Occupy Till I Come Part III

The Sunday Sermon...

Gospel Driven Disciples introduces a new component: The Sunday Sermon. These sermons will be from various men of God from various time periods with the goal of provoking a deeper appreciation of our Lord Jesus Christ and to facilitate obedience to the admonition given in II Peter 3:18 – “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.”

This Sermon is by J. C. Ryle, (1816-1900) First published by Drummond's Tract Depot, Stirling, Scotland

Occupy Till I Come (Part III) - This is the third and final point in Mr. Ryle's great message.

III. The third and last question I wish to consider, is this: What is the present duty of all Christ's professing disciples?

When I speak of present duty, I mean, of course, their duty between the period of Christ's first and Second Advent. And I find an answer in the words of the nobleman, in the parable, to his servants: he "delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."

Of Milk and Meat

"The Importance of Divine Truth"

Your Weekly Exposure to Edwards

Gospel Driven Disciples posts some highlights from the prolific works of Jonathan Edwards. The following excerpt is taken from “The Importance and Advantage of a Thorough Knowledge of Divine Truth, in the Soli Deo Gloria title, To All the Saints of God.”

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need for milk, and not of strong meat." (Hebrews 5:12)

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food..." (Hebrews 5:12 ESV)

Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures. This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived. Every man of common understanding who can read may, if he pleases, become well acquainted with the Scriptures. Do not content yourselves with only a cursory reading, without regarding the sense. When you read, observe what you read. Take notice of the drift of the discourse and compare Scripture with Scripture.

Procure and diligently use other books which may help you grow in this knowledge. There are many excellent books which might forward you in this knowledge and afford you much profit. Improve conversation with others to this end. How much might persons improve each other’s knowledge in divine things if they would communicate without pride and ostentation?

Do not seek to grow in knowledge chiefly for the sake of applause, and to enable you to dispute with others; but seek it for the benefit of your souls, and in order to practice it. Seek that God would direct and bless you in your pursuit after knowledge. This is the direction of James 1:5. God is the fountain of knowledge (Proverbs 2:6).

Practice according to what knowledge you have. This will be a way to know more. The Psalmist recommends this in Psalm 119:100. Christ also recommends the same in John 7:17.

The Twenty Third Channel

Since today is “Free & Frivolous Friday” I thought I would share with you a real “blast from the past.” I found this yesterday in an old file that I was going through. Let me say three things if I may:

1) I am not an enemy of T. V. I believe it is like anything else that God has given us; it has an on and off switch and is to be used with both discretion and moderation.

2) I realize this is “out-dated.” It has been around awhile, but we could up date it to include cell-phones, texting, video/electronic games, and etc.

3) Please, resist the temptation to send nasty emails thinking I am the evangelist to get rid of TV’s. I assure you, I am not. I love my Frasier, Burn Notice, CSI, and football like everyone else. I welcome any and all opportunities to interact in regards to any posting, I have posted this for fun, and for all of us to simply take a look at what could be a hindrance to spiritual growth.

The T. V. Set is my shepherd. My spiritual growth shall want.

It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for His name’s sake, because it requireth all my spare time. It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian; because it presenteth so many good shows that I must see.

It restoreth my knowledge of things of the world, and keepeth me from the study of God’s Word. It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend worship services, and doing nothing in the Kingdom of God.

Yea, though I live to be a hundred, I shall keep on viewing my T.V., as long as it will work, for it is my closest companion. Its sounds and its picture, they comfort me.

It presenteth entertainment before me, and keepeth me from doing important things with my family. It fills my head with ideas which differ from those set forth in the Word of God.

Surely, no good thing will come of my life, because my T. V. offereth me no good time to do the will of God; thus I will dwell in spiritual poverty all the days of my life.

from LIFE MESSENGERS

Seattle, WA

Greed, Gullibility, & God?

One of the more chilling statistics that I have been reading lately is that of the growing number of so called converts to the prosperity gospel in developing nations. It seems that the US has become successful at exporting the rank heresy of the prosperity gospel. It is unfortunate that this “brand” of American Christianity is growing in exponential proportions.

It is seems that the widespread acceptance of the message of the prosperity hawkers is the universal reality of human greed. The same sin nature that permeates US “Christians” is present in every human being around the world. It is easy to tap into that greed. It doesn’t matter whether someone simply thinks that they are entitled to a little or that they want the “whole enchilada” of Maseratis, Mansions, and Millions.

It is not greed alone that makes for the success of this miserable message. The prosperity gospel is packaged with God and the Bible, the message becomes heaven sent. The following quote sheds valuable light on why the message is so accepted in developing countries:

“Ironically, the prosperity gospel has found its most fertile ground in developing nations, where conspicuous and bloated consumption is the least realistic. Poorer nations are more susceptible to this lie not out of greed per se, but because of its inherent germ of truth: God does want us to be prosperous. God’s emphasis, however, is on us, not just me. Probably the most quoted Bible verse among Evangelical Christians is John 3:16. It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…” God’s heart is for the entire world, not just for me, my family, or my country. In other words, prosperity achieved through social justice is the theological corrective to the prosperity gospel.”

Another frightening report states:

“According to a Pew survey cited by Rosin, a whopping 73 percent of Latinos in America agree with the statement, "God will grant financial success to all believers who have enough faith" making the success of churches like Casa del Padre almost assured.”

The solution is not easy nor is it very palatable. The bible tells clearly that in the latter days, false teachers and false teaching will multiply prolifically. The solution seems to include both, faithfully preaching the word as accurately as possible and second, to trust God to deal with this putrid infection in his timing. These false teachers will be judged! The despair, damage, and destruction caused by their inward burning of lust and greed will be devastating. In the mean time we need to keep this message from Paul in mind:

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.


Avoid such people…continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed…preach the Word…reprove and rebuke and exhort…for the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears the will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (II Tim 3:1-5, 14, 4:1, 3, 4 ESV)

Book Review: Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, Third Edition

That is some title but it is some book! This latest edition from Thomas Nelson publishers has combined the introductory information of each book of the bible in the manner of a Bible Hand-Book along with reproducible maps and charts from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

These maps and charts are in full color, nicely detailed with informative background information, including history, dates, details, and places. This is a very attractive and well laid out reference tool. It is very easy to use; anyone from a new believer to a seasoned pastor can supplement lessons, sermons, or private devotions.

All of the maps and charts can be freely copied for private use. The charts and maps are easily downloadable into PDF formats in order to be printed and copied as handouts in classes or small groups. I found the book to be very informative, very easy to use, and was highly impressed with the high quality, the color, and the annotated maps.

I have found one difficulty at this point. I tried to “copy” some of the downloadable PDF maps in order to paste into my PowerPoint application and ran into some trouble. The map itself, presumably the background, copied and pasted with no problem, but the detailed annotations would not copy and paste onto the PowerPoint slide. That left me with a blank map on my slide.

I believe I will make constant use of this book of bible maps and charts. I believe that you too will find it to be a valuable addition to your reference collection; this is one reference book you will use regularly.

I have received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review.

Book Review: Holiness by Grace, Bryan Chapell

HOLINESS BY GRACE
 by Bryan Chapell

The subtitle of this book is “Delighting in the Joy that Is Our Strength.” This is an apt description of the design of Dr. Chapell’s book. I realize this book was published in 2001 but I have been late coming to it. I was made aware of it last year, but was recently able to actually get to and read it. I am glad I did. As a result, I want to make a simple recommendation to others who might be late in coming across it.

Holiness by Grace is about our response and responsibility to God’s command to His children to, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Chapell comments, “Without Christ we would hear this command and shudder. How can God expect us to be holy as he is? Isn’t it unrealistic, since he is infinitely pure and we are clearly imperfect?

He then begins with an introduction that resonates with honesty, transparency, and the recognition of just how difficult it is to be holy. Particularly if one is trying to be holy in one’s own energy or system of “works.”

Chapell recounts a service where a young preacher quoted those words from Leviticus with what he calls “such fervor” that Chapell had little doubt that the preacher expected those in the congregation to be obedient to them. What I appreciated because it was a snap shot of reality was his thoughts as he heard this imperative but surveyed those around him. He recounts:

• two sisters one the front row recently divorced and one had turned to sinful relationships and the other to the numbness of alcohol in order to cope

• a successful business man and elder who had recently ousted the last pastor

• a young mother who was trying to manage two out of control preschoolers

• a teen-ager who sat at the opposite end of the pew in order to make a statement to his feelings about his family

• a Seminary professor who had been moody to his family for days

His thoughts jarred him into the realization that “there was not a sinless person among us.” This book asks and answers the question “does God really expect us to be holy as he is holy?” Through 10 chapters he takes us on this journey of recognizing that we can’t do this in our own strength but demonstrates that God has made a way.

Holiness by Grace is a 243 page practical step by step guide in how to abandon self efforts and ideas of holiness and the adoption of the grace of God as God uses means to produce holiness within us. Dr. Chapell in a very down to earth, man in the pew manner demonstrates how the grace of God and the joy of the Lord join hand in hand in producing holiness.

At the end of the book there is a “workbook” of discussion questions on each chapter to help the reader go deeper. This is not only a great book, but a very needed book. As a Pastor (w/o a charge), man, husband, and a father, I heartily recommend this you all who are believers. I plan to read and re-read this book many times as I realize that God is serious about holiness even in this life.

Today in Christian History!

Did You Know?

I was nosing around today out of boredom and discovered some interesting things that have taken place on this day in history. I thought you might find them interesting, thought provoking, or otherwise inspiring.

1750 Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton (author of "Amazing Grace"), 24, wedded Mary Catlett. Their marriage lasted 40 years, before her death in 1790. John lived another 17 years, and died in 1807.

1791 English founder of Methodism John Wesley wrote in a letter: 'Probably I should not be able to do so much did not many of you assist me by your prayers.'

1803 Anglican missionary to Persia, Henry Martyn wrote in his journal: 'Oh, that I may learn my utter helplessness without Thee, and so by deep humiliation be qualified for greater usefulness.'

1949 The modern state of Israel formally annexed West Jerusalem.

1901 Pioneer American missionaries Charles (37) and Lettie (31) Cowman set sail for Japan. Later in the year they founded the Oriental Missionary Society. They labored in the foreign field until Charles' worsening health forced them to retire in 1917.