2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word".
There is no mystery to this statement. We are to preach, and we are to preach the word. It is a very sad thing to see many giving an appearance of preaching while simply tickling the ears of their hearers. These men seem to be biblical preachers since they quote the Bible, but they quote the Bible only as a springboard to whatever else they want to talk about. Their commitment to the Bible is merely superficial. They have a veneer of biblical preaching overlaying their shallow sermons. It is even sadder that many in the pew are not discerning of these things. It is the listener who accumulates for himself preachers who tickle his ears. The preacher must remain faithful to the text; the congregation must keep him accountable to do so. Let us not take lightly the value of biblical preaching. Let us through the shallow preaching of men. Let us gather for ourselves men who will "preach the word"!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
11-29-09 Sermon Review
Remember Your Benefits
John 14:15-31
John Piper last week wrote a short post on why someone should want to be a Christian. He gives one reason. I'm sure he'll agree with me though, that there isn't just one reason why someone should want to become a Christian. They are myriads upon myriads of blessings as a believer. John Piper simply boils it all down to one. It is good however, to take our time and consider the benefits we have in Christ. Psalm 103:2 commands, "forget none of His benefits." It will do us well to contemplate all that we have in Christ.
The passage today lends itself to such meditations. We find it in the context of Jesus comforting His disciples preparing them for what they are about to experience. He comforts them by way of reminder and promises. These are truly comforting not only for the disciples, but also for us since their benefits are also ours. Though this may seem like overkill, please bear with me as we look at fourteen blessings in Jesus' comforting words. Today, we'll only look at five of them, and we'll finish the rest next week.
We are driven by love to live the Christian life. Jesus starts off this passage with the words, "if you love me" Why should we live the way Jesus calls us to? Because we love Him! Christianity is not simply about God loving us but also about us loving God. We are not driven to obey because of a great fear of punishment but rather because of a great love for Jesus. Remember that Jesus did not say, "If you fear me" but, "If you love me".
We have a perfect and good Law. "If you love me, you will obey my commands." This presumes that Jesus had given them commands. Have you ever been at job where they never told you what you should be doing? It's quite fun until your boss comes around and tells you that you're fired because you didn't get any work done. But Jesus has given us His commands. We do not need to guess what our Savior desires from us! These commands are perfect and good. They are complete because they address all of life. They are good because it comes from the only good God for the benefit of our souls. Let us rejoice that we have a perfect and good law to obey!
We have a great High Priest. "I will ask the Father." Do you find this statement delightful? I do. I find this delightful because it is an apt picture of grace! We as sinners have no right to come before the Father. We are banned from His presence. However, Jesus asks the Father on our behalf! The son pleads on the behalf of those who have infinitely offended His Father. Do you see grace? His High Priestly role allows us to experience all the blessings we have from the Father. We should not fear approaching the Almighty for we have a great High Priest who will plead our case before the Father.
We have a Helper forever. "He will give you another Helper, that He may be with your forever". What is so great about this Helper? Let us first address how this Helper helps us. The word parakletos used here was specifically used to refer to a legal defender. We are so often plagued with doubt concerning God's promises. Are we really children of God? Are we really going to see Jesus? I'm such a sinner, how could I ever expect to see Christ? The Spirit, our Helper defends us against these thoughts. He testifies to our spirits that we are indeed children of God and brings confidence for us in God's promises (cf. Romans 8:16, 17). What a blessing to have a constant, eternal Helper!
We are not deserted orphans. "I will not leave you as orphans." Do you feel deserted here on earth? Where is Jesus? Where is the hope of His coming? Day after day passes by, and yet He is not here. Well rest assured for our Lord will definitely return. He loves us so and though He be away, He cares for us and is intimately concerned with all our breath and life. We have a joyous reunion with our Maker and our Lord awaiting us in the future. What hope we have in Christianity!
I pray these five points have been a blessing for you. Next week we'll look at nine more. Count your blessings. Do not forget what you have in Christ. Declare it in the morning, meditate on it at night. God bless!
John 14:15-31
John Piper last week wrote a short post on why someone should want to be a Christian. He gives one reason. I'm sure he'll agree with me though, that there isn't just one reason why someone should want to become a Christian. They are myriads upon myriads of blessings as a believer. John Piper simply boils it all down to one. It is good however, to take our time and consider the benefits we have in Christ. Psalm 103:2 commands, "forget none of His benefits." It will do us well to contemplate all that we have in Christ.
The passage today lends itself to such meditations. We find it in the context of Jesus comforting His disciples preparing them for what they are about to experience. He comforts them by way of reminder and promises. These are truly comforting not only for the disciples, but also for us since their benefits are also ours. Though this may seem like overkill, please bear with me as we look at fourteen blessings in Jesus' comforting words. Today, we'll only look at five of them, and we'll finish the rest next week.
We are driven by love to live the Christian life. Jesus starts off this passage with the words, "if you love me" Why should we live the way Jesus calls us to? Because we love Him! Christianity is not simply about God loving us but also about us loving God. We are not driven to obey because of a great fear of punishment but rather because of a great love for Jesus. Remember that Jesus did not say, "If you fear me" but, "If you love me".
We have a perfect and good Law. "If you love me, you will obey my commands." This presumes that Jesus had given them commands. Have you ever been at job where they never told you what you should be doing? It's quite fun until your boss comes around and tells you that you're fired because you didn't get any work done. But Jesus has given us His commands. We do not need to guess what our Savior desires from us! These commands are perfect and good. They are complete because they address all of life. They are good because it comes from the only good God for the benefit of our souls. Let us rejoice that we have a perfect and good law to obey!
We have a great High Priest. "I will ask the Father." Do you find this statement delightful? I do. I find this delightful because it is an apt picture of grace! We as sinners have no right to come before the Father. We are banned from His presence. However, Jesus asks the Father on our behalf! The son pleads on the behalf of those who have infinitely offended His Father. Do you see grace? His High Priestly role allows us to experience all the blessings we have from the Father. We should not fear approaching the Almighty for we have a great High Priest who will plead our case before the Father.
We have a Helper forever. "He will give you another Helper, that He may be with your forever". What is so great about this Helper? Let us first address how this Helper helps us. The word parakletos used here was specifically used to refer to a legal defender. We are so often plagued with doubt concerning God's promises. Are we really children of God? Are we really going to see Jesus? I'm such a sinner, how could I ever expect to see Christ? The Spirit, our Helper defends us against these thoughts. He testifies to our spirits that we are indeed children of God and brings confidence for us in God's promises (cf. Romans 8:16, 17). What a blessing to have a constant, eternal Helper!
We are not deserted orphans. "I will not leave you as orphans." Do you feel deserted here on earth? Where is Jesus? Where is the hope of His coming? Day after day passes by, and yet He is not here. Well rest assured for our Lord will definitely return. He loves us so and though He be away, He cares for us and is intimately concerned with all our breath and life. We have a joyous reunion with our Maker and our Lord awaiting us in the future. What hope we have in Christianity!
I pray these five points have been a blessing for you. Next week we'll look at nine more. Count your blessings. Do not forget what you have in Christ. Declare it in the morning, meditate on it at night. God bless!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Week in Review 12/04/09
What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week was a definitely trying. Getting back into work after Thanksgiving with a final on Wednesday is truly difficult. On top of that, having students you love express hate towards you is quite saddening. However, there has been a lot of good that makes the week joyful. I did do well on my Hebrew Final, and I am progressing in my Karate. I am excited for the seminary quarter to be over so I can start reading my own books. Next Saturday, I will be testing for my orange belt skipping yellow belt. This weekend, we'll be having our TYGT planning and vision-meeting. Please pray for us. God bless!
Interesting Happenings
While I was helping out a second-grader with his sparring in our Karate After School program, I was hit unexpectedly in my privates by a roundhouse kick. I was letting the student hit my hands with his kicks for practice, and I looked away to give some advice to another student. I guess the student didn't think we stopped and through one more kick. I never thought I'd experience such pain as a grown adult inflicted by a second-grader. It was the weirdest feeling of "Did this really just happen to me?" It was truly a humbling experience.
Check These Links Out
What Binds Us Together? - A nice quote by D.A. Carson.
What Is the Biggest Upcoming Theological Battle? - R.C. Sproul's answer, and a good one at that.
The Spirit's True Work - Make sure to read the entire series of posts by John MacArthur.
Free Lou Priolo Audio- Great resource on counseling issues.
The Google Zeitgeist - Interesting Statistics.
The Ever-growing Wish List
Christmas music! - By various artsists
This week was a definitely trying. Getting back into work after Thanksgiving with a final on Wednesday is truly difficult. On top of that, having students you love express hate towards you is quite saddening. However, there has been a lot of good that makes the week joyful. I did do well on my Hebrew Final, and I am progressing in my Karate. I am excited for the seminary quarter to be over so I can start reading my own books. Next Saturday, I will be testing for my orange belt skipping yellow belt. This weekend, we'll be having our TYGT planning and vision-meeting. Please pray for us. God bless!
Interesting Happenings
While I was helping out a second-grader with his sparring in our Karate After School program, I was hit unexpectedly in my privates by a roundhouse kick. I was letting the student hit my hands with his kicks for practice, and I looked away to give some advice to another student. I guess the student didn't think we stopped and through one more kick. I never thought I'd experience such pain as a grown adult inflicted by a second-grader. It was the weirdest feeling of "Did this really just happen to me?" It was truly a humbling experience.
Check These Links Out
What Binds Us Together? - A nice quote by D.A. Carson.
What Is the Biggest Upcoming Theological Battle? - R.C. Sproul's answer, and a good one at that.
The Spirit's True Work - Make sure to read the entire series of posts by John MacArthur.
Free Lou Priolo Audio- Great resource on counseling issues.
The Google Zeitgeist - Interesting Statistics.
The Ever-growing Wish List
Christmas music! - By various artsists
We Delight in Being Created
Psalm 139:13-14
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."
I asked my small group at CCS today, "Do you know what you are?" They answered, "Human." But what is a "human"? They had no answer. It reminded me that it is of great importance for us to understand our own existence. We are created beings, not autonomous entities that exist by chance or by our own power. Humans are also wonderfully created. Only when we realize that we are created can we rightly understand ourselves and delight in what we are. The idea that we are created does not discourage us. It actually reminds us of God's power and glory thereby delighting us. It arouses thankfulness and wonder. Let us delight in being created by a gracious, merciful God. May that delight extend into thanksgiving to our Maker.
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."
I asked my small group at CCS today, "Do you know what you are?" They answered, "Human." But what is a "human"? They had no answer. It reminded me that it is of great importance for us to understand our own existence. We are created beings, not autonomous entities that exist by chance or by our own power. Humans are also wonderfully created. Only when we realize that we are created can we rightly understand ourselves and delight in what we are. The idea that we are created does not discourage us. It actually reminds us of God's power and glory thereby delighting us. It arouses thankfulness and wonder. Let us delight in being created by a gracious, merciful God. May that delight extend into thanksgiving to our Maker.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Week in Review 11/27/09
What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
What a wonderful Thanksgiving! Great food, great times, great friends, great relatives! And who can forget, our Great God who allows us to experience all these blessings. I pray you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Interesting Happenings
Saw around 20 small animals (the size of a raccoon or small fox) dead on I-5 on my way down to see my parents in Southern California.
Check These Links Out
Does 'Mutual Consent' Eliminate the Evil in Gambling? - By Phil Johnson.
Useless Stay-at-Home Men a Myth - Interesting article on women in the workforce and how it affects the home.
The Ever-growing Wish List
COLLISION - Debate DVD between Christopher Hitchens and Doug Wilson
What a wonderful Thanksgiving! Great food, great times, great friends, great relatives! And who can forget, our Great God who allows us to experience all these blessings. I pray you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Interesting Happenings
Saw around 20 small animals (the size of a raccoon or small fox) dead on I-5 on my way down to see my parents in Southern California.
Check These Links Out
Does 'Mutual Consent' Eliminate the Evil in Gambling? - By Phil Johnson.
Useless Stay-at-Home Men a Myth - Interesting article on women in the workforce and how it affects the home.
The Ever-growing Wish List
COLLISION - Debate DVD between Christopher Hitchens and Doug Wilson
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
11-22-09 Sermon Review
It's been awhile since we've had sermon reviews. But I will be starting them up again starting this week.
What Does It Mean to Give Thanks?
Various texts
Thanksgiving is an essential, natural part of Christian life. Throughout the New Testament believers are told to pray with thanksgiving, receive with thanksgiving, make requests with thanksgiving, sing with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving permeates all our doing to the point that Paul can say, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). However, Christians do not seem to understand the biblical idea of thanksgiving. I want to address four characteristics of thanksgiving so that we may give thanks with a biblical understanding of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a response. We are not told to give thanks without precedent. On the contrary, we are told to give thanks because giving thanks is exactly the proper response for what God has done for us in our lives. Thanksgiving is the fitting response for the recipient of grace, and that is what we are. If we do not "feel like giving thanks" it is because we do not understand grace. It is because we are blind to everything God has done, is doing, and will be doing for us. We do not understand how much we have in light of our unworthiness. It only takes one look at the cross of Jesus Christ to remind us the immeasurable grace we have received. It is in response to this gift that we give thanks. There is always a precedent for thanksgiving.
It is possible therefore to make thanksgiving a simple gesture rather than a response. For instance, a teacher might say thank you to a student who turns in their homework. The teacher might feel happy that the student turned in his homework for he could have easily done otherwise, but the thanksgiving is a gesture, not true thanksgiving, since the student was obliged to turn in his homework. We see this in Luke 17 in Jesus' parable about the master and the slave. Jesus explains that the master does not thank the slave when the slave finishes what he is commanded. This is because the slave has the obligation to fulfill his duties. The master does not thank the slave. And so, we make thanksgiving a gesture of politeness and not true thanksgiving when we look at all that we have and think we deserve it. Thanksgiving is a response to grace, and grace by definition is something undeserved and unmerited. Too often we take God's gifts as our rights and by doing so obligate God to do good to us. No. He is our God, our gracious God who is free to do as He pleases. He has chosen to be gracious with us; so let us give thanks.
Thanksgiving is relational. The Bible shows that thanksgiving is an idea that occurs between two persons. Since thanksgiving is a response to grace, it presupposes that there is a giver. The idea of thanksgiving is a response towards the giver, not primarily a feeling we have inwardly. The question we must ask this thanksgiving is not primarily "What are we thankful for?" but rather "To whom should we give our thanks?". Many men feel thankful; few give thanks. Only when the Giver is recognized can we understand the value of what we have in our hands. Paul writes over and over again in his epistles that he gives thanks to God. Have we thanked God for all that He has given us? We commit idolatry every time we rob God of the thanks He deserves by not properly acknowledging Him as the Giver of all good things and directing our thanks elsewhere.
Thanksgiving is an action. Interestingly, the Hebrew word group for "thank" is derived from the Hebrew word for "hand". It is also translated as "confession" or even "choir". The Jews considered thanksgiving as primarily an action and not a feeling. Instead of stressing being thankful, we need to stress giving thanks. This is not to say that being or feeling thankful is not important. It is. However, simply being or feeling thankful is not the biblical directive of giving thanks. Thanksgiving is an action that you take. We say "Thank You" instead of saying "I am thankful." It comes out as confessions before God. It comes out as praises to His name. It comes out as trust in His character and obedience to His will. This is the biblical idea of thanksgiving.
Lastly, thanksgiving is rooted in joy. Thanksgiving does not exist where joy does not exist. It is impossible to give thanks without being joyful. It is no wonder that the word "thanksgiving" is found mostly in the psalms and in the context of joyful praise towards God. Joy is defined as exceeding delight caused by something good. It is the inward pleasure we feel for receiving grace. Thanksgiving is an extension of that joy going back to the Giver. Joy shows that you recognize what God gave you is good. Thanksgiving brings back the glory to God. Joy shows that you are delighted. Thanksgiving shows that you are more delighted in the Giver than the gift.
But have we not heard that we should give thanks in everything? Doesn't that mean we need to give thanks to God even when we don't feel the joy? God wants us to give Him the proper thanksgiving He deserves. When we feel that God has not been good to us and when there is no joy to beam out into thanksgiving towards God, we are in sin. We do not see the world as God sees it. We are blind to grace. We do not confess that what God's Word says about our situation is true. If we do not feel the joy, it is because we are sinful and blind. Do not play the hypocrite by giving God empty thanksgiving. Be honest with God and tell Him that you are in sin by not recognizing and embracing what He has given you and where He has placed you as a wonderful gift for your good. Do not mask your bitterness towards God with empty Thank You's. He sees right through you. Deal with your wrong thinking, your wrong perceiving, and then come to give thanks. As you repent of this sin, God will give you the joy you desire which will spring forth into the thanksgiving you long to give.
This Thanksgiving, I pray that we may all give thanks to God as He deserves. May He be so gracious as to let us continue in such thanksgiving all our days. God bless!
What Does It Mean to Give Thanks?
Various texts
Thanksgiving is an essential, natural part of Christian life. Throughout the New Testament believers are told to pray with thanksgiving, receive with thanksgiving, make requests with thanksgiving, sing with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving permeates all our doing to the point that Paul can say, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). However, Christians do not seem to understand the biblical idea of thanksgiving. I want to address four characteristics of thanksgiving so that we may give thanks with a biblical understanding of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a response. We are not told to give thanks without precedent. On the contrary, we are told to give thanks because giving thanks is exactly the proper response for what God has done for us in our lives. Thanksgiving is the fitting response for the recipient of grace, and that is what we are. If we do not "feel like giving thanks" it is because we do not understand grace. It is because we are blind to everything God has done, is doing, and will be doing for us. We do not understand how much we have in light of our unworthiness. It only takes one look at the cross of Jesus Christ to remind us the immeasurable grace we have received. It is in response to this gift that we give thanks. There is always a precedent for thanksgiving.
It is possible therefore to make thanksgiving a simple gesture rather than a response. For instance, a teacher might say thank you to a student who turns in their homework. The teacher might feel happy that the student turned in his homework for he could have easily done otherwise, but the thanksgiving is a gesture, not true thanksgiving, since the student was obliged to turn in his homework. We see this in Luke 17 in Jesus' parable about the master and the slave. Jesus explains that the master does not thank the slave when the slave finishes what he is commanded. This is because the slave has the obligation to fulfill his duties. The master does not thank the slave. And so, we make thanksgiving a gesture of politeness and not true thanksgiving when we look at all that we have and think we deserve it. Thanksgiving is a response to grace, and grace by definition is something undeserved and unmerited. Too often we take God's gifts as our rights and by doing so obligate God to do good to us. No. He is our God, our gracious God who is free to do as He pleases. He has chosen to be gracious with us; so let us give thanks.
Thanksgiving is relational. The Bible shows that thanksgiving is an idea that occurs between two persons. Since thanksgiving is a response to grace, it presupposes that there is a giver. The idea of thanksgiving is a response towards the giver, not primarily a feeling we have inwardly. The question we must ask this thanksgiving is not primarily "What are we thankful for?" but rather "To whom should we give our thanks?". Many men feel thankful; few give thanks. Only when the Giver is recognized can we understand the value of what we have in our hands. Paul writes over and over again in his epistles that he gives thanks to God. Have we thanked God for all that He has given us? We commit idolatry every time we rob God of the thanks He deserves by not properly acknowledging Him as the Giver of all good things and directing our thanks elsewhere.
Thanksgiving is an action. Interestingly, the Hebrew word group for "thank" is derived from the Hebrew word for "hand". It is also translated as "confession" or even "choir". The Jews considered thanksgiving as primarily an action and not a feeling. Instead of stressing being thankful, we need to stress giving thanks. This is not to say that being or feeling thankful is not important. It is. However, simply being or feeling thankful is not the biblical directive of giving thanks. Thanksgiving is an action that you take. We say "Thank You" instead of saying "I am thankful." It comes out as confessions before God. It comes out as praises to His name. It comes out as trust in His character and obedience to His will. This is the biblical idea of thanksgiving.
Lastly, thanksgiving is rooted in joy. Thanksgiving does not exist where joy does not exist. It is impossible to give thanks without being joyful. It is no wonder that the word "thanksgiving" is found mostly in the psalms and in the context of joyful praise towards God. Joy is defined as exceeding delight caused by something good. It is the inward pleasure we feel for receiving grace. Thanksgiving is an extension of that joy going back to the Giver. Joy shows that you recognize what God gave you is good. Thanksgiving brings back the glory to God. Joy shows that you are delighted. Thanksgiving shows that you are more delighted in the Giver than the gift.
But have we not heard that we should give thanks in everything? Doesn't that mean we need to give thanks to God even when we don't feel the joy? God wants us to give Him the proper thanksgiving He deserves. When we feel that God has not been good to us and when there is no joy to beam out into thanksgiving towards God, we are in sin. We do not see the world as God sees it. We are blind to grace. We do not confess that what God's Word says about our situation is true. If we do not feel the joy, it is because we are sinful and blind. Do not play the hypocrite by giving God empty thanksgiving. Be honest with God and tell Him that you are in sin by not recognizing and embracing what He has given you and where He has placed you as a wonderful gift for your good. Do not mask your bitterness towards God with empty Thank You's. He sees right through you. Deal with your wrong thinking, your wrong perceiving, and then come to give thanks. As you repent of this sin, God will give you the joy you desire which will spring forth into the thanksgiving you long to give.
This Thanksgiving, I pray that we may all give thanks to God as He deserves. May He be so gracious as to let us continue in such thanksgiving all our days. God bless!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Know the One Whom We Should Thank
James 1:17
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."
This Thanksgiving, let us consider not only the things we are thankful for, but also the One whom we should thank. Let us not only acknowledge the gifts, delighting in their goodness, but also the Giver who lavishes these perfect gifts on us. Only when we can see that every good thing we have has been given by the Father of lights to undeserving sinners can we truly appreciate them. To give thanks to God requires great humility for it compels us to confess that what we have we did not earn and what we received we did not deserve. There is no closure in the heart of man for this feeling of thankfulness until it has thanked the true Giver. It is the heart of idolatry to rob God of the thanks He deserves to give them to others who deserve it not. Christian, let us humble ourselves and give thanks to God.
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."
This Thanksgiving, let us consider not only the things we are thankful for, but also the One whom we should thank. Let us not only acknowledge the gifts, delighting in their goodness, but also the Giver who lavishes these perfect gifts on us. Only when we can see that every good thing we have has been given by the Father of lights to undeserving sinners can we truly appreciate them. To give thanks to God requires great humility for it compels us to confess that what we have we did not earn and what we received we did not deserve. There is no closure in the heart of man for this feeling of thankfulness until it has thanked the true Giver. It is the heart of idolatry to rob God of the thanks He deserves to give them to others who deserve it not. Christian, let us humble ourselves and give thanks to God.
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