Saturday, August 6, 2011
Don't Waste Your Life!
"If you want your life to count, if you want the ripple effect of the pebbles you drop to become waves that reach the ends of the earth and roll on for centuries and into eternity, you don't have to have a high IQ or EQ; you don't have to have to have good looks or riches; you don't have to come from a fine family or a fine school. You have to know a few great, majestic, unchanging, obvious, simple, glorious things, and be set on fire by them."- John Piper
Friday, March 11, 2011
What is your hope?
"What is your hope? Only this- His relentless grace, boundless love, patient forgiveness, and unending faithfulness." Paul David Tripp.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Another Gem From the "Prince of Preachers"...
A Plea for Sinners...
"Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay and not to destroy themselves. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."
- Charles Spurgeon
"Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay and not to destroy themselves. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."
- Charles Spurgeon
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Is your joy full?
Here is an excerpt from my sermon this past Sunday:
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."- John 15:11
Something we often forget is that God is not nearly as concerned about our comfort and happiness as He is about our holiness! And if He has to make you uncomfortable to make you holy, He will do it!
One man writes: “my wounds may not be healed right away, nor in just a few months. God may well let some of those wounds remain a while, in fact, for as I endure their pain, their shame, and their debility, I may be given the gift of remembering just how needy I am, how great God is, and how much you and I each need his restoring love.”
If you are seeking your joy and satisfaction in anything other than Jesus, you will never attain it.
Joy comes from knowing Jesus, from pursuing a deep relationship with Him, not from your circumstances. Jesus gives us fullness of joy. It’s a fruit of the Spirit and has nothing to do with your happiness or your health or wealth and everything to do with the condition of your love relationship with him.
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."- John 15:11
Something we often forget is that God is not nearly as concerned about our comfort and happiness as He is about our holiness! And if He has to make you uncomfortable to make you holy, He will do it!
One man writes: “my wounds may not be healed right away, nor in just a few months. God may well let some of those wounds remain a while, in fact, for as I endure their pain, their shame, and their debility, I may be given the gift of remembering just how needy I am, how great God is, and how much you and I each need his restoring love.”
If you are seeking your joy and satisfaction in anything other than Jesus, you will never attain it.
Joy comes from knowing Jesus, from pursuing a deep relationship with Him, not from your circumstances. Jesus gives us fullness of joy. It’s a fruit of the Spirit and has nothing to do with your happiness or your health or wealth and everything to do with the condition of your love relationship with him.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Quotes on Pastoral Ministry
Prayer, meditation, and temptation make a minister.
Martin Luther (1483-1546).
________________________________________
Those whom the Lord has destined for this great office he previously provides with the armor which is requisite for the discharge of it, that they may not come empty and unprepared.
John Calvin (1509-1564).
________________________________________
I go out to preach with two propositions in mind. First, every person ought to give his life to Christ. Second, whether or not anyone else gives him his life I will give him mine.
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758).
________________________________________
To be a pastor a man must set his heart on the life to come and regard the matters of eternal life above all the affairs of this present life. Above the trifles of this world, he must appreciate in some measure the inestimable riches of glory.
Richard Baxter.
________________________________________
No man who is full of himself can ever truly preach the Christ who emptied Himself.
J. Sidlow Baxter.
Martin Luther (1483-1546).
________________________________________
Those whom the Lord has destined for this great office he previously provides with the armor which is requisite for the discharge of it, that they may not come empty and unprepared.
John Calvin (1509-1564).
________________________________________
I go out to preach with two propositions in mind. First, every person ought to give his life to Christ. Second, whether or not anyone else gives him his life I will give him mine.
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758).
________________________________________
To be a pastor a man must set his heart on the life to come and regard the matters of eternal life above all the affairs of this present life. Above the trifles of this world, he must appreciate in some measure the inestimable riches of glory.
Richard Baxter.
________________________________________
No man who is full of himself can ever truly preach the Christ who emptied Himself.
J. Sidlow Baxter.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
To die is gain...great gain!
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philipians 1:21
Do you believe that verse? John Chrysostom did! It is an easy verse to quote but very difficult to apply. The following is the dialogue between Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) and the Empress Eudoxia when he was brought before her and threatened with execution if he continued to insist on his independence as a preacher of the Gospel.
“You cannot banish me, for this world is my Father’s house,” said John.
“But I will kill you,” said the Empress.
“No, you cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God,” said John.
“I will take away your treasures,” said the Empress.
“No, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there.”
“But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left.”
“No, you cannot, for I have a Friend in heaven from whom you cannot separate me.I defy you, for there is nothing you can do to harm me.”
Where are those today who treasure, delight in, and are willing to magnify Christ above all else? It is the Psalmist who said, "Thy loving kindness is better than life"- Psalm 63:3. Do you really believe that? Luther, in his classic hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God, said, "Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also." Is that your hearts cry today? Or are you too often like me, wanting to cling tightly to the things of this world? Where are you storing up treasure?
I pray for you (and for me) that we would make much of Christ, even unto our last breath. And then, in glory, with all the saints, make much of Him for all eternity!
Do you believe that verse? John Chrysostom did! It is an easy verse to quote but very difficult to apply. The following is the dialogue between Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) and the Empress Eudoxia when he was brought before her and threatened with execution if he continued to insist on his independence as a preacher of the Gospel.
“You cannot banish me, for this world is my Father’s house,” said John.
“But I will kill you,” said the Empress.
“No, you cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God,” said John.
“I will take away your treasures,” said the Empress.
“No, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there.”
“But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left.”
“No, you cannot, for I have a Friend in heaven from whom you cannot separate me.I defy you, for there is nothing you can do to harm me.”
Where are those today who treasure, delight in, and are willing to magnify Christ above all else? It is the Psalmist who said, "Thy loving kindness is better than life"- Psalm 63:3. Do you really believe that? Luther, in his classic hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God, said, "Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also." Is that your hearts cry today? Or are you too often like me, wanting to cling tightly to the things of this world? Where are you storing up treasure?
I pray for you (and for me) that we would make much of Christ, even unto our last breath. And then, in glory, with all the saints, make much of Him for all eternity!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The unsearchable riches of Christ!
The unsearchable riches of Christ! A quote by Samuel Davies...
"The unsearchable riches of Christ!" Ephesians 3:8
"Consider what rich blessings Christ has purchased for His people; purchased not with corruptible things such as silver and gold--but with His own precious blood! The purchase price recommends and endears the blessings, though they are so great in themselves, as to need no such recommendation! What can be greater or more suitable blessings to hell-bound sinners, than . . .
pardon for the guilty,
redemption for slaves,
righteousness and justification for the condemned,
sanctification for the unholy,
rest for the weary,
comfort for mourners,
the favor of God for rebels and exiles,
strength for the impotent,
protection for the helpless, and
everlasting happiness for the heirs of hell!
And, to sum up all--grace and glory, and every good thing, and all the unsearchable riches of Christ--for the wretched and miserable; for the poor, the blind, and naked!
These are blessings indeed, and, in comparison with them--all the riches of the world are impoverished, and vanish to nothing!"
"The unsearchable riches of Christ!" Ephesians 3:8
"Consider what rich blessings Christ has purchased for His people; purchased not with corruptible things such as silver and gold--but with His own precious blood! The purchase price recommends and endears the blessings, though they are so great in themselves, as to need no such recommendation! What can be greater or more suitable blessings to hell-bound sinners, than . . .
pardon for the guilty,
redemption for slaves,
righteousness and justification for the condemned,
sanctification for the unholy,
rest for the weary,
comfort for mourners,
the favor of God for rebels and exiles,
strength for the impotent,
protection for the helpless, and
everlasting happiness for the heirs of hell!
And, to sum up all--grace and glory, and every good thing, and all the unsearchable riches of Christ--for the wretched and miserable; for the poor, the blind, and naked!
These are blessings indeed, and, in comparison with them--all the riches of the world are impoverished, and vanish to nothing!"
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Jerry Bridges on Pursuing Faithfulness
If you are not familiar with Jerry Bridges you need to be!
Jerry Bridges on Pursuing Faithfulness...
Jerry Bridges on Pursuing Faithfulness...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Gospel in Glasgow
I was greatly encouraged to meet Brian Ingraham and his wife Kellie last week at Lakeside Bible Camp (along with many other terrific people). They moved from the U.S. to Scotland 7 years ago, and after a number of set-backs, the Lord is blessing their efforts. This is a brief video that outlines a little of what they are doing.
Re:Hope Next Generation Bible Church from Stephen Irwin on Vimeo.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Preach the Gospel to Yourself Everyday!!!
If you are a sinner like me, standing in continual need of God's grace, you know the importance of preaching the Gospel to yourself everyday!
The following is a quote by Jerry Bridges from his book Respectable Sins: "Since the gospel is only for sinners, I begin each day with the realization that despite my being a saint, I still sin every day in thought, word, deed, and motive. If I am aware of any subtle, or not so subtle, sins in my life, I acknowledge those to God. Even if my conscience is not indicting me for conscious sins, I still acknowledge to God that I have not even come close to loving Him with all my being or loving my neighbor as myself. I repent of those sins, and then I apply specific Scriptures that assure me of God’s forgiveness to those sins I have just confessed.
I then generalize the Scripture’s promises of God’s forgiveness to all my life and say to God words to the effect that my only hope of a right standing with Him that day is Jesus’ blood shed for my sins, and His righteous life lived on my behalf. This reliance on the twofold work of Christ for me is beautifully captured by Edward Mote in his hymn “The Solid Rock” with his words, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Almost every day, I find myself going to those words in addition to reflecting on the promises of forgiveness in the Bible.
What Scriptures do I use to preach the gospel to myself? Here are just a few I choose from each day:
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. (Romans 4:7-8)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
There are many others, including Psalm 130:3-4; Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:19; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 8:12; and 10:17-18.
Whatever Scriptures we use to assure us of God’s forgiveness, we must realize that whether the passage explicitly states it or not, the only basis for God’s forgiveness is the blood of Christ shed on the cross for us. As the writer of Hebrews said, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (9:22), and the context makes it clear that it is Christ’s blood that provides the objective basis on which God forgives our sins."
The following is a quote by Jerry Bridges from his book Respectable Sins: "Since the gospel is only for sinners, I begin each day with the realization that despite my being a saint, I still sin every day in thought, word, deed, and motive. If I am aware of any subtle, or not so subtle, sins in my life, I acknowledge those to God. Even if my conscience is not indicting me for conscious sins, I still acknowledge to God that I have not even come close to loving Him with all my being or loving my neighbor as myself. I repent of those sins, and then I apply specific Scriptures that assure me of God’s forgiveness to those sins I have just confessed.
I then generalize the Scripture’s promises of God’s forgiveness to all my life and say to God words to the effect that my only hope of a right standing with Him that day is Jesus’ blood shed for my sins, and His righteous life lived on my behalf. This reliance on the twofold work of Christ for me is beautifully captured by Edward Mote in his hymn “The Solid Rock” with his words, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Almost every day, I find myself going to those words in addition to reflecting on the promises of forgiveness in the Bible.
What Scriptures do I use to preach the gospel to myself? Here are just a few I choose from each day:
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. (Romans 4:7-8)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
There are many others, including Psalm 130:3-4; Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:19; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 8:12; and 10:17-18.
Whatever Scriptures we use to assure us of God’s forgiveness, we must realize that whether the passage explicitly states it or not, the only basis for God’s forgiveness is the blood of Christ shed on the cross for us. As the writer of Hebrews said, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (9:22), and the context makes it clear that it is Christ’s blood that provides the objective basis on which God forgives our sins."
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