Joy Comes in the Morning

These are my notes from an Easter message by Pastor Russ Sukhia of Liberty Church PCA.  The text is taken from John 19:38-20:31.

Click here to listen to Pastor Russ’ message in its entirety.

After the crucifixion, Christ was either physically, supernaturally raised from the dead or He was not.  There is no in-between.

Mary went to the tomb early while it was still dark.  Other women were with her planning to anoint His Body.  They probably did not have any idea how they would overcome the large stone sealing the tomb. But this obstacle and their love for Christ did not dissuade them from going – and from serving Him in whatever way they could.

Mary was likely alternating between depression and faith.  ”On top of everything that’s happened, now His Body is missing”

Even seeing two angels in 20:11 did not bring Mary out of her despondency.

Then Mary saw a Man and supposed Him to be the gardener.  If His body had been taken, how could she carry Him back to the tomb?  This is further evidence that Mary was not thinking through all the details because she was so despondent and sorrowful.

Mary was in a depressed stupor – and nothing short of actually seeing Christ could get her out of it.

John sees linen cloths – folded neatly around the Body after the spices had been applied.  The linens were not mixed up – they were still neatly in place just as they would be if the Body suddenly disappeared.

The cloths were not touched by humans – they were like a discarded chrysalis.

This proves the Body was not stolen and that Christ was not merely unconscious and then somehow managed to escape Himself.

Peter and John were not expecting a physical, bodily, supernatural resurrection – but seeing the evidence in the tomb, they believed!

The disciples were in a locked, shut room – then Christ suddenly appeared in their midst.

He materialized in their presence.  They obviously were scared, and Christ’s first words are “Peace”

Christ gave His Spirit to them to comfort them. At Pentecost, His Spirit empowered them to preach the gospel.

When the disciples saw the physical, supernaturally risen Christ, they believed!

Thomas was not present when Christ first appeared to the rest of the disciples (v25)

Thomas seemed to have been in a similar depressed stupor like Mary.  He was deeply depressed.

After 8 days, Thomas did not have the faith the others had after seeing Christ.  Then Jesus appeared again.

Christ goes directly to Thomas and Thomas needed no further convincing.

Thomas saw, believed and declared “My Lord and My God!”  Christ did not correct him.  He accepted Thomas’ worship because Jesus is eternal God.

Are we like Thomas?  Is the resurrection just too far-fetched?

Knowing all that what we know today from:

–          the eyewitness accounts

–          the rest of Scripture

–          Christ’s own testimony and ministry

–          the results of His miracles

–          the disciples’ lives post-resurrection

–          the disciples’ persecutions and martyrdoms

we cannot simply shrug the resurrection off as foolish talk.

In our sinful states, we love darkness rather than Light.  We do not want to believe Christ is risen!

But if Christ is risen, I cannot be the ruler of my own life…setting my own rules and laws

This is why every sinner needs salvation through Christ.

If you have never heard the gospel, or are not sure what it is, please click the menu button at the top of this website.

THE PHYSICAL RESURRECTION OF CHRIST MEANS IF WE SEE OUR SIN AND TURN TO CHRIST, THEN WE CAN BE ASSURED OF OUR OWN SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION – WE ARE JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST.

To God Be The Glory!

A Look at the word “Begotten”

In Scripture, the words God chooses are very important – and we can learn much about the gospel from examining them.  There is one word in particular that we’ve all heard but may have never studied. The word is “begotten”.

This posting is about the New Testament word μονογενής, which is most frequently translated as “begotten”.  This Greek word is used 9 times in the New Testament and a great deal can be learned about the gospel message from examining the use of this very important word.

The word monogenēs is translated as “only begotten” six times, as “only” twice, and as “only child” once.  Of these nine usages, Christ Himself is being referred to in five of them.  What is very interesting however is what God is referring to in the remaining four passages.

Here are the five passages with Christ in view:

John 1:14 — And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 — No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

John 3:16 — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:18 — He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 John 4:9 — In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Scripture uses this word in describing Jesus Christ, Who is eternal God and without beginning.  What does God mean by saying Christ was the ‘only begotten’?  Scripture answers this question.  Here are the remaining four times this Greek word is used:

Luke 7:12 — Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Luke 8:42 — For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

Luke 9: 38 — And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

Heb 11:17 — By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son].

In each of these instances, the following traits are in evidence:
1. An only child is being featured
2. The child has died or is given up for dead
3. The child was raised or is rescued from death

Each of these four passages serve as parables providing a glimpse into the gospel message. That message is that Christ is the only Son and that He endured the second death (eternal damnation) for all the people He came to save, and He rose from the dead as proof that the price for sin had been fully paid.

Praise God for His inexpressible gift to us – and how throughout Scripture He repeatedly shows us the plan of salvation…if we have eyes to see and ears to hear.

This plan of salvation is summarized at the top of this website…if you are not familiar with it, please click on the link titled “The Gospel”.

To God Be The Glory!

Making Godly Decisions

Here are my notes from a message I heard by John MacArthur titled “The E’s of Godly Decision Making”.  You can download all of John MacArthur’s messages from Grace to You by clicking here.

We are not in the dark about what God says about sin. We know what’s explicitly right and wrong in the Bible.  The challenge is: what about all the things that fall in the middle, to which the Bible doesn’t explicitly speak.

How do we make decisions about the things Scripture doesn’t explicitly address?  How do we live with a biblical mindset?  What are the principles of godly decision making?  How can we know what the Lord would have us to do in a given situation that isn’t explicitly addressed in the Bible?

We can make the hard decisions easy by having a sound, biblical perspective!

• Principle of Expedience – Will it be spiritually profitable? (1 Cor 6:12)

All things not unlawful are lawful to me, but they aren’t profitable to me.  Will this cultivate godliness?  Will it be to my advantage?  Will it be to my spiritual benefit?

• Principle of Edification – Will it build me up? (1 Cor 10:23)

Will it put me on the path to spiritual growth/strength/stability?  Will it allow me to keep myself under control?  Can I maintain my self-control and my self-discipline?  Cultivate self-control.  Learn to say ‘No’ when you’ve got every right to say ‘Yes’

• Principle of Excess – Will it slow me down in my quest for spiritual growth? (Heb 12:1)

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race”  Weight here means bulk; needless diversions; unnecessary things.  We need to restrict some things in our lives because they hold us back and are needless wastes of our time.  Don’t let ourselves become encumbered with these types of weights/bulk

• Principle of Enslavement – Will it bring me into bondage? (1 Cor 6:12)

Don’t allow non-moral things to become my master.  Don’t be brought under the power of these things.  Don’t yield up my sovereignty to things like TV/internet –inherently, they take control of me

• Principle of Equivocation – Will it hypocritically cover my sin? (1 Peter 2:16)

Am I doing it to pander to my own lustful desires?  I need to be honest with myself.  Am I speaking about “freedom” as a cloak/veil to cover over my evil intent?  I need to look at and consider my true motives — don’t lie/falsify (i.e., equivocate) to myself

To God Be The Glory!

The Attributes of God

These are my notes from a message by Pastor Russ Sukhia of Liberty Church PCA.  It is from his series on the nature of God and is based on Job 37.

Click here to listen to Pastor Russ’ message in its entirety.

Scripture reveals to us that God is…

·         Pre-existent

·         Not bounded by time…He precedes it

·         Not bounded by a physical body – He is a Spirit

·         Not bound by space

Even so, God cares about each one of us – He created us in His own image

God is not a force – He is a Person

God is immutable – He is changeless

God is patient, good and longsuffering

God is holy – He only is holy…separate; set apart

He is utterly separate from all defilement.  He is pure.  In Him is no darkness at all

God’s holiness is seen in His works

·         All creation is holy

·         His law is holy

·         The atonement is holy – holiness is seen in His punishment of sin in Christ

God hates all sin –  because He is holy.  God is absolutely good

Sinners may be forgiven, but never their sin – it must be paid for by Christ

We are saved by the work of Christ – through His perfect life and His perfect sacrifice

For one sin, Adam & Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden

For one sin, Moses did not enter into Canaan

Every sin is a capital offense (spiritually) – every sin is treason against God and deserves death

God is gracious, merciful and longsuffering – often delaying punishment

But grace won’t last forever…an accounting will come

Sinners grow accustomed to God’s grace – we forget the awfulness of sin, and repeat them thinking God will tolerate it

Christians will hate sin – recognizing God’s hatred of sin and His love for ourselves

Christians will have distaste for sin – the forbidden fruit will no longer be enjoyed

Christians are called to live lives of holiness – because God is holy

 We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds

 We are to pursue holiness and reign over our lusts and desires

Christians will strive to live holy lives – that’s why God saved us

Not striving for such is evidence that we’re unsaved

To God Be The Glory!

 

The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

These are my notes from a message by Pastor Russ Sukhia of Liberty Church PCA from his series on the gospel of Mark.  The text for today is Mark 1: 1-8.

Click here to listen to Pastor Russ’ message in its entirety.

Mark is a gospel of great action and speed.  Mark was not one of the 12 disciples; he probably was one of the 70 sent out.  He doesn’t begin the gospel with genealogies…he is anxious and begins with “the gospel of Jesus Christ”.

v1:  Jesus is the Hebrew name “Joshua”…meaning Jehovah Saves.  Christ means the anointed One; the Messiah.  He was God’s appointed One.  THE anointed One.  He was not just a prophet of God or a servant of God…but God’s only Son. This is an assertion of Christ’s divinity (see also John 5:18)

v2: Forerunner means one who prepares the way…in the same way today that the President would send an advance team before him to clear the way.  John was preparing the hearts of the people who would receive Christ; removing obstacles in people’s hearts.

vv4-5: John preached about repentance – and his baptism was about repentance.  John’s message, like Old Testament prophets before and like Christ after, was about deep heartfelt repentance.  Repentance is not merely regret or sorrow (like the regret Judas or the rich young ruler had), John was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.  The key to John’s power was that he was Spirit-filled (dunamis; dynamite; power) – this resulted in great boldness.  As a result of being Spirit-filled, there was a huge response from the masses and many repented and were baptized.

v6: Mark explains John’s clothing and diet.  This may seem odd because Mark doesn’t take time as the other gospel writers do to trace Jesus’ roots.  John was described like Elijah…a hairy man who ate whatever he could find in the wilderness and wore crude clothing.  John was a Nazarite from birth — his entire life was consecrated and devoted to the Lord…not just a period of time.

v7: John was pointing people to Christ – in effect John was saying, “Don’t mistake the herald for the King. I’m just preparing the way.”  He told people that Christ would do in reality what he could only do as a sign or shadow.

Consider the following from these passages:

1. The coming of both the Forerunner and Messiah were foreordained in Scripture hundreds of years before they occurred.  The unfolding of the redemption story is unveiled more and more in Old Testament, and then in its full glory in the New Testament.  Our redemption was worked out precisely as foretold in Scripture…according to God’s perfect timing.  Mark is the good news about Jesus Christ – not merely a man, but God incarnate…Emmanuel; “God With Us”
2. Christ calls John the greatest Old Testament prophet in Matt 11:7. He was the last of the Old Testament prophets.  Jesus said no one born of woman was greater than John the Baptist.  He was great in the sight of the Lord.  He was great because he was Spirit-filled – and we must seek to be filled by the Holy Spirit (in the same way the wind fills a sail).  We ought to have the Spirit not just present in our lives…but have the Holy Spirit dominate our lives.  If we are to have God dominate our lives, then we must “prepare the way” for Him…prepare our hearts.  We need to remove the obstacles and besetting sins that separate us from God.  We have a personal responsibility to do what God commands us — i.e., read His Word; pray; worship Him; serve Him.
3. We must repent!  Christians will always come up short on the bar of God’s justice, so we continually need to repent.
4. We should always seek to proclaim the good news of Christ…that our sins are borne by God Himself

Final Thought: Are we embracing this good news through repentance and faith?  If so, then we must share it.

To God Be The Glory!

Thoughts About Reformation Day

Only Christmas surpasses Halloween when it comes to money spent on decorations.  How sad that little or no attention is given to Reformation Day. Today’s posting is one meager attempt to change that.

Reformation Day dates to October 31, 1517 (499 years ago!).  It is the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of his church in Wittenburg, Germany.  This was the beginning of the liberation of the church from false teaching. 

Luther probably never imagined his writing would ignite such a furor.  Likewise, in July of 1741 when Jonathan Edwards delivered his famous sermon “Sinners in the hands of an Angry God”, he reportedly read it from a paper and spoke in a monotone voice — and yet God used it to break the hearts of many and begin the Great Awakening. 

(Rom 1:17 KJV) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 1:17 was the catapulting verse that stunned Luther when he read it. The key was living by faith and not by works.

There are some guiding principles to be gleaned from Reformation Day and the actions of Martin Luther:

1. Never consider anything done for the Lord as insignificant – no matter how small the deed.
2. Realize that no matter what type of decision we make, whether big or small, it will always have a ripple effect in our life.
3. Realize our actions affect not only ourselves but others too. Consider the effect Luther’s 95 Theses have had on the world during the last 499 years.
4. Christ is strategically involved in the small phases of our life as well as the large ones.  2 Kings 6:5-6 But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. .
5. Obedience in small things leads to obedience in large things.  Christians learn obedience one step at a time. Increasing maturity in our Christian walk yields greater and greater blessings.  We obey and act in faith – and leave the results to God.

If you have never read the 95 Theses of Martin Luther, you can see them here: Luther’s 95 Theses

To God Be The Glory!

Reasserting Our Dependence

These are my notes from a message by Pastor Russ Sukhia of Liberty Church PCA.  It is taken from Job Chapter 38.

Click here to listen to Pastor Russ’ message in its entirety.

As a nation every July 4^th for 240 years we have collectively celebrated our independence.   However, as a nation and as individuals, we are dependent upon God.

We are dependent creatures upon a greater power because otherwise, we and everything else in existence, would perish.

We are dependent upon God for…

Natural Laws: God’s creation is precise.  Consider the laws of physics; the order and structure of the universe; the orbit of the Earth; our environment.  Scripture tells us “the Heavens declare the glory of God”.  Our founding fathers acknowledged that we are dependent on “the laws of Nature’s God”.

The uniqueness of Earth: Consider that no other object in the heavens can support life for us.

The uniqueness of the human body: Consider that one cell contains more information that the Encyclopedia Britannica.  Our bodies have 30,000 miles of capillaries.  Truly, it is the fool who says in his heart there is no God.

For His constant sustainment & support of us: “In Him, all things consist”.  All things continue to endure by God’s power.  God sustains the inner workings of our bodies.  We need Him for every breath we take…for our food resources.  My grandmother recently celebrated her 99^th birthday and consider that her heart has beat over 1 Trillion times – and every beat from God!

For His constant sustainment & support of nations: Our founding fathers asked for God’s blessings on the United States – just as the pilgrims asked for His blessings for the entire North American continent.  This nation was founded for the advancement of the Christian faith.

God is the Author of our liberty…but today He is not the focus of our 4^th of July celebrations.

Men cannot make or enforce righteous laws if they do not first acknowledge a righteous God

Today, our nation is excising references to God from all national morals.  We are moving away from dependence upon God – and speedily racing toward independence from God.

As a nation we are claiming we do not need God for anything in our lives – not even for determining our proper gender!

Christianity today is largely mocked in America…not reverenced like it once was.

The foundation upon which our nation was founded is under attack because our reliance upon Christianity is under attack

Remaining faithful and true to God often results in persecution.

As our forefathers did 240 years ago, we too must pledge our lives, fortunes and sacred honor if we wish to remain faithful to our Lord. 

Having a firm reliance upon the LORD in all matters should lead us to…

1. Having a deep spirit of humility: all we have, we have received from God; we can claim no credit for it
2. Develop a deep spirit of thankfulness: for our lives, our liberties…for literally everything
3. Drive us to our knees pleading for mercy: we are sinners deserving God’s wrath
4. Drive us to our feet proclaiming the Gospel: sharing the Good News with our fellow men

Scripture reveals to us that God is…

Pre-existent

Not bounded by time…He precedes it

Not bounded by a physical body…He is a Spirit

Not bound by space

Even so, God cares about each one of us.  He created us in His own image.

God is not a force: He is a Person

God is immutable: He is changeless

God is patient:  He is good and longsuffering

God is holy: He only is holy…separate; set apart. He is utterly separate from all defilement.

God is pure: in Him is no darkness at all

God’s holiness is seen in His works:

All creation is holy

His law is holy

The atonement is holy: His holiness is seen in His punishment of sin in Christ

God hates all sin because He is holy.  God is absolutely good.

Sinners may be forgiven, but never their sin – every sin must be paid for

We are saved by the work of Christ – through His perfect life and His perfect sacrifice

For one sin, Adam & Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden

For one sin, Moses did not enter into Canaan

Every sin is a capital offense (spiritually) – every sin is treason against God and every sin deserves death

God is gracious, merciful and longsuffering – often delaying punishment

But grace won’t last forever – an accounting will come

Sinners grow accustomed to God’s grace – we forget the awfulness of sin, and repeat them thinking God will tolerate it

As Christians, we should hate sin – recognizing God’s hatred of sin and His love for ourselves

As Christians, we should have a distaste for sin – the forbidden fruit ought to no longer be enjoyed

Christians are called to live lives of holiness because God is holy

We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)

We are to pursue holiness and reign over our lusts and desires

Christians will strive to live holy lives – that’s why God saved us

Continuing on in our sin and not striving for holiness is evidence that we are unsaved

To God Be The Glory!

A Biblical Defense of Marriage: Viva La Difference!

These are my notes from a message by Pastor Barry Cureton of Liberty Church PCA.  It is taken from Genesis 1:26-31; 2:4-8, 15-20.

Click here to listen to Pastor Barry’s message in its entirety.

Advocates for same-sex marriage claim their movement is all about equality, civil rights and love.  They ask, “How can Christians be opposed to loving, committed, monogamous relationships?”

They say Christians are really against civil rights, love and equality…that Christians do not want to fulfill Christ’s call to love one another.

Advocates for same-sex marriage say that gender doesn’t really matter with regard to marriage.

How can Christians respond to the redefinition of marriage?  How can we support the Biblical view that marriage is only between one man and one woman?

Redefining marriage redefines the family – and redefining the family redefines the society that is comprised of families.

False teachings are pervading evangelical communities – making things acceptable that are not acceptable to God.  Many within evangelical communities are now supporting same-sex marriage.

God has a specific plan and purpose for marriage.  He created marriage with certain male-female principles as requirements.

 

ROLES

The roles of the man and the woman are different within the marriage relationship.  Society wants to blur/obscure/diffuse/obliterate the gender roles constituted by God.  Society wants to say, “Everyone is equal.”

However, equality does not mean the same.  Although men and women are equal before God, our roles are different.

God created male and female with specific gender roles – they are not blurred together.

God’s view of the family is not the same as the world’s view.  See Ephesians 5 and Philippians 2.

 

Adam was created first, but he was incomplete.  ALONE, he could not fulfill God’s creation mandate to be fruitful and to multiply.

As God’s chosen ruler for this earth, Adam named all the created animals – and they all had mates.  However, Adam did not have any mate.

God formed Eve from Adam…to complete him.

 

Diversity exists naturally in the relationship between man and woman:

–          Adam was created first

–          Adam was created from the dust of the earth

–          Eve was formed from Adam

–          Adam was the leader…he named all the created animals

–          Adam also named Eve…Eve was subordinate to Adam…Eve supported Adam and nurtured their children

These gender differences complemented and completed each other.

 

Unity exists naturally within the diversity of male and female:

–          Adam and Eve completed each other (see Ephesians 5:22-24)

–          While there are diversity of roles, there is but one flesh, one union, one body

–          We are separate and distinct…and yet made for each other…united together as one body

Marriage mirrors the church’s relationship with Christ – one body united to Christ

 

These roles are not interchangeable!  They cannot be suspended!

Marriage is a shadow or figure or type of the church’s relationship to Christ

One Christ united to one universal church…one man united to one woman

 

RAISING

Same-sex marriages cannot fulfill the creation mandate to multiply and fill the earth.  For this reason, gender is very important!

Mothers and fathers both are very important when it comes to parenting and raising children…with their different roles.

Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable!

The role of the father is crucial to the childhood development.

God’s Scriptural commandment is to “Honor your Father and Mother” – both are needed!

Same-sex marriage redefines parenthood – and children will always suffer as a result

To God Be The Glory!

The Testimony of a Sinner

God tells believers always to be ready to tell others about the hope that is in them.  In 1Peter 3:15 God says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

That’s the purpose for this posting.  This is my story.

I’m fortunate because I can’t remember a time when God wasn’t at least a small part of my life.  Growing up I regularly went to Sunday School and church.    Everything seemed on track.

I didn’t know it then but one of the things I lacked was a relationship with the Lord.

In college I went to church while home on breaks.  I took Religious Studies classes along with my engineering courses and acquired enough credits to nearly qualify for a minor in Religious Studies.

Yet despite all the theological and religious book knowledge, I still lacked a relationship with God.

In college I found an interesting reformed Christian radio station and listened occasionally.  What I heard was at odds with much of what I had been taught.  I didn’t know what it was, but there was something about this radio station that made it different.

After college I got a decent job.  I didn’t lie, cheat, steal, smoke, or drink.  I was a decent, moral person – or so I thought.  But something was missing from my life — and intellectually I think I knew what was missing was a relationship with Christ.

Growing up I watched all the Billy Graham Crusades on TV.  My grandmother even took me to one.  I would always pray the ‘Sinner’s Prayer’, but shortly thereafter everything would be as it always was. There wasn’t any difference in the order or priority in my life.  I was more frustrated than ever that I couldn’t sustain a desire for the Lord.

A few years later I met a wonderful girl.  She said yes, and in time we were blessed with two beautiful daughters.  My life was changing all around me – I now had my own family.  But within, I still hadn’t undergone any real change.

During this time, I “accidentally” stumbled on a Maryland-based reformed radio station.  I still hadn’t figured out what it was about these reformed stations that set them apart.

And then one day it finally dawned on me what was different about these reformed stations: everything they taught was structured around what the Bible said.  What a concept!  So I began to really read the Bible to see what “IT” had to say – not what this or that denomination said, or what this or that TV evangelist said.

It’s sad to say but I was well into adulthood before I finally decided to see what the Bible said – and this is when the change within me began to occur.

I knew what my denomination said; I knew what the majority of TV preachers said.  The trouble was I was listening more to man than I was to God.

Although I thought I knew what the Bible taught about God, I’d never taken the time or made the effort to really read it to find out.  Very slowly I began to realize that during all those years in Sunday school, church and religious studies classes I hadn’t been hearing or understanding the whole message of the Bible.

The only part of the gospel I recall hearing after 30+ years in a certain denomination was that God loved me and had a wonderful plan for my life.  Certainly that’s very important but I never heard a straightforward, biblically based account of why I needed a Savior.

As I continued reading the Bible, a clearer picture came into focus for me of the gospel of the Scriptures — not the gospel of a specific denomination, pastor, or radio station – but the Bible’s gospel.

I came to understand that all during those years I was trying to change myself; I was trying to save myself.  Trust me, I didn’t think that was the case back then.  I was absolutely convinced I had been doing things God’s way.

But if God truly is the author and finisher of our faith as the Scriptures say, then what can I contribute?  God is the One who circumcises my heart. He is the One who makes me a new creation.  He is the One who causes me to undergo the change of spiritual rebirth.

What can I contribute toward this new birth if it’s truly one from above?

The salvation I had been seeking all through my adolescence, teen years, young adulthood and even into middle age was 99% grace, but I believed I still had to do something myself.  God’s work wasn’t quite enough.  I had to say a certain prayer or make a certain vow before I could put myself into a position in order for God to save me.

No wonder I had failed so miserably so many times!

So I began to check out in the Scriptures what I was hearing from other reformed sources.  I fully expected the Scriptures would prove these reformed sources wrong – and that’s because I still thought my lifelong understanding of salvation was correct.  But as I delved into what the Bible said, more and more I found I had been 100% wrong!

When my eyes were finally opened and I realized I wasn’t being faithful to what the Scriptures teach, I was stunned.  I considered myself reasonably well educated – to the point of nearly having a minor in Religious Studies.

I was trying on my own to bring about the change that only God can bring about.

As I read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit began to open my blind eyes.  Suddenly I had a desire I never had before.  I saw the gospel message of salvation through Christ alone revealed everywhere – not just in the New Testament, but also in the Old Testament stories about the Flood, Joseph in Egypt, Joshua and Jericho, and even in the story of Jonah and the fish.

For the first time in my life a real relationship with the Lord began to develop.

I know I am a sinner.  I’ve broken God’s holy laws, and the Bible declares that my punishment is to be forever separated from God in a place called hell. The only thing I’ve contributed to my salvation is the sin which makes it necessary.

“For the wages of sin is death” and there is a spiritual component to the type of death God has in view here — eternal separation from Him.  That’s what the Bible teaches.

My problem was that for many years I thought I needed a certain amount of personal desire and willpower before I could become saved…that I had to meet some preconditions in terms of my own will before God would effect this change in me.

It’s only by the unmerited grace of God that I now understand this spiritual truth: whatever desire I have to know the Lord and to do His will is a byproduct of God having saved me.

Today my core set of beliefs is structured around the Bible.  Everything I hear and read must be measured against what God says in His Word.  That’s why 15 years ago I had no choice but to leave the denomination I had been a part of for nearly 40 years – and I thank God He directed my family and me to Liberty Church PCA.

If you have never heard the gospel, or are not sure what it is, please click the menu button at the top of this website.

Only it had the power to restore and preserve this sinner.

To God Be The Glory!

God’s Word for Our Excuses

We hope this posting will quicken interest in the Word of God, strengthen faith, and be an instrument whereby God builds true Christian character to the end that the Kingdom of God may be enlarged through personal witnessing.  Every one of us ought to be able to give the reason for the hope that is in us. 

 

“I am too great a sinner.” 

I Timothy 1:15: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

 

Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

 

Matthew 9:12-13: But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

 

 “My heart is too hard.” 

Ezekiel 36:26-27: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

 

 “I must become better before I become a Christian.” 

Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

 

Jeremiah 10:23: O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

 

 “I am afraid I cannot hold out.” 

John 10:28-29: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

 

I Peter 1:3-5: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

II Timothy 1:12: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

 

 “I am so weak.” 

II Corinthians 12:9:10: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

I Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

 “I have tried before and failed.” 

Luke 22:31-32: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

Isaiah 40:29-31: He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; theyshall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

 

 “I can’t give up my evil ways.” 

Galatians 6:7-8: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

 

 “I will be persecuted if I become a Christian.” 

II Timothy 3:12: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

 

Romans 8:18: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

 “It will hurt my position in the community.” 

Mark 8:36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

 

Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

 “There is too much to give up.” 

I John 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

Philippians 3:7-8: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

 

 “The Christian life is too hard.” 

Matthew 11:30: For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

II Corinthians 4:17-18: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

 “I am afraid of ridicule.” 

Mark 8:38: Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

 

 “I am not good enough.” 

Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

 

Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

 

Luke 15:21: And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

 

Luke 18:13-14: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

 

 “I am good enough.” 

Proverbs 14:12: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

 

Luke 16:15: And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

 

James 2:10: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

 

I John 1:8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

 

See also Luke 18:9-14.

 

 “There are hypocrites in the church.” 

Romans 2:1-3: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

 

Romans 14:10-12: But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

 “Not now.” 

Isaiah 55:6: Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.

 

Zephaniah 1:14-15: The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness.

 

Luke 12:19-20: And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

 

Hebrews 3:15: While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

 

James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

 “God seems to me to be unjust and cruel.” 

Romans 9:20: Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

 

Romans 11:33: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

 

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

 “I cannot understand so many things in the Bible.” 

Romans 11:33: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

 

I Corinthians 13:11-12: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

 

Acts 4:13: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

 

 “There is someone I cannot forgive.” 

Matthew 6:15: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

 

To God Be The Glory!