Evangelism And Sanctification By works?

I came across an article about the call for Christians to evangelize and to disciple others. Here are a few of many I took exception to.

• Progressive sanctification over the life of a true believer is about being fisher of men
  
• These two things provide the foundation for spiritual growth, serving others and
  Evangelizing the lost by supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in us. I cannot think of anything else that would fall outside the realm of being a fisher of men and disciple making that would sanctify us.
  
• No, you cannot be a fisher of men and disciple maker just at home, but is a good place to start! Many parents think at home is enough. It is not! Sorry to burst your bubble.
  

Now I believe strongly in the importance of Christian’s evangelizing and discipleing. But not at the expense of understanding the doctrine of sanctification.

These statements can surely, if believed and practiced, strap someone to the performance treadmill version of Christianity. This can cause unnecessary guilt and condemnation of the believer who buys into these statements. It shows a poor understanding of the centrality of the gospel, and the importance of realizing that the gospel is not only for the lost but is for believers as well. This is why we need to preach the gospel to ourselves everyday. At the center of our Christian life is not what we "do" it is what He "did". Our obedience and actions should flow naturally from the gospel. It is all of GRACE.

Salvation includes both regeneration and sanctification, and are 'GRACES' that are the inevitable result of being in "union with Christ" Therefore they are rooted in the gospel.
John 17:17-19, Titus 2:13-14, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21, Ephesians 5:26-27,2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 6:11

When a person puts his faith and trust in the person and work of Christ, that person is justified and now is in "union with Christ" by faith. He/she receives a righteousness that is external and not their own. It is apprehended by faith. A Christian is in "union with Christ" by believing in the object of Christ, (His person and work) and we continue to believe the promises of God. We believe the gospel and keep believing the gospel because of God's Grace. He/she is born again.

When a person is born again he not only is justified but also experiences what theologians call "definitive sanctification".

Justification and sanctification do not exist apart from one another. Both are the effects of "union with Christ".

Definitive sanctification refers to the Holy Spirit empowered break from the bondage and slavery to sin, in the believer’s life that happens at the inception of the Christian life. Romans 6:1-7:6

SinClair Ferguson writes….
This, then, is the foundation of sanctification in Reformed theology. It is rooted, not in humanity and their achievement of holiness or sanctification, but in what God has done in Christ, and for us in union with him. Rather than view Christians first and foremost in the microcosmic context of their own progress, the Reformed doctrine first of all sets them in the macrocosm of God's activity in redemptive history. It is seeing oneself in this context that enables the individual Christian to grow in true holiness.

Progressive sanctification is the believer becoming more holy and being conformed into the image of Christ. The Christian is made more and more aware of the ongoing presence of sin that remains, and is enabled to mortify those sins, (although not perfectly), empowered by the GRACE of God. This continues through out the course of a Christian’s life.

Scripture emphasizes that the person and work of Christ is the source or foundation of a believer’s sanctification. Not evangelism and discipleship.

To say that someone should evangelize or disciple to be more sanctified is confusing the results of GRACE as the means of GRACE. This is teaching sanctification by works. This is not progressive sanctification. Yes, we are called as Christians to pursue holiness and be obedient to Gods word. A Christian being obedient to Gods commands is the result of GRACE and not the cause or means of it.

Progressive sanctification, as defined by Wayne Grudem, is "a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like
Christ in our actual lives."


The idea of doing the work and then getting the GRACE is akin to the Roman Catholic view of "means of grace" or "ex opera operato" (by the work done).

The Reformers rejected this idea. The reformers emphasized the Word and sacraments and necessity of faith. Some Reformed theologians would also include prayer and the fellowship of believers as a means of grace. The means of grace are God's Word (I Peter 1:23-2:22; I Col 1:20-21), the sacraments (I Cor. 11:23-33; Col. 2:11-12), and prayer (Matthew 6:5-13; Phil. 1:9-11).The Word of God given prominence. This is the way God ordinarily grows and strengthens Christians spiritually.

I hear it said over and over again, we need to live the Gospel. No, we believe the Gospel. There was only one person who could live the Gospel. We can't live the gospel. We live in response to the gospel, by the GRACE of God. Always keeping the cross of Christ at the center of our Christian life.

Christ! Christ! and Christ!!

All I can say about what you are about to watch is.....A-M-E-N!!

Homosexuality and the saving grace of Christ

Homosexuality is not a punchline...so don't make jokes about it. Homosexuality is not a casual alternate lifestyle...so don't leave it uncaringly unaddressed. Homosexuality is sin like any other...so don't think your sin is above it. Like every other enslaving sickening sin, it is only through the GOSPEL that we are free from sin and bond to Christ. Hear this brother's testimony and have a heart for the lost.

The Church is One and False Prophets will Pay

The Discomfort of the Justified Life

So in the midst of our struggle with indwelling sin, we must continually keep our focus on the gospel. We must always go back to the truth that even in the face of the fact that so often "I do not do the good that I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing" (Rom. 7:19), there is no condemnation. God no longer counts our sin against us (Rom. 4:8). Or, to say it another way, God wants us to find our primary joy in our objectively declared justification, not in our subjectively perceived sanctification. Regardless of how much progress we make in our pursuit of holiness, it will never come close to the absolute perfect righteousness of Christ that is ours through our union with him in his life and death.

So we should learn to live with the discomfort of the justified life. We should accept the fact that as a still-growing Christian, we will always be dissatisfied with our sanctification. But at the same time, we should remember that in Christ we are justified. We are righteous in him. There is the familiar play on the word "justification," which means "just as if I'd never sinned." But there is another way of saying that which is even better: justification means "just as if I'd always obeyed." That's the way we stand before God-clothed in the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. And that's the way we can live with the discomfort of the justified life.


Jerry Bridges
Modern Reformation Magazine-Issue: "The Peace that Starts the War" July/August Vol. 15 No. 4 2006 Pages 13-15

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What I am Learning as a Parent

It may be just me but the longer I strive to teach my kids to walk in the way of the Lord the more I see how often I fail to do that myself. The lesson my kids learn most from me would have to be “this is what we are supposed to do but this what sin leads us to do instead”. Raising children continually shows me my need for a Savior. I am pointed back to the Cross several times a day. Not only in pointing them to the Cross for forgiveness and grace but to find forgiveness and grace for myself.

In teaching them what it looks like to be a follower of Christ I see where I am lacking. The Lord uses EVERY conversation that we have about their sin as an opportunity to show me mine. I show them scripture and teach them the truth of the Word of God knowing that only He can produce the miracle of salvation and sanctification. Sometimes I think He only told me to teach them so He could teach me through them. If their hope is in my ability to teach and model well then they are doomed. If I am striving to be upright in front of them so that they can learn from me then I am doomed. I can only walk in the power of His grace with the thought of His love for me motivating me. When I am walking to the Cross and my children are following me there, then we are safe. There we will find hope and promise.


The Lord has blessed me by giving me two completely different children to teach at home. They are completely different in personality and temperament. Different enough to ensure a complete meltdown at the slightest provocation. One is the match and the other is the gasoline. In doing this He has made me completely aware that He is in charge of their hearts. I teach them both and I teach them together, there is nothing one gets that the other does not when it comes to teaching. I would have to say that most of the time there is a different reaction in each heart to the same teaching or talk. My delivery is the same, my words are the same but the difference is what God is doing in their heart with what I am delivering. I am to be faithful to do as He has said in raising my kids. He will be faithful to save them when they call out to Him in faith. Out of the four we have, some of them need to be lost in the world and some need to be raised in home where Jesus is loved and magnified. Some of my children need to dwell in obvious, open sin and some in quiet self-righteousness. The first two needed to be raised by lost people and the last two by believers. The first two got us when we were young and wild; the last two get the more mature version. Are the last two better off than the first? Not in terms of salvation. So the first two may have a lot of wrong thoughts on parenting (ok, on MANY things) but I know that God will use that in some way in their life. He did it for Nolan and me and if He captures them with His love and mercy and grace then He will do the same for them
Why the differences? For His glory for sure and for their salvation I pray.

What is “The Spirit of Christmas”?

The following is a para-phrased excerpt from a John MacAurthur sermon:

What is the Christmas Spirit? To Scrooge the Christmas Spirit was a ghost. To some it is the “truce” that a family experiences during the season, where there is no arguing. 5 billion Christmas cards will be sent this season. Billions of dollars of worth in commerce will happen as you bump pass someone in line in the store buying gifts. And that’s alright. I’m no scrooge. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade. But what I am truly wondering is: what is the true “Spirit of Christmas?”

Well, as always the best answer to this question is in the Bible. Let’s go to Luke chapter 1 and 2 and see what the Spirit of Christmas really is by looking at the reaction to Jesus from different people and angels:

From Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-43)
41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43"And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

From Zacharias (Luke 1:67-69)
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
68"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
69And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant--

From angels (Luke 2:13-14)
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

From the shepherds (Luke 2:20)
20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

From Simeon (Luke 2:25-32)
25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel."

From Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
36And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.
38At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

What do all these people and angels have in common? What one trait is found in each verse of this scripture? It is this, upon hearing the news of Christ’s arrival or coming they all feel moved to engage in….WORSHIP.

Worship is an attitude of the heart that is so filled with wonder and gratitude at what God has done that there is not a thought of personal needs or personal blessings only total abandonment of God is praise.

To give form to worship I am drawn to another person, a person who is closer to Jesus’ birth than any other person: His mother Mary, who gives the most magnificent psalm of worship in the whole New Testament. (Luke 1:46-55)

46And Mary said:
"My soul exalts the Lord,
47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50"AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53"HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54"He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever."

Let me say again, the above is a para-phrased excerpt from a John MacArthur sermon. They are not the words of me and I take no credit for them. The sermon did touch me and I wanted to share it with you. It help to solidify with scripture that the spirit of Christmas is purely, simply, yet profoundly worship. Merry Christmas everyone and let us not just remember the “reason for the season” but fall on our knees and faces in humble adoration and praise for the our Savior who came lived, died, and lives again so that we can be brothers and sister in Christ, eternally bond in worship to the Father. Hosanna in the highest and glory be to Our God forever! Amen.

The Importance Of Church Membership: Should A Professing Believer Attend A Visible Church?

Calvin warns, "it is always disastrous to leave the church" and criticizes those who in proud contempt of the means God has provided abandon the church:

"Many are led either by pride, dislike or rivalry to the conviction that they can profit enough from private reading and meditation; hence they despise public assemblies and deem preaching superfluous. But, since they do their utmost to sever or break the sacred bond of unity, no one escapes the just penalty of this unholy separation without bewitching himself with pestilent errors and foulest delusions".

The Scriptures assume that a person upon being converted will join the church, for the Bible does not speak to Christians except as members of the church. So it was in the very beginning of the New Testament era: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). White remarks, "it was to this organized, recognizable, identifiable body of believers that the Lord added daily those who were being saved." This needs emphasis. Some today disparage the church institute. Many evangelicals, and even Reformed believers, claim that membership in the institute is not necessary because they are part of the body of Christ and can worship God at home by reading their Bibles, listening to tapes or watching services on the internet. Nevertheless, being part of the church institute is necessary because the saints have need of one another. The church institute is the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:27) and the members of that body exist in co-dependence. One member (of the church institute) may not say to another "I have no need of thee" (I Cor. 12:21). Nor may members exist aloof outside of the body as if they have no need of any of the other members.

The church is important, not because all those who are not members of the institute are unavoidably on the way to hell. No Reformed theologian has ever maintained that position. Christ gives preachers to the church and the church sends them to preach (Eph. 4:11). The church supervises their preaching. All true preachers are accountable to an instituted church. Those who try to persuade individuals to leave the visible church are doing untold damage to the church for which one day he/she must give account to the Head of the church, Jesus Christ.

Without preaching there is ordinarily no salvation because "it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Cor. 1:21). Young pastor Timothy is enjoined to preach because in so doing he shall save his hearers and himself (I Tim. 4:16). Preaching is vital for spiritual health. Without true preaching the believer becomes weak and is tossed about by every wind of doctrine because he is not under the protection of the pastors and teachers whom Christ has given to His church (Eph. 4:14) and who watch for his soul (Heb. 13:17).

The sacraments also may only be administered by men lawfully ordained by the church. Without church membership a man cannot be baptized and he cannot receive the Lord’s Supper which God has given to strengthen our faith. One who willfully refuses to become a member of a true church spurns the gifts which God has given to the church for his edification. Such a "disobedient sheep" is "outside the sheepfold and … obliged to join it."

John MacArthur: Slave

Here is a sermon preached by John MacArthur on being a "Slave of Christ". This sermon was preached at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. The sermon gives a taste or preview of his upcoming book entitled SLAVE. In this sermon he is dealing with the use or non use of the Greek word "doulos" or slave that appears to be missing or exchanged for another in many bible interpretations. He readily admits that the Holman Christian Standard bible has this word correct. It was interesting to here how he confronted those who were responsible for the ESV and the response they gave to the question of "what did you do with doulos"? Some "easy believism" advocates and self denying Sandemanians are abuzz about J Mac's upcoming book. So, take a listen and see what all the hubbub is about. The dam is about to burst!!

What Is Sandemanianism? An Introduction Part 1

ROOTS OF EASY BELIEVISM?

This is a video by John Piper explaining Andrew Fuller's refutation of the Sandemanian heresy. It begins about the two min. mark.

Fuller at the time he writes his Strictures on Sandemanianism, fifty years prior was a teaching by John Glas and Richard Sandeman that had gained some widespread acceptance by some professing Christians. Robert Sandeman was the son-inlaw of John Glas. John Glas originated this teaching in Scotland in 1730. Robert Sandeman made his way to America in the late 1700’s and with him brought this teaching. Later it found it’s way to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
This teaching knew no discrimination as to the denominations of orthodox Christianity it has stricken with some influence. Mr. Fuller is writing a series of refutations not primarily to Mr. Glass but to Richard Sandeman. Richard Sandeman's version of this teaching was what was more prevalent in his area. Mr. Fuller states "that this teaching of both Glas and Sandeman, gave a new turn and character to almost everything pertaining to the religion of Christ". Sandeman's teaching was not only spread through his speaking but in his many writings and publications. Fuller coins Sandeman's teaching a “system” he calls Sandemaniaism named after Richard Sandeman because as Fuller writes “it not only as I have said affects the whole of Christianity but induces all who engage it to separate from other Christians". Sandeman desired that those who were associated with him and held his teachings as truth to unconnect with all others and that they should be considered the only true churches of Christ". Fuller calls Sandemaniasim a "distinct species of religion". So it requires a name of its own for distinctions sake and designates it to be named after its author.

Fuller writes “if Mr. Sandeman and his followers, had only taught that faith has revealed truth for its object or that which is prior to being believed, or not. That the finished work of Christ exclusive of every act, exercise or thought of the human mind is that for the sake of which a sinner is justified before God- that no qualifications of any kind are necessary to warrant our believing in Him, in that the first scriptural consolation received by the believer arises from the gospel, and not from reflecting on the feelings of his own mind towards it they would have deserved well of the church of Christ".In other words, when we speak of the faith which justifies, we dare not separate the act of faith from the object of faith. It is Christ the object which lends all its force and efficiency to the act of faith, and hence we find the Scriptures declaring concerning justifying faith what cannot be affirmed in regard to any merely intellectual act, that "it works by love," "purifies the heart," and "overcomes the world." It is, in short, a thoroughly practical principle influencing the whole heart and life of man, thus sanctifying while it saves. It is an undoubted truth that faith in itself without reference to its object, but viewed simply as a fundamental principle of the human mind, may be regarded as a purely intellectual act.
Fuller writes "subjective religion is as necessary in its place as objective religion. It is as true that without holiness no man shall see the Lord as that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin”.Sandeman objected to any notion of one having examined himself and on that examination be found to be in the will of God. He equated that examination as to having confidence in ones flesh and such self-examination being repugnant to the whole tenor of scripture.
According to Fuller “a system may contain much important truth, and yet be blended with so much error, as to destroy its salvific efficacy. Mr. Sandeman has expunged from Christianity a great deal of false religion; but whether he has exhibited that of Christ and His apostles, is another question. It is much easier to point out the defects and errors of other systems, then to substitute one that is even less exceptional; and talk of simple belief, and simple truth, then to exhibit the religion of Jesus in its genuine simplicity".Fuller knows that the principals or errors on which Sandeman’s teaching’s rest are many and some of them so minute as to almost allude detection but the effects produced from Sandeman’s teaching most importantly , the effects on the gospel of Jesus Christ was well worth refuting. “The seed is small, but the branch is not so” states Fuller.
Those who are in main line denominations such as Presbyterian, Independents, and Baptists had been affected by these errors of Sandeman, although these mainline denominations would say they object to Sandeman’s teachings, they were nonetheless affected. This error is still to be found in one form or another still to this day. But yet often goes undetected.

Next the letters of refutation by Andrew Fuller.

Making children Pharisees and hypocrites

"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom
of God unless he is born again." John 3:3

It seems very cutting to parents when I warn them
against making children Pharisees and hypocrites.
But the truth is cutting to flesh and blood, for it is
sharper than any two-edged sword. We strongly
oppose what the professing world calls true religion.
Much of the religion of the present day, is nothing
but the work of Satan. It is very near and dear to
the flesh, and the lost feel very loath to give it up;
as unwilling as the Jews were to leave their religion
for Christ.

The whole work of salvation is Christ's, and Christ's alone.

William Tiptaft, 1803 - 1864

Error damns as well as vice

Error is the adultery of the mind; it stains the soul.
Error damns as well as vice. A man may as well
die by poison—as by pistol.

Truth distinguishes a Christian from the world, as
chastity distinguishes a virtuous woman from a harlot.
We have not a richer jewel to trust God with than our
souls; nor He a richer jewel to trust us with than His
truths.


Thomas Watson 1669

HELL!! James Smith, 1858

"The rich man also died and was buried. In Hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him: Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire!" Luke 16:22-24

HELL! What is it? It is God's great prison, where His criminals are confined. It is the place of punishment--where the wages of sin are paid. It is the house of despair, the residence of desperation, the dwelling-place of the worm that never dies. It is called the lake of fire, burning with brimstone. It is a place of terrible torture, dreadful agony, and soul-racking remorse. Hope never enters there. Repose is never enjoyed there. Light never shines there. But all is pain, gloom, restless agony, and indescribable torment! There is weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth--forever!

HELL! Who are there? The rich man, at whose gate Lazarus lay, is there. Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is there. Cain, who slew his brother, is there. Demas, who preferred the world to Christ, is there. The covetous and thieves are there! The immoral and liars are there! The proud and vain are there! All who made light of the Gospel are there! All who neglected the great salvation are there! All who worshiped the Roman beast are there! And they are all "tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb! The smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever--and they have no rest day nor night!"

Many perhaps whom you have known are there! Some of our relations even may be there! Old friends of ours may be there. Some who lived in the same street, met in the same place of worship, and whom we once hoped to meet in Heaven--are there!

Who are there? Why, we were nearly there ourselves! We lay at the entrance of Hell! We were within a few inches of Hell! A slight accident, a stroke, or a disease--would have sent us there. Yes--but for free and sovereign grace--WE would have been in Hell!

"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life!" Revelation 21:27

"Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying!" Revelation 22:15

HELL! What do they suffer there? No tongue can tell. No pen can write; no heart can conceive--what lost souls suffer in Hell! Who can tell what the unmixed wrath, the fiery indignation, the endless curse of Almighty God is? Who can set forth what sin deserves, and what is the obstinate sinner's due?

They weep, they wail, they gnash their teeth. They are tormented in eternal flames. In every member of the body, in every power of the soul--the lost in Hell will suffer. Memory, conscience, and the imagination--will especially increase their agonies! And hopeless despair will render their doom indescribably dreadful!

What do they suffer in Hell? Tell! O tell me--what God can justly inflict, what an immortal man can bear, what the threatenings of the violated law require, and how devils can add to the torments of lost souls--and I will tell you what they may suffer in Hell!

But, O! may you never know in your own experience what lost souls have to endure, and endure forever! Could we but lift the veil that conceals that awful place from our view, and see but for five minutes the agonies of those in Hell--we would never forget the sight! Our flesh would tremble, our hair would stand up on our heads, and our souls would be paralyzed with horror!

HELL! Who will yet go to Hell? Who? Perhaps the reader of these lines! Who? ah, perhaps many of whom we have now no suspicion! Will any of our children go there? Will any of our brothers or sisters go there? Will any of the members of the church go there? Will any of this congregation go there?

Who will go there? All liars shall have their part in the lake that burns with brimstone and fire. All swearers, all drunkards--will find a place set apart in Hell for them. All immoral people; all covetous and dishonest people--all will find a place in Hell prepared for them.

Who will go to Hell? All who live and die impenitent; "for unless you repent--you shall all likewise perish!" All unbelievers; for "he who believes not, shall be damned!" All who are in their natural state; for "unless a man is born again--he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Without faith in Christ, and repentance toward God; without love to God and man, the proof and evidence of the new birth; without union to Christ, and the possession of the Spirit of Christ--there is no escaping the wrath to come--the person must go to Hell! O solemn consideration! Let a man therefore examine himself, whether he is in the faith; let each man and woman prove their own selves, and see if Christ is in them.

HELL! How may we escape it? Only by fleeing to Jesus, by believing in Jesus, and receiving the Spirit of Jesus. No one can save us but Jesus, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we can be saved. Jesus has done all that is necessary to save souls from Hell, and he is ready to put on our account--what he has done to us; whenever we go to him, plead with him, trust in him, and commit our souls to him. We need not go to Hell, for Jesus is both able and willing to save us; and yet we must go to Hell, unless we apply to him, to be saved by him.

As therefore Hell is so dreadful; as the punishments of Hell are eternal; as once lost, we are lost irrecoverably--as no one can save us but Jesus--and as Jesus will only save those who make personal application to him--let us at once, with all our hearts and souls, apply to Christ! "Behold! now is the accepted time. Behold! now is the day of salvation." Let us then "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon!" Isaiah 55:6-7

You know you a legalist if....(from Voice's site)

http://avoice.tumblr.com/post/863162210/you-know-youre-a-legalist-if

Why Have I Found Grace?

“Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” (Ruth 2:10)

This incident was when Ruth confronted her kinsman redeemer Boaz. Personally, I feel this quite frequent (most every day) when I think about how gracious God has been to me and of what Christ Jesus did for me on that old rugged cross. Just how could He pour out His life giving blood for such a horrid sinner as I? This is, without any doubt, far beyond the comprehension of my finite little brain! How can one get even the tiniest foot hold on understanding such an enormous mystery of the mind and heart of God? True brethren share the same perplexity of the event of grace gifted upon their eternal souls. Shall not the thought humble the mightiest saint?

The great Apostle Paul was limited in the midst of inspiration to explain this unfathomable mystery of bestowed grace. In a brief glimpse the Spirit reveals in reference to Jacob and Esau: “(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;” (Rom. 9:11) In continuation of the revelation the Spirit instructs Paul to write of God’s grace: “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Rom. 9:15-16) Paul is simply instructed to write that the mercy of the giving of God’s grace lies in the mind and the purpose of God. All we are privy to is that the gift of grace is according to the purpose of God, and the “Why?” is none of our business. God is good at drowning men’s pathetic theologies!

Still, after thirty-six years of preaching, I never cease to be amazed at how many proclaim they know the mind of God in His sovereign bestowal of His divine grace upon an ungodly, sin-filled creature. We are worthy of no more than eternal condemnation! We deserve the fiery pits of Hell! How dare we presume to fine even a micro spec of heavenly worthiness within ourselves? Shall we all not find ourselves dumb-struck and cry out to our Redeemer: “Why have I found grace in thine eyes,”? O the mystery of His grace!!!


From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr

Cry Aloud, Spare Not

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. … Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” (Is. 58:1, 4)
Why do you do what you do in your conduct of religion? Is it about you, or is it about seeking true godliness with the Father? Religious activities have never saved anyone, yet, multitudes still grope in the darkness laboring under their own agendas to please a God Who is not amused with their pathetic efforts. Does God unveil His predetermined way of righteousness just so man can declare it mere balderdash, and recreate an alternative way to his liking? Is God so pitifully weak as to cower down to the creativeness of man?
Men of God wake up, hear the voice of the LORD, cry aloud, and spare not the preposterous pride of men! Pray for the courage that with all boldness we might loudly proclaim: “Thus saith the LORD our God!” Do not worm your way out of your duty in fear of hurting poor little so-and-so’s feelings. If they want to take their marbles and go home, LET THEM! Is the sovereign eternal God of the heaven the least bit intimidated? God forbid such notions!!!
Let us be honest, most religious folk are marching to the tune of their own hidden agendas, and the truth of God is nowhere in their calculations. They expect, yea, even demand that God hear their voices and their beckoning orders. The Almighty shall not hear nor respond to their pompous struts of peacockism! He is GOD, but who art thou? Men are not saved by hearing what they want to hear; they are saved by the honest forthright preaching of the Word!!!
Declare plainly and directly the words of His mouth, and “it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Is. 55:11) God’s Word cannot and will not be negated by the whimsical crude imaginations of men. It will bring repentance, or it will bring condemnation. It will fulfill that which it has been sent out to accomplish. The fear of the congregation is the ruination of Spirit led preaching of the Word. Brethren, fear none of those things that might befall you; rather, fear degrading the blood of the Lamb!


From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

Understanding Law, Gospel and Works

Here is a link on Covenant Theology by Ligon Duncan. http://www.fpcjackson.org/resources/apologetics/covenant%20theology%20&%20justification/ligons_covtheology/08.htm

This is a segment from his study on the Mosaic covenant. How is the moral law of God to be viewed by believers today? Does dispensationalism naturally lead to a poor view of the law/ gospel distinction as well as a rejection of Lordship doctrine rightly defined?

..........Jesus and Paul stress that our judgment will be by works. In all these ways, we see that the moral law of the Mosaic era continues to be relevant to believers. Paul stresses that blessing comes from keeping the law. Look at Ephesians 6:2. You remember his emphasis? This is the only commandment with a promise. Obedience to parents yields living long in the land of your fathers. Jesus stresses that blessing comes from obedience. In Matthew 5:17-19, He who teaches and keeps all the law, he will be blessed, he will be considered great in the kingdom. In Matthew 7 verses 24-27, the culmination of the Sermon on the Mount, what is Jesus’ point? It was the man who acted upon the demands, the claims of Christ, building his house on the rock, he was the one whose house stood up under the waves. He didn’t just hear the words and think that they were really nice, and was deeply moved by them; he built his house on the rock. The blessing comes from obedience. Hebrews 12:6 stresses that chastening will be done to those who violate God’s law. I Corinthians 11 verses 30-32 teaches the same thing, in the context of the Lord’s Supper of all things. When Paul said, “and many of you are asleep,” he didn’t mean they were taking a long nap. Chastening comes from taking the Lord’s Supper in a flippant way and not discerning the body. That is not manifesting a true connection, appreciation for a mutual love for those in the body. So there is blessing and cursing in the New Covenant, which again shows the continuing function of the law. And as we said, Christians under the New Covenant will be judged by works. Matthew 25 verses 31-33, II Corinthians 5:10,
Now friends this reminds us why it is so important for us to understand justification, sanctification, and the relationship between law and gospel. Because if you don’t understand those things, you cannot preach the Gospel that Paul preached.
You have to preach a justification that has absolutely nothing to do with personal obedience and law keeping, while at the same time, stressing that there is no such thing as a justification without a corresponding sanctification.
And so you have to stress the freeness of grace and justification, while simultaneously stressing that grace reigns in righteousness, to borrow Paul’s words from the end of chapter 5 of the book of Romans, remembering that the purpose of grace in the life of believers is not fire insurance, but it is that we would be transformed into the image of the Son, and restored to the fullness of our humanity. And so Lordship, you see, is not peripheral to Christian experience; it is the ultimate expression of Christian experience.
It is the purpose that God is working for us. And so faith and works must be present in the believer’s life. James’ words, in James chapter 2 are not antiPauline, they are quintessentially Pauline. Paul couldn’t have said it better himself. In fact, he did on a few occasions, say precisely what James says in James chapter 2.
You have to understand those things as we proclaim the Gospel. And if you know this is one of the things that we just need to rehearse, this is one that you are called upon to meditate upon over and over, and over and over. And I will confess, I am slow, these things didn’t come together for me, until I had been working them through for seven years in the context of study in seminary, and in postgraduate training. You have got to commit yourself to reflection and meditation, so you can preach a Gospel of grace which is absolutely free. A justification that has nothing to do whatsoever with me, with what I have done, but at that same time, to stress that grace always reigns in righteousness and that he who has faith has works, and that is a Pauline Gospel.
Now this emphasis is seen elsewhere in the New Testament call to obedience. The Christian life, according to the New Testament, is characterized by joyful obedience. We see it in John 14:15, in Jesus’ word to His disciples. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” “Love to God,” F.F. Bruce says, “love to God and obedience to God are so completely involved in each other, that anyone of them implies the other two.” You can’t love God without obeying Him. And that is exactly what James is poking at. He is saying, “Well, you say you love God, but you don’t obey Him? Well, I don’t believe you love Him.” And that is just what John says in I John. “You hate your brother. Well, God said, ‘don’t hate your brother.’” ‘In fact God said, ‘love your brother.’ So, you don’t love God. They go together.”
Eric Alexander puts it this way. “The evidence of knowing God is obeying God. So the Christian life is characterized by joyful obedience.” This is not against the doctrine of grace. Listen to the words of Martin Luther, who wrote that radical treatise on Galatians, and who himself has been charged with nigh unto half a millennium, by the Roman Catholic Church as being the most wicked antinomian to ever walk the planet, “I would rather obey God than work miracles.” That is not the statement of an antinomian. “I would rather obey God than work miracles.” Now is that antiGospel? No. Obedience to God in the context of grace is, in fact, the ground of freedom because when we recognize it is God we obey, we are freed from the doctrines and opinions and commandments of men.
What is the most frustrating thing in life? To be judged by people on arbitrary standards that you have never seen written down anywhere. Where does it say that I have to wear my hair like that? Where does it say that I have to wear that kind of clothes to be accepted in your group? Where does it say that I have to drive that kind of car, live in that particular part of town? You aren’t their slave, they aren’t your master. God is your master. You are freed from the doctrines, opinions, and commandments of men. His law is the only standard by which you will be judged, because you are freed from the arbitrary and manmade standards of all your would be lords. And that is why even Seneca, the great Latin stoic, said to obey God is perfect liberty. Listen to Thomas Vincent, “God is the only Lord of the conscious, and though we are to obey magistrates and parents and masters, yet we are chiefly to do this because God requires us to do so. And if they command us to do anything which God does forbid, we are to refuse obedience, choosing to obey God rather than any man in this world.”
The charter of Christian freedom is that once we have appropriated the grace of Christ, the law becomes not a burdensome code that condemns us, but it becomes our charter of Christian freedom as the Gospel of Grace and the cross of Christ transforms it. It ceases to be our enemy. It is no longer designed to drive us in our sin to Christ, though it still performs that function. It is the mirror, the royal law, that we see our sin in that continues sends us back to Christ.
As Christians, we must learn how the law functions because it has multiple functions. The New Testament makes it very clear. That God’s revealed will as set forth in His word, and in His law, is the pattern of obedience which He calls us to follow. The revealed will of God is found in the Scriptures where the whole duty of man to God is made known, said Thomas Vincent. As we close, just listen to these words of the New Testament,

John 14:15. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

John 14:21. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him."

Galatians 3:10. “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM."

Ephesians 4:1. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,”

Ephesians 4:17. “This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,”

Ephesians 6:6. “not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

You couldn’t find a better description of the Christian ethic.

Phillipians 2:12. “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;”

I Timothy 6:14. “that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

I Timothy 6:18. “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,”

Hebrews 13:16. “And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

James 1:22. “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Ligon Duncan

Whatever It Takes (Extended Version)

For all those who have a bent toward anti intellectual thinking in the christian community, and THINK that doctrine and theology is not for you, you need to RE-THINK!!!

DIG DEEP!

The Godly Shall Suffer Persecution

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving, and being deceived.” (II Tim. 3:12-13)
When we are engulfed within the salvation of God, as naive babes we have the tendency to believe that from this point on all will be well and only goodness will fill up our lives. We imagine that the consuming nature of God in our lives will cause others to think well of us. This would truly be wonderful, but it is soon found to be a foolish assumption. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The world because of its enmity towards God equally despises those that are indwelt by His Spirit and purchased by the holy blood of His Son. The populations of the world are overwhelmingly anti-theist; they loath the very thought of the true and living God of all creation. They do not hate religion, but they abhor heaven wrought godliness. Hence, they attempt to extinguish the very presence of it.
As those born out of the Spirit, it is our nature to seek to live in holiness and in a manner that would lift up the names of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grant you, there are many under the umbrella of “Christianity” that have no such desire and are an embarrassment to the very name of it. Keep in mind that these of such a character in truth are not born out of God; they have a form of godliness, but deny the power of it. In short, they are masqueraders and deceivers.
If one would take the time to review the history of the sons of God back to father Adam, they would discover the godly have always suffered persecution. Even the first murder was Cain killing Able because Able served God in true righteousness, and Cain sought to establish his own way of righteousness contrary to the decree of God. Of those who sought to live godly and suffered persecution, God proclaimed: “Of whom the world was not worthy.” This sinful putrefying world population is not worthy to have the godly dwelling in the midst of them. Yet, they must until their pilgrimage reaches its completed end, then they will ascend on high. Brethren, if it is your purpose to live in true godliness, do not think it to be a strange thing that you must suffer persecution. Persecution is the outward evidence of the wicked ones’ hatred for God. Many are in religionist “churches” like the anti-theist Cain.

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

Voice - So Far To Go - Track 7 from a Theist

Voice - The Long Road Home with Devon Kauflin - Track 19 from The Proces...

Heidelberg Catechism Song ~ Curtis 'Voice' Allen ft C.J.Mahaney

The Vengance Of The Lord

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:19-20)
The thing about life is that it is not fair or easy! The longer one lives the more heartache he must endure. When father Adam plunged mankind into sin he initiated the journey of a burdensome life. Even the sons of God are not exempt from the pains of life; sin hounds them every step toward the grave, but that is as far as it is permitted to go. When this long struggling pilgrimage comes to its completed end, the saints are elevated far above the pains of this fleshly life to soak up the glory of the Lord our God in paradise, the resting place of the saints to wait the day of their glorification with the Lamb of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Each believer’s survival is dependent upon a clear understanding of the unfairness of life and the hope that lies with us.
God has not given unto His children the liberty of exacting vengeance against the enemies of God. It is essential to comprehend that we must not take evil personally, for all evil is directed against God. We just happen to be available or easily accessible to the hounds of hell and to the children of Satan. Their arms are too short to fight with God, so they target that which is most reachable.
Our Father in the heavens has reserved vengeance against His enemies for Himself, and He promises that He will repay to the uttermost. If the saints would give themselves to the repaying of evil, it would distract them from the kingdom work. The cause of Christ and the exemplifying of nature and character of Jesus are much too important to be set aside because of personal pride and anger. The Father has guaranteed that He will take eternal vengeance upon His enemies. Besides, when the saints return good for evil, it angers the children of hell even more. It is as heaping coals of fire upon their heads. They cannot stand the fact that they cannot lower the saints to their pit of corruption. It is not cowardly; it is faithful obedience. Do not take what belongs to God.

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

You Say You Want To Be Like Christ!!

"The Son of Man did not come to be served--but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many!" Matthew 20:28
The art of photography is now so perfect, that the whole picture of a large newspaper can be taken in miniature so small, as to be carried in a little pendant--and yet every letter and point be perfect.
Just so, the whole life of Christ is photographed in one little phrase, "not to be served--but to serve."
He came not to be served; if this had been His aim--He would never have left heaven's glory, where He lacked nothing, where angels praised Him and ministered unto Him. He came to serve. He went about doing good. He altogether forgot Himself. He served all He met--who would receive His service. At last He gave His life in uttermost service--giving it as a sin-atoning sacrifice for others. He came not to be served--but to serve.
You say you want to be like Christ. You ask Him to print His own image on your heart. Here, then is the image! It is no vague dream of perfection that we are to think of--when we ask to be made like Christ. The Catholic monks thought that they were becoming like Christ--when they went into the wilderness, away from men, to live in cold cells. But that is not the what this picture suggests. "To serve"--that is the Christlike thing! Instead of fleeing away from the world--we are to live among men, to serve them, to seek to bless them, to do them good, to give our life for them

J.R. Miller

Slave Book Trailer

Throughout the Bible, followers of Jesus are commanded to submit to Him as their King. They are told to obey and follow, faithfully and without hesitation. Every time Christians utter the word Lord, they make a subtle yet profound declaration-that God is their Master and that they belong to Him. In fact, the Bible describes believers as His slaves. They have been bought with a price and now live for Christ as a people for His own possession.

But go into most churches today, even flip through most Bible translations, and you won't see or hear the word slave anywhere. That's because it has been lost in translation. In this gripping book, Dr. John MacArthur uses deep Bible teaching and historical evaluation to expertly uncover the one forgotten word that restores the Bible's definition of true Christian freedom.

Covenant Theology is Historic Christianity

Much of the confusion that I see in the current theological discourse within the various Reformed branches of the Reformational churches pertains to an ignorance of historic covenant theology. By historic or classical covenant theology, I mean the bi-covenantal theology exhibited in, for instance, the Westminster Confession of Faith (but with a pedigree stretching back to Zurich and Geneva, and behind them on into the Patristic era) which fully appreciates the fundamental difference between God’s dealings with man pre- and post-Fall, and thus the vital distinction between God’s goodness and his grace. C.H. Spurgeon was right when he asserted: “The doctrine of the covenant lies at the root of all true theology. It has been said that he who well understand s the distinction between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, is a master of divinity. I am persuaded that most of the mistakes which men make concerning the doctrines of Scripture, are based upon fundamental errors with regard to the covenant of law and of grace.”

The current popularity of sundry mono-covenantal approaches (that is, systems that deny the covenant of works/covenant of grace framework of biblical history, whether they are Barthian or Hoeksemanian or Schilderian) exists only because of a widespread lack of familiarity with the more robust historic Reformed tradition on this subject. Furthermore, a serious effort at historical theological reacquaintance with classical bi-covenantal Reformed theology would also prove to be a great boon to current Reformed-Lutheran dialogue on the relation of their law-grace hermeneutic to the Reformed covenant of works-covenant of grace hermeneutic of Pauline polemics.

Covenant theology is the Gospel set in the context of God’s eternal plan of communion with his people, and its historical outworking in the covenants of works and grace (as well as in the various progressive stages of the covenant of grace). It explains the meaning of the death of Christ in light of the fullness of the biblical teaching on the divine covenants, undergirds our understanding of the nature and use of the sacraments, and provides the fullest possible explanation of the grounds of our assurance. Put another way, covenant theology is the Bible’s way of explaining and deepening our understanding of: (1) the atonement [the meaning of the death of Christ]; (2) assurance [the basis of our confidence of communion with God and enjoyment of his promises]; (3) the sacraments [signs and seals of God’s covenant promises—what they are and how they work]; and (4) the continuity of redemptive history [the unified plan of God’s salvation]. Covenant theology is also an hermeneutic, an approach to understanding the Scripture—an approach that attempts to biblically explain the unity of biblical revelation.

Covenant theology is a blending of biblical and systematic theology. It is biblical theology in the sense that covenant theology recognizes that the Bible itself structures the progress of redemptive history through the succession of covenants. It is systematic theology in that it recognizes the covenants as a fundamental architectonic or organizing principle for the Bible’s theology. Thus it proceeds to integrate the biblical teaching about the federal headships of Adam and Christ, the covenantal nature of the incarnation and atonement, the continuities and discontinuities in the progress of redemptive history, the relation of the Jewish and Christian scriptures, law and gospel, into a coherent theological system.

Covenant theology is not a response to dispensationalism. It existed long before the rudiments of classical dispensationalism were brought together in the nineteenth century. Covenant theology is not sectarian, but an ecumenical Reformed approach to understanding the Bible, developed in the wake of the magisterial Reformation, but with roots stretching back to the earliest days of catholic Christianity and historically appreciated in all the various branches of the Reformed community (Baptist, Congregationalist, Presbyterian, Anglican, and Reformed). In light of this, J.I. Packer is surely right when he says “in modern Christendom covenant theology has been unjustly forgotten” (see his introduction to Witsius’ Economy of the Covenants (P&R).

Ligon Duncan

What is Contentment?

I’ve been on the whine, lately. Feeling overwhelmed in the situation and barely casting a look at God and His promises. Then, the Lord in His patience and grace, brought the following sermon to my attention. It was written by William Plummer in the 19th century. Its called "What Is Contentment?" God blew me away with it. The following are highlights from it. If you want to read the whole thing along with other sermons on Contentment, here is the link to a PDF from Chapel Library http://www.chapellibrary.org/broadcaster/
When you get there, go to “Contentment” and download that.

WHAT IS CONTENTMENT?
William Plummer

….. We know better than we do. Seeing the right, we pursue the wrong. We smile at the folly or frown at the wickedness of discontent in others, and then follow their example.

But what is contentment? ……It is a disposition of mind in which we rest satisfied with the will of God respecting our temporal affairs—without hard thoughts or hard speeches concerning His allotments (or portions) and without any sinful desire for a change. It submissively receives what is given. It thankfully enjoys present mercies. It leaves the future in the hand of unerring wisdom. Nor is there anything in true contentment to make men satisfied with the world as a portion or as a permanent abode. The most contented person may long for the day when Christ shall call him home. He may, like Paul, be in a strait betwixt two, not knowing whether to desire to abide in the flesh for the sake of others or to depart and be with Christ, which is far better (Phi 1:23)…

We may form some correct idea of contentment by considering its opposites: of these, one of the most prominent is envy…..If thine eye is evil towards thy neighbor because God is good to him, it is proof that thou quarrelest with Providence…..And if God should give to one of His children more than He gives to you, has He not a right to do what He will with His own?

Contentment is also opposed to corroding care about our worldly condition..It is of the greatest importance to our peace and usefulness that we settle it in our minds that all fretting care about the things of this life is both a sin and a folly.

Contentment is opposed to covetousness……So says the Scripture, “Let your conversation”—your life, your behavior—“be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have” (Heb 13:5). “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1Ti 6:8)…It is as impossible to remove the restlessness of a covetous mind by heaping wealth upon it, as [it is] to extinguish fire by pouring oil upon it. It is a great thing to learn that “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luk 12:15). So that “If a man is not content in the state he is in, he will not be content in any state he would be in”…“Take heed, and beware of covetousness” (Luk 12:15).

Contentment is also the opposite of pride. “Humility is the mother of contentment…They that deserve nothing should be content with anything.” When we become lifted up with pride and think we deserve something good at God’s hands, it is impossible to satisfy us. But with the lowly is wisdom, quietness, gentleness, contentment. He who expects nothing because he deserves nothing is sure to be satisfied with the treatment he receives at God’s hands. So that “a little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked” (Psa 37:16). For “the wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God” (Psa 10:4). ……Pride and contentment do not go together.

Neither do contentment and ambition at all agree…..If a wise man cannot bring his condition to his mind, he will honestly endeavor to bring his mind to his condition. But the ambitious will not do this. He will be content with nothing gained because each elevation widens his horizon and gives him a view of something else that he greatly longs for, so he is tossed from vanity to vanity, a stranger to solid peace. Art thou ambitious? Then thou art thine own tormentor.

Contentment is opposed to murmurings and repinings against God’s providence and dwells with her sisters gratitude, submission, and resignation…..

Contentment is also opposed to distrust of God and to despondency respecting the orderings of His providence. Instead of waiting on the Lord and relying on Him for strength of heart, how many forebode ill from all that occurs to them or is anticipated by them. They have little if any cheerfulness. Their souls are never as Mount Zion, “which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever” (Psa 125:1)…True contentment…will settle, confirm, and establish the soul…

Contentment is a most reasonable duty. It is best that your will should not control your affairs. Your health, ease, success, wealth, reputation, and enjoyment deeply concern you: but are you fit to direct respecting them? If God should give you your way, how much would satisfy you? Would not your desires soon be drowned in cares, crimes, and sorrows? Is it best for you to have uninterrupted health? Without some bodily pain, you might forget that you were mortal! ……..Make not your lot worse by sinful repinings.15

You have not shown wisdom sufficient to direct any of your own affairs. It is a mercy to us all that “it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer 10:23). Human knowledge is ignorance, human prudence folly, human strength weakness, human virtue a slender reed. God may cross you without doing you any injustice. Your will is the will of a sinner. Sometimes God has tried you by gratifying your desires for something new, something different. The result generally has not been favorable: “I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath” (Hos 13:11). …..Good Hezekiah greatly desired life, and God gave him fifteen years more. But in that time, he greatly erred and left a sad blot on his name. A man may live too long for his own peace, honor, or usefulness. Your wishes are not always wise. A child was sick. His mother was almost frantic. She fasted, she fainted, she wept, she screamed. God restored her boy to health, and at manhood he committed felony, was arrested, imprisoned, convicted, executed, and broke her heart. How much less would she have suffered had he died in childhood? Your views are liable to be full of error.

But God is fit to govern you and all things. He knows what is best for you, how much you can bear, and when a smile or a stroke will do you most good. His grace is great and so are His truth, power, and wisdom…….. For He hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5). What a promise! What a promise!

Learn, in whatever state you are, therewith to be content (Phi 4:11). “You are the borrower, not the owner” of created comfort. Suppress the first risings of ambition, covetousness, self-will, restlessness, and the spirit of murmuring. Rest quietly in God. The future will bring a full explanation of the present. Treasure up in your heart the blessed promises of God.

Incessantly ask the Lord to increase your faith. Diligently perform all known duties, especially relative duties. “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart” (Psa 27:14). Say not, “God hath forgotten, or is as a stranger that tarrieth for a night.” Resist all unworthy thoughts of your Savior and heavenly Father. Stand in your lot, and leave results with Him Who governs all things “after the counsel of his own will” (Eph 1:11). So shall you walk safely, and light shall be your burden; and soon the Almighty shall call you to Himself, and “the days of thy mourning shall be ended” (Isa 60:20). But until that day of joy shall come, rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him, remembering that “we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1Ti 6:7).

High Priest

Dont take the Lord God lightly....tremble....."The Fear of the Lord is the begining of Wisdom"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBzAX2tV0VU

Testify

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y314N4keYkk

Relational Evangelism or Intentional Evangelism? I

Many in the relational-incarnational school suggest a one-to-one relationship between Christ's ability to incarnate the life-changing power and moral character of the gospel and our ability, as His children, to do so. Jesus' very presence is said to have been evangelistic. He did not just bring the word of truth; He was the word of truth. He did not just preach the gospel; He was the gospel and, of course, still is the gospel. Therefore, my presence (life, character and service) could also be termed "evangelistic" since I bear witness of Jesus as I live out a lifestyle that reflects His presence. By implication then, living the Christian life in character, fellowship and service is as valid a form of evangelism as is sharing the gospel. In line with such reasoning, one author wrote, "Perhaps we don't have a big enough definition of evangelism. When I say 'evangelism' I mean not only verbal proclamation but visual proclamation as well: the whole disclosure of God in the world."
Joe Aldrich, an articulate spokesman for this position, has written, "In the truest sense, evangelism is displaying the universals of God's character – His love, His righteousness, His justice and His faithfulness through the particulars of my everyday life. Therefore, evangelism is not a 'special' activity to be undertaken at a prescribed time. It is the constant and spontaneous overflow of our individual and corporate experience of Christ." He concludes that "even more specifically, evangelism is what Christ does through the activity of His children as they are involved in (1) proclamation, (2) fellowship, and (3) service."Thus, true evangelism is seen as not only the communication of the gospel, but also the "fellowship" and "service" of the saints. As we can see, the one-to-one comparison of a person's life to the life of Christ would lead logically to a one-to-one comparison of that life (fellowship and service) to the gospel of Jesus Christ (proclamation). Both are presumed to be efficient conveyors of good news and, therefore, evangelistic in nature. As Aldrich states, "Evangelism, then, is stereophonic. God speaks to His creatures through two channels: the written word and you, His 'living epistle,' His 'good seed.’ ”But what are we to make of such a comparison? I believe that this reasoning errs in two major areas. First, it is grounded in a misunderstanding of the technical, biblical definitions of witness and evangelism which leads to an artificial distinction between those terms. It is reasoned that " as long as a man simply tells another about Jesus, he is a witness. But the moment he tries to get that person to do something with Christ, he leaves the realm of witnessing and enters the province of soul winning, i.e., one who seeks to 'manipulate a prospect into doing anything with Christ.’ ”Thus, "witnessing and soul winning are two different specialities," and the teaching that "evangelism equals soul winning" can lead only to unhealthy evangelistic models to the hurt of the evangelistic enterprise.
I believe that such reasoning misses the point of the New Testament teaching on the nature and activity of the witness and of evangelism. It is technically incorrect to broaden, and therefore dilute, the New Testament meaning of witness by including a nonverbal, nonpersuasive ministry of "being light to the world" and/or a verbal testimony to Christ with no emphasis on the decisive nature of the gospel.
To be a witness, in Luke's terminology, means "to bear witness in the sense of proclaiming Christ" (Acts 4:33; 23:11). Luke 24:48 and Acts 1:8 indicate that the apostles were witnesses, having been "commissioned by the Lord with the proclamation of the message of the kingdom.”In Acts, the verb (to witness) is used in solemnly declaring and attesting the apostolic preaching in order to win a favorable verdict from the hearers (Acts 2:40; 8:25; 20:24).
Thus, Luke uses this word in the sense of giving "the full proclamation of the message of Christ," the "testimony to Jesus as the Christ (Acts 18:5), the proclamation of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), [and] the urgently wooing address of the gospel of Christ.”21
It is not surprising that in this context of bearing witness (Acts 28:23), Paul also saw fit to "convince" or "persuade" nonbelievers to come to Christ. "The term witness suggests something of the atmosphere of a trial, a lawsuit between Christ and the world, in which the apostles are witnesses."
Thus, the role of the biblical witness to Christ and the gospel is (1) to acquaint himself thoroughly with the facts of the case, i.e., the historical gospel information; (2) to deliver the facts faithfully, regardless of the circumstances or unpopularity of the facts, i.e., to be ready to suffer unjustly; and (3) to describe the meaning and significance of the facts to others with a passionate persuasiveness. The concept of a biblical witness is placed firmly in the context of persuasive proclamation of the gospel and is to be identified biblically with soul winning – asking someone to do something with Christ. The apostolic witness was intended to elicit a response. They preached, as Bunyun put it, what they "smartingly did feel." Our witness can do no less.
In looking at the second error of this false comparison, it is plain from our previous discussion on the definition of both "gospel" and "evangelism," that neither of these terms allows for the nonverbal/nonpersuasive "service" and "fellowship" of the saints to be included under the technical definition of evangelism. While the methodology of first-century evangelism was indeed flexible, the definition of what constituted true evangelism was narrow and precise. Evangelism is soul winning. It is the proclamation of the gospel with a view to persuading lost men and women to come to Christ. Anything less is not evangelism.

Mark McCloskey

Relational Evangelism or Intentional Evangelism? II

Divine Channels?
The one-to-one comparison assumes that both one's life and the gospel are divine channels through which the living Christ is communicated with saving benefit to the nonbeliever. While I would never want to minimize the crucial role of the quality of life of the one bearing witness to the gospel, we must ask, "Is the one-to-one comparison valid?" I believe the answer is no.
Jesus was the perfect, sinless Word of God incarnate. In Him all the fullness of God dwelt in bodily form (Colossians 1:19). He was the gospel itself. In like manner, the gospel is the light of the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4), and the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). But we fall far short of this. True, we are in the process of being renewed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18), and we will manifest, to a degree, the character and service given us by Christ.
But we must keep in mind that we are limited in our reflection of the glory of God in the face of Christ, due to our continued fallenness. Our lives, character and service do not bear witness to the glory and saving presence of Christ on a level equal to that of the self-authenticating power and authority of the gospel. Our lives do not do justice to the nature and intent of true evangelism. Here are some reasons.
Our lives, in the process of sanctification, cannot bear the burden of purity, truth and glory inherent in the gospel. As Alan Walker commented, "A serious fallacy has spread through the church today. It is the so called presence concept. While valuable as a protest against too great a trust in merely verbalizing the gospel, the presence concept is a danger as a half truth. The presence idea is the reappearance of one of the worst features of the liberal era of theology. It claims that it is only necessary to be kind and good, to be concerned. The presence idea is filled with pharisaism, a pharisaism which claims that quality of life can be so transparent that Christ shines through. It is a denial of the evangelical faith which believes that a man must, through repentance and faith, be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
The idea that "I don't speak, I let my life do the talking" or "I shouldn't speak until my life has done some talking" forces us to ask, "Whose life is good enough for such an assignment?"
Samuel Shoemaker once said, "I cannot by being good, tell men of Jesus' atoning death and resurrection, nor of my faith in His divinity. The emphasis is too much on me, and too little on Him. Our lives must be made as consistent as we can make them with our faith; but our faith, if we are Christians, is vastly greater than our lives. That is why the 'word' of witness is so important.”This subtle shift toward the life of the messenger and away from the content of the gospel is noted by another author: "Relational evangelism, in spite of its good intentions, does not put its emphasis on the hearing of the word of truth as the necessary kindling which the Holy Spirit ignites in regeneration (Romans 10:17). Relational evangelism's approach can neglect the theological content of the gospel by shifting the focus to the personality and experience of the evangelist.”

The "stereophonic" approach (God speaking to the lost equally through two channels – you and the gospel) is confusing for the non-Christian. Instead of being exposed to the clear witness of the self-authenticating power and authority of the gospel, he is exposed to its dim reflection in a fallen human life. True, this life should be different from that of the unregenerate. But understanding the source of this distinction becomes a burden of spiritual discernment that the non-Christian cannot bear.
How is he to tell the difference between the solid and attractive lifestyle of the Mormon family across the street and that of the evangelical family next door? Both husbands go to church on Sunday with the entire family, treat their kids and wives nicer than does anyone else on the block, are faithful to their wives and are very friendly. They are both against abortion, don't drink or smoke, and are continually mentioning Jesus Christ and their activities at church. How is a spiritually blind, unregenerate man to distinguish between the truth of the gospel and the lie of a cult? Between that which brings eternal life and that which leads to death and destruction? If the lost are to "tune in" on the character and lifestyle of the messenger before they hear the gospel, and if this channel is considered to be on a par with the gospel message channel, then I must argue that the lost will not have access to the clear information they need on which to base any sort of eternal decision. At best, they will pick up "static" when the life of the messenger falls short (which is inevitable for all of us) and contradicts his perfect message. How can we expect the non-believer to know that we are a reflection of the good news until they know what the good news is?
Even the most perfect life ever lived was radically misunderstood by many in His audience. Jesus manifested the very life of God, yet was rejected and put to death by His own countrymen. The pagan neighbors of Peter's audience unjustly slandered the Christians as "evil doers." This should convince us of the limits of letting our lives speak for the gospel or of placing the testimony of our lives on a par with the gospel. The gospel is too important to be left to the uncertainties and insufficiencies of human character and behavior. It must be allowed to speak for itself in all its power and authority.

Mark McCloskey

Relational Evangelism or Intentional Evangelism? Part III

The Difference It Makes
The relational school in general has a built-in aversion to methodology, technique, tools and systematic strategy. The practical result of this, I believe, is illustrated in a story told about D. L. Moody. One evening after a crusade meeting, Moody was confronted by an irate man who challenged his methods in bringing the gospel to non-Christians. Moody calmly asked him, "Tell me, what methods do you use in doing evangelism?" "I don't do evangelism," responded the man. To which Moody replied, "Well, I think I like the way I do it better than the way you don't. "
Moody's experience is still common today. Usually those critical of methods offer none as a better alternative. Carl Henry observed, "Every method of not evangelizing is wrong – and many methods of evangelizing are right." As Benjamin Oisraeli once said, "It's easier to be critical than correct. "
The avoidance of methods can lead easily to the inactivity of paralysis. It is no accident that where you find an emphasis on how to do evangelism, there you will also find people doing evangelism. The reason is that it has been made easier through the availability of a simple strategy and method. The questions, "How do I start, and how do I communicate the gospel clearly?" have been answered. The usual doubts and fears about sharing the gospel have been substantially resolved, enabling the once inactive believer to take his first concrete steps in evangelism.
It is also no accident that, generally, where you do not find a method, there you will not find the widespread practice of evangelism. Only those who are by nature creative and outgoing will find the resolve to overcome their fear and inertia and engage in evangelism. The rest will be paralyzed by the simple question, How do I go about doing this?" Evangelism may be much discussed and positively reinforced but, in the final analysis, little is done. While we need to be flexible in our methods and avoid building a monument to anyone approach, we also need to realize that a method is often the difference between doing evangelism and just talking about it.

The Relationship Short-Circuit
While it is not the intent of those who lead the way in relational evangelism, emphasis on the evangelist's quality of life and his relationships with non-Christians can be misapplied easily to the practice of evangelism.
First, the emphasis on sharing the gospel in the context of a warm, ongoing relationship is easily misinterpreted by the one overcome by the cultural undertow of convenience and comfort to mean that no initiative need be taken to verbalize the good news. To fulfill our calling as ambassadors, we only need to engage in a friendly relationship with a non-believer and point generally to Jesus. But the claim that everything we do is evangelism, or that developing relationships is evangelism, is often a cover-up for a witness that is so vague that nothing we do is evangelism. Such thinking can degenerate easily into a philosophy of evangelism that elevates the cultivation of relationships above the theological concerns of the urgent and crucial nature of the gospel.
The spirit of convenience can creep in here. If evangelism is hard, creates tension and is subject to rejection, such a "rocking of the boat" is to be avoided, lest it jeopardize the relationship. What is sacrificed is a clear presentation of the gospel and the call to repentance. The end result is inactivity and/or verbal reticence in the name of sensitivity and relationship building.
Second, this reasoning severely limits the scope of evangelism to encompass only those non-Christians to whom the evangelist can relate in an atmosphere of ease and harmony and in a convenient manner. The majority of non-Christians will be excluded from one's realm of witness.
In summary, a lack of a comprehensive mindset leads to an unfamiliarity with, if not rejection of, theological concerns and practical methodology that encourage the doing of evangelism. Evangelism is nothing if it is not done. The gospel is powerless to change lives if left untold

Mark McCloskey

Communication in Marriageby Dr. Adrian Rogers

Marriage counselors agree: Most, if not all, marriage problems are rooted in poor communication. We often act in our marriages as though we are soloists, singing alone and beholden to nobody. But marriage is a duet, not a solo. And the Song of Solomon shows us a real life marriage filled with the music of intimate, personal, and open communication.

DISCUSSION
Here's the stark truth about communication in marriage: You will communicate, or your marriage will disintegrate. And marriages today that are on the rocks are there because of poor communication.
Experts say there are five levels of communication:

Frivolous Level. This is the communication we experience daily in our casual relationships. The weather, the latest scores, clothes, and the like – we do this often and think about it rarely. It's communication on "automatic pilot."

Factual Level. This is a little more content oriented than frivolous communication. Factual communication digs a little deeper into the knowledge of various subjects. There's still no real personal involvement.

Fellowship Level. Now, we're beginning to get a little personal. We share ideas, judgments, and philosophies. We begin to risk rejection for our beliefs.

Feeling Level. In this kind of communication, we go a step deeper. We not only share ideas and core beliefs but we share our feelings about those beliefs. We let others know how important they are to us. This is much riskier, and it's about as deep as most people ever get with each other.

Freedom Level. This is the deepest level of communication. We are completely open with our mate. We share our deepest dreams, fears, ideas, and feelings – without fear of rejection. The word "intimacy" comes from the Latin intimuce. It means "innermost." And truly intimate communication encompasses all those dreams, beliefs, and feelings you wouldn't share with anybody else. Freedom level communication is the secret of lasting love.

When the Bible speaks of a husband and wife coming together in the act of marriage, it says, "So and so knew his wife." To be completely known and still be loved is the supreme goal of marriage. That's true intimacy. Every marriage needs it to survive.

THE DIFFICULTY WITH DIFFERENCES
Intimate communication won't happen without some adjustments – especially on the part of men. In most troubled marriages, the men won't talk. One woman told me that the only time her husband speaks is when he wants food or sex. That's wrong. Men need to talk, whether they want to or not.

Husbandly silence is the culprit in most family communication problems. The wife, who craves communication, pushes her husband into a corner just to get him talking. She pushes and pushes, and Pow! He explodes. Ironically, this is often better to the wife than silence. At least she has his full attention. I'm not saying she intends to pick a fight. But deep down within her there is something that prefers argument to silence. She wants communication. That's understandable. That's how God made her.

Have you noticed how many books there are on marriage? On intimacy? On communication? Here's the problem: The people who need them don't read them! Women read them, but men – who truly need to adjust to their wives' communication needs – don't.
This too is understandable. There are natural barriers to men communicating with the intimacy their wives desire. And wives need to take that into account and make some adjustments.
Consider the articles found in women's magazines: "Five Ways to Develop Closeness in Your Marriage" and "How to Have Harmony in the Home" and "Achieving Intimacy With Your Lover." Now what do men read about in their magazines? "How to Remodel Your Garage" and "How to Double Your Gas Mileage" and "How to Make It Big in the Stock Market."
Yes, there are differences between men and women that affect marital communication. Some of these stem from the fact that we are raised differently. Boys are taught not to cry, not to show emotion. Part of the macho self reliance myth is silence, which supposedly communicates complete self-control.
These differences between men and women should give us all a healthy amount of understanding toward the struggles of our spouses. But they shouldn't stop us from trying, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to imitate the intimacy between Solomon and his spouse. We'll never arrive at perfection. But the closer we get, the happier our homes will be.

Lecrae-Rebel Intro with Lyrics

Lecrae Rebel-I'm a Saint lyrics

Lecrae Rebel-Beautiful Feet lyrics

Why does God love me?

Why does God love me?

Have you ever really thought about that? The more I put my mind on the cross and the more I fail, the more I realize that there is only one answer to this question. Why does God love me? Because He is sovereign and decided I was to be a vessel of love, instead of wrath. That’s it. He simply chose to love me. When my mind sets to this I want to fall on my face and never get up. I want to continually be in prayers of thanksgiving and praise to His Holiness. But I am so unworthy of His love as soon as I see the waves of the weather and the lust of the eyes; I am back in the flesh. I fail. When I do, I do not have an angry Father, I have a loving Father I can come to in repentance with His arms open, as if to say, “That’s ok….I don’t love you because you’re good….I love you because I Am good.” Am I saying it’s ok to sin? God forbid! I’m just saying that what I do has nothing to do with His love for me. He is just and the punishment I deserved, He has paid for in full. This must stay at the forefront of everything I do.

The Gym And The Gospel?

I don't know what else to call the ministry God has placed us this summer with the "neighborhood kids"other than a gym ministry. We began to invite kids to our church gym on Wednesday nights this summer. Our church typically takes a break from student ministry and children’s ministry on Wed. nights due to the members taking vacations and such. The kids from the neighborhood across the street from our church began to show up right before our break from youth ministry occurred. Well, actually there were a few showing up all during our youth ministry. But during the summer, word got out that we were going to open the gym on Wed nights for the local kids to come and play. We even ran the bus a few times. Most of the kids who showed up were black kids from 6-15. The neighborhood most live in is riddled with violence, poverty and drugs. Most are unchurched and if they do attend church it is very, very poor doctrine or downright heresy. Our youth pastor began this summer gym ministry with no set plan or curriculum. We began with the idea of opening the gym, letting them play freely for about 30 minutes or so, then calling them together. We separated them by gender and would share a devotion with them from God's word. There were maybe, 20-35 kids showing up most Wednesday nights. So, what has God privileged me to see during this time? What has God shown me about our church and more importantly about myself? I am going to try and list a few thoughts and struggles. It’s not exhaustive by any stretch. Since I am still trying to process this stuff. These are honest thoughts, and I am sure some are not very theologically framed. You know, since us Calvinistic folk are such sticklers for theological correctness. So, forgive me if I veer slightly. I have many questions and observations I am beginning to wrestle with. Here are a few. Well here goes!

1. Wow, 98% of Our church is white! I don’t mean the color of the building. Oh sure I noticed it somewhat but not like now. Not to say that there is anything wrong with that. But, yet we sit smack dab in the middle of a predominately African American neighborhood. That brings me to something else I have thought about lately. Why is it I don’t know what to call these kids? How do I refer to them as I write this, black, African American, or colored? I think that is why I and others refer to them as the “neighborhood kids”.You know, trying to be politically correct, I guess. How about just call them by their names, hmm what a marvel concept.
I have listened to a couple of pastor’s talk about the lack of the blacks with in the reformed faith. Pastors such as Thabiti Anyabwile, who by the way is one of my favorite pastor/ bloggers. I have recently listened and read articles by reformed Pastor Eric Redmond who has written a book “Where are all the brothers”. trying to understand this issue and problem.

2. Some in our church somehow think that we were just allowing them to have fun and that was it. Oh, how mistaken those who think such things are. I and the others who share these devotions with these kids are motivated by the gospel. In fact the word devotion is a poor description of what we do. Actually we share the gospel of Jesus Christ when we get these kids together. Not just a bible story. You see, I understand that as I see the faces of these kids change from week to week that I may never see them again. I am not much of a fan of the relational evangelism model. Where is it that some get the idea we have to get to know someone for weeks before we share the gospel with them. Let’s just say for example you have pegged someone as a possible gospel candidate and after a while of getting to know them, right before you have planned to present them the gospel, (of course, after you felt now is the time) after you have built some sort of relational bridge and all, you find out they have just died. How will you live with the guilt of waiting for that "right" moment and not sharing the gospel? You might say, “Well God is sovereign, He must not have meant them to here the good news”. What! No, maybe you were just disobedient!
I see this as an opportunity that I will not let pass away. It is the gospel that raises to life the spiritually dead sinner. It is the gospel that transforms lives and releases the chains of sin. It is the gospel that saves. It is what we as Christians are called to do, to evangelize. Most don’t have a clue that this is our motivation. We don’t look at this as organized carnality. Although at times that is what it appears to be, due to the behavior of the kids. Some may never ever have the chance to hear the gospel. At least an accurate presentation of the gospel and not some squishy feel good “Jesus has a wonderful plan for your life” gospel or even worse, if that isn’t bad enough, heresy. No we give a call for repentance. We preach sin, righteousness, and judgment. We preach a command to respond to the gospel today not “just” a free offer. We preach for conversion not decision.

Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent." -Acts 17:30

"And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ..." - 1 John 3:23

3. In these short weeks I have learned more of these kids’ names and where they live, and what their hopes and dreams are then I know the names or where some members of our church family live, much less about some of their burdens and needs. . What is sad is my family and I have been attending this church for 3 years. This is where I have one of those Arsenio Hall moments, for those old enough to know what I mean. You know "things that make you go hmmm". What does that say about our church? No, really what does that say about me?

4. Why are we so freaked out over their behavior problems? How else do we expect unregenerate people especially undisciplined kids who are raised by only one parent or a grandmother and no real father figure in the home to act? Especially those who have grown up in the environment like they have. Why is that so hard for us who are claiming regeneration to really get? After all we were all enemies and hostile toward God ourselves at one time. I know, I know, you can’t blame it on their environment as the reason they act this way (unruly at times) it is the sin that they are in bondage to. True enough, but “be for real” a minute. Most kids in our church have never been subjected to the conditions and environment these kids have. Most in our church have never walked across the street or even set foot in that neighborhood and seen it for themselves. Yes we need order. Yes we have to have some form of civility. When there isn’t, we escort them out. But,where is the compassion?

5. Should we invite these kids to come and hear the gospel and God’s word? Should that be done over there in their neighborhood? By inviting them in to the midst of our youth, are we potentially harming our youth in some way? What should be our youth and their leader’s response toward these kids? If we allow our youth to look down their noses at these kids are we helping create an atmosphere that is conducive to becoming little Pharisees? Have we already become Pharisees and God is revealing this to us through this?

6. Why has God allowed this to happen? What is it God showing us? Will we miss this opportunity to grow as a congregation and individuals?
I pray that God saves some of these kids. I do know that the seed has been sown. It is up to God to cause the growth.