"It always seems inexplicable to me that those who claim free will so very boldly for man should not also allow some free will to God. Why should not Jesus Christ have the right to choose his own bride?"--Spurgeon
Rom 9:20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use?
Isa 29:16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
Jam 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Rom 10:20 And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
John 1: 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Rom. 9: 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
Eph. 1: 11 In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will
1Cor. 1: 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Present Day Evangelism
I read this today over at Slice of Laodicea and thought how on target A.W. Pink was. Like Spurgeon before him, he too, speaks from the grave to today's professing churches:
"The feverish urge of modern evangelism is not how to promote the glory of the triune Jehovah, but how to multiply conversions. The whole current of evangelical activity during the past [hundred] years has taken that direction. Losing sight of God's end, the churches have devised means of their own.
Bent on attaining a certain desired object, the energy of the flesh has been given free rein; and supposing that the object was right, evangelists have concluded that nothing could be wrong which contributed unto the securing of that end; and since their efforts appear to be eminently successful, only too many churches silently acquiesced, telling themselves "the end justified the means". Instead of examining the plans proposed and the methods adopted by the light of Scripture, they were tacitly accepted on the ground of expediency. The evangelist was esteemed not for the soundness of his message, but by the visible 'results' he secured. He was valued not according to how far his preaching honored God, but by how many souls were supposedly converted under it.
Once a man makes the conversion of sinners his prime design and all-consuming end, he is exceedingly apt to adopt a wrong course. Instead of striving to preach the Truth in all its purity, he will tone it down so as to make it more palatable to the unregenerate. Impelled by a single force, moving in one fixed direction, his object is to make conversion easy, and therefore favorite passages (like John 3:16) are dwelt upon incessantly, while others are ignored or pared away...." More.
"The feverish urge of modern evangelism is not how to promote the glory of the triune Jehovah, but how to multiply conversions. The whole current of evangelical activity during the past [hundred] years has taken that direction. Losing sight of God's end, the churches have devised means of their own.
Bent on attaining a certain desired object, the energy of the flesh has been given free rein; and supposing that the object was right, evangelists have concluded that nothing could be wrong which contributed unto the securing of that end; and since their efforts appear to be eminently successful, only too many churches silently acquiesced, telling themselves "the end justified the means". Instead of examining the plans proposed and the methods adopted by the light of Scripture, they were tacitly accepted on the ground of expediency. The evangelist was esteemed not for the soundness of his message, but by the visible 'results' he secured. He was valued not according to how far his preaching honored God, but by how many souls were supposedly converted under it.
Once a man makes the conversion of sinners his prime design and all-consuming end, he is exceedingly apt to adopt a wrong course. Instead of striving to preach the Truth in all its purity, he will tone it down so as to make it more palatable to the unregenerate. Impelled by a single force, moving in one fixed direction, his object is to make conversion easy, and therefore favorite passages (like John 3:16) are dwelt upon incessantly, while others are ignored or pared away...." More.
Splendid sins! By William S. Plumer
Two things are required to make an action right. One is that it be lawful in itself. The other is that it be done with a right motive. If the thing done is itself wrong, no motives can make it right. On the other hand, the thing done may be right in itself, but the motive which governs us may be wrong, and so the act may be sinful because the motive is sinful. Bad motives in good actions are like dead flies in sweet ointments. They corrupt the whole. The motive of the heart is everything!
Most unbelievers do many things which are very proper,but not out of love to God. The unregenerate man never does anything with holy motives. His life is better than his heart. Indeed his heart is the worst part of him! It is all wrong. It is hard, and proud, and selfish, and unbelieving, and without any love to God. So far from pleasing God, all the unregenerate are continually offending him. Their very best works are but splendid sins! They do some things which God requires, and abstain from some things which Godforbids--not because they love God or His law, but because it promotes their health, or wealth, or honor to do so.
Ploughing is itself a lawful act. If there is no ploughing, there can be no bread. Yet God says: "The ploughing of the wicked is sin!" Yes, he puts it down with other sins which greatly offend him. The whole verse reads thus: "A high look, and a proud heart, and the ploughing of the wicked--is sin." Proverbs 21:4. If God had intended to teach that everything done by wicked men--even the most common and necessary thing was sinful--could He have chosen more fit words?
Here is a passage which shows that all the religious services of the unconverted, are defiled with sin. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord." Proverbs 15:8.
Most unbelievers do many things which are very proper,but not out of love to God. The unregenerate man never does anything with holy motives. His life is better than his heart. Indeed his heart is the worst part of him! It is all wrong. It is hard, and proud, and selfish, and unbelieving, and without any love to God. So far from pleasing God, all the unregenerate are continually offending him. Their very best works are but splendid sins! They do some things which God requires, and abstain from some things which Godforbids--not because they love God or His law, but because it promotes their health, or wealth, or honor to do so.
Ploughing is itself a lawful act. If there is no ploughing, there can be no bread. Yet God says: "The ploughing of the wicked is sin!" Yes, he puts it down with other sins which greatly offend him. The whole verse reads thus: "A high look, and a proud heart, and the ploughing of the wicked--is sin." Proverbs 21:4. If God had intended to teach that everything done by wicked men--even the most common and necessary thing was sinful--could He have chosen more fit words?
Here is a passage which shows that all the religious services of the unconverted, are defiled with sin. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord." Proverbs 15:8.
The Spurg
"Is your heart resting upon Jesus Christ? Does it meditate upon divine things? Is your heart a humble heart? Are you constrained to ascribe all to sovereign grace? Do you desire holiness? Do you find your pleasure in it? Does your heart ascribe to praises to God? Is it a grateful heart? And is it a heart that is wholly fixed upon God, desiring never to go astray? If it be, then you have the marks of election." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Filthy Language
The issue of filthy language and course jesting among professing Christians, (including pastors/elders) has come up quite often, lately. Here is some food for thought:
Eph. 5 shows the differences between those who are in Christ and those who are sons of disobedience---not in Christ. The contrast is vast. The commands are clear. The consequence is severe.Those who practice the fruit of disobedience are not going to inherit the kingdom of Christ and God, but rather suffer His wrath.
This is so serious that the Lord tells us to not even associate with such people (v. 7), let alone to take no part of such works of darkness (v. 11).
Works of darkness:
sexual immorality
impurecovetousness
filthiness
foolish talk
crude joking
deceives by use of empty words
brings God's wrath
disobedient
in darkness
no fruit of light
shameful
things done in secret
drunkeness/debauchery
As Christians we are to know God's will regarding these matters (v. 10,17) and His will is revealed in this very chapter: be immitators of God, walk in the light, be obedient to Him. The second half of the chapter tells us what to do (submission is discussed there).
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I believe constant use of filthy language (cussing, swearing, course joking) is not a small sin, for there are NO small sins with God. He takes these things extremely seriously and so should those who claim to know Him (1John 1:6-9 now comes to mind).
Heb 12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
If a person has been shown their sin using clear Scripture, in this case it would be foul and filthy language, and yet remains unrepentant, it should become a church discipline issue. Clear disobedience over and over without godly sorrow reveals a hard heart that needs correction, maybe even the gospel, and can infect the Body of believers.
Let us obey the command:
Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Therefore do not associate with them;
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Eph. 5 shows the differences between those who are in Christ and those who are sons of disobedience---not in Christ. The contrast is vast. The commands are clear. The consequence is severe.Those who practice the fruit of disobedience are not going to inherit the kingdom of Christ and God, but rather suffer His wrath.
This is so serious that the Lord tells us to not even associate with such people (v. 7), let alone to take no part of such works of darkness (v. 11).
Works of darkness:
sexual immorality
impurecovetousness
filthiness
foolish talk
crude joking
deceives by use of empty words
brings God's wrath
disobedient
in darkness
no fruit of light
shameful
things done in secret
drunkeness/debauchery
As Christians we are to know God's will regarding these matters (v. 10,17) and His will is revealed in this very chapter: be immitators of God, walk in the light, be obedient to Him. The second half of the chapter tells us what to do (submission is discussed there).
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I believe constant use of filthy language (cussing, swearing, course joking) is not a small sin, for there are NO small sins with God. He takes these things extremely seriously and so should those who claim to know Him (1John 1:6-9 now comes to mind).
Heb 12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
If a person has been shown their sin using clear Scripture, in this case it would be foul and filthy language, and yet remains unrepentant, it should become a church discipline issue. Clear disobedience over and over without godly sorrow reveals a hard heart that needs correction, maybe even the gospel, and can infect the Body of believers.
Let us obey the command:
Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Therefore do not associate with them;
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Spurgeon and Scripture
Spurgeon Quote:
"Who is to have authority in the matter of gracious adoption? The children of wrath? Surely not; and yet all men are such! No, it stands to reason, to common sense, that none but the parent can have the discretion to adopt."
I think this rightly reflects John 1:12-13 that it is God who decides whom He will and will not save---not His enemies.
Rom 9:15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
Rom 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
"Who is to have authority in the matter of gracious adoption? The children of wrath? Surely not; and yet all men are such! No, it stands to reason, to common sense, that none but the parent can have the discretion to adopt."
I think this rightly reflects John 1:12-13 that it is God who decides whom He will and will not save---not His enemies.
Rom 9:15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
Rom 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
The Christian, the World, and Christ
I received this today from E-Word Today:
"Attachment to Christ is the secret of detachment from the world. "
This may very well explain why so many professing Christians love the world and its applause, expressing little or no aversion for the ways of the world.
May the Lord draw His children to Him, helping us love Him more than anything else.
1Jo 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (See Romans 5:1-5).
2Ti 4:10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
Mat 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
2Ti 2:16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
"Attachment to Christ is the secret of detachment from the world. "
This may very well explain why so many professing Christians love the world and its applause, expressing little or no aversion for the ways of the world.
May the Lord draw His children to Him, helping us love Him more than anything else.
1Jo 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (See Romans 5:1-5).
2Ti 4:10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
Mat 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
2Ti 2:16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Changes
I decided to make some changes. Some might remember my other blog, "SurphSide" being all green. Now its pink. I like pink. It screams GIRLY even if I've been told I think like a guy. LOL.
If there is an article that I posted on the old site, most likely you can Google it and find it. I have linked to a few ones that I thought were key, in that way too (using Google). I appologize to anyone to whom this is an inconvenience (all three of you who read this little itty bitty blog).
Anyway, here is a fresh look, and hopefully encouraging words that will exhort believers to keep looking to Christ Jesus and His written Word. While this blog aims to caution and challenge Christians as to what is going on in the professing Christian circles today (whether that be on T.V., radio, books, seminares, bookstores, music) my desire is that it also gives hope that while we are in the last days before Christ's return, there IS a remnant of believers who still hold strong to the truths found in Scripture without a doubt. I must admit I have been very discouraged lately because of this very thing. But with the support and prayers of my husband, I believe this will be a good thing to continue.
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
If there is an article that I posted on the old site, most likely you can Google it and find it. I have linked to a few ones that I thought were key, in that way too (using Google). I appologize to anyone to whom this is an inconvenience (all three of you who read this little itty bitty blog).
Anyway, here is a fresh look, and hopefully encouraging words that will exhort believers to keep looking to Christ Jesus and His written Word. While this blog aims to caution and challenge Christians as to what is going on in the professing Christian circles today (whether that be on T.V., radio, books, seminares, bookstores, music) my desire is that it also gives hope that while we are in the last days before Christ's return, there IS a remnant of believers who still hold strong to the truths found in Scripture without a doubt. I must admit I have been very discouraged lately because of this very thing. But with the support and prayers of my husband, I believe this will be a good thing to continue.
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
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