tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45340183138747674372024-03-13T03:07:53.556-07:00From the Pastor's DeskA Ministry of Beaver Baptist ChurchNathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-25754810394493321532020-04-03T12:07:00.000-07:002020-04-06T17:12:53.356-07:00Reacting Spiritually to the Virus and not just Physically.<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luk 13:1 There
were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose
blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luk 13:2 And he
answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all
the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luk 13:3 No, I
tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luk 13:4 Or
those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think
that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in
Jerusalem? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luk 13:5 No, I
tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As those who attend our church can attest, I have spent a
lot of time over the last two years plus dealing with suffering and how a
Christian handles adversity and calamity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are all now living in such a time of trial and we want to be sure to
redeem the time and act, think and communicate as Christians who have been
commissioned to go into the world and preach the good news of salvation in Jesus
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We have used the above passage to show what Jesus emphasized
during times of calamity and what these people needed to focus on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I notice that he doesn’t tell them that they
should quit going into towers and he doesn’t tell them that God loves them and
that they are safe in his arms, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These things might be true and at times good to think about but I find
it telling what Jesus does say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hear a lot about “social distancing”; in fact it seems
that is almost all people are talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope that it is helping; I imagine no one will know until all this is
over what was worthwhile and what was not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But by all means do whatever you think is helpful to keep well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would point out that the only reason any of
us can stay at home and perhaps not be exposed to the virus is because millions
voluntarily go out and risk exposure so that we can have food and electricity
and water, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they didn’t do this,
none of us could sit in our houses with some measure of safety; so I am
thankful that they are not staying at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You cannot quarantine 330,000,000 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So staying at home is a chance for some to be
able to limit their exposure but it comes at the expense of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just something to keep in mind because I hear
even Christians telling everyone to stay home and even saying that they are
killing people if they don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
there are other things we need to focus on which brings me back to the passage
above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We have talked recently about the trumpet, warning judgments
of Revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are given as a
warning to those living to repent because judgment is coming and it will be too
late to repent then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact is that a
lot of people are going to die from this and already have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt a lot of those who have died knew
all about social distancing because that is the politically correct thing to
talk about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is happy for you to
tell them how to stay alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
wonder how many of those who have died or who are going to die had anyone tell
them that they need to repent of their sins and get right with God through Jesus
Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words how many were
prepared for death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not saying
there is anything wrong with talking about social distancing but Jesus knew
that everyone is going to die eventually and so in times like this we need to
tell people how to be prepared for death first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">How many parents have gone over and over with lost children
or other family and friends, about how to stay safe but have never even
considered that their most pressing concern is to be confronted with their
sinfulness and its remedy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect a
lot of Christians have said and written a lot about how to stay safe but have
lost family members that they have not said a word to about being prepared for
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proper response from the
Church to calamity is to repent, even while we are discussing social
distancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to talk about
these things with a man yesterday and the need to be ready to meet the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be easy to just talk
about socially acceptable things but that is not people’s most pressing need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">All this was reinforced to me yesterday as I read about the
reception the “My Pillow Guy” got when he would dare encourage people to read
their Bibles and pray; which was hardly confrontational.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds us that this world does not want
to hear that there is a God that they will answer to; let alone their sin and
judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is precisely what we
need to be speaking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">So as we communicate to others, let us redeem the time and
perhaps see people brought into the Kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-20540848035403145662019-11-21T13:37:00.000-08:002019-11-26T05:28:00.153-08:00Watching the Face of God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: medium;">Act 4:13 Now
when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were
uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had
been with Jesus. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Joh 4:47 When
this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and
asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of
death. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Joh 4:48 So
Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not
believe.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Joh 4:49 The
official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joh 4:50 Jesus
said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus
spoke to him and went on his way. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">One of the ways we can test our faith is how we have been
affected by coming into contact with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>True faith believes what the Bible reveals about God and that has
profound effects on the way we live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
see it in the above passages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way
the Apostles spoke in Acts 4 left no doubt that they had been taught by the
Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In the John 4 passage we have the account of the nobleman
who thought Jesus had to go to his house to heal his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when Jesus told him to go home because
his son would be healed, he immediately headed home assured that what Jesus had
said was true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even greater faith was
seen in Matt. 8 when the centurion told Jesus that he didn’t have to come to
his house to heal his servant but just speak the word and it would be done no
matter the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said he had
never seen such faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately not everyone who meets or hears of Jesus is
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In chapter 6 of John the crowd
that is fed by the boy’s small lunch follows him around for a couple of days
and yet they eventually walk away from him still lost in their sins, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joh 6:66 After this many of his
disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. </i>I believe we are
being told that when someone really comes to see Jesus in his glory and is
saved, others can tell there is something different about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is no change then you haven’t really
seen Christ’s glory and so are still lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">One of the most important things we can see and benefit from
when we look at the face of God in his Son is his absolute sovereignty in all
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of how my wife
would handle situations when our children would hurt themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the situation allowed her to, she would do
things like “comfort” the ground when the child fell as if they had hurt the
ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was attempting to relay to
the child that they really weren’t hurt that bad and there was nothing to be
worried about and sometimes they could just laugh it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even during more serious times she was always
careful not to panic but do what she could to keep the child calm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We would do something similar during storms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of acting scared and worried, we
would be sure to remain calm and have fun and perhaps speak of the fact that
the Lord is in control of the storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew one woman with children who would run and get under her bed during
thunderstorms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt that did her kids
much good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise the Lord that some
years later she came up to me during a storm and pointed out how calm she was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">So my application in this is that since God is in complete
control of all things and he has a good purpose in all he sends our way; then
he is the most calm and happy entity in all of the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing catches him by surprise and he never
panics but is always perfectly content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We would be in a good habit of looking at his face, by knowing and
trusting his Word to us, during times of distress and remember that he is happy
and so we can take our cue from him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We see this throughout the Bible; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psa 17:15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. Psa 102:2 Do
not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call!</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course with the Lord he isn’t pretending
to be having fun, he actually is because everything he does brings him joy and
glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a mark of maturity when we
can see things the way God does and react in the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith sees the joy and contentment in the
face of God during times of trial and takes its cue from the reality that God
is merely working out his perfect plan in us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I can’t imagine a greater compliment you could pay me than
to watch my life and assume I have been with Jesus as they said about the
disciples in Acts 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we have the same
scowl, anger, sadness, discontented disposition that the lost have then what
are we saying about not only our faith but about the God we say we trust
in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-73142428324932603002019-06-22T07:00:00.001-07:002019-06-22T07:00:08.916-07:00The Identification of Baptism<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Col 2:11 In him
also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting
off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, Col 2:12
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the
dead. Col 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven
us all our trespasses.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 6:3 Do you
not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized
into his death? Rom 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism
into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory
of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Rom 6:5 For if
we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united
with him in a resurrection like his. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We notice in the above passages that we are baptized into
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether we are speaking of our
spiritual baptism when the Holy Spirit unites us to Christ or water baptism
where we publically identify with Christ it is all about union and identity
with Jesus as Lord and Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
spoken with Covenant Theologians who baptize by sprinkling and pouring and who
baptize babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One argument used to
support sprinkling and pouring is the above passage in Col. 2:11-13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This person said that when the Spirit
baptizes us he comes down upon us so sprinkling is an appropriate symbol of
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That might be true but it is fundamentally flawed since we
are not baptized into the Holy Spirit but by the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also we are never said to identify with the Holy
Spirit but with Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again,
notice the absence of the mention of the Holy Spirit in the above verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is there but behind the scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gospel is about what Christ has done for
us in his death, burial and resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul preached Christ and him crucified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we are baptized we are proclaiming that we have been saved by
Christ’s work and we are now followers of Christ because we have been given new
life; the life of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our baptism is
not a picture of how the Spirit came down upon us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism is a picture of us being joined to the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus; we are followers of him, not the
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ said take up your cross
and follow me, not the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not
trying to play down the Spirit’s role but he is given to lead us into the
knowledge of Christ and to glorify Jesus, not himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One passage that I think drives the point home is found in
Acts 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Act 19:1 And it
happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland
country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. Act 19:2
And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And
they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Act
19:3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into
John's baptism.” Act 19:4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the
baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come
after him, that is, Jesus.” Act 19:5 On hearing this, they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see that when you were baptized by John you did so in
repentance professing to believe his message about the coming Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You identified with his message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason Paul tells these believers (they
were already converted) that they needed to be rebaptized was they were to
identify with Christ, not John and not the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This shows that baptism doesn’t save since
they already were believers and it shows why only immersion is proper baptism because
it alone illustrates Christ’s work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are not baptized to point to the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-49184982354565512652019-06-08T16:53:00.000-07:002019-06-08T16:53:01.072-07:00Our Real Enemies<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Num 13:30 But
Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and
occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Num 13:31 Then
the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the
people, for they are stronger than we are.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Num 13:32 So
they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had
spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a
land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of
great height. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Num 14:1 Then
all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Num 14:2 And all
the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation
said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we
had died in this wilderness! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Num 14:3 Why is
the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our
little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to
Egypt?” </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are all familiar with the account of the 12 spies that
spied out Canaan and only two came back and encouraged Israel to take the land
while the other 10 said it would be impossible to take the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The verses above reveal part of the problem
these 10 spies had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these men could
see was the size of their physical enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They never once mention the power of God or the fact that the Lord had
already told them that he was going to give them the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Num. 14:8-9 we see Joshua looking at this
from spiritual eyes, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If the LORD
delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that
flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not
fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is
removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly he and Caleb feared the Lord more
than a few giants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 10 spies like the majority of Israel throughout their
history did not have regenerated hearts and so could not see the glory of God;
they could only see the glory of physical things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their problem throughout their history was
that they never could identify their real enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their enemy and ours is never that which can
destroy the body but that which can destroy the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is interesting that they were afraid of
the size of the Canaanites but not afraid of the gods of the Canaanites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see why in this account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To them the giants of the land appeared more fearsome and stronger than
Yahweh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their enemy wasn’t the
Canaanites but the idolatry of their own hearts that refused to honor the Lord
but instead only cared about the ease and pleasure of the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in vs. 2 above, every time food or water
got a little scarce and they were forced to rely on the providence of God they
balked and started yearning for the food they had back in Egypt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind that they were slaves and the king
was killing their children and working them to death. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a picture of this world that will sell its soul for a
few moments or years of pleasure rather than worship the Lord and give him his
due.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One can’t help but remember Esau
who for one meal gave up his inheritance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To him his enemy was an empty belly but that only showed that his belly
was his real enemy; in other words his enemy was his flesh that would be
satisfied at all cost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Christians it is imperative that we recognize our true
enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pain, sickness, poverty, injustice, loneliness,
obscurity and such things are not what we need to fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such things are sent by a loving God to
demonstrate his power and that we need him more than these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These things can only cause discomfort for a
short time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we must recognize that
our enemy is the remaining sin in our heart that would cause us to flee from
them rather than use them to serve the Lord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we do, then we will do battle with the
way we think and the things we love more than the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we live by sight and not by faith, we
end up doing battle with God by complaining about his providence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Jesus said in Mat 10:28, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our true enemy is anything that would become
an idol to us; anything that would cause us to fear it more than the Lord or
anything that would cause us to love it more than the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Israel should have been more concerned with the idolatry of
the Canaanites rather than the size of their army because one could only kill
their bodies, the other destroy their souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, most of the Jews never had a regenerated heart but if we are
Christ’s, we do and that makes all the difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our problem often is that we don’t live
spiritually minded, judging all things by the Scriptures, but we tend to live
according to what we can see and feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But this is to walk as we did before we were saved and it is of the
utmost importance that we walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fourth chapter of Ephesians deals with this concept but
I will quote just part of it here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read
it and see if it doesn’t support what I have just conveyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="X-NONE"><i>Eph
4:17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk
as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="X-NONE"><i>Eph
4:18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of
God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of
heart. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="X-NONE"><i>Eph
4:19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality,
greedy to practice every kind of impurity. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="X-NONE"><i>Eph
4:20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="X-NONE"><i>Eph
4:21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as
the truth is in Jesus, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="X-NONE"><i>Eph
4:22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of
life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="X-NONE"><i>Eph
4:23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-50016276055586167302019-06-01T06:50:00.001-07:002019-06-01T06:50:47.167-07:00The Favored Son<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Gen 37:3 Now
Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of
his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 37:4 But
when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers,
they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I suppose most children are taught in Sunday School that
Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son so Jacob gave him a really pretty coat to wear
and his brothers were jealous and so eventually sold him into slavery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember being left with the idea that
Jacob just played favorites and no wonder Joseph’s brothers were jealous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be sure Jacob had a history of favoritism,
especially with his wives and it did cause problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I think there is more to this account
than simple favoritism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is easier
to understand once we see that Joseph is a type of Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, Rueben had slept with one of his father’s
wives and so lost the inheritance and the blessing of the Messiah coming
through his line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will learn later
that Joseph was given the position of the firstborn (the greater material
inheritance) and Judah received the Messianic inheritance (Christ is born
through his line).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This being understood Joseph’s coat is better translated a
long tunic as it is in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2Sa 13:18
Now she was wearing a <u>long robe with sleeves</u>, for thus were the virgin
daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door
after her</i>. In other words it was a coat a person of authority would
wear not the common laborer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph took
the leadership of his father’s herds and so was the overseer of his brothers, not
so much because of favoritism, although that was involved, but also because of
his outstanding character as opposed to the deplorable moral state of his brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is probably one reason why the account
of the brothers at Succoth, ch. 34 and the account of Judah and Tamar in ch. 38
are recorded for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob’s favor is
justified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we put all this together the similarities between
Joseph and Jesus are amazing to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
we have a son who has a special relationship with his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is given dreams that he relates to his
brothers that someday they will bow the knee to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His brothers hate him for the special
relationship with his father and for his exalted position seen in his dreams that
he unashamedly tells them about. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Rueben we have the firstborn brother who forfeited the
right to rule his father’s inheritance because he took for himself what
belonged to his father alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another
son comes along who honors his father as Rueben was supposed to and is given
charge over his brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They reject his
position and sell him into slavery for a few pieces of silver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in their rejection Joseph is exalted to
the right hand of Pharaoh and eventually he becomes the means of their
salvation from starving to death.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From there it is easy to see Adam as the firstborn man who
took for himself the glory he was supposed to give to his Heavenly Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another “Son” down the line is born whose
character is unquestioned and in keeping the Law perfectly is given authority
over all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He comes unto his own
and his own do not receive him but instead betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver
and he is crucified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is in that
very act of rejection that he is exalted to a position in which he is the very
Savior we need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only is this a marvelous picture of the gospel but it is
also an undeniable proof of the inspiration of Scripture and in this case of
the book of Genesis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book has
always been under attack by those that hate God because it establishes us as his
creatures and thus accountable to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They can make fun of the six day creation and the universal flood of Noah
but this account of Joseph teaches us that we had better take this book
seriously as inspired by God; not just some of it but all of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can’t trust all of the Bible why would
we trust any of it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could Jacob and his
sons live this out in such a way that points clearly to the person and work of
Christ unless God was in control of all things and could communicated it
clearly to Moses to write it down for us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the Bible can’t accurately tell us what happened at the beginning by
God who was the only One there, how can God relate any truth to us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible is a marvelous book and it is self-authenticating
as the inspired Word from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woe be to
those who ignore it and so miss Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-66217217925497016292019-05-25T06:00:00.001-07:002019-05-25T12:43:16.608-07:00Is There a Limit to Our Service<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mar 1:7 And he
preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose
sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is interesting that each of the Gospels record these
words of John the Baptist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out,
this phrase had special meaning in his day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus, of course, was a rabbi to end all rabbis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In these days rabbis couldn’t hold regular
work and have time to study and teach and so their students were expected to do
all sorts of things for them to free up their time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One regulation found in the ancient times
read like this, “Every service which a slave performs for his master shall a
disciple do for his teacher, except the loosing of his sandal-thong”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So evidently John was known for saying that the one thing
that was beneath a student to do for his teacher; something reserved for slaves
alone, he was not even worthy to do for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John said this in the context of pointing out that Jesus existed before
him and was of a higher rank than John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John knew that Jesus was more than just the latest Rabbi to come
along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was no mere man but the
Word made flesh, the God-Man.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But these words also help us put into perspective not just
how we relate to Jesus Christ but to our fellow man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John knew that he wasn’t even worthy to
loosen the sandal of God because he was Jesus’s sinful creature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gap between him and Jesus was the
distance of a worm crawling around in a wheel’s rut and Jesus is the moon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we have the proper perspective of
ourselves before God then we can understand our relationship to the rest of
humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all worms, crawling
around on this earth who deserve nothing but God’s wrath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If this is so then it is a particularly obnoxious sin for
anyone to think there are acts of service and kindness that is beneath them
when it comes to serving one another and even more so in the local church
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact is that the Son of God,
our creator, stooped to our level and served us in the most humiliating ways
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was hung naked on a cross
and as if that wasn’t enough, the innocent suffered the wrath of God in the
place of us rebels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he did that for
us then who are we to put limits on what we will do to serve each other?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course this is precisely Paul’s point in Philippians 2, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only
to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Php 2:5
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Php
2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with
God a thing to be grasped, Php 2:7 but emptied himself, by taking
the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Php 2:8
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the
point of death, even death on a cross</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His point is that if Jesus being God condescended to serve
man then how can we put limits on our service to each other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact is, there is only one person who can
actually condescend to a lower level and that is Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our station in life, we are all
just sinners deserving of Hell and cannot condescend because we are already as
low as we can get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the way, this point loses its punch if Jesus isn’t
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he is just another creature who
served us then any example could be used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But because of his original position, his stooping to become a man and
die for us removes any excuse we have for not serving one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, Paul reminds us that those who serve like Jesus did
will be exalted as Jesus was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord
is gracious to reward sinners for doing what is their duty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This goes with Jesus’s teaching that it is
the servant who is great in the kingdom, not the one being served, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mar 10:43 But it shall not be so among
you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, Mar
10:44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. Mar
10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to
give his life as a ransom for many</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Notice that Jesus uses the cross as the same motivation for our service
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are not worthy to serve the Lord in the most menial task,
yet by grace he gives us the privilege to “untie his sandal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we must remember that there is no task that
is beneath us when it comes to serving one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this mind is in us, then how can the
church not be a place of love, peace and fellowship?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-32700219258998434482019-05-11T06:49:00.001-07:002019-05-11T06:49:42.669-07:00Walking With a Limp<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 32:25 When
the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket,
and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Gen
32:31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his
hip. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We know that Jacob in the first part of his life was a
deceiver and a conniver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got along in
life by trying to take advantage of people, con them, get along by his wits and
so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he did not do was to seek
the will of God and depend on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
something that we all struggle with - listening to our hearts or this world and
living in light of natural wisdom that puts me at the center of everything or
listening to the revealed will of God found only in his Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think the main lesson in Jacob’s encounter with God at
Penuel was that God is teaching Jacob that he cannot find God’s blessings if he
is going to live by his own strength primarily seen in his constant
scheming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob, and we, must learn that
we are weak and unwise and need the power of God and his wisdom to live life
properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in the account we read of
God coming and wrestling with Jacob, the result is that Jacob’s hip is
purposefully displaced so that he must walk in a weakened state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe this is a picture of how God works in every
saint’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moves us from
dependence on our own strength and wisdom to relying on him for all that we
need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has ways of pulling the rug
out from under us so that we have no other option than to trust him to take
care of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jacob was about to meet Esau who was coming with 400 men and
Jacob assumes Esau is still angry with him and has come to do him harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though the Lord has shown him that an
army of angels are with him, Jacob still schemes by dividing up his family with
the hopes that Esau will attack some but spare others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has little confidence in the Lord’s
promises and protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what does
the Lord do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of allowing Jacob
to run the show by his cunning, he gives Jacob a limp so that when he meets
Esau he will look weak and vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a parallel passage to Jacob’s account that helps
explain what is going on with Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is found in 2 Cor. 12 where Paul goes through the same lesson that Jacob did
but in a context that we can more easily relate to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2Co 12:7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to keep me from becoming conceited because
of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the
flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2Co 12:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.</i>
Here we see the same wrestling match or struggle with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord has sent something to Paul that
makes him appear weak and Paul assumes that this will hinder his ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so three times he prays that the Lord will
remove it but the Lord does not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
us, Paul is wrestling with God’s providence that often makes no sense to us; we
assume we can do a better job if we had more money or better health or if our
church was bigger or if we had talents that someone else has, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although we ask God to give these things
to us, quite often he does not. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next we see the Lord “dislocating” Paul’s hip; in other
words he is explaining why he wants Paul to walk with a limp; to appear weak in
front of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2Co 12:9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…“</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul had to learn that it is the Lord’s
power that is going to make Paul successful, not how well he speaks or what he
looks like, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, in vs. 31 above we see the sun coming up and Jacob
walking off with a limp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same thing
must happen with Paul and us, …<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Therefore
I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ
may rest upon me. 2Co 12:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the sake
of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gives Paul light by explaining that when
we are weak and God’s work is done through us, then God gets the glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If by our talents, looks and money we build a
ministry then we will name it after ourselves and God’s glory isn’t seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God makes us weak then we depend on him
and whatever we do can only be attributed to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So 2 Cor. 12:9-10 is Paul living or “limping”
in the light of God’s revelation and the rest is history as we consider what
Paul and all God’s people have accomplished throughout church history as they
followed the Word of God and lived for the Lord’s glory and not for ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is tremendously freeing to know that I don’t have to
appear like I have it all together in front of the world or in front of the
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to do my best to
honor the Lord in whatever condition he has put me in and he will be served and
pleased with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This brings contentment
and joy and eliminates envy because I don’t need what someone else has to hear,
“Well done, good and faithful servant”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-4743294778253686932019-03-30T06:30:00.002-07:002019-03-30T06:30:55.092-07:00The Reason for the Lord's Delay<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2Pe 3:9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise
as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should
perish, but that all should reach repentance</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Welcome to the one of the most misused verses in the entire
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often used to teach that
the Lord hasn’t returned yet so that more people can be saved; that he has
provided salvation and is waiting to see how many will take advantage of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with that, it is also used to suggest
that it isn’t God’s will for any to be lost but wants everyone to be saved
equally.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, for any of that to work the assumption is that
man has a freewill that is independent of the Lord’s will and capable of
obeying him and so the Lord has done everything he can do to save us and the
deciding factor is whether we will accept his “offer” or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One problem is that the Bible never mentions
that we have wills that are free <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of sin’s
effects and can decide to obey the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It does teach, though, that our wills are in bondage to our sinful
nature and so can only rebel at God, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom
8:7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the mind that is set on the
flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it
cannot. Rom 8:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who are in the
flesh cannot please God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom 3:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as it is written: "None is righteous,
no, not one; Rom 3:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no one
understands; no one seeks for God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom
3:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All have turned aside; together
they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joh 6:44<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I
will raise him up on the last day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eph
2:4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God, being rich in mercy,
because of the great love with which he loved us, Eph 2:5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even when we were dead in our trespasses,
made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, you get the idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some other reasons why 2 Peter 3:9 can’t mean what
some want to make it mean; that is, man can make a decision that he is by
nature incapable of making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
instance, the longer he waits to return the more people are going to Hell so it
kind of works against the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell is
growing bigger by leaps and bounds the more time he gives this world to rebel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he wanted fewer people in Hell he should
have come back immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, if
all God is concerned about is for people not going to Hell, why create us to
begin with or allow Adam to fall?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thirdly, if he is being patient and giving everyone a chance
then every time a baby is born he can’t come until this child grows up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if we assume that a baby will go to
heaven, there is always children reaching the age of reason who are clearly not
saved so doesn’t God have to give them a chance if this is what the verse is
saying?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So unless God stops us from
populating the earth he can never come back because he wants everyone to have a
chance to be saved because there are always children being born who need some
time to “get saved”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where we
end up when we err in the doctrines of God’s sovereigny, election, the bondage
of the will, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are more
concerned that man has the ability to determine his own future than we are
God’s freedom to glorify himself as he wants, then there is no way we can
understand the Bible or not fall into error.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fourthly, I might add that if God wanted as many people to
be saved as possible then why did he only give any light to the obscure, tiny
nation of Israel back in Old Testament times and not all nations?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, the biblical record proves
differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would the Lord command
Israel to destroy every man, woman and child in Canaan if he is hoping they
will come to him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does he send
storms to kill the lost, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God is
giving everyone the opportunity to believe then why is he constantly shortening
and ending the opportunities?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
swept away in the tsunami weren’t given a patient chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This verse simply can’t be taken that way in
light of what has been happening in human history.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But exegetically Peter is speaking to “you”, the church, not
the lost, vs. 1 says,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is now the second letter that I am
writing to you, <u>beloved.</u> In both of them I am stirring up your sincere
mind by way of reminder</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
promise is he referring to?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That they
reach repentance; his promise to save the elect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God chose to save the elect from
eternity he decreed or we might say he promised to save them; we are elected “unto
salvation”, Eph. 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He isn’t coming back
until all that he has decreed to save are saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously he isn’t going to end human history
if all the elected haven’t been born and brought to salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he did come back before that it would make
election nonsensical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vs. 15 of 2 Peter
3 says, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved
brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elect don’t all live at the same time so
until they all are born and grow up and hear the gospel he isn’t coming
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gen. 6:18 says that before the ark was even built, God told
Noah that it was only going to hold eight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Noah was a preacher of righteousness as he built the ark proclaiming the
coming judgment of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t
calling the people to buy a ticket or “get saved”; the Lord was only always
going to saved just eight souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Pet.
3:20 says pretty much the same thing, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Because
they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah,
while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were
brought safely through water</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice
how the Lord’s patience was so Noah’s family could be saved, not to see if any
more would enter the ark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps the clearest passage that teaches this is in Rev. 6:10-11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here the martyrs in heaven are asking the
Lord why he hasn’t avenged their blood yet and here is what God tells them, Rev
6:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cried out with a loud voice, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how
long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the
earth?" Rev 6:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they were
each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, <u>until the number
of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete</u>, who were to
be killed as they themselves had been</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It should be obvious; God has already determined who was
going to be given grace and saved by the sacrifice of his Son on the
cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it would make no sense for him
to be waiting to come back so more people could be saved than he has elected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is building a kingdom of priests; he is
building a temple of living stones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
when the last sinner chosen before the world began is saved then he will come
back and destroy this fallen universe and reform it into the new heavens and
earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-87374402186575442082018-12-22T09:36:00.002-08:002018-12-22T09:36:52.859-08:00An Inconsistency of Arminianism<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joh 10:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give them eternal life, and they will never
perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. Joh 10:29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Father, who has given them to me, is
greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Php 1:6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing up in Fundamental Arminianism we didn’t hear very
much about the sovereignty of God and especially so when it came to our
salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When speaking about that subject
we didn’t hear about God’s sovereignty at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were taught much about how each of us has a free will and it is up to
choose whether we will believe in Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Arminian thought all men have a sovereign, autonomous free will that
even God can’t control if we won’t let him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So our eternal destiny is determined, not by the will of God but by our
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, we know that the Bible teaches that all men have
a will only it is depraved, at odds with God, and so unable to do any good
thing before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What many fail to
realize is that there is a difference between a sovereign, autonomous free will
(which only God can have) and a creaturely freewill that must be subservient to
the eternal decrees of the only true Sovereign, God Almighty; notice it is not
some mighty but all mighty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But let me just focus on one teaching of Arminianism that
shows the inconsistency of this theology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a rule they make it clear that God cannot overcome our will or our
will wouldn’t be free, so everyone must have a choice as to whether they want
to believe or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But oddly enough,
when it comes to losing one’s salvation they are perfectly fine with God
forcing our will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often I would hear the idea of “Once saved, always saved” and
“Eternal Security”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would use
verses like those quoted above to teach that one cannot lose their
salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some even go so far as to say
that all Baptist are “Calvinists” because we believe you cannot lose your
salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this they mean they
believe the last point of the TULIP, Perseverance of the saints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, of course, this is a corruption of this
doctrine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are saying that all this
means is that God won’t let us lose our salvation but deny that he does this in
part by transforming us so that we won’t walk away from the faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the idea is that no matter how we live God
won’t let us be lost even if we could care less about being saved anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have heard “Eternal Security” illustrated as a lobster in
a pot of boiling water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we are
saved God closes the lid down and we can’t get out whether we want to or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One immediate problem with this is that no
real saint wants to walk away from the Lord but when your theology doesn’t need
a transformation of the will in order to be saved then your will isn’t changed
to begin with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you choose to be
saved, the next day you might choose to walk away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, they are saying, that God won’t
let you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the most striking inconsistency with this illustration
as well as the whole concept of “Once saved, always saved” is that they are
saying that it is perfectly okay for God to keep us from ever walking away from
him but it is absolutely unacceptable for him to change our will so we will
believe in him to begin with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is
okay for God to sovereignly keep us from rejecting Christ but he cannot
sovereignly bring us to the point of receiving Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that they are picking and choosing
when it is okay for God to be sovereign or be God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is the whole problem with
Arminianism; it puts man’s “free will” above God’s sovereign will and only one
kind of will can be truly free and that is a sovereign will. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible teaches our salvation is a result of the eternal
plan and decree of God, not man’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God can’t decree to keep a people saved unless he first chooses to save
a people; otherwise how does he even know if anyone will choose to get saved to
begin with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I ask, why is it okay for
God to override our will (And I realize this is a totally unbiblical way to
express it, but I am using the Arminian’s way of describing this) and keep us
saved but he can only wait and see if we will choose him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part of the problem with this unbiblical theology is that
Calvinists know and the Bible clearly teaches that God doesn’t merely force our
will but he makes us willing and there is a huge difference between the
two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But at the end of the day even the lost can only do what the
sovereign God ordains and yet they are at the same time doing exactly what they
want to do and so are held accountable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I leave you will these texts to confirm this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psa 33:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to
nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. Psa 33:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the
plans of his heart to all generations.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dan 4:35<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all the inhabitants of the earth are
accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of
heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or
say to him, "What have you done?"<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pro 21:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The king's heart is a stream of water in the
hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pro 16:9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD
establishes his steps.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psa 105:25<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned their hearts to hate his people, to
deal craftily with his servants</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, the passage that should end all debate, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Act 4:26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered
together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'—Act 4:27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for truly in this city there were gathered
together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and
Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, Act
4:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to do whatever your hand and your
plan had predestined to take place.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will any doubt that Herod, Pilate, and the Jews all
willingly crucified Jesus and that they were judged because of it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the greatest sin ever committed and
yet they were doing and could only do what God had ordained they do from all
eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not our job to
understand how this can be true but it is certainly our duty to submit to this
truth and live our lives in light of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-48446605841021283662018-12-14T12:32:00.001-08:002018-12-14T12:35:14.321-08:00Spiritual Nearsightedness and Dementia<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2Pe 1:5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this very reason, make every effort to
supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 2Pe 1:6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and knowledge with self-control, and
self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 2Pe 1:7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and godliness with brotherly affection, and
brotherly affection with love. 2Pe 1:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from
being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Pe
1:9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind,
having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this section of 2 Peter, the Apostle is giving us some
good spiritual meat as to how to be fruitful and effective in the Christian
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the qualities of vss. 5-7 are
working in us, we will bear fruit in the Kingdom of God, vs. 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In vs. 9 he comes at it from a negative
viewpoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If these qualities aren’t in
us we are demonstrating spiritual weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He illustrates this by using two physical weaknesses, nearsightedness
and forgetfulness or we might say spiritual dementia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spiritual nearsightedness happens when we focus on this life
with no thought to eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live for
the here and now but fail to lay up gold, silver and precious stones in
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is myopia in which we can
only see what is in front of our face and forget that the Lord is coming soon
for us and this world will be left behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It could also be applied to idolatry in which we are focused on some
object and fail to see the big picture which is that this life is to be all
about serving the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is to be
too busy living life or too busy loving this world that we are not focused on
the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spiritual forgetfulness fails to remember something that is
vital for effective Christian living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the first case we don’t see what is coming; in the second case we are not keeping
something in our minds that is needed to serve the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vs. 9 explains that what we have forgotten is
the Gospel; that we are sinners saved by the cross of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reason this is important is that when we walk through
life without the gospel in our “RAM”, in our working and usable memory, we
forget who we are; we are unable to properly identify ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This happens all the time with both the lost
and Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We identify ourselves primarily
as men or women, Americans or some ethnic group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can also do it by seeing ourselves by what
we do for a living, a doctor, union worker, teacher, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are seeing a particularly destructive form
of it when people identify themselves by their sexual choices or their gender
preferences, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem with each one of these is that very often we
allow our life, thoughts and actions, to be guided by these identifications
rather than the fact that we are children of God first and foremost and that is
to guide us in every aspect of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To some extent there are other lesser identities that we must deal
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an American I have certain laws
to obey and taxes to pay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot
function properly if I live as if I am a citizen of another country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I get up in the morning I must keep in
mind that I am a pastor and I have to get ready to preach the Word this coming
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I forget who I am in that
sense then I will fail to fulfill my responsibilities as a pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But before all these other things I must get up in the
morning and remember that I have been saved from the darkness of sin and live
in light of who I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And who I am is a
redeemed sinner whose primary job in life is to bring honor to the Lord in all
I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forget this and I will fail as a
human being in every area of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those that attempt to identify themselves by who they have
sex with or by being any gender that they would like doubly fail in this
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are choosing to identify in
a way that God has specifically told them they are not to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has given us plain parameters as to how to
function sexually and it is rebellion to go outside those commands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has made us either male or female and
pretending to be one that you are not, not only causes confusion and the
inability to live a God-honoring life, but it is also rebellion to the natural
order that he has established and it will bring his judgment sooner or later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately God has given his saints two things to help us
in our natural conditions of spiritual nearsightedness and dementia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gives us new sight and new glasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He regenerates us by the Holy Spirit and
gives us light so we can understand the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And he gives us some eyeglasses if you will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the Word of God through which we can
evaluate life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we look at life
through the truth of his Word, we are able to understand who we are and live
our lives as they were meant to be lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David seems to sum it up well in Ps. 119:97-105:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh how I love your
law! It is my meditation all the day. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Your commandment makes
me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have more understanding than all my
teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I understand more than
the aged, for I keep your precepts. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hold back my feet from every evil way, in
order to keep your word. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I do not turn aside
from your rules, for you have taught me. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How sweet are your
words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Through your precepts
I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Your word is a lamp to
my feet and a light to my path.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-79499296277335147902018-12-01T08:08:00.001-08:002018-12-01T08:08:50.907-08:00Loving as We are Loved<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 5:6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For while we were still weak, at the right
time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom 5:7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a
good person one would dare even to die—Rom 5:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The passage above lays out God’s love as few others do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It states the two-fold aspect of his love and
in so doing helps define what our love for each other should look like.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all in verse 6 we see that God loves in a way that
gives and helps those who have nothing to offer him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he saved us we had nothing to offer him
and that includes any work or response that would aid in our salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While
we were still weak he died for us</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our salvation is not a cooperation between God and sinners but such that
glorifies his strong arm alone, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1Co
1:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God chose what is low and despised
in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 1Co
1:29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so that no human being might boast
in the presence of God</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These verses
aren’t saying that there are some people who are strong enough to take care of
themselves for there are none righteous, no not one; but God generally chooses
the ones who are comparatively weak to grow his kingdom just to demonstrate to
Satan and this world that there is absolutely nothing they can do to stop the
Lord from establishing his kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
God loves those who have nothing to offer him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then secondly he goes even further by loving those that are
in rebellion to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they aren’t just
helpless but engaged in warfare against him and he saves them anyway!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In verse 6 they are described as ungodly, so
they are living lives that dishonor the Lord and they do not live in gratitude
for what he has done for them but instead live as if life is just about them
and their pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So verse 8 says that
when God died for us we were sinners; we had transgressed his law and stood as
condemned criminals and he paid for our sins in his body on the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So God loves his enemies as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To those who are both <u>unable</u> and <u>unwilling</u>
to come to him, he goes to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In both
cases God alone is able to meet our need; he is both able and willing to save. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What an example to us of how to love one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we only love those who are attractive to
us, that have something to offer us or if we only love those that like us and
are nice to us, then we have not loved as we have been loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we get hold of this our marriages will
be better and our churches will be more enjoyable; when we start loving others,
not for what they can do for you but what you can do for them all to the glory
of God and in thanksgiving to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-44170474088368229762018-11-15T12:55:00.002-08:002018-11-15T12:55:39.566-08:00Are We Justified By Faith?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 4:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For if Abraham was justified by works, he has
something to boast about, but not before God. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 4:3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For what does the Scripture say?
"Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 4:4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now to the one who works, his wages are not
counted as a gift but as his due. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 4:5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to the one who does not work but believes
in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it comes to understanding the above passage one’s
theology makes all the difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
the surface it seems pretty clear that we are not saved by any work we can do
through faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this is the main
point then it cannot be teaching us that faith is a work that we can do in
order to be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet there are a vast
number or Christians who believe this very thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is mostly seen in the concept that God has provided a
means of salvation and all that is needed to finish the job is for us to agree
with it by faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if all men are
born with the ability to believe then how is this not a work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does not the very term ability necessitate something
we have to aid in our salvation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The idea is that since none are righteous and can obey God’s
Law then he has lowered the bar just low enough so that everyone has the
ability to get in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith becomes the one
thing that we all can “do”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is
still a work and the above passage is saying that this is not an option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our theology helps here as we know that the Bible teaches
that salvation is a work of God in which he enables us to believe thus faith is
not a work but a means by which the Lord justifies us in such a way that we
cannot boast that we did anything, even believe, in order to be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we trusted in the work of Christ but
only because God regenerated us and gave us the power to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another reason we know that faith is not the one thing that
God will accept in order to save us is because faith does not equal our
transgressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Muslim god for
instance will forgive sin if certain prayers are made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in essence this is to forgive sin without
it ever being paid for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayers don’t
make up for transgressing a Holy God nor does believing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin must be paid for which is why Jesus had
to die.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now you might be thinking, “Well there you have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith doesn’t equal our sin; Jesus also had
to die for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Paul tells us in
Galatians that if we add anything to Christ we miss the gospel entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Galatians they were adding circumcision;
in the case of the Church of Christ they add baptism; in the case of most
Arminianism they add “faith”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea
is that God has done everything needed for salvation except one thing is left
for us to “add to Christ’s work”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is we must add our faith to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
end it boils down to a work that we can do that the lost will not do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of this it is good and necessary to understand that
we are justified not on the basis of faith but through faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are saved by grace, through faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our salvation is all a gift of God but he
enables us to believe when he gives us the new birth as the mechanism in which
he justifies us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can take no credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will leave you with these verses which I
believe say the same thing, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Php 1:29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For it has been granted to you that for the
sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his
sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Act 13:48<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when the Gentiles heard this, they began
rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to
eternal life believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2Ti 2:25<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>correcting his opponents with gentleness. God
may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-4298720109695860282018-11-08T13:49:00.002-08:002018-11-08T13:50:18.113-08:00Steadfast in the Everyday Things<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 5:3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only that, but we rejoice in our
sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, Rom 5:4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and endurance produces character, and
character produces hope, Rom 5:5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently preached on being steadfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biblically the idea is to remain under a
trial in a faithful, Christ-honoring way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Often when we think of enduring trials we think of the big ones like
persecution or when the doctor tells us we have terminal cancer, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while these are certainly times in which
we are to be steadfast and endure to the end; it is perhaps just as important,
if not more so, that we are careful to be Christlike and faithful in the
everyday trials and disappointments of life since these are by far what we will
encounter most often.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think it is a good sign that we are maturing in Christ
when we are able to handle the everyday disappointments and dull routines of life
in a way that we are able to maintain our joy, peace and love while underneath
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One instance that crossed my mind
was what we term as mid-life crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a rule we have these because life isn’t turning out the way we expected or
wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often this is seen because our
spouse isn’t fulfilling our needs the way we want them to be fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we look for something or someone to take
their place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, this is not
being steadfast by being content with Christ but it is to live life primarily in
a selfish mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder how many men have had a “midlife crisis” because
they came to the realization that they are not fulfilling their wives needs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably the answer is no one ever!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are way too selfish to think in such a way
it seems. It just shows why we find it difficult to hold up when things don’t
go our way; because we only are concerned for our way and not Christ and
certainly not our neighbor’s and family’s good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We reduce life to our little world and with nothing greater to live for
how on earth can we endure with joy and contentment?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another reason why it is so important to be steadfast in the
everyday routines of life is that this gives us unlimited opportunities to
honor the Lord and gain reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
times of persecution and life-changing trials are limited for all of us but
faithfulness when people are short with you and unfair, when you are stuck in
traffic or have to deal with a boss who shows favoritism, etc. happens so often
that these are by far the most abundant ways to show this world how much you
love Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we miss this- that we must be steadfast in the little
things- then we will excuse our bad temper and ill-treatment of our loved ones;
if we think trials are only the big things and don’t realize that most of our
trials are the everyday pain, disappointments, dealing with the ungodly pride
in your life when those around you don’t bow to your every whim, then we will
be defeated before we even get started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can please our Lord every day hundreds of times by placing our hope
in him and being full of joy when the elderly lady won’t move out of the way on
the road and we praise God that we can drive a car instead of blessing her out
because she is going to make us 30 seconds later than we would have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t downplay the little things or we will
be unprepared for the bigger things and probably explains why we don’t do well
at either many times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to get better at being satisfied and joyful while
those without Christ grow more and more bitter and sour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is sad when we see the same rage and
bitterness in our society infiltrating the church influencing how we interact
with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to have the same
attitude that those early Christians did who suffered much more than I ever
will; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heb 10:32<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But recall the former days when, after you
were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, Heb 10:33<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach
and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. Heb
10:34<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you <u>had compassion</u> on
those in prison, and you <u>joyfully accepted</u> the plundering of your
property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an
abiding one. Heb 10:35<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore do not
throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. Heb 10:36<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you have need of endurance, so that when
you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heb
10:37<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For, "Yet a little while, and
the coming one will come and will not delay.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Notice that they didn’t just miserably endure pain and
disappointment; they did so joyfully and compassionately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t use their problems to stop them ministering
to others and so they had great reward waiting for them because Christ is just
about to come back for all of us either at death or his Second Coming and so
compared to eternity, our reward is just around the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s take heart and serve while it is day!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-82836352756974007062018-10-27T08:33:00.001-07:002018-10-27T08:33:30.872-07:00The Uselessness of Scheming <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 12:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to
Sarai his wife, "I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, Gen
12:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and when the Egyptians see you,
they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me, but they will let
you live. Gen 12:13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Say you are my
sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be
spared for your sake."</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The account of Abram going to Egypt during the famine and
lying about Sarah being his sister and not his wife teaches us of what happens
when we start to rely on our wisdom to live life rather than obeying what God
says in his Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is seen in several
ways in this passage such as Abram leaving Bethel which is called the House of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the place where Abram made
an altar and worshipped God and while there he called upon the Lord which
basically means he was seeking to know God’s will; he was listening to and following
the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But he leaves the place of fellowship with God and starts
scheming on his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not recorded
as making another altar or speaking to the Lord until 13:4 where he returns to
Bethel and starts to call upon the name of the Lord again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I think we can assume that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in between these two periods we are seeing
Abram as he is living according to his own wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was studying this account a thought occurred to me as
to why such a course of action will fail every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By course of action I mean trying to take
care of problems by human reason without first being guided by God’s revelation
to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might say that Abram was
scheming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He developed a rather
elaborate ruse that he thought would feed his family, save his life and
technically he was not lying since Sarah was his half-sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scheming is certainly something I can
identify with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often make careful, if
not elaborate, plans when faced with problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the surface there is not necessarily anything wrong with this as God
has given us capacities of reason along with experience to figure out how to
overcome problems in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely this
is the mother of invention for instance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem comes when we don’t allow ourselves to be first
guided by what God has said in his Word and we aren’t seeking his help in
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so we scheme using our own
wisdom but without a very important ingredient which makes all the
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abram’s scheme might have
worked except that Pharaoh didn’t play along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And this is where all of our plans are doomed for failure if we act
apart from the will of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abram couldn’t
control Pharaoh’s mind, will and actions but the Sovereign God of all can!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And this is why using his wisdom will always work and why
trying to live on our own wisdom can never work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot control anything other than
ourselves and we can’t do that very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The success of every plan we make ultimately depends on whether people,
events, weather, machines, animals, etc. will cooperate and we have no real
control over any of those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
God controls all things after the counsel of his eternal decrees so every plan
he has determined must come to pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently it was God’s will for Abram to weather the famine
in Canaan, not Egypt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could feed
Abram and his flocks as easily during a famine as he could any in the most
fertile valley on Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply put he
is sovereign and we are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abram’s
first sin was to assume God couldn’t take care of him and needed his help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His next sin was to try on his own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often we can’t even control our own thoughts and bodies for
our own good let alone anyone or anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s leave the “scheming” to the
Lord and let us trust his wisdom because we have been promised that it will all
work good for us in the end, Rom 8:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And we know that for those who love God all
things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-88714400714094747932018-10-12T16:03:00.000-07:002018-10-12T16:03:07.263-07:00One Way the Gospel Conforms Us to Christ<i>2Pe 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, </i><i>2Pe 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The above passage reminds us that <i>all</i> saints have <i>all</i> the power they need to serve the Lord by the indwelling Spirit and they have <i>all</i> the information they need in the Bible overall and in the promises of what they have in Christ Jesus in particular. There is a lot of things that we could say about this subject but allow me to give some examples of how the truth of God's Word and the application of the Gospel can be used in all that pertains to life and godliness.<br />
<br />
On the one hand when we sin it exposes that our love for the Lord is not as it should be. On the other hand it also shows that we are not living in light of the truths of the Word. So if I find it difficult to be nice and speak kindly to others then I need to ask what is wrong with my understanding of the gospel that makes me think I can act like this? If I find it difficult to trust in God and not my bank account and give like I should, what have I forgotten about the goodness and power of God that makes me think I have to put this world before the Kingdom of God? If I am being tempted to live for pleasure or power and success more than living to show forth Christ to others and deny self, where have I been deluded by sin so that I think this will end well for me? So as soon as I lose sight of the gospel I will become barren or ineffective.<br />
<br />
Sin deceives us and Satan is the father of lies. His job is to get us to think wrongly. We tend to think of Satan attacking us through overt temptations, and he certainly does this; but I believe primarily he tries to get us to think wrongly about the truth, to believe our sinful hearts and the world around us rather than God. Once this happens we will easily fall to temptation. So above all it is imperative that we know God's Word and that we believe and trust it so that it directs our thinking.<br />
<br />
The Holy Spirit's work isn't so much to help us understand the Bible. It is for the most part understandable. Even many lost people understand what it is saying. The difference is that they don't believe what it says. The Holy Spirit helps us see the wisdom and to trust it above our deceitful hearts. If we are regenerated then we are able to rest on these precious promises and live in light of eternity and not for the moment.<br />
<br />
Once we understand this we begin to see the importance of Bible study and being under the ministry of the local church. It isn't difficult to recognize someone who does not hold God's Word as very important in their lives and it would be a good exercise for each of us to determine if we are students of the Word. If we are not, then the Holy Spirit has little to work with in conforming us to the image of Christ.Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-81293729805296747122018-10-02T05:06:00.001-07:002018-10-02T05:06:19.062-07:00Indicatives and Imperatives<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Php 3:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that I have already obtained this or am
already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has
made me his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gal_5:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For freedom Christ has set us free; stand
firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Col 3:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If then you have been raised with Christ,
seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of
God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Col 3:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set your minds on things that are above, not
on things that are on earth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Col
3:3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you have died, and your life is
hidden with Christ in God.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The subject of indicatives and imperatives and their use in
the Bible might be familiar with us but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of them
from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply put, an
indicative is a statement of truth, the reality of something that already is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An imperative is a command to do something or
in this case to act on the indicative statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The above passages give examples of
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since God has done something for
us and in us then act on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Philippians
verse the indicative follows the imperative in the verse but Paul is saying I
press on because of what Christ has already done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul doesn’t teach us to behave out of duty
but always by being what we already are in Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is important because all false religions and especially
false Christian cults get the Bible’s order backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible teaches us that God has first
acted; he has done something for us and effected a change in us (This is the
truth) and this is to affect the way we live (That is the command). All false
religions which are basically religions of good works to earn acceptance from
God or through human effort attain Nirvana or some sort of happiness get the
order wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They give a command and
then say that this will bring about the desired effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So do something that pleases God and he will
do something for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas the Bible
teaches that God has done something for us so we are to live in light of that
truth out of thankfulness and love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we cannot downplay what is going on here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most obvious example in Scripture is the
book of Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first 11 chapters
there is not a command given to us; there are no imperative statements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul spends the first half of the book
explaining what God has done in saving us and who we are as a result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t until we get to chapter 12 that we
get our first imperative command to act on the truths of chapters 1-11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom
12:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appeal to you therefore,
brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Rom 12:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what
is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is important not just because if you get the order
wrongly you will end up trying to work your way to merit God’s favor, but it
can also save a Christian from a legalistic, miserable life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many Christians there is the idea that if
I behave God will bless me (meaning: give me goodies or not do something bad to
me) and if I do wrong then God is going to punish me somehow or if I sin badly
enough he will even let me fall from grace entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so they live in a system of works anyway,
not grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the idea that God is
ready to give us stuff or take it away all depending on how well we obey the
rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is miserable because none of
us can live up to such an arrangement and it puts us at the center of our
lives; life is about reward and punishment, not being satisfied and fulfilled
in God for who he is and what he has done for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Joel Osteen tells us if we will live a certain way and
God will give us successful lives he is actually placing us under a miserable
system in which we are doomed to fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or when a preacher tells us we better not sin or God is going to hammer
us with some awful thing so we better behave, he isn’t preaching grace but
works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is saying to live rightly but
for the wrong reason.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul tells us that in Christ all the promises are yes and
amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already have every good
spiritual blessing and position; we are already seated in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God isn’t going to take
that away. We are told to live in light of what he has already done for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has already given us our best
possible life in Christ so enjoy it in the pursuit of loving God with all our
heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not denying that there are benefits for living for the
Lord and that when we continue in sin God will chasten us to rid us of that
sinful pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in Christ we have
been made God’s children. We have peace with him and perfect security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God isn’t standing over us with a paddle
waiting for us to mess up. He is teaching us what a wonderful Father he is and
telling us that to find pleasure in anything else will not bring happiness only
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one sense he doesn’t have to
punish us when we sin because the fruit of sin is punishment in itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we have been given all sorts of commands on how to live
for the Lord, but it isn’t to get a blessing. It is because we have already
been blessed that is to motivate us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
mindset is law; the other is grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
rests in God’s work; the other trusts in our works.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-31039348796446543842018-09-01T06:41:00.000-07:002018-09-01T06:41:12.112-07:00"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 7:17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flood continued forty days on the earth.
The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. Gen
7:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waters prevailed and increased
greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. Gen
7:19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the waters prevailed so
mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were
covered. Gen 7:20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waters prevailed
above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. Gen 7:21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all flesh died that moved on the earth,
birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and
all mankind. Gen 7:22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything on the
dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biblical flood is a case study in the coming of the Lord
and the judgment that will occur at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, one purpose of the flood is to teach us that this day is coming
since God has already judged the world once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are also some interesting parallels that emphasize
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as Noah’s flood was <u>historical</u>
so will the next general judgment be as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus and Peter both referred back to Noah’s flood as an historical
event and we learn in Paul’s preaching that God, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has <u>fixed a day</u> in which He will judge the world in
righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to
all men by raising Him from the dead</i>” (Acts 17:31).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next both are <u>universal</u>; that is, no one will escape
the judgment of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either you will
suffer for your sins or you will find escape in Jesus who has given himself as
an offering for sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The text above
makes it clear that no land was left for man to climb to so he could avoid
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Hebrews 9 we learn that no
person will escape standing before the Lord, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heb 9:27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just as it is
appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, Heb 9:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so Christ, having been offered once to bear
the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save
those who are eagerly waiting for him.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, it will be <u>sudden</u>; without warning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although God gave ample warning of the coming
flood (judgment), one day he shut the door and sent the rain and no one could
enter the ark at that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1Co 15:51<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all
be changed, 1Co 15:52<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and
the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are also told that today is the day of
salvation, but once Christ comes back that day is over forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The important thing in all this is to see that there was
only one means of surviving the flood and that was by entering the Ark which is
a type of Jesus Christ who alone was able to turn away God’s wrath against sin
in his body on the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was
thinking about this I thought of how we are told that the water covered the highest
mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the beginning mankind has
invented ways to work their way to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the problem is that there is no work good enough, no mountain high
enough, that will save us from the guilt of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps it is no coincidence that the Law was given on a
mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Law that could not save
sinners because it demands perfect righteousness so it can only condemn
humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course this hasn’t stop us
from climbing Mt. Sinai anyway thinking that God has set the bar low enough for
sinners to merit salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many have
tried to “be good” enough to atone for their sin only to find that when they
reach the top God’s holiness is much higher than their feeble efforts and they
are consumed; they drown in God’s righteous judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Mt. Sinai isn’t high enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only the Ark, only Christ, could bear us up high enough to
escape the guilt and penalty of sin and here is just one place where God has
revealed his perfect salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will
glorify himself, not by accepting our sin ladened works as a suitable payment
for sin but only by offering himself as the perfect Lamb so that he receives all
the glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Genesis 22 says so well in
a kind of play on words in the KJV, Gen 22:8 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt
offering: so they went both of them together</i>. And truly he did two
thousand years ago he provided himself as the only ark of safety, the only
suitable substitute in his Son, Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-84366402458884436272018-08-20T16:47:00.002-07:002018-08-20T17:38:03.050-07:00Our Spiritual Disabilities<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 3:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as it is written: "None is righteous,
no, not one; Rom 3:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no one
understands; no one seeks for God. Rom 3:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does
good, not even one." Rom 3:13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to
deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." Rom 3:14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Their mouth is full of curses and
bitterness." Rom 3:15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Their
feet are swift to shed blood; <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 3:16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in their paths are ruin and misery, Rom
3:17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the way of peace they have not
known." Rom 3:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"There is no
fear of God before their eyes."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our world was not made for people with disabilities or real
low IQs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why we label them as
special needs people and make ramps and devices that will help them get along
in a world where one needs good arms, legs, minds, etc. to be able to function
at full potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God made this world
for people who can stand and reach and carry and think through problems and
when we lose some of these abilities life becomes more difficult and in many
cases impossible without help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such
deformities and diseases are a result of sin and the curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because sin affects our minds and bodies
adversely we do things for those in need so they can get along in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was thinking about this reality the thought occurred to
me that it might do us well to remember that we are all born with disabilities and
are “deformed” in a spiritual sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are all born spiritually and morally broken and it is not just our duty but it
is imperative that we give ourselves special care by adhering to the Word of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only as we are recreated in
Christ that we can begin to overcome the disabling effects of sin that makes it
impossible to live life as the Lord intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Too often we forget this because our sinfulness looks normal
when compared to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When everyone
is blind, crippled and “crazy” then it seems no one is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since everyone is born depraved we tend to
think that sinning is normal and don’t see it for what it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we think of ourselves as in a better
condition than we are because our sin doesn’t look out of place; it looks like
we are getting along pretty well in this fallen world because we have forgotten
that the real “normal” is to be holy as God is holy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it is easy to prove that all humans are “handicapped” when
they come into this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just look at
the way we fight and steal and brag and ignore each other; look at all the
unrest in society because sin makes it very difficult to love our neighbor as ourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The inability for us to find peace
and joy and fulfillment only proves that there is a serious defect that we are
all born with and this can’t be fixed apart from the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth of the matter is that we are all born with
disabilities that will destroy us without the grace of God to intervene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we see someone with a life-threatening
disability that needs special and decisive action we need to be reminded that
this is all of us spiritually and we need to take it even more seriously than
physical deformities because our spiritual condition will lead us to Hell unless we are “cured” by
the cross of Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out the Lord has given us helps so that we can
overcome our spiritual “disabilities”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First of all he gives us a new nature at conversion so that we start
loving God more than ourselves rather than the disability of loving ourselves
more than everything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has given
us his Word to teach us how to live properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We might compare it somewhat to physical therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only by constant use that our bodies
can function properly and it is only by being saturated with the Word of God
that anyone can get a handle on what life is all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In conjunction with the Word is the local
church where God has ordained that most of our learning take place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then there is the fellowship of the
saints where we get strength and support for serving the Lord as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem I have found over the years is that our
priorities are all out of whack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
see someone with a physical need we will do whatever it takes to try and help
them overcome their disability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
stand out from the norm and it is obvious they need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But because our spiritual needs aren’t as
easy to spot since everyone has the same spiritual disabilities and so we think
that sin and its destructive effects are normal, we have little concern for
them and we get used to our spiritual “limp” or near-sightedness or
weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we need to take our spiritual needs with even more
seriousness than we do our physical weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus said for us not to fear those that can kill the body but instead
fear the one who can destroy your soul as well as your body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to use the graces God gave us to grow
strong in Christ and work for eternity and not worry so much about keeping this
body alive for a few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Paul
said that bodily exercise only profits a little, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1Ti_4:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for while bodily
training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds
promise for the <u>present life and also for the life to come</u>.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It might be good for us to stop comparing ourselves to those
around us and instead compare ourselves to Christ so that we can see how “deformed”
we are and how much help we need so that we might grow in grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we need to realize that we are born with a
zero spiritual IQ and grow in the knowledge of Christ so we can live effective
and “normal” lives for the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-29519929052752770742018-07-28T15:41:00.000-07:002018-07-28T15:41:29.197-07:00"Not By the Will of Man"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joh 1:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to his own, and his own people did
not receive him. Joh 1:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to all who
did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children
of God, Joh 1:13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who were born, not of
blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Passage above is full of important truth and those that
ignore it have developed all sorts of doctrinal errors that have caused damage
for Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Primarily it tells us
to whom we owe the new birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
18 verses of the Gospel of John are a prologue to the book in which John tells
us that Jesus is the eternal Word of God, the Son of God, the second person of
the Trinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also is telling us of Jesus’s
mission and that the Jews did not receive him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In verses 12-13 it seems that thinking about the Jews not receiving him
makes him think about how it is that anyone does receive Jesus as the
Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so under the inspiration of
the Spirit he makes it crystal clear that Jew and Gentle alike will always
reject Jesus unless God intervenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In verse 12 he states that all who receive Jesus are given
the right to become sons of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Pauline vernacular we would say that one is saved through faith (receiving) and
that one cannot believe until they are regenerated (born again)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then in vs. 13 he gives us one of the most important
truths in the Bible for understanding to whom we owe our salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He goes on to explain that we don’t become
born again when we believe, but we must be born from above so that we can
believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Verse 12 alone sounds like our
salvation is just a matter of whether we decide to believe or not, but the
Bible never teaches this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so verse
13 removes any idea that one is saved by any manmade faith apart from the
sovereign work of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He lists three things that have no part in our spiritual
birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all blood; our
ethnicity, genealogy or any family connection has no bearing on whether we get
saved or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because my parents
are Christians or being a Jew vs. a Gentile has no bearing on the election of
grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God saves from all people groups<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, Rev 5:9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the
scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you
ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Secondly, my will did not cause me to be born again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing how many people refuse to
accept the clear teaching from the Scriptures on this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until God overrides our sinful nature and
rebellious will and gives us a new heart, we will never choose him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though Romans 3 says, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">None is righteous, no, not one; Rom
3:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no one understands; no one seeks
for God. Rom 3:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All have turned aside;
together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one</i>”, so
many must think that they are the exception; that they can understand and
choose what is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One can never
understand the necessity of the sovereignty of God in salvation until they
realize that they are dead in sin and under sin’s dominion and so will never
believe until enabled by the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What could be more clear than, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Php
1:29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For it has been <u>granted to you</u>
that for the sake of Christ you should <u>not only believe</u> in him but also
suffer for his sake</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So by now it
should be clear that the new birth has to precede faith or this whole passage
makes no sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thirdly, John says not by the will of man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first glance this might seem redundant but
experience has taught us that there are some that think they can force others
into the Kingdom of God or they can bring someone into it without the other’s
consent, so this is referring to someone else’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roman Catholic “missionaries” would be the
first to come ashore when the conquistadors or some Catholic conquering force
would overtake a new land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The newly conquered people would be forced to
pass before the priest and be “baptized” into the Catholic Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It clearly wasn’t the will of the “converted”
but the will of the Church but this verse tells us that such forced conversions
are still the will of man and does not bring anyone into the Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another example of this is baptizing babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case it is obvious that the infant is
not exercising faith because the infant has no ideas what is going on, so the
adults are doing something to bypass true conversion and forcing salvation on
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind that there is no
instance of this in the Bible, John 1:13 says that one cannot enter the Kingdom
of God by the will of another person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only the will of God brings about the new birth and the resulting faith
in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until the Lord comes back, the fact will always be that
there will be different denominations and Christian groups who see things
differently and therefore worship separately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is fine and no doubt one reason the Lord allows this is because it
keeps us searching the Bible and defending the faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wonder how fewer false Christian sects
and cults there would be if just these two verses were taken at face
value?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they would bow the knee to the
sovereign God without whose work we would all be lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There would certainly be far fewer denominations,
sects and cults than we have today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-44764984862050296172018-07-21T07:03:00.000-07:002018-07-21T19:00:45.029-07:00The Power of the Word of God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Isa 55:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"For as the rain and the snow come down
from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth
and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, Isa 55:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so shall my word be that goes out from my
mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I
purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rom 1:16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is
the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and
also to the Greek.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The above passages are familiar to all of us but it is
amazing how often we all need to be reminded not only of the power of the Word
of God but because of this power we don’t need to interact with the world with
their reason and logic. Instead we can rely on speaking the Word to them whether
they believe it or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was recently reminded of this when I heard that the
ProLife leaders in America who for the most part claim to be Christians also
openly state that they refuse to use the Bible or religion as the basis for
their arguments against abortion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
thinking comes down to that since abortionists don’t believe in the truth of
the Bible why argue from it because it won’t hold any weight with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no wonder this society doesn’t take
Christianity seriously anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to assume that a lot of this type of thinking comes
from bad theology that doesn’t realize that God is sovereign and can overcome
all resistance to his will and revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But what should be strikingly obvious is that this approach to any issue
of sinful behavior fails for at least a couple of reasons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all it reduces the abortion issue and all sin to
merely behavior modification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says
that we don’t care if you repent before God and are saved and we don’t care why
you quit sinning and we don’t care if God gets any glory in this or even
whether he is involved in this at all; we just want you to change your
behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But any action not done for
the glory of God is still sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
tempting to say, “Well, who cares as long as they stop murdering babies”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While that is a good thing, it basically says
that God has no part in this, just stop for the babies’ sake but who cares how
God fits into all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it
is a flawed approach. Because of the second reason such argumentations fail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible is very clear that when dealing with sin and
sinners the only reason we are to demand change is because it is all men’s duty
to obey God and live for his glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
because they refuse to acknowledge this doesn’t mean we are to argue from other
world views other than the one God sets forth in his Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me give you three different examples from
Scriptures that should prove this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all the OT prophets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were sent to a people who did not want
to hear God’s Word nor did they accept that they had a duty to obey it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this the prophets were laughed at,
persecuted and killed but God told them to speak exactly what he said anyway
and not change a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you image a
prophet saying that because the people wouldn’t listen to the word from God
that he would try to reason with them as to why it might be better to turn back
to the Lord and quit all their sinning which included at times murdering
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, because the Lord wasn’t
just interested in the people stopping their sinful actions but the whole point
was to return to the Lord and start serving him from their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact he several times makes the point that
he would not accept the good deeds they did because their hearts were far from
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no hint that the prophets
were to change their approach just because the people were offended and scorned
the Word of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Secondly we have Paul and all the Apostles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t go into a city, even pagan ones
like Athens and start trying to get people to change their behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Paul went into Athens, he spoke to men
in the epicenter of human reason, logic and wisdom that still influence the way
the world thinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet he plainly told
them that there was a God that had claims on them and it was their
responsibility to know and serve him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Act 17:30<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people
everywhere to repent, Act 17:31<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because
he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man
whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him
from the dead</i>."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many laughed at
him but he didn’t change the message.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, we look at Jesus who is the supreme example to the
Christian in how to serve God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Jewish leaders in his day wouldn’t listen to anything he said but he never
changed tactics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t that the Jews
weren’t living moral lives on the outside but that is never enough for
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus told them until they get
right with the Lord nothing they did on the outside mattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why he called them “whitewashed tombs”,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mat_23:27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like
whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of
dead people's bones and all uncleanness</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The reason people sin is important to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ultimate example was when Jesus was tempted by Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there was ever anyone who did not accept
the authority of God’s Word it is Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the only way Jesus would deal with him was by quoting the
Scriptures, not by trying to get him to quit doing evil things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Satan only has one option which is to do
right because God demands it; any other reason won’t do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Understand that I want abortion to be illegal as much as
anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But leave it the ProLife people who are lost to use human reasons to argue their case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians are here to change people hearts
through the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That in turn will
change behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the days of the
Prophets society was every bit as evil as it is today and the only thing God
told his people to do was to lay the claims of their Creator on them that they
might repent and believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ commissioned the church to go into all the world and
preach the gospel and teach them all that he commands us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t say that when the world becomes so
secular that it pretends that I don’t exists and doesn’t want to hear the
gospel then go ahead and try to get them to just be good people by any line of
reasoning that works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Word will do
the job or it won’t get done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me
remind all of us of Paul’s words above, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The
gospel is the power of God”</i>, not clever arguments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Isaiah’s, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It will not return unto me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I
purpose</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We aren’t living by faith
if we don’t have confidence in the very thing we are to have faith in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-14557376529068525302018-07-07T07:53:00.002-07:002018-07-07T07:53:51.079-07:00Arming Ourselves for Battle<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1Pe 4:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,
arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the
flesh has ceased from sin, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1Pe 4:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so as to live for the rest of the time in the
flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We live in a fallen world of sin and resulting dangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this it is necessary to guard
ourselves and families against such things as hunger, thirst, poverty, slander,
those who would harm us, disease, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While all these things can be harmful the Bible is clear that our worst
danger is sin both within us and without.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the evidences of how sin can destroy us is seen in
how we tend to think of physical harm as more dangerous than spiritual
dangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many parents will work long
hours to make sure that their family has enough to eat and wear and adequate
shelter but leave themselves and their children completely open to spiritual
attack by not having them under the ministry of the Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much money has been spent on alarm systems or guns or some such things in the effort to protect their physical
lives and property but little time was spent teaching them of the Gospel with
the hope of saving their souls from eternal damnation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much effort is spent on encouraging our
children that they must go to college and be indoctrinated by the world in
order to have a career but not near as much time and energy was spent to
indoctrinate them in the Word so that they would be able to defend themselves
from the lies of this world?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is easy for us to live like the most important things are
temporal and that all we need is a casual understanding of the Bible, an arm’s
distance relationship with the Lord as long as we are “saved”. We assume
that is good enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time we
think that no amount of money and energy is enough to keeping our children “safe”
from not having everything they want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is the danger of living in affluence that causes us to see poverty as a worse
evil then living a nominal, powerless Christian life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peter in the text above tells us to arm ourselves with a new
way of thinking found only in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is to think as Christ did in which he only cared about doing what
pleased the Father and if that brought suffering and death then that was
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He understood that the worst thing
that could happen to him was to not please the Father in everything he did even
if it meant he had no place to call his own and lay his head down at night or
no bank account, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peter then says that if we come to think like this we will
cease from sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea is that sin
will no longer dominate us and we will be able to not fall under its power as
easily because we no longer see our temporal life as more important than
serving the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are crucifying
ourselves daily, which means we get up in the morning with the understanding
that we are here for the Lord, not for ourselves and so we can say no to those
things our bodies might want for greater, eternal rewards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t that we will no longer sin at all
but we will never be able to have victory over sin until we start thinking like
this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a little like the guy who is going to be executed at
daybreak; he isn’t worrying about the kind of car he is going to buy because there
are more pressing matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father
who really cares for his children is by far more concerned for their salvation
and relationship with God than he is for their physical wellbeing even though
that has its place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The godly father
understands that God and his truth are our protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One controls the battlefield or the
circumstances of our lives and the other controls our mind so that we know how
to fight the good fight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will close with an example of understanding how our
relationship with Christ must be given precedent over our physical
well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Paton was a missionary
to the New Hybrids which was a cannibal infested area in the South
Pacific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first couple of
missionaries there were killed and eaten within a few minutes of landing on
shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a Mr. Dickson warned him
that he would be eaten by cannibals if he went there he said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now,
and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by
worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring
the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by
Cannibals or by worms; and in the Great Day my Resurrection body will rise as
fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He understood that nothing he could have in
this life could compare to having Christ in the next life! I read where they
packed their belongings in ready-made caskets as their suitcases for the trip
to the New Hybrids!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When told he would
die if he went ashore, he said, “W<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">e died
before we ever left England</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is arming yourself for great reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
world says such thinking is foolish but Jesus said what does it profit a man to
gain the world but lose his soul in the process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To work for safety and possessions in this life for yourself
and families with little effort for securing the next life is the most
irresponsible thing you can do for those you say you love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-26597105749090772382018-06-22T06:25:00.002-07:002018-06-22T13:58:52.812-07:00The Beginning of False Religions<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 4:3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the course of time Cain brought to the
LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 4:4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his
flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his
offering, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 4:5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but for Cain and his offering he had no
regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 4:6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you
angry, and why has your face fallen? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 4:7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do well, will you not be accepted? And
if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but
you must rule over it</i>."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The account of Cain and Abel is not just interesting but
full of theological lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one
thing it proves that everything God said would happened if Adam sinned did
happen as Cain, the firstborn of Adam, shows that he was conceived in the image
of his fallen father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also shows us
the beginning of all false religions as Cain attempts to approach God on his
own terms and by his own works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are only two religions in the world, works and grace, and Abel comes to God on
the basis of another’s work which is grace and Cain comes with the fruit of his
own labor which is a religion of works.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the NT tells us, the spirit of Cain is alive and well
today and always has been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who
teaches us to live for ourselves and not the Lord is merely reflecting Cain’s
sinful attitude, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1Jn_3:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should not be like Cain, who was of the
evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own
deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jud_1:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woe to them! For they walked in the way of
Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and
perished in Korah's rebellion</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another way this attitude is seen is in those who tell us
that as long as our motives are right then God doesn’t care how we approach or
worship him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are those that say
that Cain was rejected because his heart wasn’t right; God didn’t care about
his sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the NT tells us this
is wrong, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heb_11:4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By faith Abel offered to God a more
acceptable <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">sacrifice</span>
than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by
accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Certainly Cain’s heart was not right with God but it was the
sacrifice he brought that proved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
discarded his vegetable tray for a couple of reasons:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His sacrifice was not just the works of his hands but grown
in the ground that was under a curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cain was telling God to accept him for what he has done and the problem
was that all the works we do are tainted with our sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All our works arise from sinful hearts and
cannot be seen as righteous before a holy God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, he was acknowledging God and that there was a debt to pay but the
payment was totally inappropriate because it was mixed with human effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both Cain and Abel obviously had been told to approach the
Lord with the sacrifice of a substitute but Cain wanted to bring something he
had done because his heart was full of himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So both his heart and therefore his sacrifice were rejected by the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this leads to the second
reason God had to reject Cain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His vegetable tray ruined the OT types of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a while God makes an object
lesson of someone who thinks he could approach God in a way that didn’t point
to the finished work of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses
wasn’t allowed to enter the Promised Land because he struck the Rock a second
time when God said to merely speak to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ only had to die for our sins once, peace was made and now we
approach the Father through this finished work and we can speak to God because Christ
has already been struck by death and gained victory over it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, learned this lesson with
their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of burning incense
on the golden altar with fire that came from the brazen altar they used a
common fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point is that prayers
and service must arise from the sacrifice and anything done that is not based
on Christ’s work is unacceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again,
God took these types seriously since he was teaching that no one can be
justified nor can do any act of worship and service until they have been
purified through the blood of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
Cain, Nadab and Abihu decided they could serve God any way they wanted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cain no doubt brought a beautiful sacrifice to the Lord but
it was totally inappropriate not only because it was an act of rebellion
towards God’s will but it didn’t rely on God’s work but on his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had Cain first come to the Lord with a lamb
and by such faith been justified then it would have been completely appropriate
for him to bring his produce as a sacrifice of praise and thankfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he got the cart before the horse and was
rejected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And such religions do the same
thing today when they teach that we can be right before God apart from anything
other than faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no doubt the churches are full of people
putting money in the offering plate thinking that this is earning them brownie
points with God instead of getting right with God through the Son and then
giving offerings based on what God has done for them in Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-19580189697881212672018-06-16T11:55:00.000-07:002018-06-16T11:56:06.142-07:00Is Your Boss a Tool for the Lord<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gen 3:17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to Adam he said, "Because you have
listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I
commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; Gen 3:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for
you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. Gen 3:19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the sweat of your face you shall eat
bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are
dust, and to dust you shall return."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Isa 53:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see
and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make
many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the curses sin brought on man is that everything
becomes more difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might be the
difficulty of maintaining loving relationships such as in marriage as God told
Eve in Gen. 3:16, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To the woman he said,
"I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring
forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over
you.</i>"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or it might be the
difficulty of trying to make a living and feeding your family as in verses 17-19
above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it seems that the sweat of labor reminds us that work
will be difficult and unending all of our days and it will also not be as
fulfilling as it should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin causes
everything temporal to never reach its desired end or pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life just will not be what it was meant to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet the truth that makes life bearable is that Jesus has
defeated every aspect that sin has brought upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no accident that the Gospels record Jesus’s
work on the cross in such a way that we can clearly see him taking the effects
of sin upon himself so that we can be freed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He bore a crown of thorns as he became cursed for us; he was stripped
naked as he bore our shame so that we can be clothed in his righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even see him sweating profusely as he
begins his work in the Garden of Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The difference with his sweat and labor from ours was that
what he was trying to accomplish was completed fully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike our labors that never find satisfaction
and perfection and in this life, never finding rest for these labors, his
brought complete satisfaction and accomplishment in defeating sin and redeeming
his church and once he said, “It is finished”, he rested from his labor for it
was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see his satisfying work
in Isa. 53:11 above, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Out of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">anguish</b> of his soul he shall see and be
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">satisfied</b>; by his knowledge shall
the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he
shall bear their iniquities</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
nothing says a work was done right the first time like not having to do it
again, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heb 10:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when Christ had offered <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for all time a single sacrifice</b> for
sins, he <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sat down</b> at the right hand
of God</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only have our sins been completely paid for so they can
never be held against us but Christ’s work now gives our work on earth the
satisfaction it could never have otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lost will labor and pursue pleasure all his days only to never find the
fulfillment that he is looking for and then he will leave it all behind and
suffer total loss, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mat 25:29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For to everyone who has will more be given,
and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has
will be taken away. Mat 25:30<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And cast
the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
we have the opportunity by the grace of God to do all things for his glory and
in so doing we are given meaning and reward for even the most mundane jobs and the
same holds true in suffering patiently for the Lord’s sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now there is no excuse for any saint to not
find life fulfilling and rewarding because our work for the Lord brings great
satisfaction and ultimate reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians
have the promise that it will be worth it all, that our lives are not worthless
but have great value, great reward and that perfect rest is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will close with what I think is a practical example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might have a boss who is incompetent or
who is mean and unfair and doesn’t treat you according to the work you do or
might not pay you a fair wage, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
many this brings frustration and discontent and they might wonder what is the
point of working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Christ’s work of
redemption changes everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That mean
boss is actually a means by which you can gain great reward if you bear it
patiently, if you love even him, if you continue to exhibit Christ to your
co-workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we returned kind for
kind, we just end up frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if
we use every opportunity as a tool to glorify the Lord, then we can look at
such people in a whole new light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Col 3:22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bondservants, obey in everything those who
are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but
with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Col 3:23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the
Lord and not for men, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Col 3:24<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>knowing that from the Lord you will receive
the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Col 3:25<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the
wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-49759640880939515372018-06-02T06:07:00.000-07:002018-06-02T06:07:17.046-07:00Engaging the World<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mat 28:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus came and said to them, "All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Mat 28:19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, Mat 28:20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teaching them to
observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the
end of the age."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Luk 6:27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"But I say to you who hear, Love your
enemies, do good to those who hate you,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Luk 6:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bless those who curse you, pray for those who
abuse you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eph 4:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let
him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something
to share with anyone in need.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the things the above verses have in common is that
they all command us to actively engage others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Paul tells us to aspire to live quietly and mind our own affairs in
1 Thess. 4:11-12 he isn’t telling us to go off into monasteries or communes and
not engage the lost; to try and isolate ourselves from sin and wait for the
Lord to come back and rescue us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such
verses are telling us to be good citizens, don’t cause trouble and work so that
you aren’t dependent on others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me
quote these verses in their entirety,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> 1Th
4:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and to aspire to live quietly, and
to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 1Th
4:12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so that you may walk properly
before outsiders and be dependent on no one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This isn’t my point in this article but it might be worth
pointing out that it is not the Lord’s will for his people to live off charity
and welfare as a rule of thumb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
things can be helpful and there are times when we all need help but it is to be
our goal to take care of ourselves as the Lord allows and not assume that
somebody else owes me what they have worked hard for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say this because as our country turns more
and more socialist Christians can get caught up in the idea that people don’t
have to be held accountable to work and do their share to support the
economy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal should be to enable
people to work, not see how many can be dependent on the government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we will press on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The point I want to make in the above verses is that we have
been called to engage this world, to live among the lost and not just mind our
own business so we don’t have to get involved in people’s lives and problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the verse in Eph. 4 says, it is not enough
that we don’t steal but that we work to have money to help others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we see a contrast to the 10 Commandments
that basically tell us what not to do but under the New Covenant we cannot stop
there but must love and do good; we cannot just “not do harm”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not to just not commit adultery but
love our wives as ourselves, we don’t just not murder, we love and help, don’t
just want peace but pursue peace, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we are told in Matthew 28, for instance, that the church
is not to just mind its own business, worship in your heart, keep to yourself,
but we instead are to go to those who don’t want to hear and lay the claims of
Christ on them in the preaching of the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why this matters especially today is because Christians are
being told to keep their religion to themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are free to believe what we want but if it
is out of step with today’s morality then we must keep silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many Christians that are happy to
oblige them and there are many in the church that are also saying that we must
fall into step with the social mores of the day regardless of what the Bible
says.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the problem with this is that Matthew 28 commands the
church to proclaim the Word of God to the lost whether they want to hear it or
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The call today to keep our religion
to ourselves is just another attempt by Satan to keep us from telling this
world about the cross of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is an attack on Christianity itself which cannot be silent and to do
so is to blatantly disobey the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
church propagates itself not by running from the world but by attacking it with
the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is historic and
biblical Christianity and we dare not be diverted from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to go into all the world, not hide
from the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God give us the
strength in these uncertain days to be faithful to him and not fear the culture
around us because it will soon be gone but the Word of God abides forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534018313874767437.post-24075841633342015932018-04-25T08:21:00.000-07:002018-04-25T09:04:50.457-07:00Let's not be Pharisees<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mar 7:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You leave the commandment of God and hold to
the tradition of men."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mar 7:9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he said to them, "You have a fine
way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition</i>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having been raised in Fundamentalism it is not difficult for
me to see a connection between it and Pharisaism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be clear that I am not saying that
all Fundamentalist are hypocritical legalists, but the system lends itself to
some similarities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, some of the
things I am going to point out are things that we all must be on guard for
because it is easy for any of us to miss the point of biblical principles and
go to one extreme or the other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember my pastor of a large Fundamental church saying on
more than one occasion that if the world moves away from biblical principles in
some way, we Christians must move the other way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for instance, if the dress hems moved up I
guess our women’s dress hems should move down, if the world drinks we must be
teetotalers, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This preached well in
such churches because Fundamentalism tends to over react to the world around
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in that we can see a connection to the mindset of the
Pharisees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pharisees were so
concerned that God’s Law not be broken that they went too far the other way and
made up laws so that they wouldn’t get near to God’s actual law and then taught
that these man-made laws were equally important as God’s laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the result was that they became
judgmental because they assumed that if you didn’t live like they did you were
not as holy as they were; your standards were lower than theirs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing up we would hear a lot about keeping your standards
high and your convictions uncompromised; to lower them was to compromise with
the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is all well and good if
your “standards or convictions” were biblical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But if your standards are a result of over-reaction to the standards of
the lost then you are in danger of making up things in order to be different
from the world in ways that God has not commanded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the above illustration, if I am living as best I can
based on my understanding of God’s Word and the world moves further away from
God’s standards; why do I have to move at all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To move in the opposite direction is to do something similar to what the
world has done; it is to do things my way rather than trust that God knows best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I am living biblically then to move either
way is to move away from that which is biblical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I end up making up my own list of rules in
an effort to be holy which is exactly what the Pharisees did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This results in my becoming “more holy than Jesus”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The principles laid out in the Bible aren’t
enough to be a good testimony of the grace of God so I need to develop stricter
standards than God thought necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
the real problem here is that I then must assume that those who don’t do as I
do are sinning and so I can see myself as a “better, more committed” Christian
than those compromisers out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
again, this is exactly what the Pharisees did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be sure the Bible doesn’t give us detailed commands in
every area of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sets forth principles to guide those that love the Lord and want to honor him in the way
they live (which describes every true believer, by the way).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we consider these principles, such as “Do
all for the glory of God” and we decide what is wrong for us and right for us
in gray areas or subjects that the Bible doesn’t speak to directly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should happen is that we can agree to
disagree with other saints in these gray areas and work and fellowship together
in service to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when we have
a spirit that what I think is right is right for everyone, even in those things
that the Bible doesn’t address, then I begin to judge everyone else’s hearts
and motives and I become a Pharisee.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One way this is practically important is because if I don’t
have this level of maturity it will be impossible for me to fellowship with
people who don’t agree with me on secondary and tertiary matters and the church
becomes even more splintered than it is anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have yet to be in a church in which someone (usually a husband and
father) who assumes he knows it all and so if the church leaders don’t see
things his way, it is his responsibility to take himself and his family away
from the ministry of God’s Word because evidently only he knows the truth in
every matter and so only his views are safe for his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evidently the pastor will lead his family
into all manner of sin if he lets anyone else but himself lead them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all have to decide what is right and wrong for us according
to the principles of God’s Word but we can’t make such things into laws that we
then expect everyone else to live by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such legalism only divides and it is making obedience to the Lord more
than the Bible teaches; it is being “more godly than Christ” and that, of
course, is nonsense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nathan Rublehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872930483182753163noreply@blogger.com0