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
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Communion with God
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
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
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Jonathan Edwards on the duty of prayer
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.
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.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
I passed
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
Thank you. and Praise the Lord
Thursday, January 18, 2007
THE WAY TO THE FATHER
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
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
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
WASH ME
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
FELLOWSHIP
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
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
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
FEEDING AND KILLING
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
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
Monday, December 18, 2006
HUMILITY
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.
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.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
THE SHEPHERD OF OLD
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
TOO OFTEN
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.
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
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
Pastor Sloan
Friday, December 08, 2006
A GOOD RESOURCE GONE BAD
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
Pastor Howard
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
GOD IS NOT SHORTHANDED
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.
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.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Spurgeon's Morning Devotion Today
"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."
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."
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
FROM ANGER TO COMFORT
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
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
Sunday, November 26, 2006
WE OUGHT TO BE THANKFUL LEST
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
- 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
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