From "Morning and Evening" March 3:
“I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” —Isaiah 48:10
Comfort thyself, tried believer, with this thought: God saith, “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Does not the word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea, is it not an asbestos armour, against which the heat hath no power? Let affliction come—God has chosen me. Poverty, thou mayst stride in at my door, but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, thou mayst intrude, but I have a balsam ready—God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears, I know that He has “chosen” me. If, believer, thou requirest still greater comfort, remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace. In that silent chamber of yours, there sitteth by your side One whom thou hast not seen, but whom thou lovest; and ofttimes when thou knowest it not, He makes all thy bed in thy affliction, and smooths thy pillow for thee. Thou art in poverty; but in that lovely house of thine the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into these desolate places, that He may visit thee. Thy friend sticks closely to thee. Thou canst not see Him, but thou mayst feel the pressure of His hands. Dost thou not hear His voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of death He says, “Fear not, I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God.” Remember that noble speech of Caesar: “Fear not, thou carriest Caesar and all his fortune.” Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with thee. In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. “Fear not, for I am with thee,” is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in the “furnace of affliction.” Wilt thou not, then, take fast hold of Christ, and say—
“Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead,
I’ll follow where He goes.”
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
Salvation Articles in the ESV Study Bible
When the Bible speaks of “salvation” (Gk. sōtēria) in a spiritual sense, the thought can embrace the whole broad range of God's activity in rescuing people from sin and restoring them to a right relationship with himself. Because of this broad sense, we find that the noun “salvation,” and the verb “save,” are used in the Bible with past, present, and future reference.
Thus, salvation may signify any or all of the blessings outlined in the chart. While the subjective experience of being saved may have degrees and look very different from person to person, the objective state of being saved is categorical and absolute. From God's perspective there is a definite point in time when those who have trusted in Christ pass from death into life (1 John 3:14). This, however, is not where salvation starts. From God's vantage point salvation begins with hiselection of individuals, which is his determination beforehand that his saving purpose will be accomplished in them (John 6:37-39, 44, 64-66; 8:47; 10:26; 15:16; Acts 13:48; 16:14; Romans 9:1-33; 1 John 4:19; 5:1). God then in due course bringspeople to himself by calling them to faith in Christ (Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 2:9).
God's calling produces regeneration, which is the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in which a spiritually dead person is made alive in Christ (Ezekiel 11:19–20; Matthew 19:28; John 3:3, 5, 7; Titus 3:5). The revived heart repents and trusts Christ insaving faith as the only source of justification. To be a Christian means one has traded in his “polluted garment” of self-righteousness for the perfect righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:8–9; cf. Isaiah 64:6). He has ceased striving and now rests in the finished work of Christ—no longer depending on personal accomplishments, religious pedigree, or good works for God's approval, but only on what Christ has accomplished on his behalf (Philippians 2:8–9). A Christian understands with Paul that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). As regards Jesus paying the penalty for our sins, the Christian believes that when Jesus said, “it is finished” (John 19:30), it really was. Because of this, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), and they have been “saved to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25). A miraculous transformation has taken place in which the believer has “passed from death to life” (John 5:24). The Holy Spirit empowers the transformation from rebellious sinner to humble worshiper, leading to “confidence for the day of judgment” (1 John 4:17).
Much of Protestantism in the last two centuries has been influenced by revivalism, which puts a great emphasis on “making a decision for Christ” in a public and definitive way. These “moments of decision” often come to be treated as the crucial evidence that one is truly saved. Other Protestant traditions, less influenced by revivalism, are often content to leave the conversion experience less clearly identified, and put the focus rather on Christian experience, identification with the church, or reliance upon the sacraments. Both of these traditions have benefits and strengths, as well as potential problems. The “decision” approach rightly emphasizes the need for personal commitment to Christ Jesus and the idea that regeneration takes place at a specific time. The potential downside is that this view can lead to a simplistic, human-centered understanding of being saved where one depends too heavily on the initial, specific act of trusting Christ as the primary evidence of conversion. As a result, one can doubt that the “decision” was real, leading to numerous journeys down the aisle (just in case), or else to total dependence on the onetime walk down the aisle, even in the absence of the necessary fruit of salvation. Other traditions appreciate the sovereignty of God and role of the church in the salvation process but can leave conversion so vague that the need for personal trust in Christ and the resulting evidence of a changed life can be neglected.
God uses vastly different circumstances and experiences to bring people to himself. As C. H. Spurgeon said, “God's Spirit calls men to Jesus in diverse ways. Some are drawn so gently that they scarce know when the drawing began, and others are so suddenly affected that their conversion stands out with noonday clearness.” The best evidence of true salvation is not having raised a hand or prayed a prayer, or having been baptized or christened. Instead, the true test of an authentic work of God in one's life is sanctification as God continues the moral transformation he began in regeneration. This transformation will continue until the redeemed person is resurrected and made completely holy in heaven (glorification; cf. Romans 8:28–30; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:2).
God's sanctifying work is seen in growing Christlike character, increasing love for God and people, and the fruit of the Spirit (John 14:2; 15:1–16:33; Galatians 5:22–25; James 2:18). Of course, a memorable conversion experience may serve as an important reference point for a saving work of God in one's life, but it is only the obvious, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in making one more and more like Jesus that gives sufficiently clear indication that a person has been made a new creation in Christ. While a Christian should never be satisfied with his current state of holiness, he should be confident that through God's sovereign, sanctifying grace he will one day have totally won the victory over sin once and for all. This will be the moment of entering by death into a larger life in which our sinful heart is finally purified. Meanwhile, living with this hope as one battles sin daily is true Christian perseverance (1 Corinthians 1:8–9; Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; 1 Peter 1:4–5; 1 John 2:19; Jude 1, 24–25), which is itself a sign that one has been born again.
Thus, salvation may signify any or all of the blessings outlined in the chart. While the subjective experience of being saved may have degrees and look very different from person to person, the objective state of being saved is categorical and absolute. From God's perspective there is a definite point in time when those who have trusted in Christ pass from death into life (1 John 3:14). This, however, is not where salvation starts. From God's vantage point salvation begins with hiselection of individuals, which is his determination beforehand that his saving purpose will be accomplished in them (John 6:37-39, 44, 64-66; 8:47; 10:26; 15:16; Acts 13:48; 16:14; Romans 9:1-33; 1 John 4:19; 5:1). God then in due course bringspeople to himself by calling them to faith in Christ (Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 2:9).
The Blessings of Salvation
| Justification | has been saved | from the guilt of sin | Ephesians 2:8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctification | is being saved | from the power of sin | 1 Corinthians 1:18 |
| Glorification | will be saved | from the presence of sin | Acts 15:11 |
God's calling produces regeneration, which is the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in which a spiritually dead person is made alive in Christ (Ezekiel 11:19–20; Matthew 19:28; John 3:3, 5, 7; Titus 3:5). The revived heart repents and trusts Christ insaving faith as the only source of justification. To be a Christian means one has traded in his “polluted garment” of self-righteousness for the perfect righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:8–9; cf. Isaiah 64:6). He has ceased striving and now rests in the finished work of Christ—no longer depending on personal accomplishments, religious pedigree, or good works for God's approval, but only on what Christ has accomplished on his behalf (Philippians 2:8–9). A Christian understands with Paul that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). As regards Jesus paying the penalty for our sins, the Christian believes that when Jesus said, “it is finished” (John 19:30), it really was. Because of this, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), and they have been “saved to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25). A miraculous transformation has taken place in which the believer has “passed from death to life” (John 5:24). The Holy Spirit empowers the transformation from rebellious sinner to humble worshiper, leading to “confidence for the day of judgment” (1 John 4:17).
Much of Protestantism in the last two centuries has been influenced by revivalism, which puts a great emphasis on “making a decision for Christ” in a public and definitive way. These “moments of decision” often come to be treated as the crucial evidence that one is truly saved. Other Protestant traditions, less influenced by revivalism, are often content to leave the conversion experience less clearly identified, and put the focus rather on Christian experience, identification with the church, or reliance upon the sacraments. Both of these traditions have benefits and strengths, as well as potential problems. The “decision” approach rightly emphasizes the need for personal commitment to Christ Jesus and the idea that regeneration takes place at a specific time. The potential downside is that this view can lead to a simplistic, human-centered understanding of being saved where one depends too heavily on the initial, specific act of trusting Christ as the primary evidence of conversion. As a result, one can doubt that the “decision” was real, leading to numerous journeys down the aisle (just in case), or else to total dependence on the onetime walk down the aisle, even in the absence of the necessary fruit of salvation. Other traditions appreciate the sovereignty of God and role of the church in the salvation process but can leave conversion so vague that the need for personal trust in Christ and the resulting evidence of a changed life can be neglected.
God uses vastly different circumstances and experiences to bring people to himself. As C. H. Spurgeon said, “God's Spirit calls men to Jesus in diverse ways. Some are drawn so gently that they scarce know when the drawing began, and others are so suddenly affected that their conversion stands out with noonday clearness.” The best evidence of true salvation is not having raised a hand or prayed a prayer, or having been baptized or christened. Instead, the true test of an authentic work of God in one's life is sanctification as God continues the moral transformation he began in regeneration. This transformation will continue until the redeemed person is resurrected and made completely holy in heaven (glorification; cf. Romans 8:28–30; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:2).
God's sanctifying work is seen in growing Christlike character, increasing love for God and people, and the fruit of the Spirit (John 14:2; 15:1–16:33; Galatians 5:22–25; James 2:18). Of course, a memorable conversion experience may serve as an important reference point for a saving work of God in one's life, but it is only the obvious, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in making one more and more like Jesus that gives sufficiently clear indication that a person has been made a new creation in Christ. While a Christian should never be satisfied with his current state of holiness, he should be confident that through God's sovereign, sanctifying grace he will one day have totally won the victory over sin once and for all. This will be the moment of entering by death into a larger life in which our sinful heart is finally purified. Meanwhile, living with this hope as one battles sin daily is true Christian perseverance (1 Corinthians 1:8–9; Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; 1 Peter 1:4–5; 1 John 2:19; Jude 1, 24–25), which is itself a sign that one has been born again.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Spurgeon on "Christian Liberality" (Psalm 41:1)
“Blessed is he that considereth the poor:
the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble”
the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble”
—Psalm 41:1
To think about the poor and let them lie on our hearts is a Christian man’s duty; for Jesus put them with us and near us when He said, “The poor ye have always with you.”
Many give their money to the poor in a hurry, without thought; and many more give nothing at all. This precious promise belongs to those who “consider” the poor, look into their case, devise plans for their benefit, and considerately carry them out. We can do more by care than by cash, and most with two together. To those who consider the poor, the LORD promises His own consideration in times of distress. He will bring us out of trouble if we help others when they are in trouble. We shall receive very singular providential help if the LORD sees that we try to provide for others. We shall have a time of trouble, however generous we may be; but if we are charitable, we may put in a claim for peculiar deliverance, and the LORD will not deny His own word and bond. Miserly curmudgeons may help themselves, but considerate and generous believers the LORD will help. As you have done unto others, so will the LORD do unto you. Empty your pockets.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Daily Erie Weather Map
Next time you are wondering what the weather will be like in Erie during the months of November - April. Please look at this picture...it rarely changes...If you are in Buckhannon: please stop complaining or move to Erie and have a real dose of snow! :)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Mythbuster's Night Results
So last night we had our Mythbusters Night. We tried several myths that were brought up by the students. We attempted the following:
- Myth: It's impossible to eat a dozen donuts in one half hour
- Myth: Pickles squeak
- Myth: It's impossible to eat 11 saltine crackers in one minute
- Myth: It's impossible to finish "this drink" (a food/drink Matt made up)
It was a great night of fellowship and fun, here are the results (and a few more pics):
- Donut Myth - Busted...4 people out of 16 did this (Logan, Jake, Caden, Cody)
- Pickles Squeak - Busted....we tried every type of pickle on every side of the pickles and even tried cucumbers...no squeak
- 11 Saltine Crackers - Confirmed...the most anybody got down was 6 in one minute
- Finish "This Drink" - Busted...Javonna did it....twice
Matt is trying to get the girls to eat his left over crackers...no takers...
Jake was the first one finished with his donuts...I was on 7 or 8 and felt like I was going to explode...
Maddie's response to the smell of the "Drink This"
Javonna after finishing the "Drink This" drink
The table full of donuts!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Jonathan Edwards on Christ
"In Jesus Christ meet infinite highness and infinite condescension; infinite justice and infinite grace; infinite glory and lowest humility; infinite majesty and transcendent meekness; deepest reverence toward God and equality with God; worthiness of good and the greatest patience under the suffering of evil; a great spirit of obedience and supreme dominion over heaven and earth; absolute sovereignty and perfect resignation; self-sufficiency and an entire trust and reliance on God"
~Jonathan Edwards "The Excellency of Christ"
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Matthew 1:21
Matthew 1:21 is the "Transformation Verse" for our church this week. It says:
"She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
This is one of my favorite verses. It is of course timely for the Christmas season, but the depth of this Scripture makes me rejoice. There are several major theological implications from this verse.
Jesus is THE Savior - "HE"
There is only one way to escape the penalty our sin nature has brought upon us, Jesus Christ. He is THE way to the Father. This is a statement of the uniqueness of Christ. This means that anyway attempted to gain eternal life other than by God's grace through faith in Jesus is false hope. It is also freeing. Man has no need to try many different avenues of living to try to make things right for eternity. Jesus is our one and only hope. We have many choices in life such as which clothes to wear in the morning, which food to eat, what TV show to watch, etc. While these are small examples they can at times be annoying and bigger choices can be very burdensome. Jesus is the opposite because He is the only way. There is no need for other choices or varieties when it comes to our eternal state. Jesus is THE Savior.
The Savior's mission can't be thwarted - "will save"
Not only does this verse show that Jesus the exclusive way to the father and our exclusive way to receive forgiveness, it also shows the great promise God has made known through Jesus. Jesus will save. There is no possibilities that He may save, it is a definite. The work on the cross did not just make it possible for people to be redeemed it actually did redeem people. If this truth is missed it means that Jesus' death accomplished nothing, only made it possible, unless man acts. This puts focus on man and not God in the act of salvation.
The Savior has a people in mind - "His people from their sins"
The final point is that the exclusive Savior will wholly save His people. This means that Christ's work on the cross was for His people. "His people" are the people talked about in Ephesians 1:4. They are the people who, before the foundation of the world, were chosen. If Jesus died for every single person who ever lived then every single person would be redeemed. Because we know that not everyone is born again and we know that in Luke 13:23-25 there is few that will be saved (universalism is not Biblical).
What joy to think that God showed His humility by sending His son to be the only way to Him and through him guaranteed His people's salvation from their sins against a Holy God!
"She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
This is one of my favorite verses. It is of course timely for the Christmas season, but the depth of this Scripture makes me rejoice. There are several major theological implications from this verse.
Jesus is THE Savior - "HE"
There is only one way to escape the penalty our sin nature has brought upon us, Jesus Christ. He is THE way to the Father. This is a statement of the uniqueness of Christ. This means that anyway attempted to gain eternal life other than by God's grace through faith in Jesus is false hope. It is also freeing. Man has no need to try many different avenues of living to try to make things right for eternity. Jesus is our one and only hope. We have many choices in life such as which clothes to wear in the morning, which food to eat, what TV show to watch, etc. While these are small examples they can at times be annoying and bigger choices can be very burdensome. Jesus is the opposite because He is the only way. There is no need for other choices or varieties when it comes to our eternal state. Jesus is THE Savior.
The Savior's mission can't be thwarted - "will save"
Not only does this verse show that Jesus the exclusive way to the father and our exclusive way to receive forgiveness, it also shows the great promise God has made known through Jesus. Jesus will save. There is no possibilities that He may save, it is a definite. The work on the cross did not just make it possible for people to be redeemed it actually did redeem people. If this truth is missed it means that Jesus' death accomplished nothing, only made it possible, unless man acts. This puts focus on man and not God in the act of salvation.
The Savior has a people in mind - "His people from their sins"
The final point is that the exclusive Savior will wholly save His people. This means that Christ's work on the cross was for His people. "His people" are the people talked about in Ephesians 1:4. They are the people who, before the foundation of the world, were chosen. If Jesus died for every single person who ever lived then every single person would be redeemed. Because we know that not everyone is born again and we know that in Luke 13:23-25 there is few that will be saved (universalism is not Biblical).
What joy to think that God showed His humility by sending His son to be the only way to Him and through him guaranteed His people's salvation from their sins against a Holy God!
Monday, December 07, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Spurgeon on "Our Holiest Example" (Psalm 16:8)
The following is Spurgeon's December 2 writing in "Faith's Checkbook". I love his challenge at the end. Great words from a man God used greatly.
“I have set the LORD always before me:
because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken”
because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken”
—Psalm 16:8
This is the way to live. With God always before us, we shall have the noblest companionship, the holiest example, the sweetest consolation, and the mightiest influence. This must be a resolute act of the mind. “I have set,” and it must be maintained as a set and settled thing. Always to have an eye to the LORD’s eye and an ear for the LORD’s voice—this is the right state for the godly man. His God is near him, filling the horizon of his vision, leading the way of his life, and furnishing the theme of his meditation. What vanities we should avoid, what sins we should overcome, what virtues we should exhibit, what joys we should experience if we did indeed set the LORD always before us! Why not?
This is the way to be safe. The LORD being ever in our minds, we come to feel safety and certainty because of His being so near. He is at our right hand to guide and aid us; and hence we are not moved by fear, nor force, nor fraud, nor fickleness. When God stands at a man’s right hand, that man is himself sure to stand. Come on, then, ye foemen of the truth! Rush against me like a furious tempest, if ye will. God upholds me. God abides with me. Whom shall I fear?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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