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.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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."
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."
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."
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."
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)