All posts by shaan

Heavens Light 11-26-10 Divine Grace Good News for Sinners ans Saints Part 1

 

Divine Grace

Good News for Sinners and Saints – Part 1

 

Romans 11:6

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works,

otherwise grace is no longer grace. NASB

 

I want to highlight 3 matters about Divine Grace.

1.     The Nature of Divine Grace

2.     Good News for Sinners

3.     Good News for Saints

 

Some of the material for this sermon was taken from or inspired by the book “Transforming Grace” by Jerry Bridges.

 

The grace of God is one of the most important subjects in all of Scripture. The fact that God shows favor to rebellious sinners, is the central message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what we preach, that God saves sinners by His marvelous grace, displayed to us through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus the Christ. Jesus died in the place of believing sinners, taking the full wrath of God for all their sins, thus paying the penalty in full for their sins. And God has proven how effective this payment is in canceling sin by raising Christ from the dead, showing that He has power over death…. Now this is Good News!  

 

Good News – The Nature of Grace

We sinners who are hopelessly and desperately lost under weight and guilt of sin, can be rescued by God’s grace to us, and this grace is free! Through no payment of our own, God graciously pardons us on the basis of what Christ has done to earn favor with God, and pay the penalty of death, in our place. This is what we mean when we say we are saved by grace alone, that is, that we did not and can not earn or merit this favor from God, but it is given to us as a gift by His grace.

Romans 3:22-24 – 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; NASB

Grace is a gift…. It is unmerited, unearned. It doesn’t come to us on the basis of any works that we can do, if it did, it would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:6 – 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. NASB

Grace is the antonym to works. Not only can we not work for God’s favor, but we have incurred His wrath by countless sins. What we deserve is utter and eternal banishment from His presence because of our rebellious and treasonous actions against His authority. We have shaken our fist in His face and told Him we will do as we please, and this we have done 1000 times. Yet God is filled with grace. This is how the scripture portrays our plight, helplessly under the God’s wrath, but pardoned by His grace. Turn with me to…..

Ephesians 2:1-3 – 2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. NASB

We are all guilty before God-condemned, vile, helpless. He could with total justice have pronounced us all guilty, for that is what we were, and consigned us all to eternal damnation. That is what He did to the angels that sinned….(2 Pet 2:4), and He could have with perfect justice done the same to us. He owed us nothing, we owed Him everything. But because of His grace, God did not consign us all to hell, instead, He acted in His grace to save us.

Ephesians 2:4-5 – 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), NASB

Grace is one of the key attributes of God. The Lord God is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Ex 34:6). In His grace God has reached downward toward people who are rebellious against Him, and saved them out of their sin. He has freely chosen to pardon those who will trust in His Son. Grace is God’s free and unmerited favor shown to those who deserve only judgment.

 

Now this is Good News! But it doesn’t stop there. Grace doesn’t just rescue us from the penalty of our sins, furnish us with some new spiritual abilities, and then leave us on our own to grow in spiritual maturity. No, grace is in fact the ever continuing state of favor that we live in before God having all our sins forgiven. God is only disposed toward our good now, and never to our ruin. Is this not His emphatic promise in Romans 8:28?

Romans 8:28 – 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. NASB

This is because God’s wrath because of our sins has been fully exhausted on the person of Christ. He bore ALL of our sins in His body on the tree. Christ’s sacrifice of atonement is utterly sufficient to cancel the debt of our sins, past, present and future. In His grace God has so completely discharged and forgiven our sins, He has told us in many different ways how complete and final this forgiveness is. This is such amazing Good News, we can hardly believe it.

Consider some of the passages from Scripture which describe the extent of His forgiveness of the sins of His people.

 

Into the depths of the sea

Have you ever wondered how deep the sea is? The average depth of the ocean is about 4,267 meters (14,000 feet). The deepest part of the ocean is located in the western Pacific Ocean in the southern end of the Mariana Trench, which is approximately 36,200 feet deep. Well here is what God says in regard to the sins of His people, “I will cast them into the depths of the sea.”

Micah 7:18-19 – 18 Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. NASB

But what does God mean by this expression, or what does He want us to think it means. Well, if you are on a boat, and you toss something overboard into the depths of the sea, guess what? You never see it again. There is a song by Audio Adrenaline called Ocean Floor…. The lyrics read…

Your sins are forgotten, They’re on the bottom, Of the ocean floor
Your sins are erased, And they are no more, They’re out on the ocean floor

This what God says about the sins of His people, “I will cast them into the depths of the sea.” Let me tell you, this is Good News!

 

I will not remember your sins

Consider the words of Isaiah 43:25 concerning the sins of His people,

Isaiah 43:25 – 25 “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. NASB

Listen dear friends… “I am the One who wipes out your transgressions”…. Who wipes them out? God does. Now just how well of a job at wiping out transgressions do you suppose God can do when He sets out to do such? You guessed it, totally, perfectly and completely. But He goes on…. “I will not remember your sins.” This statement is a conscious deliberate act on God’s part when He says, “I will not.” He is willfully choosing to forget about our sins. What do you suppose God wants us to glean from this kind of promise in Scripture? I would suggest He means for us to think… “I will not remember your sins.” Now let me tell you… this is Good News!

 

As far as the East from the West

Turn with me also then to the words of Psalm 103:10-12…

Psalm 103:10-12 – 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. NASB

Consider when traveling from South to North, you eventually reach the North pole and start traveling South from there. But this is not true when traveling East to West. If you start East and continue in that direction, you will always be going East. North and South meet at the poles, but East and West never meet. In a sense, they are infinitely apart. So when God says He has removed our transgressions as far as the East is from the West, He is saying they have been removed an infinite distance from us. Jerry Bridges writes, “When God uses this metaphorical expression describing the extent of the forgiveness of our sins, He is saying His forgiveness is total, complete, and unconditional. He is saying, He is not keeping a record of our sins. Yes God actually says that! I know it seems to good to be true. But those gracious words are right in the Bible and they are God’s words. How can God possibly do this? How can He so completely disregard our transgressions as to say He removes them an infinite distance from us? The answer is by His grace through Jesus Christ. God laid our sins on Christ and He bore the penalty we should have borne. Because of Christ’s death in our place, God’s justice is now completely satisfied. God can now, without violating His justice or His moral Law, forgive us freely, completely and absolutely. He can now extend His grace to us. He can show favor to those who, deserve only wrath.”

And I add … this is Good News!

 
 
 
You can hear this sermon in its entirety on audio here….  http://www.heritageabq.org/teaching/player/1470/ 
 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 11-18-10 An Infallible Word Part 2

 

An Infallible Word

The Infallibility and Sufficiency of Scripture

 

Psalm 19:7-9 – 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. NASB

 

 

PART 2 – The Bible….. “is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him”

 

Notice here, the Bible is the ONLY rule…… This is to say that God has not given us any other directives about how we may glorify and enjoy Him other than from the Bible. Therefore, the Bible is sufficient to address the problems we face in life and properly directs us concerning our origin, purposes and destiny in life, and how we are to properly relate to our creator God. It is a complete resource from God about our lives.

 

The Bible is sufficient as a guide to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy Him.

 

The Bible is sufficient to address every matter in life. If it has not spoken explicitly to every matter, it has addressed it in principle. In fact God has met the deepest needs of mankind in His Word, for His Word brings about the most necessary changes which are needed for mankind’s fulfillment. The Word of God is sufficient because it has transforming power to change us into the likeness of God.

 

Consider how the Bible itself describes its sufficiency to address our life and relationship to God.

 

Turn with me to 2 Peter 1:2-4….

 

This passage explains that as we come to know God and Jesus through the Word, we become like Him and have everything we need for life and everything we need to be like Him.

2 Peter 1:2-4 – 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NASB

 

 

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord

          We have grace and peace overflowing IN the knowledge of God, that is, coming to truly know Him

 

3 His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness

            – He has given us EVERYTHING that we need for life and to be LIKE HIM!

 

3 through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence

          We have everything pertaining to godliness THROUGH the true knowledge of Him,

that is, coming to know Him truly

 

4 He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature

          through the promises(that is the Word of God), we become partakers of the divine

nature….God is revealed and we see Him, by the revelation of the Spirit, and therefore know Him, and become like Him because He becomes our delight, and we seek to become what we delight in….this all happens by the transforming power of the Word and the Spirit

 

4 having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NASB

             – becoming like God we escape the corruption of sin

 

 

Turn with me to Psalm 19:7-11….

 

This passage explains to us many facets of the sufficiency of Scripture to address our needs in life and our relationship to God.

Psalm 19:7-11 – 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. NASB

 

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;

            – God’s Word is perfect…it is flawless, it is complete.

– The Word of God is sufficient to restore our soul, that is in our hearts and minds….it is

            able to heal us

 

7 The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

            – The Word of God is sure, it is settled, not wavering or moving, it is certain…it can be

relied on, as sure as it is God’s own Word

– it makes the simple wise….God’s Word is pure wisdom and gives us clear and practical instruction about how to live and make decisions…

– it makes the simple wise….it instructs us how we are to fear God and relate to him….

 

8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

– The Word of God sets for the standard for Right and wrong….it explains what righteousness is, and what true moral principles are….it tells us what is GOOD!

– and knowledge of what is true and right and noble and good causes our hearts to rejoice….not in what is fickle and unsure, but in what is truly righteous and Good…

 

8 The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

– The words of the Lord are pure words…they are holy and undefiled from the beginning to the end, they do not savor anything that is earthly and impure, rather they are holy and command everything that is holy, and they forbid everything that is impure and unholy. It is evident that the Scriptures are the words of the Holy God, and that the holy men that wrote them were obviously move by the Holy Spirit!

– The Bible gives light to the eyes of our hearts so that we can know, see, and relate to God in such a way as to please Him in every respect….

 

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

– Here the scripture referred to as “the fear of the Lord”….that is what reverences and respects the Lord….the Scriptures teaches us to fear God and hold Him in proper regard, lest we displease Him and be destroyed!

            – The Word of God is fixed in the heavens and will never pass away…..

Matthew 24:35 – 35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.

NASB

 

9 The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.

– The judgments that God pronounces in His Word will surely come to pass. Every assessment that God makes about anything at all is most certainly according to fact and God’s Word is itself the very standard of Truth! God’s Word teaches us about Justice (which is the very character of God), what it means and its importance to life. When we see how God judges and make responses to situations and ethical matters, we learn the true standard of righteousness and justice.

 

10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

– God’s Word is more valuable than anything we can own. It is to be the thing we delight above all other things, because in delighting in God’s Word, we delight in God.

Psalm 119:24 – 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. NASB

Psalm 119:111 – 111 I have inherited Thy testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. NASB

Job 23:12 – 12 “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. NASB

 

11 Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned;

            – God’s Word is filled with wise warnings about how to conduct our lives in a manner that pleases God. The Bible warns that when we fail to please God we sin and the Bible warns us that God is the avenger of sin. The most stern and strict warnings that can be pronounced, are proclaimed in the Bible.

Proverbs 8:32-36 – 32 “Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways. 33 “Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect it. 34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. 35 “For he who finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord. 36 But he who sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death.” NASB

 

11 In keeping them there is great reward.

– God promises over and over again in His Word to reward those who seek Him and obey Him. The Bible lays out a great contrast of the two kinds of people in the world. Those who glorify and enjoy God, and those who sin against Him and displease Him and ignore Him. The Lord is indeed a rewarder of those who fear Him and love Him, but those who ignore Him He will destroy.

Psalm 145:18-20 – 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. 20 The Lord keeps all who love Him; But all the wicked, He will destroy. NASB

Joshua 1:8 – 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. NASB

 

Dear church family, let it be known today and take it to your heart…..“the word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him”

 
 
 
 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 10-26-10 An Infallible Word Part 1

An Infallible Word

The Infallibility and Sufficiency of Scripture

 

Psalm 19:7-11 – 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. NASB

 

Intro

 

We are all very familiar with the first question of the Westminster Catechism, we quote it here at HCF regularly. It asks, “What is the chief end of man?” ….to which we all reply… “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever!” For what purpose was mankind created? …to glorify and enjoy God! This is a wonderful teaching and we will do good to keep it always before our eyes, ….but can anyone recall the second question?…… Here is what it asks, “What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?” …..answer, “the word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him”…….

 

These two questions are fundamental to life as a human being. The fact of the matter is, we were created by God, it is He who sustains our very lives by His Providence, and we are obligated to Him, ….to love Him, to walk in all His ways, to fear Him and to worship Him, and to obey the Gospel of His Son Jesus the Christ, whom He sent to die for the sins of all who trust in Him. If we glorify God and enjoy Him for who He is, we will be most blessed and happy and fulfilled creatures who will see the Light of Life and live forever in Heaven with God. This blessing, God promises again and again in the Bible. Contrary to this, if we fail at this basic life obligation, we will be miserable creatures worthy of pity and shame, and the end of our life’s journey will be death and destruction. And of the misery, God warns again and again in the Bible.

 

Therefore if the truth is in fact that “the word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him”……. then we ought to be sure we have a very high view of this Bible, which is the Word of God. Further we had better be quick to do what is written therein, lest we be found to be rebels against the God who sustains our very lives. 

 

So this morning I would like for us to consider the answer to this second question and to ask and answer the question, is the Bible sufficient to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy God? This we will do by breaking the answer into two parts….

 

PART 1 – “the word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments,

 

Notice here it is “the Word of God” ……now consider what these words mean….. “the Word of God”, and that is exactly what the Bible is, “the Word of God”

 

 

 

The Bible is the Word of God.

·         The Bible certainly claims to be the Word of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 -13 And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of Gods message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

·         Frequently the Bible records the very words of God Himself.

Exodus 5:1 – 5:1 And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.

1 Samuel 15:2-3 – 2 Thus says the LORD of hosts, I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt.  NASB

2 Samuel 7:4-6 – 4 But it came about in the same night that the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, 5 “Go and say to My servant David, Thus says the LORD,” Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in? NASB

·         Both the Old and New Testaments make claims to be the very Word of God. Writers in scripture frequently refer to Scripture as God’s very words.

Matthew 1:22-23 – 22 Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”NASB

Matthew 4:4 – 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” NASB

Acts 1:16,20 – 16 “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.  20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead be made desolate, And let no man dwell in it’;  and, ‘His office let another man take.’ NASB

Hebrews 4:12 – 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  NASB

·         The Bible has a majestic and profound wisdom in it that could never be invented by men. God is continually brought into Scripture speaking with such high and holy expressions of His exalted state and majesty that is not found in any other human writings.

Isaiah 57:15 -15 For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite. NASB

Isaiah 40:21-26 – 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is He who sits above the vault of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. 23 He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. 24 Scarcely have they been planted, Scarcely have they been sown, Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, But He merely blows on them, and they wither, And the storm carries them away like stubble. 25 “To whom then will you liken Me That I should be his equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power Not one of them is missing. NASB

 

Where in all the writings of men have been found such expressions of heavenly majesty?

 

·         The Bible has power to transform peoples lives and speak to their deepest needs, desires, emotional distresses, and guilty consciences with conviction and healing. It pronounces promises and blessings from God which have authority to assure us of divine favor like no other writings in all the world.

Psalm 103:11-14 – 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. NASB

·         Consider, the way in which the Bible speaks with such majesty as that which none but God can speak. It requires of us duties which none but God can require, it condemns us of sins which none but God can prohibit, threatenings of punishments are therein proclaimed which none but God can inflict, and promises are therein made which none but God can fulfill, and all of this is said in such a powerful way that makes it painfully obvious to us that its author is none other than God Himself!  Who but God can utter such things?

Matthew 16:24-27 – 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 “For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. 26 “For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds.  NASB

·         Every truly born-again Christian has an inner witness of the Holy Spirit to understand the Bible to be the very Word of God.  Grudem – “Our ultimate conviction that the words of the Bible are God’s words comes only when the Holy Spirit speaks in and through the words of the Bible to our hearts and gives us the inner assurance that these are the words of our creator speaking to us.” End-quote

Of course this is because the Bible is God’s very words. This inner assurance can only come about for a truly born again Christian who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 2:14) The natural man cannot and does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God.

1 John 2:20,27 – 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know…….. 27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. NASB

 

 

The Bible is inspired by God, (God breathed), not only in the general sense, but in every word.

It is not the invention of men, it is the very words of God which have been breathed out by His Spirit through the agency of human writers.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – 16 All Scripture is inspired [God-breathed-theopnuestos] by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NASB

2 Peter 1:20-21 – 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of ones own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. NASB

The Bible is inspired in two ways, both verbally, and plenary. Verbal and plenary are terms used to define what we mean by inspiration. Verbal means that every word in the original language is inspired by God. Plenary means that the totality of scripture is inspired including its concepts, numbers, names, and every part of the scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NASB

Here we see an example of the New Testament’s claim that all the words of the Old Testament scriptures are God’s words. When referring to “Scripture”, the writer refers to the “entire Old Testament.” The word for “scriptures” used here – “graphe” is used in 50 other places in the NT and always refer to the Old Testament scriptures. The greek for the word inspired is “theopneustos” – “breathed out by God.” We understand then the Old Testament to be considered by the apostles as God’s Word. Further, the NT makes reference to itself as the words of Scripture.

2 Peter 3:14-16 – 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. NASB

Here Peter refers to the writings of Paul as the “scriptures.” gk – “graphas” Another example would be where Paul refers to the words of Luke 10:7 and calls them “the Scripture”;

1 Timothy 5:18 – 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” NASB

The scripture then, is inspired by God, in every word. It follows then that all the concepts, numbers, names, and every part of the Scriptures are inspired by God.

 

 

The Bible is a Special Revelation from God and of God Himself.

 

This is to say that the Scripture in its entirety is the revelation of God to man about what is true.

There are mysteries about God in the Bible that the most intelligent men could never contrive, much less the unlearned fisherman by whom these things were revealed. Consider that in the Bible is revealed the Holy Trinity of Persons in the Godhead, the incarnation of the Son of God becoming a man, the mystical union of Christ with His church, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the only way fallen mankind can be reconciled to God. These and many others are evidence that these were taught by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible also includes true information about our existence and destinies which we could have never known by any other means, except by special revelation from God.

Deuteronomy 29:29 – 29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. NASB

It obviously follows then that God has revealed specific information to us that He intends for us to hear, know and understand. This information called the Scripture then is therefore authoritative, coming from God and being the standard of truth, by which our lives must be measured and governed.

 

The Bible is without error and infallible as originally given.

Grudem – Inerrancy – Scripture in its original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact. The Bible always tells the truth and that it always tells the truth concerning everything it talks about.

It has been clearly pointed out thus far that the Bible is the Word of God. It should be noted at this point that, being the very words of God, this implies several things about the nature of Scripture.

God cannot lie or speak falsely – (2 Sam 7:28, Tit 1:2)

Numbers 23:19 – 19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? NASB

God’s words are the ultimate standard of truth, the very words are truth itself.

Psalms 12:6 – 6 The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. NASB

John 17:17 – 17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. NASB

The words of scripture are completely true and without error

Psalms 119:160 – 60 The sum of Thy word is truth, And every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting. NASB

Therefore, when we speak of inerrancy and infallibility, we speak of the truthfulness of Scripture.

Grudem – “No new fact will ever be discovered that will contradict the Bible. This will never happen, it is in fact impossible. If any supposed fact is ever discovered that is said to contradict the Scripture, then that fact must be false, because God, the author of scripture knows all true facts (past, present, future). No fact will turn up that God did not know about ages ago and take into account when He caused scripture to be written.”

Therefore because the Scriptures are the very Words of God, and they are all-sufficient,  infallible and without error, we seek to always have a high view of scripture. This would mean that we always try to exalt the Scriptures by speaking very highly of them and applying them to our daily lives with all reverence and submission. We are also very careful to represent what Scripture teaches accurately and not mishandle the Word of God by misinterpreting it or using it in a way as to undermine its true message or misconstrue its message in a way inconsistent with what it teaches. We are careful not to take the Scripture out of its context and use it as a pretext to say something that God has not intended it to say. More than this, God will hold us accountable for obedience to His clearly revealed Word and has warned us with the utmost severity of the consequences of disobedience. The Word of God itself is our Judge!

John 12:46-48 – 46 “I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness. 47 “And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. NASB

 
 
 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 10-4-10 Who is this King of Glory? Part 2

Who is this King of Glory? – Part 2

1 Chronicles 29:11-13

11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. NASB

 

God is Sovereign! And so the scripture says,

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 – 11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. NASB

God is Sovereign. But what does this mean? The word “sovereignty” means Supreme Authority and in earthly realms speaks of one who holds the highest place of authority such as a Monarch, or President or Ruler of a province or territory. But consider that when this term is applied to God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, that the meaning takes on a much fuller sense. God is in heaven and having made the world by His own power out of nothing, and is even now sustaining everything by His powerful Word, God is The Sovereign King above all earthly and heavenly powers and authorities. As the Scripture says……

Psalm 103:19 – 19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all. NASB

God possesses absolute dominion and authority over all things. So He is said to sit on a “throne” in heaven! Just think how ridiculous it would be to say that God created the universe, but He is not in control of what takes place in it. Well the truth is God not only controls nature and history, but He literally sustains the entire universe by his power, and orders the events of his entire creation to accomplish His own purposes and plans. Friends, we must understand that what is happening in the world is happening at the express purpose and will of God, who rules the world and all who are in it. He is “the Lord of Heaven and Earth”(Acts 17:24) and whatsoever happens in the world, happens because God has permitted, indeed He has decreed it to happen (The Decrees of God). Although there is much evil in the world, which God hates, He is allowing these things to achieve His eternal purposes which will, without a doubt, comes to pass. God not only permits the events of human history, but has ordained them from eternity past (Foreordination), and is furthermore actively involved in seeing that they all come to pass (Providence), fulfilling all of His plans and purposes.

Proverbs 16:4 – 4 The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. NASB

That the divine purpose could meet with frustration is unthinkable, for then it could not be the divine purpose! Failure of God’s purpose is failure of His sovereignty. God cannot be God and NOT be Sovereign, for then He would NOT be God. Scripture is very clear about this!

Ephesians 1:11 – 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, NASB

Even Satan was created by God to achieve the very purpose for which God made him.

Isaiah 10:15 – 15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood. NASB

Isaiah 54:16 – 16 “Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, And brings out a weapon for its work; And I have created the destroyer to ruin. NASB

 

Exposition of 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

Let us closely examine how the Scripture describes this Sovereignty of God.  

 

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 – 11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. NASB

A. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty – What words can describe the greatness of God and His power? Surely we cannot describe the greatness of God because He is infinite and we are finite. Listen to the verse as it speaks of His greatness……His IS the power and glory and victory and majesty……

God is the source of all power

Jeremiah 32:17– 17’Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee, NASB

God’s is the glory

Revelation 15:3-4 – Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. 4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou alone art holy; For all the nations will come and worship before Thee, For Thy righteous acts have been revealed.” NASB

He will always prevail with victory against His enemies –

Isaiah 42:13 – 13 The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies .  NASB

The authority of His majesty is the most regal and beautiful, stately and splendid, magnificent  grandeur of all.

Psalms 96:4-9 – For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. NASB

B. indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD – The Scripture plainly declares that God created all things and is the Possessor of everything. Since God is the creator of all things, He also is the rightful owner and proprietor of all things. He possesses everything and therefore has a Sovereign Right or prerogative to do as He pleases.

Exodus 9:29 – 29 And Moses said to him, “As soon as I go out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD; the thunder will cease, and there will be hail no longer, that you may know that the earth is the LORD’S. NASB

Exodus 19:5 – 5’Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; NASB

Deut 10:14 – 14 “Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it. NASB

Job 41:11 – 11 “Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.  NASB

Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. NASB

Psalm 89:11 – 11 The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine; The world and all it contains, Thou hast founded them. NASB

The Scripture plainly declares that God rules and does as He pleases with anything and everything that He has made. God is totally free to do whatever He pleases.

Daniel 4:34-35 – For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 “And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’ NASB

Psalms 135:5-6 – 5 For I know that the LORD is great, And that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. NASB

C. and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. – The Scripture plainly declares that God is the highest authority and that He is the One who establishes all other authority in heaven and earth.

Romans 13:1 – 1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. NASB

God is highly exalted above everything that is. Therefore God exalts Himself above us and everything and commands that we worship Him, because it is right and proper to do so. Consider how appropriate this is? Would it be right for some other being to occupy God’s great seat of authority? Would it be proper for a creature to somehow be exalted above the One who created it? Indeed this cannot be, otherwise He would not be God. This is why idolatry is the great sin of mankind, as we seek to give improper place to some thing other than God who should properly be exalted in our view as King and Sovereign over us! This is high treason against the greatest majesty that exists! Who can speak of what a great sin that unbelief in God truly is? Who can describe the folly and shame that this represents? Shall we slap the hand that feeds us? Shall we rail with clinched fist against the One who holds our life’s breathe in His hands? This is why God exalts Himself above us and commands that we worship Him, because it is right and proper, it is in reality the highest good of the creature to worship and praise the creator!

Psalm 97:9 – 9 For Thou art the LORD Most High over all the earth; Thou art exalted far above all gods. NASB

Exodus 20:2-3 – 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. NASB

Isaiah 2:11-12 – 11 The proud look of man will be abased, And the loftiness of man will be humbled, And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. 12 For the LORD of hosts will have a day of reckoning Against everyone who is proud and lofty, And against everyone who is lifted up, That he may be abased. NASB

D. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.  – God in His Sovereignty, dispenses as He pleases to all the peoples of the earth. Here the Scriptures says that God is the one who gives riches to the rich, honor to the honorable, and it is because He is the Ruler of all. Here the Scripture explicitly states that God has the power and the might to raise up or exalt someone, or give them strength. Obviously the inverse is true, if God decides to abase someone and make them weak, that is His prerogative. This is in fact resounded in the Scriptures in many places. God rules His creation, including the earth and men and angels by a mighty Providence. God is Sovereign over the prosperity and poverty of everyone!

Exodus 4:11 – 11 And the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? NASB

Isaiah 45:7 – 7 The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these. NASB

1 Samuel 2:7-9 – 7 “The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. 8 “He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, And He set the world on them. 9 “He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail. NASB

The Scripture plainly declares that God is Sovereign over the life and death of every creature. Man’s days are determined by God, He has set the limit and they cannot be exceeded. No one lives unless God decrees it and no one dies unless God decrees it. He is the Author, Giver, and the Sustainer of every living thing. He holds in His hand the lives of His beloved ones and that of His enemies also! Even Satan the father of lies, the destroyer, owes his next breathe to the Almighty!

Job 14:5 – 5 “Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with Thee, And his limits Thou hast set so that he cannot pass. NASB

Deuteronomy 32:39 – 39’See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; And there is no one who can deliver from My hand. NASB

1 Samuel 2:6 – 6 “The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. NASB

Job 12:9-10 – 9 “Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, 10 In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? NASB

Matthew 10:29-30 – 29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. NASB

The Scripture plainly declares that God Sustains and maintains all things which He has created.

Hebrews 1:3 – 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. NASB

Job 34:14-15 – 14 “If He should determine to do so, If He should gather to Himself His spirit and His breath, 15 All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust. NASB

E. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. – Now here is a proper response to the knowledge of God’s Sovereignty. It is to acknowledge His greatness and power, and to humbly thank Him for WHO He is and whatever we have. More than this we are to praise His glorious name!

Psalm 106:1Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. NASB

Psalm 33:1 – Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. NASB

 
 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 9-19-10 Who is this King of Glory? Part 1

Who is this King of Glory?

 

1 Chronicles 29:11-13

11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee,

and praise Thy glorious name. NASB

 

Dear friends what marvelous truths are revealed about God in just a few short verses! Here we have the foundation for all that is and the final word concerning the mysteries of our lives! Yeah, before there was a heaven or an earth, before time and space were even formed, “Thou art from everlasting!” Here God is described in terms as bright as the sun!

 

God is great! And how great He is! To say that God is great is to accurately describe every attribute about Him. The word great describes a measurement, one of large proportions, outstanding and superfluous! Indeed everything about God is infinitely massive and full, unending and inexhaustible! Yes, He is God! He transcends the physical capacities of everything that exists! His love is great, great to the heavens! His faithfulness stretches to the skies! His righteousness is like the mighty mountains, and His justice is like the great deep! The scripture declares that God measures the heavens with the span of His hand, and that He laid the foundation of the earth! Indeed God being creator of everything, is therefore greater than all that is! His is the greatness!

Isaiah 40:12 – 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance, And the hills in a pair of scales? NASB

Job 11:7-9  7 “Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? 8 “They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know? 9 “Its measure is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea. NASB

Isaiah 48:13 – 3 “Surely My hand founded the earth, And My right hand spread out the heavens; When I call to them, they stand together. NASB

Because God is essentially infinite by nature, His attributes cannot be added to or taken away from. He transcends the fullness of everything that is! The creation added nothing to God’s nature but everything was made out of nothing by the infinite power of God. God existed eternally in the heavens alone, forever happy and blessed in Himself. The Lord is not bound by the limits of time, He is eternal! God being Eternal is “before all things.” (Col 1:17) He has always existed. He has neither beginning of days nor end of life. (Heb 7:3) He always was, is now and always will be. Because of this truth, God stands alone like no other being in the universe! Ps 102:12,25-28, Deut 33:27, Isaiah 40:28

Psalm 93:2 – 2 Thy throne is established from of old; Thou art from everlasting. NAS

Job 36:26 – 26 “Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him; The number of His years is unsearchable. NAS

 

God is Omnipresent God is not bound by the limits of space. He is in all places at all times. He is where we are at all times. Can the creator of the universe be confined to a single place? Can the One who stretches out the heavens like a tent be confined on the earth? Indeed He cannot, not even the highest heavens can contain Him for He transcends the limits of space. God is limitless, He is infinitely huge, and the span of His hand is larger than the vast expanse of the universes! He is in the highest heaven and in the great deep, He is in every place of the world, yet He is not limited by it! He literally fills the heavens and the earth!

Psalms 139:7-8-“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

1 Kings 8:27- 27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain Thee, how much less this house which I have built! NAS

Jer 23:23-24 – 23 “Am I a God who is near,” declares the LORD, “And not a God far off?  24 “Can a man hide himself in hiding places, So I do not see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. NAS

Although He is everywhere present with all things, He is not all things. God is distinct from all things. Even though He is the sustainer of all things, He does this from without. Everything has its being in God, for He transcends them, sustaining and upholding them, indeed they exist by His pleasure and will.

Acts 17:27-28 – 27 that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, NAS

Psalm 33:13-15 – 3 The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; 14 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. NAS

Rom 11:36 – 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. NAS

 

God is all-powerful! Indeed He is omnipotent or possesses all power! Any power that is in the creation is granted by God. God had the creative power to make the universe from nothing, and He sustains the same universe by His power. He has power over life and death and every other thing. He made all things with a very purposeful will, and He possesses the power to execute His divine will and bring His intentions to an expected end. His creation is just a small example of his mighty power. Since God therefore created all things, He also transcends them, and His power and dominion are infinitely greater than everything He created! Since God is actively sustaining everything in creation, He exercises His power in every moment of time, being sure to bring to pass “all His good pleasure.” He began alone, and created all things out of nothing, and by this great truth is known as “The Almighty.”

John 1:1-3 – :1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being NAS

Acts 17:24-26 – 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and

earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if

 he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

Colossians 1:16-17 – 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created by Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. NAS

Hebrews 1:3 – 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; NASB

Revelation 4:11 – 11 “Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created.” NAS

 

God is Omniscient– He knows all things. Because God is the source of all things, making everything from nothing, He is therefore the source of all knowledge and wisdom. He knew in eternity past the entire record of history for all eternity. Predictive prophecy proves this again and again. There is nothing that escapes His notice, and nothing can be hidden from Him. He is aware of the events of the past, present, and future as if they were all laid out before Him. As His being is perfect, so is His knowledge. Being perfect in knowledge, He is therefore all-knowing and never confused, misled or surprised.

Hebrews 4:13-“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

1 John 3:20 – 20 in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. NASB

The beloved AW Tozer puts it this way: “God knows all that can be known. And this He knows instantly and with a fullness of perfection that includes every possible item of knowledge concerning everything that exists or could have existed anywhere in the universe at any time in the past or that may exist in the centuries or ages yet unborn.” God knows all of the data of every possible cause and effect, feeling and desire, creature, event, and every other thing that can be named. His knowledge is complete and eternal.

Isaiah 46:9-10 – 9 “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no

other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning

And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; NAS

Whatever comes to pass has been eternally decreed by God. Our dear brother Jonathan Edwards put it this way, “God decreed from all eternity all the evil that He ever does permit, because God’s permitting is God’s forebearing to act or to prevent. It can be made evident by reason that nothing can come to pass but what is the will and pleasure of God should come to pass.”

Ephesians 1:9-12 – 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. NASB

 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 9-9-10 A Supernatural Life for Supernatural People – Part 2

 

Colossians 1:9-12

A Supernatural Life for Supernatural People – Part 2

 

Colossians 1:11 – 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously

A. strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might – Here see where a Christian gets their strength for the supernatural life, from the only supernatural source, God. How can we possibly live in such a way as we have described, unless we do it being “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might.” Therefore see the great necessity that we seek God for His power to “walk in a manner worthy of Him.” See here the great wise plan of God in our sanctification. He has commanded us to live in a manner beyond our power and capability, therefore we must humbly come to Him in faith to receive that “strength” and “power” that is needed to do it. For this the Apostle labors in prayer for the church…. Oh God, give them power, “according to your glorious might!” Here Paul prays for no small thing, and neither is your Christian life no small thing. It will take God’s power for you to live it. Either you will seek Him for it and walk in it, and thus glorify and enjoy Him, or you will wallow in misery and discontentment until you figure out that your purpose in life is to walk in His will, by His power, and to thus glorify and enjoy Him. To this you were called, that is to the supernatural life in the Kingdom of God. Christian life is a privilege beyond all other privileges in the world, but it is also a high, holy and demanding calling. It will cost you everything you have, including your very life (Luke 9:23-24), but the benefits are far beyond even comparing. Isn’t this what Paul told us elsewhere? …

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. NASB

B. for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously – Here see yet another supernatural attainment of the Christian life, “the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously.” Now it is one thing to exercise patience, it is another thing entirely to do it with joy. Being steadfast in all these virtues can be a very difficult thing at times, and this is another reason we cannot do it apart from God’s power. William Burkitt comments.. “That patience, much patience, very much patience, yea, all patience is needful, nay, absolutely and indispensably necessary, to enable a Christian to bear some trials, and to glorify God in an afflicted condition. All patience, I say, is necessary in order to the cheerful bearing of afflictions, that is, patience at all times, patience under all crosses, patience, if possible, without any mixture of impatience; patience that may give a man the possession of himself, and quiet the whole man, the tongue, the hand, and the heart. Such measures and degrees of patience as will keep the heart from sinking, the tongue from complaining, and the hand from revenging. Lord! grant, that whenever any of thine are called forth to suffer either for thee, or for thine, they may be strengthened with all might, according to thy glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness” Let us therefore look to God for His glorious power that in whatever circumstance He might call us to walk by His Providence, that we might be steadfast, patient and joyful, so that he might be glorified in us!

 

Colossians 1:12 – 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.   NASB

 A. giving thanks to the Father – See here the blood that runs through a Christians veins, gratitude! Dear saint, have you been saved from sin and death, from the pain and anguish of battle and enmity with God…… Have you been snatched from the eternal fires of hells torment, where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched?….. Have you been cleansed and washed from the guilt of all your sins, and showered with innumerable blessings from the gracious and forgiving God of Heaven?…. Have you received every spiritual blessing in Christ and given the hope of eternal life in God’s glorious kingdom forever where there will be no more dying or crying or mourning or pain? …

Has Christ given you by oath His own holy and happy friendship and made you a fellow heir with Him of all of the Father’s blessings, world without end?…. Has He rescued you from every trial and seen you through to this very day, filling you with His hope and courage to face each day, knowing that He is always with you and will never forsake you, but will uphold you and bring you safely into His Father’s glory?….. Indeed He has. Thus Paul says, “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Are you grateful? What then should you do?….. Stop grumbling and complaining and rather “give thanks” with a grateful heart to the Father! For He sent His Son to live and die in your place, so that He would “qualify” you to share in the inheritance. It is an inheritance beyond our comprehension. So great is it that Paul prays that God would open our eyes to see it…

Ephesians 1:18-19 – 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. NASB

1 Peter 1:3-5 – 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. NASB

Dear Christian consider what the magnitude of this promise is…. “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”…..Let us “saints in light” then, give thanks to the Father for the great things He has done.

 

 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 8-30-10 A Supernatural Life for Supernatural People – Part 1

 

Colossians 1:9-12

A Supernatural Life for Supernatural People – Part 1

 

Now here in the first chapter of Colossians the Apostle Paul is greeting and commending the Colossian church for their most holy faith which is prospering and growing. As he writes, he tells them that he has been praying earnestly for them, and then goes on to describe the things he has been praying for in verses 1:9-12..

 

We then have the benefit of knowing, if Saint Paul were to pray for the church, with all his inspired knowledge, just what would he pray for? And in this we see the great desire of Christ for His church, as these words have been breathed out by His Spirit through the great Apostle. Moreover we have expressed for us here in writing what are the amazing and higher attainments of the Christian life, those things for which we should be longing for and pressing toward as we seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have here those great spiritual virtues of the Kingdom of God articulated for us in a way that explains the character and nature of the spiritual life of the children of God, which is in fact a supernatural life enjoyed only by those who have been truly born again and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Here as the Apostle pours out his heart before God longing for the maturity of the church, we have a manual or map for our spiritual growth laid out before us, even a great feast of tasty morsels of the divine and spiritual pattern of the heavenward call of God for our own personal lives and that of our local church fellowship as well.

 

May we be ever thankful to our God for giving us this rich passage of text for us to feast upon and be spiritually nourished for our journey to Heavens glory!

 

Colossians 1:9 – 9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

A. For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask – See here the importance of diligence in the Christian life. Paul’s concern for the church causes him to pray without ceasing, and to be continually offering up a prayer to God for their health and growth in the faith. Are we yet so concerned with our own spiritual life that we, with the Apostle continually beseech God for His power and blessing in our lives? Let us not be slothful in our faith, but diligent in seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness, that we may be filled with all of His goodness!

B. that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding – Here Paul’s first and greatest request. Let us not overlook the importance of this great virtue in Christian life. It is to “be filled with the knowledge of His will.” That is, to know what God wants, what He prefers, what is consistent with His desires, and more, to be informed about His threatenings, commandments, and judgments, His precepts and requirements. This is foremost in the Christian life and from it flows all blessing, happiness, and comfort in time of need. We do not know the mind of God naturally, and we only learn about Him what He chooses to reveal. Now this “knowledge of His will” comes through an understanding of God’s will as he has revealed it in Holy Writ. What we know about God’s desires and precepts, His commandments and judgments, are revealed to us by God an in the manner which He has chosen to deliver it to us in the Scriptures. The Scriptures are filled with such holy and majestic pronouncements that only God could speak; duties are therein prescribed, which none but God can require; sins are therein condemned, which none but God can prohibit; threatenings of punishments are therein denounced, which none but God can inflict; promises of rewards are therein made, which none but God can bestow; and all in such a majestic way, as does evidence God to be the author of this book of the Scriptures, and it is here where we learn the revealed “knowledge of His will.” Moreover, Paul prays that we posses this in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Notice it is “spiritual wisdom,” which means it comes only by the Spirit of God, it is not of the natural unspiritual man. For the natural man cannot grasp them; …. turn with me…

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 – 9 but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 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. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. NASB

Since we have the Spirit of God living in us and performing His ministry of revelation to us, we now have the ability and capacity to believe and to grasp “the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” and to therefore rightly see our world, our purpose, and the real reasons why things exist in the world and what they are for. The eye of sinful man thy glory may not see…the natural man gropes in the darkness of sin, not even realizing that it is God who holds his very life together and his next breathe in His hand, every moment of everyday. But the Christian has knowledge of the meaning and purpose of all things, knowing that it all exists by God, and for God and that His ends and purposes are chief in everything. God is ruling the circumstances of human history by His mighty Providence, and for the ends and purposes which he has designed.

Proverbs 16:4 – 4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. NASB

If this be true of the grand scheme of the world and the nations, how much more for our everyday life, God’s people, whom He bought and redeemed with the precious blood of Christ? This is why Paul prays that we would be filled with his knowledge, “in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” The word for understanding here in the Greek is sunesis, and means to put together. Calvin calls it, “that discrimination that proceeds from intelligence.” It is to grasp and comprehend God’s “knowledge” and His “spiritual wisdom” with the “understanding.” Not to be foolish or ignorant of God’s will but to understand it.

The Psalmist wrote…

Psalm 143:10 – 10 Teach me to do Thy will, For Thou art my God; Let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground. NASB

And Paul says in Romans…

Romans 12:2 – 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NASB

And again he said in Ephesians…

Ephesians 5:15-17 – 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NASB

Hear then this great request of the Apostle, that we would indeed attain to a more distinct, clear, and practical knowledge of the mind of God in Christ, and a greater measure of conformity to what he requires, desires, loves and approves!

Clarke comments “The Colossians had knowledge, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with it.  As the bright shining of the sun in the firmament of heaven fills the whole world with light and heat, so the light of the Sun of righteousness is to illuminate their whole souls, and fill them with Divine splendor, so that they might know the will of God, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; in a word, that they might have such a knowledge of Divine things as the Spirit of truth can teach to the soul of man.”

Dear Christian, let us be longing for this knowledge and spiritual wisdom! Let us always and ever be mining these jewels as precious treasure and longing for and delighting in our God as we come to know Him better and better!

Solomon wrote…

Proverbs 23:23 – 23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding. NASB

Proverbs 4:5-9 – 5 Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. 7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. 8 “Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. 9 “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.” NASB

 

Colossians 1:10 – 10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

A. so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects – Here now Paul gives the reason why he wants us to “be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.” It is “so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects.” What good is all our learning and all our knowledge if we do not apply what we have learned? Jesus said…

Luke 11:28 – 28 But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it.” NASB

And so Christ’s great desire for His church, that we would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects.” This is to say that we obey Him, and live in such a way that our thoughts, words and deeds are in accord with His good character and nature. This is to say that we do not disobey Him and live in a manner that is sinful and shameful in the sight of God. Did He save you and wash you and cleanse you from your shame so that you could go back out and swim in the mud hole of sin once again? No instead He wishes that you would “please Him in all respects.” Oh Christian, that you would fear the Lord and obey His commandments, that you would be loving and gracious and kind and forgiving, just as He has been with you. The Psalmist wrote….

Psalm 119:1-6 – 119 How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. 3 They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. 4 Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Thy statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Thy commandments. NASB

Obedience to God’s Word is the fruit and evidence that we have been reconciled to God, and that we love Him properly as He has commanded us. Paul goes on…

B. bearing fruit in every good work – If then we are walking “in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects,” surely we will be “bearing fruit in every good work.” As a mature fruit tree bears much fruit, here see the product of a mature Christian life, that we would “bear fruit in every good work.” But what of these good works, what are they? Well surely they fall into several categories. William Burkitt comments; “By good works, he undoubtedly means works of piety towards God, works of righteousness towards our neighbors, works of sobriety towards ourselves, works of charity towards all. By fruitfulness in these good works, he means an unwearied diligence, and persevering constancy in the doing of them, that our fruitfulness be an universal fruitfulness, an humble and self-denying fruitfulness, a proportionate fruitfulness, an abounding and abiding fruitfulness; that is to be fruitful in every good work.” Well to that I say amen, and I would like to add some further description. By these things see the good works of a Christian’s life….

·        works of piety towards God – In seeking to Love God with all that is within us, regular fellowship with God’s Holy Church, where we worship God through Word and Sacrament (that is through preaching and through the Lord’s Table), and where we exercise those God given gifts that we have in service to His church, in evangelizing and the making of disciples, in loving and serving the church

·        works of righteousness towards our neighbors – This would include helping our neighbors and coworkers and friends and acquaintances in all kinds of work, or of giving when they are in need, serving them through hospitality, supporting the cause of justice in its various forms in our community, serving our neighbors in various means and ways as befits a Christian, with all goodness and integrity

·        works of sobriety towards ourselves – This would include daily meditation on the word of God, daily communion with God in prayer, regular fellowship with godly Christians, being a good spouse and a good parent, exercising our God given roles with much patience and kindness

·        works of charity towards all – This would include meeting the needs of anyone and everyone when it is within your power to do it, defending the fatherless, helping the widow and the helpless, coming to the aid of the defenseless

Good works are the product of a Christian’s life, and that which we seek to grow in, and delight in carrying out. This Paul has said to us many times….

Ephesians 2:10 – 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. NASB

Titus 3:1-2 – 3 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. NASB

Titus 3:7-8 – 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. NASB

Titus 3:14 – 14 And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful. NASB

Therefore let us Christians walk in this manner which is worthy of the Lord, that we “bear fruit in every good work.”

C. and increasing in the knowledge of God; – Here see Christ’s desire for your higher attainment in Christian virtue, that you be “increasing in the knowledge of God.” This is the never ending joy and privilege of the saints, that the knowledge of God and His Christ and His kingdom in inexhaustible and therefore we are to constantly engage in this activity. He says we are to be “increasing,” that growing in and learning more of the knowledge of God. This was the pattern of our Lord, He was always and continually teaching His disciples. And they followed suit as they were daily from house to house and in the temple teaching. This is the nature of the Christian Faith. It is a didactic enterprise, a teaching fellowship, a learning community. Paul wrote in this very book of Colossians…

Colossians 1:28-29 – 28 And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. NASB

Colossians 3:16 – 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. NASB

This is the ongoing state of a Christian’s supernatural life, that we be always and evermore learning and “increasing in the knowledge of God.”

 

 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 8-20-10 Two Great Benefits of the Gospel

 
The Gospel – The Message of Jesus Christ

Two Great Benefits – The Death and Life of Christ
 
Two Terrors of the Law
Mankind is guilty of treason against the highest authority that exists, God Himself. The Bible describes this treason as sin. Sin was first committed by our father Adam and subsequently passed to all his succeeding generations (Romans 5:12-21), having become part of our nature.
Here is a brief and helpful definition of sin from Nelson’s Bible Dictionary….
SIN – Lawlessness (1 John 3:4) or transgression of God’s will, either by omitting to do what God’s law requires or by doing what it forbids. The transgression can occur in thought (1 John 3:15), word (Matt 5:22), or deed (Rom 1:32)…… Sin is not represented in the Bible as the absence of good, or as an illusion that stems from our human limitations. Sin is portrayed as a real and positive evil. Sin is more than unwise, inexpedient, calamitous behavior that produces sorrow and distress. It is rebellion against God’s law-the standard of righteousness (Ps 119:160)…… Since God demands righteousness, sin must be defined in terms of mankind’s relation to God. Sin is thus the faithless rebellion of the creature against the just authority of his Creator. For this reason, breaking God’s law at any point involves transgression at every point (James 2:10). (from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
 
Now in regard to how we have sinned against God by transgressing His holy Law, there are basically two categories of sin that we are guilty of. There are sins of omission, where we fail to do what God has required of us and sins of commission, where we do something God has forbidden us to do. This is because God’s Law has both preceptive requirements and penal sanctions.
 
 
Judicially speaking therefore, we are in guilty in both aspects of transgression against the Law, and we have need to be justified before God on both accounts. Even if our sin debt was paid in regard to the penal sanctions, we still would not have fulfilled what God has required of us and therefore our righteousness before God is found lacking. For this great treason against God then, the whole world is accountable to God, having sinned and fallen short of His glory.
 
Romans 3:19-20, 23 – 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin…. 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, NASB
 
We have transgressed God’s holy Law in every point so that we are subject to the wrath of God (Eph 2:1-3) and the curses of the Law, and the ultimate penalty for sin which is death. It is in this dreadful state that all mankind abide naturally, and this explains the great need for salvation. Mankind needs to be saved from sin and death. It is from this state of sin and death that Jesus Christ saves, to all who call upon Him for salvation, and this salvation is the good news held out in the Gospel.
 
Romans 6:23 – 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NASB
 
When someone places faith in Christ, they enter into a state of “justification” before God, which is wholly complete in both aspects of the Law. Through faith in Christ people can be declared just or righteous in the sight of God.
 
Substitutionary Atonement and Imputed Righteousness
Now this is the great good news that is the substance of the Gospel in its most basic form. That is, that all who believe in Christ, can be justified before God, not by any merit of their own (or works of the Law), but by faith in Jesus Christ ONLY.
 
Galatians 2:16 – 16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. NASB
 
This is called “justification by faith.” This “justification” is a declarative act on God’s part toward us on the basis of what Jesus Christ has accomplished in His life and death. When we trust in Christ, we are declared righteous by God because of Christ’s merit. Christ’s merit is wholly complete before God because He paid the penal sanctions of the Law in His death, and He fulfilled the preceptive requirements of the Law in His life, having perfectly carried out all of God’s precepts in His lifetime. He never omitted to do what God had required and He never did anything that was forbidden by God. Therefore, on this basis, God’s Law has been fulfilled in Christ, and God offers this “justification” to all who have faith in Christ.
 
Romans 3:21-24 – 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; NASB
 
Jesus Christ paid the penalty of sins by dying as a sacrifice in our place. This is called “substitutionary atonement,” as discussed earlier in our lesson pages 39-50. This atonement was pictured in the Old Testament “sacrifice.” Therefore, Christ is our “sacrifice,” our Passover lamb that died “vicariously” (for us) and as a “substitute” (in our place), ref pg 45. Therefore Christ died as a “substitute,” a “sacrifice” to pay the debt of death which was owing to God because of our sins. God reckons Christ’s payment of death to us through faith and on this basis cancels the debt we owed because of the Law’s penal sanctions.
 
Colossians 2:13-14 – 13 And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. NASB
Colossians 1:21-22 – 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-
 
In the same way, God reckons to us the perfectly righteous life of Christ through faith, so that in Christ God sees us as having fulfilled all the preceptive requirements of the Law as well. This is called “imputation.” Christ’s perfect life is credited to those who have faith in Him.
 
Philippians 3:9-10 – 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, NASB
Romans 4:5-6 – 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, NASB
 
These then are the two great benefits of the Gospel. Both the life and the death of Christ are reckoned to us by faith, fulfilling God’s righteousness wholly and completely for us! In the Gospel therefore we not only proclaim that Christ died for us, but that He also lived for us!

Heavens Light 8-12-10 Contentment and Providence Part 4 Being Thankful for Providence

Contentment and ProvidencePart 4

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content

in whatever circumstances I am. NASB

 

Being Thankful for Providence

Dear friends, consider in the goodness of God to us, how we ought to be thankful! God has promised that every single thing in our lives will ultimately work for our good. Consider that if God would not spare His own Son, but gave Him for us, won’t He then also give us everything we need?

Romans 8:31-32 – 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? NASB

If God will give His people a Kingdom when they die, will He not also give them daily bread while they live? If Jesus would suffer and die to bring me to Himself, will He not also hear my prayer when I cry to Him for help? Indeed He will, more than that, he will crown me with eternal life and grant me to see His glory forever more in His glorious Heaven, what more could I have from the good hand of Providence! Learn then, that it is fitting for the upright to praise God! Thanksgiving to God is pure praise! It is direct honor to God who gives us life and breathe!

Psalm 50:23 – He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” NASB

For those who know the goodness of God, we have no other response but the high praises of our King! Thanksgiving is the blood that runs through the veins of a saint! Praise is the garment that fits handsomely on our backs!

Psalm 145:9-10 – 9 The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. 10 All Thy works shall give thanks to Thee, O LORD, And Thy godly ones shall bless Thee. NASB

Consider that the mouth of the wicked is filled with grumblings and murmuring and complaining! But this is not fitting for a saint! The wicked cannot praise God, neither are they thankful. The poison of asps is on their lips, and with the tongue they profane the name of God!

Psalm 33:1-5Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. 3 Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. 4 For the word of the LORD is upright; And all His work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Let us therefore give God the thanksgiving and praise which is due to Him! That no matter what cup He gives us to drink, no matter what bitterness of soul should afflict us, no matter what great trial may befall us or try us, that we shall stand in the company of the saints, with the glorious praise of God in our mouth, knowing that He shall give us nothing but that which works for our good! It is God’s will that we should give Him thanks in every circumstance!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – 18 in everything give thanks; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. NASB

Ephesians 5:20 – 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; NASB

 

 

 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 8-1-10 Contentment and Providence Part 3

Contentment and Providence- Part  3

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content

in whatever circumstances I am. NASB

In this brief study I would like to:

1)    Show briefly that God is in His Providence is governing and ordering all the circumstances of our lives

2)    Remind us of His great and precious promises to care for us and meet all of our needs, and also that His Providence is loving and always has our highest good in mind, not necessarily our earthly comfort

3)    Show briefly that discontentment is a embittering sin which greatly hinders our enjoyment of God and our ability to glorify Him

4)    Exhort us to contentment through Philippians 4:11-13

 

I will be offering comments from Thomas Watson’s book The Art of Divine Contentment.” It can be purchased at www.christianbook.com or read here…. http://www.fivesolas.com/watson/content.htm

 

 

 4 )    Exhort us to contentment through Philippians 4:11-13

 

Philippians 4:11 – 11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. NASB

A. 11 Not that I speak from want – Here Paul is simply commenting on verse 10 where he is commending the Philippians for providing for his welfare. Here he is saying that he is currently in a situation where he has unmet needs, but rather that he is amply supplied.

B. for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am – Contentment is a lesson that we must learn, “I have learned to be content.” It does not come naturally or by easy means. It only comes after we have found ourselves in plenty and in need, in happiness and in sorrow, on the mountaintop and in the valley, and in all of these places have learned that God is our source, He is our shield, He is our comfort and our hope. Through these ups and downs we learn to be content that God is on the throne, and ordering the events of our lives according to His wise Providence and for our highest good and His greatest glory!

 

Philippians 4:12 – 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. NASB

A. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; – Here Paul explains he knows how no to be distressed or anxious when he is in need, nor to complain against God when resources are meager. But in contrast, he knows how to “live in prosperity,” that is, to be content with what he has and not driven by a continual lust for more, but rather humble and thankful to God for the many blessings. Notice that there is temptation in either circumstance, whether having barely enough or plenty, we are tempted to either complain against Providence or take it for granted.

B. in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need – Here see that his knowing how to get along deals with “any and every circumstance,” which means beyond just having food and shelter. See here that contentment is necessary in all the situations of life we find ourselves in. This means being content with our spouses, our careers, our children’s temperaments, our health or sickness, our homes, our in-laws, our neighbors and any other things in our lives. Learn here that Paul calls it “the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” Consider, could one actually be content in “going hungry” or “suffering need”? Or what about “being filled” and “having abundance,” can we be content in that and not lusting for more? Surely we can, and Paul tells us “the secret” in the next verse.

 

Philippians 4:13 – 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. NASB

A. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me – Now this grand statement of the apostle begs the question, “How many things is all things?” And, in this context of being contented, surely Paul means to say that no matter what circumstances we face, we can be contented before God, and happy in Him. Consider Job, even though Providence had dealt him a very bitter hand, yet he did not lose his faith and trust in God. In the midst of his terrible suffering he says,

Job 1:20-22 – 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. NASB

In all of this, “Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” Consider, if Job can face what he faced and still worship God and not blame God, but rather trusted in and praised God no matter what he faced, how much more can we, who have the knowledge of Christ and the indwelling Spirit to comfort? In fact, we “can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Barnes comments… I can do all things. From the experience which Paul had in these various circumstances of life, he comes here to the general conclusion that he could “do all things.” He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil propensity of his nature, and meet all the temptations incident to any condition of prosperity or adversity.  His own experience in the various changes of life had warranted him in arriving at this conclusion; and he now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be required of him which he would not be able to perform. In Paul, this declaration was not a vain self-reliance, nor was it the mere result of his former experience. He knew well where the strength was to be obtained by which to do all things, and on that arm that was able to uphold him he confidently relied.”

Dear Christian, shall you poison your blessed days with the sour water of discontent? Why not look beyond the “light and momentary affliction” (2 Cor 4:17) to Christ, your strong Savior, and there find all of the comfort and grace needed to endure. In fact, your trial is designed by God’s good Providence to drive you to the feet of Jesus, and in humble trust for you to cast your cares upon Him.

1 Peter 5:6-7 – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. NASB

Let us therefore learn Paul’s secret here….it is Christ who strengthens us in this life. If you want to be happy, if you want to be settled and peaceful no matter what you face, if you desire to be content in “any and every circumstance,” you “can do all things through Him who gives you strength!” Will you trust him?


 

 

Remedies and exhortations to contentment

 

1) Learn to delight in God and be thankful (1 Thes 5:16-18). Count your blessings ever and always!

 

2) Be careful not to get too attached to things in this world (1 John 2:15-17), for you do not know when they will be taken from you. You must be willing to part with anything, should the Lord require it of you.

 

3) Be sure that you are valuing Christ above all other things in your life. If you are not, your value system is broken and in desperate need of repair, because He is most valuable.

 

4) Remember always that God knows what is best for you and will never give you more than you can bear (1 Cor 10:13), but will always be a refuge for those who call upon Him for deliverance (Psalm 145:18-19). God has designed your suffering to work for your good, and will at the proper time give you relief. His will shall never lead you where His grace will not keep you.

 

5) Let a Christian often think with himself, “who hath placed me here, whether I am in a high sphere, or in a lower. Not chance or fortune, as the purblind heathens imagined; no, it is the wise God(Lam 3:37-38) that hath by his providence fixed me in this orb.” Thomas Watson

 

6) When facing a bitter trial, remember that God has promised never to leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5-6), but will be your strength and hope no matter what you face. You must come to Him personally for strength…. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!”

 

7) Prayer gives vent to your sufferings. Pour out your compliant to God, with humility and contrition ask Him what response He might be seeking from you. Then leave you care at His feet, as often as possible, expecting either His deliverance or His grace to endure. He is worthy of your trust and you can believe his promises to care for you.

 

8) Your sufferings are not so great as your sins: put these two in the balance, and see which weighs heaviest; where sin lies heavy, sufferings lie light. A carnal spirit makes more of his sufferings, and less of his sins. Thomas Watson

 

 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life