Six Facts Revealed in the Gospel Part 4

4. The Justice of God is only appeased by the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just, and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." [Romans 3:23-26, NKJV]

Man could never in all of eternity satisfy God. Mystery beyond mysteries, the God-Man, Jesus Christ died and appeased God the Father who had been offended by Sin. Redemption, forgiveness, and satisfaction could not be accomplished or realized without a sacrifice. Every animal from oxen to bird under the old covenant was a visible demonstration that death had to occur. In the Old Testament economy the death of animals could not remove sin, death only covered it for a time. Christ's death satisfied the Father and removed the sin of God's people.

If salvation could have been obtained in any other way, God would not have bruised and crushed His own precious Son whom He loved in order to achieve it. God would not have had to kill His beloved Son.

Christ was the perfect offering, He was the perfect substitute for the elect. The elect could not atone for their own sin, but thanks be to God that Christ could and did.

Six Facts Revealed in the Gospel Part 3

However...
3. It is against the nature & character of God to save a sinner apart from justice being satisfied

"I will by no means clear the guilty." [Exodus 34:7]

"And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission." [Hebrews 9:22, NKJV)

Although God is absolutely sovereign and omnipotent, He cannot and will not act against His own nature. In other words, God will not violate his own law and justice.

God will not forgive sin without His justice being satisfied. God must be appeased. God will judge sin, all sin, and God will judge your sin. He will judge your sin in and of yourself or He will judge your sin in Christ Jesus.

(Continued tomorrow)

Six Facts Revealed in the Gospel Part 2

However...

2. God's Will Includes Saving Sinners

"Who is a God like you, offering forgiveness for evil-doing and overlooking the sins of the rest of his heritage? he does not keep his wrath for ever, because his delight is in mercy." [Micah 7:18. BBE]

God in his mercy and by His grace has decreed to save some men from the misery of their sins in order to create a company of saints who will exhibit His character and nature throughout eternity. There are people in this world who will be saved because it is the will of God.

"...other sheep I have which are not this fold (Jews) them (Gentiles) also I must bring, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock (Jew and Gentile) and one shepherd." [John 10:16]

Don Fortner has written, "Every chosen sinner (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14), every predestined son (Romans 8:29-30), every heir of the covenant (Ephesians 1:3-7), everyone whose name was written in the Lamb's book of life from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) must and shall be saved by the grace of God. There is no possibility that even one of God's elect will perish."

The key to realize, that it is not your duty to wonder whether or not you are the elect, or a predestined son, of if your name was written in the Lamb's book of life before God created the world - no your duty is to repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Your repentance and faith demonstrates that you are God's elect. The hardening of your heart and your rejection demonstrates that you are not.

However...

(Continued tomorrow)

Six Facts Revealed in the Gospel Part 1

There is a very good reason why non Christians do not understand the truths that God has revealed in His Word. It might surprise you to learn it is not because these truths are to hard, to mysterious, or even to deep. 

The reason that on believers cannot understand the truths about sin, salvation, or sanctification is  simply because of their unbelief. [2 Corinthians 4:1-6]

Over the next six (6) days I want to share with you six (6) undeniable truths from God's Word concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. No one can embrace these truths unless the Spirit of God reveals them and teaches them to those whom God has determined to learn and understand them.

1. All of mankind by their own nature are sinners and consequently are alienated from God.

"...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory (the nature/character of God) of God." [Romans 3:23, NKJV]

Therefore, since every human being is a sinner and alienated from God, every man is born under the condemnation of God and must suffer the wrath of God. All sin must be punished either in the sinner him/herself or in an acceptable substitute.

Since God's law has been broken or violated, it accuses the sinner of sin, condemns the sinner for sin, and demands the death of the sinner. God will not alter His justice. However...

(Continued tomorrow)

All Things To Be Subject to Christ

It thrilled my soul to be reminded from Hebrews 2:5-9 that one day in the age or world to come all things, all things including the press and socialistic liberal democrats will be brought under subjection to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!

Celebrate!

Awake O Sleeping Faith!

"When a storm rises, immediately run and awaken your sleeping faith. Knock at its door. Do your work, O faith! Consider this medicine for your faith to drink in comfort: not the slightest trouble befalls you without the overruling eye and hand of God. He is not only our wise God, but a tender Father, He knows what you are made of and measures out exactly every cross unto us as a chemist measures grains of medicine."

(Samuel Ward, Sermons, pp. 33-36)

Stir Up the Coals of Your Soul!

Samuel Ward once said, "Unstirred coals do not glow or give heat." Do you know what he meant?

Stir up your soul by meditating on the great truths and promises of Scripture. Stir up, chew on, think on them, and view them as often as you need to in order for your soul to glow and give off "heat."

Mingle your meditations with prayer. Think on the things of God until your heart is warmed and you are overflowing with joy. Then sing praises unto our God!

Comfort Your Soul

 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort..." (2 Corinthians 1:3, EMTV)

Satan is the enemy of our souls. Satan will test us, tempt us, and even torment us. In order to ward off these attacks and assaults you must be prepared through prayer, patience, and be pro-active.

When the enemy comes, comfort your soul with these three truths:

• Every thing that you experience, whether good or bad, positive or negative has been approved by God and thereby permitted.

• God has promised never to "leave you nor forsake" you. You will never be abandoned to Satan or to his devices. God will sustain you.

• God will provide the grace and comfort at the exact moment that He knows you need it. God will often keep from you the means and manner of His grace and comfort until you do need it.

Jonah Did the Unexpected (Part 1 of 4)

Sermon:     GM17-147

Series:         Jonah: A Gospel of Grace

Setting:      

Service:       

Subtitle:     Jonah Did the Unexpected

Scripture:   Jonah 1:1-3

Subject:      Jonah’s disobedience

Scope:        Jonah deliberately disobeyed God by traveling the opposite direction from which he had been commanded by God.

Scheme:      To motivate my people to resist the temptation to disobey the revealed will of God.

Scrutiny:    Why did Jonah disobey God?

Solution:    Our passage today provides the reason that Jonah disobeyed God. Jonah disobeyed God because Jonah is a perverse prophet.

Sketch:       1A     Resisting the Grace of God    (1:1-16)     (Part 1)

                             1B     The Defiant Servant (1-3)

                            

1C       …is detected in the indifference of Jonah (1)

                                                2C       …is demonstrated by the instruction of Jehovah (2)

                                                3C       …is documented by the intention of the Journey (3)

Marion Lee Bailey, Sr. Memorial

The service was beautiful:

Opening comments by Phil Peters

Medley of Lee's favorite hymns

Son spoke words & memories of His Dad

Daughter spoke words & memories of her Dad

Family & Friends spoke words & memories

Short passages of comforting scripture read

Prayer for comfort

Closing prayer & Dismissal

When Men Grow Exceedingly wicked

I am absolutely appalled at how lawless our country has become. It is frightening to see how little, if any, respect the liberal left has for laws, offices, institutions, government, and authority. We have lost America. 

The only thing that keeps me from complete despair is the fact that our God is sovereign and in control and will one day judge the lawless with perfect judgment.

 The lawless will be given exactly what they desire - separation from anything holy, divine, and authoritative. God will give them their heart's desire. The bare-naked truth will reveal that the price for having exactly what they want is more than they could ever bargained for.

Principles to Ponder Prior to Practicing Preferences

All of us as believers at one time or another have been faced with the question of, "Can I as a Christian..." Many things are spelled out clearly in the Scriptures and we do not have to wonder whether a particular "thing" is "OK" for us to practice or to be involved in.

The problem we face at times is when the Scriptures are not clear or do not address a particular issue. This is where it gets dicey. Many well meaning believers have made mountains out of molehills and have made preferences paramount in their lives.

How do we decided what to do or not to do when these situations occur? What are the guidelines for determining the right and wrong of any given situation not covered by Scripture? First, if you have ask if something is wrong or unnecessary it probably is. Second, we do have some principles that give us some assistance in making decisions that will enable us to maintain a clear conscience, prevent wounding or violating the conscience of others, and to give glory to God in all things:

 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to the Jews or to the Greeks, or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." [1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, NKJV]

So, here are seven (7) principles to ponder prior to practicing personal preferences.

• does this "thing" help me?
• does this "thing" build me up in my faith?
• does this "thing" help others rather than hurt/hinder them?
• does this "thing" violate my conscience?
• does this "thing" violate the conscience of others?
• does this "thing" favorably magnify God's character to others?
• does this "thing" offend those who are lost?

The next time you find yourself in the position of pondering an action or attitude that is not covered by Scripture, apply these seven (7) principles. They can keep you from offending yourself, others, and God.

(How did this post help you today? Please leave a comment.)

This Is Our Strength

The Man & His Message Part 2

Sermon:     GM17-146

Series:         Jonah: A Gospel of Grace

Setting:      

Service:     

Subtitle:     Jonah: The Man & His Message (Part 2)

Scripture:   Jonah 1:1

Subject:      An overview & introduction of the prophecy & prophet

Scope:        Jonah is a record of responsibility, rebellion, and repentance which accentuates the majestic good news of God’s grace towards sinners.

Scheme:      To provide strategic information which enables you to appreciate, assimilate, and actuate the principles of this historical narrative.

Scrutiny:    What strategic information do you need to possess in order to fully appreciate and apply this historical record?

Solution:    Today’s message provides five (5) aspects of strategic information that enables you to fully appreciate this historical record of God’s grace.

                   Theme:       Jonah writes a book

                   We see that Jonah wrote a book when we examine…

Sketch:       1A     The Adoption of Jonah

2A     The Author of Jonah

                   3A     The Audience of Jonah

                   4A     The Age of Jonah

                   5A     The Aim of Jonah

                   6A     The Argument of Jonah

God Hath Received My Friend Into Glory!

A dear friend was received into the presence of God on Tuesday evening. I learned of his transition into glory on Wednesday afternoon. I know the remaining family is mourning his departure and will for quite some time I am sure. I too mourn his loss but I am excited and filled with joy. 

First of all, he is released from the painful, sometimes humiliating, and frustrating limitations of his human body and mind as they both crumbled around him. He is free from all suffering, pain, and limitation.

Second, I don't mourn as those who do not know Jesus Christ. I have a hope, an eternal hope given by God through the Lord Jesus Christ that one day I will see my friend again. His physical death is not the end. He has entered into the reward of God's grace through Christ and into the glories of the everlasting life promised in Scripture.

Many will comment that God "took" him. To quote Al Borland, "I don't think so Tim." God did not take him. God received him.

You see, God prior to ever creating this earth, and all that is on it, including my friend, has already established the moment and the means of death of every human being ever to be conceived. My friend's day of departure was already determined from eternity past. God did not have to take him. God, at the appointed time, and not a second too early nor a second too late, received him into his eternal presence and eternal reward.

I mourn our loss Lee. I will miss you for awhile. But thanks be unto the living God you are now welcomed and received into the glory that you preached about for some fifty-four years.

It is almost imbecilic to say this, but I am only human, so... - enjoy heaven my friend. I will see you soon.

...and we're back!

I've been gone for quite a while

so, please don't touch that dial,

I intend on ramping up again,

this blog is now on the mend!

I have missed all the give and take,

I am ready to go for goodness sake,

I hope that you will stop by each day,

and see what this blog has had to say.

This blog is dedicated to God's glory,

you all know I love to tell the story,

of our awesome and sovereign Lord,

and to teach His marvelous Word.

Things that did hinder once before

have gone away and are no more.

I may not post every single day,

I will do my best to find a way!

So, Lord willing see you on the morrow

for now it's time to beg, steal, or borrow

wise words of wisdom of gold galore,

even I don't know what is now in store!

The Unretirement of the Gospel-driven Disciples Blog

The Gospel-driven Disciples blog is coming out of retirement and will once again be posting blogs as of today, February 1st, 2017.

The reasons that have made this event possible will be shared in days to come. Suffice it to say, for good or bad, Gospel-driven Disciples is back!

I hope you will once again check in, read the various articles, and offer up some comments.