Tell Me I Pray Thee Wherein Thy Great Strength Lieth

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Judges 16:6

Where lies the secret strength of faith? It lies in the food it feeds on; for faith studies what the promise is-an emanation of divine grace, an overflowing of the great heart of God; and faith says, ‘My God could not have given this promise, except from love and grace; therefore it is quite certain His Word will be fulfilled.’

  • Then faith thinketh, ‘Who gave this promise?’ It considereth not so much its greatness, as, ‘Who is the author of it?’ She remembers that it is God who cannot lie-God omnipotent, God immutable; and therefore concludeth that the promise must be fulfilled; and forward she advances in this firm conviction.
  • She remembereth, why the promise was given,-namely, for God’s glory, and she feels perfectly sure that God’s glory is safe, that He will never stain His own escutcheon, nor mar the lustre of His own crown; and therefore the promise must and will stand.
  • Then faith also considereth the amazing work of Christ as being a clear proof of the Father’s intention to fulfil His word. ‘He that spared not His own Son, but freely delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?’
  • Moreover faith looks back upon the past, for her battles have strengthened her, and her victories have given her courage. She remembers that God never has failed her; nay, that He never did once fail any of His children. She recollecteth times of great peril, when deliverance came; hours of awful need, when as her day her strength was found, and she cries, ‘No, I never will be led to think that He can change and leave His servant now. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me, and He will help me still.’

Thus faith views each promise in its connection with the promise-giver, and, because she does so, can with assurance say, ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!’

7.8a

Weekly Links (10/5/2018)

by Stephen Rodgers

Howdy folks…it’s the first Friday of the month, which means we’re back with a free-stuff version of the weekly links. So without further ado…

  • Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon (free audiobook) – This is a biography by evangelist Greg Laurie detailing the life of Steve McQueen. It’s not of any particular interest to me, but I’ll include it here just in case that absolutely excites any of you.
  • Ancient Christian Devotional: A Year of Weekly Readings: Lectionary Cycle A (free Logos resource) – This seems to be a compilation of ancient prayers by the church fathers, which might be interesting, depending on the editorial intention and slant. But again, it’s here in case that’s of interest to anyone.
  • “Perfectionism and Control” (free Tabletalk magazine) – The October issue of Tabletalk addresses the issue of perfectionism, control, and the sovereignty of God. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Tabletalk is pretty great. This I can highly recommend.
  • “Holiness” (free Credo Magazine) – The latest edition of Credo Magazine discusses the topic of holiness and sanctification.

There you have it. Hopefully at least one of these resources (*cough, cough* Tabletalk *cough*) is helpful to you this month. See you Sunday!

Pro Rege

Is Social Justice a Gospel Issue?

by Pastor Patrick Cho

There has been a lot of talk recently in evangelical circles about social justice and the gospel. The dialogue has particularly ramped up since the publishing of the “Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel” (which I happily signed). Much heated exchange has taken place between those who want to guard against “mission drift” in the church with the incorporation (and even substitution) of social issues into the gospel message and ministry, and those who want greater awareness of real or perceived social injustices.

Sadly, it seems there is a lot of talking past one another and not enough helpful dialogue. Kevin DeYoung writes a helpful article explaining some of the disconnect – a disagreement on definitions. Evangelicals are divided on the definitions of terms such as racism, justice, micro-aggressions, intersectionality, etc., and this makes it very difficult to address these issues or potential solutions. There may never be agreement for the various sides of the debate. There may never be agreement on what the real issues are or how to combat them. Regardless, no matter how you define terms related to social justice, the church should be united on the gospel. There is no question that all Christians in this debate should agree on what is or is not the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When I Passed By Thee, I Said Unto Thee, Live

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Ezekiel 16:6

Saved one, consider gratefully this mandate of mercy.

  • Note that this fiat of God is majestic. In our text, we perceive a sinner with nothing in him but sin, expecting nothing but wrath; but the eternal Lord passes by in His glory; l He looks. He pauses, and He pronounces the solitary but royal word, ‘Live.’ There speaks a God. Who but He could venture thus to deal with life and dispense it with a single syllable?
  • Again, this fiat is manifold. When He saith ‘Live,’ it includes many things. Here is judicial life. The sinner is ready to be condemned, but the mighty One saith, ‘Live,’ and he rises pardoned and absolved. It is spiritual life. We knew not Jesus-our eyes could not see Christ, our ears could not hear His voice-Jehovah said ‘Live,’ and we were quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. Moreover, it includes glory-life, which is the perfection of spiritual life. ‘I said unto thee, Live:’ and that word rolls on through all the years of time till death comes, and in the midst of the shadows of death, the Lord’s voice is still heard, ‘Live!’ In the morning of the resurrection it is that self-same voice which is echoed by the arch-angel, ‘Live,’ and as holy spirits rise to heaven to be blest for ever in the glory of their God, it is in the power of this same word, ‘Live.’
  • Note again, that it is an irresistible mandate. Saul of Tarsus is on the road to Damascus to arrest the saints of the living God. A voice is heard from heaven and a light is seen above the brightness of the sun, and Saul is crying out, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?’
  • This mandate is a mandate of free grace. When sinners are saved, it is only and solely because God will do it to magnify His free, unpurchased, unsought grace. Christians, see your position, debtors to grace; show your gratitude by earnest, Christlike lives, and as God has bidden you live, see to it that you live in earnest.

7.7p

Weekly Links (9/28/2018)

“So we begin to see already that God intentionally brings woundedness to those he loves. And in fact, those God uses the most he breaks, in some manner, for his sovereign purposes. Think about your life. Perhaps there is a physical scar or debilitating condition you carry. Or maybe the scar or weakness is much more subtle and unseen by the human eye, but no less profound in its effect on your life. God used Jacob to show us that he uses such people not despite their weakness but rather because of and through these very weaknesses.” (Michael S. Beates, Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Despite all the political discussion in the news concerning Brett Kavanaugh, here are some links that will point you Godward.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight at church for Bible study. Have a blessed time at church this Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

Devoted to Loving the Word of God

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Recently, a small group of members from our church traveled to Tucuman, Argentina to minister to a church that we have been working with since 2005. Our goal for this trip was to be an encouragement and a source of support for the lead pastor, Jorge Ahualle, and his family. We were blessed with the opportunity to spend time with the church for a retreat weekend together. We were asked to cover topics related to the theme of consecration/devotion, and were directed to speak to different groups within the church. I had the privilege of speaking to the youth of the church, and knew exactly what I wanted to communicate to them.

No matter which youth group will listen, my emphasis will always be the same: devotion to the Word of God. If the youth do not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, the primary source to discover it is found in the gospel revealed in the life and work of Jesus Christ in Holy Scripture. If a youth follows Jesus, the way of growth is a vibrant relationship with Him, which comes by way of listening to Him by exposure to His Word, and speaking to Him in prayer.

With the direction our culture is heading, there is no doubt that our youth will be tempted and pulled in all sorts of distractions. What is needed is a singular devotion to Christ, and He is most visible to us in the utterance of God’s words. This is my hope for the youth: that their hearts and minds will be a lifelong pursuit of the glory of Christ in every area of life.

Scripture has many examples of men and women who were devoted to loving the Word of God, but I have found a stellar example in the psalmist of Psalm 119. For 176 verses, this psalmist inarguably demonstrates his deep love for the words of our God, and models it for everyone, especially the youth, to see the wonders of knowing His Word.

“Actions speaks louder than words,” goes the common saying, but this time, these words seem to speak loudly of his heart of devotion. This is someone who will act in light of what God has said. In the psalmist’s mind, there is no expiration date when it comes to the relevance of God’s Word in the affairs of daily life. His Word will lead to action. As we see at the beginning of Psalm 119, we encounter four actions* of a devoted lover of the Word:

1. Walk as a believer of the Word with devotion

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! (Psalm 119:1-3)

The first thing to notice is that the psalmist starts with the word, “blessed.” The literal translation for this word is “happy.” We can read this verse, “Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!” The reason believers are happy is that they keep the Word of God! They obey it.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

David recognized where the most amount of joy could be found. It isn’t at the club, or among your friends. It is where the Lord is. It is where endless pleasure is found. If God is the source of full joy, then being in His will will lead to a deep life of joy and pleasure in Him.

Now what does it look like to be a happy Christian? Is it someone who just says, “I love the Word of God?” over and over again? Maybe, but that isn’t enough. Some clear marks of a happy Christian are that they are blameless in reputation (1a), actively obedient (1b, 3), protective of Scripture (2a), and a first-class pursuer of God (2b).

2. Embrace the purpose of the Word with conviction

You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! (Psalm 119:4-5)

The second action of a devoted lover of the Word of God is that they seek to understand what the purpose of the Bible is. What is the reason for why God gave us His Word? He has set up this world in such a way as to fix this purpose: God’s Word has been given to us so that we would keep them diligently. You may read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, but if you don’t keep it, if you don’t follow what it says, you are twisting the Scriptures.

All other religions that say they believe the Bible claim that it teaches all sorts of false doctrine, and it warps the purpose of the Bible, and most don’t even know they’re doing it! If I wrote you instructions on how to get to my mom’s house, and you start reading the instructions over and over again, go and talk to your friends about how great these instructions are, sing songs about how great my mom is, even memorize it, but you never follow my instructions, you completely ignored its purpose! Yet, this is what many people do with the Bible. They will spend time in the Bible, not to keep it in their hearts, but to make themselves look good in front of others. Or to convince their parents that they do believe in God. All the while, God’s instructions are being ignored. This can’t be!

Now after pointing to the purpose of the Bible, the psalmist turns to pray to God, knowing the purpose, and asking God for strength to be able to keep it. His focus goes from speaking of those who are happy in God to now taking responsibility to live out what he just described. This is the psalmist’s desire: to keep and obey the precious Word of God.

The Bible is not just some book to the psalmist, even a book that you occasionally show reverence for. This is a book that captures the psalmist to crave and hunger for more of. He desires to be strengthened by it because he knows he is weak without it. Your familiarity with the Word is a good indicator of whether you know you are weak or not. Exposure to the Word is what will make you aware of your weakness, and seeing it for what it is and what it’s for will strengthen you.

3. Receive the blessings of the Word with thanksgiving

Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. (Psalm 119:6-7)

When you are tempted, remember: every act of obedience will produce a blessing from God. What’s the blessing that we find here? No shame. If you walk as a believer of the Word and embrace the purpose of the Word, then you will not be ashamed!

Here is what the Bible does to your life: it exposes sin in every area of your life. At first, that sounds bad. But imagine this: if you have a disease, and need to know where it’s located, you would want to have the best equipment available to find it and then get rid of it, right? Every time you expose yourself to the Bible, you always have two options: you can either run away and ignore what it says, or you can turn from your sins and ask for forgiveness.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. (James 1:23-24)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

The blessing not only removes shame, but it also provides thanksgiving in your heart. This isn’t the kind of thanksgiving that is fake, or shallow, but “upright.” It means to be smooth or straight. Receiving the Word with praise and thanks honors the One who gave the Word. God’s Word is identified as rules that are righteous. In other words, these are what the divine Judge has ruled to be right. To receive the Word in this way, demonstrating understanding of what the Word really is, will lead to a heart that praises God the way He should be praised.

When was the last time you gave thanks to God for the Scriptures? When did you last thank God for opening your eyes to see the true nature of Scripture?

4. Ask God to help you obey the Word with resolve

I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! (Psalm 119:8)

The final action of a lover of the Word of God is prayer. All prior actions have been a willingness on the part of the happy Christian to involve the Bible to play a primary role in one’s life. The psalmist returns to pray to God, first offering a big promise: “I will keep your statutes.” Statutes here means what the divine Lawgiver has laid down. The psalmist is determined to follow the Law of God.

Many people in the church are scared to make a concrete decision, either towards God or away from God. They don’t want to be seen as someone who rejects God, but they also fear what it will cost to fully follow God. To be entirely wicked or entirely righteous is facing two extremes that seems equally scary. Many choose to be right in the middle, and come to church, but not commit much else. In today’s day, this is what is called apathy. In Scripture, Jesus calls this being lukewarm:

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.’” (Revelation 3:15-16)

This is like the person who says they’re coming to your house, and then halfway there, turns around and then tells you, “Well, at least I got there some of the way!” This is like someone who says they will clean their room, and the moment they can see a little bit of the floor after picking up some clothes, says, “Ok, I’m done!” Keep your focus on the Word! Don’t even give your parents a chance to tell you to read your Bible. Get to reading! But see that God doesn’t want you to be half-hearted in your willingness to do so.

The last thing the psalmist writes is for God to not forsake or forget him. He knows his weakness in failing to fully obey God in everything, but he also knows that God is gracious to His people and will help him keep the Word. He also knows God is just and can rightly forsake him should He choose to.

Notice that the psalmist doesn’t turn to anyone else but God to strengthen him and also forgive him when he fails. If you do not truly desire to have a strong desire to obey God’s Word, it will show in your lack of prayer to Him.

Our plea

In the end, our prayer is that every youth will come to know the God of the Word by way of the Word of God. This year, as it is for every year before, is to pray and trust that God will draw each youth to Him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to grow in His grace and knowledge for the glory of the King. I hope this will be your prayer as well.

*I have been greatly helped by Seth Kniep’s helpful work, Loving God’s Word: 7 Strategies for Slaying Bible Apathy for these insights.

Brethren, Pray For Us

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

1 Thessalonians 5:25

This one morning in the year we reserved to refresh the reader’s memory upon the subject of prayer for ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered by an apostle and now repeated by us. Brethren, our work is Solemnly momentous, involving weal or woe to thousands; we treat with souls for God on eternal business, and our word is either a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death. A very heavy responsibility rests upon us, and it will be no small mercy if at the last we be found clear of the blood of all men. As officers in Christ’s army, we are the especial mark of the enmity of men and devils; they watch for our halting, and labour to take us by the heels. Our sacred calling involves us in temptations from which you are exempt, above all it too often draws us away from our personal enjoyment of truth into a ministerial and official consideration of it. We meet with many knotty cases, and our wits are at a non plus; we observe very sad backslidings, and our hearts are wounded; we see millions perishing, and our spirits sink. We wish to profit you by our preaching; we desire to be blest to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners; therefore, dear friends, intercede for us with our God. Miserable men are we if we miss the aid of your prayers, but happy are we if we live in your supplications. You do not look to us but to our Master for spiritual blessings, and yet how many times has He given those blessings through His ministers; ask then, again and again, that we may be the earthen vessels into which the Lord may put the treasure of the gospel. We, the whole company of missionaries, ministers, city missionaries, and students, do in the name of Jesus beseech you ‘BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US.’

7.7a

Weekly Links (9/21/2018)

“The idea that the Bible is ‘infallible’ means that it does not deceive. To say that the Bible is ‘inerrant’ is to make the additional claim that it does not assert any errors of fact: whether the Bible refers to events in the life of Christ, or to other details of history and geography, what it asserts is true.” (Timothy Ward, Words of Life: Scripture as the Living and Active Word of God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has come, and the Lord has been good, including some links for your reading (and listening and viewing) pleasure. Here are this week’s links!

  • Since Al Mohler’s remarks about why he didn’t sign the Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel, one of the authors, pastor and apologist James White, responded to some of the objections Mohler raised. Just making sure you’re all aware that there is a back-and-forth taking place between prominent evangelicals that we would respect. Not only should we respect them still, but we should also emulate their behavior towards the other side. Amy Hall, at Stand to Reason, gives a clear distinction between justice and grace that has a lot to do with the idea of social justice. If we aren’t clear on justice, we won’t be clear on our gospel proclamation.
  • Alasdair Groves interviews David Powlison on how to minister to those in the church who have a psychiatric disorder at CCEF’s On the Go podcast. You may be the one who is called to help those in need, so take a listen.
  • If you have ever doubted God’s goodness in your life, this little post from Peter Pike at Triablogue can be a good place to review the big truths of God’s Word in dealing with or anticipating doubt.
  • There’s times in the Christian life where our focus can be short-sighted to the point that we lose our joy in Christ. There are a couple of ways that believers tend to do this, and Tim Chester points them out, as well as how to recover from this short-sightedness.
  • If you haven’t heard of scientism, it’s the philosophical position held by many in society today that science is the only or main source of knowledge. J.P. Moreland explains 10 things you should know about this worldview. Aaron Brake at Stand to Reason points out not only what science presupposes, but also what it can’t account for (he also links to a video where this is pointed out to an atheist to great effect). This will be helpful to keep in mind as you speak of the truth of the Christian worldview wherever you go.
  • TGC Australia has an article critiquing Bethel Church’s theology and practice in Redding, CA, and their influence in Australia through their Awakening Australia event. Very eye-opening, to say the least, and not in a good way.
  • Can a man and a woman be good friends? What would that look like, especially in the church? Tim Challies gives some thoughts on this issue. This is definitely worth discussing, brothers and sisters.
  • Pastor Jon Lee writes of a common situation in a family home where the father comes home with a certain agenda that doesn’t involve God, and the other where it does. It’s a small taste of what the sufficiency of Scripture looks like in practice, and the differences couldn’t be more clear. May we all pray to be as molded by the Word as the second situation calls for.

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

Soli Deo Gloria

How Many Are Mine Iniquities And Sins?

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Job 13:23

Have you ever really weighed and considered how great the sin of God’s people is? Think how heinous is your own transgression, and you will find that not only does a sin here and there tower up like an alp, but that your iniquities are heaped upon each other, as in the old fable of the giants who piled Pelian upon Ossa, mountain upon mountain. What an aggregate of sin there is in the life of one of the most sanctified of God’s children! Attempt to multiply this, the sin of one only, by the multitude of the redeemed, ‘a number which no man can number,’ and you will have some conception of the great mass of the guilt of the people for whom Jesus shed His blood.

But we arrive at a more adequate idea of the magnitude of sin by the greatness of the remedy provided. It is the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s only and well-beloved Son. God’s Son! Angels cast their crowns before Him! All the choral symphonies of heaven surround His glorious throne. ‘God over all, blessed for ever. Amen.’ And yet He takes upon Himself the form of a servant, and is scourged and pierced, bruised and torn, and at last slain; since nothing but the blood of the incarnate Son of God could make atonement for our offences. No human mind can adequately estimate the infinite value of the divine sacrifice, for great as is the sin of God’s people, the atonement which takes it away is immeasurably greater. Therefore, the believer, even when sin rolls like a black flood, and the remembrance of the past is bitter, can yet stand before the blazing throne of the great and holy God, and cry, ‘Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died; yea rather, that hath risen again.’ While the recollection of his sin fills him with shame and sorrow, he at the same time makes it a foil to show the brightness of mercy-guilt is the dark night in which the fair star of divine love shines with serene splendour.

7.6p

Weekly Links (9/14/2018)

“We were made to enjoy Him. Our minds were shaped and fashioned to think about God, to reflect and meditate on His majesty and beauty and to experience the intellectual thrill of theological discovery. Our emotions were made to feel His power, love, and longing for us. Our wills were made to choose His will and ways; our spirits were formed to experience the ecstasy of communion with Him; our bodies were fashioned to be the temple where He Himself would delight to dwell!” (Sam Storms, Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Our focus this week is on the issue of social justice, archaeology, and biblical counseling. Without further ado, here are your links!

  • In a recent Ask Anything Live event, Al Mohler was asked a few times to address the issue of social justice amongst believers. Here is the link with the proper background info to the recent posting of the Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel. Speaking of which, articles from the perspective of the initial signatories of this statement have been popping up this week, including articles by Josh Buice and Tom Ascol. Kevin DeYoung answers the question “Is social justice a gospel issue?” Justin Taylor, in referencing DeYoung’s article, highlights D.A. Carson’s article from 2014 on what should be considered a gospel issue. Whatever your position on these issues, it’s always best to stay informed from the primary spokesmen on both sides of the aisle. May we all speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
  • Biblical counselor Mark Shaw writes on the issue of men and their middle-age crisis in two parts (one and two) from a biblical perspective. It’s always a breath of fresh air when a Christian worldview is applied in contrast to the wisdom of the world.
  • How can you talk more like Christ? This is a great question, with a great answer by biblical counselor Lucy Ann Moll.
  • How can you grow in your listening skills? Ed Welch gives some great counsel on valuable listening.
  • Youth are called to remember our Creator in this stage of life. Why should we do that? David Murray gives four reasons to do so. May all our youth remember the One who made us.
  • Alasdair Groves sits down with CCEF counselor Mike Emlet to discuss how he personally engages with Scripture on their most recent On the Go podcast. Listen in!
  • The Associates for Biblical Research, in their most recent episode of Digging for Truth, present a pastoral perspective on archaeology and the Bible. You will learn much and appreciate God’s faithfulness in verifying what He has said in His Word.

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

Soli Deo Gloria