Well, I like the old saying, but it ain't true. The true saying should refer to the road that ran straight from Jerusalem to Rome.
The gospel of God was first preached in Jerusalem and ended up in Rome, if you adopt a "book of Acts" worldview. But the road implies so much more.
For in Rome the gospel proved it could conquer the "most worldly" place on earth, and do so without apostolic planting. But not without apostolic care when about ready to fracture.
Look down the road from Rome, in the direction to Jerusalem, and look past Jerusalem to Corinth in Greece. If you squint and focus, you can Paul coming, the great apostle to the Gentiles. The road is important. Paul is writing from Rome, ready to go to Jerusalem, so he can turn around and come to Rome.
Did you hear Romans 1:1-7 on Sunday, May 24? If not, go back and download it (www.gracechurchministry.org). If you did, you are ready for Paul to begin the greatest NT letter (IMHO).
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Naughty Evangelicals
That the palate of today's evangelicals is pandering toward the offensive is old news. That the movement has captured so many defenders is. As well, many people want to sit on the side lines and wait for all the "big names" to get together and rebuke the Mark Driscolls and Ed Youngs of the Internet age.
But don't wait for anything like that to happen. In today's media driven hype, might makes right.
So make a decision now, to never listen to a man who preaches with lewdness, or unseemliness, in the area of sexuality. A man who gets laughs with sex talk is not sent by Christ, beloved. Now, if a man publicly repents of his sin, that may be different. But then again, repentance would mean stepping down, which would be good for the body of Christ, but not for the house of cards they call church.
See 2 Peter 2:18-22 for a word that ought to send chills down our collective spines.
c.f. http://www.shepherdsfellowship.org/pulpit/posts.aspx?ID=4168
But don't wait for anything like that to happen. In today's media driven hype, might makes right.
So make a decision now, to never listen to a man who preaches with lewdness, or unseemliness, in the area of sexuality. A man who gets laughs with sex talk is not sent by Christ, beloved. Now, if a man publicly repents of his sin, that may be different. But then again, repentance would mean stepping down, which would be good for the body of Christ, but not for the house of cards they call church.
See 2 Peter 2:18-22 for a word that ought to send chills down our collective spines.
c.f. http://www.shepherdsfellowship.org/pulpit/posts.aspx?ID=4168
Friday, March 20, 2009
Is Infant Baptism Sin?
The better question is, "is infant baptism" (IB) contrary to the gospel?
The reason why I say this is because to call it sin then requires a specific response along the lines of Matthew 18:15. And this issue, having been made now public by Mark Dever, allows for further discussion of something normally swept under ecclesiastical carpets (see http://blog.9marks.org/2009/03/the-sin-of-infant-baptism-written-by-a-sinning-baptist.html).
But you'll notice that far from responding to the issue has sin, our brother fellowships with brethren who baptise infants. Obviously he doesn't regard it as sin, say as he would sin in his church, right?
Since the gospel can be preached without the doctrine of baptism included it isn't contrary to the gospel. Paul writes forcefully that "Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 1:17).
Instead, IB is a religious practice inherited from one's theological forefathers to whom one feels indebted. It is not sin, but it is dangerous since it confuses the proper biblical response to the gospel, placing baptism prior to faith. When practitioners of IB see this, they, like Adoniram Judson, flee the practice for biblical revelation.
Or, as people do in our church who were sprinkled as infants, they get baptised, leaving behind the heritage of beloved theological forefathers for a clear conscience (1 Peter 3:21).
The reason why I say this is because to call it sin then requires a specific response along the lines of Matthew 18:15. And this issue, having been made now public by Mark Dever, allows for further discussion of something normally swept under ecclesiastical carpets (see http://blog.9marks.org/2009/03/the-sin-of-infant-baptism-written-by-a-sinning-baptist.html).
But you'll notice that far from responding to the issue has sin, our brother fellowships with brethren who baptise infants. Obviously he doesn't regard it as sin, say as he would sin in his church, right?
Since the gospel can be preached without the doctrine of baptism included it isn't contrary to the gospel. Paul writes forcefully that "Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 1:17).
Instead, IB is a religious practice inherited from one's theological forefathers to whom one feels indebted. It is not sin, but it is dangerous since it confuses the proper biblical response to the gospel, placing baptism prior to faith. When practitioners of IB see this, they, like Adoniram Judson, flee the practice for biblical revelation.
Or, as people do in our church who were sprinkled as infants, they get baptised, leaving behind the heritage of beloved theological forefathers for a clear conscience (1 Peter 3:21).
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Soldiers and Jesus -Mark 15:16-21
Mark 15:16-21
The abuse of the soldiers on Jesus is way over the top: mocking, spitting, beating, taunting, crown of thorns, bowing and kneeling.
And this comes after they finished scourging Him. Shouldn't their savagery have ended at the scouring - such a vicious torture in itself? Why go on doing so much to Him? What's the point?
The numbers are ridiculous - 600 to 1. Six hundred soldiers, a "cohort" (v. 16) versus one man, Jesus.
The torture is ridiculous - read the passage or listen to the sermon - www.gracechurchministry.org, should be up March 3rd.
Until you realize God's purpose. Simon of Cyrene and his 2 sons - Alexander and Rufus (v. 21), were saved by the ridiculous.
Had not the soldiers "kept beating" and abusing Jesus, He would have gone to the cross earlier and Simon, a "passer-by" (v. 21) would not have carried His cross.
Mark's original readers knew both Alex and Rufus, probably in the church of Rome (Romans 16:13). Not all of them knew Simon, their Dad. They also knew the mother. No doubt, the Father became a Christian and led his family to the Lord.
God's sovereignty. Jesus is on the way out (v. 20), Simon on his way in. Simon is pressed into service, learns of Christ, believes. We now know why the reason for the "over-the-top" abuse of Christ by the 600 soldiers. It was from the Father. The abuse was from the Father, who was punishing the Son with the full depth of our depravity through the depraved soldiers. How great is our sin? How deep is our love of it as seen in the soldiers?
So if you ask Simon, "Simon, are you glad the soldiers did what they did to Jesus, what would he answer? Let me know.
Off to Shepherds Conference this week, then some R and R in Phoenix, with the golf clubs. Back March 12.
"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10)
The abuse of the soldiers on Jesus is way over the top: mocking, spitting, beating, taunting, crown of thorns, bowing and kneeling.
And this comes after they finished scourging Him. Shouldn't their savagery have ended at the scouring - such a vicious torture in itself? Why go on doing so much to Him? What's the point?
The numbers are ridiculous - 600 to 1. Six hundred soldiers, a "cohort" (v. 16) versus one man, Jesus.
The torture is ridiculous - read the passage or listen to the sermon - www.gracechurchministry.org, should be up March 3rd.
Until you realize God's purpose. Simon of Cyrene and his 2 sons - Alexander and Rufus (v. 21), were saved by the ridiculous.
Had not the soldiers "kept beating" and abusing Jesus, He would have gone to the cross earlier and Simon, a "passer-by" (v. 21) would not have carried His cross.
Mark's original readers knew both Alex and Rufus, probably in the church of Rome (Romans 16:13). Not all of them knew Simon, their Dad. They also knew the mother. No doubt, the Father became a Christian and led his family to the Lord.
God's sovereignty. Jesus is on the way out (v. 20), Simon on his way in. Simon is pressed into service, learns of Christ, believes. We now know why the reason for the "over-the-top" abuse of Christ by the 600 soldiers. It was from the Father. The abuse was from the Father, who was punishing the Son with the full depth of our depravity through the depraved soldiers. How great is our sin? How deep is our love of it as seen in the soldiers?
So if you ask Simon, "Simon, are you glad the soldiers did what they did to Jesus, what would he answer? Let me know.
Off to Shepherds Conference this week, then some R and R in Phoenix, with the golf clubs. Back March 12.
"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Of Men, Books, and Faith
Great men's study again yesterday morning - thanks to the men who came out.
Last week we talked to the pastor in Florida who made national news because his church was faithful to a member, and to Christ, to call her to repent for blatant sexual immorality. She called in the media to defend her sin. Even the Drudge Report got a hold of it. The media loved her and hated the church. Thanks, Scott Christmas and Grace Community Church of Jacksonville, FL.
This week we studied the church problem of self-willed elders. I gave each of the men a copy of the introduction of my upcoming book (D.V.). They correctly analyzed the problems and demonstrated some good wisdom.
Then we talked about an approach to defending Christianity based on Proverbs 26:4-5:
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes.
You could see the eyes light up! Not only does the unbeliever has no answer for what he believes, he has no answer for what he does not believe. This allows us to show him the God of Scripture compared to his futility. Wrapping your mind around that one takes some time but it's well worth it.
Baptisms tomorrow at Rockville Baptist. Be praying for the four people testifying to Christ.
Last week we talked to the pastor in Florida who made national news because his church was faithful to a member, and to Christ, to call her to repent for blatant sexual immorality. She called in the media to defend her sin. Even the Drudge Report got a hold of it. The media loved her and hated the church. Thanks, Scott Christmas and Grace Community Church of Jacksonville, FL.
This week we studied the church problem of self-willed elders. I gave each of the men a copy of the introduction of my upcoming book (D.V.). They correctly analyzed the problems and demonstrated some good wisdom.
Then we talked about an approach to defending Christianity based on Proverbs 26:4-5:
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes.
You could see the eyes light up! Not only does the unbeliever has no answer for what he believes, he has no answer for what he does not believe. This allows us to show him the God of Scripture compared to his futility. Wrapping your mind around that one takes some time but it's well worth it.
Baptisms tomorrow at Rockville Baptist. Be praying for the four people testifying to Christ.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sermon Update
We didn't make it through Mark 15:6-15 so we'll finish next Sunday, D.V.
I've been unable to put into words why this text is helping me so much to walk with Christ these past few weeks. Something about His shame on my behalf that affects me.
I need to understand this. Why does the shame and suffering of my Lord Jesus take away my desire to sin? I don't want to lose this. Ideas?
James 1:13-18 was challenging last night, eh?
Quick Outline:
4 Ultimate Realities Connected to Trials:
The Ultimate Blame Shift – v. 13 (our tendency in trials)
The Ultimate Fault – v. 14 (the source of sin in trials)
The Ultimate Spiritual Law – v. 15 (the "end," or result of our sin in trials)
The Ultimate Good – v. 16-18 (How to overcome those tendencies in trials)
If you're in the church, don't forget next week's baptisms - Rockville Baptist, 4pm.
Thanks, Rockville Baptist.
I've been unable to put into words why this text is helping me so much to walk with Christ these past few weeks. Something about His shame on my behalf that affects me.
I need to understand this. Why does the shame and suffering of my Lord Jesus take away my desire to sin? I don't want to lose this. Ideas?
James 1:13-18 was challenging last night, eh?
Quick Outline:
4 Ultimate Realities Connected to Trials:
The Ultimate Blame Shift – v. 13 (our tendency in trials)
The Ultimate Fault – v. 14 (the source of sin in trials)
The Ultimate Spiritual Law – v. 15 (the "end," or result of our sin in trials)
The Ultimate Good – v. 16-18 (How to overcome those tendencies in trials)
If you're in the church, don't forget next week's baptisms - Rockville Baptist, 4pm.
Thanks, Rockville Baptist.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Shame and Sanctification
Wow. The text of Mark 15:6-15 has really impressed me with Jesus Christ, but not in any expected way. I find myself so motivated to walk in holiness because He underwent such shame and degradation - here's my preaching outline:
Mark 15:6-15 contains 6 degrading exchanges that remove all public honor from Jesus of Nazareth and Accomplish The Public Degradation of Jesus Christ
Background: The Crowd of Shame (they want Barabbas – 6-8)
1) His Title was Exchanged for Envy – 9-10
2) His Honor was Exchanged for a Murderer – 11
3) His Shame was Exchanged for Blame – 12-13
4) His Innocence was Exchanged for Guilt – 14
5) His Status was Exchanged for Satisfaction – 15a
6) His Glory was Exchanged for a Cross – 15b
Like Mark 11:27-12:12, the underlying factor here is the honor/shame culture of the Middle East. The textual keys to see this: "The crowd (v.8)," "envy" in v. 10, Pilate talking over the cheif priests and calling on the crowd (9, 12, 14), and Pilate "wishing to satisfy the crowd" (15).
Man of sorrows, what a name
For the son of God Who came;
Ruined sinners to reclaim,
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Each exchange gets progressively more shameful for Jesus Christ while the others gain honor at His expense. Very sad, Very heavy.
Part 1 was 2-8-09. Part 2 is 2-15-09. Pray for me, that I may accurately and powerfully portray the glory of Christ to all who hear, that they may be greatly influneced to worship and honor Jesus Christ.
Mark 15:6-15 contains 6 degrading exchanges that remove all public honor from Jesus of Nazareth and Accomplish The Public Degradation of Jesus Christ
Background: The Crowd of Shame (they want Barabbas – 6-8)
1) His Title was Exchanged for Envy – 9-10
2) His Honor was Exchanged for a Murderer – 11
3) His Shame was Exchanged for Blame – 12-13
4) His Innocence was Exchanged for Guilt – 14
5) His Status was Exchanged for Satisfaction – 15a
6) His Glory was Exchanged for a Cross – 15b
Like Mark 11:27-12:12, the underlying factor here is the honor/shame culture of the Middle East. The textual keys to see this: "The crowd (v.8)," "envy" in v. 10, Pilate talking over the cheif priests and calling on the crowd (9, 12, 14), and Pilate "wishing to satisfy the crowd" (15).
Man of sorrows, what a name
For the son of God Who came;
Ruined sinners to reclaim,
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Each exchange gets progressively more shameful for Jesus Christ while the others gain honor at His expense. Very sad, Very heavy.
Part 1 was 2-8-09. Part 2 is 2-15-09. Pray for me, that I may accurately and powerfully portray the glory of Christ to all who hear, that they may be greatly influneced to worship and honor Jesus Christ.
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