The Ten Commandments Are About God

This link to Trevin Wax's blog shares some valuable insights on the Ten Commandments from Dr. James Hamilton's recent book, "God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment".

http://trevinwax.com/2011/06/14/the-ten-commandments-are-about-god/

Hope these insights cause you to ponder today. Perhaps, you may even wish to meditate on these commandments over the next several days (maybe even the next 10 days).

See Exodus 20:1-17.

May these laws not only teach you about our heavenly Father, but lead you to the grace of God revealed in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:23-29).

Blessings.

A Warning to the Wealthy

James, the Lord's half-brother, is not someone who tip-toes around a subject. I recently broke from my expositional study in James for a mini-series leading up to Easter, and when I returned to James chapter 5... well, let's just say that I was blown away by James' directness to the unbelieving rich in his audience. And, at the same time, I was also convicted by his words. We preachers are usually guilty of two errors: 1) We avoid talking about money to our people (lest we offend the ones who may give to support the church), or 2) We manipulate people through our preaching to somehow acquire wealth for ourself. Both are wrong. Jesus and the Apostles talk about money, and Peter makes it clear that undershepherds should pursue their office to simply get rich (1 Peter 5:2 / "sordid gain"). And lest believers think James has nothing to say to them--well, just read the text (James 5:1-6) prayerfully and ask God: "Am I using my earthly wealth in a way that is pleasing to You?"

Below are seven principles I shared with my congregation based on what Jesus had to say about money in a few passages in Luke's gospel... I hope they may prove helpful and enlightening to you:

1) The rich are under the judgment of God for their sins, and eternal consequences are coming. See Luke 6:24 and James 5:1-3.

2) Life is not about temporary riches, it is about an eternal relationship with God. See Luke 12:13-21 and James 4:7-10.

3) Ones actions reveal if you are trusting in and treasuring money, or if you are trusting in and treasuring Christ. See Luke 16:1-13 and James 2:1-9.

4) Riches are no guarantee of God's blessing, or everlasting life. See Luke 16:19-31 and James 1:9-11.

5) A rich man can be externally religious but still be eternally lost. See Luke 18:18-23. (Obviously there were some unsaved wealthy people in the churches James was writing to, or his words in James 5:1-6 would be pointless... wealthy people are often outwardly religious).

6) It is impossible for a rich man to change his own sinful heart... but God can. See Luke 18:24-27 and James 1:18. The new birth (John 3:3) is a sovereign gift of God's grace, and through the proclamation of the gospel in the power of the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Peter 1:23), a sinner can become a saint with a new nature, a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27), and new capacity to be a doer of the Word (James 1:22), as he or she repents and trusts in the Person and saving work of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9, 13 & Mark 1:14-15).

7) Regeneration--that is, the new birth--produces faith, love, and generosity. See Luke 19:1-10 and 1 John 4:7, 5:1a, and 3:16-18. Zaccheus experienced the new birth, believed in Christ, was saved and became a son of Abraham (Luke 19:9 & Galatians 3:7), and THAT is why he became so generous (i.e. loving). He didn't purchase his salvation with his money, God's grace changed his heart and made him generous instead of selfish.

So, where do you find yourself today as you read this blog? Are you materially wealthy? Not, "Are you Donald Trump or Bill Gates?", but "Do you have shelter, clothing, and food?" We sadly compare ourselves with billionaires when we should be recognizing the great blessings we possess by God's gracious hand. Do you have more than you need? Do you share with others? Do you help the poor? Are you regulalry investing in your local church financially? Do you support any missionaries around the world? Do you live lavishly to impress people? Do you like to give things away to others? Do you spend hours in a week worrying about your investments? If Jesus asked you to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, would you?

Jesus said, "So then, none of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions" (Luke 14:33). Did He mean all of His disciples should be naked, homeless, and unable to buy bread? No--He did not mean that. He does mean, however, that if you are His servant, and He is your Lord... your stuff is not your own, your stuff is not your god(s), and you will do with your stuff whatever Jesus directs you to do. If that's true, praise the Lord. If it isn't true, hear the words of James once again (James 5:1, 4:9-10), and turn to the Lord and cry out for His mercy. Only He can change your heart from a selfish idolater to a generous Christ follower.

Dependent Responsibility

As I've pondered the writings of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament, and studied how a Christ follower is transformed into the likeness of Christ (e.g. Galatians 5:22-23), one theme keeps coming up over and over again: dependent responsibility.


In other words, the Apostle Paul deals a powerful death blow to the two common misconceptions concerning spiritual growth. The first common misconception about how to grow spiritually is the "let go and let God" philosophy. Those who pursue this means of spiritual transformation simply think they can enter their prayer closet, wait on God, and... ZAP! Now they are (supposedly) more holy, more loving, more joyful, and more patient because they waited, prayed, 'let go and let God', and He just poured Christ-like maturity into their lives with the wave of His hand. Well, all I can say is: "I wish it were that simple and easy." But the truth is, it's not. If it were, why would Paul tell us that we must "train/exercise/discipline ourselves unto godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7)? The Greek word translated as "train" (or exercise or discipline) in our English Bibles is the word 'gumnazo', and we get our English word 'gymnasium' from that Greek word. So, what Paul is trying to help us understand is that there is some effort required in becoming a godly person... it's not just a matter of waiting on God for a mighty ZAP from heaven.

On the other hand, there are those who say, "I'm going to change myself--even if it kills me"; and unfortunately, many religious people (and even some well meaning Christians) grow weary and depressed as they seek to transform themselves into a godly person (and fail to see results). Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that inner transformation is God's work, not ours (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). Listen to these words from Scripture: Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil (Jeremiah 13:23). What is the prophet of the Lord teaching us? Simply this: in and of ourselves we can no more change our (evil) hearts than a leopard can change the design of its fur. You and I can't make our own heart's more holy or good or loving. But praise God, HE IS ABLE to renew us from the inside out (2 Corinthians 4:16) and form in us the character of Christ Jesus (Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10).

So, the logical question to ask is, "How does spiritual growth take place?" Well, it's not an either/or situation, but rather a both/and scenario. God doesn't just ZAP us and make us like Jesus, nor can we (in the power of our flesh) change our own hearts from evil to good by "trying harder" to be a godly person. However, we can take responsibility for obeying God's Word WHILE depending on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us. In other words, Christians are personally responsible for obeying God's commands, but we must remember that we can never accomplish the will of God apart from the power of God which He supplies. So, as an example, I am responsible to love my bride the way Christ loves the church (see Ephesians 5:25). I am responsible (to God) to serve her, nurture her, cherish her, provide for her, protect her, seek her holiness, etc. (see Ephesians 5:25-28). However, if I don't first seek to be filled with (i.e. be controlled by) the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), follow the leading of the Spirit (Galatians 5:18), and love her by the power of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25), I will fail. I will only ever be able to love my wife the way Christ loves the church IF I depend (by faith) upon God's power (i.e. His Spirit) to supply all that I need to love her well. Thus, it's good for us to pray such Scriptures over our lives as Hebrews 13:20-21 (turning a passage of Scripture into a petition): "God, please equip me with all that I need for doing Your will today, and produce in me--through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ--all that is pleasing to You. Help me love my wife as You love the church, Jesus--so that You might receive glory forever and ever. Amen."

We must depend on God to do what only He can do in and through us, but we (as His moral creatures) must be responsible for choosing to obey His revealed will. Then, and only then, will we grow in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit. If we live in dependent responsibility we will experience the joy of being transformed, and God will receive the glory for being the One who transfroms us into the likeness of His Son.

So, may I encourage you to do what Paul encouraged his readers to do so many years ago: Work out your salvation [i.e. sanctification] with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).

As Good Friday Approaches...

They spit upon His meekness,

And struck Him in the face.

Their floggers swung with hatred;

They stripped Him in disgrace.

Deep worked the Roman anger

That tortured Him, a Jew;

Yet this His contemplation:

"They know not what they do."

His people cheered "Hosanna,"

Then had Him crucified.

They freed corrupt Barabbas;

To sentence Him, they lied.

He hung outside their city,

Where leaders mocked Him too;

Yet this, the hurt He carried:

"I would have gathered you."

No angels came to help Him

When Heaven on Him fell.

The Devil tried to reach Him

Through ev'ry lie in hell.

Unthinkable the anguish

As Father crushed the Son,

Yet this His firm conviction:

"Thy will, not mine, be done."

No selfishness, no hatred,

No spitefulness was there.

No unbelief, no cursing,

No pity from despair.

One sinful thought; one failure,

And Love would not succeed.

The ransomed souls of hist'ry

Must His perfection plead.

If He had faltered even once,

In flames of hell would men abide.

Then ponder Christ, and praise at length

The strength of Him there crucified.

- K. Hartnett, May 2007

Kevin Hartnett works for NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, overseeing the science operations activities of the mission. He was selected in 2003 from a thousand candidates as the "Poet of the Year" by the Fellowship of Christian Poets.

Do you REALLY believe in hell?

Hell. Not a subject many people like to ponder or discuss. In fact, in my experience as a pastor, hell isn't even a subject many Christians wish to chat about. Yes, I have heard sermons on the subject, and yes, I have preached on the topic myself. But as a general rule, hell is not on the lips of many believers these days.

I recently saw a video (http://vimeo.com/20272585) which previewed a new book on the subject by Pastor Rob Bell (ever seen a NOOMA video?). The video saddened me. And, if some of my conservative, evangelical brothers in ministry are right, this book reveals a sad truth: Bell doesn't want to hold to the orthodox view of hell. I have yet to read his book (so I am not seeking to play Judge or jury), but if you'd like an advanced review from a conservative pastor, see the following blog: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/03/14/rob-bell-love-wins-review/.

We're also embarking on a new series of messages here at Broadway: a six week series leading into Easter. And during this series, we're going to be discussing the topic of personal evangelism. We're going to be discussing how we can lovingly invest in the lives of people we know and how we might graciously (but intentionally) invite them to church with us this Easter. I think it's GREAT that there are a few times throughout the year when folks who regulalry don't attend church are open to the idea. Easter is one of those times. Folks are willing to "give church a try" on Easter--and I'm praying that many churches across our land will take advantage of the opportunity we have to declare the wondrous truths of the gospel to these guests who will join us for worship on April 24th.

Our un-churched friends may not know this yet, but the Bible teaches that all people are born in sin, and therefore, are sinners by nature and by choice (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12; 1 John 1:8). Consequently, the Bible says all non-Christians are dead in sin, separated from God's life, and thus, without hope in this world (Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:12). Jesus was even more blunt when He said (John 3:36), "He who does not obey the Son [Jesus] will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." God's wrath... that's another subject we (even in the church) talk very little about. However, we best re-introduce it in our preaching and teaching because countless thousands are ignorant of the fact that they will one day stand before the God who created them, the Savior who died on the cross, and the Holy Spirit who knows (because He's been present to observe) every single thing they've ever done (good or bad), and they WILL give an account to God for their lives. And if their name is not found in the Lamb's Book fo Life (Revelation 20:15), they will be cast into hell (the second death)--where they will experience the wrath of God forever (i.e. His holy and just punishment of sin).

Now, all of the above, I believe, is true and accurate according to the Bible... but one more thing is necessary for any of us who seek to share the good news (gospel) with our loved ones, neighbors, fellow students, and co-workers: compassion (Matthew 9:13). I read these words from John Piper last week and they caused me to pause... for a long while. Listen: "Is not our most painful failure in the pastorate the inability to weep over the unbelievers in our neighborhoods and the carnal members of our churches?" OUCH!!!!!!!! And, AMEN!!!!! "God (please), help us!"

Do you believe in hell? Really?? Do you believe in it enough to trust Christ as your Savior? Do you believe in it enough to cry for the people in your sphere of influence who don't know Jesus yet? Do you believe in it enough to step out (in faith) and (boldly, yet lovingly) share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them? Do you know the gospel? If you don't, check out this video: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/piper-on-what-is-the-gospel.

"O, Lord Jesus, grant us eyes to see the reality of hell, and hearts that are burdened for the lost, that we (like You) will determine to seek and save that which is lost in our own sphere of influence. Grant us true and genuine compassion for the lost, and may we not speak of hell to others unless we have first had tear-stained cheeks ourselves. May we see how great our own sin is. May we see how great our Savior's love is for us. And may we be granted the confidence, by Your Spirit, to tell our loved ones of the coming judgment and the hope of heaven that can be experienced through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. O grant (this Easter) that countless lives might be born-again, and may You use us as Your instruments to turn them from darkness unto light, and from Satan unto Christ so that they might receieve the forgiveness of sins (Acts 26:18). For Your name's sake, I pray. Amen"

"Think lightly of hell, and you will think lightly of the cross. Think little of the sufferings of lost souls, and you will soon think little of the Savior who delivers you from them." - C.H. Spurgeon

A Tale of Two Corners: Knowledge & Maturity

I love God's providence ("God's providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people." - Jerry Bridges, Trusting God). Just a week or so ago I was reading a devotional in Tabletalk Magazine (the devotional put out by Ligonier Ministries, the teaching Ministry of R.C. Sproul) and thought to myself when I was finished reading: "Wow, I wish I could put this on my blog. It's solid, balanced and insightful." However, I wasn't really in the mood to jump through all of the hoops to take care of the copyright issues. Well, praise the Lord, in His good providence, the author of that particular devotional posted the same article on his blog, and so I am going to direct you there. It is worth the read. If you are a Christian--especially one who longs to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus--this article is a great reminder. It sure convicted me.

The essence of this article has to do with this question: which is better, the person who knows a lot of theological data, or the one who knows less but applies what he knows? The author's answer is GREAT! Thanks Kevin for your insights--I love this article.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/02/22/a-tale-of-two-corners-knowledge-and-maturity/

To learn more about Kevin DeYoung and the church he serves, see www.universityreformedchurch.org

An Adopted Child

Several of you have been reminding me that I haven't "blogged" in a while. True. I still haven't developed this practice into a daily or weekly habit yet. I admit, too, that between being ill, being out of town, and simply being occupied with other pastoral responsibilities... I've not done well at all in 2011.

As I opened my blog page today (and it has been a while since I have), I received a note from a long time friend--someone I've known since 6th grade. More than that, someone who has been a true friend since then. We played basketball together, we went out on double dates in high school, and especially meaningful to me--he was right there the night I gave my heart to Christ (nearly 20 years ago). In fact, he was the first person to ever actually share the gospel with me when I was a teenager. He is a man of God, a loving husband, an invested father, a great basketball coach, a strategic teacher... I could go on and on... but the point is I love this guy. For some time now I have known that he and his beloved wife were intending to adopt a child from another culture. A good deal of time has past, but I learned this morning that the adoption is now final. I was able to go online and see pictures and read of their adoption journey... and well, it just made my morning. Congrats Bret & Nicole! I am overwhelmed with deilght for you guys.

All of this got me pondering my own adoption. No, not the way you might think or assume. I grew up in the home of my biological parents. They loved me deeply and blessed me richly in ways too many to recount in this particular blog. I am referring, however, to my adoption by God the Father. And if you are a true Christ follower, born again by the Spirit of God, you also have been adopted by God into His heavenly family (see Ephesians 1:5).

Listen to these words from the pen of the Apostle Paul from Galatians 4: "But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, THAT (emphasis mine) we might receive the adoption as sons" (vs. 4-5). Wow! I don't know about you, but I believe those are some of the sweetest words to be found in the New Testament. And those two verses are SO theologically rich. Ponder with me.

First off, that text says God's timing is perfect. The "fullness of time" in verse 4 refers to God's appointed time-table. I won't take the time here to review the historical significance of Jesus' coming when He did--but needless-to-say, He came at just the right time in history (HIS STORY) to accomplish His Father's will. And while I'm typing, let me just remind you (my pastor's heart is waking up, I thnk): His timing is perfect in your life too. You may not think so, but trust me, it is. Joseph didn't think so, I'm sure. Abraham and Sarah were certainly questioning if His timing was perfect. Job thought both God's timing and His actions were not so great. And, my guess is you have probably questioned God's timing a time or two yourself (as have I). BUT please know this: God's time table is rarely the same as ours, but His is best. You may not like it. You may wish it were different. But trust in His sovereignty and His goodness--He never makes a mistake.

Second, this text reminds us that God so loved us (John 3:16) that He sent His Son to redeem us (i.e. pay a price to free us from our slavery to sin). The second Person of the Trinity chose to leave the glories of heaven, and become a human being. Maybe this is a poor or crass illustration--but that's like a car lover leaving His Porsche 911 for a Ford Yugo (called by some "the Mona Lisa of bad cars"). He subjected Himself to the Law of God--that is, Jesus was required (just like you and me) to obey God and resist evil (in thought, word and deed). And what's more, He succeeded! He alone is the only human being who has ever perfectly fulfilled God's Law. And yet, He did all of that for one primary reason: so He could take our sins upon Himself, absorb God's wrath for our sins, and die in our place on the cross. As Paul says so magnificently in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Amazing love, amazing grace... I hope that truth humbles you and calls you to worship Christ the Lord.

But lastly, notice why all of this took place. Notice why God sent His Son, notice why He was born of a woman, notice why He was born under the Law, notice why He redeemed us on the cross with His life's blood... THAT (here's the key purpose clause of our text) we might receive the adoption as sons. In other words, the primary reason God (through Christ) did all that He did was so that He might adopt you and me into His family forever. The Bible says He predestined us to adoption as sons. He predetermined that our destiny would be sonship in His family. And now, if you know Christ as Lord and Savior, you have a heavenly Father, an elder Brother, and a Comforter who never leaves you nor forsakes you. He knows what you need before you even ask; and yet He tells you to ask that He might meet your needs (Matthew 6:8; Matthew 6:11; Matthew 7:11). He is always available and willing to provide you with wisdom when you need it (James 1:5). No matter who else may forsake you, you have a Friend who will stick closer to you than any blood brother (Proverbs 18:24). In short, God has said to you and to me (and all Christ followers): "You are a part of my family. I love you. I am for you. And I will see that you get home safely. Trust Me. Treasure Me. Delight in Me. I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

May the reminder that you are an adopted child of God thrill your heart today.

And if you have never embraced the good news concerning Jesus Christ--the Bible says today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). If you are willing to repent (i.e. turn away from the sin in your life with God's help) and place your faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ (i.e. that He is God, that He loves you, that He came to earth for you, that He took on humanity for you, that He lived a sinless life for you, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He was raised from the dead three days after He died on the cross), you too can be saved from sin and hell. The Bible says if any man is willing to turn from his sin and trust in Christ alone for the free gift of salvation, God is willing to save that man or woman (Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9). The choice is yours. Choose to repent. Choose to believe in Jesus. Choose to pray and ask Him to save you from your sins.

In Him there is forgiveness, in Him there is life, and in Him there is adoption into the family of God for all who believe (John 1:12). Respond to and rejoice in His grace today, I pray.