I know I haven’t posted in a while, but sometimes life just gets in the way. We are celebrating the Lord’s Supper tomorrow and here is the Table address.
Building Your Family
. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 "Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, 2 "that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 3 "Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the LORD God of your fathers has promised you -- 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' 4 " Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 " And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Continuing on our theme for this year of building, last time we considered building our own personal faith and now I want to share just a few thoughts about building your family. Strong faith makes strong families. This is true regardless of the kind of family – whether just husband and wife or parents with children. If faith is strong in the individuals then the family will be strong – there is some truth to the saying, the family that prays together stays together. But the particular challenge I want to place before you this morning is doing all that you can to instill the strength of your faith into your children. That is exactly what God, through Moses is commanding the people here. Teach the commandments, the statutes and judgments of God to your children. Take every opportunity to do this – teaching them first and foremost to love God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength and of course, teaching them to love one another. Your house should be marked by not only the love of God and one another, but also by faith in God and the distinct desire to do what God commands and to do what glorifies God.
How do we do this? 1) Bring your children faithfully to worship God with the saints teaching them the importance of the Lord’s Day for our lives: a day of rest from our usual labors and a day of worship. 2) Involve your children in the life and ministry of the church – they are a part of Christ’s body as much as you are – they need the support, encouragement and fellowship as much as you do. 3) Take every opportunity to speak about the faith, helping them to reason – not from tradition but from Scripture, why we believe what we believe. Equip them to view the world through the lens of God’s Word. 4) Set and vigorously preserve a time of daily family worship. Read and study God’s Word, sing the Lord’s praises and pray to the heavenly Father together. The benefits of this are innumerable. 5) Be Godly examples to your children – in speech, in deed, and most of all in love. And certainly this is the part that those who do not have children can play in strengthening the family – a child cannot ever have too many godly examples (either in the home or outside it). 6) Finally, remember that though you may plant and water it is God who gives the increase. Ps. 127:1 Except the Lord builds the house the builders build in vain.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Window Shopping for the Heresy of the Day
Passing by a book store today there was a title on display that caught my eye – The Jesus Papers: Exposing the Greatest Cover-up in History by Michael Baigent. Intrigued I went in the store to get the scoop? Was this just another version of the Holy Grail/Mary Magdalene married to Jesus with children story line ala Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code? Especially since the cover of the book noted that Baignent was a co-author of Holy Blood, Holy Grail which Brown used as a source for the Code. But alas when I turned the book over and looked at the back cover – this was all something new (though there is nothing really new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9). I can’t remember all the questions but essentially: What if all we have been taught about Christianity was a lie? What if a the secret has been hidden by a small group until now? What if there was “incontrovertible” proof that Jesus survived the Crucifixion?
So there it is, in some ways the same song different tune – but the thrust of this new book appears to be that Jesus never died on the Cross, which then would indicate He was never raised from the dead either. I didn’t take long to thumb through the book (it even had colored pictures perhaps to add to it’s authenticity) and placed it back in the window display – which by the way also included the newly rediscovered The Gospel of Judas and the Lost Gospel (both by Bart D. Ehrham who seems to have a thing for discrediting Christianity. And since there were no “counter” books displayed my guess is that this may be the “thing” for the store owner as well unless they are just trying to capitalize on the controversy).
So what is going on here? Well again, nothing new really – Gnosticism came to its height in the early centuries of the Church and all these issues make their way back to that heretical movement in some way. And this latest book? Haven’t any of these folks ever read the “truth”? Have they ever read Paul’s defense of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 15 – Paul poses essentially the same question – in a “It’s a Wonderful Life George Bailey gets to see what life would be like if he weren’t born” sort of way, Paul considers – what would happen if there were no resurrection of the dead – “ Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor. 15:12). Then Paul goes on to list the consequences of the denial of the resurrection. The most significant is then that Christ has not been raised (vs. 13) and then (well I will let Paul finish it):
1 Corinthians 15:14-19 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
So, certainly the question raised in The Jesus Papers is a valid one – what if Jesus survived the crucifixion and therefore did not die and raise again (making Him btw just an ordinary man ala Gnosticism)? Well if Baignent can prove his point with his “incontrovertible” evidence then Christians are pathetic, we have been taken as stooges, our faith is in vain and we might as well close up all the churches, there is no hope for those who have died believing in Christ they are just dead, The Apostles were liars and false witnesses and apparently so am I as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then so be it. But the burning question would then be – what if historic Christianity is right and Baignent, Brown and the other modern day prophets of Gnosticism are wrong? What if Jesus did indeed die on the cross (a single man with no children)? What if He did rise again on the third day? How will Baignent’s “incontrovertible proof” stack up to Luke’s “infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3) or Paul’s list of confirmed eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection glory (1 Cor. 15:1-8)? Or the weighty proof of the Roman Centurion and even Pilate himself as an official in the government of the Roman Empire (Mark 15:39,44-45)? Even the Jewish leaders could testify to Christ’s death (Matthew 27:62-66)? Does Baignent offer such a wide array of eyewitnesses (including followers, enemies and government officials) for his “incontrovertible proof” to compare to the Bible’s “infallible proof”? Well I didn’t take the time to find out.
I had already recently read The DaVinci Code while on vacation a few weeks ago and I wasn’t about to waste anytime purchasing and reading this new twist of the same old, same old heresy that has been thrust into the public square. Besides, I can’t defend the truth any better than the Apostle Paul:
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. (1 Cor. 15:20).
Praise God for this Infallible Proof!!
(just a p.s. I didn’t bother to provide “links” to these books on Amazon or anything – not really worth the trouble - I will leave that to the interested reader).
So there it is, in some ways the same song different tune – but the thrust of this new book appears to be that Jesus never died on the Cross, which then would indicate He was never raised from the dead either. I didn’t take long to thumb through the book (it even had colored pictures perhaps to add to it’s authenticity) and placed it back in the window display – which by the way also included the newly rediscovered The Gospel of Judas and the Lost Gospel (both by Bart D. Ehrham who seems to have a thing for discrediting Christianity. And since there were no “counter” books displayed my guess is that this may be the “thing” for the store owner as well unless they are just trying to capitalize on the controversy).
So what is going on here? Well again, nothing new really – Gnosticism came to its height in the early centuries of the Church and all these issues make their way back to that heretical movement in some way. And this latest book? Haven’t any of these folks ever read the “truth”? Have they ever read Paul’s defense of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 15 – Paul poses essentially the same question – in a “It’s a Wonderful Life George Bailey gets to see what life would be like if he weren’t born” sort of way, Paul considers – what would happen if there were no resurrection of the dead – “ Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor. 15:12). Then Paul goes on to list the consequences of the denial of the resurrection. The most significant is then that Christ has not been raised (vs. 13) and then (well I will let Paul finish it):
1 Corinthians 15:14-19 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
So, certainly the question raised in The Jesus Papers is a valid one – what if Jesus survived the crucifixion and therefore did not die and raise again (making Him btw just an ordinary man ala Gnosticism)? Well if Baignent can prove his point with his “incontrovertible” evidence then Christians are pathetic, we have been taken as stooges, our faith is in vain and we might as well close up all the churches, there is no hope for those who have died believing in Christ they are just dead, The Apostles were liars and false witnesses and apparently so am I as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then so be it. But the burning question would then be – what if historic Christianity is right and Baignent, Brown and the other modern day prophets of Gnosticism are wrong? What if Jesus did indeed die on the cross (a single man with no children)? What if He did rise again on the third day? How will Baignent’s “incontrovertible proof” stack up to Luke’s “infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3) or Paul’s list of confirmed eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection glory (1 Cor. 15:1-8)? Or the weighty proof of the Roman Centurion and even Pilate himself as an official in the government of the Roman Empire (Mark 15:39,44-45)? Even the Jewish leaders could testify to Christ’s death (Matthew 27:62-66)? Does Baignent offer such a wide array of eyewitnesses (including followers, enemies and government officials) for his “incontrovertible proof” to compare to the Bible’s “infallible proof”? Well I didn’t take the time to find out.
I had already recently read The DaVinci Code while on vacation a few weeks ago and I wasn’t about to waste anytime purchasing and reading this new twist of the same old, same old heresy that has been thrust into the public square. Besides, I can’t defend the truth any better than the Apostle Paul:
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. (1 Cor. 15:20).
Praise God for this Infallible Proof!!
(just a p.s. I didn’t bother to provide “links” to these books on Amazon or anything – not really worth the trouble - I will leave that to the interested reader).
Monday, April 17, 2006
Sunday Postscript - Remember Jesus Christ
Yesterday’s message was from 2 Timothy 2:8-10 “Remember Jesus Christ”. In this passage Paul urges Timothy to focus his attention away from himself and on the person and work of Jesus Christ – Paul sums up the Gospel with two brief statements about Jesus Christ that Timothy is to remember … His resurrection and His Messiahship. I will just make the one point about the resurrection here.
Yesterday being Easter or Resurrection Sunday – many have went to church with their thoughts and remembrances on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a good thing. As Christians, we should remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday – it is indeed the reason for the season. And yet, though it may seem obvious to us – it may not be so obvious to others. How many people do you know who don’t know about the resurrection of Jesus? How many children do you know who think that Easter is all about colored eggs, the Easter bunny, candy and toys?
How many people are not thinking about the resurrection of Jesus Christ at all – but instead are thinking about Judas and his supposed gospel, or about whether Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and had children and about whether Leonardo Da Vinci has hidden within his artwork codes and clues to the true nature of the “Holy Grail”? Others of course are just thinking about their lawns and gardens as spring has finally sprung. So it is not a given that everyone remembers or thinks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, even on Easter Sunday. Even the local newspaper had a little blip on the Sunday paper saying “Happy Easter” and then the editor when and listed all the things that Easter Sunday is about and what people might be doing, yet no where was the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The closest thing was the mention of people attending ‘church services’ – but no reason given as to why. Yet this is the world – certainly we shouldn’t expect so much from the world.
But even among Christians there is a problem. How many Christians celebrated, meditated and dwelt on the power displayed in the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that it brings to us yesterday – but today it was business as usual. The thoughts and cares of this life and world forced Jesus and His resurrection to the back burner until next year.
But this should not be so … The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very corner stone of our faith – Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:17 if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. The resurrection of Jesus Christ seals for us the hope and promises that God has made to us through Jesus Christ – that we will have victory over sin and death, that we will one day be raised to eternal glory with Christ Jesus in heaven.
Certainly the resurrection should be at the forefront of our hearts and minds, not just this one day a year but each and every day that we seek to live our lives in faith. So Paul urges Timothy and us, to Remember Jesus Christ, that He is risen from the dead.
Yesterday being Easter or Resurrection Sunday – many have went to church with their thoughts and remembrances on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a good thing. As Christians, we should remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday – it is indeed the reason for the season. And yet, though it may seem obvious to us – it may not be so obvious to others. How many people do you know who don’t know about the resurrection of Jesus? How many children do you know who think that Easter is all about colored eggs, the Easter bunny, candy and toys?
How many people are not thinking about the resurrection of Jesus Christ at all – but instead are thinking about Judas and his supposed gospel, or about whether Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and had children and about whether Leonardo Da Vinci has hidden within his artwork codes and clues to the true nature of the “Holy Grail”? Others of course are just thinking about their lawns and gardens as spring has finally sprung. So it is not a given that everyone remembers or thinks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, even on Easter Sunday. Even the local newspaper had a little blip on the Sunday paper saying “Happy Easter” and then the editor when and listed all the things that Easter Sunday is about and what people might be doing, yet no where was the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The closest thing was the mention of people attending ‘church services’ – but no reason given as to why. Yet this is the world – certainly we shouldn’t expect so much from the world.
But even among Christians there is a problem. How many Christians celebrated, meditated and dwelt on the power displayed in the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that it brings to us yesterday – but today it was business as usual. The thoughts and cares of this life and world forced Jesus and His resurrection to the back burner until next year.
But this should not be so … The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very corner stone of our faith – Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:17 if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. The resurrection of Jesus Christ seals for us the hope and promises that God has made to us through Jesus Christ – that we will have victory over sin and death, that we will one day be raised to eternal glory with Christ Jesus in heaven.
Certainly the resurrection should be at the forefront of our hearts and minds, not just this one day a year but each and every day that we seek to live our lives in faith. So Paul urges Timothy and us, to Remember Jesus Christ, that He is risen from the dead.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Sunday Prescript - Covered by Faith
I will be headed out for vacation early Monday so I am doing a Sunday Prescript instead of a Postscript today.
My message tomorrow will be from Genesis 3:20,21. Two verses that seem a little out of place, but by God’s perfect inspiration, they are right where they should be. God has given His judgments for the sin of Adam and Eve – so how do they respond? Adam responds in the only manner that he possibly could – he names his wife (vs. 20)!! Though it may seem as though Adam has missed the boat, he actually is making a confession and profession of faith in the Gospel promise of God.
With the simple act of naming his wife, “Eve” because she is the mother of all the living – Adam is demonstrating that He believed God’s promise in Gen. 3:15 that one day the Seed of the woman would rise up and bruise the head of the serpent, thus gaining victory over sin, death and Satan. God of course responds to Adam’s faith with an abundance of Grace and mercy (vs. 21).
The late Dr. James Boice, Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philly made these four points about Gen. 3:21: 1) a covering was needed because of Adam and Eve’s sin induced shameful nakedness. 2) The covering that Adam and Eve provided for themselves (the fig leaves) was inadequate. 3) Only God could provide an adequate covering – only God knew how to make clothes! 4) In order for Adam and Eve to have their nakedness covered an animal had to be killed.
Now to consider for a moment these four points – they sound an awful lot like the sacrificial system that was required in the OT for the atonement of sins. God was here in Gen. 3:21 instituting the sacrificial system. Why else would Cain and Abel be offering up sacrifices in Gen. 4? Why else would Noah? Abraham? Or any of the patriarchs? God’s covenant with Adam required death for law breaking (Gen. 2:17)? Hebrews 9:22 notes that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. But in Genesis 3, instead of God immediately consuming Adam and Eve in judgment – out of His grace and mercy He allows a substitute to take their place – the animal that was slain to provide the covering for their nakedness (which obviously is also symbolic of sin).
But later in Hebrews we note “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:4). So how is it then that this substitute is allowed by God? It can only mean that the animals that were substituted in the sacrifices to atone for sins were an inescapable prophetic picture of the substitutionary atonement that was accomplished once for all through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
We need a covering for our sin lest we face the Just wrath of God leading to eternal condemnation and death. We cannot cover ourselves. Certainly, some may try with their good works, but these works are like fig leaves in God’s sight, they are inadequate. Since, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God only God can provide a perfect and unblemished substitute for our sin, even His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God for His Grace and Mercy poured out upon us; that we might live through Christ.
My message tomorrow will be from Genesis 3:20,21. Two verses that seem a little out of place, but by God’s perfect inspiration, they are right where they should be. God has given His judgments for the sin of Adam and Eve – so how do they respond? Adam responds in the only manner that he possibly could – he names his wife (vs. 20)!! Though it may seem as though Adam has missed the boat, he actually is making a confession and profession of faith in the Gospel promise of God.
With the simple act of naming his wife, “Eve” because she is the mother of all the living – Adam is demonstrating that He believed God’s promise in Gen. 3:15 that one day the Seed of the woman would rise up and bruise the head of the serpent, thus gaining victory over sin, death and Satan. God of course responds to Adam’s faith with an abundance of Grace and mercy (vs. 21).
The late Dr. James Boice, Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philly made these four points about Gen. 3:21: 1) a covering was needed because of Adam and Eve’s sin induced shameful nakedness. 2) The covering that Adam and Eve provided for themselves (the fig leaves) was inadequate. 3) Only God could provide an adequate covering – only God knew how to make clothes! 4) In order for Adam and Eve to have their nakedness covered an animal had to be killed.
Now to consider for a moment these four points – they sound an awful lot like the sacrificial system that was required in the OT for the atonement of sins. God was here in Gen. 3:21 instituting the sacrificial system. Why else would Cain and Abel be offering up sacrifices in Gen. 4? Why else would Noah? Abraham? Or any of the patriarchs? God’s covenant with Adam required death for law breaking (Gen. 2:17)? Hebrews 9:22 notes that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. But in Genesis 3, instead of God immediately consuming Adam and Eve in judgment – out of His grace and mercy He allows a substitute to take their place – the animal that was slain to provide the covering for their nakedness (which obviously is also symbolic of sin).
But later in Hebrews we note “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:4). So how is it then that this substitute is allowed by God? It can only mean that the animals that were substituted in the sacrifices to atone for sins were an inescapable prophetic picture of the substitutionary atonement that was accomplished once for all through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
We need a covering for our sin lest we face the Just wrath of God leading to eternal condemnation and death. We cannot cover ourselves. Certainly, some may try with their good works, but these works are like fig leaves in God’s sight, they are inadequate. Since, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God only God can provide a perfect and unblemished substitute for our sin, even His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God for His Grace and Mercy poured out upon us; that we might live through Christ.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Sunday Postscript - You Are Dust
Well maybe if I try shorter, more frequent posts I can actually keep this thing current. So here is an abbreviated Postscript from my message yesterday. The title was “Our Estate of Misery” and the text was Genesis 3:16-19 (the curses upon Adam and Eve for their sin). The one point I want to focus on is one that really struck me while I was working on this message. God’s words to Adam in vs. 19 “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." And specifically the words “for dust you are”!
What a statement of great humiliation for Adam. It is true that he and Eve were made of dust (2:7) but, he was not just dust, God had breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living being. But he was not just any living being, for he (and Eve) alone, above all living creatures, were created with the glory and honor of being made in God’s image (1:26). But then “he ate” and fell into sin along with the entire human race. Now certainly the image of God remains in mankind, it is not completely lost; but, it is greatly marred and destroyed.
And so God says to Adam, “You are dust”!!!! Those words must have cut deep into Adam’s soul. Imagine the humiliation – once being in such an honorable position and now “You are dust”! How humbling these words. Why would these words be so grievous to Adam and yea even to us today? For in this brief judgment of God is the fact that Adam’s God-likeness had become unrecognizable to God. God no longer looked upon Adam and saw a perfect reflection of His image – He just saw dust!
Friends, this is where you are in God’s sight outside of Jesus Christ. You are dust! And to dust you will return. The image of God in you is shattered and unrecognizable to God. But, praise God, who is abundant in grace and mercy, He remembers that we are dust (Ps. 103:14). He knows that dust cannot do anything to save itself. Having fallen so low, as low as the dust is to the earth, we can praise God that He considers the estate of the lowly and in love lifts us up through Jesus Christ.
And yes, tough we are dust, in Jesus Christ we are once again formed and fashioned into His likeness, bearing His image – both now in this life and most especially in the life to come “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. May Christ alone be glorified.
What a statement of great humiliation for Adam. It is true that he and Eve were made of dust (2:7) but, he was not just dust, God had breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living being. But he was not just any living being, for he (and Eve) alone, above all living creatures, were created with the glory and honor of being made in God’s image (1:26). But then “he ate” and fell into sin along with the entire human race. Now certainly the image of God remains in mankind, it is not completely lost; but, it is greatly marred and destroyed.
And so God says to Adam, “You are dust”!!!! Those words must have cut deep into Adam’s soul. Imagine the humiliation – once being in such an honorable position and now “You are dust”! How humbling these words. Why would these words be so grievous to Adam and yea even to us today? For in this brief judgment of God is the fact that Adam’s God-likeness had become unrecognizable to God. God no longer looked upon Adam and saw a perfect reflection of His image – He just saw dust!
Friends, this is where you are in God’s sight outside of Jesus Christ. You are dust! And to dust you will return. The image of God in you is shattered and unrecognizable to God. But, praise God, who is abundant in grace and mercy, He remembers that we are dust (Ps. 103:14). He knows that dust cannot do anything to save itself. Having fallen so low, as low as the dust is to the earth, we can praise God that He considers the estate of the lowly and in love lifts us up through Jesus Christ.
And yes, tough we are dust, in Jesus Christ we are once again formed and fashioned into His likeness, bearing His image – both now in this life and most especially in the life to come “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. May Christ alone be glorified.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Sunday Postscript - Temptation Tactics
Yesterday’s message was from Gen. 3:1-5 and we focused on the “Temptation Tactics” that Satan uses and how we might overcome them. There are essentially three tactics revealed here.
The first temptation tactic Satan uses comes in vs. 1. But it is not found in what Satan says, but rather whom he says it to. “And he said to the woman”. Why the Woman? Because Satan always attacks the most vulnerable. Now to say that the Woman was the weakest link or the most vulnerable does not mean that the Woman was mentally incompetent or inferior to the Man. But the reality is that since the Woman was not in a position of authority in the family and the Law was given before she was created – she was the most vulnerable. This is why Paul concludes that a woman cannot teach or have authority over a man 1 Tim 2:13-14.
But this tactic that Satan uses is not just restricted to the Woman; it applies to all of us. If you have any weakness, vulnerability or character flaw – Satan will find it, expose it and try to use it to his advantage. So how do we defend ourselves against such a tactic?
First, we follow Jesus’ pattern. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness – Jesus had been fasting for 40 Days. At this moment, hunger was Jesus’ weakness and Satan attacked that weakness. Mat 4:3 "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But Jesus responds by quoting Scripture about Scripture, saying Mat 4:4 "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"
Secondly, God’s all sufficient Grace. As Paul notes 2 Cor 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness … Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. Weaknesses such as Paul mentions here are not to be despised; we know that God will be most glorified when we are small and He is big. But we remember that God’s Grace is sufficient for us and if we trust in Christ we can say with Paul that we are content even with our weaknesses because of the power of Christ dwelling in us. And if we are content with our weaknesses by God’s grace, the power of Satan’s temptation will be made of non-effect.
A second tactic that Satan uses in temptation is also found in vs. 1. “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the Garden?’ Satan encourages doubt and raises questions about God, His Character and His Word. Consider the way Satan asks the question; you can almost sense a tone of condescending surprise: “Did God really say you can’t eat from any of the trees of this beautiful Garden? I’m surprised. What kind of God would make all these trees but then tell you not to eat from them? Are you sure God is good? Maybe He is keeping something from you? Don’t you think you deserve better?” And so the seed of doubt is planted. Of course Satan’s question is not exactly what God had said. God never said, “You shall not eat from any tree of the Garden” (cf. 2:16,17). God was emphasizing the generous abundance with one exception. Satan subtly takes the exception and makes it the general rule. The result is doubts and questions?
So what was Eve to do – does she doubt God, the Creator of all things or does she believe the talking serpent. For starters, she and Adam both should have been concerned that a talking serpent was questioning God’s goodness and God’s Word. Such a broach of the creation design should have been squelched right then and there. Secondly we note something alarming in Eve’s response to Satan in vs. 2-3. If you look closely and compare this with what God did say in 2:16,17 you will notice several discrepancies. Eve didn’t know God’s Word! Granted she got the general gist of it, but she exaggerated God’s prohibition. Nowhere in 2:16,17 does God tell Adam that they are not to “touch” the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Whether it was because Adam did not teach her well or she did not grasp it well enough – Eve was ignorant of what God really said. And here is the real kicker – Satan knew God’s Word better than Eve!! When Eve recounted the penalty for disobedience, she does so almost with uncertainty “You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die”. Truly a far cry from God’s certainty of “you shall surely die”. And yet we see Satan using God’s exact words (with the addition of one distorting word of course) vs. 4. Because Eve did not know God’s Word the door of doubt and foolish questions was held wide open.
We, too, are open to the same attacks. Doubts are common to all people because of sin; but we must be alert to the fact that Satan will use this tactic even with the most faithful of Christians to tempt them to doubt and from doubt to go down the road of despair and forsakenness from which there may be no recovery. Again we look to the example of Christ. Satan in his boldness attempts to use this tactic with Jesus Mat 4:6 "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'He will give His angels charge concerning You'; and 'On their hands they will bear You up, Lest You strike Your foot against a stone.'" Consider the possible doubts that Jesus would be tempted by: “Is God’s Word really true? Would the angels really come and lift Me up? How could I be sure? There is only one way to find isn’t there – just jump!” But wait – there is another way. Again Jesus responds with God’s Word Mat 4:7 On the other hand, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" This time God’s Word dispels any doubts or foolish questions. Having Faith in God’s Word is a key to dispelling doubts. God has revealed Truth to us. We have no logical reason to doubt what He has revealed to us. We also have no reason to ponder the foolish questions like: “Can God make a rock so big that He cannot pick it up?” Doubt cannot stand in the presence of Faith.
The third and final tactic that Satan uses to tempt Eve into sin is that he mixes lies with elements of truth. Vs. 4-5. especially note: “You surely shall not die” and “you will be like God”. First “you surely shall not die” – indeed the greatest, most monstrous lie ever told. Satan takes God’s very own words “You shall surely die” and he adds just one little word to make this truth an evil lie. Now, one could argue that Satan was right – after all Adam and Eve were not immediately struck down by God for their violation of His Law. So was Satan correct in this charge? The answer is “No” on 2 counts.
First, physically, though Adam and Eve did not die immediately – they did immediately begin to die and they would eventually surely die. Physical suffering, pain, disease and illness are all indications that the body is indeed dying.
Secondly, Adam and Eve did immediately die spiritually. They previously had communion and fellowship with God; but now all that was lost. Dying spiritually means they were separated from God’s Most Holy Presence. Adam and Eve and all their descendents after them were dead in their sins and trespasses (Eph. 2:1,5). They were not merely sick nor even just close to death; they were dead, dead, dead; unable to do any spiritual or moral good in God’s sight. With Satan’s Lie, he was suggesting that Adam and Eve would continue to live on without any change in their lives, their surroundings or their relationship with God. Satan was indeed wrong – Dead wrong!
But there is another great lie: “you will be like God”. What a marvelously crafted temptation. If there were any doubts or questions of discontent in the heart and mind of Eve at this point certainly this proposition would be most attractive. Why be a “creature” when you could be “like God”? All knowing, All powerful, Ever present. Could the Creature actually become like the Creator? Certainly not. Yet isn’t this the desire we see all around us today? Doing away with God so that each individual can be their own god; making their own laws, their own morals, and their own choices. Nowhere else do we see this more clearly perhaps than in the culture of death.
Isn’t abortion essentially trying to gain control over one’s life? “I will have a child when it suits my life. If I become pregnant at an inconvenient time when I am not ready to raise a child – I will get rid of the blob of cells in my body. It’s my choice, my body and my life that is most important. I will bring forth a life when I want. Keep your laws off my life.”
At the other end, isn’t euthanasia and physician assisted suicide an attempt to gain control over death? “I will appoint the time when I should die. I don’t want pain and suffering in my life – I will die when I want and how I want. I will have control over my death and it’s circumstances.”
Well to make these lies a little more palatable, Satan mixes in a little truth. The truth is that they certainly will have their eyes opened and they certainly will know good and evil. The first thing they will see is that they are naked; but, they will be shamed by what God intended to be good. Adam and Eve knew that there was a good choice and a bad choice that could be made – so the “knowing” of good and evil is not just a knowledge; it is an experience. They had experienced God’s goodness and nothing else. They had never experienced evil and its destructive torments. This would all change with their disobedience.
Jesus also faced this very same temptation from Satan. After showing Jesus all the kingdoms of the World Satan said to Him: Mat 4:9 "All these things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me." The truth here is that Satan is the ‘ruler of this world’ and has his evil grip upon the unbelieving world. But the lie is that Jesus will not receive these kingdoms from Satan’s hand; but, He will receive them because of His obedience to His Father’s will. Jesus after His death and resurrection was seated at the Father’s right hand reigning, even now, over the Kingdoms of the Earth until His enemies are made a footstool under Him. (Heb. 1:13). And how does Jesus respond to this temptation? He once again gives us the example of turning to the Word of God Mat 4:10 "Begone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" The best defense against false teaching and the errors of false prophets is sound biblical doctrine (Titus 1:9).
But there are some other truths that are here in Satan’s words. For in this passage even in the midst of his wicked scheme of temptation, Satan is compelled to speak the truth, even the Gospel and he does so twice – “You shall not surely die” and “you shall be like God”. No doubt these are bold face lies – but listen closely to the truths that they reveal for those who would trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
First, “You shall not surely die”. Friends, the truth here is that those who have turned away from their sin and turned toward God, placing their hope and trust in Christ alone; indeed for them the promise of God is that they shall not die, but will live and tell Jehovah’s power to save for though the Lord has sorely chastened them, He will spare them from the eternal grave (Ps. 118).
Secondly “You shall be like God”. If ever there was such a splendid promise it is this very thing – as the Apostle John calls to our remembrance: 1 Jn 3:2-3 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. What wonderful Truth.
Brothers and Sisters, strive to know the Word of God so that you may be adequately equipped to defend yourselves against Satan’s temptation tactics. But beloved, it is not enough to just know the words, for even unbelievers can do that much – we must strive to know and experience the Word of God become Flesh, who indeed was tempted in all ways that we are tempted yet without sin. Praise God that we have such a Savior and High Priest in Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be the glory forever and ever.
The first temptation tactic Satan uses comes in vs. 1. But it is not found in what Satan says, but rather whom he says it to. “And he said to the woman”. Why the Woman? Because Satan always attacks the most vulnerable. Now to say that the Woman was the weakest link or the most vulnerable does not mean that the Woman was mentally incompetent or inferior to the Man. But the reality is that since the Woman was not in a position of authority in the family and the Law was given before she was created – she was the most vulnerable. This is why Paul concludes that a woman cannot teach or have authority over a man 1 Tim 2:13-14.
But this tactic that Satan uses is not just restricted to the Woman; it applies to all of us. If you have any weakness, vulnerability or character flaw – Satan will find it, expose it and try to use it to his advantage. So how do we defend ourselves against such a tactic?
First, we follow Jesus’ pattern. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness – Jesus had been fasting for 40 Days. At this moment, hunger was Jesus’ weakness and Satan attacked that weakness. Mat 4:3 "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But Jesus responds by quoting Scripture about Scripture, saying Mat 4:4 "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"
Secondly, God’s all sufficient Grace. As Paul notes 2 Cor 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness … Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. Weaknesses such as Paul mentions here are not to be despised; we know that God will be most glorified when we are small and He is big. But we remember that God’s Grace is sufficient for us and if we trust in Christ we can say with Paul that we are content even with our weaknesses because of the power of Christ dwelling in us. And if we are content with our weaknesses by God’s grace, the power of Satan’s temptation will be made of non-effect.
A second tactic that Satan uses in temptation is also found in vs. 1. “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the Garden?’ Satan encourages doubt and raises questions about God, His Character and His Word. Consider the way Satan asks the question; you can almost sense a tone of condescending surprise: “Did God really say you can’t eat from any of the trees of this beautiful Garden? I’m surprised. What kind of God would make all these trees but then tell you not to eat from them? Are you sure God is good? Maybe He is keeping something from you? Don’t you think you deserve better?” And so the seed of doubt is planted. Of course Satan’s question is not exactly what God had said. God never said, “You shall not eat from any tree of the Garden” (cf. 2:16,17). God was emphasizing the generous abundance with one exception. Satan subtly takes the exception and makes it the general rule. The result is doubts and questions?
So what was Eve to do – does she doubt God, the Creator of all things or does she believe the talking serpent. For starters, she and Adam both should have been concerned that a talking serpent was questioning God’s goodness and God’s Word. Such a broach of the creation design should have been squelched right then and there. Secondly we note something alarming in Eve’s response to Satan in vs. 2-3. If you look closely and compare this with what God did say in 2:16,17 you will notice several discrepancies. Eve didn’t know God’s Word! Granted she got the general gist of it, but she exaggerated God’s prohibition. Nowhere in 2:16,17 does God tell Adam that they are not to “touch” the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Whether it was because Adam did not teach her well or she did not grasp it well enough – Eve was ignorant of what God really said. And here is the real kicker – Satan knew God’s Word better than Eve!! When Eve recounted the penalty for disobedience, she does so almost with uncertainty “You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die”. Truly a far cry from God’s certainty of “you shall surely die”. And yet we see Satan using God’s exact words (with the addition of one distorting word of course) vs. 4. Because Eve did not know God’s Word the door of doubt and foolish questions was held wide open.
We, too, are open to the same attacks. Doubts are common to all people because of sin; but we must be alert to the fact that Satan will use this tactic even with the most faithful of Christians to tempt them to doubt and from doubt to go down the road of despair and forsakenness from which there may be no recovery. Again we look to the example of Christ. Satan in his boldness attempts to use this tactic with Jesus Mat 4:6 "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'He will give His angels charge concerning You'; and 'On their hands they will bear You up, Lest You strike Your foot against a stone.'" Consider the possible doubts that Jesus would be tempted by: “Is God’s Word really true? Would the angels really come and lift Me up? How could I be sure? There is only one way to find isn’t there – just jump!” But wait – there is another way. Again Jesus responds with God’s Word Mat 4:7 On the other hand, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" This time God’s Word dispels any doubts or foolish questions. Having Faith in God’s Word is a key to dispelling doubts. God has revealed Truth to us. We have no logical reason to doubt what He has revealed to us. We also have no reason to ponder the foolish questions like: “Can God make a rock so big that He cannot pick it up?” Doubt cannot stand in the presence of Faith.
The third and final tactic that Satan uses to tempt Eve into sin is that he mixes lies with elements of truth. Vs. 4-5. especially note: “You surely shall not die” and “you will be like God”. First “you surely shall not die” – indeed the greatest, most monstrous lie ever told. Satan takes God’s very own words “You shall surely die” and he adds just one little word to make this truth an evil lie. Now, one could argue that Satan was right – after all Adam and Eve were not immediately struck down by God for their violation of His Law. So was Satan correct in this charge? The answer is “No” on 2 counts.
First, physically, though Adam and Eve did not die immediately – they did immediately begin to die and they would eventually surely die. Physical suffering, pain, disease and illness are all indications that the body is indeed dying.
Secondly, Adam and Eve did immediately die spiritually. They previously had communion and fellowship with God; but now all that was lost. Dying spiritually means they were separated from God’s Most Holy Presence. Adam and Eve and all their descendents after them were dead in their sins and trespasses (Eph. 2:1,5). They were not merely sick nor even just close to death; they were dead, dead, dead; unable to do any spiritual or moral good in God’s sight. With Satan’s Lie, he was suggesting that Adam and Eve would continue to live on without any change in their lives, their surroundings or their relationship with God. Satan was indeed wrong – Dead wrong!
But there is another great lie: “you will be like God”. What a marvelously crafted temptation. If there were any doubts or questions of discontent in the heart and mind of Eve at this point certainly this proposition would be most attractive. Why be a “creature” when you could be “like God”? All knowing, All powerful, Ever present. Could the Creature actually become like the Creator? Certainly not. Yet isn’t this the desire we see all around us today? Doing away with God so that each individual can be their own god; making their own laws, their own morals, and their own choices. Nowhere else do we see this more clearly perhaps than in the culture of death.
Isn’t abortion essentially trying to gain control over one’s life? “I will have a child when it suits my life. If I become pregnant at an inconvenient time when I am not ready to raise a child – I will get rid of the blob of cells in my body. It’s my choice, my body and my life that is most important. I will bring forth a life when I want. Keep your laws off my life.”
At the other end, isn’t euthanasia and physician assisted suicide an attempt to gain control over death? “I will appoint the time when I should die. I don’t want pain and suffering in my life – I will die when I want and how I want. I will have control over my death and it’s circumstances.”
Well to make these lies a little more palatable, Satan mixes in a little truth. The truth is that they certainly will have their eyes opened and they certainly will know good and evil. The first thing they will see is that they are naked; but, they will be shamed by what God intended to be good. Adam and Eve knew that there was a good choice and a bad choice that could be made – so the “knowing” of good and evil is not just a knowledge; it is an experience. They had experienced God’s goodness and nothing else. They had never experienced evil and its destructive torments. This would all change with their disobedience.
Jesus also faced this very same temptation from Satan. After showing Jesus all the kingdoms of the World Satan said to Him: Mat 4:9 "All these things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me." The truth here is that Satan is the ‘ruler of this world’ and has his evil grip upon the unbelieving world. But the lie is that Jesus will not receive these kingdoms from Satan’s hand; but, He will receive them because of His obedience to His Father’s will. Jesus after His death and resurrection was seated at the Father’s right hand reigning, even now, over the Kingdoms of the Earth until His enemies are made a footstool under Him. (Heb. 1:13). And how does Jesus respond to this temptation? He once again gives us the example of turning to the Word of God Mat 4:10 "Begone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" The best defense against false teaching and the errors of false prophets is sound biblical doctrine (Titus 1:9).
But there are some other truths that are here in Satan’s words. For in this passage even in the midst of his wicked scheme of temptation, Satan is compelled to speak the truth, even the Gospel and he does so twice – “You shall not surely die” and “you shall be like God”. No doubt these are bold face lies – but listen closely to the truths that they reveal for those who would trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
First, “You shall not surely die”. Friends, the truth here is that those who have turned away from their sin and turned toward God, placing their hope and trust in Christ alone; indeed for them the promise of God is that they shall not die, but will live and tell Jehovah’s power to save for though the Lord has sorely chastened them, He will spare them from the eternal grave (Ps. 118).
Secondly “You shall be like God”. If ever there was such a splendid promise it is this very thing – as the Apostle John calls to our remembrance: 1 Jn 3:2-3 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. What wonderful Truth.
Brothers and Sisters, strive to know the Word of God so that you may be adequately equipped to defend yourselves against Satan’s temptation tactics. But beloved, it is not enough to just know the words, for even unbelievers can do that much – we must strive to know and experience the Word of God become Flesh, who indeed was tempted in all ways that we are tempted yet without sin. Praise God that we have such a Savior and High Priest in Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be the glory forever and ever.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Sunday Postscript - The Problem of Evil
Well, I figured there would be times like this. It is difficult to find the time to keep up on the blogging; even if it is once a week. I sincerely don’t know how some folks post everyday. Had a good discussion last week on a pastor’s forum (now there is where a lot of time can go). It started out with me asking a question about the Fall of Satan but then turned into a fruitful discussion on the Problem of Evil. Theodicy is the technical theological name for the justification of God in relation to the existence of evil. This then became good fodder for my message on Sunday on Satan and the Problem of Evil from Genesis 3:1 (kind of a text-topical message). Here is a short post-script on the “problem of Evil” portion of the message.
Certainly there is more that we don’t know than what we know on this issue – but here is what we do know from God’s revelation – The Bible.
- Since God is Creator of All things; God is indeed sovereign over all His creation – as Is. 46:9 states there is one God and no one like Him. This includes the fact that God is sovereign over Satan (Job 1:12; 2:6).
- Secondly, we know God has a plan and all things work toward that plan with nothing thwarting it: Is 46:10-11 Declaring the end from the beginning And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure'; Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.
- Thirdly, we know God is able to use the evil deeds of Satan and men to accomplish His plan. E.g. Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers were fearful that Joseph would seek revenge on them; but Joseph understood God’s sovereignty: Gen 50:20 "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
- Fourthly as this passage also shows us; God’s sovereignty over Satan, evil and the sinful deeds of sinners does not discount human responsibility. Joseph’s brothers were still responsible for their wicked deed. In Ro 5:12 Paul tells us that because of Adam’s sin; we all have sinned and we all stand guilty before God. In Ps. 58:3 we discover that because of our sin nature we come forth from the womb speaking lies. God does not force us to sin – we do so willingly because that is our nature. Is it unjust of God then, that He allows us to do what comes naturally to us and indeed, is what we want and desire to do? Is it unjust that God allows us to suffer the consequences of those deeds? Absolutely not. Nor can we shift the blame entirely to Satan as some are apt to do, saying “the Devil made me do it” – thereby giving Satan all the credit and responsibility for our sin when we, because of our sin natures, are willing accomplices. Ro 14:12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.
- And Fifthly, we know that because God is sovereign – all things work together for the good of His people (Rom. 8:28) and for the Glory of God Is 48:11For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.
Another point we could add here is that God is also sovereign over death. God who is the giver of life is also the one who sovereignly appoints the time for life to be taken (Eccl. 3:2; Heb. 9:27). Again God is even able to use the foolish sinful actions of men to bring this about (e.g. unhealthy habits and sinful lifestyles). None of us will die before our time – but we all will die at the appointed time. But God’s sovereignty over death is most especially seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ – who suffered and died on the Cross for our sins and yet death could not maintain its grip upon Him: 1 Cor 15:54-57 "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise God for His sovereignty over all things – including Satan, Sin, Sinners and Death.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Pastor's Report - 2005
It’s that time of year again – our annual meeting of the congregation is coming up next week (Fri. Feb. 3rd). Here is my pastor’s report that will be presented at the meeting. I am thankful for God’s blessing on us.
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
This passage from 1 Corinthians 3 was part of the text I used for devotions at our December 2005 session meeting (full passage was vs. 1-15). In fact, it was the same text that I had used two years before at our December 2002 meeting. I repeated the devotion in order to get a progress report on what type of work we were doing here in Lisbon as elders and overseers of the flock that God has given us charge over. Let me first unpack the passage a bit.
The church at Corinth was a troubled place. Among many other sins, there was jealousy, division and strife. The church had cliques or factions – some were in the Paul group and some in the Apollos group. Paul chastises them for this infighting pointing out that they are acting like young children rather than adults. Their spiritual growth was stunted because of this sin. But Paul will have nothing to do with factions: 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. He puts the focus squarely on God who is the source of strength and growth while he and Apollos are just the servants that God uses to accomplish His will (vs. 5). It doesn’t matter who the servants are (the one who plants or the one who waters), because God is the one who is ultimately responsible for the growth (vs. 7). The servants are all equal; one is not more important or more necessary than the other. They are not to carry out their tasks as if they were in competition with one another and certainly not as though they were in conflict with one another. They are both on the same team, though God has given each one a different assignment; each according to their respective gifts. Yet, it is God who receives the glory for the increase. Paul informs the church that each servant will then be rewarded for their faithfulness in how they used their gifts to accomplish the task given. If you faithfully planted you will not be condemned because there was insufficient watering. If you take the time to water and nurture, you will not be condemned because the seeds were initially planted improperly. But in either situation the growth or increase will be God’s doing; for the power of God is working through them to bring Him the glory.
Paul then goes on to further illustrate this point, shifting from the garden to the construction site. “We are God’s fellow workers” (vs. 9) Paul says of Apollos and himself; and the Corinthians are “God’s field”, and “God’s building”. One lays the foundation and then another builds upon it. The foundation of the building has been set, Jesus Christ is the foundation or as Paul says in Ephesians the teaching of the “apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone” (2:20) is the foundation we need to build upon. But the one who builds must take great care that he uses materials that will last, for it will be tested by fire. The fire will test the quality of each one’s work (vs. 13). The result is simple; if the building remains there is a reward, if the building is destroyed there will be less reward (vs. 14-15). If quality work and materials were put into it, the building will endure even the difficult and challenging times. But if the quality of materials was not good and the work shoddy, then the building will not be left standing after the fire comes. When you build – be sure to work faithfully and with material that is going to endure.
Well, the point of this passage was the same in 2005 as it was in 2002, and it is the same now. I want to expand the focus a bit though and not just focus on the elders’ work but also, our work as a congregation of God’s people. Hopefully you can look over the summary of this passage and easily see the application. The follow-up questions I asked the elders, I now ask you (with a few more thrown in for good measure): Are you faithfully using your gifts to do your part in God’s field? Are you seeking to work together with one another rather than in competition with or in conflict with one another? Has your spiritual growth been stunted or is there evident growth in the last year? What type of building are you helping to erect on the foundation that has been laid over 165 years ago? Are you working with materials (faith followed by good works) that will last and stand the test of fire (difficult and challenging times)? Overall, how do you think the spiritual “building” looks? What is being done right in the ministry of our congregation? What areas can we improve upon? Are you willing to use your gifts, to pitch in and help make the difference? What kind of rewards are you hoping to receive for your work - recognition in the here and now or the everlasting rewards in Heaven? (see also Matthew 6:19-21).
I would ask that you sincerely pray about and think upon these questions – and consider in your hearts how you might answer them; for a time is coming when you may be asked to give an answer. Lord willing, my plan is to use these questions as a starting point in my pastoral visits in 2006 to challenge each of you to continue growing in grace and the knowledge of the truth and to be using your God given gifts for the glory of God alone.
I will share that as the elders discussed these questions – we were thankful for the growth and increase that the Lord has granted our congregation, even with our shortcomings as under-shepherds. We were able to cite some examples of how we withstood some “tests of fire” and remained strong by God’s grace. We rejoiced that there are no apparent divisions within the church and that there is much unity. We were thankful that when potential conflicts did arise they were dealt with in a manner of love and grace. But we also noted that we could be stronger, we could be more unified, we could be more Christ-like, and we could be more faithful in all that we do. There is always room for improvement and we praise God for the increase He gives.
As I look back and review the year 2005 in relation to my ministry to the Lisbon Reformed Presbyterian Church, I continue to be thankful for the grace and mercy of God that He has showered upon me, my family and the congregation. In May I had the privilege of baptizing Caleigh Jean Smith as a good gift from God to her parents, her family and our church. It was an honor to take part in welcoming into our membership Mark and Cathy Rusgrove and Dan Sweeney upon profession of faith. I also officiated at the funerals of two individuals who were not members of our congregation, Beulah Fields and Donald Putney. In April, I served as communion assistant at the Ridgefield Park (NJ) RPC.
From January to July I preached through Paul’s letter to Titus and was truly blessed and challenged as we considered the importance of a firm doctrinal foundation for practical living. I started a ‘Summers in the Psalms’ series, covering Psalms 1-3 and hope to return to this series d.v. this summer. Since each Psalm is its own entity, it makes for a good series during the come-and-go vacation times of summer. In September, I began preaching through Genesis; spending most of the Fall on chapter 1 alone. I trust that the study has been fruitful as we have considered (and continue to do so) the ‘foundation of all things’. In the P.M. service I concluded a study of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and then in September began a study of the Apostles’ Creed. I was grateful to have Pastor Peter Moelker of the Lisbon OPC and our own Robert More fill the pulpit during my vacation times this year. It was also a privilege to have Matt Filbert (RP Seminary admissions and RP short-term missions coordinator) preach for us after being our Thank-offering speaker in October and Pastor Harold Harrington who doubled as our Fall Communion assistant and the speaker for our Anniversary Celebration in September.
Other ministry opportunities and activities this year included: Visitation (at homes and in hospitals), personal counseling, leading a Bible study on Ephesians, beginning a young men’s discipleship study, having an opportunity to study with and witness to a couple of Mormon missionaries, conducting church information studies, continuing the children’s story hour at the Lisbon library, starting a monthly youth group, preaching at the OPC for Pastor Moelker while he was on vacation, moderating the session, going to Synod in Beaver Falls (PA), going to presbytery meetings in Rochester and Syracuse, attending the Lisbon Ministers Association meetings (as secretary), attending the Reformed Ministers Fellowship (which is sponsoring an elders workshop in February which we are hosting), dressing as the ‘Bishop of Pretzel’ ☺ for the Reformation Celebration, preaching at the joint Thanksgiving Eve service with the OPC, leading prayer meeting, practicing hospitality and praying for each member of the congregation. I have also recently gotten in the rotation of preaching the Protestant services at both St. Joseph’s and Cedars nursing homes.
Certainly our 165th Anniversary Celebration was a highlight of the year. Our theme was “God’s Faithfulness” and I am still awed by how the Lord has continued to preserve a Gospel witness through our congregation over all those years. And of course one of the highlights of the evening was the ‘surprise’ honoring of those faithful servants whom God has used to bring about the growth and increase in our congregation that we enjoy today. Again, I wish to thank Dale and Shirley Smith, Web and Edna Fields, Lowell and Helen Smith and River Rover captain Bob Lee for their many years of faithful service. I also want to especially thank Shelley Bond for her assistance in the planning of this event as well as everyone who helped with the historical displays and refreshments. May God be pleased to give us another 165 years if He so tarries.
Maria and I thank you for the continued love, support, encouragement and generosity which you extend toward us and our family. It is a blessing to be serving our Lord by serving you. Again I thank each of you for your part in building up a building that will glorify the Lord above all things.
Peace in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Steve Rockhill
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
This passage from 1 Corinthians 3 was part of the text I used for devotions at our December 2005 session meeting (full passage was vs. 1-15). In fact, it was the same text that I had used two years before at our December 2002 meeting. I repeated the devotion in order to get a progress report on what type of work we were doing here in Lisbon as elders and overseers of the flock that God has given us charge over. Let me first unpack the passage a bit.
The church at Corinth was a troubled place. Among many other sins, there was jealousy, division and strife. The church had cliques or factions – some were in the Paul group and some in the Apollos group. Paul chastises them for this infighting pointing out that they are acting like young children rather than adults. Their spiritual growth was stunted because of this sin. But Paul will have nothing to do with factions: 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. He puts the focus squarely on God who is the source of strength and growth while he and Apollos are just the servants that God uses to accomplish His will (vs. 5). It doesn’t matter who the servants are (the one who plants or the one who waters), because God is the one who is ultimately responsible for the growth (vs. 7). The servants are all equal; one is not more important or more necessary than the other. They are not to carry out their tasks as if they were in competition with one another and certainly not as though they were in conflict with one another. They are both on the same team, though God has given each one a different assignment; each according to their respective gifts. Yet, it is God who receives the glory for the increase. Paul informs the church that each servant will then be rewarded for their faithfulness in how they used their gifts to accomplish the task given. If you faithfully planted you will not be condemned because there was insufficient watering. If you take the time to water and nurture, you will not be condemned because the seeds were initially planted improperly. But in either situation the growth or increase will be God’s doing; for the power of God is working through them to bring Him the glory.
Paul then goes on to further illustrate this point, shifting from the garden to the construction site. “We are God’s fellow workers” (vs. 9) Paul says of Apollos and himself; and the Corinthians are “God’s field”, and “God’s building”. One lays the foundation and then another builds upon it. The foundation of the building has been set, Jesus Christ is the foundation or as Paul says in Ephesians the teaching of the “apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone” (2:20) is the foundation we need to build upon. But the one who builds must take great care that he uses materials that will last, for it will be tested by fire. The fire will test the quality of each one’s work (vs. 13). The result is simple; if the building remains there is a reward, if the building is destroyed there will be less reward (vs. 14-15). If quality work and materials were put into it, the building will endure even the difficult and challenging times. But if the quality of materials was not good and the work shoddy, then the building will not be left standing after the fire comes. When you build – be sure to work faithfully and with material that is going to endure.
Well, the point of this passage was the same in 2005 as it was in 2002, and it is the same now. I want to expand the focus a bit though and not just focus on the elders’ work but also, our work as a congregation of God’s people. Hopefully you can look over the summary of this passage and easily see the application. The follow-up questions I asked the elders, I now ask you (with a few more thrown in for good measure): Are you faithfully using your gifts to do your part in God’s field? Are you seeking to work together with one another rather than in competition with or in conflict with one another? Has your spiritual growth been stunted or is there evident growth in the last year? What type of building are you helping to erect on the foundation that has been laid over 165 years ago? Are you working with materials (faith followed by good works) that will last and stand the test of fire (difficult and challenging times)? Overall, how do you think the spiritual “building” looks? What is being done right in the ministry of our congregation? What areas can we improve upon? Are you willing to use your gifts, to pitch in and help make the difference? What kind of rewards are you hoping to receive for your work - recognition in the here and now or the everlasting rewards in Heaven? (see also Matthew 6:19-21).
I would ask that you sincerely pray about and think upon these questions – and consider in your hearts how you might answer them; for a time is coming when you may be asked to give an answer. Lord willing, my plan is to use these questions as a starting point in my pastoral visits in 2006 to challenge each of you to continue growing in grace and the knowledge of the truth and to be using your God given gifts for the glory of God alone.
I will share that as the elders discussed these questions – we were thankful for the growth and increase that the Lord has granted our congregation, even with our shortcomings as under-shepherds. We were able to cite some examples of how we withstood some “tests of fire” and remained strong by God’s grace. We rejoiced that there are no apparent divisions within the church and that there is much unity. We were thankful that when potential conflicts did arise they were dealt with in a manner of love and grace. But we also noted that we could be stronger, we could be more unified, we could be more Christ-like, and we could be more faithful in all that we do. There is always room for improvement and we praise God for the increase He gives.
As I look back and review the year 2005 in relation to my ministry to the Lisbon Reformed Presbyterian Church, I continue to be thankful for the grace and mercy of God that He has showered upon me, my family and the congregation. In May I had the privilege of baptizing Caleigh Jean Smith as a good gift from God to her parents, her family and our church. It was an honor to take part in welcoming into our membership Mark and Cathy Rusgrove and Dan Sweeney upon profession of faith. I also officiated at the funerals of two individuals who were not members of our congregation, Beulah Fields and Donald Putney. In April, I served as communion assistant at the Ridgefield Park (NJ) RPC.
From January to July I preached through Paul’s letter to Titus and was truly blessed and challenged as we considered the importance of a firm doctrinal foundation for practical living. I started a ‘Summers in the Psalms’ series, covering Psalms 1-3 and hope to return to this series d.v. this summer. Since each Psalm is its own entity, it makes for a good series during the come-and-go vacation times of summer. In September, I began preaching through Genesis; spending most of the Fall on chapter 1 alone. I trust that the study has been fruitful as we have considered (and continue to do so) the ‘foundation of all things’. In the P.M. service I concluded a study of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and then in September began a study of the Apostles’ Creed. I was grateful to have Pastor Peter Moelker of the Lisbon OPC and our own Robert More fill the pulpit during my vacation times this year. It was also a privilege to have Matt Filbert (RP Seminary admissions and RP short-term missions coordinator) preach for us after being our Thank-offering speaker in October and Pastor Harold Harrington who doubled as our Fall Communion assistant and the speaker for our Anniversary Celebration in September.
Other ministry opportunities and activities this year included: Visitation (at homes and in hospitals), personal counseling, leading a Bible study on Ephesians, beginning a young men’s discipleship study, having an opportunity to study with and witness to a couple of Mormon missionaries, conducting church information studies, continuing the children’s story hour at the Lisbon library, starting a monthly youth group, preaching at the OPC for Pastor Moelker while he was on vacation, moderating the session, going to Synod in Beaver Falls (PA), going to presbytery meetings in Rochester and Syracuse, attending the Lisbon Ministers Association meetings (as secretary), attending the Reformed Ministers Fellowship (which is sponsoring an elders workshop in February which we are hosting), dressing as the ‘Bishop of Pretzel’ ☺ for the Reformation Celebration, preaching at the joint Thanksgiving Eve service with the OPC, leading prayer meeting, practicing hospitality and praying for each member of the congregation. I have also recently gotten in the rotation of preaching the Protestant services at both St. Joseph’s and Cedars nursing homes.
Certainly our 165th Anniversary Celebration was a highlight of the year. Our theme was “God’s Faithfulness” and I am still awed by how the Lord has continued to preserve a Gospel witness through our congregation over all those years. And of course one of the highlights of the evening was the ‘surprise’ honoring of those faithful servants whom God has used to bring about the growth and increase in our congregation that we enjoy today. Again, I wish to thank Dale and Shirley Smith, Web and Edna Fields, Lowell and Helen Smith and River Rover captain Bob Lee for their many years of faithful service. I also want to especially thank Shelley Bond for her assistance in the planning of this event as well as everyone who helped with the historical displays and refreshments. May God be pleased to give us another 165 years if He so tarries.
Maria and I thank you for the continued love, support, encouragement and generosity which you extend toward us and our family. It is a blessing to be serving our Lord by serving you. Again I thank each of you for your part in building up a building that will glorify the Lord above all things.
Peace in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Steve Rockhill
Thursday, January 19, 2006
A Day of Remembrance
Here is a letter I am sending to the Editor of our local paper to be printed in Sunday’s Paper. May we all take time to remember.
Dear Editor,
Today, January 22, 2006 I encourage everyone in the North Country to take a moment to:
Remember those children who never got the chance to feel their Momma’s touch.
Remember those children who never got the chance to have their Daddy read a bedtime story to them.
Remember those children who never got the chance to laugh and giggle.
Remember those children who never got the chance to walk and run.
Remember those children who never got the chance to hop, skip and jump.
Remember those children who never got the chance to eat hot dogs, pizza and Happy Meals.
Remember those children who never got the chance to learn to read, spell and count.
Remember those children who never got the chance to go to college and grow up to be whatever they wanted.
Remember those children who never grew up to be our friends, our children's friends and our grandchildren's friends.
Remember those children who are a part of our family but whom we never got to meet.
Remember those women who in an attempt to take the life of their child lost their own lives as well.
Remember those women (and men) who every day have to live with the consequences (physical, emotional and spiritual) of aborting their children.
Remember the millions of children who needlessly but purposely and "legally" lost their lives.
Pray that our nation would repent of this great sin of abortion.
Ask God to forgive us for allowing our nation to condone this great evil for 33 years. On January 22, 1973 the Supreme Court opened the way for millions of children to be legally murdered in the United States through abortion.
There is Hope: 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Thanks for taking the time out to remember.
Steven Rockhill, Pastor
Lisbon Reformed Presbyterian Church
Dear Editor,
Today, January 22, 2006 I encourage everyone in the North Country to take a moment to:
Remember those children who never got the chance to feel their Momma’s touch.
Remember those children who never got the chance to have their Daddy read a bedtime story to them.
Remember those children who never got the chance to laugh and giggle.
Remember those children who never got the chance to walk and run.
Remember those children who never got the chance to hop, skip and jump.
Remember those children who never got the chance to eat hot dogs, pizza and Happy Meals.
Remember those children who never got the chance to learn to read, spell and count.
Remember those children who never got the chance to go to college and grow up to be whatever they wanted.
Remember those children who never grew up to be our friends, our children's friends and our grandchildren's friends.
Remember those children who are a part of our family but whom we never got to meet.
Remember those women who in an attempt to take the life of their child lost their own lives as well.
Remember those women (and men) who every day have to live with the consequences (physical, emotional and spiritual) of aborting their children.
Remember the millions of children who needlessly but purposely and "legally" lost their lives.
Pray that our nation would repent of this great sin of abortion.
Ask God to forgive us for allowing our nation to condone this great evil for 33 years. On January 22, 1973 the Supreme Court opened the way for millions of children to be legally murdered in the United States through abortion.
There is Hope: 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Thanks for taking the time out to remember.
Steven Rockhill, Pastor
Lisbon Reformed Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Sunday Postscript - The Covenant of Life
I am a little behind on posting Sunday’s Postscript so here it is. The text was Genesis 2:16,17 and the theme was “The Covenant of Life”.
A Covenant is basically an agreement between two parties with stipulated obligations and conditions as well as rewards for keeping the Covenant and penalties for breaking it. Covenants are a part of everyday life. A Peace treaty between two nations is a type of Covenant. A business contract is a Covenant. When you become a member of our church, the vows you give assent is called a Covenant of Communicant Church Membership. Even marriage is a form of Covenant. When you vow to love your wife or husband “for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health till death do us part” – that is a Covenant and this Covenant becomes the basis then for your marriage relationship. Blessings if you keep it and consequences if you don’t.
There are several Covenants in Scripture of various sorts. Covenants between Men (Gen. 21:23-24; Malachi 2:14) and Covenants that Men make with God as a response to God’s faithfulness (Joshua 24:15,25; Nehemiah 9:38). These types of Covenants are not commanded – i.e. God does not tell us we have to make a Covenant with others or even with Him. Certainly though, there are many blessings and benefits in covenanting. And if you make a Covenant, it is legally binding, so be sure to let your “yea be yea” and your “nay, nay”.
But there are also Covenants that God makes with Man (God institutes them). These are different than the others for several reasons. They are not Covenants between equals, God sets the terms and conditions, the Covenants God makes are everlasting, God is always faithful to His Covenants, God’s Covenants build upon one another, All of God’s Covenants are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Here are the Biblical Covenants: With Adam (a.k.a The Covenant of Life/Works – Gen. 2:16,17); With Noah (Gen. 9:9-17); With Abraham (Gen. 15:18; Gen. 17); With Moses (on behalf of Israel – Ex. 19:5,6; Ex. 20); With David (2 Sam. 7:8-16); and the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31ff; Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25; Hebrews 8 & 9). There is also one other Covenant Category and that is the inter-Trinitarian Covenant (i.e. Between God the Father and God the Son) often referred to as the Covenant of Redemption. When Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane “Not what I will, but what you will” (Mark. 14:36) – He is committing Himself to the Covenant terms. But our focus will be on the Covenant of Life – God’s Covenant with Adam in the Garden.
The parties in the Covenant of Life were God and Adam. But Adam was not entering just on his own behalf – as the Head of the Household he also represented Eve. As the Father of all humanity – he also represented all of humanity in the Covenant (called Federal Headship). Adam was our and all of humanity’s representative – as Adam acted so did we. The Apostle Paul refers to this Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. When Adam fell, as our representative, we all fell with him and we all bear the effects and guilt of his sin.
The terms and conditions of the Covenant of Life involved the command of God (Gen. 2:16,17) not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Now a command implies a Law and truly this was the first revelation of God’s Moral Law; simply it was obey God in all things. The Moral Law was later expanded by God via Moses in the 10 Commandments and then these were later summarized by Jesus in the 2 Great Love commands: Matthew 22:37-39 And He said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But essentially it is the same Moral Law as was first given to Adam – Obey God in all things.
So God revealed to Adam His Moral Law – it was simple and straightforward and Adam even had the free will to carry it out. And what was he to carry out – the Condition of God’s Covenant was Perfect Obedience to the Law. Perfect Obedience meant, again, to Obey God in All things. And with his Free Will – perfect obedience was certainly possible. If Adam obeyed God he would receive the promises that God made. But if he disobeyed God, he would receive the penalty and consequences.
The promise in the Covenant of Life was of course – Life. If Adam obeyed, he would live. The penalty however was death and this immediate death (note “for in the day” vs. 17). But we know that Adam did not immediately die physically when he disobeyed God. Through God’s grace; God spared immediate physical death – though there was a certainty that it would come in time (see Gen. 5 “begat … and he died … and he died … and he died … etc. etc.”). Though Adam did not immediately die physically at the moment of disobedience – he did die spiritually (Ephesians 2:1,5). Spiritual death means: separation for the presence of God’s goodness and love; a will that is now in bondage to sin and unable to choose any good thing (Romans 3:10ff); no way to please God (Hebrews 11:6); the certainty of enduring the wrath and curse of God for eternity(Galatians 3:10; Romans 2:8-9).
This is God’s Covenant of Life: Obey and Live, Disobey and Die. We know from Gen. 3 that Adam, indeed, did disobey and by his sin plunged not only himself and Eve but all of humanity after him into a state of sin and guilt. Paul in Romans 5 makes this very clear and emphasizes it over and over again: 12 therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned … 15 For if by the one man's offense many died … 16 For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation … 17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one … 18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation …19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners”
We are breakers of God’s Covenant because our father and representative Adam failed and disobeyed God. So this means that the penalty for breaking the Covenant of God is imputed and transferred to us. In Adam we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, so we are all deserving of the wages of this sin which is death. How can we escape such a sure and certain judgment? Can we keep the Moral Law of God and fulfill its obligations? No – because none of us are able to keep God’s Law perfectly (James 2:10). We can’t save ourselves by keeping the Moral Law – we are unable because our wills are bound to do that which is sinful – we can not choose any good thing (Ro 3:11-12). So what are we to do? Where is our hope? How can the curse and wrath of God upon us because of Adam’s Covenant breaking be avoided? How can we escape it? Brothers and sisters there is no way of escape …… save One … we need a second Representative, a second Adam – One who will keep the Covenant obligations perfectly, One who will say to God even in a Garden, “Not what I will, but what You will” (Mk. 14:36).
Jesus Christ is that Man. He alone is the Covenant Keeper. Look how Paul now contrasts the first Adam with the Second Adam, Jesus Christ Romans 5:15-21 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned … but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For … those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ) 18 … even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life … 19 by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. 20 …But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 …even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus Christ is the Second Adam – He alone kept the law of God perfectly – tempted in all ways that we are, yet without sin. He accomplished for us what Adam failed to do and what we are unable to do. He secured for us peace with God and eternal life. Friends, on that Last Great Day when we all stand before the judgment seat of God – The Covenant of Life will be God’s Standard of Measure – how will He find you? There are only two possible options: You will either be In Adam, as a disobedient Covenant breaker awaiting God’s wrath or you will, by the Grace and mercy of God, be found In Christ Jesus, who alone is the perfectly obedient Covenant Keeper. Truly may God shed His amazing grace on you that you might be found in Jesus Christ, His Son on that Day– for the Glory of Christ alone, Amen.
A Covenant is basically an agreement between two parties with stipulated obligations and conditions as well as rewards for keeping the Covenant and penalties for breaking it. Covenants are a part of everyday life. A Peace treaty between two nations is a type of Covenant. A business contract is a Covenant. When you become a member of our church, the vows you give assent is called a Covenant of Communicant Church Membership. Even marriage is a form of Covenant. When you vow to love your wife or husband “for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health till death do us part” – that is a Covenant and this Covenant becomes the basis then for your marriage relationship. Blessings if you keep it and consequences if you don’t.
There are several Covenants in Scripture of various sorts. Covenants between Men (Gen. 21:23-24; Malachi 2:14) and Covenants that Men make with God as a response to God’s faithfulness (Joshua 24:15,25; Nehemiah 9:38). These types of Covenants are not commanded – i.e. God does not tell us we have to make a Covenant with others or even with Him. Certainly though, there are many blessings and benefits in covenanting. And if you make a Covenant, it is legally binding, so be sure to let your “yea be yea” and your “nay, nay”.
But there are also Covenants that God makes with Man (God institutes them). These are different than the others for several reasons. They are not Covenants between equals, God sets the terms and conditions, the Covenants God makes are everlasting, God is always faithful to His Covenants, God’s Covenants build upon one another, All of God’s Covenants are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Here are the Biblical Covenants: With Adam (a.k.a The Covenant of Life/Works – Gen. 2:16,17); With Noah (Gen. 9:9-17); With Abraham (Gen. 15:18; Gen. 17); With Moses (on behalf of Israel – Ex. 19:5,6; Ex. 20); With David (2 Sam. 7:8-16); and the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31ff; Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25; Hebrews 8 & 9). There is also one other Covenant Category and that is the inter-Trinitarian Covenant (i.e. Between God the Father and God the Son) often referred to as the Covenant of Redemption. When Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane “Not what I will, but what you will” (Mark. 14:36) – He is committing Himself to the Covenant terms. But our focus will be on the Covenant of Life – God’s Covenant with Adam in the Garden.
The parties in the Covenant of Life were God and Adam. But Adam was not entering just on his own behalf – as the Head of the Household he also represented Eve. As the Father of all humanity – he also represented all of humanity in the Covenant (called Federal Headship). Adam was our and all of humanity’s representative – as Adam acted so did we. The Apostle Paul refers to this Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. When Adam fell, as our representative, we all fell with him and we all bear the effects and guilt of his sin.
The terms and conditions of the Covenant of Life involved the command of God (Gen. 2:16,17) not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Now a command implies a Law and truly this was the first revelation of God’s Moral Law; simply it was obey God in all things. The Moral Law was later expanded by God via Moses in the 10 Commandments and then these were later summarized by Jesus in the 2 Great Love commands: Matthew 22:37-39 And He said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But essentially it is the same Moral Law as was first given to Adam – Obey God in all things.
So God revealed to Adam His Moral Law – it was simple and straightforward and Adam even had the free will to carry it out. And what was he to carry out – the Condition of God’s Covenant was Perfect Obedience to the Law. Perfect Obedience meant, again, to Obey God in All things. And with his Free Will – perfect obedience was certainly possible. If Adam obeyed God he would receive the promises that God made. But if he disobeyed God, he would receive the penalty and consequences.
The promise in the Covenant of Life was of course – Life. If Adam obeyed, he would live. The penalty however was death and this immediate death (note “for in the day” vs. 17). But we know that Adam did not immediately die physically when he disobeyed God. Through God’s grace; God spared immediate physical death – though there was a certainty that it would come in time (see Gen. 5 “begat … and he died … and he died … and he died … etc. etc.”). Though Adam did not immediately die physically at the moment of disobedience – he did die spiritually (Ephesians 2:1,5). Spiritual death means: separation for the presence of God’s goodness and love; a will that is now in bondage to sin and unable to choose any good thing (Romans 3:10ff); no way to please God (Hebrews 11:6); the certainty of enduring the wrath and curse of God for eternity(Galatians 3:10; Romans 2:8-9).
This is God’s Covenant of Life: Obey and Live, Disobey and Die. We know from Gen. 3 that Adam, indeed, did disobey and by his sin plunged not only himself and Eve but all of humanity after him into a state of sin and guilt. Paul in Romans 5 makes this very clear and emphasizes it over and over again: 12 therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned … 15 For if by the one man's offense many died … 16 For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation … 17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one … 18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation …19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners”
We are breakers of God’s Covenant because our father and representative Adam failed and disobeyed God. So this means that the penalty for breaking the Covenant of God is imputed and transferred to us. In Adam we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, so we are all deserving of the wages of this sin which is death. How can we escape such a sure and certain judgment? Can we keep the Moral Law of God and fulfill its obligations? No – because none of us are able to keep God’s Law perfectly (James 2:10). We can’t save ourselves by keeping the Moral Law – we are unable because our wills are bound to do that which is sinful – we can not choose any good thing (Ro 3:11-12). So what are we to do? Where is our hope? How can the curse and wrath of God upon us because of Adam’s Covenant breaking be avoided? How can we escape it? Brothers and sisters there is no way of escape …… save One … we need a second Representative, a second Adam – One who will keep the Covenant obligations perfectly, One who will say to God even in a Garden, “Not what I will, but what You will” (Mk. 14:36).
Jesus Christ is that Man. He alone is the Covenant Keeper. Look how Paul now contrasts the first Adam with the Second Adam, Jesus Christ Romans 5:15-21 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned … but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For … those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ) 18 … even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life … 19 by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. 20 …But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 …even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus Christ is the Second Adam – He alone kept the law of God perfectly – tempted in all ways that we are, yet without sin. He accomplished for us what Adam failed to do and what we are unable to do. He secured for us peace with God and eternal life. Friends, on that Last Great Day when we all stand before the judgment seat of God – The Covenant of Life will be God’s Standard of Measure – how will He find you? There are only two possible options: You will either be In Adam, as a disobedient Covenant breaker awaiting God’s wrath or you will, by the Grace and mercy of God, be found In Christ Jesus, who alone is the perfectly obedient Covenant Keeper. Truly may God shed His amazing grace on you that you might be found in Jesus Christ, His Son on that Day– for the Glory of Christ alone, Amen.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
No Pat No, Don't Say That!
He’s at it again. Some folks just don’t know when to quit and frankly it is embarrassing. Pat Robertson is once again opening his mouth and nothing beneficial is coming out of it. This time bad theology is behind his statement about Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Robertson “suggested Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine retribution for "dividing God's land" of Israel”. Robertson may feel “sad to see Sharon fall sick” and think Sharon is a "very likeable person"; but, he is sure not showing it with his untimely remarks. Who is Pat Robertson to judge when God’s judgment has struck? He sounds like Job’s “friends”. It might not seem so bad if this were an isolated incident and remark – but it is not. Here are some other ‘beauties’: “In October, he said a recent spate of natural disasters pointed to the end of the world and the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ. In August, Robertson said the United States should assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, but later apologized for the remark. He also suggested voters in a Pennsylvania town should not expect God's help should they face a natural disaster after they ousted a school board which had mandated the teaching of creationism.” This man is making a fool of himself with these comments and he is making Christians look like idiots.
What makes matters worse is that he is basing this on bad theology. Robertson said: "God said, 'This land belongs to me, you better leave it alone.'" This is the same misguided theology that fueled the Crusades. And it, unfortunately, is the same bad theology that influences much of the foreign policy of the US in regards to Israel. I know there will be many who disagree with this – but there is nothing “holy” about the “Holy Land”. God’s concern is not for Land – but for the hearts of people and their relationship to Him. It is true that it is God’s land, but so is Iran, Iraq, Syria, Russia, China, the U.S. and indeed all the world: The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters (Psalm 24:1-2). For more info on why this is bad theology read The People of God, The Land of Israel and the Impartiality of the Gospel .
In the meantime, can someone please tell Pat that when he puts his foot in his mouth once, he is supposed to learn his lesson and not say anything else.
What makes matters worse is that he is basing this on bad theology. Robertson said: "God said, 'This land belongs to me, you better leave it alone.'" This is the same misguided theology that fueled the Crusades. And it, unfortunately, is the same bad theology that influences much of the foreign policy of the US in regards to Israel. I know there will be many who disagree with this – but there is nothing “holy” about the “Holy Land”. God’s concern is not for Land – but for the hearts of people and their relationship to Him. It is true that it is God’s land, but so is Iran, Iraq, Syria, Russia, China, the U.S. and indeed all the world: The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters (Psalm 24:1-2). For more info on why this is bad theology read The People of God, The Land of Israel and the Impartiality of the Gospel .
In the meantime, can someone please tell Pat that when he puts his foot in his mouth once, he is supposed to learn his lesson and not say anything else.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Sunday Postscript 010106
Happy New Year! It has been quite a busy week. We took a whirlwind trip to NJ to visit family and then a full schedule of activities when we got back. We ushered in the New Year yesterday by gathering together for worship. What a wonderful gift we have this year (2006) in that there is an extra Lord’s Day in which God’s people can worship together. Let’s use it for His Glory.
Yesterday’s message was from Genesis 2:8-15 and the title was “Heaven on Earth”. As we think about the New Year and new beginnings there will be much hope and many resolutions made. But these resolutions tend not to last past the month. As Christians we have a great hope – Heaven. This hope is assured. And if there was ever a glimpse of Heaven on Earth it was the Garden of Eden. So as we consider Eden, let your hearts be kindled for Heaven.
The Garden of Eden was a special place. It was special because God Himself “planted” it. It was special because it was the most beautiful place with all the delightful and delicious fruit trees imaginable. The Garden of Eden was special because in it God placed the special creature that He had formed, Man. The Garden was the place where God spoke to Man, fellowshipped with him and where man was able to dwell in God’s presence without fear or shame. After the Fall, God placed two cherubim with flaming swords to guard the entrance to the Garden – no man ever again would enter into this beautiful and wonderful place. We do not know where Eden was located (God through Moses only gives us a general idea), but we do know that it was indeed a beautiful place, a special place and a place where God revealed His goodness.
In the Garden of Eden, God provided for Man with every tree that was ‘pleasing to the sight and good for food’. These were provided for Man’s sustenance as good gifts from a good God. But God also planted within the Garden two special trees. The first, The Tree of Life, was a symbol and reminder to Adam that God is the giver of Life and all good things. Adam was able to eat from the Tree of Life and each time he did, he would be reminded of God’s providential care and goodness toward him. The Tree of Life was not the source of Adam’s life – God was. But when Adam fell into sin – the cherubim were placed outside the entrance to the Garden to specifically keep Man from the Tree of Life.
The second special tree was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam already knew about goodness – God had revealed it to him and he had experienced it. Adam knew (2:16,17) that there was a good choice and an evil choice as the fruit from this tree was off limits. But Adam had not yet experienced evil and its deadly consequences. Whereas the Tree of Life symbolized God’s goodness; the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil symbolized God’s holiness and His Moral Law. When Adam sinned – he plunged himself and all his descendants after him into an intimate knowledge of evil.
So, the Garden of Eden had plenty of beautiful trees – displaying God’s goodness, there were the two special trees and there was work (2:15). Work was a part of God’s plan – it was not a curse of the Fall. God wanted Man to work, cultivate and keep the garden to the glory of God. Only after the Fall, did work become toil and drudgery. God gave each one of us gifts that we are to use for His glory – we are to enjoy Him and glorify Him as we go about our work. Make this a New Year’s Resolution: to work and use your gifts God has given for His glory in 2006 more so than you may have done in 2005.
Delightful food, goodness, gratifying work, and a beautiful place to live and have intimate fellowship with God – what happened to it all? It is all gone. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and they were banished from the Garden, banished from God’s presence … until ... Jesus Christ came to redeem His people and all of creation. By Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross; by His securing the victory by rising from the dead on the third day; He has brought reconciliation and peace between God and Man. But with Christ comes a greater place, a more special place, a much more beautiful place, incomparable even to Eden, a place that will not pass away – Heaven.
John paints a beautiful picture of Heaven in Revelation 21 (vs. 2, 11, 19, 21, 23). There is even a river and The Tree of Life is there (Rev. 22:1-2). Like Eden there will be renewed but everlasting fellowship with God (Rev. 21:3-4). And like Eden there will be work in which we will glorify God and enjoy Him (Rev. 22:3-4). This most beautiful and glorious Heaven that we hope for is ours to grasp hold of and enjoy; but only if we enter through the appointed gate. Eden is gone and the cherubim that were guarding the way are gone and in their place – at the gate of the new Paradise – is the One who said “I am the gate, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved”(John 10:9). The Lord Jesus Christ who brought reconciliation between God and sinners, He is the gate that we must pass through in order to enter this beautiful heavenly Garden and the glorious presence of God. We come to Christ by greatly humbling ourselves, confessing our sin and unworthiness before Him and trusting in Him alone for our salvation. Friends, if you make any resolutions this day, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in you, make the one that will last and give you entrance to this new and glorious future. Those that have ears to hear, let them hear, to the glory of Christ alone.
In conclusion we sang Psalm 16 (selection B in the Book of Psalms for Singing). In this Psalm David paints a glorious hopeful picture of Heaven: “Preserve me, O God, for in You do I trust. My soul to the LORD has said, “You are my Lord. No goodness have I beyond You …My lot You maintain, and the lines fell to me In pleasant lands; I have a good heritage … In Your glorious presence is fullness of joy. Your right hand holds pleasures for me evermore”.
Serve the Lord with gladness this New Year. Serve Him in your work and with your gifts giving glory to Him in all things; keeping the hope of Heaven in your sights. Happy New Year.
Steve
Yesterday’s message was from Genesis 2:8-15 and the title was “Heaven on Earth”. As we think about the New Year and new beginnings there will be much hope and many resolutions made. But these resolutions tend not to last past the month. As Christians we have a great hope – Heaven. This hope is assured. And if there was ever a glimpse of Heaven on Earth it was the Garden of Eden. So as we consider Eden, let your hearts be kindled for Heaven.
The Garden of Eden was a special place. It was special because God Himself “planted” it. It was special because it was the most beautiful place with all the delightful and delicious fruit trees imaginable. The Garden of Eden was special because in it God placed the special creature that He had formed, Man. The Garden was the place where God spoke to Man, fellowshipped with him and where man was able to dwell in God’s presence without fear or shame. After the Fall, God placed two cherubim with flaming swords to guard the entrance to the Garden – no man ever again would enter into this beautiful and wonderful place. We do not know where Eden was located (God through Moses only gives us a general idea), but we do know that it was indeed a beautiful place, a special place and a place where God revealed His goodness.
In the Garden of Eden, God provided for Man with every tree that was ‘pleasing to the sight and good for food’. These were provided for Man’s sustenance as good gifts from a good God. But God also planted within the Garden two special trees. The first, The Tree of Life, was a symbol and reminder to Adam that God is the giver of Life and all good things. Adam was able to eat from the Tree of Life and each time he did, he would be reminded of God’s providential care and goodness toward him. The Tree of Life was not the source of Adam’s life – God was. But when Adam fell into sin – the cherubim were placed outside the entrance to the Garden to specifically keep Man from the Tree of Life.
The second special tree was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam already knew about goodness – God had revealed it to him and he had experienced it. Adam knew (2:16,17) that there was a good choice and an evil choice as the fruit from this tree was off limits. But Adam had not yet experienced evil and its deadly consequences. Whereas the Tree of Life symbolized God’s goodness; the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil symbolized God’s holiness and His Moral Law. When Adam sinned – he plunged himself and all his descendants after him into an intimate knowledge of evil.
So, the Garden of Eden had plenty of beautiful trees – displaying God’s goodness, there were the two special trees and there was work (2:15). Work was a part of God’s plan – it was not a curse of the Fall. God wanted Man to work, cultivate and keep the garden to the glory of God. Only after the Fall, did work become toil and drudgery. God gave each one of us gifts that we are to use for His glory – we are to enjoy Him and glorify Him as we go about our work. Make this a New Year’s Resolution: to work and use your gifts God has given for His glory in 2006 more so than you may have done in 2005.
Delightful food, goodness, gratifying work, and a beautiful place to live and have intimate fellowship with God – what happened to it all? It is all gone. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and they were banished from the Garden, banished from God’s presence … until ... Jesus Christ came to redeem His people and all of creation. By Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross; by His securing the victory by rising from the dead on the third day; He has brought reconciliation and peace between God and Man. But with Christ comes a greater place, a more special place, a much more beautiful place, incomparable even to Eden, a place that will not pass away – Heaven.
John paints a beautiful picture of Heaven in Revelation 21 (vs. 2, 11, 19, 21, 23). There is even a river and The Tree of Life is there (Rev. 22:1-2). Like Eden there will be renewed but everlasting fellowship with God (Rev. 21:3-4). And like Eden there will be work in which we will glorify God and enjoy Him (Rev. 22:3-4). This most beautiful and glorious Heaven that we hope for is ours to grasp hold of and enjoy; but only if we enter through the appointed gate. Eden is gone and the cherubim that were guarding the way are gone and in their place – at the gate of the new Paradise – is the One who said “I am the gate, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved”(John 10:9). The Lord Jesus Christ who brought reconciliation between God and sinners, He is the gate that we must pass through in order to enter this beautiful heavenly Garden and the glorious presence of God. We come to Christ by greatly humbling ourselves, confessing our sin and unworthiness before Him and trusting in Him alone for our salvation. Friends, if you make any resolutions this day, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in you, make the one that will last and give you entrance to this new and glorious future. Those that have ears to hear, let them hear, to the glory of Christ alone.
In conclusion we sang Psalm 16 (selection B in the Book of Psalms for Singing). In this Psalm David paints a glorious hopeful picture of Heaven: “Preserve me, O God, for in You do I trust. My soul to the LORD has said, “You are my Lord. No goodness have I beyond You …My lot You maintain, and the lines fell to me In pleasant lands; I have a good heritage … In Your glorious presence is fullness of joy. Your right hand holds pleasures for me evermore”.
Serve the Lord with gladness this New Year. Serve Him in your work and with your gifts giving glory to Him in all things; keeping the hope of Heaven in your sights. Happy New Year.
Steve
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