves. The pain and suffering we went through because of our “choice” was at times unbearable.
The pain of abortion is a pain many women continue to suffer in isolation or silence. I recently compiled a book of women who have chosen abortion, and in their stories I see the same sorrow, pain, agony and guilt I felt that so often gets unreported amid the jumble of political rhetoric focused on rights. In one story, Marie shares: The despair deepened and turned quickly to depression. I remember sitting in the bathroom during a break at my summer job, seriously considering suicide. I could just take one of these box-cutters from the back room-end it all. Right here. Right now.
Research shows that among the symptoms a woman may experience following abortion include (but are not limited to):
* Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
* Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Attempts
* Eating Disorders
* Divorce and Chronic Relationship Problems
* Short and Long-term Risks to Physical and Reproductive Health
(information from www.afterabortion.org)
Yet, as my story and the stories of many others show, healing can take place. Jackie’s story demonstrates healing that is nothing short of miraculous. In her own words: Suddenly, everything stopped. I felt different-light and free. Joy sprung up in my soul. I knew God had delivered me and purged me from all the guilt and shame of my abortion, and He was going to bless me with a baby.
Today’s world is all about comfort, it’s all about “me.” Our society has convinced us of the “inconveniences” of life and that we need not endure them. Yet, I and so many others have learned that “inconvenience” builds character and makes us stronger. In fact, these “inconveniences” can even be better for us than the alternative.
Unfortunately, many women have already made choices they can’t take back. They may be struggling without help and healing. These women may even feel afraid that the Church would reject them or God wants nothing to do with them. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Through God’s grace, help and healing is possible. Christ’s death on the cross was not for perfect people, but for those like you and me – those who know brokenness and regret.
“I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” (Jer 29:11)
Jane Brennan, MS, whose full story is included in the book Motherhood Interrupted, has a private counseling practice in Colorado. She is also a state leader for the SilentNoMoreAwareness Campaign. Her book Motherhood Interrupted: Stories of Healing and Hope after Abortion can be ordered from her web-site http://www.motherhoodinterrupted.com/
Jane Brennan
Author, Motherhood Interrupted
“You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139: 13-14a)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10
Impending motherhood for most women is a time of excitement, joy, anticipation and hope. Mothers hope that their child will be happy, healthy, and all that they can be. New moms wait in breathless anticipation for this new life, this special gift from God. Who will she look like? What will he want to be when he grows up? I can’t wait to hold my baby in my arms!
Yet for some there isn’t any excitement, joy or hope. There is only anger, despair and powerful, persistent fear. How can I possibly have a baby now? My parents will kill me. My boyfriend will leave me. My boss will fire me. These are real emotions and thoughts that go through a woman’s mind when faced with an unintended pregnancy.
I know this because it happened to me.
I was a young college student in Boston in the early 80’s when I found out I was pregnant. My first reaction was one of total fear. My parents will kill me. I had won an academic scholarship to Boston University. My parents had high hopes for my future, and I did too. A baby would certainly put those plans in jeopardy.
My friends suggested I get an abortion. At the time, abortion was well publicized all over the city and on the campus. There were many ads in the student newspaper, on bus benches and trolley stops. It seemed everywhere you went abortion was talked about, discussed, accepted and publicized. I went to my boyfriend and informed him of my predicament. He wasn’t very interested in “my” problem. When I brought up abortion he told me he would give me half the money for the procedure. So, that day I decided abortion was my only choice.
How could a woman have her own baby killed? Well, you see, at the time, I didn’t even know it was a baby. I was 20 years old and didn’t know anything about fetal development. When I went to the abortion clinic the counselor affirmed for me that it wasn’t a baby. She told me I was just carrying a clump of cells. I believed her. In fact, I felt relief, thinking, Well, if it’s not a baby yet then I’m not doing anything wrong.
She also told me that the procedure would be simple and quick and that I could get on with my life after it was over. It sounded like the perfect solution to me.
After my abortion, I became very involved in feminism. I believed all the rhetoric; that it was my body and I could do what I wanted with it - even have a second abortion. I believed men were women’s enemy and were out to keep us barefoot and pregnant. I believed religion was a tool to oppress women and keep them from fulfilling their desires. I became very militant -- speaking out, going to marches and protests. Any chance I got, I vociferously voiced my beliefs.
It wasn’t until many years later that I realized the counselor at the abortion clinic gave me false information. Through the love and compassion of Jesus Christ I realized that “clump of cells” was a baby from the moment of conception. A special child of God, unique, unrepeatable and given to me. I felt consuming anger at this counselor’s deception. I felt betrayed, used and manipulated.
With this new information, I began to question. As I investigated the ideologies I had embraced for so long, I began to see things with new eyes. I discovered doctors who believed in the sanctity of life were not “medieval” and the Church, contrary to radical feminist belief, is not out to oppress women.
As I began to write and speak to others on the topic of abortion, I met other post-abortive women; women who had similar stories to mine. We all shared the guilt and shame of aborting our babies. We waged a ferocious interior battle to forgive ourselves. The pain and suffering we went through because of our “choice” was at times unbearable.
The pain of abortion is a pain many women continue to suffer in isolation or silence. I recently compiled a book of women who have chosen abortion, and in their stories I see the same sorrow, pain, agony and guilt I felt that so often gets unreported amid the jumble of political rhetoric focused on rights. In one story, Marie shares: The despair deepened and turned quickly to depression. I remember sitting in the bathroom during a break at my summer job, seriously considering suicide. I could just take one of these box-cutters from the back room-end it all. Right here. Right now.
Research shows that among the symptoms a woman may experience following abortion include (but are not limited to):
* Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
* Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Attempts
* Eating Disorders
* Divorce and Chronic Relationship Problems
* Short and Long-term Risks to Physical and Reproductive Health
(information from www.afterabortion.org)
Yet, as my story and the stories of many others show, healing can take place. Jackie’s story demonstrates healing that is nothing short of miraculous. In her own words: Suddenly, everything stopped. I felt different-light and free. Joy sprung up in my soul. I knew God had delivered me and purged me from all the guilt and shame of my abortion, and He was going to bless me with a baby.
Today’s world is all about comfort, it’s all about “me.” Our society has convinced us of the “inconveniences” of life and that we need not endure them. Yet, I and so many others have learned that “inconvenience” builds character and makes us stronger. In fact, these “inconveniences” can even be better for us than the alternative.
Unfortunately, many women have already made choices they can’t take back. They may be struggling without help and healing. These women may even feel afraid that the Church would reject them or God wants nothing to do with them. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Through God’s grace, help and healing is possible. Christ’s death on the cross was not for perfect people, but for those like you and me – those who know brokenness and regret.
“I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” (Jer 29:11)
Jane Brennan, MS, whose full story is included in the book Motherhood Interrupted, has a private counseling practice in Colorado. She is also a state leader for the SilentNoMoreAwareness Campaign. Her book Motherhood Interrupted: Stories of Healing and Hope after Abortion can be ordered from her web-site http://www.motherhoodinterrupted.com/
Sunday, February 8, 2009
A Fish Story...
There was this Christian lady that had to do a lot of traveling for her business, so she did a lot of flying. Flying made her nervous, so she always took her Bible along with her to read because it helped relax her.
One time she was sitting next to a man. When he first saw her reading her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and went back to what he was doing. Then after awhile he could not resist saying something, so he turned to her and asked “You don’t really believe all that stuff in there do you?”
The lady replied “Of course, I do. It’s the Bible.”
He said, “Well, what about that guy who was swallowed by a whale?"
She replied “Oh, Jonah. Yes, I believe that. It’s in the Bible."
He asked, “Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?”
The lady said, “Well, I don’t really know. I guess when I get to heaven I will ask him.”
“What if he isn’t in heaven?” the man asked sarcastically.
“Then you can ask him,” replied the lady.
One time she was sitting next to a man. When he first saw her reading her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and went back to what he was doing. Then after awhile he could not resist saying something, so he turned to her and asked “You don’t really believe all that stuff in there do you?”
The lady replied “Of course, I do. It’s the Bible.”
He said, “Well, what about that guy who was swallowed by a whale?"
She replied “Oh, Jonah. Yes, I believe that. It’s in the Bible."
He asked, “Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?”
The lady said, “Well, I don’t really know. I guess when I get to heaven I will ask him.”
“What if he isn’t in heaven?” the man asked sarcastically.
“Then you can ask him,” replied the lady.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Encouragement from Mike MacIntosh
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:12-14
Here in the city of Philippi, Paul is sitting in jail. He is not teaching in a church or synagogue. He is not on a street corner preaching; he is chained and in jail. Yet, in spite of his circumstances and surroundings, Paul's light is shining, he is being a witness for Jesus Christ, and the Gospel is being furthered. And the same can happen for you; you can be in your workplace, in your home, or at your school, and your light can shine brightly. Wherever you are, you can be a witness for Jesus Christ.
Paul had the palace guard watching him, and you have people watching you. They see when you deal honestly with people; they see your kindness and generosity demonstrated.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
God wants you to have the confidence that you can shine like a bright beacon in this dark world. God has begun a good work in you and He promises to complete it. For some of you, that work began 20+ years ago, for some it has been a couple of years, and for others maybe just a couple of days, but He is doing a good work in you. So no matter where you are today and what you are doing, like Paul, let your light shine as you allow the Holy Spirit to use you!
Philippians 1:12-14
Here in the city of Philippi, Paul is sitting in jail. He is not teaching in a church or synagogue. He is not on a street corner preaching; he is chained and in jail. Yet, in spite of his circumstances and surroundings, Paul's light is shining, he is being a witness for Jesus Christ, and the Gospel is being furthered. And the same can happen for you; you can be in your workplace, in your home, or at your school, and your light can shine brightly. Wherever you are, you can be a witness for Jesus Christ.
Paul had the palace guard watching him, and you have people watching you. They see when you deal honestly with people; they see your kindness and generosity demonstrated.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
God wants you to have the confidence that you can shine like a bright beacon in this dark world. God has begun a good work in you and He promises to complete it. For some of you, that work began 20+ years ago, for some it has been a couple of years, and for others maybe just a couple of days, but He is doing a good work in you. So no matter where you are today and what you are doing, like Paul, let your light shine as you allow the Holy Spirit to use you!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tozer on quick fixes...
A generation of Christians reared among push buttons and automatic machines is impatient of slower and less direct methods of reaching their goals. We have been trying to apply machine-age methods to our relations with God. We read our chapter, have our short devotions, and rush away, hoping to make up for our deep inward bankruptcy by attending another gospel meeting or listening to another thrilling story told by a religious adventurer lately returned from afar. The tragic results of this spirit are all about us. Shallow lives, hollow religious philosophies, the preponderance of the element of fun in gospel meetings, the glorification of men, trust in religious externalities, quasi-religious fellowships, salesmanship methods, the mistaking of dynamic personality for the power of the Spirit; these and such as these are the symptoms of an evil disease, a deep and serious malady of the soul.
A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), The Pursuit of God [1948]
Note from Okie: I find it interesting that although this was written in 1948, Tozer could in fact be speaking of our generation. The wisdom God gives surpasses generations...
A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), The Pursuit of God [1948]
Note from Okie: I find it interesting that although this was written in 1948, Tozer could in fact be speaking of our generation. The wisdom God gives surpasses generations...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)