The Grace of Accountability

by Pastor Patrick Cho

People by nature are blame shifters. When Adam and Eve were first confronted about their sin in the Garden, they did not immediately own up to their sin. Adam was quick to blame his wife (and even God) for causing him to disobey the Lord’s command, Eve passed the blame onto the serpent, and people have since tended to follow in their footsteps. Our proclivity to minimize our guilt and excuse our sin is inherent, inherited from our original parents.

No one likes the feeling that comes with being held accountable for their wrongdoing. It isn’t pleasant to be called out for your sin. But as pride-swallowing as it is, this is a ministry of love that we desperately need. When you take time to consider the importance of accountability, you also start to understand how much it is a ministry of grace. Let us walk through at least three reasons:

  1. It is loving for brothers and sisters in Christ to point out sin in your life. The Bible warns against surrounding yourself with people who are only going to coddle you and tell you what you want to hear. Consider Proverbs 27:6, which states, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful [lit. profuse or abundant] are the kisses of an enemy.” If I did not love you, I would allow you to continue living in a manner that is displeasing to God. But because I love you, I should call out your sinful decisions. This should be done in love (1 Cor. 13:1) and with a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1).
  2. When someone confronts you because of your sin, they are potentially saving your life from destruction. James 5:19-20 talks about restoring a sinning brother who has strayed from the truth. V. 20 states that in doing so, you “save his soul from death.” If I did not love you, I would let you develop habits and indulge in sin that would eventually lead to your destruction. But because I love you, I am called to point out destructive behavior in your life especially if I sense that you are blind to it or calloused and hardened.
  3. This needs to be a regular part of life because sin is a regular part of your life. It is not that we are keeping a close eye on one another in order to catch those moments that we sin. The church is so much more than a sort of spiritual police force looking to catch perpetrators. In fact, we should be known more for the ways that we build up, encourage, and bless (Prov. 16:24; Eph. 4:29; Rom. 12:14). But the fact remains that we sin, often repeatedly and in visible ways. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of the sin “which so easily entangles us.” Because sin is easy, friends serve as an invaluable ministry as a second set of eyes to keep watch over our lives. When we are tempted to stray, they can lead us back to what is right. When we fall, they can help pick us up. Read Hebrews 3:12-13. The verbs and pronouns in that verse are all plural. It is the church’s responsibility, when a person falls into sin, to call that person to repentance and encourage them to do what is right.

The church needs a constant reminder of the offensiveness of sin. God loves righteousness, but He hates sin. By the grace of salvation through faith, He has removed the penalty of sin from the believer. Those who are in Christ no longer need to fear any condemnation because this salvation is secure (Rom. 8:1). But sometimes there is a tendency with those who enthusiastically affirm and embrace sola gratia (the doctrine of salvation by grace alone!) to diminish the ongoing work of God in the believer to crucify the flesh (Gal. 5:24) and promote righteous living in sanctification. One helpful and needed defense that God has provided against personal sin is the grace of Christian accountability.

Weekly Links (11/5/2018)

by Stephen Rodgers

Alright…I had to wait until after the weekend for all the resources to be available, but here we go!

  • Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (free audiobook) – This is a classic and rightfully so. If you don’t have this, it’s definitely worth picking up for the low, low price of free.
  • New Covenant Commentary: 2 Timothy and Titus (free Logos resource) – This is a commentary series that I’m not particularly familiar with, so if you’re a Logos user, perhaps it’s worth it, or perhaps not.
  • Living by the Word (November issue of Tabletalk) – The November issue of Tabletalk considers what it means for Christians to be a people of the book. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: if you only check out one resource from here, make it Tabletalk.
  • 9Marks Journal – There have been a number of new issues of the 9Marks Journal on a variety of topics. You can check out their website, and I’ve updated our index of their issues.
  • Glory Books – This past weekend was the all-church retreat with Dr. Greg Harris. I know a number of folks were excited at some of the resources he mentioned, including the free Chinese translation of the The Cup and the Glory. Now you can check it out.

Enjoy!

Pro Rege

And God Divided The Light From The Darkness

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Genesis 1:4

A believer has two principles at work within him. In his natural estate he was subject to one principle only, which was darkness; now light has entered, and the two principles disagree. Mark the apostle Paul’s words in the seventh chapter of Romans: ‘I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members.’

How is this state of things occasioned? ‘The Lord divided the light from the darkness.’ Darkness, by itself, is quiet and undisturbed, but when the Lord sends in light, there is a conflict, for the one is in opposition to the other: a conflict which will never cease till the believer is altogether light in the Lord. If there be a division within the individual Christian, there is certain to be a division without. So soon as the Lord gives to any man light, he proceeds to separate himself from the darkness around; he secedes from a merely worldly religion of outward ceremonial, for nothing short of the gospel of Christ will now satisfy him, and he withdraws himself from worldly society and frivolous amusements, and seeks the company of the saints, for ‘We know we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.’ The light gathers to itself, and the darkness to itself.

What God has divided, let us never try to unite, but as Christ went without the camp, bearing His reproach, so let us come out from the ungodly, and be a peculiar people. He was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners; and, as He was, so we are to be nonconformists to the world, dissenting from all sin, and distinguished from the rest of mankind by our likeness to our Master.

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Fighter Verses

by Sarah Andrews

In youth ministry, our middle schoolers are currently being equipped with “Fighter verses” that will help them to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). We recently discussed Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of his good pleasure.”

What does it mean to work out our salvation; does it mean we work for our salvation? It is a tremendous blessing that we, as Christians are not striving to enter the gates of heaven based on our own merit. If our salvation was dependent on our performance, we would be unable to meet God’s perfect standard and would be fully deserving of His wrath. God showed us mercy and He died for our sins so that we would not have to pay the price. If we put our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and ask Him to forgive our sins, we will be fully forgiven and cleansed of all unrighteousness.

“Working out our salvation” means that out of our new identities as children of God, we live changed lives and are being made into the image of Christ. We are still imperfect people living in an imperfect world, and we battle sin and Satan who tempts us. We desire to obey God and live in a way that pleases and worships Him, although the Christian walk will have trials and suffering (1 Peter 1:6, 1 John 16:33, Romans 8:18).

The Holy Spirit helps us fight our fleshly desires and live righteous lives, and we have God’s word for spiritual armor and wisdom. As we abide in God and trust in His grace, He helps bear fruit in our lives. Ultimately the gospel gives us strength to continue, because we know that Christ has paid the price for our sins, and He has the final victory over Satan and sin.

I pray that all the youth at Lighthouse Bible Church may put their faith in Jesus, and as they grow older and face trials, God can give them wisdom and knowledge of His power, faithfulness and abundant grace. I am excited to see how He will work in their lives to shape them to be more like Christ.

Through trials, I have learned that God is gracious and wise, and His word is “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105) when I am discouraged and need direction. Whether we are working at a job, caring for our families, or serving elsewhere, God calls us to love and forgive people just as Christ has loved and forgiven us, and to share the hope of the gospel.

God can test our faith in situations when people are difficult to love, or if they even hurt or mistreat us. God’s commands are possible when we find our hope in the gospel. We once hated and rejected God, but He forgave us of all our sins; therefore, the Holy Spirit allows us to love, forgive and pray for people. God’s word says,

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21)

In addition, God calls us to share the hope of Christ with people who do not know Him. Through our preaching of the gospel and living transformed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, God can use us as instruments of His plan. It is God who changes hardened hearts and brings people to repentance. (John 6:44). We are sinners who were once no different from nonbelievers, and God desires for us to show compassion, be patient, and share the hope we have “with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander [us] will be put to shame by [our] good behavior in Christ.” (Romans 6:15-23). Ephesians 5:1-2 states as well, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Trials indeed make our faith stronger. We daily sin and fail, but we can confess our shortcomings to God and find forgiveness at the cross. Hebrews 4:16 says, “let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” We do not work to earn or keep God’s favor; rather, we work out our salvation to please and worship our Savior.

Even when we forget or have trouble trusting His promises, He still loves us. Let us “fight the good fight of faith!”

Weekly Links (10/26/2018)

“It is important to note that in their emphasis on “faith alone,” the Reformers did not deny the importance of good works in the lives of believers. They taught that saving faith is a repentant faith and they stressed obedience to the commands of Christ. Nonetheless, they insisted that good works ought to be viewed only as the fruit or consequence of salvation, rather than the root or cause of it. Thus, they could assert that although believers are saved by grace through faith alone, saving faith is never alone. True faith always gives evidence of itself through fruits of repentance and obedience.” (Nathan Busenitz, Long Before Luther: Tracing the Heart of the Gospel From Christ to the Reformation)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Since the Reformation is right around the corner, I decided to sandwich the links with ones focused on it. I hope it tastes great! Here are this week’s links!

  • Have you ever wondered what the Roman Catholic Church teaches about justification? Well, if you’re wondering, now that I asked the question, R.C. Sproul gave a short summary of the material issue of the Protestant Reformation, justification by faith alone.
  • Tim Challies writes a timely article for young believers that is a must-read by offering the following advice: give the Lord a lot to work with.
  • What does it look like to live a Spirit-filled life when you identify as a cessationist? Pastor John Divito lays out three aspects of our life in Christ while living the cessaionist life. Denny Burk preached a sermon this past Sunday, answering the question: are prophecy and tongues still for today?
  • What does it look like to live for the glory of God in every stage of life? Al Mohler wrote a book that answers that very question, and is making it available for free! Don’t miss out on learning from one of Christianity’s greatest living minds today!
  • If you have never read about the life of Deborah from the Old Testament, let Kathleen Nielson show you how her life demonstrates how God makes women strong.
  • Kevin DeYoung writes a ’10 things you should know’ post on the 10 commandments. Even if you might know all 10 commandments, you may not know these 10 things. He also writes of the meaning of the third commandment, to not take the Lord’s name in vain.
  • How can a church begin to embrace biblical counseling as part of its ministry, especially in the first year of implementation? Tim Allchin, himself an executive director of a biblical counseling training center, provides four realistic goals a church can begin aiming for to be most effective in this area.
  • Over at The Cripplegate, Eric Davis writes on how best to leave a church (yes, it actually is possible!), while Jordan Standridge focuses on three ways to best glorify God.
  • Since this weekend comes before Reformation Day (oh, and that other thing people celebrate on October 31st), Michael Reeves focuses on why the Reformation still matters, 501 years after Martin Luther posted his 95 theses.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the church, as this week is flocks week, and the majority will be meeting tonight, and that God be glorified in the Women’s Ministry’s Table for Six fellowship event tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

Why Require Obedience in the Classroom?

by Ryan McAdams

For some of you, this may seem like a question with an obvious answer. But, for many parents and children’s ministry servants, myself included, we have had to wrestle with whether or not we should require obedience to God’s standards from unsaved children. The logic against requiring children to obey God’s commands flows something like the following: knowing that without faith, it is impossible to please God, we cannot expect children without the Holy Spirit in them to obey; we are asking the impossible from them.

We have touched on this subject previously in the Beacon, as well as in an excellent treatment on the topic from this year’s GraceLife Weekender (Weekend Conference), and many if not most of the arguments for obedience from children within a family will apply to children within a children’s ministry.

In spite of the seemingly impossible task we are expecting from the unregenerate children, we do require obedience in the classroom. Do we do it for the sake of maintaining order in the classroom and having the events run smoothly? Tempting as it is to let that determine what we do in the ministry, no, we do not require obedience for order in the classroom alone. In short, we require obedience because God requires obedience, for the Lord Jesus himself said “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).

Now, the astute Biblical scholar might note that Jesus was speaking to his followers about life in the kingdom of God when he made that statement, and argue that this returns us back to the starting question of how we can expect this perfection from children who have not been born again. But, God had given the children of Israel a very similar command in the book of Leviticus, saying that “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 20:26). Before you object that God gave that commandment solely to the Israelites, remember that God judged non-Israelite peoples throughout history for their wickedness, for the very lack of conformity to God’s holiness, starting with the people in Noah’s day, to the Canaanites throughout the Israelite conquest, to the judgments against nations around Israel from Nahum, Obadiah, Amos, Isaiah and other prophets. God very much expects obedience from all peoples everywhere, and this includes the children in our classrooms every Sunday.

Understanding that the heart of the natural man is desperately sick, wicked to the core, we understand that without divine help nobody can be holy as God is holy, and thus we all are in big trouble. But, as Jonah also knew, “God is a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” (Jonah 4:2b). And so God has revealed his law, as an act of divine grace. To the nation of Israel, God provided the sacrificial system, where a person would sacrifice an animal to atone for a sin. And this sacrifice served to remind the individual of the seriousness of his sin, that he should have died in the place of that animal. But even more than that, God gave the law, not so that anyone could attain righteousness by adhering to the rules, for all who rely on works of the law are under a curse, but that the law would imprison us, acting as a harsh tutor or taskmaster, as Paul explained in the third chapter of his letter to the Galatians. Essentially, the law should drive us to despair as it reveals the myriad manifestations of our sinfulness. But, this despair should drive us to the great hope of Jesus Christ, who God made to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

So, we uphold God’s standards in the classroom, like showing kindness, speaking truth, obeying authorities, and try to explain to the children when they have transgressed these things with the hope that with each transgression, they will understand more and more their inadequacy to be holy as God is holy, and the futility in trusting their own works to save them. We want their hearts to beg for God’s help and we want each of them to cling in faith to God’s mercy in the life and death of Jesus, the perfect Son of God.

Forget Not All His Benefits

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Psalm 103:2

It is a delightful and profitable occupation to mark the hand of God in the lives of ancient saints, and to observe His goodness in delivering them, His mercy in pardoning them, and His faithfulness in keeping His covenant with them. But would it not be even more interesting and profitable for us to remark the hand of God in our own lives? Ought we not to look upon our own history as being at least as full of God, as full of His goodness and of His truth, as much a proof of His faithfulness and veracity, as the lives of any of the saints who have gone before? We do our Lord an injustice when we suppose that He wrought all His mighty acts, and showed Himself strong for those in the early time, but doth not perform wonders or lay bare His arm for the saints who are now upon the earth.

Let us review our own lives. Surely in these we may discover some happy incidents, refreshing to ourselves and glorifying to our God. Have you had no deliverances? Have you passed through no rivers, supported by the divine presence? Have you walked through no fires unharmed? Have you had no manifestations? Have you had no choice favours? The God who gave Solomon the desire of his heart, hath He never listened to you and answered your requests? That God of lavish bounty of whom David sang, ‘Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things,’ hath He never satiated you with fatness? Have you never been made to lie down in green pastures? Have you never been led by the still waters? Surely the goodness of God has been the same to us as to the saints of old.

Let us, then, weave His mercies into a song. Let us take the pure gold of thankfulness, and the jewels of praise and make them into another crown for the head of Jesus. Let our souls give forth music as sweet and as exhilarating as came from David’s harp, while we praise the Lord whose mercy endureth for ever.

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Weekly Links (10/19/2018)

“Maturity in Christians is marked not by gray hair, but by the fruit believers bear in keeping with their sanctification…If we’re going to see a generation of young men rise to the occasion and begin to disciple their families, it will be due in large part to the reestablishment of the biblical paradigm of mature believers pouring their lives into younger Christians, and demonstrating godliness and maturity to them by their daily lives.” (Voddie Baucham Jr., Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has come and gone, and our God has been faithful to sustain us in every way. I hope this week’s links finds you well, and pushes you to greater holiness. Here they are!

  • Ligonier Ministries has been conducting a survey every two years on the state of the American population on matters of theology, and every time, it has been very revealing. This week, they produced their biennial report, and you will again be amazed at the state of our country.
  • Denny Burk, CBMW President, has begun a series of posts discussing the confusion in our culture concerning gender norms, expectations, and stereotypes. First, he discusses the state of culture and the affect it has in the church, then lays out instructions by way of Titus 2:1-6 to older men, older women, and younger women. Be on the lookout for his last post on instructions to the younger men.
  • Josh Brahm of Equal Rights Institute gives a detailed response to the recent Netflix documentary Reversing Roe, which appear to present both sides of the debate, and yet shows its bias. Be sure to watch both the documentary, and the responses.
  • Jonathan Morrow interviews Greg Koukl on how to present the gospel as a story that makes sense of reality, and how Christianity is the best explanation for how the world actually is. You will be helped in your approach to address non-Christians with the claims of Christ.
  • Kevin DeYoung points out three Enlightenment myths that many people believe, and seeks to disabuse them (and some of us!) of.
  • Michael Kruger continues his series on deconstructing the 10 commandments of progressive Christianity by addressing the mantra, “We should care more about love and less about sex.” Very perceptive and compassionate.
  • Crossway has posted, from their Knowing the Bible series, a summary of how each book of the Bible gives a glimpse of the gospel. It’s a long read, but definitely worth bookmarking!

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians as they meet for Bible study tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

Lead Me In Thy Truth, And Teach Me…

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Psalm 25:5

When the believer has begun with trembling feet to walk in the way of the Lord, he asks to be still led onward like a little child upheld by its parent’s helping hand, and he craves to be further instructed in the alphabet of truth. Experimental teaching is the burden of this prayer. David knew much, but he felt his ignorance, and desired to be still in the Lord’s school: four times over in two verses he applies for a scholarship in the college of grace. It were well for many professors if instead of following their own devices, and cutting out new paths of thought for themselves, they would enquire for the good old ways of God’s own truth, and beseech the Holy Ghost to give them sanctified understandings and teachable spirits.

‘For thou art the God of my salvation.’ The Three-One Jehovah is the Author and Perfecter of salvation to His people. Reader, is He the God of your salvation? Do you find in the Father’s election, in the Son’s atonement, and in the Spirit’s quickening, all the grounds of your eternal hopes? If so, you may use this as an argument for obtaining further blessings; if the Lord has ordained to save you, surely He will not refuse to instruct you in His ways. It is a happy thing when we can address the Lord with the confidence which David here manifests, it gives us great power in prayer, and comfort in trial.

‘On Thee do I wait all the day.’ Patience is the fair handmaid and daughter of faith; we cheerfully wait when we are certain that we shall not wait in vain. It is our duty and our privilege to wait upon the Lord in service, in worship, in expectancy, in trust all the days of our life. Our faith will be tried faith, and if it be of the true kind, it will bear continued trial without yielding. We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us.

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Weekly Links (10/12/2018)

“Prayer is effective and God can and does work mightily in response to it, but He usually lets us wrestle with our habitual fears for a season. That’s because He wants us to grow to hate them and to desire to be free from them for the right reason: His glory.” (Elyse Fitzpatrick, Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for His blessing in guiding us through another week! May these links be another source of blessing, to draw you to His Word, and point you upward to Christ, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

  • Al Mohler was recently celebrated for completing 25 years as president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A wonderfully made video chronicling his arrival, trials, and triumph was shown at a banquet for him. Watch, and give thanks to God for His faithfulness in Mohler’s life of faithfulness.
  • We can definitely say we believe the gospel, but have we possibly turned the gospel into a form of legalism? Biblical counselor Rick Thomas points us to our friendships in the church and ask some very pointed questions that will draw us to live in light of the gospel. Be ready for some sharpening to take place.
  • What does it look like to counsel together as a married couple? Robert Jones starts off this three-part series of counseling together by addressing 10 benefits from doing so, while Howard Eyrich discusses four considerations in non-spousal co-counseling. Garrett Higbee ends the series with a call for leaders and maturing brothers and sisters in Christ to be an advocate for a counselee, and how that changed his counseling philosophy to effectively provide soul care and equip the body to the work of ministry.
  • Sometimes, it really helps to be reminded of what heaven on earth is going to be like. Nancy Guthrie gives us a taste, and it is sweet.
  • Dr. Dale Johnson, Executive Director Elect of ACBC, gives some new areas of focus which the organization is going to be involved in. Consider yourself informed.
  • Sean McDowell identifies what the three features of a self-refuting statement commonly are.
  • In Canada, cannabis use will be legalized. While believers are called to evaluate the merits of any claim, knowing the consequences of marijuana use can be an effective means of pointing people to the one solution that can truly save. Jake LeFave, a church planter in Vancouver, gives a great layout to responding to those who want to legalize marijuana use.
  • Does God truly desire for all to be saved? If He does, then why isn’t everyone? Pastor Clint Archer gives a short, 500-word response.
  • Paul Washer from HeartCry Missionary Society and a couple other workers in this group give a current update to those who are currently suffering persecution in Asia. Please be in prayer for our brothers and sisters!

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight at church, that many would turn from their sin and come to saving faith in Christ. See you on Sunday, God-willing!

Soli Deo Gloria