Soli Deo Gloria

O LORD, length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in Thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory.  Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids in every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from Thee, but may rely on Thy Spirit to supply every thought, speak in every word, direct every step, prosper every work, building up every mote of faith, and give me a desire to show forth Thy praise; testify Thy love, advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year, with Thee, O Father, as my harbour, Thee O Son, at my helm, Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.  Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, my lamp burning, my ear open to Thy calls, my heart full of love, my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me, Thy comforts to cheer, Thy wisdom to teach, Thy right hand to guide, Thy counsel to instruct, Thy law to judge, Thy presence to stabilize.  May Thy fear be my awe, Thy triumphs my joy.

From Valley of Vision - A Collection of Puritan Prayers

Daily Walk Christ, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, New Year, Prayer, Puritan, Puritan Prayers

Are you trusting in yourself, in going to church, in good deeds or in giving to charity as a means to merit salvation before God?  If you are, did you know that Scripture says that these deeds are like filthy rags to God? (Isa. 64:6) God requires absolute perfection to enter heaven and only His righteousness will do. Do you have His righteousness? Please take a moment to listen to this outstanding video testimony of a young woman who was lost in the Roman Catholic teachings and then was saved by God through the full Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria!

He Saved Me from I’ll Be Honest.

Evangelism, The Church, The Gospel Catholicism, faith, False Conversion, God, Gospel, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Roman Catholic, salvation, Self Righteous

“He is despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). For the special benefit of young preachers, we propose to sermonize this text, though in as simple and homely a manner as possible, trusting that it may please the Lord to speak through it to some unsaved readers, for we dare not assume that all who take this magazine have really been born again.

Our text forms part of one of the Messianic predictions, in which God made know long beforehand the treatment which his Son would receive when He became incarnate.

The prophecy of Isaiah was in the hands of the Jews seven hundred years before the Lord Jesus was born at Bethlehem—yet so exactly did it describe what befell Him, that it might well have been written by one of the Apostles. Therein is supplied one of the incontrovertible proofs of the Divine inspiration of the Scriptures, for only One who knew the end from the beginning, could have thus written history beforehand.

It might well have been supposed that the advent to earth of such a One as the Lord of Glory, would meet with a warm welcome and reverent reception, the more so in view of His appearing in human form, going about doing good. Since He came not to judge—but to save; since His mission was one of grace and mercy, since He ministered to the needy and healed the sick—will not men gladly receive Him? Many would naturally think so—but in so thinking they overlook the fact that the Lord Jesus is “the Holy One,” and none but those who have the principle of holiness in their hearts, can appreciate ineffable Purity. Such an assumption as the one we have just mentioned, ignores the solemn fact of human depravity—the heart of fallen man is “desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9). How can the Holy One appear attractive to those who are full of sin!? Nothing so clearly evidences the condition of the human heart, and so solemnly demonstrates its corruption, as its attitude toward the precious Savior.

There is much recorded against man in the Old Testament Scriptures, as for example in Psalm 14:1-4; yet dark as is the picture there drawn of fallen human nature, it fades into insignificance before what the New Testament sets before us. “The carnal mind is enmity against God” (Romans 8:7), and never was this so frightfully patent, as when Jesus was manifested in flesh. “If I had not come,” declared Christ, “and spoken unto them, they had not had sin—but now they have no cloak for their sin” (John 15:22). The appearing of Christ has fully exposed man, bringing to light as nothing else ever has—the desperate wickedness of his heart!

Now let us ask and supply answer to three questions—Who was (and still is) “despised and rejected by men?” Why is He so grievously slighted? In what way is He scorned? Who was so unwelcome here?

Read more…

Bible Studies, Preaching, Scripture, The Gospel, Theology Arthur Pink, Bible, Christ, Despised, faith, Isaiah, Prophesy, repentance, Scripture, Self Denial, The Law

As many of you know I am a musician and love to write and arrange music - especially hymns.  One of my favorite hymns is “Crown Him With Many Crowns”.  During this Christmas remember that the little babe in the manger is crowned with many crowns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

So, I put together a short orchestral arrangement of “Crown Him With Many Crowns” and offering it here for everyone to download and use as they want.  I hope it blesses you as you reflect on the words of this magnificent hymn this Christmas!

Click here to download or listen to the song.

Merry Christmas!

Uncategorized Birth, Christmas, Crown Him With Many Crowns, Jesus, Manger, Music

When we think of Christmas what may come to your mind is a round, young virgin and a miraculous birth in a small stable.  Or maybe your idea of Christmas is more of a family setting with the exchange of gifts around a glimmering Christmas tree.  Maybe your view of Christmas is more about a season of peace and joy where people seem to get along a little better this time of year.

The world we live in has always found a way to distract us from the true meaning of anything having to do with Christ Jesus.  Christmas focuses on Santa Claus and Easter focuses on a large bunny.  In this study, I want to show you how the story of Christmas is all throughout Scripture.  We’ll also see that Christmas is an event in history that all men throughout time have looked forward to and look back on along with all of the other events that emanate from the birth of Jesus Christ.

Let us begin with an important question:  How were those before Christ saved from the wrath of God because of their sins?  Has there always been only one Christmas?  Has there always been only one way to salvation throughout all of time?

Scripture gives us clear answers to this question.  Some may say that they were saved by the Old Covenant sacrifices or by following the Law.  Others may say that faith in God or confession saved them before Christ came.

However, what Holy Scripture teaches us very plainly is that from the foundation of time the only way that anyone could be saved is through the merits of Jesus Christ.  The Puritans called that merit the “crosswork” of Jesus Christ - the atoning death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  Let us take a journey through God’s Word to see just a few of the many places that show that all of Scripture points to Christ.  My prayer is that you will come to always see the shadow of the cross over the Babe in the manger as you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Read more…

Bible Studies, Scripture Abraham, Christ, Christmas, Christmas Tree, God, Jesus, Lamb, Lamb of God, Moses, Revelation

I was listening this afternoon to Todd Friel’s new radio program entitled “Wretched“, previously called “Way of the Master Radio”.  I always enjoy listening to Todd and hearing him and his crew witness to people over the phone and in person.  At the close of their two hour radio program they played an audio clip of a pastor who recently lost their baby girl.  This pastor spoke at his daughters funeral and delivered the gospel in all its glory.  This audio clip shows the power of the Gospel and how correct theology spearheads the worldview of true Christians who are trusting in Christ alone.  

What a beautiful testimony of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  May we reflect this Christmas (and every moment for that matter) on the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and anticipation of His glorious second coming as you listen to this beautiful sermon…

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 6 or above) is required to play this audio clip. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Daily Walk, The Gospel, Theology Christ, Death, Die, Funeral, Gospel, Sermon, Todd Friel, Wretched, Wretched Radio

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” - John 6:44

Coming to Christ” is a very common phrase in Holy Scripture. It is used to express those acts of the soul wherein, leaving at once our self-righteousness, and our sins, we fly unto the Lord Jesus Christ, and receive his righteousness to be our covering, and his blood to be our atonement. Coming to Christ, then, embraces in it repentance, self-negation, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and it sums within itself all those things which are the necessary attendants of these great states of heart, such as the belief of the truth, earnestness of prayer to God, the submission of the soul to the precepts of God’s gospel, and all those things which accompany the dawn of salvation in the soul. Coming to Christ is just the one essential thing for a sinner’s salvation. He that cometh not to Christ, do what he may, or think what he may, is yet in “the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity.” Coming to Christ is the very first effect of regeneration. No sooner is the soul quickened than it at once discovers its lost estate, is horrified thereat, looks out for a refuge, and believing Christ to be a suitable one, flies to him and reposes in him. Where there is not this coming to Christ, it is certain that there is as yet no quickening; where there is no quickening, the soul is dead in trespasses and sins, and being dead it cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. We have before us now an announcement very startling, some say very obnoxious. Coming to Christ, though described by some people as being the very easiest thing in all the world, is in our text declared to be a thing utterly and entirely impossible to any man, unless the Father shall draw him to Christ. It shall be our business, then, to enlarge upon this declaration. We doubt not that it will always be offensive to carnal nature, but, nevertheless, the offending of human nature is sometimes the first step towards bringing it to bow itself before God. And if this be the effect of a painful process, we can forget the pain and rejoice in the glorious consequences.

I shall endeavour this morning, first of all, to notice man’s inability, wherein it consists. Secondly, the Father’s drawings–what these are, and how they are exerted upon the soul. And then I shall conclude by noticing a sweet consolation which may be derived from this seemingly barren and terrible text.

Read more…

Bible Studies, The Gospel, Theology Charles Spurgeon, Conversion, God, Jesus, Regeneration, Spurgeon, Total Depravity, Total Inability

“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Hebrews 13:20-21

Bible Studies, Devotional Christ, Covenant, God, Hebrews, Jesus, Peace, Scripture

“The question is often asked - where are the godly men in the church - but where are the godly homes?”

- Steve Levy from his wonderful book “Bible Overview“

Culture, Daily Walk, The Church Christian Home, Godliness, Home, Steve Levy

Pornography continues to the be “silent” killer within the American church today.  It’s a topic that few discuss and many believe it to be a “normal” process of a man’s life.  The Bible screams otherwise and Jesus is clear that if you don’t fight lust you will go to hell. (Matt. 5:28-29)  (See an excellent sermon by John Piper on exactly this.)  

Pornography is a dragon that will grow and grow until is consumes your soul. (1 Peter 2:11)  The following video clip is from a show called “Wretched” hosted by Todd Friel of Way of the Master Radio.  It’s a convicting and excellent statement on the dangers of the sin and rebellion that is lust and pornography.
 

If you are in this sin of lust and pornography you are not alone.  You need to realize the seriousness of this sin.  It is a direct rebellion against God.  There is release of the bondage and captivity of sin through Jesus Christ.  There is an excellent group called “Setting Captives Free” that offers help through Biblical counseling.  One of the best books I have read on the subject of sexual sin is entitled “At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry” by Steve Gallagher.  I would also recommend viewing some of the videos over at I’ll Be Honest. May we continually fight and make war with sin through the power Christ gives us through His Word and His Spirit!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Culture, Daily Walk Damnation, idolatry, Internet, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lust, Porn, Pornography, Rebellion, Sin, Todd Friel, Way of the Master, Wretched Radio, Wretched TV

“That opinion that personal holiness is unnecessary to final glorification is in direct opposition to every dictate of reason; to every declaration of Scripture.” -Augustus Toplady

By our fall in Adam we not only lost the favor of God but also the purity of our nature, and therefore we need to be both reconciled to God and renewed in our inner man, for without personal holiness “no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). “As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior); because it it written, Be ye holy for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:15, 16). God’s nature is such that unless we be sanctified, there can be no communion between Him and us.

But can persons be sinful and holy at one and the same time? Genuine Christians discover so much carnality, filth, and vileness in themselves that they find it almost impossible to be assured they are holy. Nor is this difficulty solved, as in justification, by recognizing that though completely unholy in ourselves we are holy in Christ, for Scripture teaches that those who are sanctified by God are holy in themselves, though the evil nature has no been removed from them.

None but “the pure in heart” will ever “see God” (Matt. 5:8). There must be that renovation of soul whereby our minds, affections and wills are brought into harmony with God. There must be that im impartial compliance with the revealed will of God and abstinence from evil which issues from faith and love. There must be that directing of all our actions to the glory of God, by Jesus Christ, according to the Gospel. There must be a spirit of holiness working within the believer’s heart so as to sanctify his outward actions if they are to be acceptable unto Him in whom “there is no darkness”. True, there is perfect holiness in Christ for the believer, but there must also be a holy nature received from Him. There are some who appear to delight in the imputed obedience of Christ who make little or no concern about personal holiness. They have much to say about being arrayed in “the garments of salvation and covered with the robe of righteousness” (Isa. 61:10), who give no evidence that they are “clothed with humility” (1 Pet. 5:5) or that they have “put on . . . bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forebearing one another and forgiving one another” (Col. 3:12 & 13).

How many there are today who suppose that if they have trusted in Christ, all is sure to be well with them at the last even though they are not personally holy. Under the pretense of honoring faith, Satan as an angel of light, has deceived and is now deceiving multitudes of souls. When their “faith” is examined and tested, what is it worth? Nothing at all so far as insuring an entrance into heaven is concerned: it is a powerless, lifeless, fruitless thing. The faith of God’s elect is unto “the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1). It is a faith which purifieth the heart (Acts 15:9), and it grieves over all impurity. It is a faith which produces an unquestioning obedience (Heb. 11:8). They therefore do but delude themselves who suppose they are daily drawing nearer to heaven while they are following those courses which lead only to hell. He who thinks to come to the enjoyment of God without being personally holy, makes Him out to be an unholy God, and puts the highest indignity upon Him. The genuineness of saving faith is only proved as it bears the blossoms of experimental godliness and the fruits of true piety.

In Christ, God has set before His people that standard of moral excellence which He requires them to aim and strive after. In His life we behold a glorious representation in our own nature of the walk of obedience which He demands of us. Christ conformed Himself to us by His abasing incarnation; how reasonable therefore it is that we should conform ourselves to Him in the way of obedience and sanctification. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). He came as near to us as was possible for Him to do; how reasonable then is it that we should endeavor to come as near as it is possible for us to do. “Take my yoke upon vou and learn of me” (Matt. 11:29). If ”even Christ pleased not Himself” (Rom. 15:3), how reasonable is it that we should be required to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him (Matt. 16:24), for without so doing we cannot be His disciples (Luke 14:27). If we are to be conformd to Christ in glory, how necessary that we first be conformed to Him in holiness: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself so to walk even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19): Let him either put on the life of Christ, or drop the name of Christ.

- By A.W. Pink

Bible Studies, Daily Walk, Scripture Arthur Pink, AW Pink, Holiness, Holy, New Creation, New Life, Regeneration, Sanctification, Sanctified

Over at “I’ll Be Honest.com” they have posted a profound video message that discusses the idolatry of Christmas and how the world has become the idol of many professing believers in how we handle Christmas.

From their site…

“For the longest time I was treasuring the world and not Christ, and I lived in the darkness. It was obvious to family members as well, and they knew I was going through pornography. They also saw the hatred in my life, and the idolatry to computer games and my career. Yet no one ever told me what awaited me that night if I got in a car wreck, and was killed. I knew the judgment part would come, but I was a Christian, I said the prayer, I went to church, I believed in God. The reality was that I was deceiving myself, and I was going to be going straight to the lake of fire, for an eternity in eternal torment in Hell. God used an email from my mentor at Setting Captives Free to finally wake me up. He told me how he wasn’t going to respond to any of my emails, and how I did not want to be free from pornography. There was more to the email then that, and I hated him after that. I was so upset and disgusted at him for sending me that email, I thought “he doesn’t even care about me.” The reality was he did care, he realized it was time to stop beating around the bush, and tell me the straight up truth. Luke 13:3 - No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. - I also needed someone to finally read some verses from the book of 1 John - 1 John 1:6 - If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

The above video is from a young man on fire for Christ with a true, Biblical understanding of salvation - that salvation in Christ saves us not only from the penalty of sin (the wrath of God) but also from the bondage of sin.  Born again believers are new creatures in Christ.  Soli Deo Gloria!

So give the true Gift of Christmas to friends, family and strangers - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Culture, Daily Walk, The Church addiction, bondage, Christ, Christmas, I'll Be Honest, Jesus, Pornography, salvation, Sin