Evangelism Man

AAAAAAAAANNNNNNDDDDD.....We're Back (For a little while)

2010-12-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

Whew! It has been a long semester! I am (almost) on Christmas break, and I just wanted to share something that I relearned this semester. Today, I have gone to the last Anthropology class for the semester. Now, for those who do not know what Anthropology is, it is, in a nutshell, the study of man. This study is obviously NOT from a Christian worldview. The thing that struck me (although I must say I was not surprised) is that none of these theories would or could apply to everyone. I got the same result from some psychology classes-many theories, no certainties. Despite the fact that the minds that are creating these theories are the best the world can offer, they all seem to fall short in identifying the human condition. They all seem to be chasing for something that will explain us but they are never able to reach it.

The funny thing is, the human condition can be identified. I can give you and all these psychological researchers the book where all their questions can be answered regarding the human condition on this here blog.....ready? THE BIBLE. Amazingly, despite the fact that the Bible is over 2000 years old and we have progressed sooooo much since then, (cough cough) the Bible nails the human condition, we are sinners. We are depraved. Researchers, you go ahead and study that. Go see if you can find someone who has not lied or stolen or lost their temper. Go ahead and see if you can find anyone who could avoid doing anything wrong for even an hour. And when you can't do that, tell them that a payment for their sins has been offered. Tell them that because of what they have done they should be judged as guilty before God and be sent to hell. But instead God sent His only Son to come down to the earth to live a perfect life on their behalf. Then He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Then He was buried and three days later rose again, proving that he was God. Tell them that this day He commands them to repent (turn from their sins) and trust in Christ to save them.

Now that would be a study that I would supply the funding for-it can't fail!!

Grace and Peace-EM

Great Lyrics!

2010-09-29T08:05:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the late post! Things have been busy lately.

Anyway, Yom Kippur occurred recently, so I thought that it would be appropriate to post some lyrics from one of my favorite artists, shai linne. (He usually spells his name in lower case.) Below are the lyrics from his song "High Priest", I think you'll like it! If you would like to visit his blog you can find it here.

High Priest
Written by s. linne

Verse 1

There’s commotion in my brain, strange is the notion
Words cannot explain my range of emotion
I’m speechless, my flaws exposed and my weakness
Each breath draws me closer to a deep test
It’s month number seven, it’s been ten days
I’ve been awake all night reflecting on my ways
A threat to my peace in this greatest of moments
Because I’m the High Priest and it’s the Day of Atonement
The LORD is so holy and perfect, I’m nervous
I’m floored that He chose me to worship through service
Don’t ask me why the God who crafted the sky
Drafted this weak guy from the clan of Levi
Preceding generation taught me to read the regulations
Deep meditation on decreed revelation
Extreme trepidation breeds hesitation
Yet I must lead and be the representation
My occupation- to intercede for the nation
But indeed my own sins need expiation
The wrath of Jehovah’s grim, sin is no joke to Him
The hope is slim for unholy men coming close to Him
He’s spoken in His Word the proper way of approach to Him
Nadab and Abihu got it wrong and He roasted them
These things I weigh as I sigh
This could either be the greatest day of my life or the day that I die!

Chorus
So you say that you wanna know the LORD?
Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
God is an all-consuming fire
So you say that you wanna know the LORD
Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
Be careful what you desire

Verse 2
For now, no time to focus on my sinning
I bathe in the laver though it seems extreme
I put on the holy coat made of white linen
Craving His favor- I’m ceremonially clean
I check to inspect- no tangible faltering
Next I must collect the animals for the offering
A spotless ram and a bull- the components
God gives to make atonement for my own sins
This part of the ritual makes me real cautious
Because the very sight of blood makes me feel nauseous
Still I proceed by snatching him close, slashing his throat
when his blood splashed on my coat
Reacting, I choke- gasping that’s when I’m grasping
God’s reaction that sin provokes
I take a moment to reflect on the blood spilled in this
Staring at the goat to be sent into the wilderness
I’ll confess Israel’s sins with my hands on his head
Symbolizing guilt transferred instead
to a substitute the living God provided and stamped
guilty of our sin, driven outside the camp
This beautiful picture of hope and grace motivates
And I don’t want my fear to make this dope occasion go to waste
Change my outer garments, slow my pace- yo I brace
myself to stand before Jehovah’s face in the Holy Place

Chorus

So you say that you wanna know the LORD?
Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
God is an all-consuming fire
So you say that you wanna know the LORD
Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
Be careful what you desire

Verse 3

The time has come, the great moment has arrived
About to enter in- what a lonely enterprise
Look at the other priests, they speak only with their eyes
Rope tied around my ankle just in case I don’t survive
I enter through the first curtain to a dark room
I’m standing in the Holy Place, my thoughts consumed
I’m caught off guard, I’m unraveling at this stage
My heartbeat so hard it’s rattling my ribcage
Feeling like I’m disintegrating and I can’t stand
Comforted by the light emanating from the lampstand
This helps my vision- I can see the showbread
I think of God’s provision, that helps me go ahead
I need courage to worship! Man, this is intense
I take burning coals off the altar for the incense
The sweet aroma fills the room
The smoke protects my eyes- one sight of Jehovah seals my doom
It’s no mere coincidence I’m here surrendering
With fear and trembling I’m nearly entering
I feel like running scared, hoping I’m not unprepared
Stunned with fear- no one comes in here but once a year
Nevertheless I’m at the point of no return
Besides, I don’t want my anointing to be spurned
After counting to three, next time I inhale
I’m in the Holy of Holies beyond the veil!
The first thing I realize is I’m thrilled that I’ve
entered into God’s presence and yet I’m still alive
I’m awestruck by the weight of His terrible beauty
It’s almost unbearable but I must fulfill my duty
Approach the ark, the first part of my work’s complete
when I sprinkle blood seven times on the mercy seat
Quickly I exit, impressed with the Hesed
that rescues the wretched and left us accepted!

Who Are Your Friends?

2010-09-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

This is an important question to consider as students return to school and begin making new friends. Hear some wisdom from Steve Lawson:

Just a Small Thought

2010-09-08T08:21:00.000-04:00

Don't waste time. It's not your time to waste.

Grace and Peace-EM

Watch Out!

2010-09-01T08:39:00.001-04:00

Ah, those familiar words that we Christians hear quite a bit, "watch out". Sometimes, I think that We get tired of hearing those words. It is hard to stay vigilant all the time, especially these days. From prosperity preachers, to theologically terrible novels (cough) The Shack (cough), we sometimes just get tired of hearing yet another thing that we have to watch out for. This time, however, I think we need to pay much attention to this danger. He is a very influential man in the political right, and he is becoming more and more of a threat, his name is Glenn Beck.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," you may say, "don't be knocking Glenn Beck. He is doing some amazing things for this country. Yeah, his theology isn't all there, but he is what America needs." Well, let's think about this for a second.Let's just look at the dangers. First, he is a Mormon, not a Christian, so his theology is more than just a little off. He does not see Jesus as Divine, he sees Jesus as a created being. He, as a Mormon, believes that you have to work your way to heaven. He may speak of forgiveness of sins, but he means that you can be forgiven of your sins after all you can do. In other words, you do your best, Jesus does the rest. That is NOT Christianity. Christianity teaches that you can do nothing to cause your salvation, zip, zero, zilch. That is a profound difference, in fact, that is the thing that separates Christianity from everything else. Every other religion teaches you have to work your way there, and Mormonism is no different.

Secondly, and probably most problematic, Glenn Beck is blurring the lines between Christianity and Mormonism. He is presenting them as one and the same. Further, he is uniting with other religions to "save America". No matter what Glenn Beck says, these religions are different. They all believe in different gods, not the true God of the Bible, and pretending that we can be united under some god as long as that god tells you not to hurt people, is just crazy. I think that this fosters the idea that we can put our religious convictions aside for a noble cause. But what could be more important than the gospel of Jesus? We CANNOT set that aside! I don't care how noble you think your political cause is, nothing and I mean NOTHING is worth the blurring of the gospel. That is why Glenn Beck is so dangerous.

Please, if you are a part of the rally around Glenn, think about what that is saying about the gospel. Please think about the confusion that this man is causing in such an important realm.
I would encourage you to listen to this interview Todd Friel did with Phil Johnson. You will hear some of the things that you have read here, and some other important topics to consider with this Glenn Beck situation that I am unable to write about here.

Please remember how precious the gospel is. Don't put it aside for some political goal.

Grace and Peace-EM

Update: For some strange reason, Wretched Radio's website is experiencing problems. I am, as of 7:38 AM CST, unable to link to the interview. As soon as I can I will post a link to it. Check back soon!

Update: 8:57 AM CST I have the link now! Enjoy!

Stay Strong

2010-08-25T04:00:00.001-04:00

As the summer comes to a close, schools everywhere will open their doors once again to bring in the many students for yet another semester. This post is for two groups of people. Obviously, I want to talk to the students telling them to stay strong, but I also want to address the parents of these children. Let's start with the students.

Today, in our schools there is a lot of teaching that is anti-Christian. From evolution to redefinition of marriage, there is a lot of things that Christian students are going to have to be discerning about. The only thing that I can tell you is please, please, please be reading your Bible and praying EVERY DAY! You need it now more than ever (if it is possible to need the Bible more at one time or another).

Parents, please be asking your kids what they are studying in class. No matter how strong you think they are, please be asking them about what they are being taught. Even if they are going to be going to a Christian school, today, there is even danger there. Please help them in their discernment, you never know what you may find out. Know what they are doing online, know who they are hanging out with at school, please.

Remember above all, whether a student or a concerned parent, don't forget the gospel this semester. Students, you are in the mission field. I heard a saying that sums this all up and it went something like this,"Spread the gospel at school and while you're there get an education." Parents, your mission field is those kids you have. Preach the gospel to them every day. If they are Christians they will never tire of it.

Study hard!!

Grace and Peace-EM

Am I Heading The Right Way?

2010-08-18T04:00:00.003-04:00

That is an interesting question to ponder and millions do in regards to their spiritual life every day. I think as Americans, we have lost the our appreciation of the Bible. For most of us, certainly not all, we have at least heard of the gospel and the true way to eternal life (John 3:16). Not only have we not at least heard of it, but a lot of us grew up in a church where we can hear it preached every week. Those of us who didn't even have that, had cassette tapes that we could listen to from other teachers (kids, ask your parents what a cassette tape is). Today, we have even more teaching available to us through the Internet. We truly are a blessed people.

But it is not like that all over the world. In some countries, the name of Jesus Christ has not been in anyone's mouth. They have no idea Who He is. They do have creation, so they know that there is a God, they have a conscience, so they know what is right and wrong, but they don't know Who that God is. They try anything to get rid of that guilt by harming themselves physically and mentally and hope to earn eternal life. What would they give to know the truth?

Todd Friel brought out an interesting point a while ago: imagine if God had given us both creation and our conscience to guide us, but no Bible. Imagine us crying out to Him, pleading for Him to reveal Himself. Then imagine the joy and happiness of the people as they finally get to read what God said about Himself.

God, however skipped the middle step. He gave us His Word right now!! We have it....in English!! We have it in several versions and study formats. God has been so merciful to us!! We know the way to heaven!!

Let us praise His name....and read His Word....and tell the world!

Grace and Peace- EM

What Are We To Do, American Christian?

2010-08-11T04:00:00.001-04:00

This post is based on a part of Wretched Radio's August 5th, 2010 show. The podcast can only be accessed if you are a Wretched Club member. Details at wretchedradio.com.
It's a mad, mad country in which we live isn't it? With God out of the schools, murder of the young defined as abortion, radical redefinitions of marriage despite the will of the people (notice the order of those problems) one would think that there is just no hope for America. Others, however, think that they have the answer to our problems.

These problem-solvers come in two forms, one is the World. These are the types that say that problems can be solved by changing the rules. But they are flawed in their thinking. Changing rules doesn't change people, it just changes their behavior. Further, it only changes the behavior of those who are going to follow the rules to begin with anyway.

The second group of problem-solvers are the Christians. Christians are the only group that has all the answers. Why? Because we are smarter? No. Because we just think of these things more? No. It is because we have the Word of God. That Book is the key to everything in life because Its Author made everything in life! The gospel that is contained in Its pages is the key to bring about real change in the life of an individual. The gospel is the hope for America or to say it another way: Laws aren't the answer, grace is.

With that in mind, let's go spread the gospel to this mad, mad world!

Grace and Peace-EM

Does the Gospel Still Amaze You?

2010-08-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

Does the gospel still amaze you, Christian? You may say it does, but when was the last time you thought about it? Does it really still amaze you?

Think about this: when was the last time that you really loved something or someone? You would talk about them endlessly, checking the Internet everyday for a message from them or about them, and telling others about how wonderful they are. Let me ask you, does that apply to Jesus, Your Savior and Lord? When was the last time you approached the Word excited to hear what God had to say to you today instead of what Oprah had to say? When was the last time when you were distressed about something so you went to your prayer closet instead of the pantry or the TV?

Granted, we have an unredeemed flesh that fights against things that are spiritual, but have we even tried to fight it once in a while? I think the reason that we don't is because we have ceased to be amazed by the gospel.

In that line of thought, let's think about the gospel to see if we can't still be amazed by it. Now, we know what we are really sinful, selfish, pride-filled folks, totally undeserving of God's mercy. In fact, justice demands that we should die both physically (here on earth) and spiritually (in hell). There would be nothing wrong with God for killing me with my very first sin. In fact, there would be nothing wrong for God to kill me right now for the sins that I have committed this day! Yet, in His incredible mercy, He doesn't kill me. Not only that, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to take my sins away! Jesus took the punishment for me! I should have been on the cross! I should have been taking the wrath from God, because I am the one who sinned! Yet, Jesus paid it all with His blood! Then He was buried, and to show that He was God, rose again showing that He had defeated death and sin! Now He has opened the way to God, through repentance of our sin and faith in Him, so that we may be forgiven and escape the judgment that is to come!

Yes, Jesus, Who knew no sin suffered for yours and mine.

Amazing.

With that in mind, go serve your King!

Grace and Peace-EM

It's Been Awhile....

2010-08-03T12:56:00.002-04:00

I have been very bad about updating this blog. Sorry about that. I am writing here to announce a new plan of action. As some of you may or may not know, I have been trying to run the same posts on two different blogs to see what blog service I liked the best. I have decided that this is the format that I like the best. With this change I should be able to post more often to this blog.

When I started the blog I was trying to post everyday. This worked during the summer but when I had to return to college I was short on time. Instead of saying, "I can't post everyday so I am going to switch to a new schedule. " I just tried to post every once in a while like a jammed gun (firing every now and then). Well now I am attempting to change that.

I cannot post everyday, that much is obvious. I am, however, going to try to post once a week. I'll start with that and maybe, maybe attempt to post more often. I'll see how my schedule goes.

I want to thank all of my readers (all three of you) for faithfully checking this website everyday. I am humbled by your faithfulness!

New Post tomorrow!

Grace and Peace- EM

Now THAT Was God!

2010-07-27T15:40:00.000-04:00

How many times have we said that, Christian? We usually say that when we hear of an especially amazing story that is of Twilight Zone proportions (kids, ask your parents about the twilight zone. No, it did not have anything to do with vampires.). For instance, I went to a Ligonier conference in Florida in 2009. I lived about an hour from the conference site, so my father and I made it a habit to go there every year. This year was going to be different because we were moving away from our home in Florida to a new home in Alabama, which would likely mean no more Ligonier conferences. This was a sad reality, because we were unsure if we would be able to attend a church or conference that taught sound doctrine.

Here is where this story gets interesting. During one of the breaks at the conference, I went to go to one of the many bathrooms of the large church. As I was drying my hands, there was a boy standing in front of me also drying his hands. I decided to see where he was from so I took a look at his name tag which would say what city he was from. To my utter shock it was the exact city that my family was moving to in Alabama.

Turning the clock forward a few months, my family found ourselves looking for a new church to settle into. We had forgotten where the guy I met at the conference attended in the move, so I was not expecting anything too amazing when we pulled into the parking lot of a local Presbyterian church. As I looked around the building, I saw a face that seemed oddly familiar to me. I went over to the boy to see if, perhaps, he recognized me. Remember, I wasn’t sure who he was, but as time went on, we both recognized one another: we met each other at that Ligonier conference in 2009!

As I was thinking about that story I thought to myself, “Wow! That was such an act of God”. However, when you think about it, everything is an act of God. We usually give Him credit when things go especially well or when we have experiences like I just described to you, but we are less likely to praise Him for the “mundane” stuff in our lives like daily health, or nice commodities like our car.

Perhaps we should give God glory even in the mundane things in life.

Grace and Peace-EM

Christ is All

2010-06-07T09:38:00.003-04:00

I was listening to a James MacDonald audio clip the other day, and it got me to thinking about the future.Go ahead, listen to it…I’ll wait. Did you listen to it? OK good, otherwise this post will not make sense.

In the clip James (that’s right, first name basis) was saying how Christ should be our hope of the future, and that got me to thinking how much stock we put in things as well as people. Think about it. Over two million iPads have been sold in just 60 days, and I wonder how many people were thinking that this device was THE ONE that was finally going to satisfy them. That iPod was great, but the screen was just too small (of course they did not know that the screen was too small until they saw that iPad screen!). That iPhone that they had was wonderful with all those apps, but they were sure that the iPad would have more apps that they could use ( I mean, do you really want to keep tweeting using that tiny three inch screen?).

Obviously, there were people who bought the iPad who truly had a need for one, I’m sure. I am just pointing out that so often we strive for what will not satisfy. We keep thinking that if we could just get this or just be friends with that person or just get to go to some event we will be satisfied finally, but I am here to say that they just won’t. You have an infinite desire as a human being, and iPods, friends, or concerts just are not infinite; they cannot satisfy. You need something infinite…hm…let me think…oh yeah! Christ! He is the only One that can satisfy, for He is the only thing that is infinite in this universe.

Now, I want to make this clear: this post is for Christians. If you are not a Christian, and you are thinking “Hey, I’ve tried all these good things and have not been satisfied, let me give this Jesus thing a go”, you have the totally wrong attitude. You have a much bigger problem than being bored. You have offended God by breaking His laws with your lying, stealing, disobedience to parents and blasphemy. God will not let sin enter His presence in heaven. The punishment for sin, even one, is eternity in hell. But, sinner, I have good news for you. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to live a perfect life on your behalf, then died on the cross, taking your penalty for your sin so you could go free. Then, unlike anyone else, He rose again from the dead, triumphant over death, and this day commands you to repent (ask for forgiveness for your sins then turn from them) and trust in His work alone to be saved from the judgment!

Satisfaction is a fruit of your salvation, not the reason for salvation.

So today, let us worship and enjoy what a Savior we have!

Grace and Peace-EM

Something To Look Forward To

2010-06-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

Well, in this post you have seen me do something that I have not done in a while: post more than once a month (sorry about that), and end a title with a preposition (that's one of my pet peeves).
I hope to be able to post more often now that it is summer, and with that title there was no way to avoid the preposition!

This particular thought was something that my father and I were talking about last night that really ties in with my last post (don't you love it when that happens?). We were speaking about what the new heaven and new earth might be like when we die. We thought about what it would be like to see God in His glory, about what a world would look like without sin, and how that would feel for all eternity.

Aside from this topic being interesting, it is also very encouraging to me in this life for a number of reasons. First, keeping in mind what is to come, I don't have to worry about what will happen in this life. I don't have to worry about the state of things in this world because this is not my permanent home. This doesn't mean that I become a bad steward of what I have here, but it does mean that I don't have to lose any sleep over it.

Secondly, focusing on what is to come keeps me thinking about what truly matters. Not only am I not losing sleep over the state of the world, but I am pursuing what God would have me do because that is what will last. I could spend my life trying to gain as much money as I can for the sake of money, which will all be lost when I die, or I can spend my life giving God glory that will follow me into eternity! Think of it: we spend a lot of time, energy, money, and stress trying to accomplish something that will not matter in a year from now, but we are so hesitant to do something that will have an eternal impact!

Thirdly, no matter how bad things get here, I can rest knowing that I have something that is far more valuable than anything here just on the other side of life. If I lose everything here, I have lost nothing there. Yes, even if I lose my LIFE I have gained! (Yes, it's true! Even Paul agrees with me! read Philippians 1:21.)

What is truly amazing is that I did nothing to deserve any of that. Based only on what Christ did FOR me is the way that I can be in this place. Since that is the case, I can be sure that I will never lose my place in heaven because Christ has built it! He is my One Foundation upon which my house in heaven stands! Praise to His name!!

So don't worry in this life, Christian! You have something wonderful to look forward to!

Grace and Peace-EM

When Times Are Tough

2010-06-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

My pastor, this past Sunday, preached a marvelous message from Isaiah 40. In this passage, God is telling us how large and in control He is. He measures the universe in the span of His hands! Will He not care for you?

"I already know that", you may say. "I learned that since childhood". Then why do you worry? Why do you doubt, Christian? God knows exactly what you are going through and already has a plan and purpose for it.

Do you know what that plan is if you are a Christian? To make you more like Christ. That is the best thing He could do for you, to make you more like the loveliest Being in all the universe. This doesn't mean the process will be easy or pleasant, or that you won't dispar at times, but rest assured that God knows exactly what is best for you! How can we think that we know better than God does?

Does this mean that we become emotionless stones because we know that God is working everything out? No! When someone we know leaves this earth, even if it is to heaven, we still are sad that we will not see them for a while. However, we do not grieve as if we had no hope. We know God is faithful, so we don't grieve completely out of control for extended periods of time. That's the difference.

So the next time you run into trouble (and, believe me, you will) know that it is for Gods glory. Use the time to pray, repent of sin, and if you are not a Christian, to repent of your sin and trust in Christ for salvation.

Grace and Peace-EM

Is Your "Jesus" The Broad Way?

2010-05-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

Does that title make you scratch your head? That is actually a quote from MacArthur and it really does ring true.

What do I mean by that? Well, today, there are many people who think that they are living their lives for Jesus. They said a prayer, signed a card, walked an isle at an evangelistic meeting one time, but their lives have not been changed. They never saw their sin for what it was, a terrible offense to a perfectly holy God. They never saw their need for repentance. They never knew that there would be a cost to follow Christ. Of course they could have found out all about that if they had read their Bible, but they never took the time. They had figured that the pastor had done all the necessary study so they did not need to bother with it.

If they had been reading they might have seen that passage in Matthew 7 where those people would call out "Lord, Lord!" thinking they were saved only to hear "Depart from me. I never knew you!"

In their case "Jesus" was the broad way. They did not find the true Jesus who said that if you set your hand to the plow and look back you were unworthy of Him.

Are you following the true Jesus? The Jesus that brings about change in your life? The Jesus that causes you to hate your sin? The Jesus that is not only your Savior but your Lord?

Read your Bible and find out.

Grace and Peace-EM

Something to Think About While Cleaning

2010-05-18T13:44:00.001-04:00

Dust. It's everywhere. On your table, under your couch, on this computer monitor! No, this is not the start of a Pledge ad, this is a post about how we should see ourselves.

Do you realize that we were actually made from dust? (Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:19) That is a humble origin! Dust is something that most people can't stand. It is something that we are constantly brushing off the table because we are embarrassed to have it in our homes. When we breathe it in, we sneeze and cough and make all efforts to rid ourselves of it.

In sum, dust is a curse to us. We may have been made from it, but we are a lot better now, right? Well, let's think about that question for a moment. Has dust caused that fall of the universe through sin? Did dust require the death of the Son of God to redeem it? The answer to those questions is "No, we did." Let's ask some more questions. Does dust always do as it is told to by its Creator? Is every molecule of its being perfectly in line with God's will at all times? The answer to that question is yes. Dust has always done exactly as it is supposed to do. I wish I could say the same for man.

You could sum up this post by saying that we were made from the dust and things went downhill from there.

But the story doesn't end there. Though we were made from such an insignificant piece of the earth and then went downhill from there, God had a plan from the beginning. He would pick up this "dust" of human beings and breathe into their nostrils the breath of spiritual life. What glory this brings God to take such wretched beings and take away their sins so they could could free on judgment day!

Dear Fellow Dust, this offer of freedom from sin is extended to even you. Jesus Christ has died to take pay for your sins of lying, stealing, lusting, and further disobedience to God. Then after three days He rose from the dead because He defeated death, and this day He commands you to repent (turn from your sins) and trust in Him to forgive you of your sins.

Just something to think about as you clean.

Grace and Peace- EM

God the Powerful

2010-05-05T12:07:00.000-04:00

I was watching a Discovery channel special the other night about black holes in space. Yes, I know how nerdy that sounds, but follow me as I take you on a journey to see a small part of the power of God.
Keep in mind that as of this writing, it has been a while since I have seen the program so some details may be inaccurate. Since this is a piece about God not black holes we will proceed!

For those who don’t know what black holes are, these things are basically the garbage disposal of the galaxy. They have a force over gravity that can barley be comprehended. They are so powerful that even light is bent into it! Some even believe that time itself stops in these black holes.
These black holes get their start from the death of a star. After a star explodes, these holes begin to basically eat everything in their path.
These things also feed on gas. As these black holes continue to feed on gas in the universe they get to a point to where they can no longer hold anymore gas. This material is then blown out of the black hole on opposite sides of it which creates the brightest light in the universe. This phenomenon is known as a quasar. At this point the black hole is sucking in massive amounts of gas while the quasar is blasting it out. You could think of it as one massive, galactic flamethrower!

Now for the point of this post. The God, Who controls these massive forces, is going to be your Judge someday if you have not repented of your sins and trusted in Christ to forgive you of your sins. If you are a Christian reading this, that same God commands you to take His message to lost souls; not only that, but He promises to be WITH YOU!

That’s the God we serve.

Humility

2010-04-26T09:29:00.001-04:00

Humility, it's a concept many say they have but few practice. Lately, my Sunday school is going through the book by C.J. Mahaney called Humility. The book makes the point that will be humble when we see how holy God is and how sinful we are. That's a hard concept to swallow isn't it? We normaly do not want to think about ourselves as a sinful people. Sure, we make our mistakes, but it's nothing too bad, right? When we compare ourselves to others, that statement seems like it could be accurate. When we compare ourselves to God however, we really get a complete picture of our sinfulness.

Want a test of your humility? Here's one that a pastor told me: whenever you are offended by something someone told you, it's pride. Even if the comment is false. Remember, all we deserve is hell, anything less than that is mercy.

Grace and Peace-EM

Does God Need Us?

2010-04-07T13:21:00.002-04:00

Does God need us?

That is a thought provoking question. Specifically, does God need us to accomplish His will? The short answer is, no. That might shock some of my readers (all three of you), but if God is really all powerful, holy, and infinite, why would He need weak, sinful, and finite beings to accomplish His purposes? Obviously, He does not need us so why do we even bother to serve Him? After all, God could always use someone else, right? It does not have to be me. You know what? You’re right. You don’t need to pass out that tract or give to the poor.

While we can ask why should we, however the real question is why wouldn’t we? God isallowing you to serve Him! It is a gift to be able to serve God! Imagine, the God that made the universe is going to let you do something with His helping hand all the way!

What an amazing God we serve!

Grace and Peace-EM

The Importance of Correct Theology

2010-04-05T12:04:00.001-04:00

Well,I don't know if you know this, the health care bill passed the house of Representatives. How are you dealing with this, Christian? Are you scared? Calm? The difference in your reaction is very likely determined by your theology, your understanding of God.

I don't know if you realize this, but God knew this bill would pass. There is nothing that goes on that He doesn't know (Luke 12:6-7). What's more, God was in control of it! We don't have a God that REACTS to things! From the beginning of time He knew there would be a health care bill! He didn't have to catch the news report! He is not paniking and neither should we.
Now, I am not saying that we should just kick back and "let go and let God". Just because God is in control over this does not mean that it is okay to be a bad citizen. We vote, we stay informed, but not worry.

Rest in the fact that the God Who takes care of the world will take care of healthcare.

I thank You, Great Physician for all Your care
for You took the burden of sin I wear!
Tis placed on me a yoke much lighter,
Thank You! Oh Merciful Provider!

Everyday Miracles

2010-03-19T11:35:00.001-04:00

So you think that God doesn’t do miracles anymore hmmm? In a sense you would be correct. The shenanigans we see on television are not real, but I am talking about a different kind of miracle. There is one taking place right now! You are reading this post! Your eyes are taking in symbols on a screen then your brain is converting those symbols into words that make up sentences that make abstract thoughts! And you’re doing it without even really thinking about it! Have you thanked God lately for this gift?

There was another miracle that took place today. You woke up this morning with another day of life! There are so many things that could have happened last night that didn’t. Your lungs kept right on breathing even though you were not awake to control them. Now this post isn’t to make you paranoid; it is to make you grateful for what God has done!

Another miracle also took place today! I was able to have breakfast today. Me being able to pour a glass of orange juice from the fridge is just as much a miracle as if it had fallen out of the sky. Why do I say that? The fact that we did not get into a car accident on the way to and back from the store, which so many do, is a miracle. Everything we have is a gift and miracle from God!

But do you know what is the biggest miracle of all? The fact that despite all the lies I have told, despite all the anger without cause, despite all the time I spent worshiping other things (car, money, tv, even myself) than God, He forgave my sins. He did this by having His Son, Jesus, take my punishment by dying on the cross. Then Jesus rose out of the grave to prove that He had conquered death! Then He gave me the ability to repent (turn from my sins) and trust in Him to forgive me. What a God!

Now that’s a miracle.

Grace and Peace-EM

Spurgeon Gem

2010-03-18T23:59:00.001-04:00

"But let us do as we will, we shall be tempted; hence the prayer "deliver us from evil." God had one Son without sin; but he has no son without temptation."

Grace and Peace-EM

J.C. Ryle Quote (via gracegems.org)

2010-03-09T00:47:00.001-05:00

A mere scratch of a pin

(J. C. Ryle)

"For what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36

"The loss of the soul is the heaviest loss that can befall a man. The worst and most painful of diseases; the most distressing bankruptcy of fortune; the most disastrous shipwrecks; are a mere scratch of a pin--compared to the loss of a soul. All other losses are bearable, or but for a short time, but the loss of the soul is forever! It is to lose God, and Christ, and heaven, and glory, and happiness--to all eternity. It is to be cast away forever, helpless and hopeless in hell!"

A Repost

2010-02-22T00:12:00.001-05:00

The following is a post that I did a while ago that I thought was worth a repost!
In case you are wondering, the poem at the end is one of my own.

Going Through Something?

Many Christians are oftentimes discouraged in their lives. Things are not going the way that they planned or the way that they think is right. I think, though, that we should be shocked when we see ourselves complaining or worrying in this life.

Think about it. Heaven, the place where your Father reigns, the place where your Saviour resides, the place where you shall rest for all eternity is just a heartbeat away. Most of us are going to live to about eighty years old, but in light of eternity, that is a mere trifle! Whatever it is that you are going through in this life, think how close eternity is for you!

I love the song, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". The thought that one day I will be taken to glory to worship my Savior forever gives me the strength to deal with whatever happens here. If I am disappointed because I have sinned, the thought of going to the place where sin can't abide, is a thought that gives me great comfort. If I am going through a trial of personal loss or physical pain, the thought that there is a place of eternal rest where every tear will be wiped away, is something that fills my heart with joy.

Oh, my brothers and sisters, have we so soon forgotten what we will receive? Are we so preoccupied with our own failures and petty troubles that we have forfeited the joy of our salvation? May our heart be reminded of that blessed hope that we must cling to with our very lives! I must conclude with the Apostle Paul, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)

Our life is a vapor, here one day and gone the next, but praise be to God that it does not end there!

Oh, how I long for that blessed day,
To hear those mighty trumpets blast.
Hearing those sounds will make me say,
"I am going to my home at last!"

For at the sound of that blessed tone,
I will be called to worlds unknown,
Peace unequaled, forever blest
I have reached my place of eternal rest!

Grace and Preace-EM

Do You Ignore the Gospel?

2010-02-05T13:26:00.000-05:00

Christian, do you ignore the gospel? To answer this question , think about the last time you heard or read a gospel presentation. Did you listen and think about the wonders of the cross, or did you tune it out?

In this world of instant information and technology, we have the blessing of being able to spread and read the gospel like never before. At any moment, almost anywhere we can access wonderful spiritual truth (like John Calvin tweets!).

I offer two possibilities for why we might skip over the gospel.

1) We have become desensitized to the gospel. It has lost its "newness" to us because we hear it over and over.

2) We think (notice the word "think") that the gospel is something that we started with but now we have "better things to learn about."

Both of the reasons reflect a misunderstanding of the gospel for a Christian. If the gospel is "getting old because you hear it all the time" you are not really thinking about it. You were not thinking about how sinful you were. You were not thinking about how utterly you have offended God. You were not thinking about the fact that God did not have to save you. You were not thinking about how Jesus took every drop of wrath, wrath for sins He did not commit, that was aimed at you! You were not thinking about Jesus rising from the dead, triumphant over sin and death. You were not thinking about how you were elected because of God's good pleasure, not anything you had done.You were not thinking about the fact that when you die you will spend eternity with God in heaven.

You were not thinking of the gospel.

When you consider all that was said above, that answers point two. There is nothing better than the gospel. The gospel is something that we never, never, never, grow away from. The knowledge that we are saved not by our works but by Christ's work gives us assurance of salvation. (Even our repentance (turning from sin) and faith is a work of God.) Knowing that Christ has paid it all because we could do NOTHING to save ourselves, kills our pride and self-righteousness. Finally, knowing the gospel, and what is cost Christ to bear our sins will kill sin in our own lives. How could we delight in our sin knowing what it took to redeem us (Jesus' death on the cross)?

THAT is the gospel. How could we tire of that?

Grace and Peace-EM

Living Out The Lessons in Daily Life (Via Grace Gems)

2010-02-03T00:24:00.001-05:00

Living out the lessons in daily life!

(J. R. Miller, 1904)

"If you know these things--happy are you if you do them." John 13:17

A great many people know plenty of Scripture truth--but do not live it out. Yet the real test of knowing Scripture--is obedience. We really know only so much truth--as we get into our experience and conduct. The only part of the Bible we have really learned--is what we have learned to live. It is a beautiful thing when a person has been well-taught; it is still more beautiful when he abides in the things which he has been taught, living out the lessons in daily life.

Spurgeon Gem

2010-01-12T00:18:00.001-05:00

Faith Sees the Bow

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud
Genesis 9:14

Just now clouds are plentiful enough, but we are not afraid that the world will be destroyed by a deluge. We see the rainbow often enough to prevent our having any such fears. The covenant which the LORD made with Noah stands fast, and we have no doubts about it. Why, then, should we think that the clouds of trouble, which now darken our sky, will end in our destruction? Let us dismiss such groundless and dishonoring fears.

Faith always sees the bow of covenant promise whenever sense sees the cloud of affliction. God has a bow with which He might shoot out His arrows of destruction. But see, it is turned upward! It is a bow without an arrow or a string; it is a bow hung out for show, no longer used for war. It is a bow of many colors, expressing joy and delight, and not a bow blood-red with slaughter or black with anger. Let us be of good courage. Never does God so darken our sky as to leave His covenant without a witness, and even if He did, we would trust Him since He cannot change or lie or in any other way fail to keep His covenant of peace. Until the waters go over the earth again, we shall have no reason for doubting our God.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:05:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to my faithful readers! Let me tell you on a personal note, I really appreciate having you come to see this site. It is a huge encouragement to me to see that the gospel is getting out, and that it is encouraging many. Thank you very much.

Whenever a year passes by we reflect on the good times and the hard times of that past year, but as we do that this year, I pray that we will see how faithful God has been to us. When we think about all those times last year when we thought that God was not with us, we have the opportunity to look back to see that He was carrying us the whole time. When we think of those times where God has delivered us from various trials, may it remind us that God is always with us no matter what we feel or experience. When we also remember the good times, let us praise God for Him for all those blessings that He showers on us that we don't deserve.

Take the opportunity this New Years to thank God for yet another year of life that we have lived.

May we pray, "Everlasting Father, we thank you for yet another year that we have lived. We praise you for empowering us to serve You this past year, but we know it is only possible because of what Your Son has done. We thank you that while we were yet sinners, when we rebelled against You, You sent Your Son Jesus into the world. Though we piled high our sins of lying, thieving, coveting, even our impure thoughts, You sent Him to take our wrath, our punishment on the cross. But unlike any other, He rose again, conquering sin and death for us! We praise You for giving us the gift of faith so we can repent from our sins and trust only in Your Son's work to save us. As we enter this new year, God, please keep us faithful to You. May You keep us in Your Word, in prayer, and in Your work of reaching others, so that at the end of this coming year we can yet again give You all praise and honor and glory. In Your Son's name, Jesus Christ, we pray, amen."

May this be a year of spiritual growth for us as we pray, delight in God's Word, and spread His Name among the nations!

Grace and Peace-EM

Where Are You, Godly Young Person?

2009-12-30T14:02:00.000-05:00

Don't Make God a Cuckold

2009-12-29T10:53:00.002-05:00

The Sinfulness of Sin and Why It's Important

2009-12-28T10:11:00.001-05:00

Sin. It's an ugly word. Yet if we don't understand it, it can create a lot of problems. Without a proper understanding of sin we can't understand the gospel, we can't understand hell, we can't even understand the magnitude of God's mercy without understanding sin.

So let's start with a definition of sin: Sin is breaking God's law. In other words, sin is treason against God; the highest crime in the universe. However what is it that makes sin so, well, sinful? The answer comes from asking the question "Who is this sin (the crime) being committed against?" For example, if I steal a piece of paper from my sibling's desk, I'm going to have to give it back. If I steal paper from my bosses desk, I might be fired. But if I steal paper from the President's desk, I'm going to jail! Same crime but what changed? The person I committed the crime against. In our lives every time we sin, we sin against God; that is what makes it horrible. (Psalm 51:4)

So, with the above in mind, if sin is the worst thing in the universe (which it is), only Jesus (God in human flesh) could cover our sin. Think about it: if sin (that we commit every day) is the infinitely evil thing in the world, then it would take an infinitely holy Being to pay for our sin. An outrageous crime, like John Piper said, requires an outrageous payment, namely the death ofGod's Son. So when sin is seen this way (Biblically),we can be sure that we can't earn our way to heaven. So with a proper understanding of the sinfulness of sin, we eliminate all religions that say you can earn heaven completely or partially by works.

What about the concept of hell? How can an understanding of sin make hell just? Again, since sin is the worst crime in the universe, than it needs the worst punishment in the universe. Sin is against God. God, the Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe (that includes you), tells you (the creature) to obey Him. Instead of obeying Him you spit in His face by disobeying Him using the energy He gave you. If you made something and it treated you the same way, what would you do? You would punish it, and you are just a mere human! Sins against God are much worse!

Finally, how will an understanding of sin help us understand God's mercy? It's actually self-evident. When you think about how awful our sin is to Him,and yet He doesn't smash us the first time we sin! That's incredible mercy!

What an amazing God we have to take something as ugly as sin and have it give Him glory!

Grace and Peace-EM

Matt Chandler Update

2009-12-17T09:27:00.003-05:00

The following is taken from the health update of Matt Chandler: (for the full story click here)

Dear church,

In the first chapter of Philippians, the Apostle Paul writes that whatever imprisonments, beatings and trials he may have suffered, they all “serve to advance the gospel” of Jesus Christ. We implore you to keep the gospel of Christ as the main focus as we walk with Matt and Lauren through this trial.

On Tuesday, Dr. Barnett informed Matt and Lauren that the findings of the pathology report revealed a malignant brain tumor that was not encapsulated. The surgery to remove the tumor, the doctor said, was an extremely positive first step; however, because of the nature of the tumor, he was not able to remove all of it.

Matt, who is being released from the hospital today, is meeting with a neuro-oncologist this week to outline the next steps of the recovery process. There is a range of treatment possibilities but the exact course of action has not yet been determined. He will continue outpatient rehab.

The Lord is calling Matt and Lauren and The Village Church body to endure this trial. It will be a challenging road for Matt, his family and our church body. The gospel is our hope and the Lord is our strength. Matt and Lauren continue to find solace and hope in Christ. They weep facing this trial, but not as those without hope and perspective. The gospel clarifies their suffering and promises more of Christ through it all....

Specifically, pray for the following:

Wisdom for all the coming decisions
Strength and peace to endure
The kids’ (Audrey, Reid and Norah) hearts; pray the Lord is merciful as they process and that their little hearts do not grow embittered
The Chandlers and The Village would suffer well because of the gospel and for the sake of Christ’s name

As you hurt and weep for the family, do not do it alone. Gather with your home group and with other believers in homes and pray together. This is a time to walk together with others and to endure this trial in community. If you wish, send cards and letters to Matt and Lauren at 2101 Justin Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028.

Now, how is it that someone can go through a trial like that? How is it possible for someone to hear this kind of news and not go completely insane? One word: theology. Only a proper understanding of God's sovereignty will give any kind of comfort. Knowing that all things do work together for good to those who love God who are the called according to his purpose will keep you from losing your mind (Romans 8:28). Keeping in your mind that though this trial will lead unto death, for you to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21)!

Above all else, however, there is one item of knowledge that gives the greatest comfort. It is the news that your sins are forgiven. It is the news that though you have offended a perfectly righteous, holy, all-powerful God, He has provided a way of atonement for you. Despite all of the lying, thieving, and disobedience to the rest of His commands, He provided the way of atonement by sending into the world His Son, Jesus Christ, fully God fully man. He lived a perfect life in your place and then He died on the cross in your place, taking your penalty so you could go free. He took your sin and gave you His righteousness. He did not stay dead, but He rose again three days after His death and this day He commands you to repent (turn from) of your sins and trust in Him to save you.

You can't save yourself, yet Christ has come to save you from the wrath of God. That's news that will get you though anything.
I close with the Word of God:
1 Peter 1:3-5

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

How Do You Respond To Trials?

2009-12-16T13:05:00.001-05:00

This is a video from pastor Matt Chandler to his church. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor a little while ago. Hear how he responded to this trial, and ask yourself, "How do I respond to trials?"

Click on the link below to watch the video.

Video from Matt.

Grace and Peace-EM

Trials: God's Personal Trainer

2009-12-15T13:09:00.000-05:00

It is the day that you have been waiting for months to come. It is the day of the big marathon that you have been training, dieting and sacrificing for what seems to have been an eternity. As you line up at the starting line and begin the race, you think back on the months of hard training. You are reminded of the many times you just wanted to quit, but you kept pressing on knowing the goal you had in mind. Now you have passed the ten-mile marker and instantly you think back when you started your training. You chuckle to yourself as you remember how hard a half mile was at the beginning! You remember how tough that personal trainer was on you. You remember thinking that the trainer just didn’t like you with all the things that he had you do. Now you realize how much those exercises that you didn’t think had anything to do with running a marathon help you as you cross the half-way mark.

Let’s now look at this another way that maybe describes some people. You wake up for yet another day realizing there is no job to go to for the third straight month. You don’t know where that next water bill payment is coming from, and yet, there is peace in your mind. You’re mind goes back to all those times of past grace. You look at your dear toddler playing with his toys and remember with tears in your eyes as you think about the first days of his life. You weren’t even sure that he would live because he was so sick as an infant. You remember how distraught you were to think that God would allow you to go through that. Yet, here you are with your child, and you realize how much deeper your faith is in God since that time. Your gaze then shifts over to the trees outside, growing back from the big fire. You shudder as you recall how much damage the fire caused. With so many of your possessions gone you thought that you would never be able to recover from it. Yet through all that, you are grateful for that fire now because you treasure Christ more than anything.

After going through all that you are confident in God’s plan, and you are even grateful for all of those trials from God to prepare you today.

Trials (not temptations, temptations lead to sin trials do not) are from God. With each one that God brings you through, He makes you a stronger servant for Him. Being a better servant for God is thrilling for the Christian because that is reason the Christian exists.

So when trials come, as Spurgeon said, welcome them, for they are from your Master.

I close with the words of the hymn “It is Well With My Soul”

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Grace and Peace-EM

Just a Thought

2009-12-10T09:55:00.001-05:00

Here is something that I would like my readers to try. Today and tomorrow ( and for the rest of your life for that matter) I would like you to pray without ceasing. Now, what do I mean by that? This is a concept that I first heard from John MacArthur. I would like you when you are living your day to day life, live it while praying. For example, the alarm goes off in the morning and instead of complaining to yourself that it is time to start yet another long day, you praise God for letting you see another day. Thank God that you are able to hear that alarm clock. When you stumble into the bathroom that morning to prepare yourself to be presentable to others, thank God that you are able to care for yourself. Praise Him that He is sustaining you for one more morning. When you sit down to breakfast that morning, genuinely thank Him for the food instead of rushing through the prayer. As you eat, thank your Heavenly Father for taste buds and the ability to taste different varieties of food. As you go into the cold winter day to go to school or work, thank God for your warm clothes. If you see someone who is not doing well, mention it to your All-Merciful Father.

This is not a hard concept! This concept will not only help you in your prayer life, it will also help you to sin less as well. Think about it: if you are praying throughout the day your mind will not be thinking about sinning.

Like I said, it's a thought!

Grace and Peace-EM

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-25T18:29:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to wish all of my readers a happy Thanksgiving and Praise Day! As we partake of all the blessings of the holiday, I pray that you will remember all of these gifts that we have discussed so far and praise God for them!

Grace and Peace-EM

The Gifts of God: Salvation

2009-11-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

We are continuing our series about the many gifts that God gives us. We have covered so far the Bible and prayer, and today I would like to discuss the greatest gift of all: Salvation.

I heard a commercial recently singing the song Amazing Grace, but it stopped short of singing the part that says "that saved a wretch like me". Now, I know that they are just doing what they "have" to do in this separation of church and state world, but that is the most crucial part of the song. The reason grace is so amazing is because I was such a wretch.

Another thing that makes salvation so amazing is the fact that it did not have to be done. God did NOT have to save us. God gave us very clear commandments in His Word, He even gave us a conscience to know right from wrong, but we, like the little rebels that we are, disobeyed Him by breaking every rule. Since, there was no redeeming quality in ourselves to make us worthy of God's love, He elected us despite us (Eph. 1). What a God we have! We, totally undeserving and completely filled with sin, are credited with Christ's righteousness! In other words, we have the debt that we can't pay, but Christ comes and pays the debt.

Now, there is some confusion about salvation that we are going to talk about briefly. Here is where we get the theological words of the day, infused vs. imputed righteousness. Rick Appleton came up with a great analogy for these two concepts. Let's say you have to run a marathon on a treadmill. Infused righteousness says that you get the power from Jesus to run that marathon, then you run it yourself. Whereas, with imputed righteousness says that Jesus gets on the treadmill and runs that marathon for you.You might recognize infused righteousness as a catholic doctrine. You may also recognize this as a false doctrine because that takes glory from God. God will get ALL the credit for our salvation because only He can bring it to pass.

Grace and Peace-EM

The Gifts of God: Prayer

2009-11-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

You may notice a theme going on here at the blog. We are going through a few of the gifts that God gives to us. Of course, the gifts that God gives to us every day are way too numerous to even begin to count, but I will try to go over just a few of the basic gifts that God gives to us.

As you may recall, we went over the gift of the Bible yesterday and how amazing it is in all aspects. Today, I want to explore a dreadfully ignored discipline in American Christianity, prayer. I think we should start this post with a definition of prayer. What is it? Prayer is speaking with God. Just think of that. Speaking with God. This concept is staggering! We have the amazing privilege of speaking with the Creator and Saviour of the world! Yet, we do this so little. Why? Why would we not take advantage of this gift? Allow me to offer a few reasons as to why we don't pray.

1) We don't feel it to be important.
2) We think that since God already has everything planned out, we don't need to pray.
3) We just "don't have time".
Let's take a look at each of these closely.

The first reason can be countered by one simple sentence: Jesus did it. Luke 22: 39-42 , Mark 1:35, and Matthew 26:36 all show Jesus praying. If He saw it necessary to pray how much more should it be necessary for us! Notice in Matthew 6:6 it says "when you pray" (ESV)(emphasis mine) not "if you pray" This verse shows the necessity of prayer.

The second reason is solved by simply understanding the purpose of prayer. There is a phrase we see on bumper stickers and church signs across the country saying "Prayer changes things". That's not true. MacArthur said it well when he said, "Prayer doesn't change things, prayer changes you." MacArthur also made this point about prayer, "Prayer is to get you in tune with God's will." In other words, if you are praying for something, and God says no, you now know that thing you were praying for wasn't God's will. To sum this point up, I will combine the two above quotes, Prayer is to get you in tune with God's will not to get God in tune with your will.

The third point is probably the one most people use the most for not praying. I think I can answer that with a fantastic quote by John Piper, " One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time." We make time for what we really want to do.

Now, perhaps you just don't know how to pray. Let me take you to the Master of prayer, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6: 5-15

The Lord’s Prayer

⁵"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ⁶But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

⁷"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ⁹ Pray then like this:

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. ¹⁰ Your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread, ¹²and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

¹⁴ For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵ but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Take this prayer and fill it in with what you want to pray. For example, with "forgive us our debts" name your sins before God. With "Gives us this day our daily bread" this is a great pre-devotion prayer. "Hallowed be your name" use that as a spring board for a time of praise before God.

May you be filled with joy as you seek God with this wonderful gift of prayer!

Grace and Peace-EM

The Gifts of God: His Word

2009-11-19T14:05:00.001-05:00

Have you ever just been in awe over the incredible gift of the Word of God? Think about it: of all the forms of communication that God could have used to reveal Himself He chose the use of the written word. This is wonderful for three reasons.

First, imagine what would happen if God decided to reveal Himself in a different way than He did. For example, God could have just passed on His Word by word-of-mouth. But if that was the case, we would always wonder what God REALLY said. Imagine also if God decided to reveal Himself in the 21st century instead of when He did. In this age of blogs, Facebook, gossip, and all these other forms of electronic and social media, it is very difficult to separate the fact from fiction and there would be no way to know what God REALLY said. Remember, back in the days of the Bible, if you said that something was from God and it wasn't, death would await you!

Secondly, it is wonderful that God gave us a book because He did not have to do it! He could have just said, "You have sinned therefore you will be left in the dark!" He would be perfectly just to do that. He did not have to reveal Himself but He did out of His incredible mercy!

Thirdly, the Word is wonderful because we can understand it! He has preserved it throughout time and language changes so we know what He said. We don't have to become Greek and Hebrew experts to understand what He said because God has allowed the Bible to be translated into our own language without corruption!

For all these reasons and countless more we should be so thankful for the Word! How then do we show our gratitude for this amazing gift? Two words: Read it! If you truly treasure something, it shows the value of this object. In other words, if many people treasure something, for instance, a precious stone, it is esteemed as wonderful. Unlike a precious stone, the Bible has value whether people prize it or not. In this case the Bible's inherit worth is SHOWN by your treasuring of it.

In closing, I would like to give you an opportunity to make this Word famous in other parts of the world. Wretched Radio is raising money for Bibles in Southeast Asia with the Bible League. They are trying to send 3,000 Bibles by Christmas and I would love for us to help! You can find more info here. Do what you can to spread this wonderful Word!

Grace and Peace-EM

Fire!

2009-11-17T15:29:00.001-05:00

This was a post that I never actually published! It happened almost two months ago and I just never got around to posting it. Hope you enjoy it!

Today, I had an amazing glimpse of God's control in all things. I came back from work at the usual time for lunch. I work part time, so I usually stay home at that point.
Today, however, was going to be different. I was going to have to go in during the afternoon as well, but I was forced to stay home because I needed to be here for someone who was coming to the house. I was dissapointed at the news I was going to stay home because I was going to miss some valuable computer training. I had no choice so I decided to read while my sisters watched tv in the basement.
Then I heard my sister yell my name saying one of the outlets was smoking! I rushed down stairs with the fire extinguisher to stop the fire and then turned off the power. As a family we were all grateful that I was home that day and we praised God for His sovereignty over all things.
It has been said by Todd Friel that we should look at how God controls everything. Therefore there is no telling how many tragedies we avoid everyday! If you had not been delayed in the office, you might have been in a car accident. If your alarm clock had not malfunctioned again, there is no telling what you avoided.
These thoughts should not make us paranoid, rather they should make us worship God for all the acts of mercy and soverignty that we don't even realize!

Makes you grateful, huh?

Relax Christian!

2009-11-16T12:50:00.001-05:00

Many I'm sure are rather nervous about the recenet bills passed by our God-given and God-controled government. But I am here to offer a bit of comfort and encouragement to you for this situation and any other trouble that you face.
Here are two very good reasons to not be worried about anything.
1) God is in control of it. He knows what is going on, and He knows how it will fulfill His purposes.
2) The gospel will still advance.
These points bring interesting ideas. The first one is obvious: God is in control. Period. That right there should be enough to comfort us. The second point, however, might have some people scratching their heads. Why is the advancement of the gospel a comfort to me? Because it is the ONLY thing that has power! Politicians will eventually be replaced, the President's term only lasts for so long, kingdoms will fall, " The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8. That is one thing that will always stand because it is the only thing that CAN always stand. Why? Because it is God Himself that keeps it.

There is a section in Pilgrims Progress that was actually the inspiration for this post. Christian is on his way to the celestial city, and on the way, he stops by the house of the man named Interpreter. Interpreter takes Christian into a room where he sees this great fire and a man trying to put the fire out. Interpreter explains that this man is representative of the devil who is trying to put out the fire of the Work of Grace but can't. Interpreter also shows Christian that the reason the fire can't be put out is because there is a Man Who is continually, but secretly, putting oil in the fire. It is explained that this Man represents Christ and His work of maintaining what has been started in our hearts!

Christ WILL advance His gospel, and if the gospel is advanced, glory will be brought to God. There is nothing better than that!

God was in Fort Hood

2009-11-05T21:46:00.003-05:00

We as a nation are grieving about the tragedy at Fort Hood yesterday. A question that many people I'm sure are wondering is "Where was God?". This is a question that many people ask anytime that there is any calamity, and it reveals a lack of understanding of the sovereignty of God. What's worse, others, who should spend more time with their mouths shut and Bibles open, say that God did not know what was going to happen that day. They will tell you that God was just as surprised as we were about this event. That's absolutely crazy! The amazing thing is, they say these things to COMFORT you! There is no comfort in thinking that God did not know what was going to happen.

Let me offer, as gently as I can, some comfort to those families who are suffering right now. God knew what was going to happen at Fort Hood yesterday. He allowed it to happen to fit in perfectly with His divine plan. He controlled those bullets just like He controls every hurricane, tornado, and bridge collapse. Nothing escapes His notice or care (Matthew 10:29). While that may seem hard to believe, imagine the alternative that I mentioned earlier. If God did NOT control things, or was not aware of them, there would be no reason for our troubles. We would be at the mercy of whatever chance would throw our way.

Take heart, those who go through hard things, there is a reason for them. We might not always know why they happen, but we can rest assured that they are for a perfect reason.
As I close this, let's look at this idea in action. Todd Friel, host of Wretched Radio, said this once, "Imagine the disciples looking on Christ's crucifixion. What would they be thinking? They would think that this is the worst possible thing that could happen! The Son of God is DYING! Our only hope has been nailed to the cross! But when we think of Jesus on the cross, we look at it as the greatest thing that ever happened to us! Why do we do that? Because we know that Jesus dying on the cross was God's plan to redeem us from the penalty of sin! We know the REASON for Christ suffering so to us it is not a horrible thing!"

We might not know why now, but when we step into eternity we will know that it could not have been any other way. Take comfort in that.

Grace and Peace-EM

What Do You Love?

2009-11-05T10:54:00.001-05:00

If I was asked to put this post in a nut shell I would say “What you love, you serve”. This can work both negatively and positively. For example, if you love your spouse, you will serve them. If you love your parents you will serve them. If you love God, you will serve Him. These are examples of good things to love that God will bless.

So often, however we will place affections on things that we should not. Money is the thing that we would probably place in this catogory. The principle applies, what you love you will serve. If you love money you WILL serve it.

Though there is one thing that many people love and serve that is the worst posssible thing for them: sin. This is the cruelest master that any one can have. This master has ruined more families and lives than anything. What’s worse is that in and of your self you cannot be free from it. It has you in bondage so that you cannot escape it’s prison. How do you know that you are in this prision? Look at your life. What is it that you serve? To answer that question, look at what you love. What do you spend the most time with? What activity do enjoy the most? Are they God honoring activities?
If you have lied, stolen, or looked with lust you have demonstrated that you are serving sin. God has said that you cannot serve two masters. If we serve sin we have a debt to pay to God, for we have offended Him!

But, unbelievably, there is a way that has opened! A new Master has appeared Who will set you free from that bondage of sin! His name is Jesus Christ! Fully God and fully man, He paid the penelty of our sin by dying on the cross for us. He was buried then rose three days later. Now He commands us to repent (turn from your sins) and trust in Christ to save you and set you free from the cruel task master of sin!
Now there is Someone worth your love and service!

Grace and Peace-EM

My Sermon

2009-10-26T11:27:00.004-04:00

Matthew 8: 1-3

In this passage we can see a wonderful picture of salvation. I want to bring your attention 3 points this evening.

1) The condition realized

2) The Christ is sought

3) The condition is healed

Let us start with point one, the condition realized.

Now, how would this man have noticed that he had this disease? After all, the Scripture never said that this leper was a doctor. How would he have been diagnosed? For the answer, let’s look at the end of our text. In verse four we see Jesus sending the leper to the priest for “…the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” In Lev. 13 we see the procedure for diagnosing leprosy. The infected person would be examined by the priest to determine if he had leprosy. If he did have this condition he was pronounced unclean. Listen now to what the leper’s life would be after that dreaded diagnosis, Verse 45 of chapter 13, “The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out 'Unclean, unclean.' ⁴⁶He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.” That is a terrible fate, but since the disease is such a horror, it must be dealt with in this manner.

Now, what is it that makes this disease so awful? I heard a MacArthur sermon about this in which he explains this disease. Those who have this disease look like their flesh is being eaten away. However, this is not what this disease does. Leprosy deadens the nerves in the body, so when the individual hurts himself he cannot feel it. You do not realize how much pressure you apply to your nose so you literally, like MacArthur put it, “start erasing yourself."

That is a perfect analogy for sin. Sin is a condition that deadens your conscience. Your spiritual nerves as it were. The more sin you practice, the more damage it does. Sir, a wondering eye may not seem like much now, but such a sin deadens your sense to more and more damage. Madame, those "prayer requests" that are actually gossip you share with others may not seem like a big sin to you now, but just like leprosy, more and more damage is done. The scary thing is we don't even know the damage is being done until we look into Gods law and see the condition of our flesh!

(D.A. Carson?? Expositors commentary p.199) That Law is represented by the priests. As the leper does not know his condition until he goes to the priest, so we don’t know the leprosy of sin in our own hearts until we go to the priest of God’s holy Law! The Law examines us and finds us unclean!

That is who this leper represents, us! We have a sin condition that is far worse than a mere fleshly condition. Leprosy damages the flesh, sin damages the soul! Leprosy will ban you from living in the community of man, but sin will ban you from the community of God!

This is a condition that we cannot reverse ourselves! We are utterly diseased and are beyond hope like this poor leper. But, there is a Great Physician that has come to town. Let us now join that leper, as we move to the second point:

The Christ is sought. This leper realizes what his condition is, and he knows that he cannot heal himself. He cannot even cover himself and be unnoticed for long. For leprosy also carries a foul stench with it. There is nothing he can do but go to the Savior! Christ is the only one Who can heal him of his condition. Jesus is the only One with power over sickness and disease of both physical and spiritual.

Now, I want you to observe the leper’s attitude when he comes to Jesus to be healed. He comes to Him with humility. He does not demand to be healed, but he is like a servant talking to his master. Look what he says in verse 2, “If Thou wilt”. The leper knows that he will be healed if Jesus wants him to be. He knows that only Jesus holds the healing and only Jesus can decide to give it.

The same concept applies to our salvation. Only Jesus holds salvation in His hands and only Jesus can decide to dispense it! We can only come with humility! How do we know that Jesus will heal us? He promises that those who come will be healed! And those will come because they have been drawn John 6:44.

Let’s now review what we have seen so far. We have looked at the serious condition that we have. This condition of sin is something that we all have for all have sinned. We saw that there is no way that we can heal our condition ourselves. The leper cannot cleanse his spots anymore than we can cleanse our sin. We saw also how deadly our condition of sin is and how it slowly decays our conscience. But with joy we see that there is a sure hope in Christ the great Physician! We have seen that he is the One Who holds Divine healing in His hands.

And now let’s look at my third point: The condition is healed. Aren’t you glad that the story does not end with a leper still a leper? As there was hope for the leper there is hope for us as well! Jesus is mighty to heal! He is mighty to save! Look what the Scripture says; verse 3 “And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” I invite you to come with me as we look at some things about this verse.

First, I would like you to see Christ’s power as I mentioned. Healing the leper was no difficulty for the Great Physician, for He made the sun with one word! He stretched forth His hand and spoke healing right into the lepers flesh. The Scriptures say that the healing took place immediately! The healing was not gradual or temporary like the modern fakery that takes place today.

Secondly, I also invite you to see the change that would take place in this man. For him to be cleansed of his leprosy would be unmistakable. The change would affect every aspect of his life for the rest of his life! How much more the changing power of the gospel for us! An encounter with the living God, Paul Washer has well said, is always going to bring a change.

So often times we want to hear sermons these days about what we can do. We want something that we are able to accomplish. But let’s see if that idea flows with our analogy. We have here a leprous man, cover with the dreaded disease. Then Christ comes to heal Him and what does our text say? His leprosy was healed. It does not say that Jesus healed some of them and the leper healed what was left. No, because he CANNOT do that. He is totally unable to heal himself of his disease. Imagine if he could though. What do you think that his pride level would be? For him to think that he healed even a little bit of himself he would well up with pride! No his condition was changed in response to Jesus’ word, and only His word. It is the same thing in our walk with God. We don’t do things because that is what we need to do. We especially don’t do these things to be saved. Why do we do good works? Because they are the response that flows out of Christ’s Word!

To put that another way, if a tornado travels through the forest, do the trees fall because “that’s what they are supposed to do?” No the trees fall because a power way greater than themselves has pushed them over. It has forced them to change.

“But wait a minute”, you say, “doesn’t it say to work out your salvation, and faith without works is dead?” Yes it does say that. But remember, Who is it Who works those works in us? It is the Holy Spirit. Works are an evidence of our faith; evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in us. And without these works indeed our faith is dead because the Life of the Holy Spirit is not in them! "[To rely on our own performance] is idolatry. You have become the source of your own joy”, says Paul Washer.”We can’t even breathe with God’s power.” Washer says. How does God’s work and our responsibility work together? I don’t know we will find out in eternity!

Washer makes an analogy that describes this well. He says, “Imagine that I was late coming to this speaking engagement. I could imagine that you would be upset with me. You might say Brother Paul, we give you this opportunity to speak here and you are late! Imagine if I said I know I’m sorry. You see, I had a flat tire on the way here on the expressway. I tried to change the tire on my own and as I did so I dropped one of the lug nuts. I tried to catch it as it rolled out onto the road, and I managed to get it but I was hit by a log truck. So that is why I am late. ””There are two potions.”, Paul Washer continued, ”I am either a liar or I am a madman. If I have an encounter with a log truck I am going to be a changed man. How much more of a change will I have when I have an encounter with the living God! ” As that log truck would have a permanent change on your body, breaking every bone, an encounter with God would bring change. Indeed what a change, a sure change because God Himself brings it to pass. We can be sure that God is able to do so as Matthew Henry said:

Now observe, it is our great comfort when we apply ourselves to Christ, as the great Physician that if He will, he can makclean; and we should, with an humble, believing boldness, go to him and tell Him so. That is we must rest ourselves upon His power; we must be confident of this, that Christ can make us clean. No guilt is so great but that there is a sufficiency in His righteousness to atone for it; no corruption so strong, but there is a sufficiency in His grace to subdue it. God would not appoint a physician to His hospital that is not every way qualified for the undertaking.

Salvation is a radical change, much more than being healed of leprosy.

So do we see the parallels that are in this story? The leper, representing us, has been examined by the priest, the Law, and has been condemned. He is forced to live outside the camp in isolation from the city of Israel, like are condemned to live outside the city of God. Then Christ comes to heal him of a disease that he cannot possibly heal himself, like Christ comes to heal us of sin that we cannot possibly heal ourselves. The leper then presents himself to the priest to be cleared to live once again in the city, like the Law declares us clean after we have been washed in the blood of Jesus.

And it all points to Christ. That is the whole goal of the universe, to point to Christ. It was made to glorify Him. Let’s now look at this leper. He is cured of his disease and has brought glory to Christ. It was nothing he did, it was nothing that he could do. It was what Christ did. And we can see how much glory it has brought Him because here we are 2,000 years later still talking about it!

His greatest act, of course, was not healing a leper. That was but a word of His power. No, His greatest act to bring Him glory was on that cross. By His stripes we were healed. Not healed of all our problems. God did not heal us so we could have our best life now. Eph.2:7 says, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” He has healed us of our spiritual sickness, so that we, like that leper, be another story of God’s power. That is the goal, and always was the goal, His glory.

Now, I would like to preach to you that life changing gospel. You may say, “Mark, you don’t need to do that. This is the Bible belt, so we hear the gospel all the time.” I have two things to say about that statement. One, if that is what you think than you need to hear it again. The true Christian should never tire of hear the blessed gospel. John Piper so wisely said, “You never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never out grow your need for the gospel.” Secondly, the gospel is the center of the universe. This gospel is why the entire Bible was written! All through its pages we see it all pointing to the cross.

Let’s take a brief look into it. In the beginning God creates a world for His own glory. Two perfect people, Adam and Eve, are placed into this world to bring further glory to God. Then Sin enters the world, and corrupts everything. Those two people are no longer perfect. They are now filled with sin; a condition that they will pass on to all the rest of the human race. Through the pages of the Old Testament, we see the same pattern over and over and over again, of the people rebelling against God. Now I want you to look at the OT from a slightly different angle. We think of the God of the OT (though he is the same God of the NT.) as a judgmental or harsh God, but look at God’s incredible mercy to His people. Over and over again the people sin, God judges, they repent, God blesses. Then they sin again, God judges and forgives them again! That is mercy! That is love! It is all through the OT, and is being done today!

Continuing through the OT, we see the prophets telling of a Messiah to come to provide salvation to sinners. And here is where so many get confused. Today, as I mentioned earlier, we think that God came to make life a cruise ship into heaven, but that is not why He came; He came to save sinners. Are you a sinner? Let me hold up that mirror of God’s Law that shows your condition. Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God's name in vain? Jesus said, "Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Have you looked with lust? Will you be guilty on Judgment Day? If you have done those things, God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart.

Looks to me like we have a condition on our hands, if you have broken even one of those commands it is as if you had broken them all as it says in James 2:10. God is a God of holiness, and is not One Who will be taken with flippancy. If you have broken those laws, my friend, hell is what awaits you, a far worse fate than leprosy.

But God, the most wonderful words in all the world, but God Who “, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved”(Eph. 2:4-5) has opened the way. In His unbelievable mercy has provided a way! God sent His Son Jesus Christ, into the world. Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life on your behalf. He obeyed the standard in thought, word and deed His whole life. Then He went to the cross and died there taking the penalty that we deserved. Now it was not the act of being put on the cross that saved us it was taking the full brunt of the Father’s wrath that was to be poured out on us that saved us. Then He was put in the grave, and unlike anyone else in history before or since, raised Himself up out of that grave triumphing over death, and then ascended into heaven where He has sat down at the right hand of the Father, His work complete.

My reaction to this news can be found in Hebrews 10:19-23.

Now some of you may be thinking, “Well, I am already saved, and since I never outgrow my need for the gospel, how can the gospel help me in my day to day Christian life?”

You can apply that to your own situation. If you have a gossiping mouth, remind yourself of the gospel of Christ. Remind yourself that Jesus has suffered the wrath of God for that sin. If that does not make you want to stop the sin nothing will.

The gospel will also keep you from pride. If you realize that Jesus did everything for you, there is no place for pride! Our heart will not even beat without God's hand!

That is why I have and will always preach the gospel!

Spurgeon

2009-10-24T02:00:00.001-04:00

"Who can lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect?" Most blessed challenge! How unanswerable it is! Every sin of the elect was laid upon the great Champion of our salvation, and by the atonement carried away. There is no sin in God's book against His people. When the guilt of sin was taken away, the punishment of sin was removed. For the Christian there is no stroke from' God's angry hand nay, not so much as a single frown of justice. The believer may be chastised by his Father, but God the Judge has nothing to say to the Christian, except "I have absolved thee: thou art acquitted."

A Sneak Peak into my Sermon

2009-10-19T14:09:00.002-04:00

Something New

2009-10-18T17:54:00.001-04:00

I have added to my blog a Twitter side bar. Let me know what you think!

You Need to Read the Greats

2009-10-12T10:18:00.001-04:00

I have a challenge for my readers. It is a challenge that will bless you completly if you go through with it.

Here's the challenge: read the greats. Who are they? Spurgeon, Calvin, Matthew Henry, and others from that time period. Read them every day of what you can, and I promise that you will be blessed.

For those that want suggestions, start with anything by Spurgeon. It is worth your time. He has a devotional called "Morning and Evening" that is wonderful.

Please consider it. Try it everyday for six months and if you do it let me know what you think!

Grace and Peace-EM

Worried?

2009-10-05T18:29:00.001-04:00

When a man is anxious he cannot pray with faith; when he is troubled about the world, he cannot serve his Master, his thoughts are serving himself. If you would "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," all things would then be added unto you. You are meddling with Christ's business, and neglecting your own when you fret about your lot and circumstances.
-Spurgeon

Grace and Peace-EM

Another Spurgeon Gem

2009-10-04T01:13:00.001-04:00

The Mighty Magnet
And I, if l be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me
John 12:32
Come, ye workers, be encouraged. You fear that you cannot draw a congregation. Try the preaching of a crucified, risen, and ascended Savior; for this is the greatest "draw" that was ever yet manifested among men. What drew you to Christ but Christ? What draws you to Him now but His own blessed self? If you have been drawn to religion by anything else, you will soon be drawn away from it; but Jesus has held you and will hold you even to the end. Why, then, doubt His power to draw other? Go with the name of Jesus to those who have hitherto been stubborn and see if it does not draw them.

No sort of man is beyond this drawing power. Old and young, rich and poor, ignorant and leaned, depraved or amiable--all men shall feel the attractive force. Jesus is the one magnet. Let us not think of any other. Music will not draw to Jesus, neither will eloquence, logic, ceremonial, or noise. Jesus Himself must draw men to Himself; and Jesus is quite equal to the work in every case. Be not tempted by the quackeries of the day; but as workers for the LORD work in His own way, and draw with the LORD's own cords. Draw to Christ, and draw by Christ, for then Christ will draw by you.

-Spurgeon

Grace and Peace-EM

Watch Your Words!

2009-09-25T16:15:00.000-04:00

This post is not about what you think. I am not going to talk about the disturbing trend of bad language in the pulpit, though that is something to be banished from the church. I am not going to be talking about swearing in general, though that is something that a true Christian should not do. I am going to address language that Christians use all the time, but shouldn't. This is the language of cliches. Todd Friel of Wretched Radio has spoken of this before, and he brings up a great point.

What language am I talking about? This language has words like "Accept Jesus into your heart.";"You have a God shaped hole in your heart that only He can fill.";"You need purpose in your life"or Rick Warren, "You'll have your sins forgiven, a purpose for livin' and a home in heav'n".

These are phrases that the non-Christian will not understand, but more importantly, are not doctrinally correct. We do not accept Jesus, He accepts us based on nothing we do. We do not have a "God shaped hole in our hearts", but we need His forgiveness exceedingly! When we are saved we will have a purpose,but that is not the motivation for salvation.

My advise: Let's stop using these phrases, or at least explain them. When we want to say "Accept Jesus into your heart" say "repent and trust the Savior". If you want to use Warren's line slap yourself into next...well never mind.

In summary, when we talk to non-Christians, let's use language carefully. Remember words have meaning these days so let's use them correctly!

Spurgeon

2009-09-17T00:08:00.001-04:00

Evening

Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?
Job 7:12

This was a strange question for Job to ask of the Lord. He felt himself to be too insignificant to be so strictly watched and chastened, and he hoped that he was not so unruly as to need to be so restrained. The enquiry was natural from one surrounded with such insupportable miseries, but after all, it is capable of a very humbling answer. It is true man is not the sea, but he is even more troublesome and unruly. The sea obediently respects its boundary, and though it be but a belt of sand, it does not overleap the limit. Mighty as it is, it hears the divine hitherto, and when most raging with tempest it respects the word; but self-willed man defies heaven and oppresses earth, neither is there any end to this rebellious rage. The sea, obedient to the moon, ebbs and flows with ceaseless regularity, and thus renders an active as well as a passive obedience; but man, restless beyond his sphere, sleeps within the lines of duty, indolent where he should be active. He will neither come nor go at the divine command, but sullenly prefers to do what he should not, and to leave undone that which is required of him. Every drop in the ocean, every beaded bubble, and every yeasty foam-flake, every shell and pebble, feel the power of law, and yield or move at once. O that our nature were but one thousandth part as much conformed to the will of God! We call the sea fickle and false, but how constant it is! Since our fathers' days, and the old time before them, the sea is where it was, beating on the same cliffs to the same tune; we know where to find it, it forsakes not its bed, and changes not in its ceaseless boom; but where is man-vain, fickle man? Can the wise man guess by what folly he will next be seduced from his obedience? We need more watching than the billowy sea, and are far more rebellious. Lord, rule us for thine own glory. Amen.

It's Been a While

2009-09-01T10:52:00.001-04:00

Hello readers! It has been a while since my last post, but don't worry I have a good reason.
Recently my family moved to Jasper, AL from FL! It has been wonderful but very busy. Hope to be posting soon!

Grace and Preace-EM

Great Spurgeon Quote

2009-08-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

"Electing love has selected some of the worst to be made the best. Pebbles of the brook grace turns into jewels for the crown-royal. Worthless dross he transforms into pure gold. Redeeming love has set apart many of the worst of mankind to be the reward of the Saviour's passion."
-Spurgeon

Great Quote

2009-08-20T12:29:00.001-04:00

"The believer who knows his own heart will ever bless God for election."
J.C. Ryle

Wednesday Video

2009-08-19T09:58:00.001-04:00

Rhyming The Five Points of Calvinism

2009-08-18T10:02:00.002-04:00

Here is something that I wrote. Let me know what you think!

Five points

T is for Total Depravity
Man's sinful condition is total insanity!
It was best put, however, when Paul the apostle said,
"In trespasses and sin you all are dead".
Don't believe this? Then read the commandments through
It will show this doctrine applies to you!

U is for Unconditional Election
Please pay attention, for this next section.
The Bible says salvation is God's action.
Your choice is not what writes your salvation story,
Rather, salvation is going to bring only God glory!

L is for Limited Atonement
Though some would rather call it
By a different term of salvation;
Some rather call it particular redemption.
Let me give this some more explanation,
The Lamb will receive the reward for His sufferings;
Not one will slip away for we are His love offerings.

I is for Irresistible grace
Through Christ alone we shall see His face.
This happens when salvation takes place.
Resist God? What could make us even think?
Without His help we couldn't even blink!

P is for Perseverance of the Saints
This describes those who run and don't faint.
However God is the One Who keeps us in salvation,
For we can't possibly meet His holy regulation.
This is why we need Christs imputation.

Grace and Peace-EM

Going Through Something?

2009-08-12T23:23:00.018-04:00

Many Christians are oftentimes discouraged in their lives. Things are not going the way that they planned or the way that they think is right. I think, though, that we should be shocked when we see ourselves complaining or worrying in this life.

Think about it. Heaven, the place where your Father reigns, the place where your Saviour, resides the place where you shall rest for all eternity is just a heartbeat away. Most of us are going to live to about eighty years old, but in light of eternity, that is a mere trifle! Whatever it is that you are going through in this life, think how close eternity is for you!

I love the song, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". The thought that one day I will be taken to glory to worship my Savior forever gives me the strength to deal with whatever happens here. If I am disappointed because I have sinned, the thought of going to the place where sin can't abide, is a thought that gives me great comfort. If I am going through a trial of personal loss or physical pain, the thought that there is a place of eternal rest where every tear will be wiped away, is something that fills my heart with joy.

Oh, my brothers and sisters, have we so soon forgotten what we will receive? Are we so preoccupied with our own failures and petty troubles that we have forfeited the joy of our salvation? May our heart be reminded of that blessed hope that we must cling to with our very lives! I must conclude with the Apostle Paul, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)

Our life is a vapor, here one day and gone the next, but praise be to God that it does not end there!

Oh, how I long for that blessed day,
To hear those mighty trumpets blast.

Hearing those sounds will make me say,

"I am going to my home at last!"

For at the sound of that blessed tone,

I will be called to worlds unknown,
Peace unequaled, forever blest
I have reached my place of eternal rest!

Grace and Peace-EM

Wednesday Video

2009-08-12T08:03:00.001-04:00

Sowing Seeds At The Farmer's Market

2009-08-11T10:01:00.001-04:00

On Saturdays, I have been preaching at the local farmers market as part of Project Ezra. I have been doing so for about four weeks without incident. This time I had the privilege of preaching with my friend after he came back from his missions trip. Things were different this time. I started just as I always did, by reading Scripture. My friend spoke then I spoke.

Here is where the difference began. While my friend was speaking, we had a person come up and say that we were disturbing her business. We told her we would be done soon and she walked away. While I was speaking, I had a guy say that he did not believe anything that I was saying, but was willing to fight so I could speak freely. As he walked away, I asked if I could talk to him. He said that he would not. I asked him if he would be willing to speak to me for a million dollars; (referring to the million dollar tract) his eyebrows raised up but he would still not talk to me.
After he walked away, I stepped off the bench I was standing on and saw a police car pull up to the farmers market. Yeah, I knew why they were there. It didn't take too long before the officer approached my group and asked what was happening. She informed me that it was OK for me to speak there, but she gave me the impression that it was in my best interest to move along.
So, unfortunately, I have lost my good speaking spot, but God is in control. I will try my local park next time.

Some of you (out of the three of you that read this blog) may be wondering if I am contradicting one of my previous posts about being willing to preach the gospel even if it means being arrested. I think that if you can preach the gospel in a place that you won't be arrested, preach there. I think, however, that when we reach the point that we can't preach anywhere without being arrested, then we will need to be willing to go to jail for the sake of the gospel. God in His mercy, has spared this country that so far, so preach as much as you can with the time that you have!

Grace and Peace- EM

Just a Thought...

2009-08-06T08:43:00.003-04:00

I heard a very interesting thought from Voice of the Martyrs yesterday. They said, "Would you be willing to share the gospel if it meant interrogation and imprisonment?" Our brothers and sisters in Christ in other countries face this everyday. Are you praying for them? Would you be willing to face the same thing that they do? That time may be closer than you think.

Grace and Peace-EM

Wednesday Video

2009-08-05T08:11:00.002-04:00

Great Spurgeon Quote

2009-08-04T07:59:00.001-04:00

"Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if it be upon thee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp blasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes over the once verdant meadows of our joy: he casteth forth his ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, he is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and therefore thou canst not murmur."

Saving Faith

2009-08-03T10:03:00.000-04:00

We have now reached our third and final possibility as to why Christians lack assurance. We saw that people may lack assurance because they either 1) Aren't trusting Christ or 2) They are living in sin, or 3) They are not really saved!

If you think that you belong to category 3, here is a test that you can take courtesy of John MacArthur:

(By the way, "ff" means "following verses". Please read these verses!)

The Character of Genuine Saving Faith
2 Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

I. Evidences that neither prove nor disprove one’s faith
a. Visible morality: Matt 19:16-21, 23:27
b. Intellectual knowledge: Romans 1:21, 2:17ff
c. Religious involvement: Matt. 25:1-10
d. Active Ministry : Matt. 7:21-24
e. Conviction of sin: Acts 24:25
f. Assurance: Matt 23
g. Time of decision: Luke 8:13-14

II. The fruit /proofs of authentic / true Christianity
a. Love for God: Luke 10:27, Romans 8:7
b. Repentance from sin: Psalm 32:5, II Cor 7:10, I John 1:8-10
c. Genuine Humility: Psalm 51:17, Matt 5:1-12, James 4:6-9
d. Devotion to God’s Glory: Psalm 105:3, Isaiah 43:7, I Cor 10:31
e. Continual Prayer: Luke 18:1, Eph. 6:18, James 5:16-18
f. Selfless love: I John 2:9ff, 3:14, 4:7ff
g. Separation from the world: I Cor. 2:12, James 4:4ff, I John 2:15-17
h. Spiritual Growth: Luke 8:15, John 15:1-6, Eph 4:12-16
i. Obedient Living: Matt 7:21, I Peter 1:2,22….I John 2:3-5

If list I is true of a person and list II is false or non-evident, then there could be cause to question the validity of one’s profession of faith. If list II is true of a person, then list I will be true as well.
From: Dr John MacArthur Study Bible Index Notes, 1997.

Well? How did you do? "Well, Blogger-Boy, I missed a few!" As Todd Friel said, "Take a number". We are not going be perfect. We should, however, be moving in that direction. It is about direction, not perfection.

If you find that you are not saved, today is the day of salvation. Think about your sins, then think about the cross. Think about the sacrifice that Jesus made for your sins, and your heart should be filled with gratitude! Repent of your sins, turn from them, and trust in Christ.

If you are wondering what repentance is, let me give you an illustration that Todd Friel uses a lot. Imagine that I invite you to go the the Florida Keys for vacation, and I'll drive. We get into the car and I start driving, but you notice that I am going north not south! You know that I am going the wrong way when I pass a sign that says "Welcome to Georgia"! What would you want from me? You would want me to stop, apologise to you, and then turn around and start going the other direction. That is what repentance is like.

Thank you very much for your attention to this post, and I pray for your assurance of salvation!

Grace and Peace-EM

Assurance Continued

2009-07-30T20:14:00.012-04:00

We are continuing our study of assurance here at this blog! Last time we looked at three possibilities as to why Christians lack assurance of salvation in their lives. 1) They are not trusting Christ 2)They are living in sin and 3) They are not really saved.

We saw that we are infinitely unworthy of God’s grace. Since that is true, we also saw that we cannot earn our way to heaven which is why we must trust Christ. Christ is infinitely worthy of our trust. Finally, we saw that it is important to preach the gospel to ourselves every day.

Let’s now look at point two: they are living in sin. J.C. Ryle has well spoken, "The will of the Lord is our sanctification, and it ought to be our will too. (Matt. 13:23 1 Thess. 4:3)" He continues, "Inconsistency of life is utterly destructive of peace of conscience. The two things are incompatible. They cannot and they will not go together. If you will have your besetting sins, and cannot make up your minds to give them up- if you will shrink from cutting off the right hand and plucking out the right eye when occasion requires it, then you will have no assurance.

A vacillatating walk- a backwardness to take a bold and dedicated line- a readiness to conform to the world- a hesitating witness for Christ- a lingering tone for religion- a flinching from a high standard of holiness and spiritual life- all these make up a sure recipe for bringing a blight upon the garden of your soul."

He continues later, "I bless God that our salvation in no wise depends on our own works. By grace we are saved, not by works of righteousness, through faith, without the deeds of the law. But let no believer for a moment forget that our SENSE of salvation depends much on the manner of our living. Inconsistency will dim our eyes, and bring clouds between us and the sun. The sun is the same behind the clouds, but you will not be able to see its brightness or enjoy its warmth, and your soul will be gloomy and cold. It is in the path of well-doing that the day-spring of assurance will visit you, and shine down upon your heart." (Emphasis his)

The Westminster Confession summarizes this quite well, "The Christian cannot enjoy high levels of assurance while he persists in low levels of obedience." It is good that it is this way. If we could have assurance while we were sinning, J. Rodgers would tell us, the believer would take for granted the privilege of salvation and grow spiritually lazy.
William Jenkyn also said so eloquently, "Sin can never quite bereave a saint of his jewel, his grace, but it may steal away the key of the cabinet, his assurance."

So again, to make this very clear, our works do not save us! We will, however, have a greater sense of our salvation when we are obedient.

On Monday, we will finish this series with our final point. Hope to see you then!

Grace and Peace-EM

A Thought From One Of My Friends

2009-07-30T10:35:00.003-04:00

Martin Luther once said that some of his best friends were dead men! Here is a devotional that my friend wrote. His name is Charles Spurgeon. This is from his Morning and Evening.

Morning
Mark 14:72 And when he thought thereon, he wept.

It has been thought by some that as long as Peter lived, the fountain of his tears began to flow whenever he remembered his denying his Lord. It is not unlikely that it was so, (for his sin was very great, and grace in him had afterwards a perfect work. This same experience is common to all the redeemed family according to the degree in which the Spirit of God has removed the natural heart of stone. We, like Peter, remember our boastful promise: Though all men shall forsake thee, yet will not I. We eat our own words with the bitter herbs of repentance. When we think of what we vowed we would be, and of what we have been, we may weep whole showers of grief. He thought on his denying his Lord. The place in which he did it, the little cause which led him into such heinous sin, the oaths and blasphemies with which he sought to confirm his falsehood, and the dreadful hardness of heart which drove him to do so again and yet again. Can we, when we are reminded of our sins, and their exceeding sinfulness, remain stolid and stubborn? Will we not make our house a Bochim, and cry unto the Lord for renewed assurances of pardoning love? May we never take a dry-eyed look at sin, lest ere long we have a tongue parched in the flames of hell.

Peter also thought upon his Master's look of love. The Lord followed up the cock's warning voice with an admonitory look of sorrow, pity, and love. That glance was never out of Peter's mind so long as he lived. It was far more effectual than ten thousand sermons would have been without the Spirit. The penitent apostle would be sure to weep when he recollected the Saviour's full forgiveness, which restored him to his former place. To think that we have offended so kind and good a Lord is more than sufficient reason for being constant weepers. Lord, smite our rocky hearts, and make the waters flow.

-C.H. Spurgeon

Grace and Peace-EM

Wednesday Video

2009-07-29T09:29:00.001-04:00

Upon Further Reflection...

2009-07-27T20:48:00.010-04:00

I found that I had fallen prey to something that has plagued Christians in the church for a long time. I had forgotten to include the gospel in my post! Proper living is impossible without Christ working in us! It was His sacrifice, and only by His sacrifice that we are saved, and it is His works that matter. I apologise for this mistake, and this only underscores the importance of running everything through the Bible.

God is not bound by what we do. Jerry Bridges makes a great illustration, imagine your spiritual life on two different days. The first day is a great day spiritually. This morning you wake up right when you are supposed to and have your devotional time. As you go about your day at work, you somehow feel the presence of God. At the end of the day, you have the opportunity to witness to a friend who is truly searching. However, the next day is the opposite of this day! You don't get up on time, and as a result you don't have time to have your devotions. Things go badly throughout the day, and you are more and more irritated as the day goes. Though, just like the day before, you have the chance to share Christ again!

The question that Bridges asks at this point is "Would you enter those two witnessing opportunities with a different degree of confidence?" Many Christians answer that yes they would. They are not as confident of God's blessing on a bad day spiritually. God, however, does not depend on our performance. Jerry Bridges makes this point well doesn't he?

Let us now move into today's topic. Today, I would like to speak about the assurance of salvation. Many Christians are fighting this battle everyday and seem to have no results. Let me give you a few possibilities why some Christians do not have this precious gift.

1) They are not trusting Christ.
2) They are living in sin.
3) They are not really saved!

I am going to try to tackle number one today. Before I begin, I want to again emphasize that salvation is a gift. Here is where many Christians go wrong. We think that somehow we can contribute to Christ's sacrifice. We somehow feel that Christ got us saved but it is our job to keep ourselves saved! We can't do that. We can't even begin to do that.

Many also don't realize is that trusting in Christ is also a gift from God! If you lack trust in Christ, ask for it! Remember, Christ is the only one Who is worthy to be trusted. He is to be trusted more than you and your "works".

Jerry Bridges, in his book The Discipline of Grace, says to preach the gospel to yourself everyday. If you think that you don't need to, you are the one who needs it the most!
Jerry Bridges went on to say "Perhaps more important, though, preaching the gospel to ourselves every day gives us hope, joy, and courage. The good news that our sins are forgiven because of Christ's death fills our hearts with joy, gives us courage to face the day, and offers us hope that God's favor will rest upon us, not because we are good, but because we are in Christ."

Grace and Peace-EM

The Consistency of God

2009-07-27T08:49:00.009-04:00

In our Christian lives, God shows amazing consistency. When we are reading our Bibles, praying, witnessing and loving the brethren, God blesses us with joy and victory over our sin. However, when we don't do these things we do not have joy or victory over our sin. This pattern repeats again and again with God doing the same thing; we sin, God won't bless, we live right, God will bless. This is not rocket science! God is so consistent, even when we are not, and that should bring us comfort.

Can you imagine what this world would be like if God was as consistent to us as we are to Him? Can you imagine if God was unpredictable in His actions toward us? Can you imagine if God were to change the rules in your life? We should praise Him every day because we know, by reading our Bibles, what He wants from us. We know that obedience to His Word is going to bring blessing to us. Being obedient to God is something we will never regret because we know that He never changes.

This also works with God's promises. He is never going to back out of a promise, and he is never going to break His end of the deal. That is precious to the Christian.

Let me close with a few words from Charles Spurgeon from his "Morning and Evening" devotional today.
"Exceeding great and precious promises.

2 Peter 1:4

If you would know experimentally the preciousness of the promises, and enjoy them in your own heart, meditate much upon them. There are promises which are like grapes in the wine-press; if you will tread them the juice will flow. Thinking over the hallowed words will often be the prelude to their fulfilment. While you are musing upon them, the boon which you are seeking will insensibly come to you. Many a Christian who has thirsted for the promise has found the favour which it ensured gently distilling into his soul even while he has been considering the divine record; and he has rejoiced that ever he was led to lay the promise near his heart.

But besides meditating upon the promises, seek in thy soul to receive them as being the very words of God. Speak to thy soul thus, If I were dealing with a man's promise, I should carefully consider the ability and the character of the man who had covenanted with me. So with the promise of God; my eye must not be so much fixed upon the greatness of the mercy-that may stagger me; as upon the greatness of the promiser-that will cheer me. My soul, it is God, even thy God, God that cannot lie, who speaks to thee. This word of his which thou art now considering is as true as his own existence. He is a God unchangeable. He has not altered the thing which has gone out of his mouth, nor called back one single consolatory sentence. Nor doth he lack any power; it is the God that made the heavens and the earth who has spoken thus. Nor can he fail in wisdom as to the time when he will bestow the favours, for he knoweth when it is best to give and when better to withhold. Therefore, seeing that it is the word of a God so true, so immutable, so powerful, so wise, I will and must believe the promise. If we thus meditate upon the promises, and consider the Promiser, we shall experience their sweetness, and obtain their fulfilment."

Grace and Peace-EM

What About Hymns?

2009-07-24T09:22:00.004-04:00

Lately, we have been hearing the lyrics to Shai Linne's songs. Some of you might think as I did, "Why can't our hymns be this way?" Guess what, they are! Hear the words from the hymn "And Can it Be?"

1. And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died He for me? who caused His pain!
For me? who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

2. He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied Himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!

3. Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

4. No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
alive in Him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

These hymns are filled with great theology! Now when you are singing these hymns on Sunday, think about what you are saying. Knowledge of God that is great, produces worship that is great. When you sing that fourth verse of that hymn, "No condemnation now I dread", that should spark such a fire in you when you realize that your sin has been payed by Jesus! This thought should lead you to worship no matter what! Today, in some churches, we think that true worship is going to come when the "worship leader", as Todd Friel has said, changes that key. When the worship leader gets you into a frenzy using harmony and key changes, we think that is true worship. As it has been said worship comes from knowledge which comes from proper theology. We can see that theology in these hymns, so pay attention to them!

Grace and Peace-EM

Another Great Song by Shai Linne

2009-07-23T08:38:00.004-04:00

This is a great song about Spurgeon's life.

Spurgeon
written by s. linne

Verse 1

Let me make this plain kids- God is the greatest
He never changes- His ways are blameless
For His own glory and at different stages
He raises up servants to make His name famous
I’ll highlight one particular servant for
The purpose of encouraging your worship to the Lord
Furthermore, Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born
On the outskirts of London- 1834
His dad and his grandpa were both in the ministry
His mother was praying for his soul since his infancy
Naturally intelligent, rapidly developing
But lacking Jesus’ fellowship, that would be irrelevant
The God of his mother unknown
Though Christ was up in his home, the faith just wasn’t his own
The Lord answered prayer when at the age of 10
Young Charles became convinced of the wages of sin
For the next five years, the Spirit brought conviction
Terrors and affliction, aware of his condition
One Sunday morning though- the stormiest snow
Kept Charles from going in the church he’d normally go
Randomly stepped into a church
Heard the words “Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth”
And though only heaven knows the name of the preacher
That’s the day that Spurgeon became a believer

Verse 2

The Lord is so merciful, always so purposeful
Those whom He draws find His call irreversible
Immediately after Spurgeon’s conversion
Obediently, he was earnest to serve Him
The Lord poured His Spirit on Spurgeon abundantly
Anyone could see that he spoke with profundity
Extraordinary giftedness seen
Proclaiming God’s mysteries at the age of fifteen
In a place called Waterbeach graced with the sort of speech
That even made the old folks say, “This boy can preach!”
In fact he was so crafted after the Master
A Baptist church snatched him and asked him to pastor
At the time, He was seventeen years old
On fire for the King who redeemed his soul
People flocked from everywhere- it was quite a scene
Called to a church in London at the age of nineteen
He was more than ready- to his Lord he was dedicated
Even though he was never formally educated
If you would have scratched him, he would bleed Bible
A rich prayer life was his means of survival
Amount that he read was truly mind-blowing
Steeped in the writings of dudes like John Owen
And by God’s grace He fed the sheep new manna
In London met his wife, her name was Susannah

Verse 3

Behold the grace of God- stand to the side
The Spirit exalting the Lamb who has died
It can’t be denied- this man we describe
Was simply a tool in the hand of his God
To observe this servant’s extremely instructive
One word about Spurgeon is he was productive
Preached Jesus- no speakers- loudly he’d shout it
Each week packed houses of crowds in the thousands
His sermons were published- sixty-two volumes
He worked almost like he just knew he would die soon
Made mad disciples, passed on his knowledge
Established a school to train pastors in college
Sold out to the Lord Jehovah, his portion
Also he built two homes for the orphans
A monthly magazine, plus he wasn’t too busy
to write books- about a hundred and fifty
God’s grace in Spurgeon was manifest
But remember, the best man is a man at best
Yes, he struggled with depression- consistently sick, kid
Both he and Susannah physically afflicted
He experienced as a servant of Jesus
The power of God made perfect in weakness
Later on comes complications
His stands for orthodoxy got him shunned by his denomination
But through all the hardship and all the controversy
He never stopped relying on the sovereign God of mercy
And when he had finished pressing towards the goal
He entered into heaven at the age of fifty-seven
His life is a case of God’s grace effectively
At work in sinners to leave a great legacy
The proof is many years later in your speakers
We’re praising Jesus for raising up the "prince of preachers"

Grace and Peace-EM

Good Video

2009-07-22T08:40:00.001-04:00

Learn This

2009-07-21T08:53:00.004-04:00

The following is taken from a rap song, that's right, I said rap, called "Atonement Q&A" by Shai Linne. While you may not care for the genre of music, the words are worth learning. If you wish to read more, he has posted all the lyrics for his songs at http://lyricaltheology.blogspot.com/.

Atonement Q and A
written by shai linne

Verse 1
Who is God? God is the universe’s Creator
And Sustainer plus the only Savior, there is no one greater
He triune, holy, omnipotent, omniscient, absolute
Loving, sovereign and righteous are a few of His attributes

How do we know this? Well, we know this from the Bible
Where God has revealed Himself- anything else is just an idol

What’s the Bible about? Man’s complete ruin in sin
And what God has done in Christ to bring us to Him again

What is sin? Sin is the breaking of God’s law
Plus our condition, which means from birth we all got flaws

What’s the result? The result is by nature we’re God’s enemies
And must pay the penalty unless God provides the remedy

What the remedy? The remedy is the cross of Christ
Where He suffered all the strikes for the lawless type
I’ve been rescued by the Lamb, I’m convinced that He’s risen
And blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven!

Chorus:
Just fall back, and with the eyes of faith
Behold the beauty of surprising grace
Because the Lamb has died, third day He had to rise
He’s magnified- God’s wrath is satisfied
Just fall back- there’s an atonement now
The cross of Christ is holy ground
Because the Lamb has died, third day He had to rise
He’s magnified- God’s wrath is satisfied

Verse 2
Regeneration- the Holy Spirit’s true work in His love
To the elect, who receive new birth from above

Expiation- expiation means God’s removed my filthiness
The old testament type was the goat into the wilderness

Redemption- we’ve been freed from slavery to sin
And His very own blood is the price He paid, my friend

Propitiation- Propitiation means since the Lamb has died
His work is finished- God’s wrath is satisfied

Adoption- adoption means God is now my Father
I got the hottest Poppa and by the Spirit holler Abba

Reconciliation means there’s no more enmity
God is now a friend to me, we’re no longer enemies

Justification- God declares us righteous
Sanctification- we’re being made into His likeness
Glorification- that’s what happens at the finish
When God conforms believers perfectly to Christ’s image!

Chorus

Verse 3

God’s grace is magnificent, He slayed His innocent
Son- through faith and repentance we get the benefits

What is faith? Faith is a gift from God- when we receive this
We trust and treasure the person and finished work of Jesus

Repentance? Repentance is turning from your sin
And trusting Christ as the Spirit cleanses you within

What is grace? Oh, grace is unmerited favor
Our inheritance major ‘cause we cherish the Savior
Right, and if I may quote again, we were doomed with Satan
But believers get Jesus’ righteousness through imputation

Imputation? God takes Jesus’ righteousness amount
Through faith He credits it into the Christian’s account

Anything else? Well, I guess this overview must suffice
But none of this is possible apart from union with Christ
And finally, once you know the ways of the Lord than the
only thing that you can say is Soli Deo Gloria!

Chorus

Grace and Peace-EM

Normal Christianity

2009-07-20T10:43:00.008-04:00

This past weekend I tried something that most Christians wouldn't dream of doing. People were amazed at what I had done, and said that it took guts. I tried street preaching. It was wonderful.
For those who don't know what street preaching is, street preaching, or open air preaching, is standing on a street cornor or sidewalk and proclaiming the gospel. I think this is a great way to reach many people for the gospel at once.
For many people, this is, understandably, scary. I had people come up to me to say that I had guts to do it. Some might say that I am a really spiritual person, or some sort of super Christian. For those that say that, you are wrong on both counts. I am not super spiritual or a super Christian; I am a normal Biblical Christian.
Many Christians seem to think that Bible reading, praying, and church attendance are the required things and evangelism is the optional thing. People, evangelism is just as important as Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance. Why? Because if you don't, you are not bringing God glory. That is the point of evangelism. We don't go out there because people's salvation depends on us. Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). However, we evangelize because God told us to in Mark 16:15. God gets glory when we witness no matter if the person responds favorably or not to the gospel.
In closing, some might say, "I can't witness, or street preach. I am not a good speaker, I would completely mess it up." First, practice makes perfect and second comes from Spurgeon, "The power to quicken the dead lieth not in the wisdom of words but in the Spirit of the living God."
May you be encouraged by the words from the hymn, "I'd Rather Have Jesus":

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;

I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;

I’d rather be true to His holy name

Grace and Peace-EM

Amazing Grace

2009-07-16T10:27:00.008-04:00

Last time, we looked at the patience of God. Today, I want to look at this subject a little deeper. When we consider the patience of God, it's blessedness is highlighted when we understand our own sin. Think of it. God has given us Ten Laws, and we are great at breaking them! Also, when we break one commandment, we actually break several. What do I mean? Let me show you. If you tell one lie, you have broken the ninth commandment because, well, you lied! You have also broken the first commandment because you are not putting God first in all things, otherwise you would not have lied! You would also broken the second commandment by putting yourself before God. Likewise the fifth because a lie would be dishonoring to your parents. Finally, the tenth one was broken by you coveting a result that you wanted to accomplish by lying.

Wow. See how amazing God is? See how merciful He is to send His Son to pay for all of that? In our example above you only told one lie. We break all the commandments every day, and we have seen this multiplying effect with just one sin! The scary thing is we don't even know the depths of depravity that we have! At the same time, however, no matter how deep our depravity is, God's mercy is deeper!

This is what will keep us going, this is what keeps us strong: God's mercy is deeper than our sin! In His mercy He has sent Jesus Christ into the world to pay that massive debt that we have. Jesus died on the cross taking that wrath that we deserve, and then rose again, defeating death! Now, today, He commands us to repent, turn from our sins and trust in Him to forgive us! May that make you cry out today:

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see."

Grace and Peace-EM

Just a Thought...

2009-07-14T09:31:00.007-04:00

Have you ever stopped to think about the patience of God? Think about your sin and marvel at the amazing patience of God! Marvel about the fact that you were not struck down at the very first sin that you committed. Continue to be amazed when you think about all the times you did something that you know you should not have done, but God kept you alive in His incredible mercy. Finally, be amazed that even though all mankind had sinned against God (which is the complete opposite of what man was made for) He sent His Son to die for you!

Charles Wesley puts it well when he says,

"And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood! Died he for me? Who caused his pain! For me? Who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"

Grace and Peace-EM

Ben's Missions Trip Update

2009-07-13T10:07:00.004-04:00

And you think that you can't hand out a gospel tract!

"It will take two hours to get to my next destination so now is
a good time to give a recap. Well, so far I have preached 25 times with
groups ranging from 12 to 300. It was nerve racking at first, but you
get you used to it. It is so cool to see God's provision.
I got to go to the orphanage and play with the kids for two hours! We
played football and and tag, then we cleaned up and went to the mall
where I was partnered up with Joele who is sixteen. The kids were
given 1500 pesos (about 30 dollars ). It's amazing what you can buy
with that. Then we came back to the city were we continued to preach
until Wednesday.
I am sharing a room with 6 other people, and it's a little crowded. We
have two toilets and one shower so it takes about two hours to rotate
all the way through . Right now I'm eating at McDonald's, and so far
today I've preached 8 times today and I'm loving every second of it.
Now I'm on my way back to the hotel to take a shower and try to get
some rest.

Love You Guys,
Ben"

Be praying for him as he has been through so much with health.

Grace and Peace-EM

Happy Birthday, John Calvin (For Real)

2009-07-10T09:36:00.006-04:00

Happy Birthday to you, John Calvin! As I had said before, this was a man that we can learn much from for our own lives. Let's pick things up where we left off at Calvin's conversion. Let us let Calvin himself speak on this matter:
"God by a sudden conversion subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame,which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life. Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness, I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, that although I did not altogether leave off other studies, yet I pursued them with less ardour."

In other words, even though his mind was more hardened than expected at that age, he was still converted into fiery service for the King. Just as an aside, that should be a comfort to those of you who have family members and friends that are still not Christians. You may have tried and tried to witness to them, but they just seem so hard, but take comfort in the fact that God can convert anyone. Spurgeon relating to the story of Lazarus said that you can do two things for the unconverted like those people did for him. 1) Weep over their condition. 2) Go to Jesus to heal their condition.

When Calvin became a Christian, he was not living his best life now. He went through much in his stay in Geneva. He was kicked out of the town and then later asked to return. To underscore what he went through, in a letter to a friend he said that he would rather die than return to Geneva! Nevertheless, he returned to Geneva to his pulpit and preached from the very next verse from the text before he left!

Oh that we would have such devotion to the truth of God as he was!

Soli Deo Gloria!- EM

Happy Birthday, John Calvin! (Well, not quite)

2009-07-08T22:37:00.009-04:00

For those who have been watching the clock, the time is not quite here! Tomorrow is the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. In celebration, I want to start a series of posts honoring this man that God has raised up for His glory.

There is one thing, however, that I want to make very clear: this is not to honor a man in and of himself. These post are to show that God was magnified by Calvin's work, and to prompt us to follow his lead in this most important task of glorifying God.

Steve Lawson has written a wonderful book on this man we are honoring entitled: The Expository Genius of John Calvin. In it, he has a wonderful introduction about John Calvin from which the information to follow was taken and paraphrased. Now, without any further adue, an introduction to John Calvin. John Calvin was extraordinary man. A marvelous quote from James Boice introduces him quite well:

"Calvin had no weapon but the Bible...Calvin preached from the Bible every day, and under the power of that preaching the city began to be transformed. As the people of Geneva acquired knowledge of God's Word and were changed by it, the city became, as John Knox called it later, a New Jerusalem from which the gospel spread to the rest of Europe, England and the New World."

Born to Gerard and Jeanne Cauvin (This was the French version of his last name.) on July 10, 1509, eight years before Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to that famous door, God had given to us a most brilliant man. When Calvin was only 14, he went to the University of Paris to study theology as part of his training to become a priest in the Roman Catholic church according to his father's wish. His intelligence was further demonstrated when he obtained a master of arts degree at the age of 17! God's plan was right on track, for during the time that he spent at the university he obtained training in logic, philosophy,and Latin which he would use in his life. God also guided him through law school in which he learned other skills like Greek and analitical thinking that he would use in his pulpit later in life.

Then, at the University of Bourges, Calvin was confronted with the Reformation teaching containing the gospel. Thus begins the bold Christian life of John Calvin that was anything but easy.

We will pick up Calvin's life and all of the trials that he faced in tomorrow's piece entitled "John Calvin: The Christian" on the most famous blog at this address at this time!

Grace and Peace-EM

What I would say at Michael Jackson's Funeral

2009-07-08T11:32:00.001-04:00

Good Thought

2009-07-07T10:39:00.003-04:00

I heard a very thought provoking thought recently. It said that if Sunday services were canceled, would people be able to see that you were a Christian? Is Sunday morning the only thing that people could see that ties you with your faith in God? This is a thought that we in the American church need to think. Many times church is the only thing that we do. Christianity is something that we do on Sunday morning, but the rest of the week we live as "practical atheists". What do I mean by that? I mean that we live as if there was no God of the Bible because this God demands our soul, our life, our all! We are not playing a game. Even an atheist that I heard came to the reality that "Christianity is not a part of your life it is your life."

Keep in the front of your mind of what has been done for you. You have been saved from your sins by the death of Christ. It is God and only God that cleanses us from our sins, and if He is truly doing that, the world should not be able to only see it on Sunday.

Grace and Peace-EM

Happy Fourth of July! (Marks Remarks Special Edition!)

2009-07-03T10:38:00.005-04:00

Hello, Readers, and happy Fourth Of July! I know, technically it is the third of July (literalist), but since I don't post on weekends, I thought I would make this post today. Hopefully this will give you something to chat about over the barbecue tomorrow.

Many of us heard that now famous slogan "Change" during our latest election that made many of us think that true change can be wrought by political processes. While that is true to a degree; true, nation-altering change for the better, can only be brought through the gospel. Does that mean we don't vote? Of course not. We have been called as Christians to be responsible members of our society. The point that I want to make, that Todd Friel has often made, is that the gospel is what will change a nation completely. We are involved in our political system, but not so much that we are involved in politics more than we are involved with the gospel.

One quick word to those who are concerned about the direction of this nation. The government does not have any more power than God has given it. Remember when Jesus stood before Pilate in John 19:10-11? Jesus says to Pilate that all the power that he [Pilate] has was given to him. The same thing applies to our government, God is in control of it.

So today, as you celebrate the freedom that you have, and remember those who fought for it, thank God for it. God has given us this great nation and we owe Him all our gratitude.

Grace and Peace-EM

Are you grateful?

2009-07-02T10:59:00.005-04:00

This is something that we as Americans so often forget: gratitude. We take blessings like freedom so much for granted. Instead of enjoying the freedoms that we still have, we complain about the things that we don't like. We should be amazed that God has not knocked us out completely for the sins that we have committed as a nation and as individuals.

Let's look even beyond our freedoms; let's look at the things that God gives to us. You are probably reading this via a computer screen, a gift from God! If you can see this post, you have another gift for God: Sight! If you can read this post: Education! If you can understand this post: Mental ability! If you were able to go to this website yourself: Mobility! The list could go on and on!

Here is something else to think about: God is omniscient, which means He is all knowing. Therefore, everything that you have was designed exactly for you! God knew that you would purchase your ____ that you have, so everything about it (including it's problems) has been designed and put together for you! Talk about your ultimate customization plan! God knows you better than you do, including what will be best for you.

Above all, there is one gift that the Christian has that makes all the others fade away. This is the reason why we as Christians should be the most thankful. We have been given the gift of salvation! What could possibly touch that? Even if all we have were to fade away, our things, our health, even our very lives, we still can cling to that one great reality, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has purchased us with His blood while we were yet sinners!

May that thought make whatever is "going wrong" today seem unimportant.

Grace and Peace-EM

Have You Lost Your First Love?

2009-07-01T10:31:00.005-04:00

Great MacArthur video:

Just a Thought...

2009-06-30T09:39:00.005-04:00

This series of posts called "Just a Thought" was taken from another blog that I read. If you want to visit it you can do so here.
This is going to be a slightly longer "Just a Thought" post.

I came across a passage in Exodus 33:18-23. This spoke of God hiding Moses in the cleft of the rock so that he could survive the passage of God in front of him. Think of it: God is going to pass in front of Moses and if he saw God's face he would die!
This brings two thoughts to my mind:
1) How great God is!
2)How sinnful we are!
God has not changed since the time of Moses, and neither has human nature, our nature. Our wicked nature of which we know not the depths of it.

Fall on your knees before an infintly holy and glorious God Who is an all consuming fire. Think about that and think about that sin that you "can't stop". Now think about the cross, and the amazing grace that God has shown us. Jesus took all that wrath, for you. Repent and trust in Christ.
May that encourage you!

Grace and Peace-EM

Wonderful post by Spurgeon

2009-06-29T09:42:00.005-04:00

This come courtesy of the Pyromaniacs blog which I link to on the side under Team Pyro...

Click the link:http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2009/06/precious-in-sight-of-lord.html

Grace and Peace-EM

Just a thought..

2009-06-26T12:11:00.004-04:00

How long do we spend reading our Bibles and praying vs. watching TV or surfing the Internet?
Who is it again that we treasure above all else?

Grace and Peace-EM

Are you too busy to glorify God?

2009-06-25T08:50:00.000-04:00

Do you wish that you could live life solely for God, but you can't? Maybe you can't go to the mission field, or maybe you can't be a minister but you can still do things for God. "But how", you may ask, "how can I do things for God when I have kids at home, or I am in a job that is not ministry? I'm just too busy." Let us turn to the Bible to tell us what you can do.

I Corinthians 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (ESV) Here it is! What can you do for God? Answer: Everything! As long as you do it to the glory of God!

Someone gave me this analogy:
Dad, when you work, do it as if God where your boss (Because He is!). Mom, when you raise your children, raise them as if you were doing it for God! Student, as you get your education, write those papers as if you were writing them for God.

Living with this thought pattern will do much for you in your Christian life.

1) You will be living in obedience to Scripture. (This is what we strive for, Christian)

2) This thought pattern will reduce sin in your life. (If you are constantly thinking about what you can do for God, there will be less room to think about your sin.)

3) You will bring glory to God. (Which is the reason that you were created.)

Let's take a look at these points more closely.

1) You will be living in obedience to Scripture.

What greater joy is there in the Christian life? You get to follow the holy mandates of God! And not just any god, but the God, as Ray Comfort says, "who gave you LIFE", both physical and spiritual life if you are saved. Do we realize the privilege that we have been given?

2)This thought pattern will reduce sin in your life.

Sin. The most accursed entity in the universe. The thing that causes death. (Rom. 6:23) The thing that caused the fall of man. (Gen. 3) This entity, sin, can be reduced in your life by thinking about constantly glorifying God. Christ died to free us from it, let us not continue in it as best we can.

3)You will bring glory to God.

This point hardly needs expounding! Living for God's glory will be noticed by the world. In an age where there are so many people who name the name of Christ, but are mere pretenders, we need to show our obedience to God in all that we do. Too often we see people who say that they are Christians, but are the worst performers at their jobs or the laziest person in their class. I would not want to bring any dishonor to the One to Whom I owe everything.

As I close, I wish to say one last thing. No matter what you do, or where you go, bring glory to God by how you live your life, but don't use that as an excuse to not spread the gospel! Without this component, you just look like a moral person. Remember, without the gospel, everything that we do is just an exercise in futility. We can't live right without God. It is God Who empowers us to live the way I just described.We can't obey God's Word without God's power, and we can't conquer sin on our own any more than we walk on the surface of the sun! Without the gospel none of this is possible.So today, ask God to do a work in you so that you can live for God's glory in all that you do. That is a prayer that God is more than happy to hear!

See? You're not too busy to work for God!

Grace and Peace-EM

Wednesday Video

2009-06-24T08:50:00.003-04:00

If you struggle with attaining misery, this will help:

Grace and Peace-EM

Too funny to keep to myself

2009-06-23T09:48:00.004-04:00

These videos are from comedian Brian Regan, unfortunately I could not get them to embed so here are the links:

This one is about UPS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89frRi8GgGA
This one is about flight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9em-ZCddWk

Have a laugh!

Grace and peace-EM

Why do you come to Church?

2009-06-22T09:58:00.006-04:00

This is a question that all church members must ask themselves. There are many reasons that people come to church. Some come because that is where their friends are. Others, will come because there is good business connections there with honest people (mostly). Finally, people will come because "that's what we've always done". All these answers are not the reason that we come to church. If they are your personal reasons, there is going to be a problem. If your goal when you come to church is anything but worship of God, there is going to be a problem.

"Why do you keep saying that there will be a problem Blogger-Boy?" There are a couple of reasons.
1. Worship is an activity that is designed by God for God only.
If you come to His House for any reason other than worship, you are using this activity to worship yourself.
2. God does not share His worship. He judged very severely those who did not respect it. John Piper puts it well when he said, "The chief end of God is to glorify God and enjoy Himself forever." That is what God is zealous for, His worship.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to get in the way of His worship!

Mark's Remarks

2009-06-19T09:29:00.004-04:00

Today I will be talking about the things that I have seen in the church today. I will start with an original quote from one of my friends that I thought was great. "Great minds shouldn't think alike....they should strive for originality." Funny as though that is, there is actually a very scary trend in the church today that follows this quote to a degree. Mostly, the church goes wrong with the first part of that quote, "Great minds shouldn't think alike".

Today, "pastors" try to do this in a way. They all want to try the next latest and greatest thing, as long as it is not the Bible. I have seen almost everything that these guys try to do, from having motorcycles jumping over the pastors head, to sermons based on "Shrek 3". (yes, I have heard these.)

They all think that the Bible, the "Great mind" if you will, is not enough. They think that people will not come, as Todd Friel says, to hear the Bible. He mentions that they won't come to hear that they have offended a perfectly holy God that they must face on judgement day. They think that the congregation will not bear the fact the Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, came to this world fulfill all the laws in thought, word and deed, and then die on a cross to purchase redemption for the elect of the world. They think that it is not important to tell their people, their sheep, that if they repent and trust in the Saviour they will see that they were elect. These "pastors" are not fulfilling this job because they are not qualified to do it.

If you, dear Bible neglecting pastor, are reading this, I pray that God will have mercy on you for ignoring His Word, and leading countless people into their doom. Congregation of said pastor, you need to reading God's Word for yourself because you are probably not. If you were, you would not put up with such a mishandling of Scripture.

May God bring this American church to it's knees. May He grant us repentance.

Soli Deo Gloria-EM

What did you do this summer?

2009-06-18T08:08:00.003-04:00

That is the question that others will ask us at the end of this season. Most of us hope that we can say that we went on our best vacation yet, or that we did that thing that we always wanted to do. Many of us fear that our summer will be spent doing things that won't impress our friends. If you spent your summer watching TV while your friend went skydiving, you would feel inferior!

However, I think that both people in my example wasted their summer. Even if you did the most fun thing that you can imagine, you had the time of your life all summer, but did not do anything for God, you wasted your summer. I'm not saying that doing fun things during summer is bad, it is when having fun takes precedence over all other things is where we run into problems.

If you are out of school or are less busy at work, you have more time to devote to God. Remember, that is the reason for your existence. You are here to bring glory to God.
My friends, for example, are not wasting their summer, they are heading out for mission trips. One of my friends is going to the Philippines for five, count 'em, five weeks! That is not wasting summer. (In fact, on this very blog I will give updates from him, so stay tuned)

"But, Blogger-Boy" you might say"I can't go to the Philippines for that long. In fact, I don't have the money to go anywhere this summer." Fair enough, but you can go around your neighborhood and evangelize your community. Find somewhere that you can witness to people on a regular basis. Whether it be a boardwalk on the beach or in a park or even next door, get out there and don't let this summer go by without having done something for God. Then, when summer is over, continue to evangelize. Do so in your day to day life. If you can't do that, though there is little excuse not to, you can help out in your church. When there is a work day, go, if there is an outreach, go. After all, what are you going to do, just watch TV?

So, what I want you to do today is plan how you are going to glorify God this summer. Plan to evangelize while on vacation. Plan to read through a good book. Now when I say plan, I mean get out your calendar and decide what you are going to do and when, otherwise it never gets done. Trust me, I know.

Now, if you are genuinely busy, which some are this summer, glorify God in your work. Work as if He was your boss, because He is!

As I close, I want to leave you with this thought: When we die, God is not going to be interested in the fish we caught while out on the boat. He is not going to be interested in the "frequent flyer miles" we earned or in the TV shows we watched. He is going to be interested in the glory we brought to Him this summer, as well as the rest of our lives.

Grace and Peace-EM

Wednesday Video

2009-06-17T08:16:00.005-04:00

This is a great video. There is no sound the first twenty seconds so do not think there is something wrong.

Grace and peace-EM

What were they thinking?

2009-06-16T06:41:00.003-04:00

Have you ever asked yourself that question when you would read your Bible? We see in both Testaments examples of people who just couldn't seem to get it. Let's first look at the Israelites in the Old Testament. We see in the book of Exodus miracle after miracle that God performs to free Israel from their slavery in Egypt. He causes plagues, parts the Red Sea, and leads the group by a pillar of Fire by night! But when they are out of Egypt, what do they do? Complain, worry, doubt, and wish they could go back! What were they thinking?

For another example, later on in the Old Testament, the nation of Israel starts to rebel against God. Again and again, the same pattern is repeated: they rebel, God punishes, they repent, God forgives, and then the pattern starts again. Don't you think they would have gotten it after all these years?

Finally, let's look at the New Testament. The disciples served with Jesus in His public ministry for years. They have seen Him raise the dead, heal cities of their diseases, cast out demons, and a host of other miracles. But when Jesus asks Phillip to feed the 5,000, he says "It can't be done"! After three years of being with Jesus, Phillip asks Jesus to show the disciples the Father. This seems like a good question until we realize that Jesus had been saying, "I and the Father are One" the whole time!

What were they thinking? This is the question that we ask when we see these examples, but we don't have to look for very long to see us making the same mistakes. Do you worry and doubt God? That is the same thing as those Israelites who doubted God. Do you sometimes not read God's Word because you are "too busy"? That is being disobedient and God will not bless the disobedient. He will use His rod of correction to bring you back. It is the same pattern that we saw with ancient Israel. Do you think that your sins are too much for Jesus to forgive? Do you doubt that Jesus can help you in your battle against sin? I think you get it now!
Remember, we worship the same God today that the above mentioned people did then. He is still worthy of our trust today as He was then.

Just one more thought as I close. Our doubts are even more outrageous because we have the entire history of this in our hands and we still make the same mistakes! What are we thinking?
Praise God for His amazing patience with us! Praise God that He has provided a way of salvation for us. As you can see, we would never make it on our own!

Grace and Peace-EM

Overstimulation

2009-06-11T09:51:00.000-04:00

Today, I will speak about the over stimulation of our culture.
In today's world, we have access to entertainment almost everywhere. With laptops, iPods, and now cell phones, we can access the Internet from almost anywhere. With T.V., we have access to literally thousands of channels with still nothing on. We have become so addicted to these forms of entertainment that we can hardly live without them.

To use myself as an example, I am always trying to find Wi-Fi hot-spots, or wireless Internet. I remember when I was on flight recently, I was disgusted to find that the airliner wanted to charge ten bucks for the Internet! Then when I was in Atlanta I was frustrated to find that Wi-Fi was seven dollars there! My uncle, who was traveling with me, said that we did not have Wi-Fi five minutes ago as a country and already people are complaining when they don't have it!

To use one more example, one of the largest complaints of people during the hurricanes was the loss of cable!

We are addicted to entertainment. On the increasingly popular iPod Touch, over 35,000 apps or programs, have been made. Granted, some of them are tools, but I think you see what I am saying, we are addicted to entertainment.

Now, to the main point of this post, where does this leave God in our thoughts? How close is God to our thoughts when we update our Facebook status while listening to our iPods with one earbud in so we can still hear the T.V.? In this world of over stimulation, we feel that we must always be having fun to have purpose in our lives. Thoughts of serventhood, hard work or living for God's glory are drowned out by our electronic devices

Now I want you to know, that I do not escape guilt with this, I was the inspiration for this post! As I sat down to write this,I checked my Facebook, and had music playing as I sat down to write.

There is, however, nothing wrong about these things in moderation!! It is when these devices begin to be the biggest part of our lives is when we have a problem. In fact we can use these things for good

Today, I want you to think about something. As you use your devices, thinks of ways that you can use these things for the glory of God. Remember, that we can do nothing without God. He has sent His Son to die for us, to take the penalty for our sins. And through repentance and faith, we can have salvation. With such good news like that let's use the amazing world of electronics that we have at our disposal to advance this gospel, not to fritter away our God given time.

Grace and Peace-EM

Wednesday Video

2009-06-10T08:16:00.004-04:00

Here is Paul Washer's testimony:

Just a thought

2009-06-09T08:41:00.002-04:00

Today, a quote from Spurgeon,

"We are taught, by past experience, that the more simply we depend upon the grace of God in Christ, and wait upon the Holy Spirit, the more we shall bring forth fruit unto God. Oh! to trust Jesus for fruit as well as for life."

Grace and Peace-EM

This is a great video

2009-06-08T10:57:00.002-04:00

Great Video:

Marks Remarks

2009-06-04T17:38:00.004-04:00

This is a special Mark's Remarks today. Today I will do a regular post instead of my thoughts for the week. Today I will speak on a topic that is close to yesterdays post.

Today's topic is on affliction. Affliction is a long or short term thing that causes us pain, either physically or mentally. Often, we kick against these things as horrible and something that "God shouldn't do to us". Remember first of all, we should not say what God should or should not do. God is infinitely smarter than we are; we are the creation and He is the Creator. We must not forget that.
Though it is hard to hear, these things are for our good.
We know God does not do these things to be mean. He has promised in His Word to "never leave you nor forsake you"(Heb. 13:5) To further make this point, MacArthur, in the MacArthur Study Bible notes, points out that five negatives were used to show how impossible it is for Christ to leave us!

Affliction, whether long term or short term, is something that God gives us. We often don't know exactly why, but we can know that God does so for a reason. Take comfort in this fact.
Today, thank God for what you are going through, whatever it is. It is making you more like Christ, which is the ultimate goal of the Christian life.
Even if you still can't thank God for your affliction, Thank Him for your salvation, for that is the most important thing. May that lead you to worship the God who made you!

Until Monday, go serve (and thank) your King!
Grace and Peace-EM