It is written: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (II Cor. 4:6-7)
The Apostle Paul lays out a parallel in this passage of the account of creation in Genesis chapter one and the salvation of man. Creation was without form, void, and in darkness; but the Spirit of God moved upon it and God commanded, “Let there be light: and there was light.” Man is void, in darkness, and dead in trespasses and sins; but in the sovereign grace and purpose of God, the Holy Spirit moves at the command of God and breaks forth with the true Light in the dark abyss of sinners’ hearts. Creation could not create itself. It required the sovereign act of God to create something from nothing. So to, man cannot self-create a new creature within himself. It requires the sovereign act of God to create life in deadness, to give the true Light in the utter darkness of a sinful heart.
This true Light is the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In Hebrews the description of Jesus’ relation to the Father is: “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person…” (Heb. 1:3) The Almighty Eternal God has purposed to reveal the glory of His majesty by His amazing grace through Jesus Christ. It is in and through Jesus Christ that the saints of God are made to know the glory of the Father. If God did not command the Light to shine in the dark deadness of men’s hearts in the face of Jesus Christ, men would forever be doomed, adrift in the condemnation of their sins. Jesus is the Beacon that gives the Light of the glory of God, beaming out GRACE, GRACE, ALL OF GRACE.
Those who have gone through the new birth are truly able to sing, “I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.” In the face of the Lord Jesus is taught the knowledge of the glory of the Father, and the believer has this “treasure in earthen vessels.” In the believer’s frail body of the flesh, there is found the awesome eternal treasure of the glory of God. It is this treasure that the saints of God give witness to in the face of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Loophole Christianity?
Definition,
loophole: a means of escape; especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded
ambiguity: an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context
As I look at the above definition of loophole, I realize that I have been guilty at times of trying to find these so called loopholes or ambiguities of scripture to help support some pet sin or even something more sinister, the propping up of some false irrational explanation of scripture. If we are to hold to the sufficiency of scripture these so called loopholes simply put, "just do not exist". After all scripture is it's own best interpreter as we the believer are empowered by the Holy Spirit ( 2 Timothy 3:16). I am not talking about some vague theological construct such as the rapture timing and the millennial reign of Christ.
All false religions and cults are not only guilty of misinterpreting scripture, but guilty of searching for a "loophole" or ambiguity in scripture to support their methodology and demonic doctrine. They hope to find a way to wiggle around certain orthodox essentials, that if they were to accept, would after all make them "orthodox". The fact that their is a such thing as false doctrine and heresy shows the extreme effort man, inspired by Satan, will use to try to get to God through a loophole. Unaided by the Holy Spirit and by creating a God of ones own imagination.(John 10:1)
The "professing" christian that is so close to the truth and yet finds himself searching for the so called loopholes and ambiguities in scripture, the purposeful systematic approach of hunting down and misapplying scripture to suit his/her own design and fancy, finds themselves not far removed from the false religions. Remember that those who teach doctrine are held to a stricter judgement. (James 3:1) I think at times in our Christian life we unknowingly stumble in that direction.
So, what are some of these so called loopholes and ambiguities that "professing" Christians most often find themselves looking for or even attracted to?
1. A gospel of no Repentance? Saved with no changed life?
2. Doctrine and theology are not important only the gospel matters.
3. There is no need for Christians to go to church, I go only when I feel like it, God doesn't
mind.
4. The fellowship of other believers is really not that vital.
5. Watching or listening to certain media is a choice, after all it is a "gray" area.
6. Sharing the gospel with others is not really for me, after all scripture does
say that only some have the gift of evangelism.
7. My friend is in a false religion, it is not my place to say something to him.
8. My friend who is a christian is in obvious open sin but I am not to judge him, after all we
all sin as Christians anyway.
9. I am to live this christian life to the fullest suffering is not in the plan or will of God for me?
10. Just showing up for church on Sunday is good enough, I don't need to be involved in the life
my church.
I am sure there are many more that can be added to this list. But, for now I want to explore these a lil deeper in future posts.
Nolan
loophole: a means of escape; especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded
ambiguity: an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context
As I look at the above definition of loophole, I realize that I have been guilty at times of trying to find these so called loopholes or ambiguities of scripture to help support some pet sin or even something more sinister, the propping up of some false irrational explanation of scripture. If we are to hold to the sufficiency of scripture these so called loopholes simply put, "just do not exist". After all scripture is it's own best interpreter as we the believer are empowered by the Holy Spirit ( 2 Timothy 3:16). I am not talking about some vague theological construct such as the rapture timing and the millennial reign of Christ.
All false religions and cults are not only guilty of misinterpreting scripture, but guilty of searching for a "loophole" or ambiguity in scripture to support their methodology and demonic doctrine. They hope to find a way to wiggle around certain orthodox essentials, that if they were to accept, would after all make them "orthodox". The fact that their is a such thing as false doctrine and heresy shows the extreme effort man, inspired by Satan, will use to try to get to God through a loophole. Unaided by the Holy Spirit and by creating a God of ones own imagination.(John 10:1)
The "professing" christian that is so close to the truth and yet finds himself searching for the so called loopholes and ambiguities in scripture, the purposeful systematic approach of hunting down and misapplying scripture to suit his/her own design and fancy, finds themselves not far removed from the false religions. Remember that those who teach doctrine are held to a stricter judgement. (James 3:1) I think at times in our Christian life we unknowingly stumble in that direction.
So, what are some of these so called loopholes and ambiguities that "professing" Christians most often find themselves looking for or even attracted to?
1. A gospel of no Repentance? Saved with no changed life?
2. Doctrine and theology are not important only the gospel matters.
3. There is no need for Christians to go to church, I go only when I feel like it, God doesn't
mind.
4. The fellowship of other believers is really not that vital.
5. Watching or listening to certain media is a choice, after all it is a "gray" area.
6. Sharing the gospel with others is not really for me, after all scripture does
say that only some have the gift of evangelism.
7. My friend is in a false religion, it is not my place to say something to him.
8. My friend who is a christian is in obvious open sin but I am not to judge him, after all we
all sin as Christians anyway.
9. I am to live this christian life to the fullest suffering is not in the plan or will of God for me?
10. Just showing up for church on Sunday is good enough, I don't need to be involved in the life
my church.
I am sure there are many more that can be added to this list. But, for now I want to explore these a lil deeper in future posts.
Nolan
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Our words and deeds are irrevocable
(J. R. Miller, "Devotional Hours with the Bible")
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken!" Matthew 12:36
We cannot recall any word we have spoken. It may be a false word or an unkind word--a word which will blast and burn! Instantly after it has been spoken--we may wish it back and may rush after it and try to stop it--but there is no power in the world that can unsay the hurtful word--or blot it out of our life!
It is just so with our acts. A moment after we have done a wicked thing, we may bitterly repent it. We may be willing to give all we have in the world to undo it, to make it as though it never had been. But in vain. A deed done takes its place in the universe as a fact--and never can be recalled.
We should be sure before we speak a word or do an act--that it is right, that we shall never desire to have it recalled--for when once we have opened our lips, or lifted our hand--there will be no unsaying or undoing possible.
Our words and deeds are irrevocable. We cannot recall anything we have done, neither can we change it. But by other words and deeds, we may in some measure modify the effect of that which we cannot blot out. Paul could not undo his persecutions of Christians--but by a life to devotion to Christ's cause--he could in a sense make reparation for the terrible harm he had done.
Just so, we cannot undo the wrong things we have done--but we should strive to set in motion other influences which may at least compensate in some sense for the harm they have wrought. We cannot unsay the sharp word which wounds our friend's heart--but we can by kindness and loyal devotion--yet bring good and blessing to his life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(J. R. Miller, "Devotional Hours with the Bible")
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken!" Matthew 12:36
We cannot recall any word we have spoken. It may be a false word or an unkind word--a word which will blast and burn! Instantly after it has been spoken--we may wish it back and may rush after it and try to stop it--but there is no power in the world that can unsay the hurtful word--or blot it out of our life!
It is just so with our acts. A moment after we have done a wicked thing, we may bitterly repent it. We may be willing to give all we have in the world to undo it, to make it as though it never had been. But in vain. A deed done takes its place in the universe as a fact--and never can be recalled.
We should be sure before we speak a word or do an act--that it is right, that we shall never desire to have it recalled--for when once we have opened our lips, or lifted our hand--there will be no unsaying or undoing possible.
Our words and deeds are irrevocable. We cannot recall anything we have done, neither can we change it. But by other words and deeds, we may in some measure modify the effect of that which we cannot blot out. Paul could not undo his persecutions of Christians--but by a life to devotion to Christ's cause--he could in a sense make reparation for the terrible harm he had done.
Just so, we cannot undo the wrong things we have done--but we should strive to set in motion other influences which may at least compensate in some sense for the harm they have wrought. We cannot unsay the sharp word which wounds our friend's heart--but we can by kindness and loyal devotion--yet bring good and blessing to his life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Are you a soldier or have you went AWOL?
2 Timothy 2:1-5
Here Paul exhorts Timothy to entrust these truths which he has taught to Timothy to other faithful men. Timothy knows these truths that Paul taught were not in some hidden room or corner somewhere in secret, where what Paul spoke could not be tested through the discernment and testimony of others. No, it was open and in public view. In verse 3 Paul explains to Timothy that he is a soldier, a soldier for Christ. But, he says something that would seem at total odds with today's evangelical landscape, he exhorts timothy to "suffer hardship". Paul knows the mark of a true soldier. A good soldier will experience hardship. Too many Christians today do not necessarily resemble this metaphor of a soldier that Paul uses here in 2 Timothy. There is an idea that we can just coast through this life as a christian and not even get as much as a blister. An effortless type of Christianity. A "glued to the pew" mentality. When one is in service, in the military sense he no longer is considered a civilian. He becomes the sole property of the enlist er. The enlistee looses his rights to the enlist er.
In verse 4 Paul equates the christian to being an "active soldier". How many of us are inactive for Christ, as if we are on the injured list and can't perform our prescribed duty by our commanding officer? You may be injured or persecuted and even unto death. That is what it means to be active. This is what a good soldier does. He suffers the hardship of verse 3. That is the genuine experience of the christian life. Not "your best life now". Paul goes on to say that no active soldier entangles himself or gets distracted by the daily grind of everyday life. No, that is sinful self centerdness. This world is not our home. We have been bought with a price. We have bought into this idea of the "American Dream". Christianity for the most part today has bought into the "American lie". We live in debt up to our necks. We have become in bondage to the lender. This need for more stuff and then equating it often times as a blessing from the Lord is sometimes, I believe a judgement from God instead of a blessing. More stuff has becomes the idol of our lives. The bigger house, the better job, the better car, better husband, the better wife, etc... Where has the striving to be Holy unto the Lord gone? Where has the loving, longing and wanting more of Christ gone? Where is the trusting in God gone? Where has the running from sin gone? Instead we sprint headlong toward poor teaching and poor doctrine. Oh, and what a distaste for theology most have today! The U.S. is the main exporter of this garbage on the mission field. No doctrine, no theology," let's just go and get some converts boys!" The people are left there untrained and often times incapable of fighting off the next heresey coming down the pike. And so it goes....
We are to please the one who has enlisted us for service. We are to live lives of holiness and abstain from the things of the flesh that keep us from being on the front lines of battle. Not many battles are ever won when your back is turned and you are running from your enemies as he constantly pelts you with relentless and on going attacks. In verse 5 Paul again gives a metaphor, that of an athlete competing for a prize. But, unless the christian obeys the rules he does not win the prize. This is a call for the christian to obey the word of God. How flippant we are with god's word. As we come to certain text , we may think, "that doesn't apply to me, must be talking about someone else". Most of the time when we come to a particular verse we don't care for, because it gnaws at our conscience till we can't stand it so, we find some other teaching, commentary or someone else who will agree with our evil unbiblical desire. So, we accumulate for ourselves teachers in accordance with their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3). Is that playing by the rules?
This article by J.r. Miller below shows these verses in 2 Timothy 2:1-5 in action in the life of Shadrach,Meshach and Abednego.
"As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music--you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up! Whoever does not fall down and worship--will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace!" Daniel 3:5-6Every child knows this story. It is one of the classics of Christian households. We will never have to meet precisely the same trial of faith, that these three Hebrew children had to meet; but we need just as heroic a spirit--in order to be faithful. Imposing images are set up even now in many a place--and all are expected to bow down to them--and woe to him who does not kneel! We all have opportunity enough to be heroic. The popular religion of today, is inclined to limpness of the knees. We have grown wonderfully tolerant in these modern days! We bow to almost anything--if it happens to be fashionable."Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music--all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up!"But there were some whose knees did not bend!"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king: O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king--that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up!" Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were all young men who were in peculiar circumstances. They were away from home, out from under parental influence and restraints, and exposed to very strong temptation. They had now their choice between duty--and the fiery furnace! We should study this lesson for its example of heroic devotion to duty, regardless of consequences. Even yet, the world's promotion is obtainable ofttimes--only at the price of a trampled conscience!There are several things to note in these young men. Note their calmness; they displayed no excitement, no heat of passion. The peace of God ruled in their hearts. Note also, their sublime courage. They had a contempt of death. They feared only one thing--sin! Note also, their trust in God. They committed the matter utterly into His hands. They did not know what He would do--but they were sure it would be the right thing. The king wanted to give them another chance, as he preferred not to burn such useful servants; but they told him there was no need for a second opportunity. They would have no other answer to give. They could make no possible change in their decision. The thing that was demanded of them was contrary to the plain law of their God--and that settled it forever. There was no room for discussion or for deliberation or for persuasion--when it was the law of God that was concerned. They could burn--but they could not turn!
It would save many people a great deal of weighing, balancing, and discussing of fine points--if they would act always on this principle--that the Word of God is final in all matters of duty. When a thing is forbidden in the Word--that should be the end of it.
But too many people parley with such matters--and usually end in yielding to sin. It is never safe to parley with temptation!
It would be well if all our modern Christians had the sublime moral courage of these three Hebrew children.
J.R. Miller
Nolan
Here Paul exhorts Timothy to entrust these truths which he has taught to Timothy to other faithful men. Timothy knows these truths that Paul taught were not in some hidden room or corner somewhere in secret, where what Paul spoke could not be tested through the discernment and testimony of others. No, it was open and in public view. In verse 3 Paul explains to Timothy that he is a soldier, a soldier for Christ. But, he says something that would seem at total odds with today's evangelical landscape, he exhorts timothy to "suffer hardship". Paul knows the mark of a true soldier. A good soldier will experience hardship. Too many Christians today do not necessarily resemble this metaphor of a soldier that Paul uses here in 2 Timothy. There is an idea that we can just coast through this life as a christian and not even get as much as a blister. An effortless type of Christianity. A "glued to the pew" mentality. When one is in service, in the military sense he no longer is considered a civilian. He becomes the sole property of the enlist er. The enlistee looses his rights to the enlist er.
In verse 4 Paul equates the christian to being an "active soldier". How many of us are inactive for Christ, as if we are on the injured list and can't perform our prescribed duty by our commanding officer? You may be injured or persecuted and even unto death. That is what it means to be active. This is what a good soldier does. He suffers the hardship of verse 3. That is the genuine experience of the christian life. Not "your best life now". Paul goes on to say that no active soldier entangles himself or gets distracted by the daily grind of everyday life. No, that is sinful self centerdness. This world is not our home. We have been bought with a price. We have bought into this idea of the "American Dream". Christianity for the most part today has bought into the "American lie". We live in debt up to our necks. We have become in bondage to the lender. This need for more stuff and then equating it often times as a blessing from the Lord is sometimes, I believe a judgement from God instead of a blessing. More stuff has becomes the idol of our lives. The bigger house, the better job, the better car, better husband, the better wife, etc... Where has the striving to be Holy unto the Lord gone? Where has the loving, longing and wanting more of Christ gone? Where is the trusting in God gone? Where has the running from sin gone? Instead we sprint headlong toward poor teaching and poor doctrine. Oh, and what a distaste for theology most have today! The U.S. is the main exporter of this garbage on the mission field. No doctrine, no theology," let's just go and get some converts boys!" The people are left there untrained and often times incapable of fighting off the next heresey coming down the pike. And so it goes....
We are to please the one who has enlisted us for service. We are to live lives of holiness and abstain from the things of the flesh that keep us from being on the front lines of battle. Not many battles are ever won when your back is turned and you are running from your enemies as he constantly pelts you with relentless and on going attacks. In verse 5 Paul again gives a metaphor, that of an athlete competing for a prize. But, unless the christian obeys the rules he does not win the prize. This is a call for the christian to obey the word of God. How flippant we are with god's word. As we come to certain text , we may think, "that doesn't apply to me, must be talking about someone else". Most of the time when we come to a particular verse we don't care for, because it gnaws at our conscience till we can't stand it so, we find some other teaching, commentary or someone else who will agree with our evil unbiblical desire. So, we accumulate for ourselves teachers in accordance with their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3). Is that playing by the rules?
This article by J.r. Miller below shows these verses in 2 Timothy 2:1-5 in action in the life of Shadrach,Meshach and Abednego.
"As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music--you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up! Whoever does not fall down and worship--will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace!" Daniel 3:5-6Every child knows this story. It is one of the classics of Christian households. We will never have to meet precisely the same trial of faith, that these three Hebrew children had to meet; but we need just as heroic a spirit--in order to be faithful. Imposing images are set up even now in many a place--and all are expected to bow down to them--and woe to him who does not kneel! We all have opportunity enough to be heroic. The popular religion of today, is inclined to limpness of the knees. We have grown wonderfully tolerant in these modern days! We bow to almost anything--if it happens to be fashionable."Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music--all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up!"But there were some whose knees did not bend!"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king: O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king--that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up!" Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were all young men who were in peculiar circumstances. They were away from home, out from under parental influence and restraints, and exposed to very strong temptation. They had now their choice between duty--and the fiery furnace! We should study this lesson for its example of heroic devotion to duty, regardless of consequences. Even yet, the world's promotion is obtainable ofttimes--only at the price of a trampled conscience!There are several things to note in these young men. Note their calmness; they displayed no excitement, no heat of passion. The peace of God ruled in their hearts. Note also, their sublime courage. They had a contempt of death. They feared only one thing--sin! Note also, their trust in God. They committed the matter utterly into His hands. They did not know what He would do--but they were sure it would be the right thing. The king wanted to give them another chance, as he preferred not to burn such useful servants; but they told him there was no need for a second opportunity. They would have no other answer to give. They could make no possible change in their decision. The thing that was demanded of them was contrary to the plain law of their God--and that settled it forever. There was no room for discussion or for deliberation or for persuasion--when it was the law of God that was concerned. They could burn--but they could not turn!
It would save many people a great deal of weighing, balancing, and discussing of fine points--if they would act always on this principle--that the Word of God is final in all matters of duty. When a thing is forbidden in the Word--that should be the end of it.
But too many people parley with such matters--and usually end in yielding to sin. It is never safe to parley with temptation!
It would be well if all our modern Christians had the sublime moral courage of these three Hebrew children.
J.R. Miller
Nolan
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