If God is Lord and Sovereign, if he takes the initiative, if he accomplishes his will in heaven and in earth, why pray? Will not God carry out his purposes without our requesting that he do so? Since we do not know how God will accomplish his plan, would it not be better to leave everything in his hands? Is not prayer presumptuous meddling, offering God unnecessary advice?
The plan that God will accomplish is a plan that includes the dedicated participation of his creatures. For this purpose he has made man in his image and is restoring him in the image of his Son. As Jesus prays for those the Father has given him, he is fulfilling the will of his Father (John 17).
Our prayers, too, are part of the great sweep of God's plan for his people. God's sovereignty does not rob history of significance; to the contrary, it is God's plan that gives human history meaning. We do not know how to pray as we should, in the light of God's purposes. But for that very reason his Spirit who dwells in us makes intercession according to the will of God (Romans 8:27).
- Edmund P. Clowney, A Biblical Theology of Prayer
Sunday 28 February 2010
Saturday 27 February 2010
The Power and Point of Touch
The Power of Touch
In 2 Kings 13:21, a dead man came back to life when his body touched Elisha's bones in Elisha's tomb (Elisha is a type of Christ). Jesus Himself often (though not always) healed people by the power of touch. 'God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them' (Acts 19:11-12, NIV).
Negiah
Interestingly, there is a concept in Jewish religious law - Negiah, literally 'touch' - that forbids or restricts physical contact with a member of the opposite sex (except for one's spouse, children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents). Of course, I'm not saying that we need to observe Negiah. Nevertheless, it is instructive to think about the reasoning behind it.
Under the Old Covenant, things were made clean or unclean, holy or unholy, sacred or defiled by the power of touch. Sins were symbolically transferred from people to animal sacrifices (and hence atoned for) by the laying on of hands (i.e. the power of touch). The word 'touch' appears almost 30 times in the book of Leviticus alone, not counting implicit references like the laying on of hands!
The Hebrew word for 'touch' (משמוש) is cognate to the Hebrew word for 'marital relations' (שימוש).
"Then God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all yours will die."" - Genesis 20:6-7 (NIV)
"So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."" - Ruth 2:8-9 (NIV)
"Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished." - Proverbs 6:27-29 (NIV)
The Greek word for 'touch' (άπτομαι) directly relates to the sexual relationship within marriage.
"Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."" - 1 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)
"Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry." - 1 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
"Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman." - 1 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
""Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."" - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NIV)
The Four Major Prophets
The four major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel) were all commissioned by the power of touch.
Isaiah
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."" - Isaiah 6:5-7 (NIV)
Jeremiah
""Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."" - Jeremiah 1:6-10 (NIV)
Ezekiel
"He said to me, "Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you." As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me... And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat." - Ezekiel 2:1-2, 3:1-2 (NIV)
Daniel
"While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, "I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I am helpless. How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe." Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong."" - Daniel 10:15-19 (NIV)
The Point of Touch
God justified us in Christ/imputed Christ's righteousness to us spiritually when God raised Christ from the dead in the past; God will justify us in Christ/impute Christ's righteousness to us physically when God raises us from the dead in the future!
In other words, the point of spiritual imputation is the resurrection of Christ; the point of physical imputation is the second coming, when Christ returns one day to consummate our marriage and become one flesh with us!
The point of touch is that it happens in the second coming - Christ touches us (and hence physically clothes us with His righteousness) when He returns one day to consummate our marriage and become one flesh with us!
Links: The Point of Imputation (21 Jan 10), The Point of Justification (26 Feb 10)
In 2 Kings 13:21, a dead man came back to life when his body touched Elisha's bones in Elisha's tomb (Elisha is a type of Christ). Jesus Himself often (though not always) healed people by the power of touch. 'God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them' (Acts 19:11-12, NIV).
Negiah
Interestingly, there is a concept in Jewish religious law - Negiah, literally 'touch' - that forbids or restricts physical contact with a member of the opposite sex (except for one's spouse, children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents). Of course, I'm not saying that we need to observe Negiah. Nevertheless, it is instructive to think about the reasoning behind it.
Under the Old Covenant, things were made clean or unclean, holy or unholy, sacred or defiled by the power of touch. Sins were symbolically transferred from people to animal sacrifices (and hence atoned for) by the laying on of hands (i.e. the power of touch). The word 'touch' appears almost 30 times in the book of Leviticus alone, not counting implicit references like the laying on of hands!
The Hebrew word for 'touch' (משמוש) is cognate to the Hebrew word for 'marital relations' (שימוש).
"Then God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all yours will die."" - Genesis 20:6-7 (NIV)
"So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."" - Ruth 2:8-9 (NIV)
"Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished." - Proverbs 6:27-29 (NIV)
The Greek word for 'touch' (άπτομαι) directly relates to the sexual relationship within marriage.
"Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."" - 1 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)
"Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry." - 1 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
"Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman." - 1 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
""Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."" - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NIV)
The Four Major Prophets
The four major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel) were all commissioned by the power of touch.
Isaiah
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."" - Isaiah 6:5-7 (NIV)
Jeremiah
""Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."" - Jeremiah 1:6-10 (NIV)
Ezekiel
"He said to me, "Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you." As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me... And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat." - Ezekiel 2:1-2, 3:1-2 (NIV)
Daniel
"While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, "I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I am helpless. How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe." Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong."" - Daniel 10:15-19 (NIV)
The Point of Touch
God justified us in Christ/imputed Christ's righteousness to us spiritually when God raised Christ from the dead in the past; God will justify us in Christ/impute Christ's righteousness to us physically when God raises us from the dead in the future!
In other words, the point of spiritual imputation is the resurrection of Christ; the point of physical imputation is the second coming, when Christ returns one day to consummate our marriage and become one flesh with us!
The point of touch is that it happens in the second coming - Christ touches us (and hence physically clothes us with His righteousness) when He returns one day to consummate our marriage and become one flesh with us!
Links: The Point of Imputation (21 Jan 10), The Point of Justification (26 Feb 10)
Friday 26 February 2010
The Point of Justification
(1) God justified us in Christ when God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous.
(2) God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous when God raised Christ from the dead.
(3) Therefore, God justified us in Christ when God raised Christ from the dead.
In other words, God justified us in Christ not through the cross but through the resurrection.
(4) God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous.
(2) God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous when God raised Christ from the dead.
(5) Therefore, God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God raised Christ from the dead.
In other words, God imputed Christ's righteousness to us not through the cross but through the resurrection.
*****
(1) God justified us in Christ when God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." - Romans 3:23-26 (NIV)
(2) God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous when God raised Christ from the dead.
God did not declare Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the cross; God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the resurrection.
Jesus did not prevail over the wages of sin (i.e. death) through the cross. Jesus simply paid the wages of sin (i.e. death) through the cross. Jesus prevailed over the wages of sin (i.e. death) through the resurrection.
What happened through the cross was not the defeat of death. What happened through the cross was simply the description of death. It was what happened through the resurrection which was the defeat of death.
"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God." - Romans 6:8-10 (NIV)
"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:22-24 (NIV)
"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." - 2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV)
(3) Therefore, God justified us in Christ when God raised Christ from the dead.
"For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." - 1 Corinthians 15:16-19 (NIV)
(4) God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous.
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
(5) Therefore, God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God raised Christ from the dead.
"The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." - Romans 4:23-25 (NIV)
*****
To repeat, God did not declare Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the cross; God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the resurrection.
The gospel is not that Jesus died for our sins. That is bad news, the news of a failed Messiah, a deposed High Priest, a dethroned King. The gospel is that Jesus 'was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification' (Romans 4:25, NIV)!
God could not have imputed Christ's righteousness to us through the cross because God had not yet declared Christ righteous (by raising Him from the dead) at that point in time!
Even as God justified us in Christ/imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God raised Christ from the dead in the past, there is a sense in which God will complete His work in us when He raises us from the dead in the future.
God justified us in Christ/imputed Christ's righteousness to us spiritually when God raised Christ from the dead in the past; God will justify us in Christ/impute Christ's righteousness to us physically when God raises us from the dead in the future!
Born Again
In one sense, we have been born again. In another sense, we will be born again.
Spiritual Rebirth
We have been born again in the sense that we have been born again spiritually.
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." - Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV)
"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." - 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)
Physical Rebirth
We will be born again in the sense that we will be born again physically.
"Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."" - John 3:5-8 (NIV)
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-24 (NIV)
v20: fallen asleep vs raised from the dead
v21: death vs the resurrection of the dead
v22: die vs made alive
"I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."" - 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15 is not about spiritual rebirth but about physical rebirth!
Spiritual and Physical Rebirth
Just as spiritual death (fall) precedes physical death (condemnation), so does spiritual rebirth (redemption) precede physical rebirth (consummation).
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." - Romans 8:9-11 (NIV)
We were born again spiritually when God raised Christ from the dead in the past; we will be born again physically when God raises us from the dead in the future!
Links: The Point of Imputation (21 Jan 10), The Power and Point of Touch (27 Feb 10)
(2) God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous when God raised Christ from the dead.
(3) Therefore, God justified us in Christ when God raised Christ from the dead.
In other words, God justified us in Christ not through the cross but through the resurrection.
(4) God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous.
(2) God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous when God raised Christ from the dead.
(5) Therefore, God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God raised Christ from the dead.
In other words, God imputed Christ's righteousness to us not through the cross but through the resurrection.
*****
(1) God justified us in Christ when God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." - Romans 3:23-26 (NIV)
(2) God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous when God raised Christ from the dead.
God did not declare Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the cross; God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the resurrection.
Jesus did not prevail over the wages of sin (i.e. death) through the cross. Jesus simply paid the wages of sin (i.e. death) through the cross. Jesus prevailed over the wages of sin (i.e. death) through the resurrection.
What happened through the cross was not the defeat of death. What happened through the cross was simply the description of death. It was what happened through the resurrection which was the defeat of death.
"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God." - Romans 6:8-10 (NIV)
"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:22-24 (NIV)
"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." - 2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV)
(3) Therefore, God justified us in Christ when God raised Christ from the dead.
"For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." - 1 Corinthians 15:16-19 (NIV)
(4) God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous.
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
(5) Therefore, God imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God raised Christ from the dead.
"The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." - Romans 4:23-25 (NIV)
*****
To repeat, God did not declare Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the cross; God declared Christ (and hence all who are in Him) righteous through the resurrection.
The gospel is not that Jesus died for our sins. That is bad news, the news of a failed Messiah, a deposed High Priest, a dethroned King. The gospel is that Jesus 'was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification' (Romans 4:25, NIV)!
God could not have imputed Christ's righteousness to us through the cross because God had not yet declared Christ righteous (by raising Him from the dead) at that point in time!
Even as God justified us in Christ/imputed Christ's righteousness to us when God raised Christ from the dead in the past, there is a sense in which God will complete His work in us when He raises us from the dead in the future.
God justified us in Christ/imputed Christ's righteousness to us spiritually when God raised Christ from the dead in the past; God will justify us in Christ/impute Christ's righteousness to us physically when God raises us from the dead in the future!
Born Again
In one sense, we have been born again. In another sense, we will be born again.
Spiritual Rebirth
We have been born again in the sense that we have been born again spiritually.
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." - Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV)
"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." - 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)
Physical Rebirth
We will be born again in the sense that we will be born again physically.
"Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."" - John 3:5-8 (NIV)
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-24 (NIV)
v20: fallen asleep vs raised from the dead
v21: death vs the resurrection of the dead
v22: die vs made alive
"I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."" - 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15 is not about spiritual rebirth but about physical rebirth!
Spiritual and Physical Rebirth
Just as spiritual death (fall) precedes physical death (condemnation), so does spiritual rebirth (redemption) precede physical rebirth (consummation).
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." - Romans 8:9-11 (NIV)
We were born again spiritually when God raised Christ from the dead in the past; we will be born again physically when God raises us from the dead in the future!
Links: The Point of Imputation (21 Jan 10), The Power and Point of Touch (27 Feb 10)
Thursday 25 February 2010
Watch and Pray
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the New Testament reading for March 8 is Mark 14:17-42.
"Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."" - Mark 14:37-38 (NIV)
Again, what Jesus tells Peter in Mark 14:38 in simply stunning. In effect, Peter fell into temptation - first by falling asleep in Gethsemane (Mark 14:37) and then by denying Jesus in the high priest's courtyard (Mark 14:66-72) - because he did not watch and pray for God's protection!
If Peter had to watch and pray to overcome temptation, how much more do we have to watch and pray to overcome temptation!
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Yes, God will provide a way out so that we can stand up under what He has called us to bear. But only if we watch and pray about it!
Link: Only by Prayer (21 Feb 10)
"Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."" - Mark 14:37-38 (NIV)
Again, what Jesus tells Peter in Mark 14:38 in simply stunning. In effect, Peter fell into temptation - first by falling asleep in Gethsemane (Mark 14:37) and then by denying Jesus in the high priest's courtyard (Mark 14:66-72) - because he did not watch and pray for God's protection!
If Peter had to watch and pray to overcome temptation, how much more do we have to watch and pray to overcome temptation!
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Yes, God will provide a way out so that we can stand up under what He has called us to bear. But only if we watch and pray about it!
Link: Only by Prayer (21 Feb 10)
Wednesday 24 February 2010
If It is the Lord's Will
In one sense, everything is part of the Lord's will. After all, not one sparrow 'will fall to the ground apart from the will of [our] Father' (Matthew 10:29, NIV). In another sense, not everything is part of the Lord's will.
"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." - Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
How do you decide whether or not to do something if both options are godly (or at least not ungodly)? Going mysteriously forward, is it wiser to "risk" not doing something which may be part of the Lord's will, or is it wiser to "risk" doing something which may not be part of the Lord's will?
When I'm faced with anguished choice
I will listen for Your voice
And I'll stand on every promise of Your Word
Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on every promise of Your Word
And You've promised to complete
Every work begun in me
So I'll stand on every promise of Your Word
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." - Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
How do you decide whether or not to do something if both options are godly (or at least not ungodly)? Going mysteriously forward, is it wiser to "risk" not doing something which may be part of the Lord's will, or is it wiser to "risk" doing something which may not be part of the Lord's will?
When I'm faced with anguished choice
I will listen for Your voice
And I'll stand on every promise of Your Word
Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on every promise of Your Word
And You've promised to complete
Every work begun in me
So I'll stand on every promise of Your Word
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
Tuesday 23 February 2010
A. W. Pink and Tozer
*From Nicholas' blog*
It is striking to note that God has often granted the freest communications of Himself to those who were before Him in secret.
It was so with Moses on the mount, when Jehovah gave him the Law - and again when He gave him the pattern for the tabernacle.
It was while Daniel was engaged in private prayer that God sent His angel to reveal to him the secrets of His counsel concerning the restoration of Jerusalem and the duration thereof even unto the Messiah (Daniel 9:3, 21-27); as it was also during a season when he was alone before the Throne of Grace that God assured him he was "a man greatly beloved" (Daniel 10:11, 19).
It is in the closet that God usually bestows His sweetest and choicest blessings.
Cornelius was highly commended and graciously rewarded upon the account of his private prayer (Acts 10:1-4).
Peter was granted that wondrous vision concerning the Gentiles while praying alone (Acts 10:9-13).
Scripture records much to illustrate and demonstrate the great prevalence of private prayer.
O the wonders that followed secret wrestling with God, the grand mercies that have been obtained, the judgments that have been diverted, the deliverances that have been secured!
When Isaac was all alone entreating with God for a good wife, he met Rebekah (Genesis 24:63-64).
While Hezekiah was weeping and praying in private, God sent the prophet Isaiah to assure him that He would add unto his days fifteen years (Isaiah 38:5).
When Jonah was shut up in the whale's belly, he was delivered in answer to his supplication (Jonah 2:1-10).
O the power of private prayer: it has issued in the dead being raised to life - 1 Kings 17:18-22, 2 Kings 4:32-35.
May the Holy Spirit graciously use these considerations to stir up writer and reader.
- A. W. Pink, Private Prayer
I would like to see our young people feel the call of God on them until they have to leave us and begin preaching.
I would like to see the Spirit of God move upon us until our young people cannot afford to sit and figure out who they are going to marry and when.
That will come in its time, but they will be thinking, Where can I serve God?
Then one day, suddenly, the hand of God will be laid on their shoulders and off they will go.
- A. W. Tozer, Rut, Rot or Revival
It is striking to note that God has often granted the freest communications of Himself to those who were before Him in secret.
It was so with Moses on the mount, when Jehovah gave him the Law - and again when He gave him the pattern for the tabernacle.
It was while Daniel was engaged in private prayer that God sent His angel to reveal to him the secrets of His counsel concerning the restoration of Jerusalem and the duration thereof even unto the Messiah (Daniel 9:3, 21-27); as it was also during a season when he was alone before the Throne of Grace that God assured him he was "a man greatly beloved" (Daniel 10:11, 19).
It is in the closet that God usually bestows His sweetest and choicest blessings.
Cornelius was highly commended and graciously rewarded upon the account of his private prayer (Acts 10:1-4).
Peter was granted that wondrous vision concerning the Gentiles while praying alone (Acts 10:9-13).
Scripture records much to illustrate and demonstrate the great prevalence of private prayer.
O the wonders that followed secret wrestling with God, the grand mercies that have been obtained, the judgments that have been diverted, the deliverances that have been secured!
When Isaac was all alone entreating with God for a good wife, he met Rebekah (Genesis 24:63-64).
While Hezekiah was weeping and praying in private, God sent the prophet Isaiah to assure him that He would add unto his days fifteen years (Isaiah 38:5).
When Jonah was shut up in the whale's belly, he was delivered in answer to his supplication (Jonah 2:1-10).
O the power of private prayer: it has issued in the dead being raised to life - 1 Kings 17:18-22, 2 Kings 4:32-35.
May the Holy Spirit graciously use these considerations to stir up writer and reader.
- A. W. Pink, Private Prayer
I would like to see our young people feel the call of God on them until they have to leave us and begin preaching.
I would like to see the Spirit of God move upon us until our young people cannot afford to sit and figure out who they are going to marry and when.
That will come in its time, but they will be thinking, Where can I serve God?
Then one day, suddenly, the hand of God will be laid on their shoulders and off they will go.
- A. W. Tozer, Rut, Rot or Revival
Monday 22 February 2010
Feb 15 to 21
Feb 15: "In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them." - Psalm 22:4 (NIV)
Feb 16: "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."" - Mark 2:17 (NIV)
Feb 17: "But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." - Mark 3:29 (NIV)
Feb 18: "For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help." - Psalm 22:24 (NIV)
Feb 19: "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." - Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
Feb 20: "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false." - Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV)
Feb 21: "They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God." - Exodus 29:46 (NIV)
Feb 16: "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."" - Mark 2:17 (NIV)
Feb 17: "But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." - Mark 3:29 (NIV)
Feb 18: "For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help." - Psalm 22:24 (NIV)
Feb 19: "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." - Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
Feb 20: "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false." - Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV)
Feb 21: "They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God." - Exodus 29:46 (NIV)
Sunday 21 February 2010
Only by Prayer
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the New Testament reading for February 26 is Mark 9:2-32 (The Transfiguration and the Healing of a Boy With an Evil Spirit). I'm a few days ahead, at least for now...
"After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."" - Mark 9:28-29 (NIV)
I hadn't really paid much attention to this before, but what Jesus tells His disciples in Mark 9:29 is simply stunning. In effect, the disciples could not heal the boy because they did not pray about it!
If the disciples had to pray to accomplish what God had called them to do, how much more do we have to pray to 'test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will' (Romans 12:2, NIV)!
Of course, prayer - like faith - is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for healing. Prayer is a necessary condition for healing (at least in Mark 9) because the disciples could not heal the boy without prayer. However, prayer is not a sufficient condition for healing because prayer does not guarantee healing.
Link: Watch and Pray (25 Feb 10)
"After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."" - Mark 9:28-29 (NIV)
I hadn't really paid much attention to this before, but what Jesus tells His disciples in Mark 9:29 is simply stunning. In effect, the disciples could not heal the boy because they did not pray about it!
If the disciples had to pray to accomplish what God had called them to do, how much more do we have to pray to 'test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will' (Romans 12:2, NIV)!
Of course, prayer - like faith - is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for healing. Prayer is a necessary condition for healing (at least in Mark 9) because the disciples could not heal the boy without prayer. However, prayer is not a sufficient condition for healing because prayer does not guarantee healing.
Link: Watch and Pray (25 Feb 10)
Saturday 20 February 2010
1 Thessalonians 4:7
*Adapted from Kun Man's post on waiting*
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV)
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
Why do you doubt, O my soul?
Place your hope in God, O my soul
For I will be glad
My soul thirsts for the living God
My soul thirsts for You alone
My soul thirsts for the living God alone
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Does your soul thirst for the living God alone? Or does it thirst for someone/something else?
"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." - Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)
Waiting on God from My Prayer Closet
It is not easy to be in a place of waiting if you want to accomplish much, get ahead and see stuff happening. Waiting invokes humility in us when we really begin to understand what role in plays in our relationship with the Father (God). The mark of maturity in Christians is their ability to trust in God and keep running with the vision when to every eye it looks like success will never come, when things are not working out as expected.
As I learn from being with God in my closet, I have begun to understand that my programme is not important if I am certain God is speaking to and guiding me. In fact, my programme may become a hindrance. God will bring things to pass at the appropriate time in His time; I only have to be obedient. I can give many examples from the Bible starting from Genesis to Revelation of the many men and women who had to wait on God's timing...
From my prayer closet I come out with the confidence that no matter what happens, I cannot fret or be anxious about anything. I have to learn to move with God's timing. Understanding His sovereignty is being at a place where I know that I do not need to fight my own battles, God will fight them for me. If I start fighting my own battles, having sleepless nights, sinking into depression or being overtaken by anxiety, then I am outside His Word and therefore His will. I am outside His will not because He has tossed me out but because I have chosen to ignore Him and take things into my own hands.
It is so much harder to fight God for what we want than it is to wait on Him and trust that He will take care of His own promises. If His agenda is ours, there is nothing to fear, we know that the meeting will proceed well, all issues will be touched in their time and the work we do together as co-labourers in His field will be accomplished to a clean dot, in His time.
- donnaisabella, Waiting on God from My Prayer Closet
In His time
In His time
He makes all things beautiful in His time
Lord, please show me everyday
As You're teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say
In Your time
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV)
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
Why do you doubt, O my soul?
Place your hope in God, O my soul
For I will be glad
My soul thirsts for the living God
My soul thirsts for You alone
My soul thirsts for the living God alone
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Does your soul thirst for the living God alone? Or does it thirst for someone/something else?
"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." - Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)
Waiting on God from My Prayer Closet
It is not easy to be in a place of waiting if you want to accomplish much, get ahead and see stuff happening. Waiting invokes humility in us when we really begin to understand what role in plays in our relationship with the Father (God). The mark of maturity in Christians is their ability to trust in God and keep running with the vision when to every eye it looks like success will never come, when things are not working out as expected.
As I learn from being with God in my closet, I have begun to understand that my programme is not important if I am certain God is speaking to and guiding me. In fact, my programme may become a hindrance. God will bring things to pass at the appropriate time in His time; I only have to be obedient. I can give many examples from the Bible starting from Genesis to Revelation of the many men and women who had to wait on God's timing...
From my prayer closet I come out with the confidence that no matter what happens, I cannot fret or be anxious about anything. I have to learn to move with God's timing. Understanding His sovereignty is being at a place where I know that I do not need to fight my own battles, God will fight them for me. If I start fighting my own battles, having sleepless nights, sinking into depression or being overtaken by anxiety, then I am outside His Word and therefore His will. I am outside His will not because He has tossed me out but because I have chosen to ignore Him and take things into my own hands.
It is so much harder to fight God for what we want than it is to wait on Him and trust that He will take care of His own promises. If His agenda is ours, there is nothing to fear, we know that the meeting will proceed well, all issues will be touched in their time and the work we do together as co-labourers in His field will be accomplished to a clean dot, in His time.
- donnaisabella, Waiting on God from My Prayer Closet
In His time
In His time
He makes all things beautiful in His time
Lord, please show me everyday
As You're teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say
In Your time
Thursday 18 February 2010
Lent for Everyone: Luke Year C
Yesterday was the start of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter. I hadn't thought about giving up or taking up anything for Lent this year, but I stumbled upon Tom Wright's second latest book today (his latest book being Virtue Reborn) - written especially for Lent this year - and decided that I might as well follow it over the next 40 days.
Wednesday 17 February 2010
Providence
As we gather may Your Spirit work within us
As we gather may we glorify Your Name
Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship
We'll be blessed because we came
We'll be blessed because we came
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning, new every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord
Great is Thy faithfulness
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
- Lamentations 3:19-27 (NIV)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
As we gather may we glorify Your Name
Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship
We'll be blessed because we came
We'll be blessed because we came
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning, new every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord
Great is Thy faithfulness
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
- Lamentations 3:19-27 (NIV)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Patience
We're looking at the fruit of the Spirit in James CU this term and tonight's big group was on patience. It is not so much that 'good things come to those who wait', as it is that 'good things come to those who wait upon the Lord'.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God
You do not faint, You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
God is patient with us.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Are we patient with God?
"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." - Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)
"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." - Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV)
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." - Psalm 130:1-6 (NIV)
Discerning God's Will
In a previous post, Discerning God's Will, I wrote that we discern God's will by delighting in His presence, following His precepts, understanding His plans, acknowledging His purposes, relying on His protection, trusting in His promises, recognising His providence, seeking His perspective, prayer and petition and experiencing His peace.
After the timely reminder at big group tonight, I might add that we discern God's will by waiting patiently. At just the right time, God will reveal His will to us - and His will is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
He sees the masterplan
He holds our future in His hands
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." - Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." - Psalm 37:3-7a (NIV)
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." - Romans 8:22-25 (NIV)
Links: Discerning God's Will (9 Feb 10), More on Discerning God's Will (10 Mar 10)
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God
You do not faint, You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
God is patient with us.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Are we patient with God?
"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." - Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)
"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." - Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV)
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." - Psalm 130:1-6 (NIV)
Discerning God's Will
In a previous post, Discerning God's Will, I wrote that we discern God's will by delighting in His presence, following His precepts, understanding His plans, acknowledging His purposes, relying on His protection, trusting in His promises, recognising His providence, seeking His perspective, prayer and petition and experiencing His peace.
After the timely reminder at big group tonight, I might add that we discern God's will by waiting patiently. At just the right time, God will reveal His will to us - and His will is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
He sees the masterplan
He holds our future in His hands
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." - Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." - Psalm 37:3-7a (NIV)
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." - Romans 8:22-25 (NIV)
Links: Discerning God's Will (9 Feb 10), More on Discerning God's Will (10 Mar 10)
Monday 15 February 2010
Feb 8 to 14
Feb 8: "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." - Exodus 3:5 (NIV)
Feb 9: "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."" - Matthew 26:39 (NIV)
Feb 10: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Feb 11: "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." - Psalm 20:4 (NIV)
Feb 12: "Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence." - Psalm 21:6 (NIV)
Feb 13: "Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."" - Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Feb 14: "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." - Exodus 15:2 (NIV)
Feb 9: "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."" - Matthew 26:39 (NIV)
Feb 10: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Feb 11: "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." - Psalm 20:4 (NIV)
Feb 12: "Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence." - Psalm 21:6 (NIV)
Feb 13: "Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."" - Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Feb 14: "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." - Exodus 15:2 (NIV)
Sunday 14 February 2010
The Wife of Noble Character
*To My Future Wife*
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
- Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." - Proverbs 12:4 (NIV)
A wife of noble character who can find? The Bible tells us that 'he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the LORD' (Proverbs 18:22, NIV). However, finding a wife of noble character is not so much about searching for "the one", as it is about trusting God to work things out.
Commenting on Proverbs 18:22, Bill Thrasher in Believing God for His Best writes that 'the Hebrew word for "find" does not denote a diligent search but rather finding something along one's normal and natural path of life'. Indeed, 'houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD' (Proverbs 19:14, NIV).
The Way of a Man with a Maiden
"There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden." - Proverbs 30:18-19 (NIV)
Interestingly, the author groups 'the way of a man with a maiden' together with 'the way of an eagle in the sky', 'the way of a snake on a rock' and 'the way of a ship on the high seas'. What do they have in common?
In the air, an eagle has no right to defy gravity and avoid falling. But by God's grace, it does! On the land, a snake (having no legs) has no right to make its way on a rock. But by God's grace, it does! On the sea, a ship has no right to defy gravity and avoid sinking. But by God's grace, it does!
Above all, a man has no right to win the heart of a maiden. But by God's grace, he does! In the first place, it is God who says, 'it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him' (Genesis 2:18, NIV).
- The King and the Maiden (14 Dec 09)
To Form a More Perfect Union
Christian marriage is about spiritual growth - becoming more like Christ.
God will not bring you together with someone just to answer your prayers or meet your needs. He brings people together in marriage to edify one another, to give them opportunity to lay down their lives for one another, to build a union designed primarily to bring glory to God.
Anything that falls short of union falls short of God's plan.
- Andrew Farmer, The Rich Single Life
Believing God for His Best
1. All of us need a preparation time of singleness before marriage.
2. Certain times may be harder than others in trusting God with your singleness. These times can be ones of intense temptation.
3. On the other side of a temptation often is a special opportunity and provision of God.
4. You do not need to try to be somebody you are not in order to win the heart of the other person you admire.
5. God will draw two people together in His sovereignty if He wills them to be married.
6. Do not let another be an idol in your life. An "idol" is someone or something that you look to in order to fulfill the thirsts of your heart to feel important and secure.
7. What is of God might go through various "deaths of a vision" before it is fulfilled.
8. We need the support, counsel, and prayers of others in this area of our lives no matter how much we might be seeking God.
9. Seek to honour both sets of parents.
10. Making the most of one's singleness is the best preparation for marriage.
11. Live today in a way that will do your future mate good.
12. Thoughtfully present your sexual energies and drives to God, and vow to keep yourselves pure for one man or one woman.
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 (NIV)
First and Second Things
Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: put second things first and we lose both first and second things.
To sacrifice the greater good for the less and then not to get the lesser good after all - that is the surprising folly.
The woman who makes a dog the centre of her life loses, in the end, not only her human usefulness and dignity but even the proper pleasure of dog-keeping. The man who makes alcohol his chief good loses not only his job but his palate and all power of enjoying the earlier (and only pleasurable) levels of intoxication.
It is a glorious thing to feel for a moment or two that the whole meaning of the universe is summed up in one woman - glorious so long as other duties and pleasures keep tearing you away from her. But clear the decks and so arrange your life (it is sometimes feasible) that you will have nothing to do but contemplate her, and what happens?
Every preference of a small good to a great, or a partial good to a total good, involves the loss of the small or partial good for which the sacrifice was made.
You can't get second things by putting them first; you can get second things only by putting first things first. From which it would follow that the question, "What things are first?" is of concern not only to philosophers but to everyone.
- C. S. Lewis, First and Second Things
To love you as I should, I must worship God as Creator.
When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. In so far as I learn to love my earthly dearest at the expense of God and instead of God, I shall be moving towards the state in which I shall not love my earthly dearest at all. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.
- C. S. Lewis, Letters of C. S. Lewis
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
By Obedience, We Enter into God's Rest
By obeying God, we enter into a rest that results from being utterly dependent on Him, relying on His activity and agenda rather than our own.
And perhaps it is time for us to recognise obedience as the quintessential expression of our faith - we obey, not because we hope to gain from it, but because it is the proper response of a heart that trusts in God. Instead, the world has programmed us for expedience. We desire to have what we want, when we want it. But we must supplant the desire for expedience with the desire for true obedience.
All other relationships grow out of this: that we love first and most fervently the One who has saved us and set us free. It begins with a choice - a choice to serve Him rather than to serve ourselves; a choice to do what is obedient, even if by doing so we forfeit what we desire; a choice to pursue righteousness, even when it is costly.
Are we willing to make that choice?
- William P. Risk, Dating & Waiting
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Links: The Proverbs 31 Woman (14 Feb 09), A wife of noble character who can find? (5 May 10), The Man of Noble Character (6 Sep 10), The Psalm 112 Man (9 Sep 10)
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
- Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." - Proverbs 12:4 (NIV)
A wife of noble character who can find? The Bible tells us that 'he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the LORD' (Proverbs 18:22, NIV). However, finding a wife of noble character is not so much about searching for "the one", as it is about trusting God to work things out.
Commenting on Proverbs 18:22, Bill Thrasher in Believing God for His Best writes that 'the Hebrew word for "find" does not denote a diligent search but rather finding something along one's normal and natural path of life'. Indeed, 'houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD' (Proverbs 19:14, NIV).
The Way of a Man with a Maiden
"There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden." - Proverbs 30:18-19 (NIV)
Interestingly, the author groups 'the way of a man with a maiden' together with 'the way of an eagle in the sky', 'the way of a snake on a rock' and 'the way of a ship on the high seas'. What do they have in common?
In the air, an eagle has no right to defy gravity and avoid falling. But by God's grace, it does! On the land, a snake (having no legs) has no right to make its way on a rock. But by God's grace, it does! On the sea, a ship has no right to defy gravity and avoid sinking. But by God's grace, it does!
Above all, a man has no right to win the heart of a maiden. But by God's grace, he does! In the first place, it is God who says, 'it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him' (Genesis 2:18, NIV).
- The King and the Maiden (14 Dec 09)
To Form a More Perfect Union
Christian marriage is about spiritual growth - becoming more like Christ.
God will not bring you together with someone just to answer your prayers or meet your needs. He brings people together in marriage to edify one another, to give them opportunity to lay down their lives for one another, to build a union designed primarily to bring glory to God.
Anything that falls short of union falls short of God's plan.
- Andrew Farmer, The Rich Single Life
Believing God for His Best
1. All of us need a preparation time of singleness before marriage.
2. Certain times may be harder than others in trusting God with your singleness. These times can be ones of intense temptation.
3. On the other side of a temptation often is a special opportunity and provision of God.
4. You do not need to try to be somebody you are not in order to win the heart of the other person you admire.
5. God will draw two people together in His sovereignty if He wills them to be married.
6. Do not let another be an idol in your life. An "idol" is someone or something that you look to in order to fulfill the thirsts of your heart to feel important and secure.
7. What is of God might go through various "deaths of a vision" before it is fulfilled.
8. We need the support, counsel, and prayers of others in this area of our lives no matter how much we might be seeking God.
9. Seek to honour both sets of parents.
10. Making the most of one's singleness is the best preparation for marriage.
11. Live today in a way that will do your future mate good.
12. Thoughtfully present your sexual energies and drives to God, and vow to keep yourselves pure for one man or one woman.
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 (NIV)
First and Second Things
Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: put second things first and we lose both first and second things.
To sacrifice the greater good for the less and then not to get the lesser good after all - that is the surprising folly.
The woman who makes a dog the centre of her life loses, in the end, not only her human usefulness and dignity but even the proper pleasure of dog-keeping. The man who makes alcohol his chief good loses not only his job but his palate and all power of enjoying the earlier (and only pleasurable) levels of intoxication.
It is a glorious thing to feel for a moment or two that the whole meaning of the universe is summed up in one woman - glorious so long as other duties and pleasures keep tearing you away from her. But clear the decks and so arrange your life (it is sometimes feasible) that you will have nothing to do but contemplate her, and what happens?
Every preference of a small good to a great, or a partial good to a total good, involves the loss of the small or partial good for which the sacrifice was made.
You can't get second things by putting them first; you can get second things only by putting first things first. From which it would follow that the question, "What things are first?" is of concern not only to philosophers but to everyone.
- C. S. Lewis, First and Second Things
To love you as I should, I must worship God as Creator.
When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. In so far as I learn to love my earthly dearest at the expense of God and instead of God, I shall be moving towards the state in which I shall not love my earthly dearest at all. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.
- C. S. Lewis, Letters of C. S. Lewis
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
By Obedience, We Enter into God's Rest
By obeying God, we enter into a rest that results from being utterly dependent on Him, relying on His activity and agenda rather than our own.
And perhaps it is time for us to recognise obedience as the quintessential expression of our faith - we obey, not because we hope to gain from it, but because it is the proper response of a heart that trusts in God. Instead, the world has programmed us for expedience. We desire to have what we want, when we want it. But we must supplant the desire for expedience with the desire for true obedience.
All other relationships grow out of this: that we love first and most fervently the One who has saved us and set us free. It begins with a choice - a choice to serve Him rather than to serve ourselves; a choice to do what is obedient, even if by doing so we forfeit what we desire; a choice to pursue righteousness, even when it is costly.
Are we willing to make that choice?
- William P. Risk, Dating & Waiting
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Links: The Proverbs 31 Woman (14 Feb 09), A wife of noble character who can find? (5 May 10), The Man of Noble Character (6 Sep 10), The Psalm 112 Man (9 Sep 10)
Saturday 13 February 2010
An Anti-Calvinist Argument
The First Set of Propositions
(1) God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
(2) We are most satisfied in God in our salvation, not our condemnation.
(3) Therefore, God is most glorified in us in our salvation, not our condemnation.
The Second Set of Propositions
(4) According to 5-point Calvinism, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, the life, death and resurrection of Christ in and of itself entails our salvation. Therefore, everyone whom Christ died for is saved.
(5) Not everyone is saved.
(6) Therefore, Christ does not (love everyone enough to) die for everyone.
Putting Both Sets of Propositions Together
(3) God is most glorified in us in our salvation, not our condemnation.
(6) Christ does not (love everyone enough to) die for everyone.
(7) Therefore, God does not make it possible for everyone to be saved, even though He is most glorified in us in our salvation, not our condemnation.
In order to be internally (not to mention externally) coherent, the 5-point Calvinist must affirm (7), that God does not seek to maximise His glory.
On my part, I would sooner deny (4) than I would affirm (7). In other words, I would sooner believe that the life, death and resurrection of Christ is not an intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation, than I would believe that God does not seek to maximise His glory.
Of course, the life, death and resurrection of Christ remains an extrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, trusting in the life, death and resurrection of Christ entails our salvation (without needing anything else).
5-Point Calvinism or Arminianism?
The logical fallacy of false dilemma involves a situation in which only two alternatives are considered, when in fact there are other options.
The choice between 5-point Calvinism and Arminianism is a false dilemma. Just because you are not a 5-point Calvinist does not mean that you are an Arminian. On the other hand, just because you are not an Arminian does not mean that you are a 5-point Calvinist. Indeed, you can be neither a 5-point Calvinist nor an Arminian, perhaps by being a Molinist.
Link: Another Anti-Calvinist Argument (25 Mar 10)
(1) God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
(2) We are most satisfied in God in our salvation, not our condemnation.
(3) Therefore, God is most glorified in us in our salvation, not our condemnation.
The Second Set of Propositions
(4) According to 5-point Calvinism, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, the life, death and resurrection of Christ in and of itself entails our salvation. Therefore, everyone whom Christ died for is saved.
(5) Not everyone is saved.
(6) Therefore, Christ does not (love everyone enough to) die for everyone.
Putting Both Sets of Propositions Together
(3) God is most glorified in us in our salvation, not our condemnation.
(6) Christ does not (love everyone enough to) die for everyone.
(7) Therefore, God does not make it possible for everyone to be saved, even though He is most glorified in us in our salvation, not our condemnation.
In order to be internally (not to mention externally) coherent, the 5-point Calvinist must affirm (7), that God does not seek to maximise His glory.
On my part, I would sooner deny (4) than I would affirm (7). In other words, I would sooner believe that the life, death and resurrection of Christ is not an intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation, than I would believe that God does not seek to maximise His glory.
Of course, the life, death and resurrection of Christ remains an extrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, trusting in the life, death and resurrection of Christ entails our salvation (without needing anything else).
5-Point Calvinism or Arminianism?
The logical fallacy of false dilemma involves a situation in which only two alternatives are considered, when in fact there are other options.
The choice between 5-point Calvinism and Arminianism is a false dilemma. Just because you are not a 5-point Calvinist does not mean that you are an Arminian. On the other hand, just because you are not an Arminian does not mean that you are a 5-point Calvinist. Indeed, you can be neither a 5-point Calvinist nor an Arminian, perhaps by being a Molinist.
Link: Another Anti-Calvinist Argument (25 Mar 10)
Friday 12 February 2010
The Sufficiency of Christ
Necessary vs Sufficient
A is a necessary condition for B if B implies A. More precisely, A is a necessary condition for B if you cannot have B without having A.
A is a sufficient condition for B if A implies B. More precisely, A is a sufficient condition for B if having A entails having B.
For example, oxygen is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for fire. Oxygen is a necessary condition for fire because you cannot have fire without having oxygen. However, oxygen is not a sufficient condition for fire because having oxygen does not entail having fire. Otherwise, we would always be breathing fire!
Again, faith is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for healing. Faith is a necessary condition for healing because you cannot have healing without having faith. However, faith is not a sufficient condition for healing because having faith does not entail having healing. Otherwise, we would always be healed!
Intrinsically Sufficient vs Extrinsically Sufficient
A is an intrinsically sufficient condition for B if having A in and of itself entails having B.
A is an extrinsically sufficient condition for B if internalising A entails having B (without needing anything else).
For example, water is an extrinsically but not intrinsically sufficient condition for quenching my thirst. Water is an extrinsically sufficient condition for quenching my thirst because drinking water entails having my thirst quenched (without needing anything else). However, water is not an intrinsically sufficient condition for quenching my thirst because having water in and of itself does not entail having my thirst quenched. I have to drink it!
5-Point Calvinism vs Molinism
According to 5-point Calvinism, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, the life, death and resurrection of Christ in and of itself entails our salvation. Therefore, everyone whom Christ died for is saved.
However, this either means that everyone is saved because Christ died for everyone, or it means that not everyone is saved because Christ does not (love everyone enough to) die for everyone.
According to Molinism, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an extrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, trusting in the life, death and resurrection of Christ entails our salvation (without needing anything else).
Of course, the soul with its faculties (the intellect and will) must be first constituted by prevenient grace a supernatural principle of operation in actu primo, before it can, in conjunction with the help of the supernatural concursus of God, elicit a salutary act in actu secundo.
Holding that the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an extrinsically but not intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation allows us to coherently affirm that Christ died for everyone but not everyone is saved.
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9 (NIV)
The life, death and resurrection of Christ is a necessary condition for our salvation. Furthermore, it is also a sufficient condition for our salvation. The question is whether it is an intrinsically or extrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation.
Links: The Freedom of the Will (14 Nov 09), The Freedom of the Will (Revised) (21 Dec 09), First and Second Causes (10 Jan 10)
A is a necessary condition for B if B implies A. More precisely, A is a necessary condition for B if you cannot have B without having A.
A is a sufficient condition for B if A implies B. More precisely, A is a sufficient condition for B if having A entails having B.
For example, oxygen is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for fire. Oxygen is a necessary condition for fire because you cannot have fire without having oxygen. However, oxygen is not a sufficient condition for fire because having oxygen does not entail having fire. Otherwise, we would always be breathing fire!
Again, faith is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for healing. Faith is a necessary condition for healing because you cannot have healing without having faith. However, faith is not a sufficient condition for healing because having faith does not entail having healing. Otherwise, we would always be healed!
Intrinsically Sufficient vs Extrinsically Sufficient
A is an intrinsically sufficient condition for B if having A in and of itself entails having B.
A is an extrinsically sufficient condition for B if internalising A entails having B (without needing anything else).
For example, water is an extrinsically but not intrinsically sufficient condition for quenching my thirst. Water is an extrinsically sufficient condition for quenching my thirst because drinking water entails having my thirst quenched (without needing anything else). However, water is not an intrinsically sufficient condition for quenching my thirst because having water in and of itself does not entail having my thirst quenched. I have to drink it!
5-Point Calvinism vs Molinism
According to 5-point Calvinism, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, the life, death and resurrection of Christ in and of itself entails our salvation. Therefore, everyone whom Christ died for is saved.
However, this either means that everyone is saved because Christ died for everyone, or it means that not everyone is saved because Christ does not (love everyone enough to) die for everyone.
According to Molinism, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an extrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation. In other words, trusting in the life, death and resurrection of Christ entails our salvation (without needing anything else).
Of course, the soul with its faculties (the intellect and will) must be first constituted by prevenient grace a supernatural principle of operation in actu primo, before it can, in conjunction with the help of the supernatural concursus of God, elicit a salutary act in actu secundo.
Holding that the life, death and resurrection of Christ is an extrinsically but not intrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation allows us to coherently affirm that Christ died for everyone but not everyone is saved.
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9 (NIV)
The life, death and resurrection of Christ is a necessary condition for our salvation. Furthermore, it is also a sufficient condition for our salvation. The question is whether it is an intrinsically or extrinsically sufficient condition for our salvation.
Links: The Freedom of the Will (14 Nov 09), The Freedom of the Will (Revised) (21 Dec 09), First and Second Causes (10 Jan 10)
Thursday 11 February 2010
Desiring God
A perfect man would never act from a sense of duty; he'd always want the right thing more than the wrong one. Duty is only a substitute for love (of God and of other people) like a crutch which is a substitute for a leg. Most of us need the crutch at times; but of course it is idiotic to use the crutch when our own legs (our own loves, tastes, habits etc) can do the journey on their own.
- C. S. Lewis, Letters of C. S. Lewis
- C. S. Lewis, Letters of C. S. Lewis
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Good News
When Paul talks about "the gospel", he means "the good news that the crucified and risen Jesus is the Messiah of Israel and therefore the Lord of the world". Now, that's about as brief as you can do it.
The reason that's good news... In the Roman Empire, when a new emperor came to the throne, there'd obviously been a time of uncertainty. Somebody's just died. Is there going to be chaos? Is society going to collapse? Are we going to have pirates ruling the seas? Are we going to have no food to eat? And the good news is, we have an emperor and his name is such and such. So, we're going to have justice and peace and prosperity, and isn't that great?!
Now, of course, most people in the Roman Empire knew that was rubbish because it was just another old jumped-up aristocrat who was going to do the same as the other ones had done. But that was the rhetoric.
Paul slices straight in with the Isaianic message: Good news! God is becoming King and he is doing it through Jesus! And therefore, phew! God's justice, God's peace, God's world is going to be renewed.
And in the middle of that, of course, it's good news for you and me. But that's the derivative from, or the corollary of the good news which is a message about Jesus that has a second-order effect on me and you and us. But the gospel is not itself about you are this sort of a person and this can happen to you. That's the result of the gospel rather than the gospel itself.
It's very clear in Romans. Romans 1:3-4: This is the gospel. It's the message about Jesus Christ descended from David, designated Son of God in power, and then Romans 1:16-17 which says very clearly: "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation." That is, salvation is the result of the gospel, not the centre of the gospel itself.
- N. T. Wright, Interview with Trevin Wax
The reason that's good news... In the Roman Empire, when a new emperor came to the throne, there'd obviously been a time of uncertainty. Somebody's just died. Is there going to be chaos? Is society going to collapse? Are we going to have pirates ruling the seas? Are we going to have no food to eat? And the good news is, we have an emperor and his name is such and such. So, we're going to have justice and peace and prosperity, and isn't that great?!
Now, of course, most people in the Roman Empire knew that was rubbish because it was just another old jumped-up aristocrat who was going to do the same as the other ones had done. But that was the rhetoric.
Paul slices straight in with the Isaianic message: Good news! God is becoming King and he is doing it through Jesus! And therefore, phew! God's justice, God's peace, God's world is going to be renewed.
And in the middle of that, of course, it's good news for you and me. But that's the derivative from, or the corollary of the good news which is a message about Jesus that has a second-order effect on me and you and us. But the gospel is not itself about you are this sort of a person and this can happen to you. That's the result of the gospel rather than the gospel itself.
It's very clear in Romans. Romans 1:3-4: This is the gospel. It's the message about Jesus Christ descended from David, designated Son of God in power, and then Romans 1:16-17 which says very clearly: "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation." That is, salvation is the result of the gospel, not the centre of the gospel itself.
- N. T. Wright, Interview with Trevin Wax
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Discerning God's Will
1. We discern God's will by delighting in His presence.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
2. We discern God's will by following His precepts.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." - Psalm 111:10 (NIV)
3. We discern God's will by understanding His plans.
""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
4. We discern God's will by acknowledging His purposes.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
5. We discern God's will by relying on His protection.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
6. We discern God's will by trusting in His promises.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
7. We discern God's will by recognising His providence.
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
8. We discern God's will by seeking His perspective.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
9. We discern God's will by prayer and petition.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
10. We discern God's will by experiencing His peace.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
Links: Patience (16 Feb 10), More on Discerning God's Will (10 Mar 10)
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
2. We discern God's will by following His precepts.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." - Psalm 111:10 (NIV)
3. We discern God's will by understanding His plans.
""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
4. We discern God's will by acknowledging His purposes.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
5. We discern God's will by relying on His protection.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
6. We discern God's will by trusting in His promises.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
7. We discern God's will by recognising His providence.
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
8. We discern God's will by seeking His perspective.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
9. We discern God's will by prayer and petition.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
10. We discern God's will by experiencing His peace.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
Links: Patience (16 Feb 10), More on Discerning God's Will (10 Mar 10)
Monday 8 February 2010
Feb 1 to 7
Feb 1: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22 (NIV)
Feb 2: "Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. Destruction and Death say, 'Only a rumour of it has reached our ears.' God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens." - Job 28:20-24 (NIV)
Feb 3: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." - Job 31:1 (NIV)
Feb 4: "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." - Matthew 23:12 (NIV)
Feb 5: "God's voice thunders in marvellous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding." - Job 37:5 (NIV)
Feb 6: "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!" - Job 40:2 (NIV)
Feb 7: "You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." - Job 42:3 (NIV)
Feb 2: "Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. Destruction and Death say, 'Only a rumour of it has reached our ears.' God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens." - Job 28:20-24 (NIV)
Feb 3: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." - Job 31:1 (NIV)
Feb 4: "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." - Matthew 23:12 (NIV)
Feb 5: "God's voice thunders in marvellous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding." - Job 37:5 (NIV)
Feb 6: "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!" - Job 40:2 (NIV)
Feb 7: "You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." - Job 42:3 (NIV)
Sunday 7 February 2010
no other gods
"I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."" - Psalm 16:2 (NIV)
"The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:10 (NIV)
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." - Psalm 84:11 (NIV)
God - in His sovereign grace - can (and does) give us good gifts which we neither ask for nor deserve. But above all, God gives us the best thing, His presence!
Flee from Idolatry
Talking to myself I inquired, "Why are you so down?" I discovered that it was clearly because of ___. Pondering why ___ had such an impact upon me, I came to the realisation that ___ had become an idol in my life. An idol is someone or something that one looks to meet the thirsts of the heart. There was nothing wrong with ___, but I needed to get my heart right with God.
The Lord drew my attention to 1 Corinthians 10:14, which contains the command to "flee from idolatry".
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
Idolatry is the most serious and contaminating sin there is. And the reason is because it strikes directly at the character of God. And once you have adulterated the character of God, you have lost the guidelines for any other moral judgment. And so Pandora's box is open and everything is going to be chaos unless there is the right perspective of God.
I think there's no question but that idolatry is the most serious and contaminating of all the sins because it strikes directly at the character of God. That's why out of the Ten Commandments the first three of them are directly related to idolatry. Because that's the beginning of everything. If you don't have the true perspective on God, then everything is lost.
- John MacArthur, The Truth About Idolatry
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)
Links: Why are you so down? (16 Oct 09), Hope in God (11 May 10)
"The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:10 (NIV)
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." - Psalm 84:11 (NIV)
God - in His sovereign grace - can (and does) give us good gifts which we neither ask for nor deserve. But above all, God gives us the best thing, His presence!
Flee from Idolatry
Talking to myself I inquired, "Why are you so down?" I discovered that it was clearly because of ___. Pondering why ___ had such an impact upon me, I came to the realisation that ___ had become an idol in my life. An idol is someone or something that one looks to meet the thirsts of the heart. There was nothing wrong with ___, but I needed to get my heart right with God.
The Lord drew my attention to 1 Corinthians 10:14, which contains the command to "flee from idolatry".
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
Idolatry is the most serious and contaminating sin there is. And the reason is because it strikes directly at the character of God. And once you have adulterated the character of God, you have lost the guidelines for any other moral judgment. And so Pandora's box is open and everything is going to be chaos unless there is the right perspective of God.
I think there's no question but that idolatry is the most serious and contaminating of all the sins because it strikes directly at the character of God. That's why out of the Ten Commandments the first three of them are directly related to idolatry. Because that's the beginning of everything. If you don't have the true perspective on God, then everything is lost.
- John MacArthur, The Truth About Idolatry
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)
Links: Why are you so down? (16 Oct 09), Hope in God (11 May 10)
Thursday 4 February 2010
Philosophy and Chess
My philosophy tutor, David Efird, likes to say that doing philosophy is like playing chess.
In chess, you make your opening move and wait for your opponent to make his. Then you reply to his move and wait for him to reply to your reply. Sooner or later, you reach the end of established theory. At this point, you evaluate the position thus far and come up with a move of your own.
In philosophy, you present your opening argument and wait for your opponent to present his. Then you reply to his argument and wait for him to reply to your reply. Sooner or later, you reach the end of established literature. At this point, you evaluate the discourse thus far and come up with an argument of your own.
The difference between philosophy and chess is what is at stake. In chess, one wrong move and the worst that can happen is that you lose the game. It is hardly a matter of life and death. In philosophy, one wrong move and the worst that can happen is that you lose your knowledge of things from a Christian perspective, lose your knowledge of God and ultimately lose your soul.
*****
Of course, true faith is faith which perseveres until the end.
"They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." - 1 John 2:19 (NIV)
In chess, you make your opening move and wait for your opponent to make his. Then you reply to his move and wait for him to reply to your reply. Sooner or later, you reach the end of established theory. At this point, you evaluate the position thus far and come up with a move of your own.
In philosophy, you present your opening argument and wait for your opponent to present his. Then you reply to his argument and wait for him to reply to your reply. Sooner or later, you reach the end of established literature. At this point, you evaluate the discourse thus far and come up with an argument of your own.
The difference between philosophy and chess is what is at stake. In chess, one wrong move and the worst that can happen is that you lose the game. It is hardly a matter of life and death. In philosophy, one wrong move and the worst that can happen is that you lose your knowledge of things from a Christian perspective, lose your knowledge of God and ultimately lose your soul.
*****
Of course, true faith is faith which perseveres until the end.
"They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." - 1 John 2:19 (NIV)
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Asking God
God - in His sovereign grace - can (and does) give us good gifts which we neither ask for nor deserve. At the same time, God commands us to ask.
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." - John 15:7 (NIV)
Whenever God gives us good gifts which we neither ask for nor deserve, it is not because but in spite of the fact that we do not ask.
Submit Yourselves to God
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." - James 4:1-3 (NIV)
We should ask for God's presence.
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." - Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
We should ask for God's protection.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
We should ask for God's perspective.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Ask, Seek, Knock
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)
Praise to Thee, O Lord, for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share and every blessing
All things come of Thee
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." - John 15:7 (NIV)
Whenever God gives us good gifts which we neither ask for nor deserve, it is not because but in spite of the fact that we do not ask.
Submit Yourselves to God
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." - James 4:1-3 (NIV)
We should ask for God's presence.
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." - Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
We should ask for God's protection.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
We should ask for God's perspective.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Ask, Seek, Knock
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)
Praise to Thee, O Lord, for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share and every blessing
All things come of Thee
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Houseparty 2010
Session 1: Habakkuk 1:1 - 2:1
1. Take your questions about God to God (1:2-4).
2. Hear God's perspective, even if it may bring more questions than answers (1:5-11).
3. Resolve to trust the Word of God (2:1).
Session 2: Habakkuk 2:2 - 2:20
1. True faith involves trust, taking God at His Word (2:4).
2. True faith involves waiting (2:2-3).
3. True faith involves listening, being silent before God (2:20).
Session 3: Habakkuk 3:1 - 3:19
1. Turn to the God who speaks (3:1-2).
2. Tremble before the God who comes (3:3-16).
3. Trust in the God who saves (3:16-19).
"I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:16-19 (NIV)
Links: Wait Patiently (20 Oct 09), Waiting Quietly (10 Jul 10)
Monday 1 February 2010
Jan 22 to 31
Jan 22: "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me." - Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)
Jan 23: "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt." - Genesis 45:8 (NIV)
Jan 24: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Jan 25: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Jan 26: "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." - Psalm 16:5-6 (NIV)
Jan 27: "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." - Job 5:17 (NIV)
Jan 28: "My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." - Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
Jan 29: "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face." - Job 13:15 (NIV)
Jan 30: "Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."" - Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)
Jan 31: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." - Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
Jan 23: "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt." - Genesis 45:8 (NIV)
Jan 24: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Jan 25: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Jan 26: "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." - Psalm 16:5-6 (NIV)
Jan 27: "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." - Job 5:17 (NIV)
Jan 28: "My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." - Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
Jan 29: "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face." - Job 13:15 (NIV)
Jan 30: "Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."" - Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)
Jan 31: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." - Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
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