"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." - Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)
"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)
"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)
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Rehab. Renew. Restart.
When He renews the land and sky
All heaven will sing and earth reply
With one resplendent theme
The glory of our God and King
Hallelujah!
Let all creation stand and sing
Hallelujah!
Fill the earth with songs of worship
Tell the wonders of creation's King
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Monday, 27 September 2010
God is both sovereign and good
"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done." - Psalm 62:11-12 (NIV)
1. God is strong.
2. God is loving.
3. Evil exists.
The logical problem of evil states that it is a contradiction for God to be all-powerful and all-loving, and for evil to exist. Given that evil exists, God is either unable or unwilling (or both) to eliminate evil completely. Therefore, God is either not all-powerful or not all-loving (or both).
However, this assumes that 'a good omnipotent thing eliminates evil completely' (Mackie, 1955), which is not necessarily the case. Just because God is good and omnipotent does not mean that He immediately eliminates evil completely. Equally, just because God has not eliminated evil completely (yet) does not mean that He is not all-powerful or not all-loving (or both).
God has good reasons for actualising (but not authoring) evil, for creating the world in Genesis 1 instead of Revelation 21. Just because we do not fully know the reasons (yet) does not mean that there are no reasons. For one, God could have done so in order to provide the opportunity for Him to 'demonstrate his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8, NIV).
God is both sovereign and good, and in His sovereignty He does not allow anything to happen unless it is for His glory and our good. Indeed, He not only allows but ordains everything that happens (and does not happen) - 'to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves' (Ephesians 1:6, NIV).
In fact, man is the author of evil and God is the author of good out of evil.
"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)
"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)
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." - James 1:13-15 (NIV)
We are responsible for what we would freely do in every possible situation in every possible world, and God is responsible for working all things (ie. what we would freely do in every possible situation in every possible world) 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV) in this particular world - the best possible world out of all possible worlds.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Discovering the Secret of Contentment
Trust is the key to contentment. We must realise that God is always in control and that He is good. If this were not true, He could never give His children the promise of Romans 8:28.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
He is absolutely faithful to provide all we need to fulfill His will, which is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
Links: To the Praise of His Glorious Grace (24 Sep 10), Don't Worry, Be Happy (26 Sep 10)
1. God is strong.
2. God is loving.
3. Evil exists.
The logical problem of evil states that it is a contradiction for God to be all-powerful and all-loving, and for evil to exist. Given that evil exists, God is either unable or unwilling (or both) to eliminate evil completely. Therefore, God is either not all-powerful or not all-loving (or both).
However, this assumes that 'a good omnipotent thing eliminates evil completely' (Mackie, 1955), which is not necessarily the case. Just because God is good and omnipotent does not mean that He immediately eliminates evil completely. Equally, just because God has not eliminated evil completely (yet) does not mean that He is not all-powerful or not all-loving (or both).
God has good reasons for actualising (but not authoring) evil, for creating the world in Genesis 1 instead of Revelation 21. Just because we do not fully know the reasons (yet) does not mean that there are no reasons. For one, God could have done so in order to provide the opportunity for Him to 'demonstrate his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8, NIV).
God is both sovereign and good, and in His sovereignty He does not allow anything to happen unless it is for His glory and our good. Indeed, He not only allows but ordains everything that happens (and does not happen) - 'to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves' (Ephesians 1:6, NIV).
In fact, man is the author of evil and God is the author of good out of evil.
"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)
"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)
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." - James 1:13-15 (NIV)
We are responsible for what we would freely do in every possible situation in every possible world, and God is responsible for working all things (ie. what we would freely do in every possible situation in every possible world) 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV) in this particular world - the best possible world out of all possible worlds.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Discovering the Secret of Contentment
Trust is the key to contentment. We must realise that God is always in control and that He is good. If this were not true, He could never give His children the promise of Romans 8:28.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
He is absolutely faithful to provide all we need to fulfill His will, which is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
Links: To the Praise of His Glorious Grace (24 Sep 10), Don't Worry, Be Happy (26 Sep 10)
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Don't Worry, Be Happy
This is the outline of this morning's sermon in church.
1. We need not worry because God is our provider.
2. We need not worry because it is futile and we cannot change anything.
3. We need not worry because God knows what we need.
4. We need not worry because our future is in God's hands.
"Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God." - John MacArthur
Do Not Worry
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
Resolved, that I would 'not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [my] requests to God' (Philippians 4:6, NIV).
Links: To the Praise of His Glorious Grace (24 Sep 10), God is both sovereign and good (27 Sep 10)
1. We need not worry because God is our provider.
2. We need not worry because it is futile and we cannot change anything.
3. We need not worry because God knows what we need.
4. We need not worry because our future is in God's hands.
"Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God." - John MacArthur
Do Not Worry
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
Resolved, that I would 'not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [my] requests to God' (Philippians 4:6, NIV).
Links: To the Praise of His Glorious Grace (24 Sep 10), God is both sovereign and good (27 Sep 10)
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Proverbs 24:27
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Wisdom reading for Oct 11 is Proverbs 24:23-34.
"Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." - Proverbs 24:27 (NIV)
Our Lord Jesus Christ kept the priorities of this proverb gloriously. The Son of God prepared His work, performed it perfectly, and finished it. Then He began to build His house - the church (Matthew 16:18). And He began preparing a permanent dwelling place for His bride (John 14:2-3). Glory!
- letgodbetrue.com, Proverbs 24:27
First things first. One step at a time.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." - Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Links: Final Reflections (16 Jul 10), There is a time for everything (11 Aug 10), Rehab, Renew, Restart (13 Sep 10)
"Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." - Proverbs 24:27 (NIV)
Our Lord Jesus Christ kept the priorities of this proverb gloriously. The Son of God prepared His work, performed it perfectly, and finished it. Then He began to build His house - the church (Matthew 16:18). And He began preparing a permanent dwelling place for His bride (John 14:2-3). Glory!
- letgodbetrue.com, Proverbs 24:27
First things first. One step at a time.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." - Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Links: Final Reflections (16 Jul 10), There is a time for everything (11 Aug 10), Rehab, Renew, Restart (13 Sep 10)
Friday, 24 September 2010
To the Praise of His Glorious Grace
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
*****
"Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" - Job 2:10 (NIV)
God is both sovereign and good, and in His sovereignty He does not allow anything to happen unless it is for His glory and our good. Indeed, He not only allows but ordains everything that happens (and does not happen) - 'to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves' (Ephesians 1:6, NIV).
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
*****
"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)
"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)
"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)
Links: Don't Worry, Be Happy (26 Sep 10), God is both sovereign and good (27 Sep 10)
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Trust in the LORD
"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)
"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)
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
Give Them All to Jesus
Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
Are you tired of spinning round and round?
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life
At the feet of Jesus lay them down
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy
He never said you'd only see sunshine
He never said there'd be no rain
He only promised a heart full of singing
At the very things that once brought pain
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy
Link: Give them all to Jesus (10 Jun 10)
"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)
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
Give Them All to Jesus
Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
Are you tired of spinning round and round?
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life
At the feet of Jesus lay them down
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy
He never said you'd only see sunshine
He never said there'd be no rain
He only promised a heart full of singing
At the very things that once brought pain
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy
Link: Give them all to Jesus (10 Jun 10)
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Sep 15 to 21
Sep 15: "Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God." - Isaiah 37:20 (NIV)
Sep 16: "Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back." - Isaiah 38:17 (NIV)
Sep 17: "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Sep 18: "I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." - Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
Sep 19: "Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." - Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Sep 20: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Sep 21: "Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God." - Isaiah 50:10 (NIV)
Sep 16: "Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back." - Isaiah 38:17 (NIV)
Sep 17: "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Sep 18: "I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." - Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
Sep 19: "Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." - Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Sep 20: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Sep 21: "Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God." - Isaiah 50:10 (NIV)
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
The Promises of God
Of course we believe that God speaks truthfully. But do we really believe it? Does our belief shape our lives? Is that belief something we tell ourselves or is it something others can see in us? Are our lives characterised by the joy that must naturally flow from entering into the fullness of the grace of God?
- R. C. Sproul Jr., Believing God: 12 Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept
"Some people are just sitting on the premises instead of standing on the promises." - Anonymous
"Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." - Joshua 21:45 (NIV)
"Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses." - 1 Kings 8:56 (NIV)
"But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 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 1:18-20 (NIV)
"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)
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)
- R. C. Sproul Jr., Believing God: 12 Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept
"Some people are just sitting on the premises instead of standing on the promises." - Anonymous
"Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." - Joshua 21:45 (NIV)
"Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses." - 1 Kings 8:56 (NIV)
"But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 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 1:18-20 (NIV)
"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)
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)
Monday, 20 September 2010
Knowing Jesus, Knowing God
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the New Testament reading for Oct 2 is Philippians 3:1-4:1.
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death my Lord
So with You to live and never die
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing
You're my all, You're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love You Lord
Press on Toward the Goal
Incidentally, yesterday's message in church was on Philippians 3:7-14. Here is the sermon outline - five ways we can press on toward the goal (italics mine):
1. Prove His Promises (in Hope)
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead - since he was about a hundred years old - and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." - Romans 4:18-21 (NIV)
2. Practice His Presence (through Contentment)
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"" - Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
3. Promote His Purpose (as Ambassadors)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV)
4. Proclaim His Praises (out of Love)
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:8-10 (NIV)
5. Possess His Power (by Faith)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Philippians was the first book I studied as a small group leader at York (almost more than two years ago) and it remains a special book to me. If I had to sum up Philippians in one word, I would say "contentment".
Indeed, contentment does not come from feeling bitter about what we don't have; it comes from finding joy in what we do have!
Discovering the Secret of Contentment
Trust is the key to contentment. We must realise that God is always in control and that He is good. If this were not true, He could never give His children the promise of Romans 8:28.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
He is absolutely faithful to provide all we need to fulfill His will, which is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
*****
"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." - Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV)
Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death my Lord
So with You to live and never die
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing
You're my all, You're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love You Lord
Links: On Contentment (13 Dec 09), More On Contentment (14 May 10)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death my Lord
So with You to live and never die
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing
You're my all, You're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love You Lord
Press on Toward the Goal
Incidentally, yesterday's message in church was on Philippians 3:7-14. Here is the sermon outline - five ways we can press on toward the goal (italics mine):
1. Prove His Promises (in Hope)
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead - since he was about a hundred years old - and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." - Romans 4:18-21 (NIV)
2. Practice His Presence (through Contentment)
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"" - Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
3. Promote His Purpose (as Ambassadors)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV)
4. Proclaim His Praises (out of Love)
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:8-10 (NIV)
5. Possess His Power (by Faith)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Philippians was the first book I studied as a small group leader at York (
Indeed, contentment does not come from feeling bitter about what we don't have; it comes from finding joy in what we do have!
Discovering the Secret of Contentment
Trust is the key to contentment. We must realise that God is always in control and that He is good. If this were not true, He could never give His children the promise of Romans 8:28.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
He is absolutely faithful to provide all we need to fulfill His will, which is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
*****
"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." - Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV)
Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death my Lord
So with You to live and never die
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing
You're my all, You're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love You Lord
Links: On Contentment (13 Dec 09), More On Contentment (14 May 10)
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Contending for the faith without being contentious about the faith
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
- 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NIV)
As Don Carson puts it, we should be contending for the faith without being contentious about the faith.
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." - Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
- 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NIV)
As Don Carson puts it, we should be contending for the faith without being contentious about the faith.
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." - Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
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