Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Prayer and the Gospel Call

This morning at The Men's Bible Doctrine Class at Living Hope we discussed the Gospel Call. An important part of the effectual call for salvation is effective prayer.

It reminded me George Muller's beliefs about effective prayer. From Arthur T. Peirson's book George Muller at Bristol.

1. Entire dependence upon the merits and mediation of the Lord Jesus. Christ is the only ground of any claim for blessing (John 14:13).

2. Separation from all known sin. If we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us, for it would be sanctioning sin (Psalm 66:16).

3. Faith in God's word of promise as confirmed by His oath. Not to believe Him is to make Him both a liar and a perjurer (Hebrews 11:6).

4. Asking in accordance with His will. Our motives must be godly; we must not seek any gift of God to consume it upon our own lusts (James 5:7).

5. Importunity in supplication. There must be waiting on God and waiting for God, as the husbandman has long patience to wait for the harvest (Luke 18:1-10).


May we all pray for the lost and see them redeemed as we share the Gospel and see God powerfully move upon them.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Boyce Catechism - Bible 4

CATECHISM of James P. Boyce - THE BIBLE 4
How come it to be written?
God inspired holy men to write it.

One of the distinctive features of the Bible is how it came into being and what it claims about itself. The Bible is said to be given by the Holy Spirit through people. The Bible claims to be the very Word of God.

Many struggle to ascribe such dignity to the Bible. There are many that have sought to discredit it and destroy it. Entire nations have sought to abolish it from their culture. Many have tried to change its meaning and water it down.

And yet, the Bible still stands. God inspired at least 39 different authors to write 66 unique books that provide the means by which God brought salvation and life to the world. In His providential care God raised up individuals at a particular time in a particular place to provide through them His inspired truth. Their personalities and perspectives are clear and obvious and all a part of God's plan.

What an awesome God who sovereignly chose to provide truth through His chosen vessels in such a powerful and beautiful way.


James Petigru Boyce (1827–1888) was a Baptist theologian, pastor, and seminary professor. Boyce was educated at Brown University under Francis Wayland, whose evangelical sermons contributed to Boyce’s conversion, and at Princeton Theological Seminary under Charles Hodge. Boyce became a pastor, then a university professor, and finally the founder and first president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he taught theology from 1859 until his death in 1888. Throughout his ministry Boyce insisted on the importance of theological education for all ministers. In a preface, he described his Abstract of Systematic Theology, published the year before his death, as follows: "This volume is published the rather as a practical text book, for the study of the system of doctrine taught in the Word of God, than as a contribution to theological science."

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Boyce Catechism - Bible 3

CATECHISM of James P. Boyce - THE BIBLE 3
Into what two parts is it divided?
Into the Old and New Testaments.

God has not given us two distinct realities of Himself. In His grace God has given us truth through stories, songs, parables, wisdom literature, and prophesies in the Old Testament. In the New Testament God shared Himself with us through stories, letters, and prophecies. In both Testaments we find the same God revealing Himself through a unique person in a specific culture.

Both Testaments point to the Cross of Christ. Christ is at the center of human history. It is how we date ourselves: BC (Before Christ) or (After Death). The Cross of Christ is what stands in the middle of the Testaments.

Both Testaments point to God as the gracious almighty King of heaven and earth. He is revealed as the creator and sustainer of all things. There is nothing that is beyond Him. In His wisdom He made all that is. In His grace He is redeeming a people for Himself and one day He will reclaim creation for Himself.

Both Testaments point to grace through faith in Christ alone as the means of salvation. There is no other way in which a person can be saved. Those who lived with access only to the Old Testament were able to look forward to the coming sacrifice of the God-Man. Others of us can now look back with the knowledge of the New Testament to what God accomplished through His Son to redeem the world.

Without the benefit and blessing of the Holy Spirit no one can discern the Truth found in both Testaments (1 Corinthians 2:6-16). We must pray for understanding.

James Petigru Boyce (1827–1888) was a Baptist theologian, pastor, and seminary professor. Boyce was educated at Brown University under Francis Wayland, whose evangelical sermons contributed to Boyce’s conversion, and at Princeton Theological Seminary under Charles Hodge. Boyce became a pastor, then a university professor, and finally the founder and first president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he taught theology from 1859 until his death in 1888. Throughout his ministry Boyce insisted on the importance of theological education for all ministers. In a preface, he described his Abstract of Systematic Theology, published the year before his death, as follows: "This volume is published the rather as a practical text book, for the study of the system of doctrine taught in the Word of God, than as a contribution to theological science."

Friday, July 23, 2010

Personal Battles

Judges 6:14,16 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 16 The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”


We all have our personal battles to face. This morning I was praying with a young couple about to send their baby girl into an operating room. After praying with them, I headed down the stairs and spoke with a man that is facing a challenge to his future. He does not know what he is going to do. What he must overcome is significant.

Every week we will all have challenges to face. Some will be important, but uneventful and later forgotten. Some of them will be life changing.

In every situation those who live in God's covenant of grace can be encouraged. God directs us in His Word in how we are to live in obedience to Him. He tell us, as He did Gideon, to go in the strength we have. He also reminds us that He will go with us.

That is a great comfort to me. My strength barely allows me out of bed some days. But when I use my strength to get up and go, God provides His power through His presence in grace. It is in His strength that we can do all things and overcome the personal challenges we face.

Trust in God. Live in His presence. Enjoy and live in awe of His gracious power that is at work in and around you.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Boyce Catechism - Bible 2

CATECHISM of James P. Boyce - THE BIBLE
2. By what other name is it known?
The Scriptures

There are no words like them. These Scriptures are one of a kind because...

1. The author is God. The Scriptures are holy. They are written by God through the agency of man. (2 Timothy 3:15–16)

2. The words are living and active. They have an impact on the heart and mind of those that are filled with the Holy Spirit or that are being convicted by the Holy Spirit. (Hebrews 4:12)

3. God has a purpose for these words. When they are preached they do not return without impact. These words accomplish something significant in the lives of people. (Isaiah 55:11)

I thank God today that I am able to look into the Scriptures and be impacted by them. These are not the thoughts of mere man. These are the determined words of God. Each word, phrase and sentence has an eternal purpose. God in His grace enables me by His Spirit to apprehend something of His purpose for my life and His will through them. Thank you, Father.

James Petigru Boyce (1827–1888) was a Baptist theologian, pastor, and seminary professor. Boyce was educated at Brown University under Francis Wayland, whose evangelical sermons contributed to Boyce’s conversion, and at Princeton Theological Seminary under Charles Hodge. Boyce became a pastor, then a university professor, and finally the founder and first president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he taught theology from 1859 until his death in 1888. Throughout his ministry Boyce insisted on the importance of theological education for all ministers. In a preface, he described his Abstract of Systematic Theology, published the year before his death, as follows: "This volume is published the rather as a practical text book, for the study of the system of doctrine taught in the Word of God, than as a contribution to theological science."

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Boyce Catechism - Bible 1

CATECHISM of James P. Boyce
THE BIBLE
1. What book have we that teaches about God?
The Bible.


The Bible is the Word of God. It is active. There is in its pages the truth that leads us to the savior, creator, and sustainer of life.

Today as I read I received wisdom. Through the experience of those that God chose to work through I realized a similarity in their life and mine. I was reminded that the God that dealt with them and cared for them is the same God who loves me and has bought me for His purpose.

What a joy it is to know that I need only read the Bible to know all that God has determined I need to know of Him. When I know Him, I understand myself and my world.

I thank God for the Bible He has given to us.



I am going to give time each day to reflecting on the catechism of Dr. Boyce. I invite you to join me.

Here is some background on the author. James Petigru Boyce (1827–1888) was a Baptist theologian, pastor, and seminary professor. Boyce was educated at Brown University under Francis Wayland, whose evangelical sermons contributed to Boyce’s conversion, and at Princeton Theological Seminary under Charles Hodge. Boyce became a pastor, then a university professor, and finally the founder and first president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he taught theology from 1859 until his death in 1888. Throughout his ministry Boyce insisted on the importance of theological education for all ministers. In a preface, he described his Abstract of Systematic Theology, published the year before his death, as follows: "This volume is published the rather as a practical text book, for the study of the system of doctrine taught in the Word of God, than as a contribution to theological science."

Monday, July 19, 2010

Growing Up

Your understanding of God’s character ought to be greater now than when you first became a Christian. You ought to know Him today better than you did five years ago. Sadly, some Christians continue to live year after_year with the same basic knowledge of God that they had when they first began walking with him. Whatever your present situation, view it in the light of what God is teaching you, through circumstances, about Himself and you will come to know God in dimensions you have never known Him before. -Blackaby


I have been reminded several times this weekend about the nature of my connection with God. The Bible uses many different metaphors to describe how we interact with God. The ones that mean the most to me are the relational ones. The fact that I am His adopted son, His friend, His bride, His love, and so many other wonderfully relational things makes me happy.

Like all relationships it has grown over the years. I have been a follower of Christ now for 22 years 22 days. What I knew of Him when I first believed is nothing compared to what I know of Him now. It is almost as if I didn't really know Him. I knew enough to be saved, but little else.

Over the years I have experienced different levels and different kinds of growth. I have learned a great deal. In understanding His Word I have gained a greater grasp on His grace and greatness. This has impacted how I feel about Him, myself, other people, and the world. Although I still have so far to go, it is staggering to think of what I would be without Him.

Today I am thankful that God saved and gave me a new life. I am thankful that I know Him better this summer than I did last summer. For all of the pain, sorrow, and hardship I praise my God because through it all He has been faithful and helped me understand Him. For all of the joy, peace, love, and life that is mine I praise Him. Everything that I have that is good is a gift from Him.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Prayer of Thanks for a Good Day

Father,

I am thankful for this good day You have given to me with my family. My children have been with me nonstop. We have run, swam, played, gone to a movie, eaten, talked about multiple life issues and Your Word, and laughed today.

My wife was able to sleep in... a little. I had coffee going for her when she came down. We have laughed today. We have made plans for our future. Our life is full of love and grace because of You.

I am thankful for this good day because from the moment I got up until right now I have felt Your presence. Prayer has come from my heart to You so freely. You have answered prayers today. In your grace You have comforted me and given me wisdom when I needed it. Your Word has blessed my soul. Many of Your faithful children have inspired me, encouraged me, and helped me.

Thank you.

I cannot wait to preach Your Word tomorrow. I cannot wait to pray with Your people and give comfort, strength, hope and Your grace. I cannot wait to be with You.

My prayer tonight is that You would be honored on Your Day tomorrow. Bless Your saved people and let us all experience Your power. As I write this, Your church in the east has already started worship services. As the sun dawns on us here in the west, let us do our part in keeping the praise of Your great name going.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Ask Not What...

“In a recent survey of 1,000 church attenders, respondents were asked, ‘Why does the church exist?’ According to 89 percent, the church’s purpose was ‘to take care of my family’s and my spiritual needs.’ Only 11 percent said the purpose of the church is ‘to win the world for Jesus Christ.’” - Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 28:19–20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

John 20:21 "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'”

John 13:14–17 "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Ask not what your church can do for you. Ask what you can do for the Kingdom of God through your church.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Our Best Strategy

Joshua was an amazing leader. As he entered the Promise Land and took out Jericho and overcame the defeat of Achan's sin, the nation had a lot of momentum. God was at work. The people were fulfilling God's plan.

But then the enemy sent a curve ball. Joshua and company could have knocked it out of the park, but in their overconfidence they did not pray.

The Scripture tells us in Joshua 9:14 "The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD."

To determine the trustworthiness of the Gibeonites they used their best mental and physical abilities, but they didn't prayer.

Prayer is our best plan. Prayer does much more than we ever can.

My prayer today:
Father, I have no hope or meaning apart from you. Everything that comes at me today does so under your authority. All things will work for good because I love you and have been called according to your purpose. Therefore, I pray to you and ask for wisdom to see where your hand is at work so that I might join you. I pray for strength to accomplish your will. Give me peace in the midst of it all and let me love you and others as you have loved me according to your Great Gospel.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Pray for Us

I hope this does not sound selfish, but I would ask that you pray for your pastor and other leaders in the faith that God might bless them today, this week, and this year.

Spurgeon speaks well of this need of prayer for pastors.


“Brethren, pray for us.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:25

This one morning in the year we reserved to refresh the reader’s memory upon the subject of prayer for ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered by an apostle and now repeated by us. Brethren, our work is solemnly momentous, involving weal or woe to thousands; we treat with souls for God on eternal business, and our word is either a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death. A very heavy responsibility rests upon us, and it will be no small mercy if at the last we be found clear of the blood of all men. As officers in Christ’s army, we are the especial mark of the enmity of men and devils; they watch for our halting, and labour to take us by the heels. Our sacred calling involves us in temptations from which you are exempt, above all it too often draws us away from our personal enjoyment of truth into a ministerial and official consideration of it. We meet with many knotty cases, and our wits are at a non plus; we observe very sad backslidings, and our hearts are wounded; we see millions perishing, and our spirits sink. We wish to profit you by our preaching; we desire to be blest to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners; therefore, dear friends, intercede for us with our God. Miserable men are we if we miss the aid of your prayers, but happy are we if we live in your supplications. You do not look to us but to our Master for spiritual blessings, and yet how many times has He given those blessings through His ministers; ask then, again and again, that we may be the earthen vessels into which the Lord may put the treasure of the gospel. We, the whole company of missionaries, ministers, city missionaries, and students, do in the name of Jesus beseech you

“BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US.”


Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Friends

One of the greatest gifts that God has given to us to combat "the trouble" of this world is a friend. What joy we find in a simple conversation. What healing there is in a shared burden. What peace there is feeling the company of others that care for us.

Jesus made it clear that there would be plenty of stuff to cause us problems in this life. John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The Good News is that Christ has overcome the world. Not only has He provided ultimate victory through His sacrifice on the cross that provides us grace. His resurrection gives us the hope of heaven and His personal presence in our lives.

Through His presence we have the Almighty as our friend. John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." And what a friend we have in Jesus. As the old song by Joseph Scriven says...

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
in His arms He’ll take and shield thee—
Thou wilt find a solace there.


Not only do we have the honor of being friends with God, we also have other sojourners that travel this path to glory with us. When we live in a community of saints, our faith grows, our lives are richer, and our purpose is made clear.

What we read that happened in the early church is what God desires for us today.
Acts 2:42–47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


As we go through sickness, job loss, failed pregnancies, successful pregnancies, adoptions, the terrible twos, school, adolescents, a tough economy, a spiritual bankrupt society and spiritual warfare, we can go through it all with Christ and other friends of faith. And we will find strength, hope, and love.

Friday, July 2, 2010

For Admirers of CJ Mahaney

CJ Mahaney is one of my all-time favorite conference speakers. I have always received a good word from Him. He loves Jesus. He loves sound theology. He loves the church.

He is one of those guys that is truly humble and desires to be of service to Christ and His people in everything he does.

If you love CJ like I do, you will love this impersonation found here.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

time

Where does the time go? That is a question I am asking myself a lot recently. It seems that the winter was just yesterday and yet here we are in the midst of summer break. My kids that recently seemed so small are now looking like someone else’s. My hair – what I have - is changing color. Time is moving fast. I feel that I cannot keep up.

I realized this morning that I haven’t blogged much this summer and spring. I was on a roll this time last year, but then I was on sabbatical. I was free everyday to study and write. There was more time for conversations and learning.

These days I am studying, but in the midst of a construction project, summer schedules, people in the midst of pain and crisis, and lots of amazing opportunities to see God at work through the ministry of Living Hope. I have so much to take in and feel incapable of doing much of what I have to do and even less time to share it with others.

I hope to write more in the days ahead. I write not because I think what I have to say is of great importance, but because the little I have to offer might bring others hope and encouragement and the reminder that they are dearly loved.

Today I want to share the fact that life is in front of us. We cannot change what is behind us, but we can learn from it. There is a world that needs to be loved and given the eternal hope of Christ. People are in need of friends and fellowship. God is on the move and has invited us to go with Him.

I do not think we can grasp all that God has to offer, but I know we can make the best of all that we choose to receive. When we do, we will feel as though not everything is under control. Our false sense of control will be lost. In the midst of engaging God and His mission we will see the Almighty at work and stand amazed at Him.

Today I am amazed at God’s grace and goodness to me. I stand in awe of his charity to me. In my dreams I never imagined I would have such an amazing wife that loves me so much and that I love with all of my heart, children I am so excited about, and a ministry that gives me such great joy and a greater belief in the God I love.

I pray your time is well spent today seeking out the greatness and sharing the goodness of God. That’s my plan.