To Him Who Is Able

Jude 24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

We are so very fragile. It is scary at times to see how little it takes to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual damage. It only takes a moment, a single sentence, a slight look. At times, we can wreck ourselves, our families, and our loved ones with a single thought.

Lately, I have struggled more and more with the dark thoughts of my most profoundly stupid moments in life. Even in pursuit of what is good and holy, I have said things with the best of intentions that have hurt others. If even the well-intended thoughts can go horribly wrong, consider the extent of damage that our pride and hatred can bring.

I cannot keep myself from falling. But the Lord Jesus, our great high priest, is able. The grammar of verse 24 in Jude stresses that fact - He is able. When we are cast down as we consider the breath-taking power that we have to destroy, let us be reminded that the Lord has greater power to protect. He is able to guard us. He is able to mitigate our damage.

Not only is He able to keep us from falling, but our glorious Savior continually washes us, and will do so until He presents us blameless before His throne!

He fosters us and protects us as He brings us into His presence with great joy. Is this not remarkable? We ought to be continually sorrowful and full of anguish for our sin. We deserve not to have our burden lifted. But His work in us is utterly joyful.

As a father to my children, I know what it is like to see them broken in tears and looking for comfort. As they wrap their arms around me and bury their heads in on my shoulder as they are sobbing, I have no other thought but to hold them, protect them, and comfort them. I am thankful that there is One who cares to protect and comfort me.

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Sunday, July 20th - Love that Compels

The Lord Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those would persecute us. This text was the focus of Stan's sermon and gave us plenty to meditate on and to continue to consider as we seek to obey our Lord.

As I have continued to consider this, I cannot help but think of missions and the proclamation of the Gospel as the ultimate fulfillment of this command. As Stan mentioned during the sermon, in Psalm 139, King David states that he hates those who hate God; they are his enemies who he utterly despises. Under the Old Covenant, David could remain this way and be considered to be a man after God's own heart.

But the Gospel has brought a different command. The apostles could not agree with King David. Paul would not go into pagan lands if he hated those peoples with an utmost hatred. He did not view them as enemies that he wanted to see destroyed and crushed, but rather he desired to see them redeemed and brought near to God and to one another in the Body of Christ. He begged them, as though God were appealing through him that they would be reconciled to God. This is love. This is the commandment of the New Covenant.

May God grant to us the love which our Lord spoke about. May He empower us through the Holy Spirit to pursue others in love, and may His sovereign mercy go forth for the glory of Christ.

Bella

I'm not one to recommend movies. But if you are looking for something to watch, Jaime and I just finished our second viewing of the film Bella and I would highly recommend it to you.

Let me give a few reasons why. This is not a movie review, nor critique. Just some things that I can't get out of my mind from this movie. Please note that there are some intense scenes and topics presented in the movie. Watch it before you decide to let your children watch.

1. Struggle. Very often, movies that are cleaned up enough for believers to watch them create a very shallow presentation of the struggle that highlights the movie. In Bella, the struggle is very real. It is intense and gripping. I have often noted before, the Scriptures do not candy-coat life. The words of the Holy Writ acknowledge pain, sorry, temptation, and the struggle to choose between one course or another. I think that a good movie should do the same. Bella communicates the struggle is a powerful way, but never overstates it.

2. Emotion. On my first viewing of the film, I was holding on to myself as I tried to figure out where the movie was taking me. The movie guided me through very real emotions. It was genuine. The second viewing let me relax. I could take in the movie without being scared that it was going to mess up at some point and pander tear-jerking moments or completely fall apart into cheesy nothingness. It cleaned me out emotionally. I simply felt moments that took my breath away in both joy and sorrow. Here, in the second viewing, I also realized that emotions I felt were matched by the actors on the screen. I sat back and saw incredible acting...the kind that makes you wonder how they do it. It was convincing.

3. Beauty. There is beauty in love. Beauty in honest struggle. Beauty in family. And beauty in life.

Before I go on, I must digress and speak of another movie that I watched. It was a "faith"-based movie that I will not name. Parts of it were good, but the rest was overstated, stereotypical, and poorly executed. In one scene, a homeless man is encountered. He is stereotyped as a quirky bum who is always trying to steal things when people aren't looking. The movie gives no empathy and makes me wonder if the directors of the movie have ever been involved in reaching out and loving the homeless people in our communities at all.

One of the shining beautiful moments in Bella revolves around a brief scene with a homeless man on the streets of New York. His character is beautiful in both reality and metaphor. I am thankful for the treatment of this scene in Bella.

4. Purity. The directors did not have resort to found language to communicate anger. They did not have to show flesh to make the actors attractive. It proves that most of Hollywood is either lazy or indulgent when they have to incorporate blood, lust and foul language in order to communicate.

5. I'll save this one. Watch the movie and you will know! Just remember, Bella means "Beautiful".

Expressions: Ephesians 5:25-27

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless."

Ephesians 5:25-27 - The Cleansing of the Bride
Fiber Art by Christy Berry

Wednesday Study - The Severity of Jesus

This Wednesday night, we continued studying in Piper's book, "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ". This chapter focused upon Christ's judgment of sin. As Piper points out, we must always remember the wealth of mercy that is in Jesus, but we must never separate that from the judgment that rightfully is pronounced upon sin.

This chapter is filled with great theology and some good Piper-isms. One of my favorites lines included the fact that we must understand "the severity" of the mercy of Christ. This made me consider my own testimony and conclude with many others at our study that we did not understand the depth of our own sin until we understood the greatness of the mercy of Jesus.

As I stated last evening, a criticism of the chapter is that in order to make universal points that are applicable to all people, Piper's usage of Scripture paints with broad brush-strokes a general theme over many passages that should be seen in specific contexts. In other words, Piper references and quotes many passages in which Jesus speaks with scathing words of judgment. However, in the context, these words of judgment are not merely because of sin in general, but specifically His words are in reference to the judgment of the Old Covenant people of God.

If we allow this sort of thing continue to cloud our interpretation of the Scriptures, we will miss the most important themes that are integral to understanding the Scriptures, the Church, and sound theology.

But with that criticism noted, as I mentioned early I think that the application of theology from this chapter is very good. The Lord Jesus is graceful and compassionate, but this does not mean that he does not bring judgment. As He brought judgment upon the Old Covenant people, so too He will one day bring the entire world to His judgment seat. He will bring everlasting punishment upon those who have not been cleansed by His merciful blood.

Let us fly to His mercy and forsake sin.

Sunday, July 13 - The Other Cheek

This Sunday, Stan's text for the sermon was Matthew 5:38-42. Here we saw the challenging words of our Lord which compels us to die to our own desires for justice and for self-seeking. Though the Old Covenant with Israel was very clear in its commands of justice and vindication, striking the offender to bring justice to the victim, our Lord removes not only the commandments of justice, but also our desires to bring about personal retribution.

Stan brought our attention to the book of Acts, where we find the unjust suffering placed upon the Church, yet they lived by the new Law of Christ. Instead of seeking retribution, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer. While Stephen was being stoned, he was not filled with desires of justice, but prayers of mercy to those who were brutally murdering him.

Is this not the theme of the Scriptures concerning the Bride of Christ? Have not we seen this over and over. In our study of 1 Peter on Wednesday nights we found that we should not think it strange when terrible suffering is directed at us for our faith in the Gospel. But let us not return evil for evil, for then our suffering will be just. Instead, let us be empowered by the Spirit to fulfill the Law of Christ. Let us die to self and live for the glory of God!

As George Mueller put it...
"There was a day when I died, utterly died: died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends. And since then, I have studied only to show myself 'approved unto God.'"

United with the Gospel

The Richardson's were thrilled to announce that on Friday, July 4th, 2008 Isaac was baptized by his father Shane on their property before their family and friends in Christ.

Isaac had grown under increasing conviction that his faith in Christ needed to be shown forth publicly through baptism and after several months of studying the Scriptures concerning baptism he approached his father and discussed his convictions and desires to be obedient to the Lord through this public testimony.

May God be praised for His goodness in the Gospel!

Sunday, July 6

This past Sunday, Stan continued preaching in Matthew 5.  In verses 33-37, we focused our attention on the teaching of Jesus as he continued to contrast his demands of righteousness to that of the Pharisees.  Here, we see the Old Covenant practice described in the Law given to Israel as the taking of vows.  Our Lord shows us that the people of his Kingdom should are expected to show forth truth in all their dealings, no matter how big or small they may seem.

Through this passage, we see how man will twist any regulations set before them to their own selfish ambition.  In this case, the Jews had set up a system that they justified as coming from the Law of God, given through Moses, but had used the system to justify sin instead of pursue righteousness.

As followers of Christ, let us never abuse the Word of God to justify sin.  Let us pursue the glory of God in truth and righteousness.  May it never cross our minds to purposefully defraud one another for our own selfish ambition.  Instead, let us rejoice in Jesus, the Righteous.  Let us see His beauty and seek to reflect that through our lives.

This will only come about through the power of Christ's resurrection in us and the work of the Holy Spirit to enable us.  May God bless us to do so for His glory!

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During out Bible Study hour, we continued studying the flow and logical progress of Paul's argument in the epistle to the Romans.  We spent most of the time discussing issues from the week before but we are poised to pick up in Romans 6 next week!

Romans - A Quick Study on the Logic of the Letter

This past Sunday, we started a brief study during our Bible Study time of Paul's logic and argument presented throughout Romans.  I wanted to post some thoughts from that study and also an outline for the weeks to come.

Please note that this is not designed to be a comprehensive outline of the book, but is merely a presentation of one way of looking at the flow of Paul's argument so that we see some of the unity and breadth of the letter.  My purpose, as stated last Sunday was to show that many of the conclusions by scholars and Bible teachers or uses of Romans as proof texts are against the context and are contrary to the clear purpose of the letter.

First, let us consider the way Paul begins his argument.

Romans 1:16-17
In 1:16, he states that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of both Jew and Greek.  Now this is very important as it sets up the rest of the book.  Paul, a Jew by birth, is making a statement that the Gospel of Jesus will bring salvation not only to the Jews, but also to  those whom the Jew despised.  It will come to those of both groups through faith in the Gospel, not through the works of the Law.  This theme will run the entire length of the letter and is seen as Paul commands both Jew and Gentiles, slaves and slave owners, to greet one another in Christian love (16:1-24).

The statement (in 1:16-17) will cause a chain reaction of issues that the apostle foresees and raises in our minds as he responds to the issues throughout the letter.  In other words, the entire letter revolves around the controversial proposition that God is now saving both Jew and Gentiles from the sins through one means, namely the Gospel of Jesus.

Romans 1:18-32 - The Guilt of the Gentiles
Paul then explains something that is less controversial.  He states that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Notice that phrase "the Law" is never mentioned!  Contrary to the systematic theology of many, Paul does not have to use the Decalogue (commonly referred to as the Ten Commandments today) to show the guilt of these people.  God's wrath is said to come upon them because of their "ungodliness" and "unrighteousness".  They were not thankful to God and did not glorify Him.  They were filled with wickedness, covetousness, malice, envy, strife, deceit, hostility, etc.

The text in Romans 2:12 makes it clear that the Gentiles have sinned apart from having the Law!  In 3:19, we see that the Law speaks to the Jews, not to the Gentiles.

Romans 2:1-3:8 - The Guilt of the Jews
Now Paul turns to the controversy of his beliefs.  He now addresses the Jews who would agree with him of his assessment of the Gentiles.  However, he states that they are just as guilty as the ungodly Gentiles.  The Jews made their boast of themselves because they "rely upon the Law" and "receive instruction from the Law" (2.17-18).  Notice that the phrase "the Law" is used 27 times in chapters 2 and 3!  The Law did not make the Jews righteous.  Paul's point is that the Law's purpose was to show the Jews that they were guilty, even though they were the chosen people of God!

Notice in 3.19-20 that Paul states the Law speaks to the Jews (the one group under the Law) and its purpose is so that (this is a purpose clause in the Greek language) "every mouth would be silenced and the whole world may be held accountable to God."  He then says that through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.  His emphasis is to bring the Jews under the guilt of sin just as the Gentiles are under the guilt of sin. 

Romans 3:9-20 - Conclusion that all are guilty, both Jew and Gentile and in need of salvation through the Gospel.
Now Paul confirms that all are guilty, leaving no room for a Jew to boast over the Gentiles.

Romans 3:21-26 - The Gospel of Salvation through faith, to the Jew and to the Gentile
Paul now lays forth the Gospel message, emphasizing that justification come through faith.  The Law does not protect a person from the wrath of God.  The Law does not bring about righteousness.

With all of that being said, not Paul must defend himself against all of the accusations against faith in the Gospel verses the history of Jewish belief.  Here, I will present the outline that I am planning to continue through the next few weeks of study.  It mainly consists of Paul's statements following this pattern:

A) Statement
B) Question ("What then, shall we say...")
C) Emphatic Answer ("May it never be!")
D) Defense

However, there are a few things that I have included in the outline that do not follow this pattern but are important to continue following his argument.

• Romans 3:1-4: Is God unfaithful since some of the Jews will die in unbelief and not be saved?
• Romans 3:5-18: Is God unjust because Israel's unrighteousness shows His righteousness?
• Romans 3:27-5.1: Is the Law given to Israel nullified by the Gospel of faith? 
• Romans 5.20 - 6:13: Shall the Jews continue to sin since the purpose of the Law was to make sin increase and thereby magnify grace?
• Romans 6:14-7.3: Shall the Jews continue to sin because they are not under the slave master of the Law?
• Romans 7:4-7: Is the Law given to Israel sin since it aroused sinful passions?
• Romans 7:8-24: Since the Law kills by the results it brings, is it therefore sinful?

     >Paul’s Excursus – The Glory of the Gospel (Romans 8)
     >Paul’s Crux – Has the word of God failed? (Romans 9.1-8)

• Romans 9:10-17: Is God unjust because He rejected Esau, who was a child of Isaac?

     >Paul’s Conclusion (Romans 9:30-33)
     >Paul’s Reaffirmation of the Gospel (Romans 10)

• Romans 10.18-11:6: Did God reject his people since he foretold through the prophets that he would  reject Israel and embrace another people?
• Romans 11.7-32: Has Israel fallen beyond recovery?