Yesterday I asked for Pastors to preach the word . Not just bits and pieces of the Bible but the whole counsel.That is their primary task . But another very important role of a good shepherd that faithfully attends to his flock is protection.The shepherds job was a very dangerous one at times . They would have to use their staff , sling and a sword to fend off thieves,bears,lions or other predators that would threaten the sheep.
The threats to the sheep within the Church are very real as well in a spiritual sense . You will have those who are in plain site like the cults who deny the truth , the new atheistic screeds who try to cast doubt but these are from the outside so to speak. Dangerous and not to be ignored but those who operate within are the most dangerous.When Paul wrote Galatians it was to confront false teachers who were holding sway , leading the flock astray. Paul was as blunt as a hammer . As we need to be.
We are warned in scripture of wolves who will undermine the truth of the gospel . Through out the ages many great Christians had to stand sometimes almost alone in fighting heresy. From Athanasius in the 4th century who contended for the deity of Jesus and we derive the council of Nicea , Augustine in the 4th and 5th century against the monk Pelagius over the doctrine of sin and free will , Luther in the 16th against the Roman Catholic Churches corruption and faulty gospel . The list could go on and on of faithful men of God who stood against the wolves within and exposed the evil for what it is , apostasy and heresy.
Today the climate is no different. Recently online a video by popular emergent Pastor Rob Bell promoting his new book has caused quite a stir. He has long been on the radar as a question mark when it comes to orthodoxy. But this new book , if the promo video is to be believed , endorses universalism . A denial of hell .If this is true , he has moved away from 2000 years of truth to heresy. The sad truth , his teaching has been well received within many so called Evangelical churches .
Bell along with others like Brian Mclaren ,Joyce Meyers,TD Jakes teach a faulty theology but the fact that many Churches have some of their books in their libraries is sad.
When Paul told Timothy to reprove and rebuke , part of that process is to openly confront error and heresy . Paul openly named names. He did hide behind a curtain or remain silent. But more importantly look at the way Jesus dealt with the false religious teachers . He called them a den of vipers and white washed tombs. If a wolf has entered your pasture , you don't politely try to get them to leave . You stand and defend the sheep with your life. You take the offensive .
Its a matter of protecting the flock . The sheep a Pastor has been given are not his own but God's and He has given them to you to feed ,tend and protect. Just as my family has been given to me to feed.tend and protect. If someone breaks into my house to do them harm , I would bring lethal force to secure their safety. As it should be in God's house. A Pastor needs to bring lethal spiritual force , exposing the error , and calling those in apostasy to repent.
It is not a task for the timid or the weak .However if you have entered into the call as shepherd then its is part of your call. The gospel is at stake , the glory of God and souls . Is it not time to stand and be counted.
Verse Of The Day : [13] Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
( 1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Pastors Shepherd Your People
I sit in the pew and each Sunday submit to the authority of the Pastor who brings the sermon . God has called him to this vocation and it is a sacred call. They are to open the word and feed sheep . Plus as a Shepherd under the great Shepherd Jesus.
So what is the task of the Pastor? They are to preach the whole counsel of God .Not avoiding the tough spots of the word by dancing around it by doing sermon series . They should preach Christ and Him crucified clearly without being ashamed . To proclaim the gospel of grace without hesitation.
[4:1] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
(2 Timothy 4:1-2 ESV)
This charge by Paul to Timothy is to all who climb up into that Pulpit.It should not be taken lightly.For when you preach , the words you are speaking are as if you are speaking for God . The great truths of heaven and hell , salvation, the cross,God's love and wrath against sin are on your lips . The sheep in your care need to be fed. That is your primary task.
As a one of your sheep I need to hear the word preached . For through it the Holy Spirit will open the hearts of the sinner to repent , it will awaken the backslider to come home , it will bring peace to the broken and it will put fuel to the fire of the saints to grow in grace. We don't need fancy power points , a cool backdrop , props or clever sermon series.What we need is the unadulterated word of God ,the Bible plainly preached with passion and reason .As the great Dr.Martyn LLoyd Jones rightly said preaching is logic on fire.
Do not be afraid to preach the tough things . We need to grow in truth . When I come weary and broken I do not need to hear about living a better life , but need to hear the grace of the gospel preached to heal my weary soul. Preach about God's sovereignty in salvation ,His holiness,His wrath ,His glory . Ground us so deep in doctrine that when life assails us or temptation from the world ,the devil or our sinful nature tries to ensnare us ,we are so steeped in the word , we will wield it like a sword and do a battle without fear. Let us see the all beautiful,amazing,supremacy of Jesus .
Pastors , please preach ,preach ,PREACH. Amen.
Verse Of The Day : [15] So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
(Romans 1:15-17 ESV)
So what is the task of the Pastor? They are to preach the whole counsel of God .Not avoiding the tough spots of the word by dancing around it by doing sermon series . They should preach Christ and Him crucified clearly without being ashamed . To proclaim the gospel of grace without hesitation.
[4:1] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
(2 Timothy 4:1-2 ESV)
This charge by Paul to Timothy is to all who climb up into that Pulpit.It should not be taken lightly.For when you preach , the words you are speaking are as if you are speaking for God . The great truths of heaven and hell , salvation, the cross,God's love and wrath against sin are on your lips . The sheep in your care need to be fed. That is your primary task.
As a one of your sheep I need to hear the word preached . For through it the Holy Spirit will open the hearts of the sinner to repent , it will awaken the backslider to come home , it will bring peace to the broken and it will put fuel to the fire of the saints to grow in grace. We don't need fancy power points , a cool backdrop , props or clever sermon series.What we need is the unadulterated word of God ,the Bible plainly preached with passion and reason .As the great Dr.Martyn LLoyd Jones rightly said preaching is logic on fire.
Do not be afraid to preach the tough things . We need to grow in truth . When I come weary and broken I do not need to hear about living a better life , but need to hear the grace of the gospel preached to heal my weary soul. Preach about God's sovereignty in salvation ,His holiness,His wrath ,His glory . Ground us so deep in doctrine that when life assails us or temptation from the world ,the devil or our sinful nature tries to ensnare us ,we are so steeped in the word , we will wield it like a sword and do a battle without fear. Let us see the all beautiful,amazing,supremacy of Jesus .
Pastors , please preach ,preach ,PREACH. Amen.
Verse Of The Day : [15] So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
(Romans 1:15-17 ESV)
Living Romans 7
There are days that you realize how sinful you are . You know those days when your thoughts or actions undermine the Christian you want to be . Old temptations sneak up or you give breath to thoughts or actions that should not be. I call those moments or days living Romans 7 . In Romans 7 Paul discusses the law,sin and the position of the believer in relation to them. This passage has been at the center of much debate to whether it refers to a believer or non-believer. After reading numerous views , I find it hard not to side with those that believe it is describing the battle within with sin after conversion and the life of a Christian
[19] For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
(Romans 7:19-20 ESV)
With this passage Paul talks about the doing evil and not doing the good he wants to do. It appears to me that only one who has been made alive in Christ and now sees the law as good , would have any real grief over this struggle. If you are a heathen or unbeliever , in general there would be no inner turmoil concerning sin or the struggle within . Plus who among even the holiest saints can honestly confess they have not struggled at times with sin .As we walk this pilgrims journey there are days in seems that the road is full of pits and falls,some of ones own making.Granted it may not be committing adultery or murder but anger,pride,greed etc..all can still hold sway in your life . Sin is a joy stealing vice that robs a believer of his peace.
So if one has one of these moments what should one do ? I love the way Paul ends chapter 7 .[24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
(Romans 7:24-25 ESV) The only hope we have is Jesus . When we have a Romans 7 moment , repent ,confess and look to Jesus. Its the gospel that we need to cling to more and more. Paul also makes it clear that even though we will struggle with the sinful nature , it is never an excuse to sin . Yes it is a battle , but the war was won on the cross and the victory assured when Jesus rose from the dead. Walking in the light of that truth and bathing in the love that was on display , will give us courage in the fight.
So if your having a Romans 7 day , move into Romans 8 and with confidence preach those words to yourself.
We are soldiers in a battle , if you get wounded or fall , get up and set your gaze on the one who is calling you to take up your cross and follow Him.
Verse Of The Day : [8:1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:1 ESV)
[19] For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
(Romans 7:19-20 ESV)
With this passage Paul talks about the doing evil and not doing the good he wants to do. It appears to me that only one who has been made alive in Christ and now sees the law as good , would have any real grief over this struggle. If you are a heathen or unbeliever , in general there would be no inner turmoil concerning sin or the struggle within . Plus who among even the holiest saints can honestly confess they have not struggled at times with sin .As we walk this pilgrims journey there are days in seems that the road is full of pits and falls,some of ones own making.Granted it may not be committing adultery or murder but anger,pride,greed etc..all can still hold sway in your life . Sin is a joy stealing vice that robs a believer of his peace.
So if one has one of these moments what should one do ? I love the way Paul ends chapter 7 .[24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
(Romans 7:24-25 ESV) The only hope we have is Jesus . When we have a Romans 7 moment , repent ,confess and look to Jesus. Its the gospel that we need to cling to more and more. Paul also makes it clear that even though we will struggle with the sinful nature , it is never an excuse to sin . Yes it is a battle , but the war was won on the cross and the victory assured when Jesus rose from the dead. Walking in the light of that truth and bathing in the love that was on display , will give us courage in the fight.
So if your having a Romans 7 day , move into Romans 8 and with confidence preach those words to yourself.
We are soldiers in a battle , if you get wounded or fall , get up and set your gaze on the one who is calling you to take up your cross and follow Him.
Verse Of The Day : [8:1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:1 ESV)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Awesome Scene
When True Grit proved to be a huge hit , they decided to do a follow up called Rooster Cogburn. Perhaps not as good as Grit , nonetheless it is an excellent Wayne western. The fun of the movie is the interchange between Wayne and Hepburn . In my list of westerns and movies I loved as a kid , this is one. It still is.
John Wayne was a unique actor and man .They sure do not exist in the current crop out in film land. He was so suited for westerns . One of my all time favorites.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Needed To Hear This Song Today
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This beautiful song by Chris Rice was much needed today. Is not the love of Jesus a beautiful and amazing thing. Apart from Him in one's life , what would you have . Nothing!Thanks to a Facebook friend that linked to this song.
Verse Of The Day : [8] but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. [11] More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
(Romans 5:8-11 ESV)
This beautiful song by Chris Rice was much needed today. Is not the love of Jesus a beautiful and amazing thing. Apart from Him in one's life , what would you have . Nothing!Thanks to a Facebook friend that linked to this song.
Verse Of The Day : [8] but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. [11] More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
(Romans 5:8-11 ESV)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Marriage is Indeed a Minefield
Marriage is a wonderful and amazing gift from God. That is not to say it is easy or for the timid but the fact is , unless one is called to singleness , most will marry . In this fallen world lets not kid ourselves either , many things assail marriage. Many enter into it with a false idea of what its all about . They seem to forget the vows they say within a nano second.
The tragic stat of less and less people getting married is a clear sign Satan has done a great job in undermining the institution of marriage , which makes sense because a family makes up a stable element in society. It is the cement that hold communities and countries together. With more young men not wanting growing up and 40 somethings acting like teens and young women either putting off marriage or rejecting it outright , we are seeing a shift . More couples are just living together , saying they don't need a paper to say they love each other .This may sound right at the surface but the bottom line it is a rejection of God's covenant of marriage. As my Grandmother would say , its is living in sin .
When one stands before others , a pastor and ultimately God , to say your vows and enter into a covenant with God that you will love this women or man till death do you part, takes on a whole unique quality then just shacking up. Which I believe is nothing more than a friend with benefits.
Its not an easy road , but the pay off is huge . I can clearly say , loving and cherishing my wife has been blessing. In serving her , it has helped me comprehend what Jesus said that we are to lay down our lives and be a servant to others. The man in a marriage is to lead with humble headship and a heart that is willing to die for your wife. I have been far from perfect , and she has been very gracious in forgiving my failures and sins . But I hope when all is said and down , she will know that I loved her and would without hesitation lay down my life for her .
Marriage is indeed a minefield but in Christ and His promises , if we build upon Him , the minefields will be navigated through . Sure we may have some scars but each one will be worth it .
So I hope you enjoy this beautiful song by Andrew Peterson . Now take a moment to dance with your spouse and be thankful to God for the blessing of His gift of marriage.
The tragic stat of less and less people getting married is a clear sign Satan has done a great job in undermining the institution of marriage , which makes sense because a family makes up a stable element in society. It is the cement that hold communities and countries together. With more young men not wanting growing up and 40 somethings acting like teens and young women either putting off marriage or rejecting it outright , we are seeing a shift . More couples are just living together , saying they don't need a paper to say they love each other .This may sound right at the surface but the bottom line it is a rejection of God's covenant of marriage. As my Grandmother would say , its is living in sin .
When one stands before others , a pastor and ultimately God , to say your vows and enter into a covenant with God that you will love this women or man till death do you part, takes on a whole unique quality then just shacking up. Which I believe is nothing more than a friend with benefits.
Its not an easy road , but the pay off is huge . I can clearly say , loving and cherishing my wife has been blessing. In serving her , it has helped me comprehend what Jesus said that we are to lay down our lives and be a servant to others. The man in a marriage is to lead with humble headship and a heart that is willing to die for your wife. I have been far from perfect , and she has been very gracious in forgiving my failures and sins . But I hope when all is said and down , she will know that I loved her and would without hesitation lay down my life for her .
Marriage is indeed a minefield but in Christ and His promises , if we build upon Him , the minefields will be navigated through . Sure we may have some scars but each one will be worth it .
So I hope you enjoy this beautiful song by Andrew Peterson . Now take a moment to dance with your spouse and be thankful to God for the blessing of His gift of marriage.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Catechism Friday
19. Q. From where do you know this?
A. From the holy gospel, which God Himself first revealed in Paradise.[1] Later, He had it proclaimed by the patriarchs[2] and prophets,[3] and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law.[4] Finally, He had it fulfilled through His only Son.[5]
[1] Gen. 3:15. [2] Gen. 12:3; 22:18; 49:10. [3] Is. 53; Jer. 23:5, 6; Mic. 7:18-20; Acts 10:43; Heb. 1:1. [4] Lev. 1:7;John 5:46; Heb. 10:1-10. [5] Rom. 10:4; Gal. 4:4, 5; Col. 2:17.
20. Q. Are all men, then, saved by Christ just as they perished through Adam?
A. No. Only those are saved who by a true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His benefits.[1]
21. Q. What is true faith?
A. True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word.[1] At the same time it is a firm confidence[2] that not only to others, but also to me,[3] God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation,[4] out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits.[5] This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.[6]
[1] John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1-3; James 2:19. [2] Rom. 4:18-21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:16. [3] Gal. 2:20. [4] Rom. 1:17;Heb. 10:10. [5] Rom.3:20-26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-10. [6] Acts 16:14; Rom. 1:16; 10:17; I Cor. 1:21.
Heidelberg Catechism (1576 A.D.)
22. Q. What, then, must a Christian believe?
A. All that is promised us in the gospel,[1] which the articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith teach us in a summary.
23. Q. What are these articles?
A. III.1.I believe in God the Father almighty, III.1. Creator of heaven and earth. III.2.I believe in Jesus Christ, III.2. His only begotten Son, our Lord; III.3. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, III.3. born of the virgin Mary; III.4. suffered under Pontius Pilate, III.4. was crucified, dead, and buried; III.4. He descended into hell; III.5. On the third day He arose from the dead; III.6. He ascended into heaven, III.6. and sits at the right hand III.6. of God the Father almighty; III.7. from there He will come to judge III.7. the living and the dead. III.8. I believe in the Holy Spirit; III.9. I believe a holy catholic Christian church, III.9. the communion of saints; III.10. the forgiveness of sins; III.11. the resurrection of the body; III.12. and the life everlasting.
24. Q. How are these articles divided?
A. Into three parts: the first is about God the Father and our creation; the second about God the Son and our redemption; the third about God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
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