God alone is Sovereign

1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Daily Bible Reading


Join me as I begin a journey to read through the Bible in a year. Now I have to be honest, my plan is to actually read through the Bible quicker than a year, which I believe to be a very reasonable and obtainable goal.

I will be reading through the Bible in Chronological order which means, reading the Bible as the events happen in real time. Reading this way will cause you to jump around slightly, but for the most part seems pretty straight forward.

This website is a great source in helping determine which way will work best for you. You can pick your translation and whether you would like to read through in 5 different ways which are listed as the following: Beginning to End, Chronological, Historical, New/Old, or Old/New.

I have already started, so I have a head start. Like I mentioned above my real goal is to finish the Bible ASAP reading it in its entirety. I believe it’s very important that we feed on God’s word daily, so I hope you will plan to commit to do the same as me, and lets try and make 2009 a year we grow closer to the Lord.

Psalm 1:1-3 says:

1Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2but his delight is in the law of the LORD,and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a treeplanted by streams of waterthat yields its fruit in its season,and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Operation Cast Lead



Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Born from Above


It does not matter if you have done no harm and do not live in any willful sin. You must go further yet, or you cannot be saved. Even if you also do all the good you can and have improved all opportunities of doing good, yet this does not alter the case. Still, you must be born again.

Without this, nothing will do any good to your poor, sinful, polluted soul. You may faithfully go to church and observe the sacraments, say ever so many prayers in private; hear ever so many good sermons; read ever so many good books. Still, “you must be born again.” None of these things – nor anything else under heaven – will stand in the place of the new birth to keep you from hell, unless you are born again.

If you have not already experienced this inward work of God, let this be your continual prayer: “Lord, add this to all Your blessing – let me be born again. Deny me not this: Let me be ‘born from above.’ Take away whatever seems good to You – reputation, fortune, friends, health – only give me this, to be born of the Spirit, to be received among the children of God. Let me be born of the incorruptible seed by the Word of God. And then let me daily ‘grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”

- John Wesley

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Penn Jillette is an Atheist who was touched by a Gift

Scripture for the Day


Matthew 1:21

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

James 3: A Story

Found this over at John Pipers website.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Great Post From John Piper

This is the newest post from Piper's blog. It was so good I had to bring it over here for all my viewers who have children who are girls.

How a 13-year-old Girl Makes a Glad DadDecember 18, 2008 By: John Piper Category: Commentary
I wrote to my 13-year-old daughter (who is attending a funeral with her mom in Georgia) that the new “signature” at the bottom of her emails has made this dad very glad. It says,

"A girl should get so lost in God, that a guy has to seek God to find her!" ~ Dannah Gresh, author.

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 78:38


Yet He, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; He restrained His anger often and did not stir up all His wrath.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life


A friend loaned me this small book written by John Calvin. I love the way it starts out in Chapter one:


I. Scripture is the rule of life.


1. The goal of the new life is that God's children exhibit melody and harmony in the their conduct. What melody? The song of God's justice. What harmony? The harmony between God's righteousness and our obedience.

Only if we walk in the beauty of God's law do we become sure of our adoption as children of the Father.


You got to love a book that starts this way, "Scripture is the rule of life." Good stuff...

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 77:16


When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.


The waters were afraid in the presence of God and the deep trembled, yet most people (including me) have no real idea of the terror of the Lord, because of His holiness compared to our filth.

Oh God help us understand and see You clearly!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 76:8

You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still.


It’s amazing to me there are mulitudes of people out there who have no fear of God, and I dare say a large number of those people are filling our pews every Sunday. Notice what the Psalmist says the earth did when it heard God’s judgment from heaven. It feared and stood still. The earth!

After reading Psalm’s 76 this morning I read Proverbs 8. This proverb is talking about Wisdom. My NASB has a heading above Proverbs 8 that says “The Commendation of Wisdom.” From verse 22 to 31 the Bible speaks of Wisdom being present at the beginning of everything. Read verse 29 and let God’s truth sink deeply within your soul.

Proverbs 8:29

When He set for the sea its boundary So that the water would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth;

Notice here in verse 29 how the sea obeys God’s command not to transgress His boundary. Oh what a wonderful and powerful God who is the Ruler, King, and Master of all things. He is worthy to be praised and feared beyond all things!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Finished Sproul's Book and learned something about the Holiday's



I just finished R.C. Sproul’s book “The Holiness of God” where Sproul takes the reader through a detailed look into what it means for God to be holy. I found his writing style to be easy to follow and would highly recommend it for anyone who is seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of God.

In the last chapter I learned something that fits very well with the season we are in (Christmas). Some people do not want to offend others by saying, “Merry Christmas” so they say “Happy Holiday’s”. The word holiday is actually an abbreviation for the phase “holy day.” So people who are trying to take the religious meaning out of Christmas by saying, “Happy Holiday’s” are without knowing it really saying, “Happy Holy Day’s.”
Oh what a great, wonderful and happy holy day it is. God becoming man to redeem His people (Matthew 1:21), it’s just a shame that the Holy God of all things has to share this time of year with Santa!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Holiday Tree's



I found this video clip the other day and thought it was funny. It's only a few minutes long and worth the watch.

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 72:18

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel

True Prosperity Gospel



I like Paul Washer more and more everytime I listen to him. It's only about a 9 minute clip. Enjoy!

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 71:1


In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Holiness of God

I’m currently reading R.C. Sprouls book “The Holiness of God” and what a great book it is. Each chapter opens up new and deep thought provoking words from Sproul about the holiness of God.

Last night I finished chapter 6 “Holy Justice” which went into detail about God’s justice in the Old Testament. Let me post just one short paragraph from this chapter talking about grace and/or mercy.

Sproul writes on page 127:

“It is impossible for anyone, anywhere, anytime to deserve grace. Grace by definition is undeserved. As soon as we talk about deserving something, we are no longer talking about grace; we are talking about justice. Only justice can be deserved. God is never obligated to be merciful. Mercy and grace must be voluntary or they are no longer mercy and grace. God never “owes” grace. He reminds us more than once: “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy” (Exod. 33:19). This is the divine prerogative. God reserves for Himself the supreme right of executive clemency.”

What a scary place to be receiving the only thing we deserve - Justice. The Bible says we are born guilty before God (Psalm 51:5). This book has changed my morning prayers slightly and I would issue a plea to all reading here, repent and turn from sin and place all your faith in Christ. Make Him Lord of all. Only then will God's terrible justice pass over us because of the grace we receive from Jesus.

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 4:25


Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 69:5-7


5O God, it is You who knows my folly,And my wrongs are not hidden from You. 6May those who wait for You not be ashamed through me, O Lord GOD of hosts;May those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel, 7Because for Your sake I have borne reproach;Dishonor has covered my face.


Last night I allowed my flesh to rule my life, and completely brought dishonor to myself and to my Lord. Sometimes I'm amazed at how full of myself I can be, but really this should not surprise me because I've been living with myself--well forever!


Last night is one of those nights you wish you could go back and redo. Unfortunately that is not possible. Again I apologize to those I hurt and will make an attempt to never allow it to happen again. Lord willing and only by His grace I can succeed with this goal.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 2:6


For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

New Book from John Piper coming early 2009


This looks to be one I will be picking up right away. You can read a review here.

James White in London

This is why I like James White. Below is 10 minute clip from a debate in London with Muslims. It's a little tough to hear, but worth the watch.


John 3:16 Conference


A friend of mine asked me to look at this article about the John 3:16 conference held a few months back. This is my email back to him. Again I would like to point out I'm on the fence of Calvinism, but am determined to let scripture speak for itself.


I have taken a few comments from the article (BOLD) and commented on them.


1. "I want to help our people understand the issue," Jerry Vines said in a phone interview prior to the conference. "I don't expect to change a whole lot of minds; my primary interest is to bring balance to the issue."


The first thing that stands out to me here, is were they really bringing balance to the issue by having no pro-calvinist views there? I mean come on. It’s easy to speak against it with no one being able to speak from the opposing side.

2. “Vines said that the Greek word for "whosoever," which occurs more than a thousand times in the New Testament, carries the idea of "anyone, anywhere, anytime. Whosoever believes in Him is John's normal way of describing saving faith."


Listen to James White address this comment from Mr. Vines below here.

3. "Does that mean we are born guilty before God?" Patterson asked. "I do not think that can be demonstrated from Scripture.”

Oh so we are born innocent and then become sinners later in life. Prove that in scripture. I will let scripture speak for itself: Psalm 51:5 “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

4. “Any teaching that God doesn't love everyone, that God has no intent or desire to save everybody or that He didn't die for the sins of all humanity is contrary to Scripture and should be rejected, he stated.”

How does he reconcile Psalm 5:5 “The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes, You hate all who do iniquity.”

5. "It doesn't seem to me that [the effectual call] helps in this particular situation, because the Jews after all were God's chosen people, they were under the covenant. If you have a covenant theology, then these people would seem to be among the elect ... it is precisely these divinely elected people who are resisting God."

I would have liked to ask about Romans 9:6-8 “Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people! Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,”[d] though Abraham had other children, too. This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children.”

6. “Lemke also addressed the question as to whether a man is saved because he believes in Christ, or whether he believes in Christ because he's saved. He said that irresistible grace reverses the biblical order of salvation, so that regeneration precedes conversion.”

This is not a problem because of 1 Corinthians 2:14 "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." The natural man cannot even understand the things of God without God removing his heart of stone and giving him a heart of flesh.

7. “Charles Stanley, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, closed the conference with a call for the church to fulfill its mission of evangelizing the world, noting that people are longing for the assurance that God is a God of love.”

I’m very disappointed here. The Church’s mission is what Christ mission was. To call all men to repent towards God. God is love has to be kept in the whole context of the nature of God. Men are called to repent not because of God’s love, but rather because His judgment is near. This is what Christ preached, all the early apostles preached and the early Church fathers preached.

It would have been nice to hear Mr. Stanley say something like this. We need to warn, like the apostle Paul did to flee from the wrath to come. To explain to all men everywhere there is an appointed time for God’s judgment. Repent and believe. Repent and believe. God did make a way, in Christ. Repent towards God and believe in Christ. Only then will you even begin to understand the overwhelming love God has for his children.

Maybe the form of evangelizing promoted by Charles Stanley is one reason we have multitudes of false converts warming our pews. God is love, pray this prayer and get saved. People have no idea how holy God is and how our sin (breaking God’s law) offends Him greatly.

Scripture for the Day


1 John 1:6


If we say we have fellowship with him and yet keep on walking in the darkness, we are lying and not practicing the truth.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

James White on the John 3:16 Conference

Here are three clips from James White at Alpha and Omega Ministries talking about Calvinism. He plays a clip from the conference then discusses what is being said. All clips are about 20 minutes long and well worth watching, but clip three is my favorite.

I am on the fence right now about Calvinism. I am determined to let scripture speak for itself.

This first clip is a former Calvinist saved out of Calvinism. His comments are very interesting and the lack of questions back to the former Calvinist is even more telling.


This clip is from a Calvinist in the audience asking a question about "double payment." Very interesting.


This clip is my favorite and the one I would recommend the most. Pas Ho Pisteuwn "Everyone Believing," Not "Every Single Person Can Believe". Put on your thinking hat...

Please note video from the Alpha and Omega site might be experiencing some issues. The videos will work, you just might have to try a couple of times.

Books


I finished reading “Wesley Gold” a book compiled by Ray Comfort about John Wesley. John Wesley was a great open air preacher in the 1700’s. The book is mainly some of his personal diary notes. It is awesome to see entries talking about 30 thousand people attending an open air session in a natural amphitheater. It was a very easy read and I highly recommend it.

I just started another book called “The Holiness of God” by R.C. Sproul. I made it through two chapters last night and had to put it down…because it was midnight. I have to get some sleep. After only two chapters, I can tell this book will be one that helps me grow deeper in my understanding of the Lord.

Oh that I may know more about the holiness of God, the God of the universe and all His greatness, this is one of my main desires for this life. To know Him and to know Him more clearly for whom He is.

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 66:18


If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 65:4


Blessed is the one You choose and bring near, to dwell in Your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

James White on Calvinism

This video is only about 10 minutes long and well worth the watch. I love what Mr. White wraps up his closing comments with. God is God and we are not. This simple comment is something that my spirit has agreed with since my conversion. Who am I a mere man, the creature of the great Creator to question or reach into the holy divine dwelling place and question God about anything. He is sovereign and I am not.


The thing I like most about James White is he places all his weight on scripture, no matter the cost. Scripture is the inspired Word of God and is Truth.

Friday, November 28, 2008

"I'm Not Ashamed of the Scandal." (Paul Washer)

It's about a hour long sermon, but well worth the watch. It really heats up around the 35 minute mark.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 64:10


Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Christmas come Early


I just received a new batch of books in the mail from Amazon, and although my wife tells me I have to wrap them up for Christmas, I just had to start on one. The book I choose is “Wesley Gold” a book about John Wesley, compiled by Ray Comfort.

I started the book last night and could not put it down. The first quarter of the book was a biography of John Wesley’s life and the rest of the book are excerpts from his dairies. I completed the biography and will most likely finish the book tonight or tomorrow night.

The thing I am most intrigued about John Wesley is how this man of God could be so wrapped up in God’s word, studying and preaching it, and not be saved. Here is just one part of his dairy about this issue.

“Immediately it struck into my mind, “Leave off preaching. How can you preach to others, who have not faith yourself?” I asked Bohler whether he thought I should leave it off or not. He answered, “By no means.” I asked, “But what can I preach?” He said, “Preach faith till you have it, and then, because you have it, you will preach faith.”

Shortly after the above diary, Wesley became a Christian - a true convert who burned with a hot white passion for all to know Christ.

Christmas has come early in the Bentley house!

John Piper - Test Yourself: Football or Christ?

Short clip of John Piper. Enjoy!

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 63:1


O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Enter Through the Narrow Gate (Paul Washer)



Oh Father, please dear Lord remove the veil of satans lies from the minds and hearts of those lost. Oh Holy One of eternity if you do not shine Your light upon us how can any know You in truth? May Your Word rein true and thunder down all You are. Help me oh Lord know Your will and continue to prompt my heart towards desiring to want to obey You in all I do. Save them oh God, save them. I beg You Master of all, please save them...In Christ's name.

If you think there is no problem then look at these statistics.

Since 1990, more than 300,000 people have been murdered in the U.S.
More than 50 million babies have been aborted since Roe v. Wade.
50-60% of married couples admit to adultery, and 5 million unwed couples live together.
75-80% have had premarital sex by the age of 19.
One third of births are out of wedlock. 1 in 4 teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease.
Americans spend up to 13 billion annually on pornography.
We have over 2,200,000 people in prison – the highest number in the world.
Surveys reveal that 91% lie regularly.

Does the above information look like a Christian nation? God help us....

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 62:8


"Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Acts 13:47-48


"For so the Lord has commanded us,


'I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.'


"When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Psalm 23

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 24:11-12


"Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?"

This verse really stood out to me today. The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary makes a note that neglecting a known duty is sin (James 4:17 says “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”)

Let’s quickly look at the verses above.

"Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter."

The damned, unsaved multitudes of people are being led like blinded sheep to death and slaughter. We are to deliver and hold back those stumbling. I believe this is more than just looking pretty for church on Sunday or hoping someone notices how we live our lives. Hold back seems to literally mean we are to reach our hands out to the masses and tell them the truth about their future. Purposely make an attempt to witness to people.

"If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?"

If you are a believer and did not know that you were supposed to be His witness, now you do. (Acts 1:8 says “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”) and (Mark 16:15 says “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”)

If you know you are to be His witness and do not do it, you are treading on very dangerous ground with the One True Living God.

(Hebrews 10:31 says “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.”)

It’s a fearful thing for those who are perishing or like Proverbs indicate, drawn or stumbling towards death, but it should be just as fearful for those who claim to be His and disobey Him.

Let me help you with one sentence you can ask anyone, even a stranger that will get a conversation going about spiritual things.

“What do you think happens to someone when they die?” This question is not offensive and is really asking the person for their favorite subject, their opinion. This will allow you then to move the conversation towards a few points that are Biblical important.

1. The Holiness of God
2. The Depraved State of Man (If you violate any of the 10 commandments you are guilty before God)
3. The Justice of God (If God is just He has to punish law breakers)
4. The Redemption of God through Christ (Christ crucified and resurrection)
5. Mans Response (Repentance and Faith in Christ)

Now you know. Get to plowing God’s harvest field!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Dogs, Crumbs, and a Faith to Emulate (Jeff Noblit)

This is a great sermon. I found it over at Lane Chaplin's blog.


A Dose of Spurgeon


"We are often told that we limit the atonement of Christ, because we say that Christ has not made satisfaction for all men, or all men would be saved. Now, our reply to this is, that, on the other hand, our opponents limit it: we do not. The Arminians say, Christ died for all men. Ask them what they mean by it. Did Christ die so as to secure the salvation of all men. They say, "No, certainly not." We ask them the next question--Did Christ die so as to secure the salvation of any man in particular? They answer, "No." They are obliged to admit this, if they are consistent. They say, "No, Christ has died that any man may be saved if..." --and then follow certain conditions of salvation. Now, who is it that limits the death of Christ? Why, you. You say that Christ did not die so as to secure the salvation of anybody. We beg your pardon, when you say that we limits Christ's death; we say, "no my dear sir, it is you that do it." We say Christ so died that he infallibly secured the salvation of a multitude that no man can number, who through Christ's death not only may be saved, but are saved, must be saved and cannot by any possibility run the hazard of being anything but saved. You are welcome to your atonement; you may keep it. We will never renounce ours for the sake of it."


Charles Spurgeon

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 56:13

For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?



How can I not serve my Lord? And how can I know being delivered from death and not tell people about my God, and how to find life? If we have been saved from death and are truly born again, we have a mandate from Christ to be His witnesses. Will we not cry out to this dying world? If we do not do it, who will?

Monday, November 17, 2008

A Short Conversation with Paul Washer

This video is about 16 minutes, but well worth the watch.

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 55:22a


"Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you..."

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Tangled In Sin


The Holy Spirit led me in teaching this lesson today in Bible fellowship. It was a heavy lesson, but one I felt the Lord wanted me to speak.


Tangled In Sin

2 Samuel Chapter 12: 1-14

Introduction:

Story of getting tangled in parachute after emergency landing.

We will be looking at David today in Chapter 12, however Chapter 11 is really the backdrop to today’s lesson. We see in Chapter 11 David have an affair with Bathsheba which In-Tangled him in multiple sins. After David found out Bathsheba was pregnant he had her husband Uriah the Hittite killed. After his death David made Bathsheba one of his wives and she gave birth to a son. The end of the Chapter 11 says

“But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.”

I will read verses 1-14 in Chapter 12 so we can get a mental picture of what’s happening.

Let’s look at three points I feel helped David get Un-Tangled from his sin.

Sin Recognized

Vs. 1-4: The prophet Nathan used a story to really get David’s blood pressure up by making it very personal. David had been a Sheppard before becoming a King and no doubt had a very strong bond with his sheep. The rich man was of course David and the poor man was Uriah the Hittite. The little lamb was Bathsheba. Nathan painted David a picture he could easily recognize.

Vs.5-6: David unwittingly condemns himself here. According to Exodus 22:1 the stealing and slaughter of ox or sheep did not result in death, but restitution, and goes on to indicate a person caught stealing or slaughtering another’s animal had to pay them back four fold. John McArthur’s commentary notes: David did in a way pay four fold by losing four of his sons.

Vs.7a: The sin comes alive to David when Nathan says, “You are the man!” Do you think David was starting to catch on here.

Vs. 9: David was a criminal in God’s eyes, “Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight?...” In Numbers 15:30 we see anyone defiantly voliating God's law is cut off from among his people...
Numbers 15:31 “because he has despised the word of the LORD, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.’”

If David had yet to figure it out, he now recognized for sure his sin,
“You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon.”


Illustration:

Once recognizing I was flying the wrong direction, things became very serious for me. Emergency landings were always dangerous. I was all by myself and no one to blame. The first step in getting out of the mess I was in was seeing clearly that I was in trouble.

Application:

Often we fail to recognize our guilt. It’s easy to sit back and notice the wrong doings of others and very, very easy to condemn others. However, we seldom take a close look at ourselves. We might recognize a sin in our lives, but it is common to try and justify it. Recognizing sin in our lives is the first step towards receiving God’s forgiveness.

Sin Owned

Vs.13a: Read verse 13a

Notice here what David did not say. He did not say anything about Bathsheba or her husband. David owned his sin and acknowledged his sin was against the Lord. This is David’s short response, but it led him to write Psalm 51. Let’s take a look a what true repentance looks like.

Read Psalm 51:1-5 and notice David owning his sin. Then notice how David is turning back to God
Psalm 51:6-13

Illustration:

Go with me back on my skydive. Altitude was getting lower. After I had recognized I was in trouble and flying the wrong direction, I had to quickly own the situation I found myself in. There was no way I was getting back to safe landing areas. Doing nothing was not going to cut it, just like doing nothing with our sin will not cut it. Sin will catch us.
Romans 6:23 “for the wages of sin is death…”

Application:

We need to mainly understand sin is vertical – against God. Sin is transgression of God’s law
(1 John 3:4 says, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”)

David violated many of God’s commandments. He Lied (9th), he was a thief and stole his neighbor’s wife (8th), he murdered (6th), coveted his neighbor’s wife (10), committed adultery (7th) and dishonored his father and mother (5th).

David recognizing and owning his sin led to Godly sorrow which leads to true salvation
2 Corinthians 7:10a “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation…”

Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”

We have to own our sin and repent with a genuine sorrow and that will lead us to our third and best point. Sin Forgiven
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Sin Forgiven

Vs. 13b: “the Lord also has put away your sin” I like John McArthur’s notes here: “The Lord graciously forgave David’s sin, but the inevitable temporal consequences of sin were experienced by him. Forgiveness does not always remove the consequences of sin in this life, only in the life to come.”

“You shall not die.” McArthur goes on to note, David’s sin legally required death (Lev.20:10 adultery) and (Lev.24:17 murder), but the Lord showed David grace.

God did not have to show David mercy by allowing him to have eternal life. David was a criminal, but God’s mercy is forever abounding in Glory and He is always prepared to forgive a genuine repentant heart.

Romans 5:20 says, “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,”

Illustration:

I ended up all tangled up in my parachute, but because I recognized my problem, owned my problem and followed my emergency procedures I had a hard landing, but a forgiving landing.

Application:

Not accepting responsibility for our sin and denying our guilt will result in destructive consequences. Accepting responsibility for our sins, repenting with a genuine sorrow towards God, will result in God’s forgiveness.

Conclusion:

I just heard last Friday night while I was in Charlotte for the Apologtics Conference, Josh McDowell said large numbers of people in church’s today are committing Idoltary by worshiping a god who does not exist. This is in line with what the great evangelist A.W. Tozer said in “The Knowledge of the Holy” copyrighted in 1961, two years before his death (Chapter 1 Think Rightly About God, page 3)

We need to have a correct understanding of who God is to start unraveling any sin in our lives. King David understood who God is (Psalm 7:11 “God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day”) David also understood very clearly what the Psalmist said in Chapter 50 (vs.3 “Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him.” vs.4 “He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of his people.” vs.12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it.” In verse 16 God starts talking to the wicked (sinner) then says in vs.21-22 “While you did all this, I remained silent, and you thought I didn’t care. But now I will rebuke you, listing all my charges against you. Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.”

Now I know these are heavy verses and some might be thinking, “that’s the Old Testiment and we are in the New Convenant.” Well lets real quick look at a couple of verses out of the next book of the Bible we will be studying.
(2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 “And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.”)

So what are some commands of Christ Jesus? Well in (Luke 6:46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?”) Jesus again in (Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”) and in
(Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”)

Jesus said fear Him and this is the key to getting Un-Tangled from sin. David had another son with Bathsheba later on in his life named Solomon. Surly David taught his son about God, the great I AM. King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived and here are just a couple of things recorded from God through him in Proverbs...

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 16:6b “And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.”

Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.”



A healthy fear of the Lord will lead us to life and help us get un-tangled from sin, because it makes us depart from evil or sin. How do we get a healthy fear of the Lord? Read God’s word daily without fail and humble ourselves before Him.

Psalm 119:133 “Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.”

Psalm 119:11 “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

God’s word promises if we will feed on His law day and night all we do we will prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”

Explain quickly why Christ had to go up on the tree and the Good News!


Pray

Friday, November 14, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 21:30


There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 20:20


Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Monday, November 10, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 19:16
Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 47: 7-9


For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm! God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 46: 1-7


God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 43:5


Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Paul Washer - Revival

Praying Can be Dangerous


My son Zachary is 21 months old and anyone who knows him will tell you, that he is all boy. My wife and I have been teaching him to pray since he has been able to sit up right at the dinner table. He has started saying right before eating, “Pray-Pray”, but still has not learned to actually pray. He usually just watch’s us and mumbles as we pray. We try and keep the prayer’s short and sweet – something similar to this:

Lord thank you for loving us and thank you for this food. In Jesus name – Amen.

We have also started praying with him before bed time. Before we put him in bed he will say, “Pray – Pray” and we will normally say a short prayer similar to what’s above. Sometimes just Tina pray’s with him and sometimes just me, but we like to pray all together if possible.

Last night we all where standing there at Zachary’s crib and Tina started praying. Now try and get this picture in you mind, Tina is holding Zachary and I’m standing very close to them both, within inches. After about 20 seconds into the prayer my son…….

Punched me in the noise and then started giggling!

I did not get onto him because I believe he is still too young to really understand that prayer time is not wrestle time.

So the moral of the story is, when praying with a toddler make sure to either keep one eye open or stand outside of swinging distance. Getting clocked in the nose is not fun!

My son will learn this verse and know it by memory:

Proverbs 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother.

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 11:30


The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.

Friday, October 24, 2008

The Fathers Bargain


I have no real understanding or knowledge of what Christ really gave up to save me. Lord forgive me for taking so lightly your sacrifice and holding myself higher than You by consistently being self centered and prideful. Teach me Lord how to truly die to myself and live for you daily. Without your help Father, I will never see clearly how to serve You.


This is an excerpt from the sermon "The Covenant of Redemption between the Father and the Redeemer" by John Flavel, 1671.


“How reasonable it is that believers should embrace the hardest terms of obedience unto Christ, who complied with such hard terms for their salvation: they were hard and difficult terms indeed, on which Christ received you from the Father’s hand: it was, as you have heard, to pour out his soul unto death, or not to enjoy a soul of you. Here you may suppose the Father to say, when driving his bargain with Christ for you:

Father: My son, here is a company of poor miserable souls, that have utterly undone themselves, and now lie open to my justice! Justice demands satisfaction for them, or will satisfy itself in the eternal ruin of them: What shall be done for these souls And thus Christ returns.

Son: O my Father, such is my love to, and pity for them, that rather than they shall perish eternally, I will be responsible for them as their Surety; bring in all your bills, that I may see what they owe you; Lord, bring them all in, that there may be no after-reckonings with them; at my hand shall you require it. I will rather choose to suffer your wrath than they should suffer it: upon me, my Father, upon me be all their debt.

Father: But, my Son, if you undertake for them, you must reckon to pay the last mite, expect no abatements; if I spare them, I will not spare you.

Son: Content, Father, let it be so; charge it all upon me, I am able to discharge it: and though it prove a kind of undoing to me, though it impoverish all my riches, empty all my treasures, (for so indeed it did, 2 Cor. 8:9. “Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor”) yet I am content to undertake it.

Blush, ungrateful believers, O let shame cover your faces; judge in yourselves now, has Christ deserved that you should stand with him for trifles, that you should shrink at a few petty difficulties, and complain, this is hard, and that is harsh? O if you knew the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in this his wonderful condescension for you, you could not do it.”

Shorter Clip of Paul Washer at Deeper 2008


I recommend watching the longer clip below, but if you only have a few minutes this clip will give you a glimpse into the Deeper Conference.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Paul Washer at Deeper Conference 2008

This clip is from the Deeper Conference Tina and I attended last weekend at First Baptist Woodstock hosted by the Living Waters Ministies. This clip is of Paul Washer's breakout session. If you want to grow in your understanding about yourself, God and the modern church, then this is a must watch.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 4:7


Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 34:4


I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Fair Fishing


This past Saturday night my friend Mike Styles and I headed up to the county fair to do some fishing (seeking for lost souls). The fish were active and biting our bait very well (million dollar bill tracts). We ended up giving out over 200 tracts in just couple of hours, which is good for Spartanburg County.

Let me share about just a few personal encounters I had that evening. The first encounter was with a young man about 20 years old who walked up smoking a cigarette and got a million dollar bill tract. I asked if he had a spiritual background to which he responded, “I’m an evangelist.” I said, “WHAT! You are smoking a cigarette. How are you witnessing to people?” Well after a brief conversation I found out he did not mean evangelist, but he went to a church called Evangelical Cathedral. He was not a regular attendee at his church and we ended up having a very good conversation about God.

Then a little later I started up a conversation with two young men (15-18yrs.old). One was not really that interested in having a spiritual discussion, but his friend Jerome was. I had just taken them through four of the 10 commandments when Jerome’s buddy said, “Take off your beads, the police are coming!” When I asked why they could not wear beads, both boys shrugged their shoulders like they did not know. I encouraged Jerome to ask the police officer about the beads, which he did. The police officer said gangs wear beads and then continued to walk on. Once the officer had left I looked at Jerome and said, “Are you in a gang?”, and he responded “No.” I then asked, “Jerome, are you lying about being in a gang? Do you remember the 9th commandment about lying?” Jerome started smiling, and skriming around like a fish out of water. Then he said, “Oh man, Oh man, Ah, Ah. Yeah I am in a gang.” I then proceeded to open up God’s law, God’s holiness and their sin, in an attempt to wake their conscience. I left them with a clear understanding of God’s holy standard and what He commands us to do for breaking His law.

After several more very good conversations and on the way out of the fair, I met Jack. Jack was a fair game worker and actually called me over to him for a million dollar bill. The first thing I noticed when approaching Jack was that he had a large shiner (black eye). He informed me that the night before during a fair party, a fair ride operator jumped him. When I asked why he was jumped, Jack just responded, “He was drunk. We were drinking.”

Jack told me he believed in God and had started reading a Bible. He thought he was a good person and would make it into heaven. Before opening up God’s law to him I asked, “Jack what do you think about the Bible saying drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God?”(1 Corth. 6:10) He responded with a concerned slight smile, “I have not got that far yet!”

Out of all the people I witnessed to Saturday night, Jack seemed the most open and humble person. He really seemed interested in the afterlife and what comes after this life. It did not take long for Jack to change his opinion about being good enough to get into heaven. God’s moral law (10 commandments) has a way to do that (Romans 3:19). I expressed my concern about his safety and how next time it might not be a punch headed his way but a knife or gun. I strongly encouraged him to get right with God by repentance and faith alone in Christ.

As Mike and I were getting ready to leave, Jack asked if we were going to be at church service Sunday morning. I said we would be at our local church and asked Jack if the fair had church service on Sundays, to which he responded “Yes they have service. I think I will attend in the morning.” I encouraged him to please do so, but not wait until then to get right with God. I explained he did not need a church service to express his guilty and sorrow to God with repentance (turning from sin) and trusting in Christ. I explained God knows his heart and he should just cry out to him if he has sorrow for his sin.

I pray that Heaven rejoiced over someone who repented that night (Luke 15:7). Please pray that God will grow the seeds that were planted.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Joy of Forgiveness


This morning during my prayer time I cried out to my Lord, about my lack of a genuine relationship with Him, and how I want to know Him better. I cried out to Him regarding the state of our country and the vile disregard of Him and His laws. I weep when I thought about how pitiful and sinful I am. I thought about how many times I break His heart being disobedient to His will. I pleaded with Him to teach me how to be completely obedient right where I am, to use me for His glory.

One of the things that the Lord has used to grow me over the last couple of years is reading a chapter of Psalm’s and Proverb’s daily. I thank my Pastor Dr. Michael Hamlet for this recommendation. It is such a blessing to have someone in the senior Pastor position who really loves the Lord and will not softly prod the hearer’s hearts, but speak God’s truth mightily from the pulpit.

After prayer this morning I opened my Bible to read His word and Psalm 32 was the first thing I read. I started weeping and had to stop on verse one. I have often wept over being a wretched sinner, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin. And I have wept before regarding my transgression and how Christ paid my fine, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin. Oh I have wept because of all the wonderful blessings God has lavished on my life I do not deserve, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin.

It’s a wonderful thing to be free and have real Life. But even in the joy over my forgiveness, is the shadow of death that falls upon the multitudes of people in this world who do not know Christ.

As I was meditating on what God has in store for my life and how He might use me, verse 8 of chapter 32 stood out:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

Obedience starts where you are at. Pray and read your Bible daily. Call out to the Lord with a humble heart and He shall save you…I pray that the Psalm of David in chapter 32 will touch your heart like it did mine this morning.

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 32:1


Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 31:24

Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.

Friday, October 10, 2008

John Piper



I love John Piper's teaching. He is right on here. This video clip is only a couple of minutes long, so watch it!

Is God Angry at Sin




Thinking God is not going to punish sin is a scary road to be on. This road leads to death and the drivers name is Idolatry…Which in essence is violation of the 2nd commandment, because you have created a god in your mind that does not exist. Make sure you get it right and read your bible every day...

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Terrible Twos


My son is almost 20 months old and already he is going on terrible two’s. Zachary is our first son and we were really of the impression that the (MELTDOWNS-SCREAMING-WHINNING) would not start for at least a few more months. I have to admit I was really hoping that our son would skip the terrible two’s altogether, but that just does not look like it’s going to happen.

So what do you do? All suggestions are welcome on how to make it through this MINE FIELD without getting blown up or throwing our hands up and allowing our son to WIN. Really if you have suggestions please comment below.

I read something today that I thought was cute and it went something like this:

What is it like to have and raise a child?

It starts with a concept, then it becomes a dream, and then it begins to feel like a chore. Later you wonder how you could ever have been entrusted with something so great, so important. Soon you question what it will be when it is finished…You begin to ask yourself, “How in the world will I ever get this right?” or “How did I get myself into this in the first place?”

I would not give Zachary back for anything. He is truly a blessing from God even if sometimes I think he might be imposter and not really my child.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Scripture for the Day


Proverbs 26:12


Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Scripture for the Day


James 2:12-13


12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Witnessing at Walmart

It seems I have a lot of witnessing encounters that I do not get write about due to time. With my real estate appraisal business, sales business and taking time for the family, I just cannot seem to find enough time to write as much as I'd like to.


So to save me some time, I have decided to start adding some video blogs. My goal will be to keep them under 5 minutes, because I know how busy everyone is. I will also continue to write and post up other videos, pictures and articles I find interesting.


Also coming soon to this blog and the ifish ministry will be audio interviews with people on the street about spiritual issues. Again as I have noted before, my main purpose for this blog and any kind of posting, whether it be stories about witnessing, audio about witnessing or video about witnessing, is to help other Christians be bold about sharing their faith. I hope you enjoy the video.

Scripture for the Day


Psalm 25: 4-15


Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.


Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.


Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.

The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.

All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.

For Your name’s sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.


Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.

He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth.

The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

My eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.