Worshiping our Wrathful God

"Perhaps we have lost the fear of God because we take His grace for granted. At the very begining God said to Adam and Eve, 'The day you eat from [the forbidden tree], you shall surely die.' (Genesis 2:17) They ate from it but they did not die that day. God showed them grace."

"He continues to be gracious. We are alive only because God is merciful. But instead of our accepting the mercy of God with thankfulness and keeping the perspective of fearing God, we begin to get used to it.Consequently, when God does punish sin,we think He's unjust."

- John MacArthur, Jr.

From "The Ultimate Priority"

There are many reasons why our worship is not full, is not focused, is not holy unto God. The most common one, however is a lack of knowledge concerning God and His character. We often think that his mercy out-weighs his justice and that his grace is in greater measure than His wrath. Simply not true. He is the very definition of each of these things, meaning that He is fully and completely defines both mercy and justice, both grace and wrath.

As Christians we are continually given mercy and grace because God sees us through the blood of His Son, Jesus, just as He saw our sin placed on Him. But we cannot allow this wonderful out-pouring of favor keep us from seeing just what we have been saved from: our just dessert of God's wrath and our deserved punishment of His eternal wrath. How blind we are when we fail to see our sin for what it is and what it cost our Saviour on the cross to secure our complete and total forgiveness.

Father, forgive us for thinking You less than You are, thinking Your justice or wrath as any less than completely holy and unstained by worldly definition. Forgive us where we have fallen short in giving You what You deserve and give us hearts undivided by wants and cares that distract from Worship in the fullest measure. Thank You for sending your Son that we my come before the throne with reverance.

Jesus, what a friend for sinners You are. It is Your obedience that has paid the price for our wandering thoughts, Your blood-sacrifice which covers our meager offerings of empty promises. You have met every requirement where we have failed. Bless You, Jesus, our dear, perfect and sinless Substitute. You, our Beloved Brother, our Saviour, our Lord.

Spirit of God, prick our hearts with rememberance of the just and dreadful reward we have been saved from through the blessed gift of the eternal Lamb who took our sin upon Himself, who suffered the punishment which was rightfully ours as if it were His very own.

"Praise to the Lamb that was slain!

Praise to the Father who gave His Son away!

The proof of love the price of grace.

You traded all to take my place.

You died for me so I could be a child of God."

- Todd Proctor

Does your life need a change?

"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing and things like these, which I forwarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

- Galatians 5:19-21

The gate to enter Heaven is narrow, but so is the path to get there.

The narrow gate is Jesus who said "I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Me." And the path He calls those who would enter is narrow as well. It is the path that He Himself laid by teaching and example. "Take up your cross and follow Me."

Are you on the path to begin with?

If you're on the path, are you more like Jesus today than you were yesterday?

Am I more like Jesus today than I was yesterday?

...

...

... I'm not sure...

...

...

... But I want to be!!

One thing I have asked of the the Lord, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD

And to meditate in His temple.

Psalm 27:4

O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?

Who may dwell on Your holy hill?

He who walks with integrity,

And works righteousness,

And speaks truth in his heart.

Psalm 15:1-2

Don't Waste Your Life!

"The greatest cause in the world

is joyfully rescuing people from hell,

meeting their earthly needs,

making them glad in God,

and doing it with a kind, serious pleasure

that makes Christ look like the Treasure He is."

Challenge: What are you doing to let your life be of profit. By "of profit" I mean profitable to God. Not to your bank account, or your reputation, or even your friends and family. How are you being of profit to God. He redeemed you if you are a believer. He paid a price for you to be freed from slavery to sin so that you could be in service to Him. So... how have you profited you Master today. Did you read His love letter to you? Did you converse with Him? Did you tell another of his splendor and majesty?

Eat your wheaties people.

It's time to get busy.

"He Who Never Quotes Will Never Be Quoted."

"The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus,
when thou comest, bring with thee,
and THE BOOKS,
but especially the parchments."
— 2 Timothy 4:13

"Paul had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books! The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "GIVE THYSELF UNTO READING." The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. YOU need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master's service. Paul cries, "Bring the books" — join in the cry. "

Cruisin' - Crazy-Like

Perhaps I don't know enough about scientology but this seems like a waste of tape to me.

What exactly is he saying?

Is this man serious?

Is he seriously demented?

Again, maybe I'm not "informed" enough to get it.

Playing the "Sorry!" Card

Praise God for the sense of conscience He has given mankind! Praise Him that there are still sins that seem "gross" even by the world's standards! Even though we are wrapped up in our own sin, the "worst" among us still have some piece of ungodliness that they would rather be strung up than be caught partaking in. Perhaps more Christians have these than we would like to admit.

The truth of the matter is, should we all be forced to wear a patch or brightly coloured letter to represent our sins, first we would never have to worry about the appearance of our clothing because we would be covered completely with those markings along with the sashes upon sashes to bear the remainder of them. Second , should we be able to see those symbols we would loose sight of the figure beneath them and the person they are. For the Christian who they are because these sins have been forgiven and for those who remain entangled, who they could be when the love of God removes the taint they leave.

I was speaking to a sister-in-Christ the other evening about a particular sin in which a family member is involved and she called that sin "gross." I thought to myself "Yes, but why?" Why is this sin more "gross" than mine or yours? It's not. Scripture bears no evidence that any one particular sin is worse than another. There are references to the unforgivable rejecting of the Holy Spirit however no measure by which we may gauge individual sins.

God hates sin. That is the measure we are given. There are lists of sins that God hates and lists of people defined by sin who will not inherit the kingdom of God but are these things hated more by God than other sins that didn't make those particular lists. No. God hates sin.

The challenge then is to hate sin just as much as God does. Beginning first with the sin that is within myself and then with that which is evident in the brethren and lastly that which is in the world closest to me. God showed us how to do this through the Law. The quote "Be killing sin or it will be killing you" rings very true in this. But it's hard. I like my sin some days and therefore it is very difficult to take the two-edged sword to its pulsing neck and cut off its evil head. I want to talk it out of taking action and maybe give it a day or two to change its ways, become a better and less offensive sin. But God hates sin in every form and so should I.

Come to think of it the first part of the challenge could be considered the hardest. Because it is dealing with my own sins, the ones that I cling too, those in which I have a vested interest. It's like getting your player knocked off the board with a "Sorry!" card. It hurts. It's much easier to hurt someone else because you don't love them as much. (no matter what you may say or feel) You don't have the same vested interest in their sins. So it's easier to take their game pieces away.

However the reason it's the hardest is because we are not God. God has this ability that no one does, not even Superman or Wolverine. God hates sin perfectly, but not only that, He loves the sinner perfectly too. He knows that the defeat of sin within them is the best effect of His love that can be provided.

So there is a new challenge which is just as difficult, to love the the sinner just as much as God does. This is easy when we are the sinner in question. We don't need help loving ourselves. We need help loving those "gross" sinners and even those "not-so-gross" sinners. The great thing in our need is that God who provides the grace and love that we need is faithful to meet that need in others as well. And even to do so through us who are called to exercise love and grace in His name. Wow, no pressure.

So, to wrap up this little sermon to myself I shall say...

Never forget the love of Christ to you so that you may show the sove of Christ to all others. You have been forgiven much therefore forgive much.

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, ’til life’s storm is past;
Safe into the haven guide; receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, I helpless, hang on Thee;
Leave, oh leave me not alone, support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head, in the shadow of Thy wing.

Thou, O Christ, are all I want, here more than all I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; for all eternity

Charles Wesley

Equal Dreamers

Last night our Study group was talking about the dangers of pride in abilities and accomplishments verses the purity of pleasure in God's gifts and workings through His people. In talking about taking the risk of getting close to the fine line in between them I said something about football teams and their lineing up on the line of scrimage. It wasn't well put but I think the idea got put across.

We have to use the gifts and have achievements to be pleased in God's workings. And others acknowledging them gives us the opportuity spread the good news of our glorious Lord's salvation and continually working in our lives.

As one who prefers to dream in the night and hide behind the dreams of others in the day, I have been challenged to press on with eyes wide open like only a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ can.

"All men dream: but not equally.

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible."

- T.E. Lawrence

What are you proud of?

from a jewish periodical

Heaven...Overrated?

The Way I See It #230

Heaven is totally overrated.

It seems boring. Clouds,

listening to people play the harp.

It should be somewhere you can't wait to go,

like a luxury hotel. Maybe blue skies

and soft music were enough to keep people in line

in the 17th century, but Heaven has to step it up a bit.

They're basically getting by because they only

have to be better than Hell.

--Joel Stein

Columnist for the

Los Angeles Times

Have you seen this opinion?

As you may be able to discern by the format in which this quote has been typed, that it was not found on the side of a milk carton but rather was handed to me by an unsuspecting young adult pushing java (or in this case green tea) at a local dive dedicated to that great saint...Arbuck.

Although the bottom of the cup clearly reads: This is the author's opinion, not necessarily that of Starbucks. Some one of at least a little power within the company thought that this might be a true statement, or simply a very interesting one. The problem however is that this opinion was stated by someone who has, at the least, been mis-informed about heaven and what will take place there. However the most likely explaination is that the author is unable to appreciate the bliss that Heaven offers because He knows not the King that rules in this very real "land."

Heaven is meant to bring the highest glory to God. It isn't meant "to keep people in line." Heaven isn't about what we get to sit on or listen to. It isn't about us at all. It is however, about God sitting on the throne and listening to the praises of His creatures who delight in Him as only He can turn their hearts to do.

Unfortunately many people get their information on Heaven from all the wrong places. Don't rely on someone who doesn't believe that doesn't like pizza to give you a good recipe for the dough. And don't rely on an unbelieving reporter to tell you what heaven will be like. Especially from the side of a cup.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Shortly after reading this quote I visited my Pastor's blog. As luck would have it (or the providence of God; the more likely explaination), He is taking a survey on the question: "What is the Biggest Problem Facing Today's Christians?" The options to vote for are:

o Indifference

o Political Correctness or Modernism

o Charismatics and Pentecostals

o Cults or Sects

o Biblical Illiteracy

You may be able to suppose my answer in thinking of the American Church after reading the above text.

So what does this have to do with an illinformed columnist in LA? Obviously his sources are a bit off with their information. He and they are Biblically illiterate. Being associated with such a large reporting agency one would assume that Mr. Stein checks his sources. But reading reading the text of the Holy Scriptures or even understanding it will not be enough to make Joel Stein or his informants to be credible sources on the subject. The Spirit of God alone can make someone to know the Glories of Christ and the Heaven over which He will reign.

Where do you get your information about God and His Heaven?

There is a blog written by a young and lovely lady very far away that I read on occasion. She has a way of putting things in just enough light to show a bit of truth under their first layers. Here's a little taste from a post called: "What's that smell?"

"Understand less, live safer! We'd do everything in our power to protect ourselves from meanings. Identifying a big truth about ourselves is like living à la McEwan, that is, with a hidden rotting corpse in the cellar. Its stench would grow stronger and stronger - familiar, alarming, terrorizing. Hold back. Now. Till it's not too late. The only thing you need to know about yourself is your name. All the rest would stink, would break your heart and would stir the flesh flies."

As a believer in God's sovereignty over all aspects of salvation I go directly to "total depravity" upon reading this brief statement on the human condition.

Although I read Adela's site I can't recommend it fully to everyone stumbling upon this one. I can say however that I am often challenged by her writings to look beyond the outer layer of life this side of Heaven.

It's A Small, Small World (in Christ)

Yesterday I was blessed to worship with a wonderful and welcoming fellowship of believers in Berkeley, CA. East-bay Baptist Church of Berkeley began as a college ministry/church plant a few years back associated with a Korean Baptist Church near Oakland. At the time the focus was toward ministering to the collegiate population of UC Berkeley. They have since become an individual church apart from the Korean Church who sent them out. EBCB has for years now sought to meet the ministry needs of many others who have come through their doors.

As I took the opportunity to look over the church’s website, I was encouraged greatly be the holding of high views concerning both God and His Word and by the blessings of technology I was able to hear a sermon by Pastor John Shim, toughing on the federal headship of Adam and Christ which my own beloved Pastor Ed Godfrey had taught our own congregation about only a few weeks before. This past Sunday Pastor John, in teaching through I Corinthians, spoke on the resurrection and glorification of believers as addressed in chapter 15. Our God is good, in that just a couple of weeks ago Pastor Ed covered the promised and therefore sure glorification of the saints on a Sunday evening.

There were more blessings received than I have spoken of here in this post and I am looking forward to joining the fellowship of EBCB again next week. However the most important blessing, which none other can surpass was the fellowship of the Spirit among those who have gathered in the name of Jesus with and eye toward His glory. When brothers and sisters come together to worship according to Truth and with the guidance of the Spirit it can only be described as sweet.

Hope CBC: Don’t worry I’m still coming home in October.

The most entertaining and surprising question I was asked on Sunday was “Do you know Ron Brotherton?”

Here’s what a friend at Hope CBC said about this question.
“Wow! So what are the chances? God is sooooooo good. Prayerfully you'll have an opportunity to talk to Ron about that. He is so amazingly well-known. I don't even know how many people he's brought to church or how many times [Pastor] Ed has been asked if he "knows Ron Brotherton." It's all God. Sometimes I think Ron must be an angel, just flitting in and out, bringing new people to church, and keeping like-minded churches connected all over the United States!”

Loving But One Master

I've been reading a little book by Tozer, "Of God and Men", while I walk in the mornings. It's been both challenging and encouraging. Here's a quote:

"A Christian is a man of Heaven temporarily living on earth. Though in spirit divided from the race of fallen men he must yet in the flesh live among them. In many things he is like them, but in others he differs so radically from them that they cannot but see and resent it.... But we must not get the impression that the Christian life is one continuous conflict, one unbroken irritating struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil. A thousand times no. The heart that learns to die with Christ soon knows the blessed experiance of rising with Him, and all the world's persecutions cannot still the high note of holy joy that springs up in the soul that has become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit."

I see no hope for me…
(By Charles Spurgeon- June 24, 1855)

“"O sir," says one, "I have not a single evidence of my Christianity now. I was a child of God, I know; but something tells me that I am none of His now. There was a season when I flattered myself that I knew something about godliness and God; but now I doubt whether I have any part or lot in the matter. Satan suggests that I must dwell in endless flames. I see no hope for me. I am afraid I am a hypocrite. I think I have imposed on the church and upon myself also. I fear I am none of His. When I turn over God's Scriptures there is no promise; when I look within, corruption is black before me. Then while others are commending me, I am accusing myself of all manner of sin and corruption. I could not have thought that I was half so bad. I am afraid there cannot have been a work of grace in my heart, or else I should not have so many corrupt imaginations, filthy desires, hard thoughts of God; so much pride, so much selfishness and self-will. I am afraid I am none of his." Now, that is the very reason why you are one of His, that you are able to say that: for God's people pass through the night. They have their nights of sorrow. I love to hear a man talk like that. I would not have him do so always. He ought at times to enter into "the liberty where with Christ hath made him free." But I know that frequently bondage will get hold of the spirit, But you say, "Surely no one ever suffers like that." I confess I do myself constantly, and very often there are times when I could not prove my election in Jesus Christ, nor my adoption, though I rejoice that for the most part I can cry,—

"A debtor to mercy alone of covenant mercy I sing."”

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Praise God!! The natural man cares nothing of his place in the kingdom. Therefore we can take comfort even our doubts.

A Debtor to Mercy Alone

A debtor to mercy alone,

Of covenant mercy I sing;

Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on,

My person and offering to bring.

The terrors of law and of God

With me can have nothing to do;

My Savior's obedience and blood

Hide all my transgressions from view

The work which His goodness began,

The arm of His strength will complete;

His promise is yea and amen,

And never was forfeited yet.

Things future, nor things that are now,

Not all things below nor above

Can make Him His purpose forego,

Or sever my soul from His love.

My name from the palms of His hands

Eternity will not erase;

Impressed on His heart it remains

In marks of indelible grace.

Yes, I to the end shall endure,

As sure as the earnest is given

More happy, but not more secure,

The glorified spirits in heaven.

Text: Au­gus­tus M. Top­la­dy, published in the Gos­pel Mag­a­zine, 1771.

"You're So Selfish"

Hey, You All;

I have a bit of a confession to make. I've been a little depressed lately. This time around was really bad. I could try to blame it on stress, stuff, or other people but the truth is that I sin and have trouble trusting in God, whom I can't see, for all things. I am however grateful that it has happened after salvation because, to be honest, my flesh didn't care if I'd wake up in the morning or not. As an unbeliever I struggled frequently with this form of selfishness. (I don't think it's a chemical imbalance in my case.) I even went as far as to imagine ways to end my life.

Praise God for his preserving power over every part of me!!

Depression is a funny thing. Sometimes you just want someone to notice that you're a bit down and others you don't want anyone to even look at you. More often than not people see the side effects first and in the case of women chalk them up to hormones or emotionalism. A dear friend of mine has helped me to deal with some of the side effects during this round and I thought that perhaps some of you could benefit from her words.

“...may we all grow in the glory of God knowing that we each live with our flesh taunting us to protect ourselves at any cost. But like Christ, may we humble ourselves considering the needs of others as more important than our own.” – a dear friend

Romans 8:10-18

If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, " Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

So Long Self

MercyMe - From the album Coming Up To Breathe

Well if I come across a little bit distant, it's just because I am

Things just seem to feel a little bit different, you understand

Believe it or not but life is not apparently, about me anyways

But I have met the One who really is worthy, so let me say…

So long self ; Well it's been fun, but I have found somebody else

So long self ; There's just no room for two so you are gonna have to move

So long self ; Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me farewell

Oh well, Goodbye, don't cry; So Long Self

Stop right there because I know what your thinking, but no we can't be friends

And even though I know your heart is breaking, this has to end

And come to think of it the blame for all of this, simply falls on me

For wanting something more in life than all of this, oh, can't you see…

So long self ; Well it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long self ; There's just no room for two so you are gonna have to move
So long self ; Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me farewell
Oh well, Goodbye, don't cry; So Long Self

Farewell, Goodbye,

Oh, So long self

"Holding fast the faithful word" (Titus 1:9)

Pilgrim Ponderings- Besides reading the Bible…

(By Charles Spurgeon)

“Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since "He hath said" is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as "A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life." So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life.”
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In Word and Deed

A wonderful man just left the physical fellowship of our local church in order to return to his beloved wife and children. Michael Ginn is a traveling "story-teller" but the stories he relays are not that of fiction like Paul Bunyan or fairy tales of old. The stories this man conveys are true and demand a change in one's heart. This is because Mr. Ginn quotes the Living Word of God.

"I sing a song of Hercules" would be the opening phrase of the ancient entertainers who would lead their hearers into an imagined land of myth and legend. While Michael Ginn begins with "Let us hear the Word of the Lord." Our minds are filled so much, stories and rhymes from childhood, the stats of our favorite sports star. Is there room in your noggin for the Words that will never pass away? Is there room for the Words of the greatest Lover of your soul?

When I was a "youth" and not just an adult trying to hang on to that time by being a youth staff member, I memorized chapters 1&2 of 1 John and the first chapter of 2 Peter and even the first chapter of James. Those verses were tossed from the file cabinet long ago and lay strewn upon the floor of my memory but there is yet one small epistle that remains. It is the short book of Titus that has kept its place in the drawer for the past 3 years and prayerfully and with some deliberation it shall there dwell until the Lord shall take me home. But it is not enough.

Mr.Ginn, who was a child of the sixties and partook in them quite generously, is a renewed man. God has changed his heart and washed this man's mind with His regenerating power and he, who spent years destroying brain cells, has memorized the New Testament. Over a course of 20 years this carpenter who worked 40-60 hours a week disciplined his mind and body to yield the wee hours of the morning to his great and miraculous God. He simply loved Jesus and wanted to know everything the scriptures said of Him and although the Messiah is found From Genesis 3:15 and forward to the end of Revelation He lives in the Gospels and is exclusive in the epistles.

However, even the memorization of the whole of Scripture is not enough, as Michael will also agree. There must be change. Holiness must be furthered in one’s heart or these are just words and not the Word of God. I said in a joking manner to Mr. Ginn this past weekend “I wish you would stop speaking the truth.” His reply, stated in a humble manner was in effect “What else is there?” My very soul is challenged by the Word of God and it’s Truth demands a response but too often the flesh is too weak to continue in the path of repentance that Truth lightens.

Heart of Stone

What is this longing from somewhere deep with in
An empty hole of blackness that’s been filled up with sin
I know it’s You that I need to empty out this space
To heal this broken vessel by Your sovereign grace

For You to be my one true Love, my first and only choice
For You to in me resonate, Yours the only voice
O Lord, to be at one with You in the day and in the night
To know I’m in Your presence, Your arms around me tight.

I know that Your Word says that You’re right here with me
But my flesh, it tends to lie and only You can set me free
Renew in me the gift of faith that only You can give
Oh Lord, soften up this heart of stone that I may truly live.

Lord, come and lift me from this fleshly drone
Remind me of Your promise that You will take me home
This world is not my place and Heaven, it awaits
But until You take me there, fill this bless’d space

I know that Your Word says that You’re right here with me
But my flesh, it tends to lie and only You can set me free
Renew in me the gift of faith that only You can give
Oh Lord, soften up this heart of stone that I may truly live.

Copyright N.L. White 2005