Let the Scripture Speak

Cities of Refuge

2012-02-24T14:10:00.003-08:00

Hebrews 6:18, "...Who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us."

The writer of Hebrews was speaking of the assurance of eternal salvation in 6:13-20 and mentions our strong encouragement because of God's promise, God's oath, and God's Son.

Hebrew 6:18 mentions the phrase "fled for refuge." This is fulfillment in Christ of a Old Testament type.

The phrase “fled for refuge” suggests the Old Testament “cities of refuge” described in Num. 35:9 and Joshua 20:1-9.

God appointed six cities, three on each side of the Jordan, into which a man could flee if he had accidentally killed someone.

The elders of the city would investigate the case. If they determined that it was indeed manslaughter and not murder, they would permit the man to live in the city until the death of the high priest. Then he could return to his home. The members of the slain man’s family could not avenge themselves so long as the man remained in the city.

We have fled to Jesus Christ, and He is our eternal refuge. As our High Priest, He will never die (Heb. 7:23-25); and we have eternal salvation. No avenger can touch us, because He has already died and rose from the dead.

Missed the Point

2012-02-24T13:12:00.003-08:00

To the person who responded to my blog "Straining on a Gnat." You evidently missed the point of my blog because you don't know what I teach. It certainly matters what the Bible says and rightly interpreting Scripture.

Yes we love Jesus and others, but we also want to be sound in doctrine.

It was the "holier Than Thou" attitude on matters of conscience and secondary issues that was at the center of my blog. We can't pass on to others our matters of conscience as Scripture when one has to strain for a interpretation and take passages out of context and when the Scripture is not clear on the matter.

I was thinking of those in the more extreme movement of Vision Forum.

Straining on a Gnat

2012-02-21T15:29:00.006-08:00

I recently listened to a sermon by Voddie Bauchman entitled,"Discipleship-making in the church and Home."

I believe Voddie has gone to the extreme on a non-essential and made it a major issue that is divisive in the body of Christ. His teaching and that of others, has good Christians leaving Gospel preaching churches for a non-Biblical reason.

Let's quit firing on each other and go after the cults, word faith, and prosperity teachers.

Here is the link.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=41511125147

I have several issues with his teaching.

1. He says you can’t prove age-segregated Sunday School from Scripture and that it comes from Darwinism.! Yes, that's what he said! Neither can you prove family-integrated Sunday School in the Scriptures.

2. This is hyper-separationism that divides the church over non-issues and non-essentials to salvation.

3. Titus 2 is the ideal. I am sure that the family-integrated churches don’t meet the ideal either.

4. They forget that Paul was instructing Titus to rebuke and teach this church about their errors. Titus was to teach them to be something they were not already. They had major problems, read the book.

5. He talked about churches that target 20 something age people while they target Family-Integrated families. Like-minded about secondary teachings.

6. Nothing wrong with a woman’s Bible study. You can’t go wrong teaching the Bible no matter the setting. You can be relational in a class setting.

7. Vision Forum is a very divisive movement that harms the body and secludes saved people from being “In the world but not of the world.”

8. I am sick of this "Out of balance teaching."

A once admired listener-

Lessons Learned at the Hospital

2012-02-17T11:53:00.002-08:00

1. Faith has to be tested and stretched to be to enduring faith [James 1:2-4].

2. Suffering, sickness, and death come about from the fall of man into sin [Gen. 2:16-17].

3. We live in frail temporary bodies that are for earth and not heaven [Phil. 3:21].

4. We go through trials so we can be a channel of comfort to others when they go through trials [2 Cor. 1:4].

5. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” 1 Cor. 15:22

6. Faith in God, a loving family and friends, and a praying church family, is “priceless.”

The Preachers Authority

2012-02-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

Titus 2:15, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

This single verse is one of the strongest statements in Scripture on the spiritual authority of men whom God calls to minister His Word and shepherd God’s people.

The religious leaders asked Jesus in Mark 11:28, “By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority to do these things?”

Jesus replied on one occasion in John 7:16-17 “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me.” John 8:28b, “…I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”

If Jesus spoke only those things received of the Father, how much more should we speak only on the authority of Scripture.

I want to share 2 aspects of spiritual authority:

1. The Sources of False Authority.

A. Personal authority.

Some pastors assume authority over people in choices and issues and become dictators. The Pastor feels like he is to run the life of the believer.

Others claim to be their own authority with no submission or obedience to God’s Word.

B. Church authority.

The Roman Catholic system has claimed to be the only true church and stands above scripture rather than under it.

It is the sole reliable interpretation of scripture but channel thru which God speaks ex-cathedra thru the Pope. Church councils and papal decrees hold the same as authority as the Bible.

The priests have authority to forgive sins and even in an unconscious state, the priest can forgive thru last rites.

C. Experiential authority.

I believe it is right, or I feel its right. Feeling and emotion do not discern biblical truth. I can’t find a Scripture, but this is my opinion.

Some say,"I had an experience…"

2. The Source of True Authority.

The preacher is called to accurately interpret and proclaim Biblical truth (2:1) and things pertaining to holiness (2:2-14) with strong authority.

The preacher must put himself out of the way and let God’s Word speak thru him? Mannerisms, style, eloquence are not important but preaching the Word and letting the Scripture speak is important.

The 3 tasks of the preacher are to preach the Word for understanding, belief, and obedience.

1. Speak with authority. “Speak”

Utter the Word of God. Preach the Word. Speak as one who commands authority. Be a commanding proclaimer, faithful expositor, and a passionate preacher.

He is to make clear God’s truth so that those who hear will understand by the illumination of the Spirit. Faithful preaching gives knowledge of the truth and does not entertain.

Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them what you are telling them, and tell them what you told them. Tell them what they don’t want to hear, and tell them to do what they don’t want to do.

2 Timothy 1:13, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me.”

2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word; be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
This carries the idea of hearing. This is the responsibility of the hearers.

Titus 2:1

2. Encourage for belief. “Exhort”

Say it like you believe it and they will believe it to. This carries the idea of beseeching, entreating, and pleading. It involves more than stating and explaining truth, but to persuade hearers to not only understand but believe God’s truth.

I Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”

This carries the idea that those who hear are called to understand the truth.

3. Rebuke for obedience. “Rebuke”

This means to convince or correct to turn from a wrong behavior or belief. The sin must be exposed so conviction can come.

2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

This carries the idea that those who hear are to understand and obey the Word.

4. Don’t be intimidated. “Despise”

Don’t apologize for truth and truth-telling. The Believer or non-believer should be allowed to reject God’s truth.

Despise, disregard, or disrespect? Thinking around something,
usually for the purpose of evasion and denial.

Luke 10:16, “He that hearth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”

Con:

In these days we don’t need wimpy preachers with a watered down message.

We need men who will proclaim the truth with authority, and call for understanding, belief, and obedience.

Why? Our authority does not come from our position, but from the authoritative Scripture.

That is our authority. We have no authority outside of Scripture.

Keepers at Home

2012-01-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

This command in Titus 2:4-5 is one of the most neglected and misinterpreted in the New Testament, and probably misunderstood and despised.

This does not suggest that her home is a prison where she must be kept! “Caring for the home” is the idea. She is to manage and work in the home. This word comes from the root word which means “A stayer at home.”

Note this phrase does not say “house keeper or keeper of the house.” It says, “Keeper of the home.” Nor does it say, “Stay at home Dad.”

The culture says that to be a homemaker is a form of bondage by males and they need to be freed.

It is estimated that 60% of mothers with children under 6 years of age hold jobs outside the home.

Dr. John MacArthur says, “It is tragic that the mother has to work because the husbands have died, imprisoned, abandoned with no child support, and their families are unable or unwillingly to help. It is not that their place is in the home as much as their responsibility is in the home.”

We say, “Well that’s what I have been taught and taught my girls. Both parents have to work to make it in the real world.”

I agree that this is what we have been taught and programmed. We live in a fallen world where the pursuit of things is our god. But is that what this verse teaches? Are there any “yeah buts” in this command?

1 Timothy 5:14, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” [Proverbs 31:27-29].

Let the Scripture speak.

The Best State to Live In

2012-01-17T03:40:00.000-08:00

Phil. 4:13 is one of the most misinterpreted verses in the Bible and one of the most misapplied verses. It is often used to say that one can pass a hard test having not studied. Some use it to say they can accomplish a seemingly impossible athletic task. Some use it to say that they can accomplish any other task that seems impossible. They can do it because Christ strengthens them. Is this what this verse teaches?

Context: Paul was thanking the church at Philippi for financial assistance in his ministry. Paul is speaking of the fact that he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in. He had learned to be content whether he was abased or abounding, whether full or hungry, and whether abounding or in need.

Summary: Paul is basically saying that contentment is better than riches. He could do all things and be content in whatever state he was in, as long as it was God's will.

The Greek Work for content means "Sufficient, satisfied, or adequate." Whatever God's will was for his life, he was content in it.

The best state to live in is the state of contentment!

Let the Scripture speak!

Is That in the Bible

2012-01-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

People often quote a saying or axiom and give it as being a Biblical truism or in Scripture. You may respond by asking, “Where is that in the Bible?”

More often than not, they can’t tell you. It seems that sayings have been handed down and passed on and we just assume they are in the Bible.

I want us to take a humorous view, yet informative view at some of the popular sayings that pass for Scripture. Remember, it doesn’t mean they might not be true, but just not in inspired Scripture.

My resources for this study are the Scriptures, Google, and Bible websites.

1. “God helps those who help themselves”

This is not found anywhere in Scripture. In fact, we read that God helps those who can’t help themselves.

This is a saying from Aesop’s [620 to 564 BC] fable “Hercules and the Waggoner.” A man’s wagon got stuck in a muddy road, and he prayed for Hercules to help get the wagon out. Hercules responded, “Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel.”

We can’t do anything to help when it comes to salvation; salvation is through Christ alone. In sanctification we play a part, but the Spirit is ultimately is the one who makes us like Christ.

The phrase is never used in the Scriptures in regard to working and God helping us.

God helps the helpless.

Romans 5:6, 8; Jeremiah 17:5.

2. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”

This phrase is not in the Bible. The Israelites were given rules for uncleanness as a metaphor for sinfulness.

This began as an ancient Babylonian and Hebrew proverb and became very popular by John Wesley.

Jesus warns us to worry more about the sin in our hearts than the dirt on our hands [Matt. 7:18-23].

Godliness begins inside in transformation and works out in righteous deeds and behavior.

3. “In the last days, you will not be able to know the seasons except by the changing of the leaves.” or “You will not be able to tell the seasons.”

Matt. 24:32-33 uses the budding of leaves heralding the coming of summer as a metaphor for the signs that Christ’s coming is near.

No where in the Bible does it say the seasons will be altered as a sign for Christ’s return.

1 Thess. 5:1; Acts 1:7 speaks of times [extended period of time] and seasons [definite period of time].

4. “Money is the root of all evil.”

Let’s turn to 1 Tim. 6:10. “For the love of money” Money is amoral, neither good nor bad, and being wealthy is not a sin.

Job. 1:1 Job was wealthy and yet blameless, upright, and feared God.

5. “This too shall pass”

This actually is a line from an Old English poem.

Our earthly sorrows are temporary; yet we’re called to rejoice in our trials, knowing they lead to endurance and sanctification [James 1:2-4].

7. “The lion shall lay down with the lamb”

Isa. 11:6 says it is a wolf and not a lamb.

Isa. 65:25

The hunter and the prey will live in peace in the kingdom.

8. “Spare the rod, spoil the child”

Proverbs 13:34; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15

9. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”

Gen. 3:19

The phrase is used in the 1662 edition of the Book of Prayer of The Episcopal Church.

A search of the Bible reveals that “ashes to ashes” is used 0 times in the Bible; “dust to dust” is used 0 times in the Bible; and “dust and ashes” is used 3 times in the Bible- Gen. 18:27; Job 30:19; 42:6

Come, Lord Jesus

2011-12-28T03:45:00.000-08:00

In Rev.22:13-21 we see four reasons to receive the Lord Jesus Christ and live holy lives:

1. Because of who He is [vs. 13, 16] - The exalted, majestic, glorious Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Because we will miss heaven if we don’t [vs. 14-15] –

Heaven is exclusively for those who have been cleansed from their sins in the blood of Christ and whose names are written in the Book of life of the Lamb [13:8].

3. Because Scripture is true [vs. 18-19] - Because this book is true, it must be proclaimed calling sinners to repentance and faith.

4. Because Christ is coming back [vs. 20-21]. The return of Christ is certain!

Here we have the last recorded words of Jesus in Scripture.

His coming is imminent as Revelation and the rest of Scripture teaches. “I come quickly” is used three other times in Revelation [3:11; 22:7, 12, 20]. All these in there context refer to the rapture. His second coming is referred to in Rev. 1:7.

Wiersbe says, “The word “quickly” could mean either soon or suddenly. The hope of a sudden return would not excite the same anticipation or watchfulness as the hope of a soon return. If suddenly, this means events will rapidly take place at his coming.” Either way this has to be the rapture!

The word “Amen” means “verily, truly, certainly.” It’s as if John is giving a hearty confirmation of the imminent return of Christ.

Paul was a pre-tribulation Pre-Millennialist as well, “We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” [1 Thess. 4:15].

All true believers [Christians] are those who love His appearing.

2 Tim. 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Peter was pre-Trib- Pre-millennial as well…

1 Peter 1:7-9, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

The world scoffs [2 Peter 3:4] and says all things continue as they are, but things are not continuing as they are. If the certainty of Christ’s return to judge the lost does not motivate them to repent, then nothing will.

The Lord of glory, as Scripture says, offers heaven to those who, in light of His return, accept His gracious invitation to come to Him.

This book is full of eternal hope for believers and fearful judgment for the lost. In light of His revelation in the Book of Revelation, those who come to Him, say “Even so [yes or absolutely], come Lord Jesus.”

Revelation begins with grace [1:4] and ends with grace [22:21].

Bethlehem Star

2011-12-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

John MacArthur’s comments on “The Bethlehem Star”

Gen. 1:14-15

These luminous bodies were given to separate and secondly to dominate. They literally dominate our lives. Now some have suggested that when He says "signs" here He might mean something else. Well, I'm glad you suggested that, it just doesn't say that in the Bible and I'd rather kind of stick with what God wrote here. People say, "Well, you know, this could refer to land and sea navigation by the stars." Well it could. You know, we line up instruments with the North Star and so forth. And some have even suggested that this could be a veiled reference to the star of Bethlehem which was a sign to the Wise Men...Matthew 2. Some really get carried away and see in the stars some astrological sign. Boy, our culture is really drowning in that bunk, that there's some kind of zodiac out there and these stars are actually deities, or forces or powers that give out messages that have great impact on people's lives. That is pagan. That is ungodly. It is unbiblical. It is pseudo-science. It is ridiculous at best. It is demonic at worst.

And some Christian teachers have even come along and they've said, "Well, it says that they're for signs. And they say there's the gospel preached up there in the constellations." That is a contrived and biblically unacceptable concoction.

Genesis tells us what the signs were. They were signs to indicate seasons and days and years. And in that way they dominate our life. They control human life. They control human enterprise.

Matthew 2

And I don't want to take the time to go over that all, let me just remind you that what we basically saw was that these men were Persian king makers who were coming because they were aware of the birth of the anticipated king that they had no doubt heard about from such as Daniel and others of the Israelites who had lived in their land since the time of the Babylonian captivity, and these Persian king makers were very anxious to look for a king because they did not have a king, the king at the time was deposed and they wanted a great monarch to rise to the throne of the east in order that they might pose a threat to the great Roman Empire of the west, so their feelings were both political and spiritual, and we saw that they came into town and they were immediately confronted with a most Interesting character by the name of Herod, and we're going to see more about him tonight.

Now, they kept asking, where is He that is born King of the Jews? You know it must have shocked them a little bit every time they asked that question, to get a response of ignorance from everybody.

They must have assumed that these people would have known that. I mean after all, they were the Jews, and certainly they would know when their King was born, and where He was born. But two things hit me out of that verse as I read it, and I want to answer those questions because they were the two ones that struck me.
Question number one, what was the nature of the star? "We have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

What was the nature of the star? So I did some reading this week and last week, to try to find out what the star was, you won't believe the suggestions. First of all, some people say it was a genuine, real, honest to goodness star. Some say it was Jupiter, because Jupiter is called the king of the planets. Some say, and this was Kepler's theory that it was the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the sign of the fish. And some say it was just an erratic comet. Some say it was a low hanging meteor, and some say it was the star of destiny in the heart of mankind. That's a lot of dribble if ever I heard it.

You want to know what it was...I'll tell you what I think it is. Look at Luke 2:9 and maybe this will help to answer a question you've probably had since you were a little kid, if you're still a little kid you've still got it. Luke 2:9, here's a good key, here we are not at the wise men incident but at the shepherds, and they were the first to come, and they were of Israel. And they are a sort of a picture of the remnant. "There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, an angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were very much afraid."

Now what was shining in the sky when the shepherds saw it? What was it? It was the glory of the Lord. And if you go back into the Old Testament and you studied the concept of the glory of God, you will find that the glory of God is manifest as light, right? Over and over and over again in the Old Testament the glory of God is manifest as light, when God radiates His presence He transforms it into ineffable light. When the glory of God appeared at the daytime it was like a cloud of light, when it appeared at night it was a pillar of fire, when the glory of God descended on the tabernacle it was as light, when Moses went up into the mountain, and he said, show me Thy glory, God hid him in a rock and God showed him His glory manifest as light, and it was so much light that it got on his face and when he came down the mountain side and spoke to the people his face was lit up.

The glory of God is blazing light. And when Jesus revealed who He was, and revealed His glory on the mount of transfiguration, He pulled back His flesh and they beheld His what? His glory, as transparent light. And when Jesus comes the second time out of heaven, He will come in blazing light, and Revelation says, God will turn out all the lights of heaven, all the stars will fall, all the suns, all the moons, everything goes pitch black, heaven rolls up like a scroll, and when it's pitch black then Christ comes revealed as blazing light, and people cry for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the face of His glory.

Now all that just to remind you that God's glory is manifest in the Scripture as light, as light. He told Moses he couldn't look upon His face and live, held be consumed in it. It'd be like standing ten feet from the sun only it would be like a million, million suns.

And I believe that it was the glory of the Lord that shone that night when God's glory was as ... was descending to earth, it was God's glory descending on the earth, coming in the form of a man, and I believe that that glory of God is the thing that the wise men saw.

Now let me give you a little more support on this because I think it's kind of interesting to trace this thought.

The chief word in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for star is the word kÃ´wkÃ¢b, not that that's important just a point of contact with the Hebrew. But it has a basic meaning, and its basic meaning is to shine or to blaze forth, to shine or to blaze forth. Now sometimes the word kÃ´wkÃ¢b is used of a real star, sometimes it's used to speak of just a regular star, sometimes it's used to speak of an angel, sometimes it is used to speak of men. So it doesn't necessarily always mean a real star, it can mean anything that blazes, anything that shines, in an incredible way.

In fact in Numbers 24:17, a most interesting Scripture. It says, and this is a Messianic prophecy. "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not near: (now listen) there shall come a kÃ´wkÃ¢b out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel." That's Numbers 24:17. That is a Messianic prophecy, there will come a blazing forth, there will come a shining One, there will come a star. And people I believe that the prophecy there is, that none other than the glory of God incarnate is the star, the blazing.

Matthew 24:30, "Immediately after the tribulation (verse 29 says) of those days the sun's dark and the moon doesn't give its light," that's what I told you, all the stars fall out of heaven and everything goes black and then v. 30, "Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man," now mark that phrase out, "the sign of the Son of man." In other words, whenever the Son of man is about to show up there will be a sign pointing to Him.

Now do you know what a sign is for? The sign is to point you to something that you want to see. You're driving on the road, and the sign says, Roscoe Boulevard three quarters of a mile. The sign is not Roscoe Boulevard but it's there to point you to Roscoe Boulevard, it has a function, its purpose is to point you to something. And the Son of man has a sign, "the sign of the Son of man in heaven;" oh, interesting, that sign is in heaven, and what is it? "They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Now here is His kÃ´wkÃ¢b, His blazing forth. And although kÃ´wkÃ¢b, the Hebrew word is not used in the New Testament it is the same idea. I believe that this sign of the Son of man is nothing more and nothing less than the Shekinah glory of God Himself, God revealing Himself in ineffable glorious light. In fact, it even tells us, I think it's Revelation 1:16 that, that the Son shines, the Son of God, shines as if He were the sun in its strength.

Somehow, now watch this, somehow connected to Jesus Christ is this incredible blazing glory of God, it is His sign in the heavens, He is a spirit, He is a spirit being, He is also in a sense a physical being in the glorified body that He has from His resurrection, but there is a sign that goes with Him, and it is blazing glory, and one day on the mount He showed it to His disciples. And one day when He returns the sign of His coming, the sign of the Son of man in heaven will be there, blazing glory in the heaven.

Well, you know what I think? I think He had the very same sign the first time He came too. I just think it was the sign of the Son of man in heaven. And the sign of the Son of man in heaven is not a star, it's not an astral body, it's not a conjunction of planets, it's not, thoughts of human destiny rattling around in somebody's mystical mind, the sign of the Son of man is nothing more and nothing less than the Shekinah glory of God revealed in light, blazing, dazzling in the heavens.

I would add this thought, verse 2 says, "We have seen (watch this) his aster." His blazing. The word astēr incidentally people, the word is translated star here, but it is used of other things than stars. So He has His own ... and again it means a blazing forth or a shining. "We have seen his shining in the east." We have seen His kowkab, His aster, His blazing, His glory.
And the very fact that it's His star means it's something very special. It has appeared. That's an interesting word. "We have seen his star in the east."

His star. Verse 7, Herod says I want to know the time the star appeared. And the word phainō in the Greek means that which lights up. What, what time was it when that thing lit up? And the word ... the same word, interesting thought, the same word is used with lightning. Lightning is a form of astēr, sometimes it's translated as a star in the sky, sometimes it's translated as lightning, sometimes as the shining forth of something, and here it is a shining forth. We can't push it any further, we can't make it mean a real star, and there is the sense in which Herod says, when did this particular shining forth light up? And even that is sort of a hint that it was something that never existed and was called into existence only because Jesus was coming, and so I believe this was His astēr, the sign of the Son of man, in the heavens. It was there at His first coming, and beloved it'll be there at His second coming. It's His sign, it's His star, and it’s not some astral body.

The pseudoscience of astrology could never predict the Lord, they weren't looking in their little puny deals and seeing, well look there, there's old Saturn and whatever doing their thing, it must be that He's being born, no, no. What they saw was something they never saw before, and they knew that it had to be something unique and they tied it together with what the Old Testament said and what Daniel had told them. No astronomical research gave them their direction, God revealed Himself. It was no different than the pillar of fire in the Old Testament.

And you remember the pillar of fire and the cloud, in the Old Testament stood over the Holy of Holies? Well in this it tells us that whatever this star was it went and stood over the house where He was born. Now you tell me how a literal star would ever do that. Can't do it, it's none other than the sign of the Son of man.

You say, well, well if it was such a blazing magnificent glory of, of Christ's sign in the heavens, how come only the wise men over there in Persia and nobody else saw it? Now that's a fair question, that's the second question I asked. How come God is so selective? Well, you know He ... that's nothing new for God, He can make everybody in the world blind to something if He wants to.

In Exodus chapter 14, 1 found a good parallel, 14:19 says, "And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them;" now they're going to go through the Red Sea, so the angels been leading them down to the Red Sea, once they get to the Red Sea he goes around the rear, gets behind them. You say, to push? No, I'll show ya what: "the pillar of cloud (of cloud, here's the glory of God, the pillar of the cloud) went from before their face, and stood behind them."

Now behind the Israelites you've got the pillar of cloud, God's glory, and you've got the angel of the Lord, and who's the angel of the Lord? Jesus Christ. "And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these, so that the one came not near the other all the night." You know what happened? Israel saw it as light and the...and the Pharaoh and his army saw it as what? Darkness. And it was the same thing. There's something about God revealing what He wants to reveal just to those to whom He wants to reveal it. And that's all I can say about it. How did they connect it with Jesus Christ's birth? I don't know, I really don't know, except that God made it so obvious that they knew, that they knew.

Now do you want to know something very fascinating people, this may shake you up a little bit, might mess up your Christmas story next year. But do you know in nowhere in the Bible does it ever say they followed the star to Bethlehem, from Persia? No. It doesn't say it led 'em to Jerusalem, it doesn't say it went anywhere, not at all. "We have seen his star (where?) in the east." They saw the star in the east, and it didn't need to tell them where to go they knew where the Jewish Messiah was supposed to be, they knew the royal city was Jerusalem, they knew that's where all Jewish kings reigned, they knew exactly where to go they didn't need some star to guide them, and when they saw His glory, and God made it so evident and obvious as He always does when He reveals what He wants to reveal to whomever He wants, that they didn't even ask a question, they got on their horses and they went, and they went right to the right place.

And Matthew doesn't give us all the bits and pieces and details of how they saddled a Persian horse and how many miles and how it was and where they ate and all of that, because this isn't the story of these people it's the story of Jesus Christ. And they have a place only in so far as it's related to Him. So the details aren't there.

But it - it's incredible to me how God works things out when He wants to get His things done, He gave these Magi, God fearing Gentiles way off in Persia, king makers, His sign and they knew that it was His sign and they knew where to go to Jerusalem.

And the emphasis of Matthew is so beautiful, he says in verse 2 that they said, "we have seen his aster in the east, and are come to worship him." They knew that He was to be worshiped, to worship Him, they knew there was no other one as worthy as this one, and they were right. Here you have it, pagans who had nothing to guide them but smatterings of Old Testament prophecies, nothing to guide them but their own science mingled with its funny superstitions, and yet they are the true seekers of God.
And when the sign came with all of their misgivings and lacks in knowledge, they were enthusiastically embarking on a journey to seek a king they had along time waited for.

But the Jewish hierarchy, with the Pentateuch in their hand, studying it everyday, with the prophecies in their hand, reading them everyday, ruled by a, a bitter and evil man named Herod were content to be totally indifferent to what was happening five miles away. And here again we see Matthew's constant attitude of condemnation toward the officials of Judaism, and his constant sensitivity that God is opening the church, He's opening the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Justified!

2011-12-19T16:47:00.000-08:00

Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

The Book of Romans tells us that God justifies guilty, condemned sinners by grace through faith in Christ alone.

Chapters 1-3 tell us why we need to be saved- we are sinners separated from a Holy God. Chapters 4-5 tell us how we can be saved by grace- thru faith in Jesus Christ. Chapters 6-8 tell us how we can live as Christians and have victory over indwelling sin.

In chapter 5:1-11 Paul shares with us the blessings or benefits of salvation or justification. I want to focus on the first one, peace.

Millions today searching for peace but no peace can be found. They search in possessions, power, popularity, pleasure, places, but true lasting peace can only be found in a person, God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Man’s sinful rebellion against God and His laws sets us as enmity with God, hostile toward Him. But thru justification the war is over when we are declared right with God thru faith in His Son. Faith in what? The gospel!

So believers have been reconciled to God thru faith in his Son. We have peace with God and that makes the peace of God possible. You can’t have true peace till you come to God by faith in His Son.

Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Works give evidence of salvation they don’t earn salvation. We are saved and kept saved by divine achievement. We are not saved by human achievement or human effort.

Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Lesson # 6 "The Seventh Day"

2011-12-14T04:24:00.000-08:00

Review our Lessons:

Lesson # 1: “Before Creation” Gen. 1a
Lesson # 2: “God Created” Gen. 1:1b-2
Lesson # 3: “God Formed” Gen. 1:3-13 [Day 1-3]
Lesson # 4: “God Filled” Gen. 1:14-23 [Day 4-5]
Lesson # 5: “God Filled” Gen. 1:24-31 [Day 6]

Review our Creation Days:

Day 1- Earth, Light, and Time
Day 2- Water and Sky
Day 3- Plant Life
Day 4- Sun, Moon, and Stars
Day 5- Fish and Fowl
Day 6- Land Animals and Man

TT- God created in six literal days and rested [ceased] on the seventh day.

What does this seventh day rest speak of? There are 3 reasons this day is holy or unique as indicated by 3 verbs in this passage

1. The verb “finished” [v. 1].
2. The verb “rested” [v. 2].
3. The verb “blessed” [v. 3].

“God finished…God rested…God blessed.”

1. God Finished His Work [v. 1].

Four times in the first 3 verses God states that the entire work of creation was completed in six days. On the seventh day God ceased from creating.

Creation is not a evolutionary process still in process.

At the end of each day God stated “it was good.” Now after the sixth day God said, “It was very good.” [1:31].

Six days earlier nothing existed, now after the six days we have it as it is now.

The six days of work and seventh of rest that God would require of his covenant people.

Ex. 20:9-11; 31:16-17

2. God Rested From His Work [v. 2].

Having finished or ending his work, God rested. What does this mean?

1. God did not get tired and rest [Isa. 40:28; Ps. 121:4]. God rested from all his work [v. 3].

2. God ceased His creative activity. This does not mean he does not uphold his creation or Lord’s over his creation.

3. There is no mention of a rest for Adam. No Sabbath rest is instituted here but later in the law.

4. The Old covenant priestly and ceremonial commandments were abolished in the New Covenant because they were fulfilled in Christ.

5. There is not statement regarding the seventh day as with the other six days, “and the morning and the evening were the # day.” God has given a permanent rest from his creative works.
6. Sabbath Laws given at Sinai pertained to national Israel not Christians [Ex. 31:16-17]. God gave the Sabbath to Israel as His special covenant sign (Ex. 31:12-17).

3. God Blessed the Seventh Day [v. 3].

God hallowed the seventh day as a memorial. He made a permanent reminder of the glory of creation.

MacArthur says, “To reject the six-day creation is to un-bless the seventh day.” If everything evolved from nothing by chance and creation was spread over long ages, there is no seventh day.

What does this mean for us?

Saturday is the completion of creation when God rested. Sunday reminds us of our Sabbath rest in Christ.

Saturday celebrated his finished work in creation while Sunday celebrates his finished work in redemption thru Jesus.

Lesson # 5 "God Filled" Part 2

2011-12-08T03:41:00.000-08:00

Gen. 1:24-31

Review our Lessons:

Lesson # 1: “Before Creation” Gen. 1a
Lesson # 2: “God Created” Gen. 1:1b-2
Lesson # 3: “God Formed” Gen. 1:3-13 [Day 1-3]
Lesson # 4: “God Filled” Gen. 1:14-23 [Day 4-5]
Lesson # 5: “God Filled” Gen. 1:24-31 [Day 6]

Review our Creation Days:

Day 1- Earth, Light, and Time
Day 2- Water and Sky
Day 3- Plant Life
Day 4- Sun, Moon, and Stars
Day 5- Fish and Fowl
Day 6- Land Animals and Man

6. Day Six [vs. 24-31].

1. The Creation of Beasts [vs. 24-25].

God filled the skies with heavenly luminaries and flying birds. He filled the seas with fish. Now on the sixth day, the apex of creation, God filled the land with animal life and man.

“Cattle” refers to animals that could be tamed [domestic] and “beasts” to wild animals or the dinosaurs like Behemoth [Job 40:15].

The word “living creature” some suggest means animals have a soul “breathing creature.” Nephesh in the Hebrew.

The animals were formed out of the dust of the earth like man [vs. 24a, 2:7]. Both go back to the dust of the earth after death [Ecc. 3:19-20].

Animals and humans are different. Both have a soul but only man was breathed into the nostrils and had a living spirit being and bore the image of God [2:7].

2. The Creation of Man [vs. 26-28]. 4 thoughts

A. God created man in His image [vs. 26-27; 3:22; 11:7].

Here we see a deliberation among the eternal Godhead. God was not speaking to the angels because they were not created in the image of God “our image our likeness.”

Note 2:7, the word “formed” suggests a divine design and a divine designer. Adam means “taken out of the ground”; but his life came from God.

We note several truths here:

1. Man was created by God.

We were not a product of chance or at the top of the evolutionary ladder.

2. Man was created in God’s image.

We can have a relationship with God. We have minds, emotions, wills, and inner nature that enable us to know and worship God.

This image was marred by sin and the fall [Eph. 4:18-19], but can be renewed thru faith in Christ “new man.”

B. God created Him to have dominion [vs. 26-27].

Adam and Eve were given stewardship over God’s creation [Ps. 8:6-8; 15:16].

Adam lost dominion when he sinned and now sin reigns over the earth. Jesus the last Adam gains back what the first Adam lost.

C. God told them to replenish the earth [1:28].

Replenish means to fill the earth with people. This command was primarily to Adam and Eve, because God has not made everybody to have children.

This is not a command to you and me to bear as many children as we can. It was to the heads of the human race God gave this command.

D. Man was a vegetarian until after the flood [1:29-30; 9:1-4].

During the Millennium, beasts will again be vegetarian [Isa. 11:7].

Next Week- the Seventh day [2:1-4].

Lesson # 4 "God Filled" Part 1

2011-12-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

Gen. 1:14-23

Review:

Lesson # 1: “Before Creation” Gen. 1a
Lesson # 2: “God Created” Gen. 1:1b-2
Lesson # 3: “God Formed” Gen. 1:3-13 [Day 1-3]

Day 1- Earth, Light, and Time
Day 2- Water and Sky
Day 3- Plant Life

What God formed He now fills and habitats His creation [vs. 14-31]. God had created 3 “spaces” and will now fill land, the seas, and the sky.

3. God Filled [vs. 14-31].

4. Day Four [vs. 14-19].

God spoke by divine fiat. God spoke it and it instantly happened.

The Latin word is Fiat. God created by divine fiat. Each of the creation days begin with God speaking “And God said,” [v. 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, and 29].

There is a correlation between days 1-3 and days 4-6:

Day 1- light; Day 4- Luminaries
Day 2- The firmament and the waters below; Day 5- birds and fish
Day 3- dry land; Day 6- land creatures.

God created two great lights and placed them in the heavens with two mains purposes:

1. To divide the day from the night.
2. To be for signs, seasons, days, and years.
3. To give light upon the earth.

Let’s examine these:

1. Separation- Separate day from night [v. 14b].

God had already separated light from darkness [v. 4], but now placed these permanent markers.

2. Regulation- Control the signs, seasons, days, and years.

Signs means “beacons or signals.” This could be navigational signs.

We know it does not teach astrology because that is forbidden in Scripture.

The main sign was for times and seasons. They determine the length of a year, a day, or a month, and seasons.

3. Illumination- Give light upon the earth. The sun radiates light while the moon reflects light for illumination for night.

These heavenly bodies were never intended to be worshipped, but used for these 3 intended purposes.

Let’s talk about the sun and moon just a minute:

1. The Sun.

The sun is a ball of flame that measures 865,000 miles in diameter which is about 109 times the diameter of the earth.

It would take more that a million earths to fill it. The surface temperature of the sun is estimated about 10 thousand degrees Fahrenheit, with the core temperature at 27 million degrees Fahrenheit.

The earth is about 93 million miles from the sun.
The light we see at 6:00 am is light that left the sun about 5:51 am at your location.

2. The Moon.

The moon circles the earth and completes a full orbit every 27.3 days. The same side of the moon always faces the earth.

The moon controls the oceans tides by the gravitational pull. High and low tides are caused as the earth bulges slightly both toward and away from the moon and this affects the water level of the oceans.

Verse 16: “He made the stars also.”

These were for another sign: To give a visible reminder of the power and majesty of God.

Rom. 1:19-20, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.”

Psalm 8:3, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;”

5. Day Five [vs. 20-23].

On day 2 God created the firmament and now he fills it with birds and fish on day 5. God populates the seas and sky.

Psalm 104:24-25, “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (25) So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.”

Verse 21: God created the marine animals and the birds on the same day. Evolutionists claim that birds evolved from reptiles and took millions of years.

Notice in v. 20 that the birds did not have to learn to fly thru evolution, but God created them to fly.

Verse 22: God blesses what He made; this is the first time this is stated in Scripture.

God blessed them to reproduce abundantly. God also blessed Adam and Eve [Gen. 1:28; 5:2], the Sabbath Day [2:3], and Noah and His family [9:2].

They were created first, and then given the ability to reproduce. Evolution says they transmitted and mutated from a lesser life form and evolved.

Lesson # 3 "God Formed"

2011-11-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

Having looked at “God created” [vs. 1-2], we now move to the second section in our outline, how “God formed” His creation.

In the first 3 days God made the uninhabited earth productive. The last 3 days He filled the uninhabited earth.

2. God Formed [vs. 3-13]. Day 1-3.

1. Day One [vs. 1-5].

Verse 3: God spoke light into existence out of the darkness [v. 2]. The Hebrew says, “Light be.” Nobody can tell us what light is but we do know what light does.

The Latin word is Fiat. Each of the creation days begin with God speaking “And God said,” [v. 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, and 29]

Q- How can there be light before the sun and moon were created on the fourth day [v. 16].

The light came from God himself who is light.

John 1:4-5, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

The New Jerusalem will enjoy light with no sun or moon.

Rev. 22:5, “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”

It is probably here that the earth’s axis began. Light is a form of energy with gravity, electro-magnetic fields, and nuclear force.

Verse 4: God spoke light into existence then separated the light from darkness. Darkness was not a creation like light but the absence of light [v. 2].

The first day of creation, God set forth the principle of separation. Light from darkness, and the day from night [v. 14], but later separated the waters above from the waters below [vs. 6-8], and land from the waters [vs. 9-10].

Verse 5: Note than word “day.”

The Hebrew word is “Yom.” It refers to a 24 hour period [evening and morning.]

Q- Did God create in six literal 24 hour days or are these ages of long periods of time. Are these Solar Days or Ages?

Actually there are two popular views:

(1) The literal solar-day view in which the days of Creation are understood to be solar days (which we now calibrate as twenty-four hours).

(2) The day-age view that understands the days to be long ages. This view, of course, accommodates the geologic ages easily.

The Bible teaches six literal 24 hour days: Why?

1. The qualifying phrase “evening and morning” attached to each of the six days of Creation supports the meaning of the days as twenty-four-hour periods.

Proponents of the day-age idea reply that evening and morning is a figure of speech for beginning and ending.

Each “evening” saw the completion of the work of that age, which was followed by the “morning” of renewed activity.

But evening and morning, each occurring more than 100 times in the Old Testament, are never used to mean anything other than a literal evening and literal morning, ending or beginning a solar day. Notice the phrase in Dan. 8:26 referring to solar days.

2. Moses believed it to be literal 24 hour days. Ex. 20:11; Ex. 31:17 state that God made everything in six days. In both these passages, these are the words God spoke directly to Moses.

3. When the numerical adjective is used before day [Yom] it means 24 hour days.

Sometimes a day can mean a longer period of time such as “the day of the Lord,” the “day of judgment.”

2. Day Two [vs. 6-8].

God put an expanse between the waters that surrounded the earth and called it heaven or the sky or expanse.

The lower waters became water bodies on and under the earth. The upper water was vital in the flood.

Gen. 7:11-12; 9:11-15

The atmosphere was now inhabitable with air.

3. Day Three [vs. 9-13].

Verses 9-10: God made the earth and the seas.

Here we have the first mention of being good. Probably because it was now ready for man.

Many believe the water was in one place and the dry land also in a large continent later broken up in the flood [Gen. 7:11].
Psalm 104:5-9

Verses 11-15: Plant life created.

God created plants and trees with the seeds in them. Full grown and producing with the appearance of age. Adam was an adult and trees had rings.

“After its kind” or “species” with no mention of evolution yet. Evidently, God created several kinds of plants and trees already preprogrammed with DNA and genetic information.

Next week- God fills [1:14-31; 2:7].

Lesson # 2 "God Created"

2011-11-19T04:46:00.000-08:00

Last week in our introductory lesson we saw what God was doing before creation “In the beginning God…”

1. God existed eternally.
2. The Eternal Godhead was in communion.
3. The Eternal Godhead planned redemption.

Tonight we begin to move thru the creation process. God created the entire universe and then formed and filled it, all in six-24 hour days.

1. God Created [vs. 1-2]. “Heavens and earth”
2. God Formed [vs. 2-13]. “Days 1-3”
3. God Filled [vs. 14-27]. “Days 4-6”

1. God Created [vs. 1-2].

Verse 1b: “created the heaven and the earth”

In the dateless past God brought the universe into existence out of nothing.

Ps. 33:6, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”

Heb. 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

God declares his creation in six days and begins to explain how he did it.

Note the word “create.” This is the Hebrew word “Bara” and is used in 1:1, 21, and 27. The word can refer to create out of nothing or with something. The word “asa” is used in 2:2, 8, and 19. It is the word formed.

God created everything by the spoken Word. Matter is not eternal but spoken into existence by God.

Scientists say there are five things necessary for existence- time, force, action, space, and matter. Beginning that’s time, God that’s force, created that’s action, heaven that’s space, and earth that’s matter.

Heaven in verse 2 is plural in the Hebrew. There are 3 heavens mentioned in the Bible:

The first heaven is the home of the birds, clouds, and the atmosphere [Dan. 4:12]. Sky

The second heaven is the home of the sun, moon, planets, and stars [Ps. 19:1]. Stellar

The third heaven is the home of God, angels, and departed saints [2 Cor. 12:2].

Verse 1 refutes 6 popular world philosophies:

1. Atheism- God exists.
2. Pantheism- God is separated from his creation. God is not all.
3. Polytheism- there is one God.
4. Materialism- Matter has a supernatural origin and was not eternal.
5. Naturalism or evolution- God created.
6. Fatalism- A personal God who freely chose to create with a purpose and plan.

Verse 2: “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

v. 2 describes the conditions that existed before God formed and filled the earth. Verse 1 describes the creation of the universe. Verses 3-31 describe the process of creation by which God formed and filled what was void.

God created and it was chaos, dark, formless, and empty. God made no mistake and there was no catastrophic judgment between verse 1 and verse 2. Creation vs reconstruction.

Gap proponents say “was” means “became.” They say between v. 1 and v. 2 were chaos from judgment and what we have in v. 2 is a reconstruction of creation. The gap could be millions of years.

What we have in v.2 is just the beginning of creation as God progresses in his creation. God then formed it and filled his creation.

Gap proponents put the fall of Satan, geological ages, pre-Adam race which Lucifer ruled over from the Garden of Eden and a judgment between v. 1 and v.2.

There are two great arguments that refute the gap concept:

1. You can’t have death or judgment before sin [2 Cor. 15:21; Rom. 5:12].

2. Ex. 20:9-11; 31:17-

God created in six 24 hour days and verses 1 and 2 are included in the 6 days, not million or billion of years between them.

Let’s define some words in v. 2

“Without form, and void” means not finished in its shape and uninhabited by creatures [Isa. 45:18]. Gap proponents fail to read the rest of verse.

“Darkness” can refer to sin and judgment, but it just means there was no light yet. Evening was part of the days God declared good [v. 5]. In Ps. 104:19-24 darkness can be good.

“Deep” is the water that covered the earth before dry land was formed. The earth’s surface was like a vast sea with no land.

What about angels? Angels were created before creation.

Job 38:4-8, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. (5) Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? (6) Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; (7) When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (8) Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?”

Who are the Sons of God? [Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Gen. 6:2, 4

Ps. 148:2-3, “Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. (3) Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.”

Next week we will begin to speed up as we look at the rest of day 1 thru day 6.

Lesson # 1 "What was God Doing Before Creation

2011-11-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

I am currently teaching through the Biblical account of the six creation days contained in Gen. 1:1 - 2:3 on Wednesday nights. Here are my notes and others will be added each week.

Lesson # 1- "What Was God Doing Before Creation?"

Gen. 1:1a, "In the beginning God..."

God simply states His creation as fact without any defense. So there is no need to mention evolution because it carries no credence with God.

I will not present evolution or study creation and evolution side by side, but simply present creation as God presents it. Genesis chapter 1 teaches us that God created the entire universe and then formed and filled it all in 6-24 hour days.

The “beginning” of Gen. 1:1 apparently refers to the beginning of the Creation of the world. Young earth creationists fix the time as 4004 B.C., and no further than 10,000 b.c. Evolutionists suggest 4,500,000,000 B.C.

The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that it is by faith that we understand that the ages were framed by the Word of God and that what is seen was not made out of visible things (Heb. 11:3).

The ages refer to all the periods of time as well as all that they contain. Since obviously there were no human spectators to Creation, and since the first man was placed in an already existing universe, we must accept by faith whatever God has revealed about Creation. Otherwise we will know nothing with certainty about Creation. We have an eyewitness account.

“In the beginning God” [the dateless past before time and creation], God does not explain His existence; neither does He explain His creating work. He just states, “In the beginning God.” So that is how we will conduct our study of the six days of creation.

Someone said, “God created heaven for those who believe verse 1, and hell for those who don’t believe verse 1.

It basically comes down to believing one of two beliefs, either one believes in Eternal matter or Eternal God.

Q- What was God doing before creation? What was God’s purpose in creation? What was before Genesis?

1. God eternally existed in His glory.

God is eternal; He has neither beginning nor end. He is totally self-sufficient and self existent. He needs nothing outside Himself to exist.

God needs nothing, the universe, the earth, or man. But He chose to create them.

Ps. 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”

1 Tim. 1:17, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

2. The Divine trinity existed in communion.

There is one true God who exists in three persons: God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Warren Wiersbe says, “This does not mean that one God manifested Himself in three different forms, or that there are three Gods; it means that one God exists in three persons who are equal in their attributes and yet distinct in different offices and ministries.”

Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 2:32-33, Eph. 4:1-6

Note the name “God” which is ELOHIM in the Hebrew. This name speaks of God’s almighty power. This is in the plural noun and can be translated “Gods.”
This identification of Elohim as Creator refutes several serious heresies that we will look at next week.

The Holy trinity was involved in creation. Note the “let us” statements in the in the Book of Genesis and a few others.

Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isaiah 6:8; Ps. 2:7

What was happening before creation? God existed eternally, the Holy Trinity existed eternally in communion, and also the Holy Trinity planned the plan redemption.

3. The trinity planned redemption.

The trinity took counsel in eternity past and planned salvation. Salvation was not an afterthought, but a predetermined plan.

Eph. 1:4-5, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

Rev. 13:8, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Rev. 17:8, “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”

We were chosen by the Father and given to the Son. The death of Christ on the cross and our belief in Him secured this transaction.

God created a world that He might share His love with man who He made in the image of God.

According to Eph. 1:3-14; the plan of salvation included the Holy Trinity. We were chosen by the Father [vs. 3-6], purchased by the Son [vs. 7-12], and summons and sealed by the Holy Spirit [vs. 13-14].

Someone said, “Try to explain these things and you may lose your mind; but try to explain them away, and you will lose your soul.”

Election and Eternal Security

2011-11-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

John 6:37-40, "All the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.38. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine will, but the will of him that sent me. 39. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40. And this is the will of him that sent me, and every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."

What quick nuggets of truth about divine election and eternal security of the true believer can we learn from this passage as we "let the Scripture speak."

1. Election- Believers are a love gift to the Son and all will come [v. 37a].

This transaction took place in eternity past [John 17:6, 8,11-12; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rev. 13:8;17:8].

Here we see both the sovereignty of God in salvation and human responsibility in hearing the gospel and believing.

All those given to the Son in eternity past will come to the Son in time.

2. Eternal Salvation- The repenting believing sinner who comes to Christ is eternally secure in Christ v. 40].

Our security is not in us but in Christ. He is the one who does the persevering work.

There is no such thing as a true believer losing salvation by quit believing.

We sin and undergo the correction of the Lord because we are children [Heb. 12:5-11]. Correction proves Son-ship.

We are eternally secure because we have been elected.

We have everlasting life given to us by the Son and the Father. We have a guaranteed bodily resurrection at the rapture or the resurrection of the just.

Collection for the Saints

2011-11-01T04:10:00.000-07:00

“The Collection for the Saints" 1 Cor. 16:1-4

The believers at Corinth, as carnal as they were, asked Paul about the collection he was taking for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Paul answered their question and gave directions.

One of the most important ministries Paul had during his third journey was the gathering of a special “relief offering,” for the poor believers in Jerusalem.

Even though this was a special missionary offering, from Paul’s instructions we learn some basic principles that relate to Christian stewardship or giving.

1. Giving is to be particular [v. 1]. “For the saints”

This offering was for the saints in Jerusalem. He wanted to achieve three purposes in this offering:

1. For one thing, the Gentiles owed material help to the Jews in return for the spiritual blessings the Jews had given them.

2. At the Jerusalem Conference years before, Paul had agreed to “remember the poor,” so he was keeping his pledge. Paul not only preached the Gospel, but he also tried to assist those who had physical and material needs.

Why was there such a great need in the Jerusalem church? It is likely that many of the believers had been visiting Jerusalem at Pentecost when they heard the Word and were saved.

This meant that they were strangers, without employment, and the church would have to care for them.

In the early days of the church, the members had gladly shared with each other but even their resources were limited. There had also been a famine and the relief sent at that time could not last for too long a time.

Acts 11:28, “And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.”

3. Paul’s greatest motive for taking up the offering was to help unite Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles, and this bothered some of the Jewish believers (Acts 17:21-25).

The primary purpose of giving is for the support of the saints.

Gal. 6:10; 1 John 3:17

2. Giving is to be an act of worship [v. 2a]. “First day of the week”

Each member was to come to the Lord’s Day gathering prepared to give his share for that week. The early church met on the first day of the week in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (The Holy Spirit came on the church at Pentecost on the first day of the week.)

Acts 20:7, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”

It is tragic when church members give only as a duty and forget that our offerings are to be “spiritual sacrifices” presented to the Lord

Phil. 4:18, “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

3. Giving is to be systematic [v. 2a] “Upon the first day”

Some teachers have suggested that many people were paid on the first day of the week during that time in history. But even if they were not, each believer was to set aside his offering at home and then bring it to the assembly on the first day.

Paul did not want to have to take up a number of collections when he arrived in Corinth. He wanted the whole contribution to be ready.

If today’s church members were as systematic in their giving as they are in handling their other financial matters, the work of the Lord would not suffer as it sometimes does.

Statistics tells us the average Christian gives 2.7% with 20% being tithers.

4. Giving is to be personal and individual [v. 2a]. “everyone of you”

Paul expected each member to share in the offering, the rich and poor alike. Anyone who had an income was privileged to share and to help those in need. He wanted all to share in the blessing.

“Lay by him in store” means treasury, storehouse, cellar, or chest, a place were valuables are stored. It’s seems to be saying, “Put aside in the church treasury these offerings.”

To equate this with the OT temple treasury in Malachi 3:10 is a gross misinterpretation of God’s Word.

The storehouse in the OT is different from what Paul intends in 1 Cor. 16:2. “Storehouse” refers to a special room or rooms in the temple for keeping produce and grain.

The OT required giving of 3 tithes which totaled about 23% annually to fund the national government of Israel, take care of public festivals and provide welfare.

5. Giving is to be proportionate [v. 2b]. “As God has prospered him”

Paul did not mention any special proportion for this special offering. Certainly the tithe (10 percent of one’s income) is a good place to begin our stewardship, but as the Lord gives us more, we should plan to give more.

The trouble is, too many saints, as they earn more, gain more financial obligations; and then they do not have more to give to the Lord. As the old saying goes, “When your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep is your downfall.”

Paul made it clear in 2 Corinthians 8-9 that Christian giving is a grace, the outflow of the grace of God in our lives and not the result of promotion or pressure. An open heart cannot maintain a closed hand. If we appreciate the grace of God extended to us, we will want to express that grace by sharing with others.

6. Money is to be handled honestly [vs. 3-4].

The various churches involved in this special offering appointed delegates to help Paul manage it and take it safely to Jerusalem.

It is unfortunate when Christian ministries lose their testimony because they mismanage funds entrusted to them. Every ministry ought to be businesslike in its financial affairs.
Paul was very careful not to allow anything to happen that would give his enemies opportunity to accuse him of stealing funds (2 Cor. 8:20-21).

There were no “chapter breaks” in the original manuscripts, so the readers would go right from the resurrection to money. Doctrine and duty go together; so do worship and works. Our giving is “not in vain” because our Lord is alive. It is His resurrection power that motivates us to give and to serve.

Is There Hope for Israel?

2011-10-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

Luke 13:35, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate:and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, 'Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the LORD.'"

Israel’s house has been left desolate. The nation has no king or priest, no temple or sacrifice

Hosea 3:4-5, “For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: (5) Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.”

Verse 35a: The people had been given many opportunities to repent and be saved, but they had refused to heed His call.

“House” refers both to the “family” of Jacob (“the house of Israel”) and to the temple (“the house of God”), both of which would be “left desolate.” The city and temple were destroyed and the people were scattered.

But the nation has God’s promise that she has not been forsaken.

Rom 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Rom 11:2, God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.

Foreknew? proginosko (G4267), "to know beforehand," is used (a) of the divine "foreknowledge" concerning believers, Rom. 8:29; Israel, Rom.11:2; Christ as the Lamb of God, 1 Peter 1:20 "foreordained").

Not foresight but foreordination. It speaks of a predetermined plan or relationship.

Deut. 7:6-8

There can be no peace on earth until the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6) is seated on David’s throne (Is. 11:1).

There is a future for Israel. The time will come when their Messiah will return and be recognized and received by the people. They will say, “Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord”

Ps. 118:26, “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.”

Some of the people used these words at His “triumphal entry” (Luke 19:38), but they will not have their fulfillment until His coming in glory.

Zech. 12:10, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”

Zech. 14:4, “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.”

Is there hope for Israel? “God has not cast away His people which He foreknew or foreordained.

Why I Love Teaching At Suwannee River Bible College

2011-10-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

1. The college was founded, and is led by, men who are committed to expository preaching. Thank you Pastor Brad Bailey and Pastor Chad Bailey!!!

2. Those enrolled are committed to knowing and growing in God's Word.

3. It is refreshing to see teachable, hungry, and skilled students setting at the feet of the teacher with a desire to be fed.

4. Teaching at the college makes me study more thoroughly.

5. It is good to see men and women reaching for the goal [Diploma,Degree]and the satisfaction of having achieved something really worth while.

6. It is rewarding to have the privilege of investing in the lives of men and women, the whole counsel of God's Word.

7. I love the fellowship after the class as iron sharpens iron over a great meal.

8. The goal is to impart truth and valuable experience into the lives of faithful men who will be able to pass it on to faithful men.

Ten Truths about Tongues

2011-08-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

1. Tongue? “Glossa” means known language they have not studied [Acts 2 and 1 Cor. 12-14]. It was not gibberish or ecstatic utterance.

2. It was a revelatory gift- sign to Jews that the messiah had come. It was a sign that Judaism was obsolete; Christianity had taken its place. It was a judgment sign (I Cor 14:21-22; Isa 28:11-12), and to get the gospel out of Jerusalem.

3. Wherever tongues are mentioned in Acts, Jews are present or in the background (Acts 10:46 gentiles 19:6 John’s disciples).Not at the Samaritans (Acts 8:17).

4. Not a sign of the baptism of the Spirit (I Cor 12:13). Not at conversion of the 3,000 (Acts 2:41) or the 5,000 (Acts 4:4).

5. Not a sign of the Spirit-filled Christian (Eph 5:18; I Cor 12:30).

6. Not a sign of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

7. Listed near the last of the gifts in 4 listings in the New Testament.

8. In I Corinthians 12-14 Paul addresses a carnal Church about the misuse of the gift- pride and pagan worship practices resulted in Corinthian chaos. Paul only mentioned tongues in this letter.

9. Paul said it would come to a quick end (I Cor 13:8).

10. Paul was multilingual, he was a schooled man.

Answering the Cults

2011-06-28T16:44:00.001-07:00

1. What to say to a Mormon?

A. Refuting Mormons belief [Doctrines and Covenants Sect. 130:22] that God is material, a man with a body like us who progressed to Godhood.

God is a Spirit [John 4:24]. No man has seen God in his full manifestation and lived.

• God is a spirit that does not have flesh and bones [Luke 24:39].
• God is not a man [Hosea 11:9; Numbers 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29].
• God is invisible [Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27].

2. What to say to a Jehovah Witness?

A. Refuting Jehovah Witness as to the Deity of Jesus and the Trinity-

Jesus is God - Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; Gen. 1:1; John 1:1; 10:30; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:10-13; 2 Peter 1:1-2; 1 Tim 1:1; 1 John 1:2; 4:2-3; 5:1; Rev. 1:8; 21:6 Jesus was not just a perfect man but he is the God-man.

The Trinity in the O.T. - Gen 1:1-2, 26; 3:22; 11:7; 19:24; Isaiah 6:8; 9:6; 48:16; 63:10; Psalm 45:6-7; 110:1

The Trinity in the N.T. - Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21

B. Refuting JW’s that Jesus is first created being-

John 1:1- they say was “a God,” not “was God.” Jesus was co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal with the Father- John 1:14; 5:17-18; 8:56-59; 10:30-33; Col. 1:15-20; 2:9

Biblical Separation

2011-06-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Bible teaches that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness shall increase (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5).

The Bible also teaches that, out of deep gratitude for the undeserved grace of God granted to us, and because our glorious God is so worthy of our total consecration, all the saved should live in such a manner as to demonstrate our adoring love to God and so as not to bring reproach upon our Lord and Savior. Separation from all religious apostasy and worldly and sinful practices is commanded of us by God (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).

Further, the Bible teaches that believers should be separated unto our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Hebrews 12:1-2), and affirm that the Christian life is a life of obedient righteousness that reflects the teaching of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2-12) and a continual pursuit of holiness (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 3:1-10).

Why Sign Gifts Have Ceased

2011-06-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Why the Sign Gifts Have Ceased

1 Cor. 12: 28-31, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

1 Cor. 13:8-10, “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

1 Cor. 14:1-28

2 Cor. 12:12, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

Eph. 2:19-22, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Heb. 2:3-4, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (4) God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

Jude 3, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

What is a Christian?

2011-05-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

Christians are believing sinners who follow Jesus Christ, having repented of their sins and having placed faith in Jesus believing He is the Eternal Son of God come in the flesh, who died in our place on the cross paying the sin debt of all who believe.

We believe salvation is by grace alone thru faith in Christ alone. Human merit or human effort can’t save us.

We believe Jesus was buried and rose in a bodily resurrection on the third day. We believe all the Scriptures teach about His Person and Work.

We believe Jesus is building his church thru the gospel invitation from the Scriptures and the saints to all mankind.

We believe lost people must hear the gospel, be convicted of their sins, and believe the gospel.

Then they are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, placed in the body of Christ, and worship and serve him here on earth till they go to heaven by death or rapture.

They are new creations in Christ and give evidence of their salvation by their transformed life.

What is an Apostate?

2011-05-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

The word apostasy comes from the Greek word apostasia, which is translated “falling away’ in 2 Thess. 2:3. The word is closely related to the Greek word for “divorce.’

Apostates are those who fall away from the true faith, abandoning what they formerly profess to believe. The term describes those whose beliefs are so deficient as to place them outside the realm of true Christianity. For example, a liberal denomination that denies the authority of Scripture or the deity of Christ is an apostate denomination.

True Christians do not apostatize. Those who fall away into apostasy demonstrate that their faith was never real to begin with [1 John 2:19].

Questionable Matters

2011-03-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Doubtful or Questionable Matters?

1 Cor. 8:1-13; Romans 14:1-23

1. Is this activity or habit necessary? Is this an added weight to
my Christian life?

2. Is it helpful and useful, or only a desire?

3. What would Jesus do?

4. How will this affect others?

5. Is my testimony helped or hindered?

6. Will unbelievers be drawn to Christ or led away from Christ?

7. Will this help me mature in Christ?

8. Will this glorify God?

9. Will this violate Scripture?

Who was the Twelfth Apostle?

2011-03-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

Should Peter have waited in choosing an apostle until after Pentecost? Who was the 12th apostle, Matthias or Paul?

1. Jesus had already breathed on them and imparted the Spirit (John 20:22), but at Pentecost they were filled with power and baptized into the body of Christ. So Peter was spiritually endowed and qualified to act before Pentecost.

2. Peter referred to several Psalms and was led by the Spirit of God and Jesus had opened their minds to understand the scriptures (vv.16-20). They spent much time in prayer before the casting of the lots.

3. Some say Paul was the twelfth apostle because Matthias is never heard of again. Neither is the others mentioned after 1:13 except Peter and John.

4. Paul did not meet all the qualifications of the other eleven (1:21-22). He was called by Jesus, he saw the resurrected Lord, and he performed signs and wonders, but he did not walk with Jesus from His baptism to His ascension. He was an apostle, but not counted with the twelve.

5. Paul made it clear he was not to be mentioned with the twelve (I Cor. 15: 5, 8-9).

6. The 12 apostles were to go to Israel, Paul to the Gentiles [Eph. 3:8; 1 Cor. 15:9].

7. God gave his approval by empowering Matthias in Acts 2.

8. Evidently the choosing of the twelfth apostle had to take place before Pentecost.

9. The Lord never rebuked Peter as he did on other occasions with the Apostles when they were in error. It seems hard to believe that the Lord would have allowed such a crucial error at the beginning of the church considering his action in Acts 5.

Consider these Scriptures on Paul.

Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.

1 Corinthians 15:5-9 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Galatians 1:15-17 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Revelation 21:12-14 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Preaching

2011-02-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

For some reason my heart has really been burdened for true Biblical preaching. In fact, I often read again my books on preaching over and over. I believe when they lay my body in the grave, I still will not have learned to preach. We never arrive, though we strive. I want to be known as a preacher that was committed to text-driven preaching.

I especially like the following books: "Expository Preaching" by John MacArthur, "Biblical Preaching" by Haddon Robinson, "Preaching with Bold Assurance" by Hershael York, and "Power in the Pulpit" by Jerry Vines.

My hearts desire is to find the "big Idea" in the preaching unit and to convey the author's intent from the passage. I want to preach the text saying what the author said. There is much more I could say on building and amplifying the main points, but you get the point. Who are we to pull a verse out of context and come up with our own outline? Most preaching misses the point intented by the author and takes it out of context. Bro. Gordon Pittman taught me years ago that context is king. "Three rules of interpretation" he would say, "context, context, context." One thought struck me, "The passage can't mean now what it did not mean then."

So I continue to develop God's gift under the Spirit's enablement, and each day I pray that I will be a better expositor and not an entertainer.

Who is responsible for the deaths in Tucson

2011-01-15T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Shooter!

Parable of the Soils

2011-01-01T05:04:00.000-08:00

Luke 8:4-15

Why did Jesus tell this parable? Jesus uses this parable to encourage his disciples that not all will believe and there will be many false professors. We are not to be discouraged by the small harvest. The fault is not with the sower if he is sowing. The fault does not lie with the Seed. The problem is with the soil.

In our text we see 3 components of the parable of the soils- the Sower, the seed, and the soils. Jesus teaches the disciples and us that there are different responses to the gospel [v. 1].

1. The Sower [v. 5a].

The Sower is Jesus Christ, but also represents any of God’s people who share the Word of God.

John 4:35-38 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

To sow means “to scatter or broadcast.” Note that the Sower “went out” to sow. Note also that he purposed to sow. Note the phrase “some fell.” Evangelism is done outside the church building with “as you go’ witnessing” and no special targeting of a certain kind of people.

2. The Seed [v. 5b].

The seed is the Word of God that imparts spiritual life and produces spiritual fruit. The seed must be planted before it can give an increase. When a person hears and understands the Word, then the seed is planted in the heart. What happens then depends on the nature of the heart.

John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

3. The Soils [vv. 5c-8, 11-15].

The seed must have the soil and the soil must have the seed. The soil is the human heart. The fertile heart can hear the gospel, understand and believe the gospel, and produce a spiritual harvest.

Jesus described 4 different kinds of hearts or responses to the gospel. Three of the four hearts did not bear any fruit. The proof of salvation is fruit and not merely hearing or making a profession.

A. The Hard Heart [vv. 5, 12]. “wayside”

This soil represents the person who hears the Word but immediately the devil snatches the seed away.

How did the heart become hard? The “wayside” was the path that run thru a common field, separating the plots; and the foot traffic hardened the soil. The heart had been hardened by the things of the world- pride of life, lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes.

Hard heart with no conviction, self- satisfied and self sufficient.
Unconcern about spiritual matters. Calloused or stiff-necked heart.

Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

B. The Shallow Heart [vv. 6, 13]. “rock or stony”

This soil represents the emotional hearer who responds initially with joy, but does not continue because there is no root. Shallow evangelism is a breeding ground to shallow heart. There is no conviction of sin, repentance, or dying to self, no commitment.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

“for a while believe” when testing and persecution come because of the word, it withers away. The shallowness of the false Christian is exposed.

Matthew 13:20-21 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

C. The Crowded Heart [vv. 7, 14].

This soil represents the person who does not repent and “weed out” the things that hinder the harvest. The cares, riches, and pleasures of this life choke it out from bearing fruit. Heart is infested with thorns, and cares and riches choke it out. Never able to take root. Preoccupied with problems, prestige, power, position and possessions.

Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

D. The Good Heart [vv. 8, 15].

This soil represents the person who hears, understands, receives, and believes the word to bear fruit. This person is truly saved and bears fruit.

What makes good soil? Heart prepared by the Spirit of God. (John 16:8-11).

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Born for God to Die for God

2010-12-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

Micah 5:2, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

This important OT messianic prophecy is also a Christmas text. Micah foretold that Christ would be born in Bethlehem 710 years before He ever became flesh in a Manger.

This prophecy is amazing because the way the deity of Christ is expressed in the verse’s final phrase, “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

The birth of Christ in Bethlehem was not the beginning of Christ as God’s Son and our sovereign Lord. He is eternal. He “came forth” from Bethlehem, but He did not come from there in the first place. His “goings forth have been from old, from everlasting.”

But I want you to notice that this prophecy is spoken directly by God the Father. God the Father says this: “out of thee he shall come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.” Or, to say it this way, “from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.”

Don’t miss the importance of those two words, “for Me.” God the Father is sending the eternal Son to be born and to rule and to redeem His people, and to make righteous reign over all the earth. The Scriptures testify of this truth:

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 10:36, “Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?”
Galatians 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”

1 John 4:9-10, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

1 John 4:14, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”

Yes, Christ came to die for our sins but he first came to satisfy the Father’s offended holiness that we might be brought into the Father’s presence.

Christ died for our sins but He also died for God. He came for God to die for God. This truth is expressed in the doctrine of propitiation.

Ro 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

1Jo 2:2, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

1Jo 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Propitiation is the atoning death of Jesus on the cross, through which he paid the penalty demanded by God for sin, thus setting the sinner free from sin and death thru faith of the sinner. The Son’s death appeased or satisfied, the Fathers offended holiness.

The gospel is imbedded in this prophecy. God the Son came to this earth sent by the Father, on a mission of mercy and redemption. He calls us to repent of our sins and believe in Him.

He does all the work of redemption Himself. It’s not up to us to atone for our own sin, we simply lay hold of His grace by faith. No man can come to God without God's grace; neither can he come without saving faith.

Impeccability of Christ

2010-10-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

1. Was Jesus Sinless?

Luke 1:35 “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

John 8:46 “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” He challenged His enemies to show that He was a sinner, which they could not.

John 15:10 “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.”

During his trials and crucifixion, He was declared as innocent 11 times [by Judas, by Pilate 6 times, by Herod, by Antipas, by Pilates wife, by the repentant thief, and by the Roman centurion].

Jesus never offered a sacrifice, He was the sacrifice.

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

1 Peter 2:22 “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”

1 Peter 1:19 “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot”

1 John 3:5 “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.”

Hebrews 7:26-27

Most agree Jesus was sinless, but the debate comes with the Question, “Could Jesus have sinned?”

2. Could Jesus Have Sinned?

A. Two words or views:

1. Peccability? Latin for the fact that Jesus could have sinned. Liberals believe He could have sinned and did sin.

Heb. 4:15- If temptation was real then Christ had to be able to sin; otherwise the temptation was not a genuine temptation. This view does not sufficiently consider Christ in His person as God as well as man. Temptation does not demand the ability to sin. Temptation is used of God the Father and the holy Spirit [Acts 15:10; 1 Cor. 10:9; Heb. 3:9]. It is unlikely they could have sinned.

2. Impeccability? Latin for the fact that Jesus was not able to sin. Christ’s temptation was real, but it was impossible for Christ to sin.

6 Observations from Matt. 4:1-11

Observation # 1- The purpose of the temptation was not to see if Christ could sin, but to show that He could not sin. To show the nation he was the impeccable Son of God.

Observation # 2- The Holy Spirit initiated the temptation and not Satan [4:1]. If Christ could have sinned, then the Holy Spirit enticed Jesus to sin. God does not entice to sin [James 1:13].

Observation # 3- His divine and human nature could not be separated from the person of Christ, and since His divine nature could not sin, it must be affirmed that Christ could not sin.
Observation # 4-Christ’s temptation in Matt. 4:1-11, was for demonstrating His holiness and sinlessness [Heb 4:15] without any possibility of enticement to evil [James 1:13].

Observation # 5- They were designed to test a God-man [Matt. 4:1-11]. No ordinary man could have been tempted to turn stones into bread, jump off a high place expecting to land unharmed. No ordinary human could take seriously Satan’s offer of the kingdoms of the world. These were peculiar to the God-man.

Observation # 6-. The testing of Christ fell into these 3 categories [Matt 4:1-11; 1 John 2:16; Hebrews 4:15].“All points” means all means or manner.

Christ was sinless and impeccable- He could not have sinned.

7 Evidences that Jesus could not sin

Evidence # 1- Christ is immutable [Heb. 13:8]. If He could have sinned on earth, what assurance is there that He will not sin now?

Evidence # 2- Christ is omnipotent [Matt. 28:18]. How could He be all-powerful and still be able to sin?

Evidence # 3- Christ is omniscience [John 2:25]. If Christ could have sinned then He really did not know what would happen if He would sin. Christ cannot be deceived because He knows all things.

Evidence # 4- Christ is deity. God cannot sin. Which nature was stronger?

Evidence # 5- The nature of temptation [James 1:14-15]. Christ was tempted from without not within. Jesus did not possess a sin nature to respond to the outward temptation.

Evidence # 6- If Christ could have sinned then His human will would be stronger than His divine will.

Evidence # 7- The authority of Christ [John 10:18]. If Christ had authority over life and death then He had authority over sin.

Christ was sinless and impeccable- He could not have sinned.

Living the Christian Life

2010-09-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 13: 20-21

These verses are a benediction of the writer to the Jewish Christian who were in danger of not going on to maturity in the faith.

The writer calls on God to make possible the outward working of the truth in the lives of His people.

1. We must have God’s power [vv. 20-21a]. “Make you perfect in
every good work.”

2. We must know His will [v. 21b]. “to do His will.”

3. We can’t please God in the flesh [v. 21c]. “Working in you that
which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.”

What does this mean?

1. We contribute willing yielded-ness to the Christian life. Let God’s
power work thru us.

2. Because Christ does the work, He alone deserves the credit and
praise.

2 Cor. 9:10; Phil. 2:12-13

Witnessing to the Major Cults

2010-09-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

1. What to say to a Mormon?

Refuting Mormons belief [Doctrines and Covenants Sect. 130:22] that God is material, a man with a body like us who progressed to Godhood.

God is a Spirit [John 4:24]. No man has seen God in his full manifestation and lived.
God is a spirit that does not have flesh and bones [Luke 24:39].
God is not a man [Hosea 11:9; Numbers 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29].
God is invisible [Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27].

2. What to say to a Jehovah Witness?

Refuting Jehovah Witness as to the Deity of Jesus and the Trinity-

Jesus is God- Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; Gen. 1:1; John 1:1; 10:30; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:10-13; 2 Peter 1:1-2; 1 Tim 1:1; 1 John 1:2; 4:2-3; 5:1; Rev. 1:8; 21:6 Jesus was not just a perfect man but he is the God-man.

The Trinity in the O.T.- Gen 1:1-2, 26; 3:22; 11:7; 19:24; Isaiah 6:8; 9:6; 48:16; 63:10; Psalm 45:6-7; 110:1

The Trinity in the N.T. - Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21

Refuting JW’s that Jesus is first created being-

John 1:1 [was God, not a god. Jesus was co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal with the Father] John 1:14; 5:17-18; 8:56-59; 10:30-33; Col. 1:15-20; 2:9

3. What to say to a Seventh- Day Adventist?

They are not the remnant church as they believe and the only ones who have truth. The church consists of believers from Pentecost to the rapture- Matt. 16:15-19; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12-14; Eph. 1:22-23; 3:21; 4:4-13

The church is to worship collectively on the Lord’s Day not the Sabbath. Sunday worship is not the mark of the beast. The Sabbath was for Israel as clearly stated in Exodus to commemorate their deliverance from Egypt and God’s seal. Christ is our Sabbath. The church celebrates the resurrection of Christ on the first day of the week. The Sabbath commandment is the only one of the 10 commandments not repeated for the church in the N.T.- Rom. 13:8-10; 14:4-13; 1 Cor. 16:2; Gal. 4:9-11; Col. 2:13-17.

They believe the believer is kept by works which refuted by- John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:1-2, 35-39; Eph. 1:13-14; 2:8-10; 2 Tim. 1:12

What is True Worship Music?

2010-08-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

The gathered church is to sing to God and edify each other when we come together. “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” [Col. 3:16]. “Dwell in you richly” actually means to “fill the house with riches.” This scripture speaks of our being filled with the riches of God’s Word, out of which will come true worship. The Bible tells us to sing with understanding. If we can’t hear the words then we certainly can’t worship with understanding.

Paul gives the same instruction to the church at Ephesus where he connects the singing and the singer to being filled with the Spirit. “But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” [Eph. 5:18-20].

God sets a high standard for music in the church. It should never simply be “music for music’s sake.” The music we play and sing must come from the riches of God’s Word and in the fullness of His Spirit in us. When music is used under the influence of the Holy Spirit, it prepares the way for the preacher to preach. We don’t “work up” worship by the music, but rather, true music comes from a worshipful heart.

Church musicians are not performers or entertainers that attract attention to them selves, but lead the people to God. If we leave the service drawn to the singer or singers, then something went wrong. Music must be God-centered and not man-centered, which is operating in the flesh. We don’t use God to display man’s talents, but man’s talents are used to display God. Any offering that is not acceptable to God will bring no spiritual or eternal benefits to God’s people, no matter how much they enjoy what they hear or do. If the beat or music supercedes the message, then we are not leading people to God through the scriptures and have merely fleshly entertainment. Adrian Rogers used to say, “If the beat or rhythm move the feet before the heart, then it is from below. If it moves the heart before the feet, then it is from above.” True worship will stir the spirit and not the flesh. True worship was never intended to “get them in,” but rather, to be an expression of their worship because “they are in.”

Cleaning Church Rolls

2010-08-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

Why should churches clean up their membership roles?
Mark Dever

1) Christ’s name and honor is at stake in the world. Think about the Apostle Paul’s passionate concern for who was associated with the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 5).

2) Membership in a church should reflect, as best as possible, membership in Christ’s Kingdom. We should neither receive nor dismiss members lightly. "Dropping someone from the rolls" should be treated with utmost care, even if the member himself has been careless.

3) Pastors, elders, and leaders will "give an account" to God someday for their shepherding (Heb. 13:17). God took Israel’s shepherds to task for repeated unfaithfulness (e.g. Ezek. 34).

4) Congregations will also give an account to God for how they receive members. Consider who Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians 5!

5) Less mature Christians are at risk of being confused about the importance of the church in the growing Christian’s life and could be led toward complacency themselves.

6) The member who has moved out of the area should be encouraged to link arms with a church in his new hometown and make himself known to believers there. If he does not, his former church should encourage him to do so by letter or phone. If he remains unresponsive, the church should inform him that they will remove his name in the next members’ meeting, thereby sending the message that they can no longer account for his life.

How should churches clean up their membership roles?

If you tackle all the problematic membership cases at once, you will run into fire. But it’s difficult to predict where. Will your members be happy to remove local non-attenders? Out-of-the-area members? The dead? Pastor, be wise and only do what your people can tolerate. Be patient and teach until they are ready to move.

So where do you start? Picture multiple concentric circles (like a dartboard) with the center (the bull’s-eye) representing meaningful membership. The outer rings represent meaningless membership, and hopefully they are easiest to clean up. As you move from the outer rings to the bull’s-eye, your membership rolls should increasingly consist of confessing believers who are actively involved in your church. Let’s start from the outside and work in:

1) Members who are dead. (At my church we found 10!) This outer-most ring should be the easiest to clean up. At you church’s next meeting for conducting business, put these names before the congregation with a motion to remove them from membership in the following meeting. Don’t ask the congregation to immediately remove these names, but give them time to think about the motion.

2) Members whom you cannot find. Probably the next easiest group to remove. Two women in our church hunted for seventy members for six months in vain! These names were then put before the congregation asking for help. When all efforts were exhausted, a motion was put to the congregation to remove them.

3) Absent and disinterested members. Our church had dozens of members who we found but who wanted nothing to do with us. We found one woman in Germany who had become a Unitarian and was upset that we contacted her.

4) Members out of the area. These are people who are unable to attend on a regular basis due to distance, and any meaningful accountability is near-impossible. You will no doubt encounter people who have a wrong understanding of membership in this group: "I’ve held my membership in that church since I sang in the Junior Choir in 1959" or "I walked the aisle in that church in 1970, and I promised my mother I would remain a faithful member." Despite their emotional attachment to your church, this group needs to be taught a right understanding of church membership. Remember pastor, you will give an account for these individuals. Don’t be caught with names on your rolls of people whom you have never met. Make a motion to remove these individuals "for non-attendance" at your next business meeting.

5) Non-attending members in the area. Certainly we’ve reached one of the toughest circles. These people want to maintain their membership and they can attend; but they want little to do with the church. This circle is often difficult because of the relationships these individuals maintain with attending members. Maybe it’s a grown child or an old friend from the choir. Again, teaching is required and movement must be slow.

These first five categories are the biggest and most obvious targets. There are other categories like "attends, but won’t sign the statement of faith" or "in the area, but cannot attend." Old age or an infirmity might prevent a member from attending; they should not be dismissed, but specially cared for! Also, we encourage special charity toward elderly members who have moved out of the area and into retirement homes. Why? They often grew up with a different understanding of church membership and are unlikely to change. Out of love, consider allowing them to remain on the rolls.

Once again, out of love for your people, do not clean the roles more quickly than your congregation can handle. For some, this may take years to work through the different rings. Churches are too often divided over careless pastoral exercises when the goal should be unity. Remember, each listing on your roll is more than a name; it’s a soul.

Lack of Assurance of Salvation

2010-06-23T04:12:00.000-07:00

Why do some Christians lack assurance of salvation?

1. Some feel they are too sinful to be saved and have difficulty in accepting forgiveness.

2. They don’t fully understand the Gospel and the saving work of Jesus.

3. They believe that only the sins forgiven are those sins they committed before salvation. Christ’s atonement paid for the sins- past, present and future, for all who believe.

4. Some can’t remember the exact moment and occasion they got saved. A decision for Christ has been over emphasized over a present reality of faith in Christ’s atoning work. The evidences of true faith [1 John] play second fiddle to a decision that may not have been real. Some believe they can be saved without true regeneration.

5. Because of the battle with the flesh, some doubt.

6. Some don’t see God in their trials, and miss the strong proof of assurance which is a tested faith.

7. Some lack assurance because of sin which robs them of their joy.

8. Some lack assurance because they are not genuinely saved.

The King and His Subjects

2010-05-12T03:38:00.000-07:00

When a believing sinner trusts Christ as Lord and Savior, they are delivered from Satan’s power, moved into God’s kingdom, redeemed, and forgiven.

Colossians 1:12-14 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us, meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

The believer has been liberated by God from Satan’s kingdom and translated us into Christ’s kingdom.

1. Translated means “to change or remove” He caused us to
stand in a new kingdom.

2. Once translated, we can’t be translated back. We didn’t do
the translating.

John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

3. A kingdom is a group of people ruled by a king. We are in
a kingdom under the care and authority of Jesus Christ.
The Father gave this kingdom to His Son as an
expression of his love for Him.

John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

4. How do you get into this kingdom? You must be born
again, you must believe.

Mysterious Musings # 3

2010-05-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

I continue to write about things that have always been a mystery to me in the pastoral ministry.

Why don't Christians know and develop their spiritual gifts?

The Word of God names about 17 spiritual gifts in four different passages in the NT that the Body of Christ has to minister to the body. Each believer has at least one gift which has been given at salvation. If we are to be fulfilled and happy in the body, we must find our gift/gifts and use them to minister to one another. We must function in our giftedness in the body.

Many setting in our pews are totally ignorant of spiritual gifts and don't seem to care. Many pastors have not taught spiritual giftedness because they so afraid of being called a "charismatic."

We must know what the gifts are, experiment with the gifts, seek confirmation, and walk in the Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit living under the control of the Spirit,the Spirit will express that gift through us to the body.

If the body is to grow as God intended, we must all use our gifts in the Spirit and not the flesh [Eph. 4:11-17].

Mysterious Musings # 2

2010-04-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Why some who call themselves Christians don't study their Bible?

1 Timothy 3:15-17 tells that the Scriptures are beneficial for salvation, sanctification and service. The Scriptures help us grow as Christians as we learn, love, long for, and live the Scriptures.

How can one claim to be a Christian and not desire the Word of God? The Bible is full of Scriptures that tell us that Christians love the Word of God and desire to hear and learn the Word.

We study whatever we need to study to be the best at our jobs in the workplace, why don't we have the same desire when it comes to God's Word?

So, It's always been a mystery to me why so many don't read the Bible and really show a eagerness for God's Word.

The Word has been implanted in our hearts, and I believe we should have an ongoing desire for spiritual food.

When one does not want to eat, they are either sick or dead!

Mysterious Musings # 1

2010-04-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

There are some things that continue to be a mystery to me among "so-called" Christians. I think of these often and ponder the mystery of them, thus the title, "Mysterious Musings." Here we go as I begin to look at several over the next weeks.

First Mystery I muse over:

Why don't Christians share the greatest news ever given to mankind?

We have been saved by the good news of Jesus Christ and we should desire that others be as well. Do we not know how after setting in the church under Pastors and teachers whose job it is to equip the saints for the work of ministry? [Eph. 4:12]. We can say we don't know how, but that will be no legitimate excuse at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Don't we understand there is a literal hell that our unbelieving family and friends will spend eternity?

I am afraid that the reality of a heaven and a hell don't really motivate us to share the gospel. If we really believe what the Bible says about hell, then we should embrace the truth and put it into practice by our witnessing. I am afraid most don't know what they believe and why they believe it. They just give intellectual consent to a truth and it has never really gripped their heart and they have not really gripped the truth.

So, we build a false theology that will keep our lost family and friends out of hell, and thus depart from sound doctrine. We are able to live with our lack of concern and passion for souls by embracing a false doctrine fabricated in our own minds.

My question is this, "Do we really have something to share?" Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men" [Matt. 4:19].

Revival Services

2010-03-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

We at Trinity are in what we hope will be genuine revival this week, March 21-24, 2010. I know that Christians are to live in revival 365 days a year, but due to our flesh, we need to be "re-vived."

My dear friend, Pastor Joey Harris from God's Way Baptist Church in Adel is our guest preacher. I had made a commitment to have only expository preachers in the pulpit at T.B.C. He preaches the Biblical text in its Biblical context, not perverting the intent and flow of the oringinal author.

Sunday morning he preached on "How to Live a Separated Life" from 1 Cor. 6:14-18. He challenged us to the truth that you can't experience revival till you are separated from the world. In one sense we are separated at salvation in position, but we must practice separation.

Sunday night he preached a message to the lost from the demon-possessed man in the fifth chapter of Mark. He made some comparisons and contrasts to the lost man and the demon-possessed man. Our children sang Sunday night and Kaleb Smith blessed our hearts with a song about being made more like Jesus "little by little."

Monday night the Brooks family was with us and as always, sang from their hearts true Biblical songs. Bro. Joey preached on commitment and the lack of it. Many go away because they never had genuine faith. Our choices reveal what we love and what we put first in our lives.

Tuesday night Bro. Joey's wife, Missy, sang two songs and then Bro. Joey preached on how to protect your church from wolves from without and within. His text was Acts 20:28-32. If Satan can't get to the church from without, he will attack from within.

Wednesday night Bro. Joey preached on how to be sure you are saved from 1 John. Certainly an honest examination of 1 John would reveal to anyone their genuineness of salvation or lack thereof. Bro. Joey preaches the same on this subject that I do- the evidence of a changed life is a great indicator of spiritual life.

Bro. Joey has been a blessing and a source of affirmation that expository preaching is the only true Biblical preaching that fulfills the preachers command to 'preach the Word."

The Perfect is Coming

2010-03-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

1 Cor. 13:8-13

Context: After having shared that Love is permanent and will not fail [vv. 1-7], Paul now shares that spiritual gifts will cease; some gifts now and others later.

1. Spiritual gifts are temporary, partial, and elementary [v. 8].

Note that He says that tongues will cease and prophecy and knowledge shall fail or vanish away. “Vanish away” in verse 8 and 10 means to abolish gradually. Prophecy and knowledge will one day be made inoperative. The verb is passive which means something or someone will cause them to stop. That something is the coming of “the perfect” [v. 10].

“Cease” in regards to tongues means “to stop, to come to an end.” The Greek means tongues will cease in a self-causing action. God gave the gift of tongues a built-in stopping place. Many believe it ceased at the end of the apostolic age.

Prophecy and knowledge will be stopped by something outside themselves. They both will end when the perfect comes [v. 10]. Tongues are not mentioned in relation to the perfect coming [v. 10].

2. Prophecy will vanish when the perfect comes [vv. 9-10].

Both prophecy and knowledge are partial now, and represent all gifts that will be done away when the perfect comes.

We as God’s servants know and prophesy in part. When the perfect comes we will no longer need a Bible, preaching or teaching, and prophecy, because we will be in the presence of the Living Word.

3. What is the perfect [v.10]?

A. The perfect is the completion of the Scripture.

How would the Corinthian believers have understood the perfect, certainly not as the Scripture, but moral and spiritual perfection? If the perfect refers to Scripture, then prophecy and knowledge have already ceased. Prophecy will be active in the Kingdom age [Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17]. Scripture does not allow us to see “face to face” [v. 13].

B. The perfect is the rapture.

If prophecy and knowledge they are done away with after the rapture then they could not be present in the tribulation and Kingdom age. Paul clearly states that once done away with, they will end permanently.

C. The perfect is the second coming.

The Greek word “perfect” is in the neuter, which means it can’t refer to a person. You still have the problem of prophecy in the Kingdom age [Isa. 11:9; 29:18; 32:3-4].

D. The perfect is the eternal state.

If the others are not the perfect, then it leaves only one possibility. Spiritual gifts are for time, but love is for eternity. The eternal state allows for knowledge and prophecy in the Tribulation and Kingdom age. Only in heaven will we see God “face to face,” and be known as we are known.

4. Gifts are elementary [vv. 11-12].

Paul compares the believer’s earthly life to what they will be like in heaven. We will be complete and mature in heaven. Now we are spiritually childish, imperfect, and limited. We see in God’s Word dimly, but in heaven we will see completely and fully.

Conclusion: Spiritual gifts are temporary, but love is eternal. It will last in the eternal state.

Eternal Security

2010-03-03T04:27:00.000-08:00

In Phil. 1:6 we have one of the most definitive Scriptures in the Bible on the doctrine of eternal security, or what I like to call, perseverance of the saints or preservation of the saints.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Eternal life is a present possession, not something we hope to gain at the end of our life. I believe eternal security and sovereign grace are closely related. If it were not for sovereign grace our salvation would not be eternal.

There are several passages in the Scriptures that are dear to me in regards to eternal sacurity. Here are a few [John 5:24; 10:27-28; Rom. 8:1,29-30; 11:29; 1 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 7:25; 12:1-4; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24].

Let me make a few observations from this passage in Phil. 1:6:

1. What is the "good work?" Some would have us believe that it is a project or material work as the prosperity gospel preachers proclaim [Oral Roberts], while others believe Paul is talking about the monetary gift the Philippians' gave Paul. Neither of these fit the verse.

2. Paul is talking about the work of salvation that God began in us and will complete it till Jesus comes again and we are glorified. Regeneration, sanctification and glorification are the three tenses of salvation. Note the reference to their fellowship in the Gospel [v. 5], and confirmation of the gospel [v. 7]. Note that it is a work "in" you.

3. Salvation is God's work from start to finish. He began it and will perform it [perfect, fully accomplish it].

4. God is still doing a work in you. We have not reached the "day of Christ" yet. We are in the process of becoming like Christ [sanctification]. As the song says, "He is still working on me."

5. God will complete the work He began. No true Christian will fall away or quit believing. He began it, He gave us the faith to believe [Eph. 2:89] and He will fully accomplish His purpose in His work of salvation. I like Rom. 8:29-30, it is full of "He" and absent of "me." He begins with those He foreknew to the past tense "has glorified." Some call this the unbreakable chain of redemption. All those foreknew will be glorified.

Thank God for so great a salvation! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Birth Pains

2010-02-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

I recently heard a 'religious advisor' on Fox News respond to a question he was asked, "What is happening with these earthquakes?" He responded with a simple answer, "We are not in control." This "religious advisor' missed a great opportunity to tell millions who was in control!

Jesus was asked three questions in Matt. 24:1-8, "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."

Why so many earthquakes? I read a list on a website recently of the number of earthquakes in the last 7 days. I scrolled down on my computer screen, but got tired of counting.

I believe they happen for 3 reasons:

1. Jesus promised "birth pains" judgments that lead to greater judgments in the tribulation period. These birth pains will increase in intensity and frequency till they reach their apex in the tribulation period.

2. The creation is groaning to be delivered from the curse. Romans 8:22, "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."

3. Jesus is warning mankind of the coming judgment. Earthquakes are a sign of judgment in the Bible.

Yes, we are not in control. A Sovereign creator God is in control and he is coming again for His church [rapture] and coming again with His church [revelation], to judge and reign.

Amen! Even so come Lord Jesus

Apostasy

2010-02-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

What is the Apostasy “falling away” in 2 Thess. 2:3

The Greek word is apostasia which means “to defect or depart from the truth,” or “to forsake or revolt.” It is where we get the word “apostasy.” This falling away from the truth is an increasing departure that will culminate in full blown apostasy after the departure of the true church and only the presence of the harlot church on earth. The final act of apostasy will be the false prophet causing an image of the beast to speak in the rebuilt temple [abomination of desolation].

Jesus described this apostasy in the tribulation in Matt. 24:10-12, “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” In this passage he gives the character of man’s heart when restraint is removed. This spiritual treason reveals an unregenerate heart. They give evidence they were never saved [v. 13]. The guarantee of perseverance is built into the New Covenant promise, “I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me” [Jer. 32:40].

The Bible teaches that true Christians will persevere in the faith because they are kept by the power of God [1 Peter 1:5]. Those who fall away prove they were never truly believers to begin with [1 John 2:19]. Yet, the Scriptures do warn the believer from falling away in such passages as [Heb. 10:23, 26-29; Rev. 3:11], but true believers will persevere [John 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:28-30, 31,38, 39; 1 Cor. 1:8-9; 15:57-58; Col. 1:22-23; Phil 1:6; 1 John 2:24; 5:13].

Matt. 10:26-39 is talking about a false faith that does not continue. The people that the writer of Hebrews is talking are those who fall away or defect intentionally. Apostates hear the gospel, understand the gospel, but turn when they are on the verge of belief.

Amazing Love

2010-01-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

1 John 3:1-3 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. There are many great truths contained therein and I have preached on this passage several times emphasizing different words or phrases. We can know Him as Father, but we can't comprehend what this relationship will be like in the future.

In this post, I want you to consider three words. Persecution [v.1b], Promise [v.2b], and Purification [v. 3].

1. Persecution [1:1b]. The world can't know us and understand us because they don't know Him. The Bible says the natural man can't understand the spiritual things because they are spiritually discerned. No wonder the world went crazy with Tim Tebow's "Pro-Life commercial."

2. Promise [v. 2b]. Though we are sons of God now, it remains for us to see what we shall be like at the rapture and in heaven. One thing we do know, we will be like Him as He is revealed in Scripture after His resurrection. To be a child of God is great now, but our best life is later and not your "best life now."

3. Purification [v. 3]. Because of what we are and what we shall be, we should be motivated to live holy and faithful lives. We are to surrender and yield to the Spirit through obedience to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit will make us more like Christ in a gradual process called, sanctification.

Behold, what kind of love is this that the Father has given us that we should be called the sons of God!

2010 State of the Professing Church

2009-12-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

Wow! when I was in high school between 1966-1969, the year 2010 seemed like ages away. I had no understanding or belief that it would ever come to reality. But here it is, and I have several concerns for our nation, the church of Jesus Christ, and the "so-called" church.

Our nation is on a fast track to socialism and being a part of the global world system promised in the end times. Yet, I am nor afraid or unsettled. My hope and faith is in a sovereign God who is fulfilling His purposes and plans for planet earth. My hope is not in Washington or a politician.

A recent study in the Book of Habakkuk taught me to live by faith, trust God, and understand He is on His throne and working His plan. While we are to be salt and light through the Word of God and prayer, I understand that these things must come to pass.

My deeper concern is for the professing church.

Many mainline denominations, preachers, and so-called Christians have apostasized in doctrine, duty, and deportment.

The true gospel has been replaced by a social gospel void of sin, repentance,hell, commitment, and holiness. Denying self, cross-bearing, and following Jesus is mo longer part of the salvation message.

We now have many ways to God or many ways to many Gods. One is scorned today ifthey believe that Jesus is the only way of salvation and that salvation involves a turning from sin in repentance and genuine faith.

The Bible is seen as irrelevant and insufficient to meet man's need. There is no longer absolute truth and absolute morality.

There is a great apathy and unloyalty to the things of God and the house of God by those who profess Jesus as Lord. Convenient Christianity is the prevailing mood.

But most of all, there is no expectation of the coming of the Lord. A genuine hope of His return motivates us to long for, live for, and learn more about his return. The church has settled in the world and conformed to the world so that in many instances you can't tell the church from the world.

Even so come Lord Jesus!

An Unlikely Christmas

2009-12-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

As I prepare my Christmas message for Sunday, Dec 20, 2009, I asked God to show me how to present the familar passage of Luke 2:1-12, in a different way, but yet true to the text. To me this is an inexhaustible passage full of great truths.

As I read the Christmas story fresh and anew, I was struck by one word, and that word is "unlikely." The passage is full of unlikely people, places, and events.

So I will share with the congregation of Trinity Baptist this outline:

1. An Unlikely Person [vs. 1-3]

2. An Unlikely Place [vs. 4-5]

3. An Unlikely Plan [vs. 6-12]

Home Churches

2009-12-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

I am often asked about home churches, or meeting in homes. Remember that the local church is not a building but a people [Rom. 16:5].

I see nothing wrong with a church in your home or small cell groups, if we do what a church is supposed to do. I see 3 questions we must answer:

1. Why did the early church meet in homes? The early church met in homes because there was no buildings and because of persecution.

2. Why are you meeting in your home? If you are meeting in your home to counter the “traditional church,” then you are meeting for the wrong reasons. Many times these people have a problem submitting to authority and have selfish ego’s and a “bone to pick,” with the traditional church.

3. Who is meeting in your home? If it’s only your family, then its not a N.T. church, its no more than a family devotional? Everywhere I read in the N.T. where the church met in a home, there were others present besides their families.