Saving faith, then is the opposite of damning unbelief. Both issue from the heart: unbelief, from a heart that is alienated from God, which is in a state of rebellion against Him; saving faith, from a heart which is reconciled to Him and so has ceased to fight against Him. Thus, an essential element or ingredient in saving faith is a yielding to the authority of God, a submitting of myself to His rule. It is very much more than my understanding assenting and my will consenting to the fact that Christ is a Savior for sinners, and that He stands ready to receive all who trust in Him. To be received by Christ, I must not only come to Him renouncing all my own righteousness (Romans 10:3), as an empty-handed beggar (Matthew 19:21), but I must also forsake my self-will and rebellion against Him (Psalm 2:11,12; Proverbs 28:13). Should an insurrectionist and seditionist come to an earthly king seeking his sovereign favor and pardon, then, obviously, the very law of his coming to him for forgiveness, requires that he should come on his knees, laying aside his hostility. So it is with a sinner who really comes savingly to Christ for pardon; it is against the law of faith to do otherwise.
Saving faith is a genuine coming to Christ: Matthew 28; John 6:37, etc. But let us take care that we do not miss the clear and inevitable implication of this term. If I say, "I came to the U.S.A.," then I necessarily indicate that I left some other country to get here. Thus it is in "coming" to Christ: something has to be left. Coming to Christ not only involves the abandoning of every false object of confidence, but it also includes and entails the forsaking of all other competitors for my heart. "For ye were ‘as sheep going astray;’ but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). And what is meant by "ye were (note the past tense—they are no longer so doing) as sheep going astray"? Isaiah 53:6 tells us: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." Ah, that is what must be forsaken before we can truly "come" to Christ—that course of self-will must be abandoned. The prodigal son could not come to his father while he remained in the far country.
Dear reader, if you are still following a course of self-pleasing, you are only deceiving yourself if you think you have come to Christ.
Nor is the brief definition which we have given above, of what it means to really "come" to Christ, any forced or novel one of our own. In his book, Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ, John Bunyan wrote: "Coming to Christ is attended with an honest and sincere forsaking all for Him—(here he quotes Luke 14:26,27). By these and like expressions elsewhere, Christ describeth the true comer: he is one that casteth all behind his back. There are a great many pretended comers to Jesus Christ in the world. They are much like the man you read of in Matthew 21:30 that said to his father’s bidding, ‘I go sir, and went not.’ When Christ calls by His Gospel, they say, ‘I come, Sir,’ but they still abide by their pleasures and carnal delights." C.H. Spurgeon in his sermon on John 6:44 said, "Coming to Christ embraces in it repentance, self-abnegation, and faith in the Lord Jesus, and so sums within itself all those things which are the necessary attendants of those great steps of heart, such as the belief of the truth, earnest prayers to God, the submission of the soul to the precepts of His Gospel." In his sermon on John 6:37, he says, "To come to Christ signifies to turn from sin and to trust in Him. Coming to Christ is a leaving of all false confidences, a renouncing of all love to sin, and a looking to Jesus as the solitary pillar of our confidence and hope."
Saving faith consists of the complete surrender of my whole being and life to the claims of God upon me:
"But first gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Corinthians 8:5).
It is the unreserved acceptance of Christ as my absolute Lord, bowing to His will and receiving His yoke. Possibly someone may object, Then why are Christians exhorted as they are in Romans 12:1? We answer, all such exhortations are simply a calling on them to continue as they began:
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him" (Colossians 2:6).
Yes, mark it well, that Christ is "received" as LORD. O how far, far below the N.T. standard is this modern way of begging sinners to receive Christ as their own personal "Savior." If the reader will consult his concordance he will find that in every passage where the two titles are found together, it is always "Lord and Savior," and never vice versa: see Luke 1:46, 47; 2 Peter 1:11; 2:20; 3:18.
Until the ungodly are sensible of the exceeding sinfulness of their vile course of self-will and self-pleasing, until they are genuinely broken down and penitent over it before God, until they are willing to forsake the world for Christ, until they have resolved to come under His government—for such to depend upon Him for pardon and life is not faith, but blatant presumption; it is but to add insult to injury. And for one such to take His holy name upon his polluted lips and profess to be His follower, is the most terrible blasphemy, and comes perilously nigh to committing that sin for which there is no forgiveness. Alas, alas, that modern evangelism is encouraging and producing just such hideous and Christ-dishonoring monstrosities.
Saving faith is a believing on Christ with the heart:
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness" (Romans 10:9,10).
There is no such thing as a saving faith in Christ where there is no real love for Him, and by "real love," we mean a love which is evidenced by obedience. Christ acknowledges none to be His friends save those who do whatsoever He commands them (John 15:14). As unbelief is a species of rebellion, so saving faith is a complete subjection to God: hence we read of "faith obedience" (Romans 16:26). Saving faith is to the soul what health is to the body: it is a mighty principle of operation, full of life, ever working, bringing forth fruit after its own kind.
From Studies on Saving Faith by A. W. Pink
http://www.reformed.org/books/pink/saving_faith/
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thoughts on Justification and Faith
I had a meeting at church this morning that was a discussion on the justification of believers by God through Christ's work in his death and resurrection. Believers are justified by faith. Our sins are paid for, and we are credited with Christ's righteousness...his sinlessness and his complete obedience and faithfulness. God sees us as his children, spotless like Jesus. An amazing thing. I am completely unworthy, as are all human beings. This justification occurs when we believe God, specifically what he says about the substitutionary atonement in Christ's life. Just as Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness, so it is with the believer today (Genesis 15). This justification occurs at the ititial acceptance of Jesus as our savior and remains intact for eternity. It is not dependent on our actions. During this discussion, my thinking drifted to the ebb and flow of my faith over time. There are days I struggle and wonder if I really believe. This is very disturbing to me but frequently it is short lived, often replaced through the struggle with a fire in my belly for God. We talked about faith being manifested in our actions just as a 3 year old girl jumps from the pool side to her waiting father's arms, because she believes he will catch her. She is afraid but jumps anyway, because she has faith in her father. Actions relating to God in this way bring us assurance of our faith particularly if done in obedience to a command of God (John 14:21). As I thought about things, it became clear to me that concern over whether I have faith in God is actually a manifestation of having faith in God. In other words, I would not be concerned about my faith if I didn't believe because it wouldn't matter to me. Praise be to all mighty God for reassurance today and for his great gift of justification to those who believe what he says.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Spontaneity
If Jesus Christ is Lord of my life, I must be willing to change my plans at a moments notice for his glory. Anger or dissatisfaction with interuptions to my agenda are often manifestations of my lack of submission to the will of the God.
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Sifting of Peter
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31, Jesus speaking).
Observations:
1) To sift in this instance is to try. Peter being the wheat and Satan shaking the sieve trying to cause that which is false to drop through the screen and become lost. Satan's hope (I speculate) is to show Peter as an apostate or to render him ineffective.
2) Note that, similar to Job's case, Satan must ask God to sift Peter.
3) God in this case allows Peter to be tried by Satan. By inference then there maybe times when God allows us to be sifted.
4) Note Jesus's intercession on Peter's behalf. He in the same way intercedes for us who believe (Heb 7:25, Isa 53:12).
5) Peter in his first letter speaks of the testing of a believers faith (after experiencing Satan's trial.) 1 Peter 1:6,7: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Testing our faith can result in praise, glory and honor and strengthening of those around us.
Observations:
1) To sift in this instance is to try. Peter being the wheat and Satan shaking the sieve trying to cause that which is false to drop through the screen and become lost. Satan's hope (I speculate) is to show Peter as an apostate or to render him ineffective.
2) Note that, similar to Job's case, Satan must ask God to sift Peter.
3) God in this case allows Peter to be tried by Satan. By inference then there maybe times when God allows us to be sifted.
4) Note Jesus's intercession on Peter's behalf. He in the same way intercedes for us who believe (Heb 7:25, Isa 53:12).
5) Peter in his first letter speaks of the testing of a believers faith (after experiencing Satan's trial.) 1 Peter 1:6,7: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Testing our faith can result in praise, glory and honor and strengthening of those around us.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Isaiah 52:13-53:12.
The below was written by the prophet Isaiah around 700 B.C. about the coming messiah Jesus.
Chapter 52
13 See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so will he sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Chapter 53
1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous
servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Observations:
1) Jesus is revealed in the old testament.
2) Jesus is described as:
disfigured, marred, despised, rejected, suffering, a man of sorrows, stricken, smitten, afflicted, crushed, opressed, cut off, pierced, silent in suffering, exalted and satisfied. Not what we might expect.
3) The purpose of Jesus's coming to earth is revealed:
-sprinkle many nations
-take up our infirmities
-carry our sorrows
-heal our wounds
-bring us peace
-carry our iniquities
-be a guilt offering
-justify many
-bear the sin of many and make intercession for the transgressors.
Question:
What difference does this information make to you?
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Is 53:1-54:1). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Chapter 52
13 See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so will he sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Chapter 53
1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous
servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Observations:
1) Jesus is revealed in the old testament.
2) Jesus is described as:
disfigured, marred, despised, rejected, suffering, a man of sorrows, stricken, smitten, afflicted, crushed, opressed, cut off, pierced, silent in suffering, exalted and satisfied. Not what we might expect.
3) The purpose of Jesus's coming to earth is revealed:
-sprinkle many nations
-take up our infirmities
-carry our sorrows
-heal our wounds
-bring us peace
-carry our iniquities
-be a guilt offering
-justify many
-bear the sin of many and make intercession for the transgressors.
Question:
What difference does this information make to you?
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Is 53:1-54:1). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Elijah's Lament.
1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”
3 Elijah was afraida and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.
The Lord Appears to Elijah
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”
a Or Elijah saw
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (1 Ki 19:1-18). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Observations:
1) A believer in God (Elijah) can become depressed about his situation on earth.
2) Elijah is frustrated with the lack of evidence of faith in those around him, the lack of evidence of fruit in his ministry and the persecution he is experiencing. We may experience the same frustration.
3) Physical hunger and fatigue exacerbated Elijah's frustration. We should note this.
4) Note God's response to Elijah. He first allows him to rest and to eat. He then reveals himself in a new way to Elijah and finally directs him to his future actions. God is so merciful. He doesn't get angry with Elijah. He doesn't reprimand him. He supplies his physical needs, reveals himself and then gets him thinking by asking him a question.
A bruised reed, he will not break. A smoldering wick, he will not snuff out.
Friday, May 16, 2008
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.
--do your best: spoudazo: to make effort; be diligent; endeavor, labor, study. This implies strenuous persistent action on our part.
--approved: dokimos: acceptable. We are acceptable before God because of the shed blood of Christ, the atonement for the sins of those who believe, but this implies we should strive in our own activity to please God. This means knowing and obeying His commands.
--workman: ergates: toiler, laborer, worker. One who is engaged in the activities God commands.
--correctly handles: rightly divides in KJV: othotomeo: make a straight cut; dissect. Not just reading the word but studying it, understanding it and applying it.
Observations:
1) We are to strive to please God. This is active and energy requiring.
2) We can only please God if we know what he commands and/or delights him.
3) Knowing the scripture is the only way we can understand what God delights in and commands.
4) Rightly dividing scripture requires us to know the scripture as a whole (as each passage should be interpreted in light of all the others) and requires close communion with God (as revelation from the Holy Spirit is necessary for understanding and application).
--do your best: spoudazo: to make effort; be diligent; endeavor, labor, study. This implies strenuous persistent action on our part.
--approved: dokimos: acceptable. We are acceptable before God because of the shed blood of Christ, the atonement for the sins of those who believe, but this implies we should strive in our own activity to please God. This means knowing and obeying His commands.
--workman: ergates: toiler, laborer, worker. One who is engaged in the activities God commands.
--correctly handles: rightly divides in KJV: othotomeo: make a straight cut; dissect. Not just reading the word but studying it, understanding it and applying it.
Observations:
1) We are to strive to please God. This is active and energy requiring.
2) We can only please God if we know what he commands and/or delights him.
3) Knowing the scripture is the only way we can understand what God delights in and commands.
4) Rightly dividing scripture requires us to know the scripture as a whole (as each passage should be interpreted in light of all the others) and requires close communion with God (as revelation from the Holy Spirit is necessary for understanding and application).
Monday, May 05, 2008
Resources.
"Many Christians estimate difficulties in light of their own resources, and thus attempt little and often fail in the little they attempt. All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on his power and presence being with them."
--Hudson Taylor
--Hudson Taylor
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Discipleship
Observations Based on Below Study--
1) A disciple of Jesus is a student striving to learn his ways and adhere to his commands. This requires the study of Jesus teachings (scripture) and trust in his commands (faith) manifested in obedience.
2) A disciple of Jesus is willing to give up all things, including life itself, for him.
3) The outside world recognizes a disciple of Jesus by their love for others and by the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22).
4) We are called to teach people all over to become disciples of Jesus Christ. (Note: the NIV says go and make disciples, but the KJV says go and teach).
Matthew 28:18-20--
Mat 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Mat 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary *
--one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.
--a convinced adherent of a school or individual.
Easton's Dictionary: **
Disciple: A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Mat_9:14), and of the Pharisees (Mat_22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who
(1.) believes His doctrine,
(2.) rests on His sacrifice,
(3.) imbibes His spirit, and
(4.) imitates His example
Strong's Information:
--make disciples=teach in KJV=matheteou (math-ayt-yoo-o) in Greek
--to become a pupil;
--to disciple, that is, enrol as scholar;
--be disciple, instruct, teach
--translated in other nt verses as instructed, teach, disciple in KJV
--mathetes (math-ay-tes): a learner, pupil, disciple. Used in Mat 22:16, Mat 9:14 to describe followers of Pharisees and John the Baptist respectively. See below verses of interest which are all this particular word.
Verses of Interest:
Mat 10:24,25: "A student (disciple, mathetes) is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master..." (also Luke 6:40).
Luke 14:26,27: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:33: "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
John 8:31: Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples."
John13:35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 15:8: This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
**M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.; Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1897.
1) A disciple of Jesus is a student striving to learn his ways and adhere to his commands. This requires the study of Jesus teachings (scripture) and trust in his commands (faith) manifested in obedience.
2) A disciple of Jesus is willing to give up all things, including life itself, for him.
3) The outside world recognizes a disciple of Jesus by their love for others and by the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22).
4) We are called to teach people all over to become disciples of Jesus Christ. (Note: the NIV says go and make disciples, but the KJV says go and teach).
Matthew 28:18-20--
Mat 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Mat 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary *
--one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.
--a convinced adherent of a school or individual.
Easton's Dictionary: **
Disciple: A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Mat_9:14), and of the Pharisees (Mat_22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who
(1.) believes His doctrine,
(2.) rests on His sacrifice,
(3.) imbibes His spirit, and
(4.) imitates His example
Strong's Information:
--make disciples=teach in KJV=matheteou (math-ayt-yoo-o) in Greek
--to become a pupil;
--to disciple, that is, enrol as scholar;
--be disciple, instruct, teach
--translated in other nt verses as instructed, teach, disciple in KJV
--mathetes (math-ay-tes): a learner, pupil, disciple. Used in Mat 22:16, Mat 9:14 to describe followers of Pharisees and John the Baptist respectively. See below verses of interest which are all this particular word.
Verses of Interest:
Mat 10:24,25: "A student (disciple, mathetes) is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master..." (also Luke 6:40).
Luke 14:26,27: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:33: "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
John 8:31: Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples."
John13:35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 15:8: This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
**M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.; Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1897.
Suffering.
Because human freedom is necessary for all that is meaningful in life (e.g., love, relationships, and acts of nobility) then God cannot create a meaningful world without letting people exercise their freedom. The same freedom that makes it possible to love makes it possible to hate. The same freedom that can lead to heaven can lead to hell. The heart of the appeal to free will is that freedom is worth the price of evil.
– C.S. Lewis
God is not like a senile old grandfather whose only concern is the temporal gratification of his grandchildren, but more like a skilled, benevolent surgeon who will do whatever it takes to eradicate the cancer of sin from the character of his creature, because he knows that ultimate health and happiness are impossible as long as any trace of the malignancy remains. In a fallen world this type of surgery often requires the scalpel of suffering. It is fortunate for us that God is perfectly willing to hurt us in order to bring about the ultimate healing of our souls.
– Alvin Plantinga
– C.S. Lewis
God is not like a senile old grandfather whose only concern is the temporal gratification of his grandchildren, but more like a skilled, benevolent surgeon who will do whatever it takes to eradicate the cancer of sin from the character of his creature, because he knows that ultimate health and happiness are impossible as long as any trace of the malignancy remains. In a fallen world this type of surgery often requires the scalpel of suffering. It is fortunate for us that God is perfectly willing to hurt us in order to bring about the ultimate healing of our souls.
– Alvin Plantinga
Monday, April 21, 2008
Ultimate God Compass
I came to faith in my late 20s. I had heard the story of Jesus and his death and resurrection. But I felt satisfaction in life would be found elsewhere. I set off on a journey to find fulfillment, peace, happiness....whatever you want to call it. I looked in a lot of different places over the years. Athletics, academics, partying, relationships, success, materialism. I looked for fulfillment in all. And found none. At the end of this journey, like Solomon it seemed to me life was meaningless. After running out of options, God mercifully pointed me toward him. In reality, the "compass" always points to him. We just don't look to see it, because we think we know better what is good for our lives. Jesus Christ has filled the emptiness in my life in ways that are unexplainable. He is the substance that fills the God shaped hole in each of us. Without him there is only disappointment and despair. Only he is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
Friday, April 18, 2008
Things That Strengthen My Faith.
We all have faith in something. I choose to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and the authenticity of the Bible text in revealing him to us. Others believe there is no God. Make no mistake about it, atheism is a belief system. But, I also know that at times all believers if they are honest struggle with doubt. I think the fact that it is a struggle is a manifestation that those in this situation are indeed believers. I also am convinced that faith by definition is NOT the abscence of doubt. In fact, John the Baptist, while in prison, sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was indeed the "one who is to come." Jesus said John was the greatest man spiritually to walk the earth (obviously other than himself). So, when I struggle with doubt, what are some thoughts that refocus me on God and his truth?
1) God has not proven his existence because doing so would eliminate mans' free will in regards to loving him. (In other words, there is a reason for the lack of proof). --My belief.
2) Believing there is no God requires as much faith as believing there is a God.
2) Creation is unexplained if there is no God. (one must believe in the spontaneous generation of matter from nothing or matter that has eternally existed if there is no God. These positions are unbelievable to me).
3) Conscience points to right and wrong. If there is no God, there is no reason for an inate sense of guilt when wronging others. (In fact, evolutionary theory would suggest wronging others in many circumstances is beneficial to the one doing the wronging).
4) The Bible is approximately 1500 pages long, written over around 2000 years, by 40 different authors, in multiple locations BUT with one theme. (The Koran for example was written by one man).
5) Out of the 12 Apostles present after Jesus death and resurrection (not including Judas who was replaced by Matthias), eleven were martyred for their faith and one died in old age as a believer. (The Apostles died for Jesus even though there was no gain financially, materially or positionally to following him).
6) The tomb Jesus was laid in was and is empty. No reliable explanation exists as to how this happened. The tomb was guarded. Those who crucified Jesus wanted no questions arising regarding the truth of Jesus death. And the disciples would have risked persecution for no benefit in attempting to move Christ's body.
7) The heavens declare the glory of God (Romans 1, Psalm 19). Who can look at the stars on a clear night and deny the existance of the Almighty?
8) The inability to understand God and his working completely does not exclude me or excuse me from believing in him. If I point a gun into the night sky, eliminate friction and gravity where will the bullet end up? I believe in the universe without understanding it.
9) Seeing God is not necessary for belief and not seeing God is not an excuse for disbelief. The wind is invisible, yet I see it move the leaves and feel it on my face. In the same way, if we look we see God's Spirit moving around us in the lives of others.
10) The strongest assurance is the realization of what God has done in me...making me a new creation. I am not the same as I was before. Some can tell. Others may not be able to But, I am a different man.
1) God has not proven his existence because doing so would eliminate mans' free will in regards to loving him. (In other words, there is a reason for the lack of proof). --My belief.
2) Believing there is no God requires as much faith as believing there is a God.
2) Creation is unexplained if there is no God. (one must believe in the spontaneous generation of matter from nothing or matter that has eternally existed if there is no God. These positions are unbelievable to me).
3) Conscience points to right and wrong. If there is no God, there is no reason for an inate sense of guilt when wronging others. (In fact, evolutionary theory would suggest wronging others in many circumstances is beneficial to the one doing the wronging).
4) The Bible is approximately 1500 pages long, written over around 2000 years, by 40 different authors, in multiple locations BUT with one theme. (The Koran for example was written by one man).
5) Out of the 12 Apostles present after Jesus death and resurrection (not including Judas who was replaced by Matthias), eleven were martyred for their faith and one died in old age as a believer. (The Apostles died for Jesus even though there was no gain financially, materially or positionally to following him).
6) The tomb Jesus was laid in was and is empty. No reliable explanation exists as to how this happened. The tomb was guarded. Those who crucified Jesus wanted no questions arising regarding the truth of Jesus death. And the disciples would have risked persecution for no benefit in attempting to move Christ's body.
7) The heavens declare the glory of God (Romans 1, Psalm 19). Who can look at the stars on a clear night and deny the existance of the Almighty?
8) The inability to understand God and his working completely does not exclude me or excuse me from believing in him. If I point a gun into the night sky, eliminate friction and gravity where will the bullet end up? I believe in the universe without understanding it.
9) Seeing God is not necessary for belief and not seeing God is not an excuse for disbelief. The wind is invisible, yet I see it move the leaves and feel it on my face. In the same way, if we look we see God's Spirit moving around us in the lives of others.
10) The strongest assurance is the realization of what God has done in me...making me a new creation. I am not the same as I was before. Some can tell. Others may not be able to But, I am a different man.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Edward's 56th Resolution
Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
Jonathon Edwards
Jonathon Edwards
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Hunger.
I frequently am impressed with my inability to do what is right in God's eyes. Even if I try "really, really hard," I find it impossible to lead a righteous life. I am able to see sin in my thoughts, and even in my trivial actions that to others go unnoticed. It makes me sad to think I dishonor God through my sin in so many ways. I long to be a good and faithful servant to my Lord. But in reality, this sadness because of my sin and the longing to honor God point to the condition I will have in eternity. I long for myself fulfilled in purpose to the Almighty. Until I am with him this cannot be fulfilled as sin in me prevents it. Listening to Steve Brown on the radio this week was encouraging as he commented on Jesus' words on the above situation:
Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Observations:
-Those that long (hunger and thirst) for righteousnes are blessed.
-Those that long for righteousness will receive it.
Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Observations:
-Those that long (hunger and thirst) for righteousnes are blessed.
-Those that long for righteousness will receive it.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Communion With God
Thoughts from John Owen's Communion with a Triune God:
Communion defined:
-God's communication of himself unto us,
-with our return unto him of that which he requires and accepts,
-flowing from that union which in Jesus Christ we have with him.
Two things are required of believers to commune completely with the Almighty. Communion consists of giving and receiving. First, we as believers must receive the Father's love. We receive it by believing his love for us is real, unchanging, eternal and significant. That he delights in us and that his love for us is not dependent on our living a sinless life. His love for us is dependent on who God is in his very nature. It is not dependent on who I am. (If his love was dependent on me and my actions, I could earn God's love and his glory would be diminished). To believe God's love is dependent on our actions is to diminish God's magnificent mercy and grace and is a manifestation of unbelief. We must receive God's love for us if we are to commune with him.
More to follow.
Link.
Link.
Communion defined:
-God's communication of himself unto us,
-with our return unto him of that which he requires and accepts,
-flowing from that union which in Jesus Christ we have with him.
Two things are required of believers to commune completely with the Almighty. Communion consists of giving and receiving. First, we as believers must receive the Father's love. We receive it by believing his love for us is real, unchanging, eternal and significant. That he delights in us and that his love for us is not dependent on our living a sinless life. His love for us is dependent on who God is in his very nature. It is not dependent on who I am. (If his love was dependent on me and my actions, I could earn God's love and his glory would be diminished). To believe God's love is dependent on our actions is to diminish God's magnificent mercy and grace and is a manifestation of unbelief. We must receive God's love for us if we are to commune with him.
More to follow.
Link.
Link.
Rekindling The Spirit
Thoughts from my brother Todd Mace:
If you are a Christian and going through rough times of mourning right now, what I have to say regarding stalled enthusiasm is not intended for your benefit. What I want to say to you is that the Christian body of believers cares for you, loves you, and is praying for you. Those of us that are not in mourning will continue marching into the world, waving the Christian flag of God and waiting for your return. Trust in God in the dark until the light returns.
For all those Christians that are not in mourning and your enthusiasm for being a Christian is stalled, perhaps you need to mix up your spiritual routine and experience God in a different way than normal.
First of all, you must read the word of God every day. You need to stay in the word to stay near to God.
Secondly, maintain 100% of your free thinking focused on spiritual things. To rekindle the flame for God you cannot afford 1% of your free thinking to be wasted. What we think about when we are free to think is what we are, or will soon become. Once the flame is blazing again, you will be better suited to balance your free thinking. More than likely, how you got here in the first place is that your balance of thoughts between the spiritual matters and the world is not where it should be. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Here are a few suggestions to follow for a month that will help fill your mind with spiritual thoughts. Part of the problem may be you have developed a few bad habits. It requires a minimum of 30 days of consistent altered behavior to change a habit.
When you listen to music, listen to only Christian music, and listen to it every chance you get. Music touches your heart and spirit. There is a whole new genre of Christian music out there today. Go online - check it out.
When you read other things than the Word, choose solid Christian authors. It is good to mix up your reading of the word with books by solid Christian authors such as; AW Tozer, CS Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, Andrew Murray, Thomas Merton, writings from the Puritans, or Hymns from John Wesley. Just remember this; all the answers are in the word, not in books written by men. The good books written by men point you in the direction of the word. A good rule of thumb for time you have to read might be 70% in the word and 30% other books.
Shut down the influence of the world on your free thoughts for a month. Do not spend any of your free time reading the newspaper, watching TV, reading world, business or entertainment magazines. No need to worry; you will not miss the end of the world if it should come during this time of abstention from these items.
Go be inspired by the awesomeness of God and spend some time alone observing the wonders of his creation. His creation is everywhere, pick some place close your home and marvel at God’s creation for a while.
Experience a glimmer of the willpower required by Christ to endure the physical and mental suffering on the cross, knowing he had the power to stop it at any time. Give up an addictive substance or an addictive behavior, fast, or improve the temple of the spirit -your physical body. It is one thing to endure pain when you cannot control it. Your spirit will strengthen when you drive yourself through pain that you are experiencing for a purpose, all the time knowing you can stop the pain anytime at your own will.
Experience the love of God; share the word with other solid Christians. There is nothing more beautiful than a person filled with the Spirit.
Experience the humility of Christ, serve someone and give God all the Glory
If you can commit to doing these things every day for a month, you perspective on life will change and the flame in your heart for God will surely grow.
Satan will not bother a man who has quit fighting. But the cost of quitting will be one of peaceful stagnation.
AW Tozer
If you are a Christian and going through rough times of mourning right now, what I have to say regarding stalled enthusiasm is not intended for your benefit. What I want to say to you is that the Christian body of believers cares for you, loves you, and is praying for you. Those of us that are not in mourning will continue marching into the world, waving the Christian flag of God and waiting for your return. Trust in God in the dark until the light returns.
For all those Christians that are not in mourning and your enthusiasm for being a Christian is stalled, perhaps you need to mix up your spiritual routine and experience God in a different way than normal.
First of all, you must read the word of God every day. You need to stay in the word to stay near to God.
Secondly, maintain 100% of your free thinking focused on spiritual things. To rekindle the flame for God you cannot afford 1% of your free thinking to be wasted. What we think about when we are free to think is what we are, or will soon become. Once the flame is blazing again, you will be better suited to balance your free thinking. More than likely, how you got here in the first place is that your balance of thoughts between the spiritual matters and the world is not where it should be. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Here are a few suggestions to follow for a month that will help fill your mind with spiritual thoughts. Part of the problem may be you have developed a few bad habits. It requires a minimum of 30 days of consistent altered behavior to change a habit.
When you listen to music, listen to only Christian music, and listen to it every chance you get. Music touches your heart and spirit. There is a whole new genre of Christian music out there today. Go online - check it out.
When you read other things than the Word, choose solid Christian authors. It is good to mix up your reading of the word with books by solid Christian authors such as; AW Tozer, CS Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, Andrew Murray, Thomas Merton, writings from the Puritans, or Hymns from John Wesley. Just remember this; all the answers are in the word, not in books written by men. The good books written by men point you in the direction of the word. A good rule of thumb for time you have to read might be 70% in the word and 30% other books.
Shut down the influence of the world on your free thoughts for a month. Do not spend any of your free time reading the newspaper, watching TV, reading world, business or entertainment magazines. No need to worry; you will not miss the end of the world if it should come during this time of abstention from these items.
Go be inspired by the awesomeness of God and spend some time alone observing the wonders of his creation. His creation is everywhere, pick some place close your home and marvel at God’s creation for a while.
Experience a glimmer of the willpower required by Christ to endure the physical and mental suffering on the cross, knowing he had the power to stop it at any time. Give up an addictive substance or an addictive behavior, fast, or improve the temple of the spirit -your physical body. It is one thing to endure pain when you cannot control it. Your spirit will strengthen when you drive yourself through pain that you are experiencing for a purpose, all the time knowing you can stop the pain anytime at your own will.
Experience the love of God; share the word with other solid Christians. There is nothing more beautiful than a person filled with the Spirit.
Experience the humility of Christ, serve someone and give God all the Glory
If you can commit to doing these things every day for a month, you perspective on life will change and the flame in your heart for God will surely grow.
Satan will not bother a man who has quit fighting. But the cost of quitting will be one of peaceful stagnation.
AW Tozer
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Can't Get No Satisfaction.
All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.
C. S. Lewis
C. S. Lewis
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Cement.
He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17.
God has created all things, and he has created the laws and rules by which all things hold together. He ordains gravity, the speed by which light can travel and the characteristics of the element carbon. He is the cement that holds creation in place and his word commands the principles of the universe. Science by definition is: The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena (see here). Science is the study and "explanation" of the laws of the universe that have been set in place by God. Science does not exclude faith in God, it discovers and defines his creation. All correct science will eventually reveal the glory of God. Those who believe the Bible to be true have nothing to fear in the science of today. Nothing can be discovered except that which the creator has set in place. Only the fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1).
God has created all things, and he has created the laws and rules by which all things hold together. He ordains gravity, the speed by which light can travel and the characteristics of the element carbon. He is the cement that holds creation in place and his word commands the principles of the universe. Science by definition is: The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena (see here). Science is the study and "explanation" of the laws of the universe that have been set in place by God. Science does not exclude faith in God, it discovers and defines his creation. All correct science will eventually reveal the glory of God. Those who believe the Bible to be true have nothing to fear in the science of today. Nothing can be discovered except that which the creator has set in place. Only the fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1).
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Saved By Grace
We are saved only by the grace of God, through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). This is not of ourselves. God loves us even as sinners (Romans 5:8), he draws us (John 6:44) and he atones for our sin and grants us eternal life if we believe. He does it all. The great exchange-- our sins for his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
If we believe, we have the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). But what is belief? Is it knowing the gospel? I would say that is not enough as even the demons know the gospel and they are doomed to eternal torment (James 2:19).
If we really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, our lives will be changed (2 Corinthians 5:17). This change is reflected in our behavior as we are obedient to God's commands. So James, the Lord's brother, says faith without works is dead. Works are behaviors spurred on by our desire to be obedient to God. Works do not save us. They have nothing to do with our salvation. However, they are evident in all who believe. If we say we believe but are not fruitful in our lives, we have no reason to be assured of our salvation. In Mathew chapter 25 the Lord tells three stories that are particularly convicting. The parable of the ten virgins demonstrates the need for watchful readiness for the Lord's coming. The five virgins that knew the bridegroom was coming but weren't prepared are left out of the wedding banquet. The parable of the talents shows we will be held accountable to produce fruit dependent on the gifts we are given. Fear is not an excuse for lack of fruit. Lastly, in the parable of the sheep and the goats, the Lord separates people based on their behavior. Convicting and compelling words that we should take obedience to the commands of God very seriously.
So, we are saved by faith and works develop out of that faith and bring us assurance that we are Christ's. Faith without works is not a real faith.
Even though our works have nothing to do with our salvation, the Bible says our degree of reward in heaven will depend on our fruitfulness on earth relative to the gifts God has given us. Speaking to believers, Paul says we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.(2 Corintians 5:10). In 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Paul talks about our works being tested with fire with resulting reward or loss depending on that testing. Now heaven will be awesome for all who believe, but Jesus was, I think, speaking literally when he said store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Mark 10:21).
The above is a reminder to me that if I truly believe I will be obedient to God. Disobedience can only come from unbelief. For who could stare at our God, the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and disobey? Who could believe: Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13) and not fall on their knees in submission?
O Lord, have mercy on me.
If we believe, we have the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). But what is belief? Is it knowing the gospel? I would say that is not enough as even the demons know the gospel and they are doomed to eternal torment (James 2:19).
If we really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, our lives will be changed (2 Corinthians 5:17). This change is reflected in our behavior as we are obedient to God's commands. So James, the Lord's brother, says faith without works is dead. Works are behaviors spurred on by our desire to be obedient to God. Works do not save us. They have nothing to do with our salvation. However, they are evident in all who believe. If we say we believe but are not fruitful in our lives, we have no reason to be assured of our salvation. In Mathew chapter 25 the Lord tells three stories that are particularly convicting. The parable of the ten virgins demonstrates the need for watchful readiness for the Lord's coming. The five virgins that knew the bridegroom was coming but weren't prepared are left out of the wedding banquet. The parable of the talents shows we will be held accountable to produce fruit dependent on the gifts we are given. Fear is not an excuse for lack of fruit. Lastly, in the parable of the sheep and the goats, the Lord separates people based on their behavior. Convicting and compelling words that we should take obedience to the commands of God very seriously.
So, we are saved by faith and works develop out of that faith and bring us assurance that we are Christ's. Faith without works is not a real faith.
Even though our works have nothing to do with our salvation, the Bible says our degree of reward in heaven will depend on our fruitfulness on earth relative to the gifts God has given us. Speaking to believers, Paul says we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.(2 Corintians 5:10). In 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Paul talks about our works being tested with fire with resulting reward or loss depending on that testing. Now heaven will be awesome for all who believe, but Jesus was, I think, speaking literally when he said store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Mark 10:21).
The above is a reminder to me that if I truly believe I will be obedient to God. Disobedience can only come from unbelief. For who could stare at our God, the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and disobey? Who could believe: Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13) and not fall on their knees in submission?
O Lord, have mercy on me.
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