Pastor Sloan

February 2009 Reformation Voice

2009-02-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

The February 2009 Reformation Voice is available.

October 2008 Reformation Voice

2008-10-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

The newest issue of the Reformation Voice themed "Recovering the Reformed Confession" is available on the HRA Website.

A REVIEW OF RECOVERING THE REFORMED CONFESSION

2008-08-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

A REVIEW OF RECOVERING THE REFORMED CONFESSION

Author; R. Scott Clark (2008, P&R)

Do not read this book unless you are willing to be challenged by what you think it means to be Reformed! I am serious. If you think you have it all together, then do not read this book. You will only be frustrated. HOWEVER, if you are willing to be challenged, then definitely read this book. I will state from the very beginning that this book is not going to be a light read. This book will take some deep thought and your undivided attention for it to do its job.

The first problem that Clark tackles is what he calls QIRC, or the Quest for Illegitimate Religious Certainty. Simply put, it is a kind of rationalism that tends to to make things a test of Reformed orthodoxy that are not confessional. Clark takes on six twenty-four hour day creation, theonomy, and covenant moralism as examples of Reformed QIRC-iness. I will not even try to summarize his points, as that would be a great disservice to Dr. Clark. His historical treatment of creation is lengthy but provides great insight.

The next problem that Clark deals with is QIRE, or the Quest for Illegitimate Religious Experience. Clark provides well-needed challenges to his readers to reconsider some of the "experiential" aspects of the theology and piety of Jonathan Edwards. We are called back to knowing God through the due use of the ordinary means of grace, rather than seeking or creating a religious experience. I personally have seen the undue anguish of soul that an emphasis on the extraordinary can cause for the believer who begins to doubt their salvation or faith because they have not had some spectacular experience. Clark does not advocate against the extraordinary, only that our piety and Christian experience should be measured by it. Clark puts it this way.

Judging by confessional Reformed piety, religious subjectivism (e.g., revivalism or pietism) is illegitimate because it seeks what is by definition an extraordinary providence of God, which is not promised in Scripture. This desire for the extraordinary tends not only to devalue the ordinary providence of God but also the expressed promises of God. He is most free to work all manner of wonderful things, e.g., instances of an intense sense of the divine presence, a surprising understanding of the application of Scripture to a given situation or some other blessing; but they cannot define the Christian life, and they are no proper standard by which to measure sanctification or Christian maturity. It is a significant mistake to make the religious experience envisioned by revivalists the organizing principle for Reformed piety. (p. 120)

Fortunately Clark does not leave us stuck in a situation without a solution. Section two of the book is called "The Recovery"

Clark engages in a lengthy historical discussion of the archetypal/ectypal distinction in theology. To be honest, it was a discussion that I did not follow very well. The big point is to recover the distinction between the Creator and the creature. This means that we can never know things the way God knows them. We know things as he has revealed them to us. His conclusion I understood very well. "The Reformed understanding of things is that we do not have immediate access to God's being. We have mediated access through God the Son incarnate and through the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments. The goal of our theology is to think God's thoughts after him, as his image bearers, as analogues." (p. 163) To Clark this has implications in our dealing with creation debates and Federal Vision type issues.

In chapter 5, the value and use of our confessions and catechisms is discussed. Clark conducts a historical survey of confessional subscription tracing the drift from strict subscription to looser models of adoption by contemporary denominations. His conclusion is that we must return to the use of confessions as boundary markers. Secondly, that we need a confession that can be subscribed to without exception that is biblical. Clark raises an important question, is it time for a new or revision confession for the Reformed community? I think there is merit in that idea.

In chapter 6, Clark presents us with "The Joy of Being Confessional" stating five good reasons for being confessional. Without stating those points for you (Clark does that well enough), his main concern in this chapter is why many are drifting to other forms of Christianity (including back to the Roman Catholic church). Clark presents for us a solid, biblical ground for remaining (or perhaps even coming back to being) confessional.

Chapter 7 is entitled "Recovering Reformed Worship." I imagine this chapter will generate some healthy debate. Dr. Clark's intention is clear from the outset of the chapter.

"The fact that many Reformed Christians alive today have never seen or participated in a worship service that Calvin, the Heidelberg Reformers, or the Westminster Divines would recognize does not bode well for the future of Reformed theology, piety, and practice. …I argue that an essential part of recovering the Reformed confession is to recover the Reformed principle and practice of worship" (p. 241)

What Clark advocates is the return to the regulative principle of worship. He believes that even in Reformed churches today, this principle (that of only doing in worship what is required by scripture) is either being ignored or is being used differently that our Reformation forefathers. Clark gives the reader a lengthy historical tour of the developments and redevelopments regarding the regulative principle's use in the church. Clark's major theme regarding the regulative principle is how the church in large measure has abandoned "exclusive psalmody" and introduced the use of musical instruments. While I do not share Dr. Clark's conviction regarding the use of only inspired texts for singing in corporate worship, I do find his argument useful. I also find his position regarding the singing of texts from the entirety of Scripture a much more personally agreeable position than psalms only. While I have not fully come to Dr. Clark's position, this chapter has caused me be more intentional in the inclusions of Psalms and inspired texts in our congregational singing. Clark concludes the chapter with recommendations of what would be necessary to recover the regulative principle, a task he admits would not be easy. If you have not considered the why we sing what we sing, give Dr. Clark's chapter a careful read.

Clark's final chapter is entitled "Whatever Happened to the Evening Service?" In this chapter, Clark believes that in order for us to recover the Reformed practice of the second service we need to recover a Biblical view Sabbath and the means of grace. If you already have a high view of the Sabbath, you may find some of the Biblical background a bit unnecessary. Clark also provides historical background on Sunday Sabbath keeping which I found interesting. Clark also includes an interesting section of comparison and consensus of the Reformed confession on the Sabbath. In the section on the means of grace, Clark says, "It is the contention of this book that the antidote for the QIRE is to restore the means of grace to their proper place." (p. 340) As Clark wraps up this chapter, he makes the following statement which sums up his argument regarding the second service and his whole reason for writing this book.

As our churches realized in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, so too we must again realize that the Reformed theology, piety, and practice must be intentionally, conscientiously, patiently, and thoroughly taught to our congregations, to families, to children, to singles, to newcomers, and to those who have been Reformed for generations, or our theology, piety, and practice will be quickly lost and assimilated into the American mainstream religious admixture of pietism and fundamentalism. (p. 352)

In summary, this is not a book about recovering the Reformed doctrine of predestination or election. This is a book intended for the those who call themselves Reformed. It is a call to re-examine what it really means to be Reformed and whether we are really following the Reformed confession we claim to hold as standards. You may not agree with everything Clark has to say, but do not miss his call to examine our faith and practice in the light of the Reformation standards. Take the time and effort to challenge yourself with this book.

Review of Man Overboard

2008-07-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

by Sinclair Ferguson. Banner
of Truth Trust, 2008.
Reviewed by Rev. Howard Sloan

I recently picked up this book as a resource for a series of messages on Jonah. I was delighted by what I found in this new edition of an old treasure. This book was first published in 1981 with Banner of Truth releasing a new edition this year. One change from the original is the use of the English Standard Version. At the beginning each chapter, Ferguson quotes the entire chapter of Jonah with which he is dealing.

An important thing to know is that this is not a commentary. This is more a series of related articles working through Jonah. Ferguson does not offer commentary on each verse. In fact each chapter of Jonah is treated in two or three chapters by Ferguson, each from a different perspective.

"Man Overboard!" is not overly technical. However, he does draw out some grammatical and linguistic themes that reappear through the prophet. What Ferguson does well is to make us see how the lessons and themes of Jonah bear on our modern life as individuals and as the church. Here is just one example:

“If there is a special danger for professing Christians
today, it must certainly be indifference to and
ignorance of the true nature of the human heart! How
easily outward behavior and established patterns
of belief can hide from us the true need we have for
a new heart which beats in time with the heart of
God! We should never be deceived into thinking
that outward conformity to group norms, professions
of conversion, or intellectual assent to orthodox
doctrines are the same thing as a true heart knowledge
of God.” (p. 87)

Overall, I think this is a great read and a valuable resource for anyone who is working through Jonah.

This review can also be found in the August 2008 Reformation Voice

AUGUST 2008 REFORMATION VOICE

2008-07-31T13:07:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have not blogged in a while. The August 2008 Reformation Voice is available. The theme is conforming to the image of Christ. It features articles by Elden Smith, John Niederhaus, and myself.

June 2008 Reformation Voice

2008-06-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

The June 2008 Reformation Voice is now online. It includes articles by R. Scott Clark, Danny Hyde, and Bill Bruinsma.

HRA Conference

2008-05-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

The HRA Bible Conference was great. Rev. Ron Cammenga did a wonderful job on presenting the Reformation's Teaching in the Heidelberg Catechism.

Here is a link to the audio from the conference.

For Those Beginning to Study Covenant Theology

2008-05-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you Scott Clark for this information.

Catholic Scholar Converts to Evangelicalism

2008-05-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Read this breaking news story (from 500 years ago!)

Clowney's "Ten Commandments" Review

2008-04-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

How Jesus Transformed the Ten Commandments, by Edmund P. Clowney. Editied by Rebecca Clowney Jones. P & R Publishing, 2007. Reviewed by Rev. Howard Sloan

The title of Dr. Clowney’s book does not do the contents justice. This is not just about what Jesus had to say about the ten commandments, but about how His person, work, and teaching transform them. It is about His life and death transform them. It is about what He left for us in the apostles teaching and ministry transform them.

This book is published posthumously, as Dr. Clowney died in 2005. It has been produced with the help of his daughter Rebecca Clowney Jones, who edited and augmented the context from Sunday School notes.

The book is divided into twelve chapters – an introduction, a conclusion, and ten chapters on the commandments themselves. Each chapter has study questions at the end for use in individual study or for a Sunday School class. The chapters are very rich and deep. The commandments are not presented as a bare list of don’ts, but in a way that drive us to greater piety and obedience. The depth of each command as Clowney presents them is far greater than I can illustrate in such a short review.

The one chapter that may cause some debate is Clowney’s treatment of the second commandment. It is his discussion of images of Jesus that I particularly have in mind. Clowney states a position that in certain limited cases images of Jesus might be acceptable and not idolatrous. Many in the Reformed community hold that any image of Jesus is idolatry. Here is a short quote, but I urge you to read his argument before making any judgment.

“Let me offer a principle that may help us determine what is a good use of image when it comes to portraying Jesus. I suggest that portraits of Jesus are the problem. May representations show the reality of Jesus without offering a portrait, which in its very nature invites us to worship. To look at Jesus’ face is to worship him.” (p. 31)

One chapter I found to be a refreshing read was on the Sabbath/the Fourth Commandment. Some treatments of this commandment can come off with a list of do’s and don’ts. Sometime I find myself looking for just that if I am being honest. Clowney does not do that. I was glad to find that Clowney treated the concept of physical rest and refreshment as part of the Sabbath blessing. Too often I find that Sabbath discussions leave one with the sense that to have any physical rest on the Sabbath is a violation of the commandment. Clowney encourages physical rest and refreshment without encouraging the idleness of which so many speak. He also encourages us to worship and service on the Lord’s Day. I found his treatment very well round and fair.

Overall, I found the book to be a great read. It is full of encouragement toward deep and abiding holiness. It is strong statement on the depth and breath of the commandments, as well as the grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

(a shorter form of this review with appear in the June 2008 Reformation Voice)

Hyde on "Descent into Hell"

2008-04-29T07:50:00.001-07:00

Danny Hyde gracious provided us with this.

Dear colleagues and friends,

As a way to promote The Confessional Presbyterian (http://www.cpjournal.com/), a journal for discussion of Presbyterian doctrine & practice, the editor has graciously made my article on Jesus Christ's descent into hell available free of charge as a .pdf.

Below is the link to "In Defense of the Descendit: A Confessional Response to Contemporary Critics of Christ’s Descent into Hell." The Confessional Presbyterian 3 (2007) 104–117.

http://www.cpjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/hyde.pdf

When Sin is Sin and Grace is Grace

2008-04-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you R. Scott Clark and the Heidelblog.

When Sin is Sin and Grace is Grace

Owen on Imputed Active Obedience

2008-04-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

I found this gem on the Pilgrim People.

http://michaelbrown.squarespace.com/the-latest-post/2008/4/17/owen-on-imputed-active-obedience.html

Got Bored

2008-04-15T15:19:00.001-07:00

I got bored with the old look. So here is a new one.

CHURCH OF OPRAH EXPOSED

2008-04-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

The following e-mail was sent to me with the link to this video. It is worth watching.

"Aside from the slight political overtone, and the drama of the person presenting this , you will see new age religion at it's worst. Notice how a simple misunderstanding of a verse caused this one to turn her back on the true Christ, and pervert the person of Christ even more, whom apparently she heard about but never really believed. Her statement , God is a feeling, not a believing experience. ( so true in many watered down messages today from some pulpits) and, If your religion requires a belief in God, then its not truly God, shows how one can appear to be spiritual but completely lost...So many today will follow this road to hell, some because of who is promoting and others because it "sounds" right. Don't be fooled, there is only one way and that way is Jesus.

Rom. 3:23

Rom. 5:12

John. 3:16

Eph. 2:8-9

Rom. 10:9

John 10:27-28

Please read in the order given."

Thou Art Worthy Third Verse

2008-04-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

Some of you are familiar with Thou Art Worthy. There are actually two verses.

For copyright reasons I can not post those but they can be found at CCLI Song No. 14789 & 916557
© 1963, 1975 Fred Bock Music Company
Pauline Michael Mills | Tom Smail

Below is a NEW third verse that I composed based on Rev. 15:3-4

Great and awe-some Great and awe-some
Great and awe-some your deeds
Lord God Al-migh-ty. Lord God Al-migh-ty.
Just and so true are your ways.
O King of the Na-tions
Lord, who will not fear you.
And make your name glor-i-fied.
A-lone you are holy
Na-tions will worship.
When your acts are re-vealed.

Scripture Hymns Page

2008-04-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

I am going to continue to post these hymns as I have opportunity. I have created a page on the Heidelberg Reformation Association site where all of the PDFs will be available for download. I am hoping to start having versions with the music soon as well. I am encouraging others to participate in this project as well. I will post any worthwhile contributions on the site below as well.

http://hra.witnesstoday.org/hymns.html

Thanks

Howard

Philippians 2 Hymn

2008-04-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2:5-11 “Humbled and Exalted”

Tune: Ode to Joy/ #122 Trinity Hymnal

Christ Jesus, who in nature God, did not count equality;

With our God a thing to be grasped, but made of himself nothing,

Like a servant, made in likeness of a man in human form,

Humbled himself in o-be-dience for our sake in his dying.

Hum-bl-ing himself to death on a cross. God exalted Him.

God bestowed the name that is above every name upon him,

So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow to him,

Those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, confessing Him.

Every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is the Lord on high,

To the glory of Fa-ther God. Hence the loved obey him all.

Working out our own salvation with great fear and trembling

For our God is working in us, both his pleasure and his will.

PDF Available Here.

Permission to use is granted.

APRIL 2007 REFORMATION VOICE

2008-04-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

The April 2008 Reformation Voice is available for download on the Heidelberg Reformation Association website.

http://hra.witnesstoday.org/RVApril2008.pdf

For information about the HRA
http://hra.witnesstoday.org/

Ephesians 1 Hymn

2008-03-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 1:3-14 hymn – “IN HIM”

Tune: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (#53 Trinity Hymnal)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Je-sus Christ,

who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing

in the heav’n-lies,

he has chos-en us in him

before the world and its founding

Chosen that we should be holy and blameless before him

In love predestined to be made sons through Jesus the Christ,

done of his will,

to praise his glorious grace,

with which in the Beloved us blessed.

In him we have our redemption through his blood, forgiven

forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the rich grace,

lavished on us,

in all wisdom and insight

revealing his will and his purpose,

He makes known to us the my-stery of his revealed will,

according to his purpose, which in Jesus Christ set forth

in fullest time,

uniting all things in him,

things in the heaven and the earth.

In him we’ve gained an inheritance, which was predestined

done by the plan of him who works in all things counsel by,

things to his will,

so we’re the first to have hope

in Christ and might praise his glory.

In him we also trusted when we heard the word of truth

the gospel of our salvation, and be-liev-ed in him,

sealed with promise

The Spirit who guarantees

Inheritance ‘til we possess it.

PDF Available Here

"ACCORDING TO HIS GREAT MERCY" HYMN

2008-03-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

1 PETER 1:3-9 "ACCORDING TO HIS GREAT MERCY"

to the tune “Love Divine All Loves Excelling” or BEECHER

Blessed be the God and Father

Of our Lord our Jesus Christ!

According to his great mercy,

He has given us new birth

To a living hope in Jesus

Through his rising from the dead,

To an inheritance unfading,

can not perish, undefiled

That inheritance in heaven

Kept for us who by this faith

Are now guarded by God’s power

For salvation ready then

In the last time to be made known

That we might rejoice a while

Though we may a time be tested

By some grievous varied trials.

In these trials we are tested

That our faith’s proved genuine

Faith more precious than of gold

That perishes refined by fire

That our faith may produce praises

Glory, honor in the sight

Of the revelation of Him

Our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.

Though we have not seen him, love him.

Though we do not see him now,

We believe in Him rejoicing

Filled with glory and with joy

That is inexpressible.

When that day we reach our goal

Gaining the outcome of our faith,

The salvation of our souls.

PDF Available here.

GOD IS FAIR

2008-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Have you heard a question like this before, “How can you say that God is fair when He sends Hitler to hell but also sends someone who has done a lot less to hell as well?” Maybe you have heard some other form of the question regarding God’s fairness. I was recently asked a question similar to the one about by a member of our Sunday School. He was not asking the question about himself, but of someone he knew. This was someone who struggled with the God’s fairness, among other issues. As I briefly thought about it for a moment, I formed a short response to the fairness of God. God is indeed fair, and here is how.

STANDARD OF HOLINESS

God is the one who establishes the standard of holiness for all of mankind. Regardless of race, sex, or geography, it is God’s holy standard that all are and will be judged by. He holds everyone to the same exact standard – perfect obedience. More over God states that standard. He has plainly published it. Not only has He given it in the Law and the Scriptures, but He has written it on the heart. Paul speaks of that in the opening chapter of his epistle to the Romans.

Romans 1:18-20 (ESV)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. [19] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Everyone has a sense of right and wrong, and everyone has the evidence that God is real and true. But man suppresses that truth. They think they are without blame. They are actually without excuse.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

God is also fair because He states the problem as well. He has declared in His word the consequences of violating His holy standard.

Romans 6:23 (ESV)

For the wages of sin is death,

One might we say that this warning does not go out to everyone, but only to those who heard His word. That is correct. But the same passage from Paul in Romans points out not only that each person has a sense of God’s standard, but also a sense of guilt. They may suppress it, but it still remains deep down.

SOLVES THE PROBLEM

Here is where the fairness of God comes into play in a big way. When people say that God is unfair to punish, they are not looking so much at God’s right to execute justice, but His cruelty in doing so. The charge that God is not fair is that charge that God is cruel, mean, and uncaring. This would be a fair charge IF God did not actually provide a solution to the sin problem.

John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God solves the problem. God in His infinite wisdom, knowledge, and sovereignty knows that all “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). He Himself became the solution. If you want fair, fair would be for God to leave us in our sin and guilt. That is fair. When people say they want God to be fair, what they usually want is not fairness, but for God to look the other way. They want God to be “cool” about it. They want God to not take sin so seriously. They want God to lighten up. That is unfair of anyone who demands of God to go against His character and His established standards. Yet still God maintains His fairness, not by doing away with the righteous requirements of the Law, but by fulfilling them in and of Himself. He took the sentence of death and separation from Him, that we rightly deserve upon Himself. God takes sin seriously.

To me, that is beyond fair.

PETER'S PRAISE - SUNRISE SERMON MESSAGE

2008-03-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, [5] who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, [9] obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

I find Peter’s words here both stirring and convicting. Stirring because this is obviously not the Peter we encounter before the death and resurrection of His friend and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no hint of fear. There is none of the doubt. There is none of the wavering present here. There is only an explosion of praise and thanksgiving coming from the heart of Peter. What is the reason? The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and its resulting blessings. Look at this language. These are the words of a man whose hearts is filled with praise. The heart of a man who has been captured and transformed by the love and grace of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. This is a man who sees the importance and beauty of the resurrection. This is the Peter that Luke says in Luke 24:12 “ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.” The marvel has not been lost by Peter. He intends for his readers to catch the same sense of marvel, the same sense of awe and wonder. The same sense of praise to God for what He has done, for what He continues to do, and what He will do for us in the “last time.”

I also find Peter’s words here convicting. I do not find in myself much of the time that same passion. Maybe it is because I was not the close personal associate of Jesus that Peter was. I did not walk or eat with Jesus. I did not hear his voice. I did not see him cry. I did not watch Him suffer. I did not see the empty tomb with my own eyes. I did not see the risen Christ. I was not personally restored to by Jesus Himself after a mighty betrayal. I did not watch Him ascend to the father. I could use all of these excuses and more for the flatness I often find in my soul regarding Christ’s work on my behalf. But they are not valid excuses.

Even though there is much that is not the same about Peter’s experience and mine, or ours. There is much that is the same. We are all born again to that same living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We all have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us. We all are being guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. We all will be tested by various trials that should result in the tested genuineness of faith to the praise and glory and honor of our Lord Jesus Christ both now and at His revelation at His coming.

We also have something that Peter did not. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. This is our testimony. This is who we are. We have not seen Him, yet we are to love Him. We have not seen Him, yet we are called to believe and rejoice. We are to rejoice with joy that is inexpressible. Do we long to have that kind of joy? The absence of that joy and love can not be because we did not have the same relationship that Peter had. Peter is saying these words to those who have not seen Him. Maybe it is because we lost a sense of the importance and value of what Christ has done for us. Maybe we have lost a sense of the depth of our sin from which Christ has rescued us. Maybe it is because we have not bothered to know Christ as we ought. Maybe we have not meditated on His death and resurrection.

But that is the great reason we celebrate Easter. If we have not spent sufficient time meditating on the wonders of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, this time of year calls us back. If we have not spent sufficient time thinking on His death, resurrection and its benefits to us, this time of year calls us back. This time of year gives us pause to drown out the noise of the world that steals our joy. This time of year gives us occasion to renew our love for the one who loved us first.

But if we are looking for some great emotional reaction as a test of the genuineness of our faith, we are missing the point. Yes, reflecting on what Christ has accomplished for us may at times move us to great passion. But if we rely on emotional reactions to Christ’s death and resurrection to sustain us or as an indication of our love for Christ, we are deceiving ourselves with things that fade away. We are called to something deeper and more lasting. We are called to joy and love that expresses itself with our very lives. We are called to rejoicing in Christ when life itself gives us no cause for rejoicing. Our eyes may be filled with tears due to the crushing weight of life, or the trials that come our way, but in our hearts we have the “Blessed Assurance that Jesus is Mine. O what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation. Purchased of God. Born of His spirit. Washing in His blood. This is my story. This is my song. Praising my Savior. All the day long.” That is joy that does not fade with the testing. That is peace that is not tossed about by the ebb and flow of life. That is faith that is steadfast, faithful, obedient, tested, and sure. That is faith that results in praise, glory, and honor. It may not be a loud joy. But it will take “blessed assurance” and the unshakeable knowledge that whatever comes my way no one take away the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. That is joy and hope.

KING OF ISRAEL! SON OF GOD!

2008-03-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Matthew’s account of the crucifixion points out two key charges against Jesus that put Him on the cross. These reasons were key to the Roman and Jewish leaders. Those reasons – “Son of God” and “King of Israel.” Interestingly enough, these are some of the same reasons that our Lord God put His son on the cross. The key difference is how they regarded these claims – true or false.

KING OF ISRAEL!

Let’s begin by looking at Jesus as King of Israel. Some form of the phrase appears 4 times in Matthew 27.

Matthew 27:11 (ESV)

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You have said so."

Matthew 27:27-31 (ESV)

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. [28] And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, [29] and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" [30] And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. [31] And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.

Matthew 27:37 (ESV)

And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews."

Matthew 27:41-42 (ESV)

So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, [42] "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.

This is the charge that the Jewish leaders used to get the Romans to crucify Him. Jesus was being portrayed as a rebel and threat to Rome.

Of course it is clear they though that the charge was true, but it had no basis in fact.

Look at how they mocked him. A crown of thorns on his head. The mockery on the cross while He was dying to save a people for Himself.

But the charge against Jesus is true, because it is based on the facts. The Jews and Romans did not understand the nature of the kingdom of this king.

John 18:36 (ESV)

Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."

Jesus purpose was not to be a political king over a geographic kingdom. Jesus purpose was to be King over all of God’s chosen people regardless of geography or ethnicity. King of True Spiritual Israel forever.

The one who died on our behalf reigns even now over His people. His death allowed Him to take His throne.

Matthew 26:64 (ESV)

Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Ephes. 1:20 (ESV)

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

Rev. 5:7 (ESV)

And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.

Jesus Christ right now reigns over His people and over His church.

SON OF GOD

Jesus also died because He was and is the Son of God.

This was a blasphemous claim, if it is not true. Three times some form of this phrase appears in Matthew 27

Matthew 27:40 (ESV)

and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross."

Matthew 27:43 (ESV)

He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.' "

Matthew 27:54 (ESV)

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

While the authorities view this claim as doubtful, we would hear the clear testimony of Scripture know otherwise.

Jesus was in fact crucified because He is the Son of God. It was a necessity. Only one who was God Himself could make such a sufficient and efficient sacrifice. One one who was infinitely holy, perfectly obedient, and yet in the flesh of man could make the sacrifice required.

Son of Man. Surely He was! Surely He is!

The Son of God making us sons of God.

Galatians 3:26 (ESV)

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

Galatians 4:4-6 (ESV)

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Hebrews 2:10 (ESV)

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

We have much privilege because of Christ' death on our behalf. We are made sons of God. We are made citizens of the Kingdom of God. But more importantly, we are made clean, forgiven, and right with God because the Son of God, King of Israel took the wrath of God on our behalf.

Of course this is not the end. If Christ is only crucified there is much left undone. But as Paul Harvey would say "That is the rest of the story." The story to be told and celebrated on Easter Sunday.

Has the Notion of Sin Been Lost

2008-03-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

This is from the USA Today.

The Physical Death of Jesus

2008-03-20T16:53:00.001-07:00

This is an article from the medical perspective on the death of Jesus. Take a look.

Thank you R. Scott Clark for bringing this to our attention.

Howard

Maunday Thursday Meditation

2008-03-20T07:11:00.001-07:00

This is from Kim Riddlebarger on the Riddleblog.

Moses Was High on Mt. Sinai

2008-03-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, we no longer need to keep the law. Moses was wasted when he received the law.

The Church of Frank Sinatra

2008-03-06T05:38:00.000-08:00

Another great post on the reason we need creeds and confessions.

LEGALISM KILLS

2008-03-06T05:37:00.000-08:00

Check out this great blog entry on legalism.

Book Review: In Christ Alone

2008-03-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

In Christ Alone by Sinclair Ferguson

(2007, Reformation Trust)

I read In Christ Alone by Sinclair Ferguson and loved every page of it. Each chapter is filled with meat. This book is not a book about Christ. It is not a book about the Holy Spirit. It is not a book about soteriology. It is not a book about the Christian life. It is a book about all of these and more. Ferguson takes the reader through the various facets of what it means to live the gospel centered life, as he calls it. The book consists of 50 chapters of around five pages in length. He has broken down the book into six sections entitled: “The Word Became Flesh,” “The Heart of the Matter,” “The Spirit of Christ,” “The Privileges of Grace,” “A Life of Wisdom”, and “Faithful to the End.”

As is usually the case with Ferguson, his theology is spot-on. What makes this book special to me is how he has taken solid theology cut it into small chunks, so that while you are not swallowing much at one time you are still being substantially fed. It is also a well balanced meal. It is nice to pick up a book where you can read a little bit and get so much.

To me, this quote toward the end of the book summarizes what Ferguson intends the reader to get from reading the book.

“The way in which we maintain ‘the expulsive power of a new affection’ is the same way as the way we first discovered it. Only when grace is still amazing – when we return to Christ and the cross where God’s love for us was demonstrated to us (Romans 5:8) – does it retain its power over us. Only as we retain a sense of our own profound sinfulness can retain a sense of the graciousness of God.” (p. 225)

This is a book for every Christian to read who wants to know his Lord better and how to serve his Lord better.

What Brings Satan Pleasure

2008-02-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

Check out this gem from the blog of Steve Camp.

http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2005/07/what-brings-satan-pleasure.html

WHY WE NEED CREEDS- MIKE BROWN

2008-02-28T05:32:00.000-08:00

Michael Brown has added more to his series on why we need creeds.

Why Creeds?

2008-02-23T14:59:00.001-08:00

Check this out.

http://michaelbrown.squarespace.com/the-latest-post/2008/2/22/why-do-we-need-creeds-and-confessions.html

I Want a Real Chaplain Who Believes in a Real God and Real Hell

2008-02-22T05:37:00.000-08:00

Wow! I can't believe this was on a show on network TV.

http://heidelblog.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/i-want-a-real-chaplain-who-believes-in-a-real-god-and-a-real-hell/

HEIDELBERG BIBLE CONFERENCE

2008-02-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

The Spring Bible Conference of the Heidelberg Reformation Association is May 27-29, 2008. Please check out the HRA website for more details.

Howard

BREAKING UP FALLOW GROUND

2008-02-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

Hosea 10:12-13 (ESV)
Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord,that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. [13] You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your warriors,

Israel was in bad shape spiritually. Their rebellion, idolatry, adultery, and wickedness had brought them to the point where the LORD God was going to discipline them. Still, in the midst of this, God calls out in compassion for them to turn back to Him. He does many times in Hosea, but this warning in Hosea 10:12 seems to be a particular caution to the church throughout the ages.

A church does not have to be in great moral or theological failure to hear these words. We must be vigilant about the continual practice of sowing righteousness and reaping covenant-faithfulness and love. But even more, let us hear the words to “break up your fallow ground.”

Fallow ground is soil that has remained unused for a period of time, usually to let the soil rest and become rich and useful again. It can also be virgin soil, never tilled or used. Until tilled, it is mostly likely hard, dry, and dusty. There is much fallow ground in the church today.

There is much fallow ground to be found in true and faithful churches. There is fallow ground to be found in the lives of even the most devoted follower of Jesus Christ. What are we, the people of God, to do about this fallow ground?

First, let us begin by taking a survey of our own hearts. If we are honest Christians, we know there are areas of our lives that have become dry and dusty due to lack of use. Maybe areas of hardness we have decided not to touch. Maybe these were once fertile patches in our lives producing fruit for Christ, but something happened. Something or someone has stolen our desire to keep the ground tilled and planted.

Maybe our ground is fallow because it has never been used. Maybe we feel that we have no fertile ground to be of use. This is simply not true. Every true believer in Jesus Christ has been given gifts to use for the glory of His name and the advancement of His kingdom. We must be willing to put the plow to it and let the Lord “come and rain righteousness upon us.” It is His to produce the fruit, not ours. Our job is to be tilled and planted soil, yielded to His service.

Some may even be able to look around to see much ground tilled and fertile. The sign of a fruitful, Christian life. But we must not be so arrogant as to think that there is not still some ground laying fallow in our lives. Some area of hardness exists. We too must be willing to take plow in hand.
Once we have identified those fallow areas, we put the plow to it. But how? We begin through prayer. We ask the Lord to take our fallow ground and make it useful. We ask Him to take the plow to us to prepare us for service. Then, we begin to look around. Where and how can I put this to use? What is God preparing us for? As the soil of our hearts are tilled, we will begin to see what the Lord wants to do with it. Likely, the Lord already has a use for the fruit of your ground.

Steve Camp in his song “Living in Laodicea” describes the heart of one who desires to be fertile soil for the Lord.

Oh Lord, take Your plow to my battleground
Let Your blade dig down to the soil of my soul
For I've become dry and dusty,
Lord I know there must be
Richer earth lying below

Pray that the Lord of the harvest would search the hearts of each member of our congregation, of every Christian we know, to make our fallow ground rich. May he “rain righteousness” on us. And may the fruit be a harvest beyond our comprehension that the Lord will use to glorify His name in all the earth.

Psalm 16

2007-07-25T10:32:00.001-07:00

Psalm 16:1-11 (ESV) A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. [2] I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." [3] As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. [4] The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. [5] The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. [6] The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. [7] I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. [8] I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. [9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. [10] For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. [11] You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Once again we encounter a Psalm of David during a time of trouble. What a blessing it must have been to David to know he could turn to God in the midst of the roughest circumstances. What a blessing for us that we can too.

While David is looking to God, he is also looking at God as his sufficiency. Look at the terms he uses of God – refuge, no good apart from you, my chosen portion, my cup, counsel, at my right hand, secure. Oh that we would learn to see that we have all we need in God. That we would see Him as sufficient and supreme.

David again see the contrast of the righteous and the wicked in verse 4. Here they are, who have the living God, running after another god. What awaits them? Not the joy David frequently speaks of in this and other Psalms. No! They will find sorrows.

Of course the significance of verse 10 can not be overlooked. “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” David likely had his own demise in mind, asking God to spare him from the grave. But David speaks prophetically of Christ Jesus who would not remain in the grave, but raise from the dead in all in His glory and triumph, declaring Himself to be the Son of God and Savior of all who will believe on His name.

What ought we pray for? (1) Pray for those among us who need to find refuge in God from the harsh situations of their lives. (2) Pray for those facing the deteriorating health of loved one (3) Pray that we would be satisfied with Our God. (4) Pray that we would long for the day of being in His presence.

PSALM 12

2007-06-20T09:38:00.001-07:00

Psalm 12:6-7 (ESV)

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. [7] You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever.

How different are the words of God from the words of man. Look at how the words of man are described: lies, flattery, idle, double-hearted, proud, boastful, and blasphemous. In contrast the words of the Lord are described as “pure words.” They are “purified seven times” seemly indicating absolute purity.

The purity of the words of the Lord mean that they are trustworthy and of high value. So, whatever the Lord has to say to us we know there is no chance of it misleading us. This can not be said for the words of man. The Word of God is often described as the only rule of faith and practice. This means that is speaks to us without error regarding all matters, both what we are to believe and what we are to do.

We ought to desire both. We need sound doctrine. How can we rightly obey, love, serve, and honor God if we do not know Him in His revealed beauty and worth. Doctrine motivates, encourages, strengthens, and balances. Doctrine is practical. Application and practice are important because otherwise doctrine becomes simple head knowledge never affecting the heart. Let us long to know the full counsel of God and not just what we want to here. Let us learn to the love the beauty of sound doctrine and sound practice.

Let us also learn from this Psalm to guard carefully our own words. As those who bear the name of Christ, and are sons and daughters of the Living God, we must seek to have our words be of the same purity as the Lord’s. We know that this is an impossible task. But by the grace of God and the work of the Spirit, it must be pursued. Our words do not bear testimony about ourselves, but about the God whom we serve.

Prayer points: (1) That we would love and cherish the pure word of God. (2) That we love pure doctrine and pure practice. (3) That we would guard our words, using them wisely and for God’s glory.

Psalm 10

2007-06-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Psalm 10:1 (ESV)
Why, O Lord, do you stand afar off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

The question of verse one seems to express the experience of the oppressed and the oppressor. Verses 2-11 demonstrate how the wicked act as if God does not exist or does not care. In verse 11 the psalmist says of the wicked, “He says in his heart, "God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it."” Verse 13 suggests that they expect God not to act saying “You will not call to account.” But the righteous ought to know that God is close by though He may be unseen and His favor unnoticed.

But God does not hide like some coward, afraid to step out of the shadows and defend His honor. NO, God is long-suffering, acting according to wisdom, justice, omniscience and sovereignty. God knows best when and how to act to defend His name and bring about His desired end. Any “hiding” on the part of God is not an act of cowardice or fear. His actions are that of a sovereign God who sees more clearly and knows more completely that we could ever hope. If He stands far off or hides Himself in times of trouble, it is only to make His glory known when He does appear.

Matthew Henry provides us with excellent application regarding this Psalm.

In singing this psalm and praying it over, we should have our hearts much affected with a holy indignation at the wickedness of the oppressors, a tender compassion of the miseries of the oppressed, and a pious zeal for the glory and honor of God, with a firm belief that he will, in due time, give redress to the injured and reckon with the injurious. …In singing these verses we must commit religion's just but injured cause to God, as those that are heartily concerned for its honor and interests, believing that he will, in due time, plead it with jealousy.

May God give us the grace to not curse Him in seeming absence, but to trust in His unfailing love and desire for His own glory.

Heidleberg Reformation Association

2007-06-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Heidelberg Reformation Association has been created to assist Reformed Churches in the retention and reclamation of Reformed theology as stated in the Heidelberg Catechism. Check it out online at http://hra.witnesstoday.org.

Howard

Psalm 8

2007-05-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Psalm 8:1-9 (ESV) To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. [2] Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. [3] When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, [4] what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? [5] Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. [6] You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, [7] all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, [8] the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. [9] O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

This psalm can be mistakenly seen as exalting the role of man within the creation. Yes, it shows our high place within the creation order and our responsibility to the cultural mandate, but this psalm is not about the high place of man, but the High and Exalted Lord and God of the Universe. It is a psalm that puts man in his place and God in His.

David begins and ends this psalm with the same appeal to the great, majestic name of God. He is a God known to the entire earth because the creation declares His glory. His name is proclaimed by even the most simple of us. His name is proclaimed in the victory over His and our enemies. It is only by understanding the majesty of God that we truly see our place: “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”

Yet the majesty of His name in all the earth and God’s care for us come together in the work of Jesus Christ. It is in Jesus Christ that the fullness of God’s majesty is made known in all the earth. As the gospel goes forth to every tribe, tongue, and nation, God’s majesty is proclaimed. As the gospel goes out His care for the son of man is seen.

How then ought we pray? (1) That His name truly be majestic in all the earth. That the gospel of Jesus Christ would make its way into lands which have never heard the name of Jesus Christ, and that lands who once flourished as beacons for the gospel would once again shine the majesty of God forth from their midst. (2) That we would be caught up in the majesty of God. (3) For the coming of the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

PSALM 7

2007-05-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

Psalm 7:1-17 (ESV) A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, [2] lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. [3] O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, [4] if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause, [5] let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah [6] Arise, O Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment. [7] Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; over it return on high. [8] The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. [9] Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous— you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God! [10] My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. [11] God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. [12] If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow; [13] he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts. [14] Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. [15] He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. [16] His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends. [17] I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Once again David is beseeching God in a time of trouble. He approaches God over the “words of Cush, a Benjaminite.” We are unsure who this person was, but we can infer from the contents of this Psalm that this a person who opposes David in a vicious manner. In verse 2 David says “lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.” This likely calls to the Christian’s mind the same language used of the Devil regarding us in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV)

In the course of his pleading, David appeals to his innocence in the matter at hand. In verses 3 and 4, he calls upon God to search him out to see if he has done any wrong, and if so, to then punish. He continues that theme in verse 8, “The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” This verses sounds problematic to the Christian ear when failing to consider the context, but remember David is not talking about his ultimate righteousness, but his righteous actions in the given circumstance.

David then calls upon God’s justice to be revealed. He calls upon him arise and implement justice, to come to his aid, not only his but the entire ‘assembly of the peoples.’ David leaves justice, judgment, and retribution up to God. This was characteristic of David’s prayer life and well as his practice. On two occasions at least, David refused to kill Saul even though he had clear opportunity.

Before we flee to God seeking retribution for the wrongs we have suffered, let us be careful to make sure there is no fault in ourselves. We may only confidently call on God as our shield and avenger during these times when we have acted uprightly. Let this be a call to us to act uprightly toward others, to be honest, fair, and righteous regardless of whom we are dealing with.

Let us also be reminded of our destructive enemy, Satan. He will seek our destruction through his action, and our downfall through slander and lies. We must be ever conscious of the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for us as he seeks to bring us down. Let us call on our advocate and defender Jesus Christ to plead our case against the accuser. Let us call upon our God, our refuge and shield to hold us safe in the attack. We can be sure that the attacks will come. We can even be sure that they will be vicious and painful to us. But we can also be assured that “My shield is with God who saves the upright heart.” Not upright because of our innocence, for we are not innocent, but because of the righteousness and blood of Jesus Christ.

PSALM 6

2007-05-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Psalm 6 – Henry Law (lightly edited, using the ESV)
Here godly sorrow changes into godly joy. May we so mourn that we too may be comforted!

Psalm 6:1 (ESV)
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
Seasons recur when sense of sin and bodily distress cast into lowest depths. God's anger threatens to descend in fury. The furnace of displeasure seems to burn terribly. If faith shall fail, despair must overwhelm the soul. But amid terrors faith survives; it knows its refuge and looks above. It does not doubt that God still loves. When frowns become heavy on the brow it pleads, 'Let not this chastening destroy; let not the flames devour.'

2. "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
The fainting flesh desires sympathy. The anguish preys upon the total frame. Sickness of soul reduces every power. Prayer is redoubled. Constant cries besiege the throne of grace. Misery calls mercy to arise. Disease implores the heavenly healer's aid. Blessed is the anguish which flees thus to God.

3. "My soul is greatly troubled; but O Lord,- how long?"
Sorrow of soul is sorrow's fullest cup. All other bitterness is light beside it. The mourning days drag heavily; no dawn appears to chase away night's shade. The moan is heard, "How long, O Lord! how long?" He who would read the deepest lessons of these words must go with Jesus to the garden and the cross. By imputation He is made the sin of sin. Mountains on mountains of iniquity meet on Him. Unspeakably tremendous is the load; unspeakably tremendous is the wrath incurred. By His own consent receiving our vicarious guilt. Just anger thickens around Him. He feels the horrors of His place. Prostrate in misery, He cries, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." Anguish cries, "My God, my God! why have You forsaken Me?" The curse may not spare Him. Great is the mystery, but it is our salvation.

4. "Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love."
The sweetest joy is holy fellowship with God. It is heaven's foretaste to see His smile and hear the whispers of His love. To realize this oneness is faith's privilege. But when this presence is withdrawn, when mists obscure this sun, the soul can find no other comfort. There cannot be a substitute for God. There is no rest while sad desertion lasts. It is perdition's wretchedness. The sinking soul craves mercy. It agonizes; "Return, deliver, save!"

5. "For in death there is no remembrance of You; in Sheol who shall give You thanks?"
There is fear that sorrow's weight should snap the thread of life. Then the means to tell of God's love, to speak of Christ, to sound His praise, to call poor sinners to His cross, to spread abroad His power to save, would forever cease. Let us prize and wisely use continued health and length of days. They are a precious talent. In bringing others to salvation's road, we rise in heaven ourselves.

6, 7. "I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
The picture of the sin-frightened soul becomes more dark. Outward expressions of deep woe abound; sighs rack the heart; tears flow in abundant streams; luster no longer sparkles in the eye; this bitter grief writes old age on the brow. We see how terrible an enemy is sin. When viewed apart from Christ, it is intolerable woe. What must it be in hell! Let us bless Christ with every breath. He is the Lamb of God, who takes it all away.

8, 9. "Depart from, me, all you workers of evil; for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer."
The scene is changed. Light brightly shines; the shades of night have vanished. Mercy descends with healing on its wings. The groans are exchanged for songs of joy. We see the all-prevailing power of prayer. In darkest days let it take heaven by storm. It grasps Jehovah's arm. It clings until all blessings are given. Renewed favors strengthen the confidence that foes shall not prevail. Away! depart! No business will I have with you. Answers to prayer stir up resolves to persevere. The suppliants who prosper are encouraged to pray more. Success begets continuance.

10. " All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.”
The Spirit here gives comfort to all harassed saints. The language is prophetic. It runs through time; it shadows out the final scene. Shame and displeasure are treasured up for the ungodly. They sowed the seeds of evil; they must reap the harvest of confusion. It is hard to kick against the goads. The concluding words delightfully reveal our Lord. We see manifestations of His power and triumphs. Before His eye His enemies recoil and fall backwards. In His extreme anguish an angel flies to raise and strengthen. Soon will the universe be witness to the mandate, "Depart, you cursed ones, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." May we so suffer with Him, that we may reign together.

PSALM 5

2007-04-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Psalm 5:7-8 (ESV)
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
[8] Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.

David once again comes to God in prayer with the contrast between the wicked and the righteous on his mind. Verse 8 seems to be the heart of this prayer, but the surrounding verses are important to understanding the heart behind this prayer of David.

David begins with a recognition of who God is. In verse 2 David acknowledges that this is “my King and my God.” He is the great sovereign and the true ruler of Israel and all of creation. David also focuses on God’s holiness in verse 4 “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” He continues that theme in the verses that follow. But the great draw to David is found in verse 7. “But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” It is the abundant, steadfast love of God that draws him to the Lord’s house and worship. He also remembers God's sovereign protection calling him his “refuge,” “protection,” and “shield.”

With these in mind, David comes to the Lord with pleas on his heart. His desire is to be led in God’s righteousness and to have God’s way straight before him. David sees this in contrast to the wickedness of worldly ways. He sees the worldly as transgressors, under guilt, and leading to destruction.

How ought this lead our hearts in prayer? (1) That because of God’s abundant and steadfast love, we would desire to be in His house. That worship would be a priority to us, because we see and know God’s great love for us. (2) That we would desire to walk according to HIS way and by His standard of righteousness. That we would not redefine righteousness according to our standards. That we would love His standards because they are His. (3) That we would see worldly ways as the destructive and dishonoring ways that they are. That we would not desire them, but would stand firmly against them.

Bible Conference

2007-04-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

We are having a Bible Conference this weekend at St. Paul's Reformed Church. Our featured speaker is Dr. Jack White. He is the President Emeritus of Geneva College and Director of the Church Renewal and Revitalization Program. He will be speaking on "What is a Healthy Church?" The first session is Saturday at 7 PM. Sunday session will be 9:30 AM, 10:45 AM (Morning Worship), at 7 PM. If you are in the area, please join us for one or all of the sessions.

Also, this Sunday's sermon on "Being Jesus' Friend" is available online for download.

Pastor Howard

Emily is back from Guatemala

2007-04-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Emily Harclerode just returned from her missions trip to Guatemala, and wanted to share her pictures with the church family. She will be with us at St. Paul's either May 20th or 27th to share her experience with us. Thanks Emily.

http://community.webshots.com/user/EmilyGuatemala2007

PSALM 4 DEVOTION

2007-04-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Psalm 4:1-8 (ESV)
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
[2] O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
[3] But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
[4] Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
[5] Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
[6] There are many who say, "Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!"
[7] You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
[8] In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Once again we read from David a Psalm during times of trouble. A cry to “God of my righteousness” asking for relief and vindication. David knows of the trustworthiness of the Lord from his own experience “You have given me relief when I was in distress.” He remembers God’s faithfulness and his responsibilities.

In verse 3, David reminds us of one of the great truths of Scriptures - “the Lord has set apart the godly for himself.” When this truth is rightly understood, it becomes easier to do those things David speaks.

When we understand that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself, it makes sense that he would hear us as we call. In times of trouble and anger over situations around us, we will be still and not sin, not acting out, but trust in the Lord.

When we understand that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself, we would expect him to put joy in our hearts, and more joy than the world can muster with its worldly ways of producing joy. So many look for escape to worldly methods of soothing their hearts and lives when they are in distress. We turn to things that satisfy the senses when we ought to turn to those things that satisfy the soul. Why would we, the godly, the people set apart for God, do this when we have the ultimate source of joy and peace as our Father and our Protector. We are able to lie down in peace as well, because the godly are for him and He makes them dwell safely.

As we approach the Lord in our times of fear and desperation, let us remember that even in these times, we have been set apart by God for Himself. That even in the darkest of hours, it is still His pleasure and purposes that are being accomplished in, with, and through us. So let us cry to Him, trust Him, rest in Him, and take our joy in Him which is far greater than the joy of the world. Let us be completely settled under His wing.

Easter Messages

2007-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

My Good Friday message entitled - What Was Finished? and Easter Sunday message entitled "Weeping, Fear, and the Risen Lord" are available for download at the St. Paul's Audio page.

http://home.earthlink.net/~stpaulsreformed/audio.html

Pastor Howard

Psalm 3 Devotion

2007-04-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

Psalm 3:1-8 (ESV)

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
[2] many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah
[3] But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
[4] I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
[5] I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
[6] I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
[7] Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
[8] Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah

This Psalm is given the preface A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. David’s family has a long and strange history. The account of this can be found in 2 Samuel 13-18. This issue begins with David’s son Amnon lusting after Absalom’s sister Tamar. Amnon uses deceit and is able violate her. Absalom finds out about it, as does David. Both are angry. Two years later, Absalom plots and has Amnon killed. King David finds out and Absalom is forced to flee. He remains gone for 3 years, then Absalom returns to Jerusalem but is not allowed to be in the King’s presence for another 2 years. After their supposed reconciliation, Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6) Four years later, Absalom proclaims himself to be King and David is forced to flee. This is when David pens this Psalm.

The first two verses have David surveying the landscape. He has enemies, which is something that he is familiar with from King Saul. These enemies think that God will not help him which is why David says in verse 2 “many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God.” But David knows better.

David pleads to God first as his recognized defender and sustainer. God is the one who protects him from the enemy’s hand. He hears his cries in this hour of need. David realizes that even waking up in the morning is a gift of God’s gracious provision.

David also realizes that God is the source of his victory. Deuteronomy 32:35 says “Vengeance is mine, and recompense.”

What ought we pray for?

1) That we would seek our protection and vindication from the Lord when under attack or wronged.

2) That we would seek comfort from the Lord in the midst of our turmoil.

3) That we would be grateful for God’s daily provision. Even when no one is seeking our life, every day we wake up is from the hand of the Lord.

Thinking Blogger Award

2007-04-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you Pam at http://arustlingofleaves.blogspot.com/ for chosing me for a Thinking Blogger Award. I truly appreciate it.

Here are my 5 choices for the award.

Camp on This - Steve Camp is a Singer/songwriter; Bible teacher/preacher; religious satirist; biblical reformer; Protestant, and evangelical provocateur. His blog is filled with deep Biblical Truth from his own hand and the pen of other great Reformed thinkers. Really worth checking every day.

Pipe and Pint - This sight is by a friend of mine. I had this guy in youth group and now he is studying for the ministry. His sight is a mix of deep thoughts on what it means to be a Christian and the occasional sci-fi/fantasy entry (he is an author too).

CounterCult Apologetics- Another friend of mine who knows his stuff in the area of counter cult apologetics. It is his passion and it comes through. Of course, he is now involved in the work of ...

Alpha and OmegaMinistries - This is the sight of James White, noted Apologist. Enough said.

Presbyterian Thoughts - This blog is a by an OPC minister (also a friend). He is thoughtful and articulate regarding matters of Reformed theology.

Those who have been tagged by me are to continue by following the instructions for this meme:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,

3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.

My Testimony

2007-04-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have been told today is Testimony Tuesday, and have been asked to share my testimony. So here it is.

I grew up Catholic, but did not really know much about the Bible. I knew some of the stories, and I knew who Jesus was. As I got older I grew in my sense of my own sinfulness but did not know what to do about it. It try to do things to stop sinning because I knew that it displeased God, but could not stop.

I went to college and met up with some people involved in Campus Crusade for Christ. One of them shared the Four Spiritual Laws booklet with me. It showed me from the Scriptures that my sin deserved death, and that Jesus Christ death on the cross on my behalf paid the penalty that I deserved. What I needed to do was to enbrace Jesus Christ by faith as the substitute for my sins, and then seek to live after him by the work of His spirit.

I became involved in Campus Crusade and grew in my faith. I eventually left the Catholic church because I saw that I was not getting what I needed to grow there, and that they had failed to teach me about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. My works were never going to get me to heaven.

I thought about how to serve Jesus with my whole life. I thought I would be on staff with Campus Crusade. Of course, God had other plans. He worked His will and brought me to the place where I now serve as a minister of the God. How Great is Our God.

Latest Audio Sermon

2007-04-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Losing Life on John 12:20-28.

This is this week's sermon on Jesus' sacrifice and our call to discipleship.

Pastor Howard

Psalm 2 MidWeek Prayer Devotion

2007-03-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Psalm 2:1-12 (ESV)
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, [3] "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us."
[4] He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. [5] Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
[6] "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
[7] I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. [8] Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. [9] You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
[10] Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. [11] Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

If we look around the world today, we see nations still plotting in vain and raging against the true God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Rulers and countries make it illegal to be a Christian. Men, women, and children around the world put their lives on the line because of the saving work of Jesus Christ. In our own land, we do not see this kind of persecution from the government, but we see a building resistance to Christianity in our land in the removal of the Ten Commandments and prayer from schools, and of Christmas and Easter displays from the public arena.
But “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” Many have tried and will try to frustrate or even stop the plans and purposes of The Lord God Almighty, but He laughs at them. Our God knows the real situation.
Jesus Christ has been given the nations as a heritage. They are His to rule. He alone is King and ruler of all. He is the King that sits enthroned on God’s throne. His plans can not be thwarted or crushed.
How should these truths affect our prayer?
1) We ought to pray for those lands that are closed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of governmental controls, or where being a Christian is illegal. Pray that the Word of the Lord would spread mightily in these lands. Pray that the Lord would strengthen those undergoing persecution, and that the plans of men would be overruled by the will of God.
2) Pray for revival in our land. As our country continues to stray from Christian principles and true faith in Jesus Christ, pray that the Lord will once again sweep through our land with Gospel fire. That we would once again become “one nation under God.”
3) Pray for those servants of the Lord around the world who faithfully service Jesus Christ despite the cost to themselves because they understand what is at stake.

BEING THE BLESSED MAN

2007-03-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

PSALM 1

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night. [3] He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. [4] The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. [5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; [6] for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

This is a man who knows where to get truth and wisdom and where not to.

Notice his attitude toward God’s word. “his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.” Because of what He has done with God’s word and what God’s word has done in him, he is strong, faithful, and immovable. This is unlike the wicked who are like chaff blown away.

What does this teach us about prayer? It gives us a prayerful aim. If this man is the blessed man, the one whose ways are known by the Lord, then should not we pray to be molded into this man? What should be desire?

1) A heart that delights in the Word of God – To delight in God’s Word should be the cry of every Christians heart. Pray for God’s Word to captivate, delight, thrill and mold us.
2) To be people who seek counsel from the godly wise, not the worldly wise. – When our world becomes a mess, we seek counsel. From whom we seek counsel makes a great deal of difference. We ought to go to Godly, wise, and trustworthy people. Pray that God would provide those people in our lives and church.
3) That we would be firmly established like a tree firmly rooted. – The world blows heard against our faith. We must be firmly established, else we will be moved by every wind of doctrine and controversy, and every event that shakes our faith.
4) That we would be fruitful as Christians. – We are brought into Christ and forgiven of our sins with the purpose of doing good works in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ told His disciples on the night of His betrayal that those vines not found fruitful would be removed and put in the fire. Pray that we, individually and a church, would be fruitful vines, and not chaff or withered vines destined for the fire.
5) That our ways would prosper for Christ’s sake. - May we desire God’s blessing so that we might be a blessing to others. Pray that selfish desires would die out.
6) For those who stand in judgment and are following the way that will perish. – Many are lost and perishing. We must petition the Lord of the Harvest for workers, but also for the crop as well.

Sins Lingering Effects

2007-03-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

This is a song that I feel often captures how I feel about indwelling sin and the struggle against it in my life. See if you feel the same. But do you know who wrote this song?

Where do I take this pain of mine. I run but it stays right by my side. So tear me open and pour me out. There's things inside that scream and shout. And the pain still hates me. So hold me until it sleeps.

Just like the curse, just like the stray. You feed it once and now it stays. Now it stays. So tear me open but beware There's things inside without a care And the dirt still stains me. So wash me until I'm clean.

It grips you so hold me. It stains you so hold me. It hates you so hold me. It holds you so hold me. Until it sleeps.

So tell me why you've chosen me. Don't want your grip. Don't want your greed. Don't want it.

I'll tear me open make you gone. No more can you hurt anyone. And the fear still shakes me. So hold me, until it sleeps.

It grips you so hold me. It stains you so hold me. It hates you so hold me. It holds you, holds you, holds you until it sleeps

I Don't want it want it want it want it want itNo

So tear me open but beware. There's things inside without a care. And the dirt still stains me. So wash me 'til I'm clean.

I'll tear me open make you gone. No longer will you hurt anyone. And the hate still shapes me. So hold me until it sleeps.

Forgiving and Walking

2007-03-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

I would like to recommend this blog entry by my friend for your consideration.

http://pipeandpint.com/blog/?p=73

Pastor Howard

A DEVOTION ON THE HEBREWS BENEDICTION

2007-03-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The writer of Hebrews concludes the book with this benediction. A benediction is a “good speak.” It is the pronouncement of a blessing upon the people. This benediction is in two parts. The first is a rehearsal of God’s character. The second is the requested blessing.

The writer states three things about God of whom He asks for this blessing. First, He is the God of peace. He has taken away the enmity that existed and brought into sweet fellowship with Him. Secondly, He is also a God of power. He is the God who “brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep.” The God who rose up the dead in power is the one from whom this blessing is being asked. Thirdly, He is the covenant keeping God which we see in the phrase “by the blood of the eternal covenant.” Our God does not just make promises and deals, He keeps them. He kept this covenant with His own blood shed on our behalf. So what then are the blessing requested?

The first blessing is that the saints be equipped with everything good to do His will. In order for us to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” we must be equipped to do just that. How often do we ask God for this same blessing upon us and His church? We ask selfishly to advance our own desires. But if we truly seek first the kingdom of God, then should not we desire to see the citizens of the Kingdom adequately supplied and prepared to answer the call? Let us begin to pray that God would truly equip us with “everything good to do his will.” The author of Hebrews also asks that God work “in us that which is pleasing in His sight.” That is the high calling of the Christian life – to be pleasing in God’s sight. In order to do that, we need God’s grace and mercy upon us in great measure. We ought to request that of God too, if that is truly our desire. And of course that He would receive the glory forever and ever. Amen.

THE LOST TOMB OF JESUS

2007-03-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

Oh no! My faith has been destroyed by a Discovery Channel documentary. NOT!!!!!

Instead of writing a long response I am going to direct you to some resources to read to help you talk about this with your non-Christian (and Christian) friends.

http://dev.bible.org/bock/node/106 - by Darrell Bock, professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary.

http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=92

http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/ - THE JESUS TOMB SHOW--BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGISTS REJECT DISCOVERY CHANNEL SHOW'S CLAIMS

For even more check out our friend Jeff Downs at http://countercult.wordpress.com/2007/02/26/the-lost-tomb-of-jesus/

I hope these help and edify.

May Jesus Christ our Risen Lord be praised

Pastor Howard

Where There Are Stars

2007-03-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

While in Biloxi I had profound experience while looking at the night sky. I was in prayer when I looked up and saw what I believe was the big dipper. I looked to me like it was upside down. I began to think of it as God dipping in to the bounties of his grace and mercy. Then I saw the little dipper. It looked like it was right side up. It was as if God was speaking to me through in the stars. Why are we so content with a little grace, barely tipped over to us, when God desires to pour out His grace in large measure upon us. Is it because we are content with what we have and are afraid to see what would happen it God poured out His grace and mercy on us in such large measure? What would happen if God poured out His grace and Spirit again as He has in the past in the Great Awakenings and times of revival. Pray with me that God's people would desire the grace of God without measure.

Pastor Howard

Biloxi Report

2007-02-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

We are back, and what a long, strange trip it has been. The Lord's hand was definitely with us. We really learned what it means that "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Earlier in the week before we left, we thought we were taking 8 people. Before we left that whittled down to 6. Before we made it out of Virginia the couple from Johnstown that was joining us had to go home to attend to family matters. We were down to 4. It was a bit discouraging. But God had prepared the work before hand.

Once we arrived in Biloxi, we were given two more people to round out our team. Jack and Pat from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They were the perfect fit for our team. (Jack and Pat if you read this, we miss you.) Pat and Sharon were able to minister to Patty (the home owner) in a way that only God could have arranged.

As for the actual labor on the house, we did a variety of jobs. We laid flooring, hung doors, put on door knobs, hung ceiling fans, did caulking and painting, hung some dry wall, trip, and kitchen cabinets, and installed a new range hood.

Because the funding in starting to run low, we purchased some of the materials we needed out of the funds that the people of St. Paul's provided out of God's grace. Had the second vehicle come with us to Biloxi, we would not have had the funds to do this.

We really need to keep Bob in Biloxi. Click on this link to read about the continued need for workers and finances to see how you can help. Bob Bolitho is a man with a heart for the Lord and mission. We really wants to see this mission through to completion. Pray for Bob.

There is so much more I could say, but for the sake of brievity I will end here. I will gladly share stories with anyone who wants to hear more, or want to know what they can do to share the love of Jesus Christ to those in need in Biloxi.

Pastor Howard

SAVED UNTO GOOD WORKS

2007-02-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

A group from our church is heading to Biloxi, MS to do hurricane recovery work. We will leave February 17th and return February 24th. Please pray for us. This is the devotion that I have prepared to be delivered in Biloxi.

Ephes. 2:1-10 (ESV)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
[2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— [6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Why do we need Jesus Christ?
1. We are disobedient enemies of God and children of wrath. (2:1-3)

2. God’s extends His mercy, love, and grace to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ. (2:4)

3. It is in Jesus Christ that we are made alive, forgiven of our sins, and spared from the wrath of God to come. (2:5-7)

4. We come to Jesus Christ by grace through Faith and receive the benefits of His death and resurrection. (2:8-9)

Do we come to God just for salvation without wanting the rest?

So often the Good News of Jesus Christ is presented in a way that forgiveness of sin and escape from the wrath of God is seen as the end. Even eternal life is seen
as a by-product.

We fail to see what we have been saved unto. Our God has saved us and spared us from wrath for specific purposes.

The Purposes for Our Salvation

Westminster Shorter Catechism says “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

1. To bring us into Fellowship with God (enjoy Him forever)
of the great love with which he loved us (2:4)

so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (2:7)

God has saved us to be continual objects of His love, kindness, and grace.

1 John 1:3-5 (ESV)
that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. [4] And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
[5] This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

2. To do good works (Glorifying Him)

[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

John 14:12 (ESV)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

We leave behind the evil works of our former ways.

We leave behind the supposed good works we have done that can not save, in which we have tried to boast but can not.

We go on to those good works that God has prepared before hand for us to walk in.

We are here to do this good work in His name. God has prepared this good work for us in advance.

And these good works are to the glory of God.

Col. 1:10 (ESV)
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

What kind of fruit do you bear? It is real fruit or it is fake fruit.

Conclusion
Why do we do our good works?
To impress?
To earn God’s favor?
To do something good?
Because God has a work for you to do?

Examine your heart to see if you are living according to what God has saved you unto to.

Living in God's Presence

2007-02-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

John 14:23 (ESV) Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Do we really live our Christian lives as if God has made His home with us? What difference would it make it we really believed and lived in the light of the truth that God is ever with us? I have been so captured by our fellowship with God as of late, and this passage is just another illustration of the great purpose for which we have been saved. John Owen's work on Communion with God has been a great challenge and encouragement in this respect. I hope to post more thought about this great topic soon.

Ordination Service

2007-01-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my ordination service on Sunday, February 11 at 3 PM. If you can come, I would love to have you there. It is going to be a joyous time with many men whom I love and respect participating in the service.

Pastor Howard

Communion with God

2007-01-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

I have been reflecting lately on the nature of our relationship to God. Think about the way we often refer to ourselves. We say we are "saved." I think that term may even be more popular than the term "Christian." While this terminology is not deficient, I think it does indicated a weakness in our thinking. Yes, we are saved, but what our minds ought to be focus on is not just that we have been saved, but what we have been saved unto. We have been brought into new relationship to God. We once were enemies, we are now friends. We once were strangers, and now are children. We once were children of wrath, now we are objects of mercy. When we leave it at saved we can miss the vital part of our salvation - our communion with God.

We have started to look at this idea of communion or fellowship with God on Sunday evenings. Check out these verses.

1 Cor. 1:9 (ESV)
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Cor. 13:14 (ESV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

1 John 1:3-7 (ESV) that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Do we really see that the fundamental nature of our relationship with God has changed? We are saved to be in fellowship with God. Do we see the depth of the relationship? Closeness. Intimacy. Do we truly believe the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?

Something to think about until next time- how would our desire for fellowship with God change our approach to things like prayer, the scriptures, worship, the sacraments? Do we approach these means of grace expecting to meet with the living God, the risen Christ, and Spirit that raised Christ from the dead?

Pastor Howard

Jonathan Edwards on the duty of prayer

2007-01-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

The following is taken from Jonathan Edwards' sermon "Hypocrites Deficient in the Duty of Prayer"

Consider the great benefit of a constant, diligent, and persevering attendance on this duty. It is one of the greatest and most excellent means of nourishing the new nature, and of causing the soul to flourish and prosper. It is an excellent mean of keeping up an acquaintance with God, and of growing in the knowledge of God. It is the way to a life of communion with God. It is an excellent mean of taking off the heart from the vanities of the world and of causing the mind to be conversant in heaven. It is an excellent preservative from sin and the wiles of the devil, and a powerful antidote against the poison of the old serpent. It is a duty whereby strength is derived from God against the lusts and corruptions of the heart, and the snares of the world.

It hath a great tendency to keep the soul in a wakeful frame, and to lead us to a strict walk with God, and to a life that shall be fruitful in such good works, as tend to adorn the doctrine of Christ, and to cause our light so to shine before others, that they, seeing our good works, shall glorify our Father who is in heaven And if the duty be constantly and diligently attended, it will be a very pleasant duty. Slack and slothful attendance upon it, and unsteadiness in it, are the causes which make it so great a burden as it is to some persons. Their slothfulness in it hath naturally the effect to beget a dislike of the duty and a great indisposition to it. But if it be constantly and diligently attended, it is one of the best means of leading not only a Christian and amiable, but also a pleasant life; a life of much sweet fellowship with Christ, and of the abundant enjoyment of the light of his countenance.

I passed

2007-01-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

Praise God and our Lord Jesus for passing my ordination exam. I want to thank all of the men who participated in the ordination council. I also want to thank all of you who were praying for me. Your prayers results in God's grace and goodness being shown to me.

Thank you. and Praise the Lord

THE WAY TO THE FATHER

2007-01-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

This is based on John 14:1-6

Lord Jesus, You prepare a place for me in Your Father's house. An abode of which I am unworthy. A place I would not find on my own. You comfort me by telling me to believe and trust in You. I long for the day of being without face to face. I long for the unadulterated worship of heaven. I long for the restraints of sin to be lifted, to be free from disobedience. I thank you that you do not leave me to find Heaven on my own. I thank you that you not only made a way, but are the way.

Many in this world can not stand to hear that You are the Only way to the Father. That only worship offered in Your name is acceptable. That only prayer offered in Your name is acceptable. That we only come to the Father for eternity through Your blood and righteousness. Lord, proclaim Your word boldly through us, move mightily by Your spirit that many in our day would leave these false and dead ways. That they would be shown the living and true way to the Father, and that they would take it, even as Your take them there.

Move Your church out of deadness into a living hope and lively faith, that the excellency and supremacy of Christ might be proclaimed to a lost and dying world. Amen

ordination exam

2007-01-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have my ordination exam this Saturday. Please pray for me.

WASH ME

2007-01-02T11:55:00.001-08:00

John 13:1-17, Psalm 139:23-24

Lord Jesus, you have said that if you do not wash me, that I have no part in you. I thank you Lord that I have indeed been washed by the blood and righteousness of my Savior. But Lord, the dirt and dust of earth still clings as we walk through this world. Search my heart, Try me and know my thoughts, and see if there is any grievous way in me. Forgive me of my sin, for you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Work on this heart by your Word and Spirit, that no more filth be found in me. That sin would not longer reign in my mortal body. May my whole life be presented to you as an instrument of righteousness.

LET ME NOT DENY

2007-01-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

John 13:36-38 and 2 Timothy 1:6-8

Lord, let me not deny when it is time to stand. Let me stand firm on your promises by the power of your spirit. Let me not be as Peter who denied you while you were suffering. Let me not be a Judas who betrayed you for worldly gain. Give to me the kind of faith that boldly stands up for the gospel. Let me one who will lay down his life in allegiance to the one who laid down his life for me. Let me be not ashamed of the gospel. Let me not fear, but walk in the Spirit of power, love and self-control. May my testimony always be faithful and my words be true and glorifying to you. Amen.

FELLOWSHIP

2006-12-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

A devotional prayer based on 1 John 1

Lord God, I stand amazed again that You desire fellowship with me. So much so that You came among us in human flesh. To be heard by ears, beheld by eyes, and touched by hands. Real God in real human flesh. You did this for me to have a real relationship, real intimacy, real fellowship with You. I do not deserve to even be known by You, but You have made it so.

You desire for me to walk as one whose sins are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. To walk as a child of light. Strengthen me. Make me wise that my life would reflect my fellowship with You. O Lord, let me not be found a liar. Give me the grace to keep short account of my sin with You.

O God, draw to Your side those who think they have fellowship with You but walk in the darkness. There are many. Shed Your light on their deeds of darkness. Expose the gap between You and them. Bring them to confession of their sin and to swee fellowship with Your the God of Light. In Christ. Amen

FEEDING AND KILLING

2006-12-19T11:37:00.001-08:00

A devotional prayer based on Matthew 5:29-30; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:17-32

Lord God I need your grace. I find myself feeding what I ought to kill, and killing what I ought to feed, loving what I ought to despise, and despising what I ought to love.

I am to crucify the flesh with its sinful desires. I am to flee immorality. I am to put off all iniquity and the sin which so easily entangles. I am to pluck out the eye and cut off the hand that causes me to sin. But yet I let sinfulness remain alive in me. What is worse, I feed it, I fuel it, and I give it life. I do not cast it aside, but put it on.

Still worse than this, as I give Satan a foothold and remain chained to sin's enslavement, I kill righteousness and holiness. I ought to feed it, to fuel it, to give it life. O Lord, that I would feed righteousness and holiness with the same passion and vigor that I once, and still often, pursue wickedness. Give me the strong desire to seek Your kingdom and righteousness, just a deer pants for water, and an infant craves milk.

Make me into a fighter, not a quitter. Make me into a worker, not a slacker. Make me into a lover of Your ways, not a lover of sin. To the glory of God and in the name of the savior. Amen

HUMILITY

2006-12-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

This is another prayer/devotional offering. This one is based on Philippians 2:1-11

Lord Jesus, You did not hold tightly to the rights of your divinity, but willingly gave up those rights in humility, and in taking on human flesh. A human form that is full of limitations, and subject to temptation and judgment. Your humility led You to death on the cross on my behalf. You subjected yourself to humiliation, so that You name might be exhalted, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to Your glory, O God.
You have called us to be of the same mind. Not that we could even make atonement for our sins by way of humiliation and sacrifice, but that we might reflect Your purposes and heart. Remove from my heart rivalry and deceit. Let me not look at my needs, but also at the needs of others. Work in your church that we would live in the unity that you have called us to. May You use us to bring tongues to You that will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. In the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

THE SHEPHERD OF OLD

2006-12-14T12:17:00.001-08:00

The prayer/devotion is based on Micah 5:1-5

We are a people who are under siege by the enemy. He desires to destroy us, to take us captive, and to bring shame to Your Name, O God.
But from of old, from ancient days You have come. Lord Jesus, You stand firm for us. You shepherd us as you feed, protect, and lead your sheep. You lead in the strength of the Lord and in the majesty of His name for you are God. You are our peace.
Grant us, Lord, grace and strength to withstand the siege of the enemy. O Lord, that we would stand firm in You. Let us be submissive sheep. Let us receive our daily bread from Your hand. Let us remain fast under Your protection. Let us follow Your wise leading with grace and humble heart. In the name of Our Great Shepherd. Amen.

TOO OFTEN

2006-12-13T14:14:00.001-08:00

The Valley of Vision is a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions put out by Banner of Truth. I have been inspired by it to put some of my prayers and thoughts in written form. Here is my first offering. May it be a blessing to you.

TOO OFTEN
Ephesians 6:10-18

Too often Lord I take no stand against the wiles of the devil. Too often I do not wrestle against the powers of darkness, but give into their wicked ways. Instead of wearing Your armor I think I do not need it, or do not want it on.
I set aside Your belt of truth in favor of lies. I set aside the breastplate of righteousness, and put on wickedness. My feet do not go in the gospel, but walk away from it. The shield of faith is too often at my side, instead of being raised in defense against Satan’s darts and accusations. The helmet of salvation not found on my head, but cast aside. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, left in its sheath while I remain in defeat. Watchless and prayerless I stand in the fight.
Forgive me, Lord for my lack of fight. Strengthen me by Your Word and Spirit once again for the fight. Let me be strong in You Lord and the strength of Your might. Let me once again be one who stands, one who perseveres, and one who is bold in obedience and proclamation. Amen.

The Crucible of Grace

2006-12-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

Steve Camp always has great thoughtful articles. This one is comes from his heart and ministry. "The Crucible of Grace" is also one of my favorite songs of his. If you have not heard it, check it out on http://a1m.org/library.php?libid=e40db1de10f9fd854ec8c64916848d59 . This gives you the whole album. Many wonderful songs on there.

Pastor Sloan

A GOOD RESOURCE GONE BAD

2006-12-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased the 2003 edition of How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. I am planning a class on the subject coming up soon. I was shocked to discover that in their chapter on translations they ENDORSE the TNIV! Stuart is a professor at Gordon Conwell, a seminary that I thought was trustworthy on such matters. Use this work with your people with extreme caution. If this edition is in your church library, you may want to remove it or put a warning with it. I had read a previous edition of this work and found it to be very helpful, so I am upset at this new edition. By the way, this book is published by Zondervan, the same publishing house that puts out the TNIV. Coincidence?

Pastor Howard

Steve Camp on Prayer

2006-12-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

Read This

GOD IS NOT SHORTHANDED

2006-12-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 59:1-2 (ESV) Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; [2] but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

God's great concern is for His own glory. It is for His glory that He reconsile a people to Himself. We are far from Him because of our sin. The great news it that God is not shorthanded to accomplish His purposes. It is He who acts to save. What great news.

Spurgeon's Morning Devotion Today

2006-12-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

"I have much people in this city." Acts 18:10

This should be a great encouragement to try to do good, since God has among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and drunken, an elect people who must be saved. When you take the Word to them, you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life to their souls, and they must receive it, for so the decree of predestination runs. They are as much redeemed by blood as the saints before the eternal throne. They are Christ's property, and yet perhaps they are lovers of the ale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus Christ purchased them he will have them. God is not unfaithful to forget the price which his Son has paid. He will not suffer his substitution to be in any case an ineffectual, dead thing. Tens of thousands of redeemed ones are not regenerated yet, but regenerated they must be; and this is our comfort when we go forth to them with the quickening Word of God.

Nay, more, these ungodly ones are prayed for by Christ before the throne. "Neither pray I for these alone," saith the great Intercessor, "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." Poor, ignorant souls, they know nothing about prayer for themselves, but Jesus prays for them. Their names are on his breastplate, and ere long they must bow their stubborn knee, breathing the penitential sigh before the throne of grace. "The time of figs is not yet." The predestinated moment has not struck; but, when it comes, they shall obey, for God will have his own; they must, for the Spirit is not to be withstood when he cometh forth with fulness of power-they must become the willing servants of the living God. "My people shall be willing in the day of my power." "He shall justify many." "He shall see of the travail of his soul." "I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong."

FROM ANGER TO COMFORT

2006-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 12:1-6 (ESV) You will say in that day:"I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. [2] "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." [3] With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. [4] And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. [5] "Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. [6] Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."

These are beautiful words that should stir up our hearts. How often do we give thanks that God turned from anger to comfort. God has every right to be angry with our sin. It is extremely offensive to Him. Yet because of the "root of Jesse" He has turned His anger away from us. And as if that is not enough, He now gives us comfort. Comfort in the form of salvation. Comfort in the form of trust. Comfort from the fear of His wrath and hell. We have been spared. When we trust in Christ who has become our salvation, shouldn't our hearts gain strength? Shouldn't our heart break forth into song? Whate'er comes our way, the LORD GOD is our strength and our song and our salvation. Come and let us "Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously, let this be made known in all the earth." Raise you voice, child of God. Let His praise extend to all the earth.

Pastor Sloan

WE OUGHT TO BE THANKFUL LEST

2006-11-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus Our Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We are admonished in the scriptures to give thanks, and not just when things are going well. Paul tells the Thessalonians to give thanks in all. When we fail to give thanks there are certain dangers that can result.

WE OUGHT TO BE THANKFUL LEST

JOY DISAPPEAR
1 Thes. 5:16-17 (ESV)
Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing,

Thankfulness always leads us back to the Father.

Ephes. 5:20 (ESV)
giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

A thankless person has taken their eyes off of the source of their joy.

WE OUGHT TO BE THANKFUL LEST ... HOPE & FAITH DISAPPEAR
Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

We ought to long to have a heart that sees God at work in the midst of the darkest of nights.
Because a heart that sees God at work can not help but be thankful.

WE OUGHT TO BE THANKFUL LEST ... LOVE DISAPPEAR

Matthew 24:9-14 (ESV)
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. [10] And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. [11] And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. [12] And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. [13] But the one who endures to the end will be saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

What a great danger this is. While Jesus does not talk about being thankful here, the thought certainly applies. Christians who are not thankful risk having their love for the LORD and for other die and grow cold. A thankful heart cultivates and stirs up the affections toward God. The affection of love being foremost in that. But this passage points out another danger as well.

WE OUGHT TO BE THANKFUL LEST ... HOLINESS DISAPPEAR
1 Peter 1:16
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

If we are not thankful for what God has done for us and continues to do in and for us, why would we want to listen to His commands? Why would we want to be holy? The answer is clear, likely we will not.

So even though Thanksgiving is over, let us cease to give thanks because it is a vital part of our Christian life.

Pastor Sloan

Are We Equipped?

2006-11-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

In our Sunday School class we have been looking at Spiritual Gifts. This week we are looking at the spiritual gift of evangelism. Of course, we are going to look at the responsibility of every believer in this area. This got me thinking about how well equipped the people of God are to speak the good news to a lost and dying world. Yes, they are saved but can they even explain the basic message of the gospel. And even if they can, are they equipped to answer the most basic of questions and objections such as how do we know the Bible is reliable, how could God allow suffering, etc? Those in the Reformed camp ought to have those answers. Too often we rely on "the sovereignty of God" or the preaching of the pastor to reap the spiritual harvest. We need to be equipped. We need to be ready to give account for the hope that is within us. Not only with this type of equipping make us ready for every occassion, but it will advance and solidify our own faith as we wrestle with the tough questions ourselves.

Pastor Sloan

Charles Spurgeon on Gratitude

2006-11-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

"0 Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul." Lamentations 3:58

Observe how positively the prophet speaks. He doth not say, "I hope, I trust, I sometimes think, that God hath pleaded the causes of my soul"; but he speaks of it as a matter of fact not to be disputed. "Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul." Let us, by the aid of the gracious Comforter, shake off those doubts and fears which so much mar our peace and comfort. Be this our prayer, that we may have done with the harsh croaking voice of surmise and suspicion, and may be able to speak with the clear, melodious voice of full assurance. Notice how gratefully the prophet speaks, ascribing all the glory to God alone! You perceive there is not a word concerning himself or his own pleadings. He doth not ascribe his deliverance in any measure to any man, much less to his own merit; but it is "thou"-"O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life." A grateful spirit should ever be cultivated by the Christian; and especially after deliverances we should prepare a song for our God. Earth should be a temple filled with the songs of grateful saints, and every day should be a censor smoking with the sweet incense of thanksgiving. How joyful Jeremiah seems to be while he records the Lord's mercy. How triumphantly he lifts up the strain! He has been in the low dungeon, and is even now no other than the weeping prophet; and yet in the very book which is called "Lamentations," clear as the song of Miriam when she dashed her fingers against the tabor, shrill as the note of Deborah when she met Barak with shouts of victory, we hear the voice of Jeremy going up to heaven-"Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life." O children of God, seek after a vital experience of the Lord's lovingkindness, and when you have it, speak positively of it; sing gratefully; shout triumphantly.

From Morning and Evening, morning November 20th

CASTING OUR BREAD ON THE WATERS

2006-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

CASTING OUR BREAD-IN TRUST
Eccles. 11:1 (ESV)
Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days.

“The time for sowing seed in the Nile delta in the years before controlled irrigation was to wait until the annual inundation and then, as the waters went down, to cast the see onto the waters. It would disappear into the soil then being deposited. But, in due course, it germinated and produced a rich harvest.” - Keddie

We as Christians must be willing to put ourselves out there. We must be willing to "cast our bread", whatever time, treasure, or talent that might be, and see what the Lord will do in return to our faithfulness and trust.

Are you afraid you have nothing to contribute? You do
Are you afraid you lack the gifts and graces? God has given you what you need.
Are you waiting for someone else to do it? Don't wait
Does this seems like a big risk or gamble? It is no gamble at all.

GIVING A PORTION- WITH ABUNDANCE
Ecclessiastes 11:2-3
[2] Give a portion to seven, or even to eight,
for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
[3] If the clouds are full of rain,
they empty themselves on the earth,
and if a tree falls to the south or to the north,
in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.

I think the Reformation Study Bible notes at this point are pour, compared to what other commentators say.

Give and serve freely, generously. Because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. You opportunities may be gone, or you may even be the person in need of grace.

Ecclessiastes 11:4
[4] He who observes the wind will not sow,
and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

Don’t wait around for the right opportunity.

SOWING OUR SEED – IN SEASON AND OUT
Ecclessiastes 11:5-6
[5] As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
[6] In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

Hosea 10:12 (ESV)
Sow for yourselves righteousness;
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the Lord,
that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

2 Tim. 4:2 (ESV)
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Mark 4:18 (ESV)
And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word,

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Psalm 126:5-6 (ESV)
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
[6] He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

“Christian, make your life a clear testimony. Be you as the brook wherein you may see every stone at the bottom-not as the muddy creek, of which you only see the surface-but clear and transparent, so that your heart's love to God and man may be visible to all. You need not say, "I am true:" be true. Boast not of integrity, but be upright. So shall your testimony be such that men cannot help seeing it. Never, for fear of feeble man, restrain your witness. Your lips have been warmed with a coal from off the altar; let them speak as like heaven-touched lips should do. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Watch not the clouds, consult not the wind-in season and out of season witness for the Saviour, and if it shall come to pass that for Christ's sake and the gospel's you shall endure suffering in any shape, shrink not, but rejoice in the honour thus conferred upon you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord; and joy also in this-that your sufferings, your losses, and persecutions shall make you a platform, from which the more vigorously and with greater power you shall witness for Christ Jesus.” – Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Evening, Nov 7.

You might still be afraid saying to yourself “I can’t do this.”

You would be right.

Philip. 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

CHALLENGE

Invitation challenge
Pray and invite.

Sow broadly and leave the results to the Lord. Give all you can. Speak what you can.

Spurgeon on Prayer

2006-11-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

"Men ought always to pray." Luke 18:1

If men ought always to pray and not to faint, much more Christian men. Jesus has sent his church into the world on the same errand upon which he himself came, and this mission includes intercession. What if I say that the church is the world's priest? Creation is dumb, but the church is to find a mouth for it. It is the church's high privilege to pray with acceptance. The door of grace is always open for her petitions, and they never return empty-handed. The veil was rent for her, the blood was sprinkled upon the altar for her, God constantly invites her to ask what she wills. Will she refuse the privilege which angels might envy her? Is she not the bride of Christ? May she not go in unto her King at every hour? Shall she allow the precious privilege to be unused? The church always has need for prayer. There are always some in her midst who are declining, or falling into open sin. There are lambs to be prayed for, that they may be carried in Christ's bosom? the strong, lest they grow presumptuous; and the weak, lest they become despairing. If we kept up prayer-meetings four-and-twenty hours in the day, all the days in the year, we might never be without a special subject for supplication. Are we ever without the sick and the poor, the afflicted and the wavering? Are we ever without those who seek the conversion of relatives, the reclaiming of back-sliders, or the salvation of the depraved? Nay, with congregations constantly gathering, with ministers always preaching, with millions of sinners lying dead in trespasses and sins; in a country over which the darkness of Romanism is certainly descending; in a world full of idols, cruelties, devilries, if the church doth not pray, how shall she excuse her base neglect of the commission of her loving Lord? Let the church be constant in supplication, let every private believer cast his mite of prayer into the treasury.

From Spurgeon's Morning and Evening

PRAYER GUIDE FOR YOUR CHURCH AND PASTOR

2006-11-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

May the LORD use this list and article to embolden our prayers.

Pastor Howard

INVITATION SUNDAY

2006-11-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

This Sunday will be Invitation Sunday at St. Paul's. I have made a plea to the congregation to invite friends, family, neighbors, etc. to our Sunday morning service this week. I will be giving a strong gospel presentation as well as a call to repentance. Please pray.

Pastor Howard

THE FEAR OF THE LORD AND OBEDIENCE

2006-11-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Exodus 20:20 (ESV) Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin."

I was reading the 10 Commandments to my son, and this stood out to me. I have been contemplating the relationship of obedience to gospel faith. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. This is not in doubt. Even after coming to faith in Christ, we are still called to Gospel obedience. Or as Moses sees it "that the fear of him may be before us so that we may not sin."

Even in the gospels and epistles we see that call to continue to keep the commandments. Throughout Deuteronomy the "Keep the whole commandment that I command you today." appears.

I think that the relationship between obedience and faith can best be seen in the concept of repentance. We are to Repent and Believe. Following the commandments adds nothing to our salvation, but it does reveal a heart of repentance and faith. Obedience demonstrates allegience. Obedience demonstrates commitments. Obedience demonstrates a changed heart. That is why we are called to put sin to death because our obedience is part of our discipleship.

But what is the essence of our obedience. 1 John 3:23 (ESV) And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.

Pastor Sloan

SPURGEON ON THE DEFINITE CHALLENGE FOR DEFINITE PRAYER

2006-11-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is extracted from The Definite Challenge of Definite Prayer by Charles Spurgeon

Mark 10:51 (ESV) And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Rabbi, let me recover my sight."

No doubt our Lord’s disciples imagined that he was going up to Jerusalem to establish the Kingdom. They hoped that they would be partakers of that earthly grandeur which they had fondly pictured would glitter around the person of the Son of David. Therefore, when the blind man ventured to vehemently cry out to him, whom they esteemed to be a great King, they thought it was daring intrusion. Who was the son of Timaeus that he should say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”? They were all anxious to quiet the voice of misery in the presence of so much majesty.

But our Lord Jesus Christ did not spurn the blind man’s prayer as intrusive or impertinent. He was not angry with him. He did not even pass by without taking any notice. What he did was to stand still, and command the man to be brought to him.

This poor man was not allowed to pray in general. “Son of David, have mercy on me”; a very proper prayer, and a very blessed prayer, but certainly it was a very broad prayer. So he was encouraged to be more specific in his request. “What do you want me to do for you? You ask for mercy; what form of mercy do you need? In what particular shape will the bountiful hand dispense the mercy to you?” The blind man immediately replies, “Rabbi, I want to see.” He hits the mark with precision. It is sight he wants, and so for sight he asks. This is the right way for believers to pray. I wish we had more of it in our prayer meetings;

A man, who was noted for his great earnestness in prayer, was once asked how it was that, whenever he prayed, he seemed to be so earnest, and he said, “Because I always have a specific purpose when I go to the King; I always have a specific purpose; I go to him knowing that I want something, and I ask him for it, and I don’t stop until he gives it to me; and if he does not give it to me, I ask him again and again, for I know what I need.”

In offering our petitions to God, a helter-skelter approach does not become us. We must never rush into His presence without thinking about what we are going to say to Him. The decorum which is due to a king’s court should cautiously remind us of the reverence due to the King of kings. Although we enjoy the privileged familiarity which permits us to say “Our Father,” as dear children of the Lord of heaven and earth, let us never forget to be humble and in honor to bow as subjects of the great King. Tenderly he asks; devoutly may we answer, “What do you want me to do for you??”

What promise is there that you would wish to have fulfilled to you today? It is a good exercise to sit down before your time of private prayer, and look up the promise that seems most suitable, or to ask the Lord to look it up for you, and apply it to your soul. So, dear friends, when praying for others, I think it is very necessary, in order to keep up our own interest in it, that we should have distinct things to pray about.

When pleading with God, do let us come straight to the point, stating our case clearly in answer to the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” May the Lord teach us to pray in this distinct manner! There is no limit to the Savior’s ability. Nor does he put a limit on the petitioner’s freedom to command the favor he desires.

Oh! believer, do you have a desire in your soul, do you have a longing in your heart, then Christ does not say that he will give you this mercy, if it is possible, but that he is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. I hear that text still quoted by some of my brethren, “More than all that we can ask or imagine.” I beg their pardon; that is not a faithful quotation of Scripture. It says, “More than all we ask or imagine” - more than all we ask. God can open a person’s mouth as wide as his mercies, and he can make us ask for anything, but he generally does for us more than all we ask or imagine. Never keep your mouth closed because you think the mercy you want would be too great. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Do not restrict yourself. Enlarge your desire. Open your mouth wide, and he will fill it. He gives you carte blanche; ask for what you want. He puts it before you, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” So may it be to us, according to our faith, and his will be the glory. Amen.

Taken from Bible Bulletin Board© 2000 by Tony Capoccia.
Websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com

Putting Sin to Death

2006-11-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

This sermon by J. Ligon Duncan II speaks on a topic we all need to hear.

JOY OF SALVATION AND SORROW FOR SIN

2006-11-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

"There is a kind of direct proportion between sorrow for sin and joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who feel the worst about their sins, feel the happiest about forgiveness. It is just at this point that some modern preaching robs Christians of their fulness of joy. Sin is soft-pedeled, and so then is the joy of salvation. ... Here again we would all be happier if we took sin seriously." - John W. Anderson, The Fruit of the Spirit, P&R Publishing, 1972.

This really struck me. How could there be a connection between joy and sorrow. it seems inpossible, but yet it is true. We lack joy and the motivation it brings because we fail to see the seriousness of our sin. I am as guilty of that as anyone else. Should we begin to study our wretchedness to increase our joy? Maybe it would do us some good. Maybe we would have less artificial joy and more real joy.

Pastor Howard

THE DAYS OF DISCONTENT part 2

2006-11-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Eccles. 9:7 (ESV) Go, eat your bread in joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.

Discontent - the great disease of our day. In my previous post, I spoke of discontent as it relates to our marriages. Now I will speak of discontent in a more general way. And I want to bring in another theme with it - covetousness.

The author of Ecclesiastes gives us wise counsel here. Eat and drink with joy. This implies that you are happy with what you got. More often that not, we would rather have something else. There is a word for that - discontent. There is also another word - covetousness.

Exodus 20:17 (ESV) "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."

We live in a time when if you don't like what you got, get a new one. If something does not work right, don't fix it - get a new one. And there is always something bigger, small, faster, stronger, better, etc. And even if there is nothing wrong with what we have, we are made to feel like what we have is inadequate. Even with our most basic of supplies, food and drink. We are to learn as Thomas Watson called it "The Art of Divine Contentment."

But yet that is not enough. Because it is not just about learn to accept what we have. The author of Ecclesiastes says "for God has already approved what you do. " Our true contentment comes not by learning contentment in the things of earth, but in the things of heaven. Our contentment is related to our acceptance. And our acceptance in found in Christ.

Romans 5:10 (ESV) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

This is the most precious of our possessions - our salvation. Nothing else satisfies the longing of our hearts like being accepted by God Himself in the death and resurrection of His son. This is the great longing of our heart. We can be joyful in whatever we have, because we have that which matters most.

Pastor Sloan

THE DAYS OF DISCONTENT part 1

2006-10-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.

I think we live in an age of great discontent, and it has infected even Christians. The book of Ecclesiastes is largely about one man's search for contentment in life "under the sun." He is only able to find fleeting glimpses. Only in the Lord is he able to find any meaning, but yet we still search.

One of the greatest areas of discontentment that I see in our time is in the area of marriage. I have watched marriages crumble. It is not a pretty sight. Why does this happen? Discontentment. Not with our spouses so much ... but with God! You may be saying "wait a minute! How is that discontentment with God." Let's look at the words of Ecclesiastes.

The author of Ecclesiastes tells us to "Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life" The command and advice are clear. Our spouse is to be a source of joy for us. Some may say, "Wait a minute, you don't know my wife (or husband)." And you are right, I don't. I may not know all of the circumstances. But this is not about the circumstances, this is about the heart. Too often failure begins when our joy comes to an end. We stop enjoying for a multitude of reasons - time, distance, our crowded lifes, etc. It may not come to a screeching halt, it may just slowly coast to a stop, but it stops. And we let it. Then we wonder what happened. Only once the troubles start do we notice that we lost momentum. The writer of Ecclesiastes says to do this "all the days of our vain lives" It does not have time limits to it. yes, he describes them as vain lives, but that's is looking at life under the sun without God.

He goes on to say "...that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun." Here is where the discontentment with God comes into the picture. When we fail to see that our wife or husband is given to us by the hand of God, we will never cherish them as we ought. When we see our selection of a mate only as some decision that we made, we can later think that we are later entitled to change our minds. That is bad enough. But what is even worse, with that kind of thinking we spit in the face of God's providence and provision. The Lord our God has given us all that we have and has made each choice with great care and for HIS GLORY. Our spouse is our "portion in life." A portion is a good thing. It is an inheritance. If we begin to see our wives and husbands as gifts from the Lord and treasure them as such, we are much less likely to be discontent. But instead some how we think we know better that God, and that we know what will really fill our empty hearts. Then we chase after wind, and wonder why it does nothing for us and we need more.

What are we to do when our spouses are no longer content, but we desire contentment and joy in God's provision. That is a little harde to answer. I am still working on that one. I think the answer has something to do with learning to be content with God Himself, and not just the things He provides. Things change. Circumstances change. New things come along. New providences happen everyday. But our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

On a personal note, I want to say THANK YOU to my wife. Though I don't express it nearly enough. You are a source of joy to me. As I watch others fall apart around us, you remain faithful. Michele, I love you, and I enjoy life with you.

Pastor Sloan

Jonathan Edwards on Prayer

2006-10-31T06:45:00.000-08:00

The spirit of prayer is a holy spirit, a gracious spirit. We read of the spirit of grace and supplication: Zech. xii. 10. “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications.”—Wherever there is a true spirit of supplication, there is the spirit of grace. The true spirit of prayer is no other than God’s own spirit dwelling in the hearts of the saints. And as this spirit comes from God, so doth it naturally tend to God in holy breathings and pantings. It naturally leads to God to converse with him by prayer. Therefore the Spirit is said to make intercession for the saints with groanings which cannot be uttered, Rom. viii. 26.

The Spirit of God makes intercession for them, as it is that Spirit which in some respect indites their prayers, and leads them to pour out their souls before God. Therefore the saints are said to worship God in the spirit; Phil. iii. 3. “We are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit;” and John iv. 23. “The true worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” The truly godly have the spirit of adoption, the spirit of a child, to which it is natural to go to God and call upon him, crying to him as to a father. ...

It is natural to one who is truly born from above to pray to God, and to pour out his soul in holy supplications before his heavenly Father. This is as natural to the new nature and life as breathing is to the nature and life of the body. But hypocrites have not this new nature. Those illuminations and affections which they had, went away, and left no change of nature. Therefore prayer naturally dies away in them, having no foundation laid in the nature of the soul. It is maintained awhile only by a certain force put upon nature. But force is not constant; and as that declines, nature will take place again. ...

The spirit of a true convert is a spirit of faith and reliance on the power, wisdom, and mercy of God, and such a spirit is naturally expressed in prayer. True prayer is nothing else but faith expressed. Hence we read of the prayer of faith; James v. 15. True christian prayer is the faith and reliance of the soul breathed forth in words. ...

(The true convert) sees himself still to be a poor, empty, helpless creature, and that he still stands in great and continual need of God’s help. He is sensible that without God he can do nothing. .... A true convert is sensible that his grace is very imperfect; and he is very far from having all that he desires. Instead of that, by conversion are begotten in him new desires which he never had before. He now finds in him holy appetites, a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, a longing after more acquaintance and communion with God. So that he hath business enough still at the throne of grace; yea, his business there, instead of being diminished, is rather increased.

Sinning and praying agree not well together. If a man be constant in the duty of secret prayer, it will tend to restrain him from wilful sinning. So, on the other hand, if he allow himself in sinful practices, it will restrain him from praying.

From the sermon "Hypocrites Deficient in the Duty of Prayer, part 1" The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol 2.
Visit here to read the whole sermon http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/works2.iv.viii.html

The History of Reformation Day

2006-10-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

This article by R.C. Sproul presents a brief history of Reformation Day. By the way, if you have not checked out the new Ligonier website, do so.

Pastor Howard

What are we afraid of

2006-10-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get the sense that Reformed community doesn't really want revival or reformation because they are worried about what that might look like? Or maybe it is because they know that will mean a change? Sometimes I think the church is just happy where they are ... a faithful reminant. But how can we sit idly by and watch God's name be profaned among the nations and in our nation? We see churches in our towns that reject the Bible and the Word of God as the only rule of faith and practice. We see Jesus being reduced to an example of sacrifice for us, while his deity, authority, and atoning work are called in to question or ignored outright. God is reduced to a by-stander, who does not act to bring about salvation. He simply waits to see what man will do. When man can contribute something to his own salvation, God's grace becomes unnecessary.

When I think about these things I think about the churches that are coming out from years of being subject to liberal and heretical theology. This is happening around our country. We must pray for them. Pray that these churches, people, and ministers who are being awakened to their errors by God's grace would have the wisdom and strength to continue on to recover the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. This is a different kind of reformation than the one begun in 1517 by Luther. This war is different, but the battles are the same: Scripture Alone, By Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, Because of Christ Alone, To God's Glory Alone.

Pastor Sloan

Steve Camp on Revival and Reformation

2006-10-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

If you are not reading Steve Camp's blog on revival and reformation, you should be. What he has to say to the church is stirring to the heart and soul. Why don't we desire revival? Why don't we desire reformation?

GOD ACTING FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE

2006-10-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ezekiel 20:9 (ESV) But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, ....

When we desire revival and reformation, what do we really want to happen? Why do we want it? This passage from Ezekiel declares what the heart of revival ought to be. God acting for His name's sake. God acting that His name no longer be profaned among the nations.

As I ponder the current landscape of the thing that is calling itself the church. (Most of which is far from it!), all I see is God's name being profaned. People declaring wrong to be right in the name of God. Unspeakable practices being endorse by bodies claiming to be part of Christ. Churches that have long abandoned the great tenants of the Reformation.

We are in need of a new Reformation. Let us cry out to God that He act for His name sake. Let us cry out to God that His name no longer be profaned among the nations and in our nation. This is going to be the theme of my sermon this Sunday. Let us stand up and be jealous for God's glory and His name.