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
Saturday, January 28, 2006
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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