Open Letter To Tim Tebow

The following is a letter from a friend to Tim Tebow.  The original posting of this can be found here at the author's blog. 

In light of the upcoming NFL draft in which much debate has been given on where Tim Tebow should be drafted and what position he should play in the league, I have decided to write an open letter to Tim Tebow offering another option for his future.

Dear Tim Tebow,

Much has been made in recent weeks of what your potential future may hold. I am sure you have had your fill from men far more knowledgeable than myself in regards to what team is going to draft you, in what round, what kind of quarterback you will be, and even if you should play the position of quarterback at all. As a football fan, I would be remiss to say that I haven’t considered my own opinions in answer to those questions, however, none of that is my reason for writing today. Instead, I am writing to encourage you of another option for your future and that is to disregard football completely and instead continue to live your life for the glory of God.

I am asking you to consider forgoing an NFL career for three reasons: 1) to properly honor the Lord’s Day and keep the fourth commandment 2) to avoid unnecessary temptations of the world and shun sin and 3) to offer a one-of-a-kind testimony of your faith in Christ.

First, while unfortunately not very popular in our present day culture, the bible nonetheless teaches that Christians are to observe the sabbath by sanctifying, or setting apart the day for God’s purposes. The Westminster Shorter Catechism summarizes what this means when it states, “The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.” The majority of NFL games will be played on Sundays so you will regularly miss corporate worship and instead have to prioritize your day around your game, rather than worship of God.

Second, I am perhaps stating the obvious here, but the life of a famous, wealthy NFL superstar lends a young man to many unnecessary temptations that, if given into, will bring dishonor to our Lord and weaken your Christian walk. Great wealth itself has caused many a man to stumble. Couple that with your youth and good looks, and I can assure you that you will almost daily be faced with sinful propositions from countless women. Of course, I am sure a young man who has already endured fame such as yours has also already faced his share of temptations. I am trusting that you have made the most God-honoring choice in these situations in the past, but as an NFL player, invitations to fall into sin will multiply greatly. I pray that if you choose to go the route of an NFL career, God’s grace sustains you while the enemy pursues you. Don’t be deceived into thinking that an NFL career is automatically a “blessing”; it could very well be a curse.

Third, while many will argue that being a Christian with wealth, fame, and privilege is an opportunity to be used by the Lord, I will counter that God uses many men and women of much more meager lifestyles on a regular basis. Instead, think of how awesome a testimony you will have to glorify God if you choose to give up an NFL opportunity and instead choose to live as a “normal” guy. It’s the sinful, greedy man who can’t comprehend how a person could pass up millions of dollars for a 9-5 job. After all, it’s just money. God’s not impressed by it. Think of the testimony of giving up fame and being recognized by millions in order to exalt Christ rather than self. It’s the sinful, proud man who can’t fathom passing up celebrity status for the humble life of a godly husband and father. Many times Christians profess that life is not about money, possessions, fame, etc. Instead we profess that all we need is Christ. But then again, how many of these believers have truly been in the position to live their profession? You have that opportunity.

In conclusion, I hope that you don’t read this letter for something that it is not. I already admitted that I enjoy the NFL. This letter was in no way intended to badmouth the league. I also do not mean to imply that if you choose to play football as a professional, you are no longer a Christian or that there aren’t any Christians in the league presently. What I hoped to accomplish with this letter was to merely get you to think about your future and prayerfully consider that you are by no means obligated to be an NFL player. Instead, your only obligation as a biblical Christian is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. I will be praying for you in whatever you decide to do.

Your brother in Christ,

Andrew S.

You Cannot Merit Heaven

It is prevalent in men to believe that because they do something external they can merit anything before a Holy God.  Men doing something internal is not any better, in terms of merit, but let us think upon the external for that is where often we try to show ourselves as 'good enough' before the Lord God Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth.  We do good works, serving others, mercy ministries, social justice causes, we read our Bibles, theological books by Calvin, and are always happy (think Joel Osteen, who is a false teacher).  

But none of that will make you righteous or holy, none of that will save you from your sins that you commit.  You don't believe you sin?  Have you ever said something mean or thought of killing someone?  That is murder (6th Commandment).  Have you ever looked or thought of a man or woman lustfully?  That is adultery (7th Commandment).  Have you ever gossiped or lied about anything? That is bearing false witness (9th Commandment).  You have broken the commandments of God and therefore you have sinned.  The wage of just one sin, one little sin...what you deserve for your work of just one sin is death.  God says, "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23).  But God makes it even clearer on this topic of external 'works'.  Isaiah 64:6 says, "And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment."  And it is not a pretty picture that polluted garment, it is gross and disgusting!  Nothing you can do internal or external can save you from the death you deserve because of your sin.  Rather it is only the Lord Jesus Christ who can save you.  "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."  The good news is that Romans 6:23 doesn't end where I stopped above, it continues and says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Believe then, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31). Do not think that you going to Church will save you, going and 'paying your dues' will save you, giving money to good causes will save you, none of that can save you.  Jesus Christ alone can save you.  "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).   Octavius Winslow points this truth out in a quote about baptism.  It is interesting here that for the word 'baptism' (not 'baptismal') in this quote and outside of the first sentence you can substitute any internal or external thought, word, or deed that you believe can merit you salvation and it fits.  He answers it here.  Winslow says, 

"We do not hesitate to pronounce the doctrine of 'baptismal regeneration' to be the paramount lie of Satan; the most subtle and fatal weapon which this arch foe of our race ever forged for the destruction of men's souls in eternal perdition!  Do not build your hope of glory upon your baptism. You are lost to all eternity if you do. You must be born again if ever you enter the kingdom of heaven. If you plunge into eternity clutching the airy fiction, the fatal notion, that you passed from spiritual death into spiritual life in your baptism; that in baptism you were regenerated, adopted, justified, made holy and saved; you have staked your eternal happiness upon the most fatal lie!  In many instances, the unhappy victim of this delusion passes away, undeceived until the deception is too late to rectify!"

Al Martin On Application In Preaching

I found tape recordings of Al Martin at a conference where he in three sessions lectures/preaches on the topic "Application in Preaching."

I hope you find these beneficial. Also, since these were recorded on tapes there is a gap in each recording where the recording had to be stopped to flip the tape over to the other side. 

Application in Preaching (Part 1)

Application in Preaching (Part 2)

Application in Preaching (Part 3)

YouTube Devotional Thursday

Compassed with Infirmity by JC Ryle

A Response To Health Care Legislation

I submitted this article over at The Aquila Report, you can find the link to it here.

It is a wise thing to come to the Confession on days like this.  We are so blessed to have had the day of rest yesterday that now we enter upon the week to news that for many of us is troubling, scary, and frankly bad.  How do we respond to new health care legislation voted on recently by our very own congressmen?  Many of you are perturbed by this, you know it is not good for the economy, your businesses, or your families.  But there is something greater that we need to think upon, and that is the work of the servant of Christ.

I ask you to think upon the Westminster Confession, Chapter 23, Section 4, as it teaches us what duty is required of us, 

"It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates, to honor their persons, to pay them tribute or other dues, to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake. Infidelity, or difference in religion, does not make void the magistrates' just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to them: from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted, much less has the Pope any power and jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and, least of all, to deprive them of their dominions, or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever."

Oh yes, we are to honor their persons because of the office they hold.  It is no coincidence that the Westminster Divines made reference, concerning this section, to 1 Peter 2:17ff,

"Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 

"Oh," you will shout, "this is against the Constitution!"  Right you are, I couldn't agree more, we have the means to go through to see that something is done about this, to the best of our abilities.  We vote for people, we have representatives.  Call, email, bug them.  With God's Word as your guide (the only rule for faith and practice) tell them what is right, and in it, don't forget the Gospel.  But even if they seek to go beyond the Constitution or deny the Constitution, remember that the Constitution is a man-made document.  There is something greater than it though, thankfully.  There is the Word of God, living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, the very breath of God, and we have it.  If all your rights are taken away, your freedom lost, then you are still to be subject to God Himself, and in Him you are free, free indeed.  And I ask you, who is it that put your ruling authorities in office?

Recall what Section 1 of Chapter 23 states of our Confession, 

"God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates, to be, under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good: and, to this end, has armed them with the power of the sword, for the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil doers."

So this health care 'fiasco,' although evil, although wrong, although contrary to very foundation of our nation, has God is working through it.  God will, for you, the Christian, work it for His good (Romans 8:28).  Do you remember the story of Joseph, though his brought meant evil in what they did to him, God worked it all out for their good and Joseph's good?  And Job, though much of what he possessed, including much of his family was taken away from him, was he not in the end blessed with more than what he had at first?  In fact, not only is He working through it, He has ordained it to be.  Remember Romans 13, 

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience."  

Let us take great heed to how we speak of our rulers.  We are tempted to bad-mouth them, curse them, but why must we curse them?  Instead, may we pray for them, that they would be shown the error of their ways, even as we are to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44).  So then, "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4).  

Are you praying, selflessly?  Our Lord says, "Be angry, and yet do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).  Let us remember, that we have a great God, a holy and righteous God, and He will make all things right.   It is Him who says, "Vengeance is Mine" (Romans 12:19). Our Lord is bringing judgment. Sure.  But He is also bringing much blessing to you who have believed in the only name under heaven by which you must be saved, Jesus Christ.  Do not fret, draw comfort from the infinite goodness of Christ, our Lord.

You Believe, May God Help Your Unbelief

It is a great blessing that we have been saved, even the many of us Gentiles in the flesh.  For it is but by God's mercy that He looked on us in favor.  And yet in John 12:42ff we have testimony that probably reminds us of ourselves.  For there it says:

Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me."

Here we have the words that many rulers believed in Jesus Christ.  That is, they believed the true Gospel and were saved and yet they feared the Pharisees.  They feared persecution, for we have multiple accounts where the Pharisees murdered those who followed Jesus.  Paul (Saul) was one of those murders, in fact. Specifically here they feared being kicked out of the synagogue.  So because they longed for the approval of men, because they feared men, they did not confess Him publicly.  They didn't give a testimony, no bearing of the facts were given before the people, the Word was not spoken by these believers.  They feared death, they feared being kicked out.  And yet it is too often for us that we fear men, yet not because we will be put to death, but something far less extreme, something not as significant.  We fear men at our jobs because we could get fired, we fear men on the streets because they might think ill of us or that we are strange or dogmatic.  

But how is that Jesus responds to these rulers and us?  Jesus says, "He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me." 

And He says in Matthew 5, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." 

 

Let us not serve men or think too highly of them, but let us serve our Master and Savior Jesus Christ.  Remember, it is Him who knew no sin who was made to be sin on our behalf that you might have life.  Therefore, glorify Him with your body, and with your life, and soul, your all.  

The Golden Ephod

Again, as I have been reading through Exodus along the Read the Bible in a Year: Calendar of Daily Readings by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (You can buy it here), I came to Exodus 28.  There it describes the priests and especially the garments of the high priest.  It states in verse 6-14, 

They shall also make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of the skillful workman. It shall have two shoulder pieces joined to its two ends, that it may be joined. The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its workmanship, of the same material: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. You shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, six of their names on the one stone and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, according to their birth. As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in filigree settings of gold. You shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for a memorial. You shall make filigree settings of gold, and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them of twisted cordage work, and you shall put the corded chains on the filigree settings.

You see this ephod taken up in many different places throughout the Old Testament, so I went on my e-sword program to get quickly to Matthew Henry's commentary on this and this is what it said (I hope you are encouraged by it):

Directions are here given concerning the ephod, which was the outmost garment of the high priest. Linen ephods were worn by the inferior priests, 1Sa. 22:18. Samuel wore one when he was a child (1Sa. 2:18), and David when he danced before the ark (2Sa. 6:14); but this which the high priest only wore was called a golden ephod, because there was a great deal of gold woven into it. It was a short coat without sleeves, buttoned closely to him, with a curious girdle of the same stuff (Exo. 28:6-8); the shoulder-pieces were buttoned together with two precious stones set in gold, one on each shoulder, on which were engraven the names of the children of Israel, Exo. 28:9-12. In allusion to this, 1. Christ our high priest appeared to John girt about the breast with a golden girdle, such as was the curious girdle of the ephod, Rev. 1:13. Righteousness is the girdle of his loins (Isa. 11:6), and should be of ours, Eph_6:14. He is girt with strength for the work of our salvation, and is ready for it. 2. The government is said to be upon his shoulders (Isa. 9:6), as Aaron had the names of all Israel upon his shoulders in precious stone. He presents to himself and to his Father a glorious church, Eph. 5:27. He has power to support them, interest to recommend them, and it is in him that they are remembered with honour and favour. He bears them before the Lord for a memorial (Exo. 28:12), in token of his appearing before God as the representative of all Israel and an advocate for them.

Is This What Heaven Is Like?

Some of you might not know this, but when I first became a Christian I loved music to the extent where I would describe worship as music and singing.  I may get made fun of for this, but I was like what is shown in this video that when 'worshipping' I would lift my hands.  Obviously, I have changed, my views on the subject have changed.  But my question is this, if you participate in music and singing like this, and I am not necessarily criticizing the raising of hands nor am I criticizing the lyrics to the song, but I want to ask you if you think you will be doing this (singing these types of songs with the same or similar music) when you are 70 or is this just a fad?  Or is this something you do because it feels good and puts you in a heightened emotionalized state?  I guess another question I am trying to ask is why is everyone, from what I can tell, in this video and typically what you see in most places which have such music (e.g. Passion concerts, Kari Jobe concerts, etc.) so young?  Why are most of these people college age and younger (Please remember that I am not too far removed as I am only 27 years old)?  Does this kind of music and concerts unite the body or divide it?  And on top of that, will this be what heaven is like? 

Finally, what is worship?  Is worship only singing?  It seems not.  The Bible is clear with examples from Scripture.  Abraham worshiped by offering sacrifices, so did Israel (e.g. the tent and tabernacle, the temple).  Praise the Lord, this was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  For Hebrews 9-10 helps us in this talking about the fact that Christ's death fulfilled all that the many many sacrifices couldn't 'forgiveness of sins' and 'cleansing of our guilt by His blood' of which it then says in chapter 10:

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the mre as you see the day drawing near. 

Of which it means that because of Christ's blood shed we no longer need a high priest to enter a temple, into the Holy of Holies once a year.  The curtain/veil of that temple was torn down of which by His blood He has earned for us or gained for us entrance into the Holy of Holies (the very presence of God Himself)!  And this God is Holy, Holy, Holy (Isaiah 6), and in heaven this is the picture:

Behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME." And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."

Is worship just music and singing?  No.  But the command to worship our Lord comes clearly, in its method, in Hebrews 12: 

"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."

And John 4:

"But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 

We are to worship our God in truth.  Most Definitely we are to worship Him according to His commands only, those commands found in Scripture only (Deuteronomy 12:32).  Who else is better to tell us how to worship God than God Himself.  And finally, we are to worship Him in spirit.  Which means not the Holy Spirit, although the Holy Spirit is in our hearts to strengthen and enable us to worship God, but our own personal spirit meaning our hearts.  How do I know this?  Ephesians 5:19, our Lord where, through the Apostle Paul, He calls us as part of our worship to speak Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, He clarifies that statement by saying, "singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."  If you learn anything from this post, learn this: our worship is in spirit and truth.  God does not want your beautiful voice, your hands raised, your heightened emotions unless He has your heart.  That's why in Hosea 6:6 our Lord says, "For I desire steadfast love (heart) and not sacrifice (external), the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

The Judgment of God: Has It Come To Your Church?

In his sermon on 1 Peter 4:17-19 entitled "The Church's Visitation," Richard Sibbes takes up the subject of God's judgments and discipline of the Church. I think it is here where we must consider our current day, our current lives, our current churches, is judgment approach and/or is it already here?

Sibbes asks the question, "How may we know when some judgment is approaching?"

The Scripture is wondrous full in the point. God usually, before any heavy judgment, visits a people with lesser judgments. His footsteps first appear in some small token of his displeasure; but if that prevails not, then he brings a greater.

Sign 1. ‘This, and this have I done,’ saith the Lord, ‘and yet ye have not returned unto me.’ Amos iv. 6,7. There be droppings before the ruin of a house. Lesser judgments make way for greater, as a little wedge makes way for a greater; and, therefore, where less afflictions prevail not, there cannot but be an expectation of greater. ‘Why should I smite you any more? saith God; ‘you fall away more and more,’ Isa. i.5; that is, I must have a sweeping judgment to carry you clean away.

Sign 2. Again, usually before some great calamity God takes away worthy men, ‘the councillor, and the captain, and the man of war,’ Isa. iii. 2, 3. This is a fearful presage that God threateneth some destruction, for they are the pillars of the church and the strength of the world; they are those that make the times and places good wherein they live; for they keep away evil and do good by their example and by their prayers many ways. A good man is a common good. The city thrives the better as Solomon saith, for a righteous man, Prov. xi 10, 11, Eccles. ix. 15. Therefore, we have cause to rejoice in them, and it is an evil sign when such are removed. [ed.-compare reflections on Sibbes own death, by Catlin, in the Appendix to Memoir, pp. cxxxiii-v.]

Sign 3. God usually visits a people when some horrible crying sins reign amongst them, as (1) atheism. Beloved, God stands upon his prerogative then, when he is scarce known in the world; when they say, Where is God? God sees us not, &c. So, likewise (2), when idolatry prevails. This is spiritual adultery and a breach of covenant with God. Again, (3), when divisions grow amongst a people. Union is a preserver. Where there is dissension of judgment, there will soon be dissension of affections; and dissipation will be the end if we take not heed. For the most part, ecclesiastical dissensions end in civil; and therefore we see, before the destruction of Jerusalem, what a world of schisms and divisions were amongst the Jews. There were Pharisees and Sadducees, &c. It was the ruin of the ten tribes at length, the rent that Jeroboam caused in religion. It is a fearful sign of some great judgment to fall upon a church, when there is not a stopping of dissensions. They may be easily stopped at first, as waters in the beginning; but when they are once gotten into the very vital parts of the church and commonwealth, we may see the mischief, but it is hardly remedied.

Sign 4. Again, when sin goes with some evil circumstances and odious qualities, which aggravate the same in the sight of God, as when sin grows ripe, and abounds in a land or nation. At such a time as this a man may know there is some fearful judgment approaching.  Question: But when is sin ripe?  Ans. 1. When it is impudent; when men grow bold in sin, making it their whole course and trade of life. When men’s wicked courses are their ‘conversation,’ they cannot tell how to do otherwise.  2. When sin grows common and spreads far. It is an ill plea to say. Others do so as well as I. Alas! the more sin, without fear or dread of the Almighty, as if men would dare the God of heaven to do his worst. Oh, beloved, such persons as go on still in their sins to provoke the Lord, do put a sword, as it were, into God’s hands to destroy themselves. The old world, you know, was very secure. No doubt, they mocked at holy Noah when he made the ark, as if he had been a doting old man. Notwithstanding, he foretold them of the wrath to come. And our Saviour, Christ, saith, ‘Before the end of the world it shall be as in the days of Noah,’ Mat. xxiv. 38. Beloved, God hath his ‘old worlds’ still. If we have the same course and security of sinning, we must look for the same judgments. And, therefore, compare times with times. If the times now answer former times, when God judged them, we may well expect the same fearful judgments to fall upon us.

Sign 5. Unfruitfulness threateneth a judgment upon a people. When God hath bestowed a great deal of cost and time, he looks we should answer his expectation in some measure. The fig tree in the gospel had some respite given it, by reason of the prayers of the vine-dresser; but afterward, when it brought forth no fruit, it was cut down and cast into the fire. Beloved, who amongst us would endure a barren tree in his garden? That which is not fit for fruit is most fit for fire. We can endure a barren tree in the wilderness, but not in our orchards. When God, the great husbandman in his church, sees that upon so great and continual cost bestowed upon us, we remain yet unfruitful, he will not suffer us long to cumber the ground of his church.

Sign 6. Again, decay in our first love is a sign of judgment approaching. God threatened the church of Ephesus to remove his candlestick from among them, for their ‘decay in their first love,’ Rev. ii. 4; that having surfeited of plenty and peace, he might recover her taste by dieting of her. Decay in love proceeds from disesteem in judgment; and God cannot endure his glorious gospel should be slighted, as not deserving the richest strain of our love. The Lord takes it better where there is but little strength and a striving to be better, than when there is great means of grace and knowledge, and no growth answerable, but rather a declining in goodness. I beseech you lay these things to heart. The Lord is much displeased when Christians are not so zealous as they should be; when there is not that sweet communion of saints among them, to strengthen and encourage one another in the ways of holiness as there might be; when there is not a beauty in their profession to allure and draw on others to a love and liking of the best things; when there is not a care to avoid all scandals that may weaken respect to good things, and bring an evil report on the ways of God; when they labor not with their whole hearts to serve the Lord in a cheerful manner, &c. The very not serving God answerable to encouragements, is a certain sign of ensuing danger, Deut. xxviii. 47.

Use. Therefore, I beseech you, let us look about us whether these be not the times wherein we live, that judgment must begin at the house of God. The Lord complains in Jeremiah, Jer. viii. 7, that the turtle and other silly creatures knew the time of their standing and removing, but his people did not know his judgments. Do the creatures know their times and seasons, and shall Christ complain that we know not the day of our visitation? What a shame is this! I beseech you, let us know and consider our times. If we have a time of sinning, God will have a time of punishing.

The Great Moment at Mount Sinai: Exodus 19

3Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, 'Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: 4'You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to Myself. 5Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; 6and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'  These are the words you shall speak to the sons of Israel.'

Right before Moses receives the Ten Commandments from the Lord this is what the Lord tells him.  Basically, as you can see, it says, "Because I brought you out of the land of Egypt (see Exodus 20:2), because I redeemed you, because I brought you out of the land of Egypt and delivered you from oppression and slavery, because I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself, because I loved you and showered you with my grace thought you did not deserve it, I have made a covenant with you."  And just as He had made a covenant with Israel because of His grace (redeeming them out of slavery) they must hear his voice and not harden their hearts like Pharaoh.  They must heed, they must listen and obey the very law He is about to give them in the Ten Commandments.  Not because they can by their own wills and strength, but only in the state of grace, only because they have been made God's own possession.  Because it is only through a Redeemer, a bruised reed, and by His righteousness alone that they will be able to fulfill this law, that they will be able to be seen as righteous in the sight of a Holy LORD, that they will be able to be to Him a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.  For just as the LORD called forth Israel from darkness in Israel into a marvelous light, so He does for us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who died on the tree of Calvary.  So we must carry out this law, not that we can of our own accord, but through the grace and righteousness of our blessed Savior.

18Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. 19When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder. 20The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; and the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

Only one time in Scripture, to my knowledge and please correct me if I am wrong, does the Lord ever appear in a theophany, where He speaks softly (in the still small voice or gentle wind).  Many times He appears how we see Him in verses 18-20 in unimaginable power, where the earth shakes violently and He speaks in thunder.  O the majesty and the mighty power and the greatness and the splendor and the holiness of our Lord (see Hebrews 12:19-21 which describes these verses).  And yet I wonder if that trumpet spoken of in verse 16 and which is described here as growing louder and louder is the voice of God.  I wonder if that is true because of the only other place a loud trumpet is referred to is in Revelation 1 where it says, "10I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet..." In fact, I think we must come to that conclusion.  That the Lord answered Moses in an audible voice which sounded like thunder and a deafening trumpet.  The people in verse 16, as they heard what is described as a 'very loud trumpet' and then in verse 19 that trumpet sound grew louder and louder, it is no wonder they trembled.  For before a thrice holy God speaking, the only thing sinful, wayward, and polluted hearts can do is tremble.  Should we not consider as we live our lives, as we sit and even meditate upon the Word throughout the day, as we spend unceasing time in prayer, and as we gather together on the Lord's Day in public and private exercises of His worship, should we not consider Who we go before, Who we are sinning against, Who we sit under, Who we grieve, Who we are hearing, Who we are exalting?  He is a thrice holy God with unimaginable power, He is righteous and just, but let us also not forget that in Christ Jesus our Savior, He is love, He is full of grace, mercy, truth, and all things good for those who call upon the only Name under heaven by which we must be saved.

White Harvest Conference: March 6, 2010

This day there were some Pastors and young men gathered in a building, and what did we hear?  We heard Pastors instructing these young men, eleven total, about the Gospel Ministry.  For myself, it was a good reminder of what I am called to.  Although, I know all the information this conference provided, it was still convicting and encouraging.  Why?  Because the root of this conference and each lecture was in God's Word.  

The schedule for the meeting was the following (Including breaks in between):

1. An Introduction of the attendees and Pastors
2. Session One: Rev. Dr. David Jussely on "The Call to the Gospel Ministry"
3. Session Two: Rev. Mark Smith on "The Work of the Gospel Minister"
4. Explanation of the Ordination Process
5. Session Three: Rev. Rob Hill on "The Piety of the Gospel Minister"
6. Season of Prayer

Each session was spot on for these predominately high school aged students.  Question and Answer times were held following each lecture and the young men seemed to be learning a great deal.  I am most certain that no one left feeling pressured to be called to the Gospel Ministry, but rather left with a greater understanding of and appreciation for Gospel Ministry.  Each young man also left with wisdom on how to proceed from this point, which I believe is answered in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 where we were reminded of as we closed, "For this is the will of God; your sanctification."

These audio lectures will hopefully be available online at a later date (hopefully soon).

Training Our Children In Their Way

Since I have a 10 month old in the house now, I decided to start reading some child-rearing books to help my lack of experience and knowledge about the subject.  In Scripture, Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6, and the book of Proverbs are probably the best places to read on the specific subject of parenting.  As I was reading this great book, which I hope to review at sometime, called Withhold Not Correction by Bruce A. Ray (thankfully my cover is an older version, more manly, than the one you will see if you go to the link), it made an interesting point that I want you to know about concerning Proverbs 22:6.  

NASB: "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."

ESV: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

KJV: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Seems pretty straightforward about the translation of this verse in the English versions.  But, as Bruce Ray points out, there are different interpretations of this verse.  The first interpretation takes this verse as a promise, and yet is almost always abused by those seeking false comfort.  Some think it means that if the child is trained properly (i.e. biblically) while he is still a child, he will not depart from that training when he gets older.  Generally, that is true.  The morals of the child will carry on through to the adult years, whether they are regenerate or not.  However, this is not the teaching of this verse.

The second interpretation is thought to say that if a child is trained properly in his youth, but then goes astray, he will return to that earlier teaching when older.  Parents, do not have a false sense of comfort, by taking this interpretation.  How many times have you seen children, maybe even children you knew when you were younger.  And they were brought up in the ways of Scripture, professed faith in Christ, and then when they left the home they forsook the Lord.  And yet if you hold to this interpretation, you have no worries, you believe they will return.  Yet it is Scripture itself which warns in Hebrews 6, "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame."

But if you hold to this interpretation, you are not in fervent prayer for your child, you aren't anxious about their salvation, you are comfortable with their rebellion.  In the parents' view, God is obligated to bring him back.  That doesn't really sound like a good parent to me.  It also doesn't sound like the God of Scripture, is God comfortable with their rebellion?  Is He not a righteous judge?  

In the third place, this verse is not so much a promise as it is a warning, which is not uncommon in Proverbs.  You see the English translations are wrong here.  Sorry to say it, but to eliminate confusion in this verse we must understand a proper translation.  So here I am.  One who has been doing Hebrew for about four years, saying that Hebrew scholars and Biblical scholars are wrong in their translation.  But I agree with Ray on this one.  I searched the Hebrew myself and it seems pretty clear.  Literally, instead of "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it", it says, "Train up a child in his way and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Thus, if you train up a child in his way and after his own manner in his own way.  Parents, allow your child to have self-expression, allow a child to pick and choose what he will and will not do, and as a habit that child will not change when he goes from youth to adulthood.  If he doesn't learn discipline as a child, he won't as an adult.  If he is not taught to submit to authorities as a child, he certainly won't when he is an adult (especially to the Lord, the ultimate authority).  This is a negative promise and/or a warning to you the parent.  If you let your child direct the home, if you let your child run over you and withhold the rod, if you fail to discipline, if you fail to diligently instruct them in the little things as well as the big, if you let your children decide what they will and will not eat, what they will and will not wear, what they will and will not do, then look into the future and see those same children grown in body and yet still unbridled, undisciplined, and unable to worship the Lord through submission unto Him.  This is a stern warning.

The Most Broken Vow Of All (Carl Trueman)

Here is something for us all to think about:

What is the most broken vow in the church?   The wedding vow?  Divorce rates among Christians are high, but rates of breach of this vow are probably higher still.   Ministerial vows to preach the gospel?  Conservatives in mainline denominations might point to those who are ministers and who deny key tenets of the faith from their pulpits week by week, though, ironically, such may not be in breach of vow if said vows do not explicitly bind them to uphold said tenets.   That's the dilemma faced by many in mixed churches today.  Baptism vows, to raise children in the fear and nurture of the Lord?   Doubtless there is much delinquency here.  Perhaps it is this one.

No.  The most broken vow is almost certainly that by which church members submit to the authority and teaching of the elders in the church.   It is as solemn and serious as any other vow one might take -- marriage, baptism, an oath in court -- and yet what does it mean?  How many truly think about the implications?  How many truly act as if the vow really meant something?  The vows are voluntary, but once taken, they are serious and require focused commitment and a particular pattern of behaviour.  Yet members feel free to speak as they wish to, and about, church leaders; they move from church to church as, so some say, the Spirit leads them; and they trample their vow to submit again and again.  When political parties enjoy more loyalty from their members, you have a serious problem; and don't gun for sports stars caught cheating on their wives when your own view of vows is at best selective in how they are honored.