"Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful." James 5:11
Back at the beginning of April, I had a friend who lost her husband very quickly and unexpectedly. She is left behind along with 6 children and has been getting used to life as a single mother of six. Today I read through "Behind a Frowning Providence" by John J Murray. I intend to send a copy to her but wanted to read it before I sent it. Its a great read and very applicable to anyone who might read it. It deals with many types of sufferings. One part that especially hit home with me is quoted below. Here is an excerpt, which is actually a quote from the Westminster Confession of Faith on God's dealings with His children:
"The most wise, righteous and gracious God, doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their own hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon himself, and to make them more watchful against future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends."
This is not the portion that I expect to be of great help to my friend in her present circumstances, but just an example of the pamphlet's other points. According to this pamphlet, sufferings are meant to try us, expose our sins, build character, bring us to know God better, produce fruit in our lives and prepare us for usefulness, and lead us to make God our all and to prepare us for glory. Many of our sufferings are meant to accomplish several of these ends. My prayer is that through her suffering, God might bring my friend to know Him better.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Give God the Glory
"Paul, an apostle -- not from men nor through men, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead -- and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Galatians 1:1-5
I did my study on Friday but was away from my computer so I wasn't able to blog about it. So, I'm going to attempt to do that today. I'm following a study by John MacArthur about Galatians at the moment. I've also been given some other resources (which I haven't yet had the moment to listen to) thanks to my dear friend, Troy.
So, let's transport ourselves back to Galatia in AD 48 or 49 when Judaizers were looking to undercut Paul's teaching of justification by faith alone. Instead, they were making believable arguments that the people needed to continue Jewish traditions and submit to Mosaic law before they could be saved. In other words, they were teaching that the people must do something other than repent and have faith in order to be saved. Paul, upon hearing of this, responded very quickly and strongly. This was so important because this false teaching is like one drop of poison in a barrel of water, which will ruin the entire barrel.
The first thing Paul does is defend his apostleship. Why? He wanted to make sure that the people understood that what he was teaching was from God himself. That he was not made an apostle by mere men but that he was selected by Jesus Christ. It established his authority. It established his authority on the subject over these false teachers.
Next, he briefly greets his audience and even in his greeting he summarizes his purpose for writing. "Grace to you" is how he starts. He is already reiterating salvation by faith through grace. And through grace there is "peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Right off the bat he is defending the gospel of justification by faith.
Not only that but he then tells again about what Jesus Christ did for his people and states that this is "according to the will of our God and Father." Why is this important? God's will was for Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins and release us from our slavery to the law. God's will is for us to no longer be slaves to the Law!
Finally, Paul says of God "to whom be the glory for ever and ever, Amen." The teaching of justification by works or salvation by works gives us some claim to the merit of our own salvation. But Paul takes that away in this final statement. Salvation is not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ through grace. And therefore, God has the glory...not me or you. Give God the glory for when you give God the glory, it is rightfully placed. And, give God ALL of the glory! None of it is ours.
I did my study on Friday but was away from my computer so I wasn't able to blog about it. So, I'm going to attempt to do that today. I'm following a study by John MacArthur about Galatians at the moment. I've also been given some other resources (which I haven't yet had the moment to listen to) thanks to my dear friend, Troy.
So, let's transport ourselves back to Galatia in AD 48 or 49 when Judaizers were looking to undercut Paul's teaching of justification by faith alone. Instead, they were making believable arguments that the people needed to continue Jewish traditions and submit to Mosaic law before they could be saved. In other words, they were teaching that the people must do something other than repent and have faith in order to be saved. Paul, upon hearing of this, responded very quickly and strongly. This was so important because this false teaching is like one drop of poison in a barrel of water, which will ruin the entire barrel.
The first thing Paul does is defend his apostleship. Why? He wanted to make sure that the people understood that what he was teaching was from God himself. That he was not made an apostle by mere men but that he was selected by Jesus Christ. It established his authority. It established his authority on the subject over these false teachers.
Next, he briefly greets his audience and even in his greeting he summarizes his purpose for writing. "Grace to you" is how he starts. He is already reiterating salvation by faith through grace. And through grace there is "peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Right off the bat he is defending the gospel of justification by faith.
Not only that but he then tells again about what Jesus Christ did for his people and states that this is "according to the will of our God and Father." Why is this important? God's will was for Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins and release us from our slavery to the law. God's will is for us to no longer be slaves to the Law!
Finally, Paul says of God "to whom be the glory for ever and ever, Amen." The teaching of justification by works or salvation by works gives us some claim to the merit of our own salvation. But Paul takes that away in this final statement. Salvation is not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ through grace. And therefore, God has the glory...not me or you. Give God the glory for when you give God the glory, it is rightfully placed. And, give God ALL of the glory! None of it is ours.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Galatians it is!
"Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" Galatians 3:11
Okay, so I'm going with Galatians, which, come to find out, has a lot of the same themes as Romans. It also has some controversial passages which should be fun. :)
In my study so far today, I have found out that Galatians was written by Paul sometime after the "Jerusalem Council" (Acts 15, Galatians 2:1). Some speculate that it was written around AD 48 or 49. It was written, obviously, to the churches of Galatia but, more specifically, the churches of southern Galatia (which is not "ethnic Galatia" which is to the north). This is most likely true since Paul's missionary travels had already taken him to southern Galatia where he had already set up several churches, but he had not yet been to northern Galatia. (Note: I am using a John MacArthur study for all of this information but have found it to be backed up in other places that I have looked.)
Galatians main theme has to do with justification by faith. There were false teachers at the time who were teaching that Gentiles must first become Jewish proselytes and submit to all the Mosaic Law before they could become Christians. The Galatians were apparently open to this teaching and Paul wrote this letter to defend justification by faith and to warn these churches of the consequences of abandoning such doctrine. This is Paul's only epistle where he does not commend his readers, which would lead you to believe that he was very concerned about the path they were headed down. (Kind of like getting a letter from your parents that never asks how you are doing or what you've been up to lately.)
Thank God for Paul and his letters...they reveal SO many truths about the gospel. He is probably the world's greatest missionary because his mission is still active through his letters in the bible.
Okay, so I'm going with Galatians, which, come to find out, has a lot of the same themes as Romans. It also has some controversial passages which should be fun. :)
In my study so far today, I have found out that Galatians was written by Paul sometime after the "Jerusalem Council" (Acts 15, Galatians 2:1). Some speculate that it was written around AD 48 or 49. It was written, obviously, to the churches of Galatia but, more specifically, the churches of southern Galatia (which is not "ethnic Galatia" which is to the north). This is most likely true since Paul's missionary travels had already taken him to southern Galatia where he had already set up several churches, but he had not yet been to northern Galatia. (Note: I am using a John MacArthur study for all of this information but have found it to be backed up in other places that I have looked.)
Galatians main theme has to do with justification by faith. There were false teachers at the time who were teaching that Gentiles must first become Jewish proselytes and submit to all the Mosaic Law before they could become Christians. The Galatians were apparently open to this teaching and Paul wrote this letter to defend justification by faith and to warn these churches of the consequences of abandoning such doctrine. This is Paul's only epistle where he does not commend his readers, which would lead you to believe that he was very concerned about the path they were headed down. (Kind of like getting a letter from your parents that never asks how you are doing or what you've been up to lately.)
Thank God for Paul and his letters...they reveal SO many truths about the gospel. He is probably the world's greatest missionary because his mission is still active through his letters in the bible.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wow! It's been a little while.
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14
About a month ago, Peter and I found out we are expecting our second little one!! Yippee!! I am now about 10 weeks along. About a week ago, Peter had to go on travel and I have been hit by some ruthless nausea and exhaustion. So, I haven't been on here to blog my bible study recently. I also found that when I was doing it everyday of the week during Alex's nap, I wasn't getting my wifely duties done each week! Not good! So, I'm going to try to do 3 times a week and see if that will be a nice balance. I hope to still do my bible reading on the other days, just not the in-depth study. Hopefully I'm not drawn in by the afternoon nap everyday. Its so hard to resist some days!
So, I was in Psalms but have recently been drawn to Paul's letters in the NT. Specifically Galations for some reason. I don't know whether I will start in Romans or go directly to Galations. Romans is SO FULL. If I studied it like it needs to be studied, I'd be in Romans for a long time. So, do I jump around? I just don't know. I hope to take a look at my options today and try to decide which route to take. If you have an opinion, let me know! :)
About a month ago, Peter and I found out we are expecting our second little one!! Yippee!! I am now about 10 weeks along. About a week ago, Peter had to go on travel and I have been hit by some ruthless nausea and exhaustion. So, I haven't been on here to blog my bible study recently. I also found that when I was doing it everyday of the week during Alex's nap, I wasn't getting my wifely duties done each week! Not good! So, I'm going to try to do 3 times a week and see if that will be a nice balance. I hope to still do my bible reading on the other days, just not the in-depth study. Hopefully I'm not drawn in by the afternoon nap everyday. Its so hard to resist some days!
So, I was in Psalms but have recently been drawn to Paul's letters in the NT. Specifically Galations for some reason. I don't know whether I will start in Romans or go directly to Galations. Romans is SO FULL. If I studied it like it needs to be studied, I'd be in Romans for a long time. So, do I jump around? I just don't know. I hope to take a look at my options today and try to decide which route to take. If you have an opinion, let me know! :)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Praise God During Trials
"The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence." Psalm 11:5
Ready for a jaw dropper??? I once heard someone say that they didn't believe that God actively disciplines His people during this present time. They probably don't believe that He tests them either. But there is much scripture to back this up. It was shortly after that conversation (at which time I was not prepared to point to the needed scripture) that I came across those verses that I SO needed that night.
Hebrews 12:3-11
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives."
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
And also in 1 Corinthians, when speaking about examining oneself prior to receiving the Lord's Supper...
"But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32
So, what about tests and trials? As Christians, we have all endured some test or trial from the Lord, be it small or HUGE. But being tested by the Lord should be seen as an opportunity to glorify Him rather than an opportunity to sulk.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
"If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
So, yes, Christians endure tests, trials, and discipline all from God above. And in each, we should Praise the Lord and act in a way that is glorifying to Him. I know that I have not glorified God in all trials and discipline. It certainly is not easy. In our day and age, people tend to complain and rebel against trials and discipline. I pray that by God's grace I will have the appropriate response to future trials and discipline, for they are designed for my good and His glory.
Ready for a jaw dropper??? I once heard someone say that they didn't believe that God actively disciplines His people during this present time. They probably don't believe that He tests them either. But there is much scripture to back this up. It was shortly after that conversation (at which time I was not prepared to point to the needed scripture) that I came across those verses that I SO needed that night.
Hebrews 12:3-11
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives."
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
And also in 1 Corinthians, when speaking about examining oneself prior to receiving the Lord's Supper...
"But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32
So, what about tests and trials? As Christians, we have all endured some test or trial from the Lord, be it small or HUGE. But being tested by the Lord should be seen as an opportunity to glorify Him rather than an opportunity to sulk.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
"If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
So, yes, Christians endure tests, trials, and discipline all from God above. And in each, we should Praise the Lord and act in a way that is glorifying to Him. I know that I have not glorified God in all trials and discipline. It certainly is not easy. In our day and age, people tend to complain and rebel against trials and discipline. I pray that by God's grace I will have the appropriate response to future trials and discipline, for they are designed for my good and His glory.
Monday, March 30, 2009
No Excuse
"In the pride of his face the wicken does not seek him, all his thoughts are, 'There is no God.'" Psalm 10:4
"His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity." Psalm 10:7
"He says in his heart, 'God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.'" Psalm 10:11
"Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, 'You will not call to account'?" Psalm 10:13
Did you know that there was a time when there weren't atheists?? Yep, back when people were so close to the creation event that they couldn't deny God's existence. There were still sinful people who rebelled against God, but no one who said He didn't exist. But by the time of David there were already atheists. People who would say there was no God and at the same time hate God. How can you hate someone who doesn't exist?? How can you say "There is no God" and then say "God has forgotten"??
What else does the bible say about atheists?
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good." Psalm 14:1
But, they are without excuse...
"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Romans 1:19-20
And, Job 12:7-25...
7"But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
8or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
9Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
11Does not the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
12Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
"His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity." Psalm 10:7
"He says in his heart, 'God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.'" Psalm 10:11
"Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, 'You will not call to account'?" Psalm 10:13
Did you know that there was a time when there weren't atheists?? Yep, back when people were so close to the creation event that they couldn't deny God's existence. There were still sinful people who rebelled against God, but no one who said He didn't exist. But by the time of David there were already atheists. People who would say there was no God and at the same time hate God. How can you hate someone who doesn't exist?? How can you say "There is no God" and then say "God has forgotten"??
What else does the bible say about atheists?
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good." Psalm 14:1
But, they are without excuse...
"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Romans 1:19-20
And, Job 12:7-25...
7"But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
8or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
9Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
11Does not the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
12Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
13 "With God are wisdom and might;
he has counsel and understanding.
14If he tears down, none can rebuild;
if he shuts a man in, none can open.
15If he withholds the waters, they dry up;
if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
16With him are strength and sound wisdom;
the deceived and the deceiver are his.
17He leads counselors away stripped,
and judges he makes fools.
18He looses the bonds of kings
and binds a waistcloth on their hips.
19He leads priests away stripped
and overthrows the mighty.
20He deprives of speech those who are trusted
and takes away the discernment of the elders.
21He pours contempt on princes
and loosens the belt of the strong.
22He uncovers the deeps out of darkness
and brings deep darkness to light.
23He makes nations great, and he destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
24He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth
and makes them wander in a pathless waste.
25They grope in the dark without light,
and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
I've said it once, and I'll say it again...God is in Control!
"Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah" Psalm 9:19-20
In recent days, I've heard many people reminding themselves that God is in control. This is mostly due to the recent political climate and the economy. We can certainly make our prayer, "Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail!" Our nation is a sinful nation and if God gives us what we deserve, it will not make for happy times. However, we can rest in the fact that God is in control. So when things like stem cell research and abortion come up, we can continue to cling to God's will and plan. And even when concerns about the economy and our jobs come up, we can still rest in God's will. God will prevail, not man. That is a fact. So we may have to weather some tumultuous times, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is Christ.
What we must remember now is that we are just men (and women). Our president is just a man. Our congressmen are mere men and women. No matter how much they may try to give themselves power or take on the attributes of God, they will fail. What they need and what we need at this time is prayer.
In recent days, I've heard many people reminding themselves that God is in control. This is mostly due to the recent political climate and the economy. We can certainly make our prayer, "Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail!" Our nation is a sinful nation and if God gives us what we deserve, it will not make for happy times. However, we can rest in the fact that God is in control. So when things like stem cell research and abortion come up, we can continue to cling to God's will and plan. And even when concerns about the economy and our jobs come up, we can still rest in God's will. God will prevail, not man. That is a fact. So we may have to weather some tumultuous times, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is Christ.
What we must remember now is that we are just men (and women). Our president is just a man. Our congressmen are mere men and women. No matter how much they may try to give themselves power or take on the attributes of God, they will fail. What they need and what we need at this time is prayer.
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