How Do You Preach The Gospel to Yourself?

Jerry Bridges gives us a great summary of the Gospel:

“This then is the gospel with which we need to become thoroughly familiar and that we need to preach to ourselves every day. Jesus by His death and shed blood completely satisfied the justice of God and the claims of His broken law. By His perfect obedience He positively fulfilled the requirements of the law. Thus in both its precepts and penalty, the law of God in its most exacting requirements was fulfilled by Jesus. And He did this in our place as our representative and our substitute.”[1]

So what does it mean to “preach the Gospel to yourself”?   Again Jerry Bridges gives us some great help.  Here’s is my summary:

The certain hope I have today is the historic reality that I “… like sheep, have gone astray, [I have] turned to [my] own way; and the Lord has laid on him [my] iniquity” (Isaiah 53:6, NIV). I believe that “Christ redeemed [me] from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for [me], for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole’” (Galatians 3:13, NIV); and I believe that “When [I was] dead in [my] sins and in the uncircumcision of [my] flesh, God made [me] alive with Christ. He forgave [me] all our sins” (Colossians 2:13, NIV). In this act of my Savior “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed [my] transgressions from [me]” (Psalm 103:12, NIV). God’s Word to me is this: ““I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25, NIV). Consequently “there is now no condemnation for [me because I am] in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, NIV). Therefore today I take at face value that “I am blessed because my ‘transgressions are forgiven, [my] sins are covered. I am blessed because I am one whose sin the Lord will never count against [me]’” (Romans 4:7–8, NIV). I am absolutely certain that “he has reconciled [me] by Christ’s physical body through death to present [me] holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22, NIV).

"To preach the gospel to yourself, then, means that you continually face up to your own sinfulness and then flee to Jesus through faith in His shed blood and righteous life."

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[1] Bridges, Jerry (2014-02-01). The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness (p. 58). NavPress. Kindle Edition.

Misused Bible Verses That Should Concern You – Psalm 51:6

Does David declare that God had revealed secret mysteries to him -- things hidden from the human understanding, when he writes, “… you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” (Psalm 51:6, ESV)?

Charles Spurgeon who produced a great commentary on the psalms in his lifetime wrote about Psalm 51, "There are seven penitential Psalms, but this seems to be the chief one of the seven. The language of David is as suitable to us today as it was to him, and though much was lost to the cause of righteousness by David's sin, yet the Church is enriched for all ages by the possession of such a Psalm as this. It is a marvelous recompense. Surely here the Lord reigns, bringing good out of evil, blessing generation after generation through that which in itself was a great evil."[1]

It is accepted that the psalm was written by David  "when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba."^[2] It is a psalm of anguish as David prays for forgiveness and restoration.  The psalm seems to break into the following structure:

          A.      David petitions God for mercy and cleansing (vv. 1–2),

          B.      Then acknowledges his sin (vv. 3–6).

          C.      He asks God to purify and restore him (vv. 7–12), d

          D.      Describing how he will respond to God’s forgiveness (vv. 13–15).

          E.       After stating that God prefers a contrite heart over sacrifice (vv. 16–17),

          F.       He concludes by petitioning God for national restoration (vv. 18–19).^[3]

In the second part (B), David writes these words, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart” (Psalm 51:5–6, ESV).  There is an accepted opinion that within David's acknowledgement of sin he recognizes original sin.  He is fully aware that even in conception the sin nature of Adam was imputed to him.  " The Bible clearly teaches that children are sinners. They are not born innocent and only later become sinners. Children, too, need God’s salvation."^[4]

Verse 6 comes to us with an amazing variance among English translations:

Psalm 51:6 (AV)	Psalm 51:6 (NIV)	Psalm 51:8 (Tanakh)	Psalm 51:6 (NLT)
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.	6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.	8 Indeed You desire truth about that which is hidden; teach me wisdom about secret things.	6 But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.

The pronouncement of verse 5 that teaches us that all people come into this world with a sin nature, provides no excuse to any of us.  The psalmist, by the use of the word, Behold, (or Look) creates a juxtaposition.  He draws to ideas closely together for contrast and comparison.  The combination in these two verses describes the horrible scenario that apart from anything we have done, God has imputed the sin of Adam upon every person born into this world.  This results of a sin nature is total guilt before God.  And there is no excusing us!

But in contrast to that scenario, one might assume that God's standards are less demanding.  Not so, says David.  In spite of the fact that we are born in sin through no fault of our own, God anticipates a high standard from all of us.  That is clear:  "Behold Thou desirest . . .."

The question is, "What does God desire?"  First of all the evidence indicates that God desires integrity from the time of conception (in the womb, cf: NLT) and even in the inner depths of our heart. "God wants more than improved outward performance."^[5]  We can conclude that David is saying that in spite of being born with a sin nature, God expects integrity, truthfulness, faithfulness to Him – IN THE HEART of a person – from the time of conception.  That's a high standard!

David has just affirmed his desire for complete and utter cleansing (vv 1-4).  He has affirmed that this can only occur based upon God's great mercy and steadfast love.  The Hebrew word for delight is חָ פַ צְ ת.  The word for teach is ת דִ יעֵנִ י, meaning "you are causing me to know". " The verbs "desire" and "teach," not being synonymous, suggest intensification of the second bicolon."[6]    The translation of the Hebrew is:

"Behold truth you-delight in the veneered parts and in part-being-obstructed wisdom you are causing me to know."

Why does David employ the word, "wisdom"?   What is this wisdom that God teaches us in the heart? Calvin writes, "The one member of the verse responds to the other. He acknowledges that it was not a mere superficial acquaintance with divine truth which he had enjoyed, but that it had been closely brought home to his heart. This rendered his offense the more inexcusable."[7]  It would seem to me that the truth, the wisdom that God causes people to know in the secret chasms of their hearts, is that they are guilty before God.   Paul gives an example of this in Romans 2:15–16.  That guilty conscience in the heart is the wisdom of God revealed to the heart of man.  And someday if men do not respond in repentance that secret will be revealed and judged.    

Thomas Goodwin writes, "David should bless God for having made him to know this special wisdom in this hidden thing or matter, and had brought the knowledge thereof home, as a point of saving wisdom, to the hidden man of his heart, so as to see fully and clearly this native corruption as the cause of all sin, and on that account to cause him to lay it to heart."[8]  [Emphasis mine]

Thank God for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Come, ye sinners, lost and hopeless,
Jesus’ blood can make you free;
For He saved the worst among you,
When He saved a wretch like me.

Refrain

And I know, yes, I know
Jesus’ blood can make the vilest sinner clean,
And I know, yes, I know
Jesus’ blood can make the vilest sinner clean

Apart from the Gospel there is no excuse.  Each man and woman knows they stand guilty before God.  They know that in the secret chasms of their hearts.  Oh, if that is you, you will not suppress this truth, but instead run the the Savior.   

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[1] http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/history/spurgeon/web/ss-0029.html

^[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ps 51:title). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[3] Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ps 51:title–19). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

^[4] Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ps 51:5). Nashville: T. Nelson.

^[5] Brug, J. F. (1989). Psalms 1–72 (2nd ed., p. 212). Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Pub. House.

[6] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Psalms/Exposition of Psalms/BOOK II: Psalms 42-72/Psalm 51: Forgiveness and the Community/II. Confession and Contrition (51:3-6), Book Version: 4.0.

[7] http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/calvin/cc09/cc09016.htm

[8] http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps051.htm

YOU CANNOT LOVE GOD IF YOU THINK HE'S YOUR ENEMY!

Walter Marshall (15 June 1628 – August 1680) was an English, non-conformist Puritan pastor and author best known for his book on the Gospel Mystery of Sanctification[1], which has been praised as perhaps the single greatest work on sanctification ever composed . . . The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification was first published in 1692 after Marshall's death.[2]

I read this paragraph in relation to a current study that I found profound in CHAPTER XII. HOLINESS THROUGH FAITH:

12.2.6. “. . . Particularly, you must believe steadfastly that all your sins are blotted out, and that you are reconciled to God, and have access to His favor by the blood of Christ; and that He is your God and Father, and altogether love to you, and your all sufficient everlasting portion and happiness through Christ.

Such apprehensions as these do present God as a very lovely object to our hearts, and do thereby allure and win our affections, that cannot be forced by commands or threatenings, but must be sweetly won and drawn by allurements. We must not harbour any suspicions that God would prove a terrible everlasting enemy to us, if we would love Him; for ‘there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear; because fear has torment; he that fears is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us’ (1John 4:18, 19). David loved the Lord, because he was persuaded that He was his strength, rock, fortress, his God, and the horn of his salvation (Ps. 18:1, 2). Love, that causes obedience to the law, must proceed from faith unfeigned, whereby we apprehend the remission of our sins, our reconciliation with God by the merits of the blood of Christ (1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 9:14).”  [Emphasis mine]

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[1] http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/GospelMystery.pdf

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Marshall_%28Puritan%29

Misused Bible Verses That Should Concern You – Matthew 18:20

Does Matthew 18:20 promise that if a brother or sister is in agreement, then God guarantees the outcome?

Remember that archaic church practice that our forefathers called, Prayer Meeting?  I grew up in a home where attendance at Prayer Meeting was not an option. Even as a young pagan destined for perdition I was required to make a stop-over at The Prayer Meeting.  Even the day of the week was sanctimonious. Wednesday!  But as the years went by numbers decreased in proportion to its fervency. Hence today it is but a symbol of days gone by.  Few churches, including my own, practice the habit of gathering en mass to pray. 

While the death throws were still being heard in the habit of the weekly call to prayer, I remember the oft cited verse, used to encourage the faithful: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”” (Matthew 18:20, ESV)  Indeed there were times when this was no wooden literalism.  There were but two or three.  But comfort of all comforts: God was present.

 Is there a place that God isn't present?  Answer: No!  At least David didn't think so.  He teaches that in Psalm 139:7–12 (ESV),

⁷ Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! ⁹ If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. ¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” ¹² even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

So I'm guessing that that Wednesday night, so many years ago, that I came to church for (and no one else showed up) was a night when I wasn't alone.  God was here.  So why did we need to have two or three?  The context ought to tell us.

In my ESV Bible I see the heading to this paragraph tells me that this is about If Your Brother Sins Against You.^[1]   Jesus is apparently applying an application to the parable He just told in verses 10-14. Jesus is showing His concern for straying sheep; and what are we to do about an errant brother. If a Christian offends someone or refuses to forgive someone, what must be done? Three basic views have been given here for the church (Greek: ekklēsia). The responsibility of action is threefold:

(1) personal, “go and tell him”;

(2) “two or three witnesses”;

(3) corporate, “tell it to the church.”^[2]

Sometimes, even after the best of efforts the wandering Christian refuses to hear and respond to the exhortations and warnings of well-intentioned Believers.  Then what? “But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” (Matthew 18:16, ESV). The concept of the two or three witnesses is a judicial institution. Decisions of a legal nature should not be resolved in private according to God's Law (““A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established” (Deuteronomy 19:15, ESV)).

Where such a hearing produces repentance, those in attendance representing the Church are granted authority from Heaven to "loose" the offender from the condemnation of his or her sin.  Where the person remains stubborn the "two or three" have Heaven's authority to "bind" the person to the consequences of his or her sin.  In this context our Savior says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”” (Matthew 18:20, ESV)

In context, "there am I among them" is stated somewhat euphemistically to imply "My blessing, my authority, my sanction is there with you."  Whenever the Church is busy about the business of restoring the errant they can be assured of God's approval.  This is not a blank cheque where Christians can assume that if any two or three Christians come together and agree that God will bless and honor every one of their decisions.  No, the context is in relation to seeking to restore the wayward sheep.  God's heart is to bring back the rebellious.

When loving members of Christ's body seek to restore the lost sheep they can be assured that they are acting on behalf of their Savior.  To extend this promise to other aspects and experiences is to wrench it from its context and presumptuously claim what God has never guaranteed.

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mt 18:15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[2] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 1931). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Misused Bible Verses That Should Concern You – Romans 8:28

Does Romans 8:28 promise health, financial security and personal happiness?

Probably the most loved verse in the Bible, especially for Christians is Romans 8:28 (ESV): “²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” By ripping this precious promise from its context we get to use it as a hope-filled tonic for whatever ills us.   Christians bask in the notion that the “good” that God promises is whatever we interpret as good. 

A parent is unfortunately disconnected from an adult child. Sadly, there is no communication and there is a massive rift in their relationship.  An unexpected illness occurs in one party.  The condition is serious and the prognosis is disconcerting.  But through the events both parties are brought together and one exclaims with gratitude: God has caused this to work together for good. Now “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17, ESV).  This is undeniable.  However can you root the upturn of this situation in the promise of Romans 8:28? Well let’s put it back in it’s context.

A. Romans 8:17, THE FUTURE GLORY OF THE CHRISTIAN

B. Romans 8:18-25, THE CLIMAX OF GOD’S PLAN FOR THE WORLD AND HIS PEOPLE

B. Romans 8:26-29, THE MEANS OF GOD TO ATTAIN THAT GLORY

C. vv26-27, THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE SPIRIT

C. v28, THROUGH GOD’S SOVEREIGN PROVIDENCE

C. vv29-30, THROUGH GOD’S PREDESTINATING GRACE

A. Romans 8:30, THE FUTURE GLORY OF THE CHRISTIAN

Romans 8:28 is sandwiched in a portion of Paul’s letter to Rome where he is describing the future glory of the Christian.  “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:17, ESV); and “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:30, ESV).

In verses 18-25 Paul describes the current scenario with the world and its people. “And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23, ESV).  Creation will be delivered from bondage and Christians await their final redemption.  All this is summarized by a patient waiting in hope. “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:24–25, ESV).

So we are left with the question, “How is God going to bring us through this time of patient hoping to our final redemption?” Firstly, in times of uncertain prayer, God promises the help of the Spirit. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26–27, ESV).  Lastly, Paul reminds us that God has purposed a certain sequence of events in our lives all leading to this glorious end.  This is what He has predetermined. “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29–30, ESV)

Now in the middle of the promised help of the Spirit and the predetermined plan, Paul reminds us that God is sovereignly ordaining such an end to all circumstances in our lives that they ultimately become our good, ergo, our glorification.  The “good” can only mean, in context, our glorification. “In the midst of the sufferings of this life, God has given us knowledge that He is working every detail of life to the end established in His eternal purpose.”^[1]

The Heidelberg Catechism states this so well.  The first Question and Answer reads:

"What is Thy only comfort in life and death?"

The answer is:

"That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him."

Romans 8:28 means that every single thing I experience in life as a Christian has been so ordained by God that He means it to exist for the promotion of my ultimate and promised salvation.

What enables us to hope in patience for the promised redemption of our bodies – our glorification?  It means that no matter what trial comes our way, no matter what people say and do to us; and no matter how we mess things up (Yes, even sin.), God so ordains it for our ultimate good – our salvation.  There is no other comfort than that. 

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^[1] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2242). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

HAPPY 43rd BIRTHDAY, TRACY-LYNNE

It was nearly forty-one years ago this overwhelmingly cute kid that resembled Shirley Temple walked -- no ran, into my life.  What a sweetheart. I remember when she asked her mom if she could call me Daddy.  There are very few privileges in life like it.   I look back at raising this impressive lady and think of all the very foolish things I put her through.  For one, I was way too harsh.  She'll recall the room inspections and the "half-way up ask how high" demands. That's not parenting -- that's policing.  Somehow she forgave me.

Forgiveness is one of T-Ls strong suits.  I never ever saw her carry a grudge.  I think the restaurant industry taught her a lot; but I bet she taught the industry a thing or two, also.  Tracy-Lynne can attract friends like a magnet. When she was a teenager I used to say that she was a champagne kid on a beer budget.  How prophetic!

Tracy-Lynne was spotted at a very tender age to have an amazing ear for music.  Vocally and on the piano she became her Daddy's virtuoso.  I remember when she learned to play by ear.  In the door she'd run after school; drop her backpack and jacket at the door and head to the piano.  She play for an hour.  She was also her Daddy's soloist when he started preaching.  I still have the audio, Tracy-Lynne of that recording you did of "Daddy's Hands."  You blessed my heart that day!  (I need to digitize it.)

Not everything came easy to her.  But inside that gorgeous girl is a tenacious, persistent butterfly.  I think of the bike-a-thon in Wainwright.  The kids were 4 city blocks up the road and T-L was peddling for all she's worth.  I kept thinking, "What could be wrong?"   I soon learned that she had been biking with her brakes locked on.  Not one to stop, she kept on keeping on.

Tracy-Lynne is a gift giver.  She tailor's every gift to the person -- to the 'T'.   She is generous to a fault.  She is inclusive and non-judgmental. She has a massively big heart.  I'll never forget the day, sitting at our kitchen table in Irma, she thanked me for choosing her.  She is definitely loved by choice.  (Actually, biological children are too.)  Adopted children always know something others don't.  T-L knows that.

This pretty specimen of femininity wasn't always so fragile.  I remember rabbit hunting in Manitoba with her trying to follow me in snow up to her waste.  I remember her checking out the ducks I brought home and especially asking to see the brains of the whitetail in the back of my old red '73 GM 4X4.

There's been some ups and downs, T-L, over these last 43 years.   But you know for sure that 'Daddies don't love their daughters every now and then.'   Nope!  It's love without end.  Amen!  Of my three daughters (each of whom is my favorite) T-L has had a privilege the other two missed. Tracy-Lynne met my Dad, her Grandpa.   T-L you will never know how much that man loved his granddaughter -- YOU!  T-L, on this your 43rd birthday remember the family that loved you and still love you.  Remember what we dream for and pray for.

Happy Birthday my firstborn!   “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV).

 

In Search of a Bride

There are numerous ancient myths and stories containing Cinderella motifs, dating as far back as an Egyptian tale from the first century BC. The modern version of Cinderella was created by French author Charles Perrault, whose fairy tale was first published in 1697.  The 2015 version of Cinderella borrows many elements from Walt Disney's 1950 animated film. [1]

Ella, the main character suffers first the loss of her mother and then her father.  Left with a vindictive step-mother and equally virulent step-sisters, the once luxurious lifestyle of Ella was downgraded to servant status.  Finding it cold in the attic she is relegated to sleeping by the withdrawing embers of the fire.  Mocked on day by these sisters: Drisella and Anastasia because of the dirty cinders on her face, she is forever called Cinder - Ella .... Cinderella.  But a chance meeting in the woods by the King's son changes all that.  For the love of this maiden, the King's son orchestrated an elaborate ball, inviting all maidens to come, where he will choose his bride.  

With the aid of magic Cinderella makes it to the Ball and the two lovers meet again.  After a search to relocate her Prince Kit and Cinderella meet and the love story ends happily.

Many years before such a fantasy was even realized, there was a King who had a Son.  The King promised a Bride to this Son of great love and affection.  Unlike the fairy tale there were none who were noble and equal status.   All of the potential brides were covered with cinder -- blackened blotches of sin and degradation.  But the King's Son for no reason other than affection, set His eyes upon this Bride of unbecoming proportions.  There were many more suited, though; and many more lovely.  But from the dungeons of despair, loss, grime and rejection, the King's Son loved His Bride with an everlasting love.

What sadness to the Son that His Bride seemed forever lost in oblivion, so He dispatched His servants to find Her.  One very loyal servant, The Captain of Guards, lost no time and spared no energy to find the Prince's Bride.  Upon finding Her and upon Her eyes seeing Her Groom, Her heart was drawn irresistibly to Him.  And the two lived happily ever after.

“The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire? . . . The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you .  .  . “'Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine . . . The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  (Zechariah 3:2, Deuteronomy 7:7–8, Ezekiel 16:8, Jeremiah 31:3, NIV)


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1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella_%282015_film%29