Minced Oaths

I just love these things!

 

 

Sent to you by mkshmily via Google Reader:

 

 

Minced Oaths

via Calvinistic Cartoons by Eddie Eddings on 4/30/09

 

 

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Calvinistic Cartoons using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

 

 

Just in Case

Sent to you via Google Reader

Just in Case

Sent from my iPod

Happy. Blessed. Joyful

Happy.  Blessed.  Joyful.

This was my facebook status yesterday.  I was reflecting on the past two days over my birthday and was reminded how blessed I am.  

But I was convicted by this statement as well.  I realized that my happiness, feelings of being blessed, and joyful attitude were during pleasant and good circumstances.  The question suddenly occurred to me, would I still be joyful if my wife was angry and not talking to me, my kids were screaming and fighting non-stop, my boss was on my case to get things done quicker, and/or any other number of not so pleasant circumstances.  I was challenged to begin viewing all of my life as blessed and joyful, not just those moments that are pleasant and easy.

He who eats the grapes of Sodom

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
The heaviest afflictions on this side of hell"
by John Berridge, on afflictions, superb

  ~  ~  ~  ~

He who eats the grapes of Sodom

(Charles Spurgeon)

"As long as he is a Nazirite, he must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins." Numbers 6:4

Nazirites had taken, among other vows, one which debarred them from the use of wine. In order that they might not violate the obligation, they were forbidden to drink the unfermented juice of grapes, nor even to eat either fresh or dried grapes. They were, in fact, to avoid even the appearance of evil.

Surely this is a lesson to the Lord's separated ones, teaching them to come away from sin in every form; to avoid not merely its grosser shapes--but even the appearance of evil. Strict walking is much despised in these days--but rest assured, dear reader, it is both the safest and the happiest course. He who yields a point or two to the world--is in fearful peril. He who eats the grapes of Sodom--will soon drink the wine of Gomorrah!

A little crevice in a large dyke may soon break open--so that a whole town is drowned. Worldly conformity, in any degree, is a snare to the soul, and makes it more and more liable to presumptuous sins.

Doubtful things--we need not doubt about; they are wrong to us!

Tempting things--we must not dally with--but flee from them with haste!

Careful walking may involve much self-denial--but it has pleasures of its own which are more than a sufficient recompense!

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)

Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

Birthday Surprise

I did not get a chance to write yesterday as I was hoping to be able to do.  My wife surprised me with a wonderful birthday present.  She had arranged for us to go to a bed and breakfast and have dinner out.  My in-laws arrived on Wednesday night, supposedly just to surprise me for my birthday.  Truth be told, they were here to watch the children for us while we left the next day to go to our special retreat!  WOW, she had me good on this one!

As I sit here now, in the quiet morning while my wife and infant son still sleep and look around at the beautiful room I sit in, I am reminded how blessed I am to have been given the gift of such a wonderful wife.  Not BECAUSE of what she has done for me but because what she has done for me REVEALS her heart and character.  I celebrate now, not because she gave me this incredible gift and did this incredible thing for me, but because of what that gift reveals about her character and her heart.

What a great picture and a great reminder of our relationship with God.  Our love for and devotion to God should not be based primarily on the things that we receive from Him.  This would make our love and devotion conditional on Him continuing to give those things to us.  Rather, we need to be reminded to see those gifts that He gives us as an outward expression of His unchanging character and nature.  God will always continue to give because He is God and it delights Him to do so.  However, we ought not to base our love for Him on whether or not we continue to get good things from Him.  When we base our love and devotion to HIm on those things, we will face great problems when difficult times come.  When we begin to face trials, tribulations, persecutions and the like, we will turn away from God if our only reason for following Him is the good things He gives.  

No, beloved, let us see beyond the gifts to the character, nature, and heart of the Giver.  Jesus death on the cross was the greatest gift because it gives us salvation from sin and death.  But look at the heart of the Giver.  This gift reveals God's perfect holiness and righteousness.  It reveals His anger toward sin and His love of righteousness.  It reveals that He is a just God, bringing down due punishment for sin.  It shows His love for mankind in that He knew we could never pay the debt we owed to Him and so He provided a way for the payment to be made in order that we would be saved from sin and death.  It shows His great mercy and grace.  His shows HIs great compassion and love.  It shows His great power and ability.  

The gift reveals the heart of the Giver.  The gift reveals the character and nature of the Giver.  Let us look beyond the gifts, beyond the lavish blessings and love the Giver, not the simply the gift.

O blessed hurricane!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
"Flesh-pleasing pulpit opiates!"
 J. A. James, powerful & insightful

  ~  ~  ~  ~

O blessed hurricane!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"On My arm, they shall trust." Isaiah 51:5

In seasons of severe trial, the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust to, and is therefore compelled to cast himself on his God alone. When his vessel is quickly sinking, and no human deliverance can avail--he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God.

Happy storm--that wrecks a man on such a rock as this!

O blessed hurricane--that drives the soul to God and God alone!

When a man is so burdened with troubles, so poor, so friendless, so helpless that he has nowhere else to turn--he flies into his Father's arms, and is blessedly clasped therein! Oh, tempest-tossed believer--it is a happy trouble which drives you to your Father!

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)

Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

Pyromaniacs: Porn and paper pastors

Pyromaniacs: Porn and paper pastors

Earth Day Award

Sent to you via Google Reader

Earth Day Award

Sent from my iPod

Kids are napping, house is quiet

I am understanding, lately, why it is that Jesus needed to get away to a quiet place so often in His earthly ministry.  Of late, I have been becoming more and more overwhelmed by the noise and busyness of life around me.  I have been very tense, on edge, and irritable.  And when I do find myself finally sitting down to be with the Lord, I am so tense and on edge that I cannot focus nor settle my mind long enough to find my time enjoyable.  I try to pray and study and cannot stop thinking about all things I have do; the things that have me frustrated and discouraged; the things that I have not been able to accomplish do to time; and when I find an interruption to what I am doing, I grow more agitated and tense.

As I have stopped to ponder and evaluate my manner, I have come to some conclusions:

1. I MUST find time alone, in the quiet, away from all the noise and distractions (even things that are good and beneficial) to be with God and allow Him strengthen me.  Jesus made this a priority in His life.  He was often going away to be alone to pray and fellowship with His Father and seeking strength and encouragement.  I need time away from my iPod, my family, my ministry, my to do list, my activities, and to be alone with God.
2. I have begun to struggle with this agitation and irritability because I have failed to find this time but also because I have allowed distractions in my life that take away from focus and view from the goal; the prize.  I have allowed my fleshly desire for entertainment, amusement, and comfort to get in the way again.  
3. I have allowed financial strain, ministry challenges, , relational challenges, parenting challenges, and the like to steal my focus from biblical truth and place it on earthly ideals instead.  I have allowed myself to be distracted from the truths that I need to be rooted upon.  

I have been reminded by these things how vitally important it is for me to make my quiet, alone time with God so preeminent in my life.  I have been reminded why Jesus made it so in His. I have also been reminded how vitally important it is for me to be in the Word, studying it, memorizing it so that I can stand upon it when all else falls.  Yesterday and today are both testimonies to how the truth can strengthen and defy the evils of my flesh, this world, and the devil.  When feeling discouraged, I was able to turn to the scripture that I have memorized with the men in my D-Team and use them as enemies against the discouragement, frustration, and temptation to doubt God and turn to the world.

My quiet time alone with God and away from the distractions of the world CANNOT and MUST NOT be forfeited or stolen away.  It is vital to my spiritual health and growth. 

Writing challenge

I was reading a blog today by a well known Christian blogger.  He was commenting that since he started his blog back in 2003, he has posted a new blog everyday since.  99% of the time, he has written something everyday.  He said that it was important to his writing abilities and his spiritual growth for him to write at least something little everyday.

It challenged me to do the same. I post a lot of articles here on this blog that have been an encouragement and challenge to my spiritual growth.  I will continue to do this, but I was also challenged to write something of my own.  I am not sure I am going to begin by saying I will write something everyday, but I am going to shoot for at least five days a week.  I believe this will challenge me to articulate  my faith and will help me to begin taking the knowledge I am learning and make personal application. 

So, here we go... 

The Death of Seven Deadly "P's"

Sent to you via Google Reader

The Death of Seven Deadly "P's"

As Paul brings his letter to the Galatian believers to a close, he summarizes his main point in 6:11-18. He gives a tremendous challenge to these believers to remain faithful to the message of the cross that he had previously taught them.

Paul makes a statement in verse 14 that seems almost off hand if not carefully considered. Most of us catch the first phrase in this sentence and we would readily and whole heartily agree that we "boast" only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Have you really stopped and chewed on the second half of that sentence?

"…by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Gal 6:14b ESV)

What does that mean? Paul says to these believers, ultimately to us, that the world system in all of its attractions is dead to him. Not only that, he is also dead to these attractions. The things in this world are no longer attractive to Paul. They no longer have any affect on him. Why? Because he has died to them – "…they have been crucified to me…"

We know when this "crucifixion" took place. Romans 6:6 states that at the time of conversion, when we are baptized into Christ our old self was crucified. Paul teaches the Galatians that those in Christ and who are led by the Holy Spirit have crucified the passions and desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:24.

The next question that comes to mind is what in the world system was crucified to Paul and is no longer attractive to him? What no longer has any influence on him? Well, I am sure this list is not exhaustive; you might be able to add to it. I stopped after seven specific items. I have a long way to go in order to crucify these things so that they are not longer attractive and no longer have any influence on me, so seven was enough. These seven specific items are in no particular order of importance or significance.

Power – no longer did Paul have the desire to obtain or exercise direct control over anyone or anything for his own glory or satisfaction. Authority and control for the sake of authority or control no longer attracted him. He was a messenger, a bond-slave, one sent by authority.

Popularity – Paul did not have a burning desire to be popular or well thought of by his peers. He told the Corinthians not to judge him nor was it any longer important what any one thought of him since God would be his judge. He told the Galatians that if he wanted to be popular he would preach circumcision and the false teachers would leave him alone.

Prosperity – ...

Sent from my iPod

Death's Younger Brother

Sent to you via Google Reader

Death's Younger Brother

Sent from my iPod

Fwd: Sin is shut out--and they are shut in!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
"Who can wonder!"
J. A. James, challenging

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Sin is shut out--and they are shut in!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more!" Isaiah 65:19

The glorified weep no more--because all causes of grief are gone! There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in heaven. Poverty, famine, peril, persecution, and slander--are unknown there. No pain distresses, and no thought of death or bereavement saddens.

They weep no more--because they are perfectly sanctified! No "evil heart of unbelief" prompts them to depart from the living God. They are without fault before His throne, and are fully conformed to His image! Well may they cease to mourn--who have ceased to sin!

They weep no more--because all fear of change is past! They know that they are eternally secure! Sin is shut out--and they are shut in!
They dwell within a city which shall never be stormed!
They bask in a sun which shall never set!
They drink of a river which shall never run dry!
They pluck fruit from a tree which shall never wither!

Countless cycles may revolve--but eternity shall not be exhausted; and while eternity endures, their immortality and blessedness shall co-exist with it. They are forever with the Lord!

They weep no more--because every desire is fulfilled! They cannot wish for anything--which they don't already have in full possession.
Eye and ear,
heart and hand,
mind and imagination,
desire and affection--
all the faculties, are completely satisfied!

As imperfect as our present ideas are of the things which God has prepared for those who love Him--yet we know enough, by the revelation of the Spirit, that the glorified saints are supremely blessed. The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fullness of delight--is in them. They bathe forever in the bottomless, shoreless sea of infinite blessedness!

That same joyful rest remains for us! It may not be far distant. Before long--the weeping willow shall be exchanged for the palm-branch of victory! Sorrow's dewdrops will be transformed into the pearls of everlasting bliss!

"The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more!"

"Therefore comfort one another with these words."

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)

Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

Fwd: DG Taste & See: What I Said to the Pastoral Staff About Unity Amid Differences

If you are unable to see the message below, view it online.

 

What I Said to the Pastoral Staff About Unity Amid Differences

April 15, 2009
By John Piper

Read this article on our website.

The week after Easter the pastoral staff got away for our annual pastors and wives retreat for two-and-a-half days in southern Minnesota. The aim is to deepen and strengthen our marriages and our unified vision for ministry at Bethlehem.

My happy job is to serve that goal in ministering the word on our first afternoon together. What I chose to talk about was being "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

The reason for this focus was, negatively, that if this pastoral staff disintegrates in disunity, the damage to the church will be great; and, positively, if God would keep us unified around our mission, the Christ-exalting scope of the impact would be worth dying for.

Our focus was on . . .

Six Biblical Guidelines for Loving Each Other Amid Differences

1. Let's avoid gossiping.

The New Testament warns against gossiping. The Greek word translated "gossip" means whisper or whisperer. In other words, the focus is not on the falsehood of the word but on the fact that it needs to be surreptitious. It is not open and candid and forthright. It has darkness about it. It does not operate in the light of love. It is not aiming at healing. It strokes the ego's desire to be seen as right without playing by the rules of love.

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find...that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. (2 Corinthians 12:20)

2. Let's identify evidences of grace in each other and speak them to each other and about each other.

The church in Corinth was deeply flawed. But Paul found reason to thank God for them because of "the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:4). The most flawed pastor on this staff—and we are all flawed—is a work of grace. It honors Christ, and keeps criticism in perspective, to see it and say it often.

3. Let's speak criticism directly to each other if we feel the need to speak to others about it.

The point is not that we will always agree on everything, especially the practical application of shared principles. Paul's word in Romans 12:18 is, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." It may not be possible, but we should try.

4. Let's look for, and assume, the best motive in the other's viewpoint, especially when we disagree.

When Paul deals with disagreement in Romans 14, one of the things he appeals to is that those with opposite practical convictions have identical heart-motives. "The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God" (Romans 14:6). Christ-honoring passions, Paul says, can unite us in spite of differences of application.

5. Think often of the magnificent things we hold in common.

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the Lord!" (Psalm 40:16)

To mention a few things we hold in common: the Elder Affirmation of Faith, the sovereignty of God, the supremacy of his glory in all things, the majesty and meekness of Christ, the all-sufficiency of his saving work, the precious and very great promises summed up in Romans 8:28 and 8:32, the value and sweetness of the Bible, the power and patience of the Holy Spirit in transforming us, the hope of glory, a profound biblical vision of manhood and womanhood, a common global mission to see the nations know Christ...

6. Let's be more amazed that we are forgiven than that we are right. And in that way, let's shape our relationships by the gospel.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.... And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. (Ephesians 4:32-5:2)

"The one who is forgiven little loves little" (Luke 7:47). In other words, think more of your own sins and how amazing it is that God saved you than you do about the other person's flaws.

Managing Our Differences, Moving Forward Together

Then I pondered with the staff some implications for managing our differences as leaders of Bethlehem. A team of leaders does not have the luxury of all going their own way. We must lead the people with a common vision, not different visions. "If the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:8).

Therefore, our job as a team of leaders is together to talk and write and argue and debate and refine our positions until we reach as large a consensus as we can on the major issues.

Then over time we revisit the implementation of these positions and continue the process of refining. And we recognize that the position that we reach may not perfectly satisfy anyone's preferences. And so we resolve to support the consensus for the greater good without ongoing criticism, but with public support.

I closed by saying that God has given us a great work to do at Bethlehem. The impact that we all have through this church for the glory of Christ is beyond our estimation. It is worth all our efforts and all our lives to preserve the great things we stand for and move forward together.

Please pray for us.

---

Illustrated Job Book on Sale - $14.99

With moving illustrations by Christopher Koelle, John Piper unfolds the story of Job in beautiful, compassionate poetry. An uplifting book, especially for those experiencing great suffering and loss. A fully-illustrated hardcover book with 30 two-page spreads and 15 one-page spreads Trim size: 8" x 11" Includes a new appendix: "Ten Aspects of God's Sovereignty over Suffering and Satan's Hand in It" Visit the product page to watch the trailer, listen to the audio, or view some of the artwork. Order online or call us at 1.888.346.4700.

---

For free resources, visit our website: DesiringGod.org.

You have received this newsletter at mkstitzel@gmail.com because you are on this mailing list. If someone signed you up and you do not want to continue receiving emails from us, unsubscribe with the link below.

Manage Your Newsletters

• Unsubscribe
• Change email
• Sign up for other email subscriptions

Forward or Subscribe

• If you enjoyed this resource, please forward it to a friend.
• If you have been forwarded this newsletter and wish to subscribe, you can subscribe here.

To review our privacy statement online, click here.

href="http://www.desiringgod.org/12all/lt/t_go.php?i=395&e=MTg2NTU3&l=-http--www.desiringgod.org/AboutUs/MailingLists/">subscribe here.

To review our privacy statement online, click here.

0">

Grace Gems - Grace Found Her a Maniac--and Made Her a Minister.

Grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister! 

(Charles Spurgeon)

"He appeared first to Mary Magdalene--out of whom He had cast seven devils." Mark 16:9

Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only--but seven. These dreadful inhabitants caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case! She could not help herself, neither could any human support avail. But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, He uttered the word of power--and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the saving power of Jesus. 

What a blessed deliverance! 
What a happy change!

From delirium--to delight, 
from despair--to peace, 
from hell--to heaven! 

At once, she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His winding steps, sharing His toilsome life; and withal she became His generous helper, first among that band of saved and grateful women--who ministered unto Him of their substance.

When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame--we find her drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus--but she stood as near to it as she could. She was the faithful and watchful believer--last at the sepulcher where Jesus slept; first at the grave whence He arose!

Thus, grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister! 

Grace delivered her from Satan--and united her forever to the Lord Jesus! 

May I also be such a miracle of grace!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

You can now add each day's Grace Gem to your web 
site, which will change on a daily basis, automatically. 
Just 'copy' the following link, and 'paste' it into your 
home page. Visitors will come back frequently to your 
web site for daily manna for their souls.

~ Today's Grace Gem ~

 

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)

Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

What is Faith

I like Charles Spurgeon's definition.

"What is faith? It is made up of three things - - Knowledge, belief, and trust.  Knowledge comes first.  'How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heart?'  I want to be informed of fact before I can possibly believe it.  'Faith cometh by hearing.'  We must first hear, in order that we may know what it is to be believed.

Faith begins with knowledge.

The mind goes on to believe that these things are true.  The soul believes that God is, and that He hears the cries of sincere hearts; that the gospel is from God; that justification by faith is the grand truth which God hath revealed in these last days by His Spirit more clearly than before.  Then the heart believes that Jesus is verily and in truth our God and Savior, the Redeemer of men, the Prophet, Priest, and King of His people.  All this is accepted as sure truth, not to be called in question.  

I pray that you may at once come to this.  Get firmly to believe that the 'blood of Jesus Christ, God's dear Son, cleanses us from all sin.;' that  His sacrifice is complete and fully accepted by God on man's behalf, so that he that believeth on Jesus is not condemned.  

Believe these truths as you believe any other statements; for the difference between common faith and saving faith lies mainly in the subjects upon which it is exercised.

So far you have made an advance toward faith; only one more ingredient is needed to complete it, which is trust.  Commit yourself to the merciful God; rest your hope on the gracious gospel; trust your soul on the dying and living Savior; wash away your sins in the atoning blood; accept His perfect righteousness, and all is well.  

Trust is the the lifeblood of faith; there is no saving faith without it.

Faith is not a blind thing; for faith begins with knowledge.

It is not a speculative thing; for faith believes facts of which it is sure.

It is not an unpractical, dreamy thing; for faith trusts, and stakes its destiny upon the truth of revelation.  

This is one way of describing what faith is."

Charles Spurgeon  "All of Grace"

Desiring God Blog

Corrective Tract for the Prosperity Gospel Posted: 18 Apr 2009 11:26 PM PDT (Author: John Piper) Mark 8:34-36: If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (via)

12 More Translations Posted: 18 Apr 2009 10:00 AM PDT (Author: Tyler Kenney) Chinese (Simplified) Advice to Pastors: How to Help Your People Be More Satisfied in God 给牧师的建议：如何帮助你的会众以上帝为满足 "All Flesh Will Come and Worship" 所有的人都必来敬拜 Can the Regenerate Be Erased from the Book of Life? 已经重生的在生命册上会被涂名吗? God's Undeserved Gift to the World: Christian Sufferers 世界本不应得到的神的礼物：受难的基督徒 How can Jesus be God and man? 耶稣为何既是神又是人 If God Wills Disease Why Should We Try to Eradicate It? 如果神意旨疾病,那我们为何还需试图根除它? A Sign: United and Fearless with the Gift of Suffering 一个证明：在苦难恩赐下的一体与无畏 French 10 Reasons Why I Am Thankful for the God-Breathed Bible 10 raisons pour lesquelles je suis reconnaissant d'avoir une bible inspirée par Dieu Spanish All Israel Will Be Saved Todo Israel Será Salvo All Things Are From God, Through God, and To God. The Glory Is All His Todas Las Cosas Son De Dios, Por Dios, y Para Dios. La Gloria es Toda Suya Fifteen Pro-Life Truths to Speak Quince verdades pro-vida para compartir Thoughts on Jesus' Demand to Repent Reflexión Sobre el Pedido de Jesús de Arrepentirnos

You are subscribed to email updates from Desiring God Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Inbox too full? Subscribe to the feed version of Desiring God Blog in a feed reader.
If you prefer to unsubscribe via postal mail, write to: Desiring God Blog, c/o Google, 20 W Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

Feeling the Depth of Depravity

As I was preparing for my men's D-Team meeting this afternoon, I was thinking over Romans chapters 1-3.  Most of what is there is grim and terrible news.  Man has rejected God, abounds in sin and depravity of every kind, and God has given him over to it to take whatever natural consequences may come.  The list of sins included are horrendous.  It is terrible, terrible news.  Men love their evil deeds and heartily give approval to others partaking in the same sins.  

Here is a list of the kinds of sins and terrible things that I am talking about:

1. Idol worshippers
2. Impure lusts (any desire that is not as God intended and/or created it to be)
3. Exchanged truth of God f0r a lie
4. Worship and served the created instead of the creator
5. Refused to acknowledge God as God and honor Him as such
6. Refused to give thanks to God
7. Homosexual passions
8. Having depraved minds
9. Filled with all wickedness, unrighteousness
10. Greed
11. Evil deeds
12. Full of envy
13. Murder 
14. Strife
15. Deceit
16. Malice
17. Gossips (Yes, gossips)
18. Slanderers
19. Haters of God
20. Insolent
21. Arrogant
22. Boastful
23. Inventors of Evil
24. Disobedient to Parents (see my post on authority to understand why this is included here)
25. Without understanding
26. Untrustworthy
27. Unloving
28. Unmerciful
29. Give approval to those who commit these sins.

Does this not describe our current world?

Does this not describe the desires of your sinful heart; your flesh, my sinful heart, my flesh?

I have encouraged the men to do as I have personally done and to feel the weight of these sins.  I know that each of these sins and the capability to commit these sins resides in my heart; in my sinful flesh.  I have prayed that each of these men, and all believers, would take time to feel the weight of their sin.  Many of us think that we are above these sins when in reality we are but once choice away from making any of them.  

Take time, look over this list of incredible wickedness and sin.  

Feel the weight of it.

Feel the hopelessness.

Let the weight of these sins and the rejection of God sink in.  Without understanding and knowing the depth to which man has fallen; the depth and width to which man has gone to reject God; the depth of our sin; Yes, without understanding this, we cannot and will not fully appreciate the magnitude of the good news to come in the remaining chapters of Romans.  

SO, take it in.  Take time to feel it and and to know the depth and hopelessness of sin and depravity.  Search you own heart.  Be honest with yourself.  How many of these sins do you sense in your own heart.  Oh, they may never come out.  They may never be seen by anybody but you.  Yet you know they are there.  Our wicked and deceitful flesh will try to convince us they are not and to tempt us into following those depraved desires.  But they are there.  As the Holy Spirit does His work in our lives, they will begin to diminish, but they will not totally go away until our eternal glorification after Jesus returns.  

Once you have felt this weight and depth of sin and depravity, then read on to Romans 3 and beyond.  With that weight and understanding behind you, now revel and bask in the joy and magnitude of what God has done our behalf when we were hopelessly dead in our depravity and sin!  How glorious and magnificent it suddenly becomes when the full depth and magnitude of sin is understood.  That is what Jesus, my Jesus, saved me from!  It is so much more magnificent when I understand WHAT it is that I have been saved from!

So that faith, which is coming to Christ, is the result of divine drawing. Grace is the first and last moving cause of salvation... Spurgeon

Why does God allow Satan to live?

This video from "Ask Pastor John" is a great explanation of why God has allowed and continues to allow Satan freedom upon the earth and has not bound him yet and cast him into Hell.  

Remember this:  EVERYTHING is about the Glory of God!

Michael Stitzel wants to keep up with you on Twitter

To find out more about Twitter, visit the link below:

http://twitter.com/i/7dafdab8d98507b33d34a47fd5069b39ec336bf3

Thanks,
-The Twitter Team

About Twitter

Twitter is a unique approach to communication and networking based on the simple concept of status. What are you doing? What are your friends doing—right now? With Twitter, you may answer this question over SMS or the Web and the responses are shared between contacts.

This message was sent by a Twitter user who entered your email address. If you'd prefer not to receive emails when other people invite you to Twitter, click here:
http://twitter.com/i/optout/5e4bd39d7342414435bde575184f9b096d020f05

Happy Resurrection Day!

 

 

Sent to you by mkshmily via Google Reader:

 

 

Happy Resurrection Day!

via Calvinistic Cartoons by Eddie Eddings on 4/12/09

Fundamentally, our Lord's message was Himself.
He did not come merely to preach a Gospel;
He himself is that Gospel.
He did not come merely to give bread;
He said, "I am the bread."
He did not come merely to shed light;
He said, "I am the light."
He did not come merely to show the door;
He said, "I am the door."
He did not come merely to name a shepherd;
He said, "I am the shepherd."
He did not come merely to point the way;
He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
J. Sidlow Baxter

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God
hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.
(Rom. 10:9)

 

 

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Calvinistic Cartoons using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

 

 

Grace Gems - Look into those languid eyes

Look into those languid eyes!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"Show me why You contend with me!" Job 10:2

Beloved, it was thus once with you--a text of Scripture, a threatening, a touch of the rod of affliction--and you went to your Father's feet, crying, "Show me why You contend with me!" Is it so now? Are you content to follow Jesus, afar off? O it is a grievous thing, when we can live contentedly, without the present enjoyment of the Savior's face. Let us labor to feel what an evil thing this is--little love to our own dying Savior, little joy in our precious Jesus, little fellowship with the Beloved!

Remember where you first received salvation. Go at once to the cross! There, and there alone--can you get your heart quickened. No matter how hard, how insensible, how deadyou may have become--go again in all the rags, poverty, and defilement of your present condition. Clasp that cross! Look into those languid eyes! Bathe in that fountain filled with blood! This alone will bring you back to your first love; this alone will restore the simplicity of your faith, and the tenderness of your heart!

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)

Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

Oh, the atrocity!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
"Pride and humility"
(The latest recording in our "Christian
Meditations" series, sixty-five minutes)

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Oh, the atrocity!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"O Lord, we are covered with shame--because we have sinned against You!" Daniel 9:8

A deep sense and clear sight of sin--its heinousness, and the punishment which it deserves--should make us lie low before God's throne. As Christians--we have sinned! Alas! that it should be so. Favored as we have been--we have yet been ungrateful. Privileged beyond most--we have not brought forth fruit in proportion. What Christian is there--who will not blush when he looks back upon his past sins?

Oh, the atrocity of the sin of a pardoned soul! An unpardoned sinner sins cheaply--when compared with the sin of one of God's own elect ones, who has had communion with Christ and leaned his head upon Jesus' bosom.

Alas! these sins of ours would consign us to the place of inextinguishable fire--if it were not for the sovereign mercy which has made us to differ, snatching us like brands from the burning! My soul, bow down under a sense of your natural sinfulness, and worship your God. Admire . . .
  the grace which saves you;
  the mercy which spares you;
  the love which pardons you!

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)

Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

--

Grace Gems - Do Men Make Their Own gods?

Do men make their own gods?

(Charles Spurgeon)

"Do men make their own gods? Yes--but they are not gods!" Jeremiah 16:20

One great besetting sin of ancient Israel was idolatry, and we who are the spiritual Israel are vexed with a tendency to the same folly! We no longer bow down to sticks and stones--butMammon still intrudes his golden calf; and the shrines of pride are not forsaken. SELF in various forms, struggles to subdue the chosen ones under its dominion; and the flesh sets up its altars wherever it can find space for them. 

Children are often the cause of much sin in believers. The Lord is grieved when He sees us doting upon them above measure; they will live to be as great a curse to us--as Absalom was to David, or they will be taken from us to leave our homes desolate. If Christians desire to grow thorns to stuff their sleepless pillows--let them dote on their children!

It is truly said that "they are not gods," for the objects of our foolish devotion are very doubtful blessings; the solace which they yield us now is dangerous, and the help which they can give us in the hour of trouble is little indeed. 

Why, then, are we so bewitched with vanities? 

We pity the poor heathen who adore a god of stone--and yet worship a god of gold! Where is the vast superiority between a god of wood--and one of flesh? The principle, the sin, thefolly is the same in either case; only that in our case--the crime is more aggravated because we have more light--and sin in the face of it. The heathen bows to a false deity--but he has never known the true God. But we commit two evils, inasmuch as we forsakethe living God--and turn unto idols! May the Lord purge us all from this grievous iniquity!

"The dearest idol I have known, 
 Whatever that idol be; 
 Help me to tear it from Thy throne, 
 And worship only Thee!"

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)

Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

Age of Accountability or What happens to infants who die?

I have struggled for while with what happens to infants who die.  I have been taught the concept of "The Age of Accountability" but have never had a very good explanation of it or even strong biblical evidence for it.  The only biblical text that I have ever been pointed to, and the one that is most strongly used in support of infants going to Heaven when they die is "2 Samuel 12:21-23. The context of these verses is that King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, with a resulting pregnancy. The prophet Nathan was sent by the Lord to inform David that because of his sin, the Lord would take the child in death. David responded to this by grieving, mourning, and praying for the child. But, once the child was taken, David's mourning ended. David's servants were surprised to hear this. They said to King David, "What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." David's response was, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.'"  

These verses are used to show that infants, who cannot trust in God are kept safe by God.

However, I was, am still, uncomfortable basing a teaching that all infants go to Heaven when they die on this one single text.  There is so much that could have been said to David by God that is simply not recorded.  He could have told David that He was going to take the child to Heaven but this could have been an exception to the rule.  It could have been a special case.  David could want to believe this so badly, he just spoke this and it had no base in truth or reality.  I am uncomfortable telling a mother who lost here baby that this is a proof text that all infants go to Heaven when they die.  Yet, I could not find any other text in scripture that even addressed the issue of what happens to infants when they die.  On top of that, I am firm believer in Total Depravity and that man is a sinner from the womb.  I also believe that man still has to believe in the heart on the Lord and confess with their mouth that He is Lord.  Infants are still sinners but they are incapable of even seeing and acknowledging God.  I really struggled to reconcile these two truths.  So, I turned to one of my mentors and teachers, John Piper.

I found this article on the Desiring God website.  I have found this to be one of the best explanations of this difficult questions I have ever seen.  It utilizes other scriptural truths in an attempt to answer this question.  I have copied and pasted it below.  I pray that it is a helpful article for you.  It was for me.  

What happens to infants who die?

---

By DG StaffJanuary 23, 2006

 John Piper

---

This is a difficult and sensitive issue. Any answer must take into account that all of us are born sinful and thus worthy of judgment. The consistent New Testament emphasis upon the need for a second birth indicates that our natural state is that of sin, not innocence (John 3:1-12; Ephesians 2:1-5; cf. Psalm 51:5). We are "by nature children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3).

In addition to having sinful natures, we also come into the world with Adam's sin imputed to us. Because of our union with Adam, we are born guilty of his first sin (Romans 5:12-21). We go into this doctrine in detail elsewhere, but for now it is enough to point out that, according to Paul, the fact that all die physically (even those who, like infants, did not have the opportunity to knowingly transgress a law of God-Romans 5:13-14) is a demonstration that we are connected with the guilt of Adam's sin.

If we are all born under sin, and salvation is by faith in Christ (which infants do not seem to have the mental capacity to exercise), then it might at first seem that no infants can be saved. We are not, however, aware of anyone who actually takes this position. We are convinced that it would be a premature, unbiblical conclusion.

One reason is that there are apparent examples in Scripture of infants who were saved. We are told that John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit while yet in his mother's womb (Luke 1:15). In Luke's theology, being filled with the Spirit is consistently seen as an aspect of the Spirit's work among those who are regenerate (Luke 1:41, 67; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 6:3, 5; 9:17; 11:24).

Hundreds of years before John the Baptist, David wrote: "Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God." (Psalm 22:9-10). Because of David's apparent mention of having faith in God while still an infant, some have concluded that God saves infants by giving them a "primitive" form of faith. That conclusion, however, is not necessary to our point; the main thing to see in this passage is that David evidently was in a saving relationship with God from his mother's womb.

These verses make it very unlikely that all infants who die are lost. If God saved John the Baptist and David in infancy, surely we are warranted in concluding that he has saved others in infancy that were not given the opportunity to grow up. Yet, it would also be unwarranted to conclude from these texts that all who die in infancy are saved. The regeneration of infants does not seem to be God's usual way of working; we must keep in mind that "the wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies" (Psalm 58:3).

In light of these things, some have held that God saves some infants who die and not others. They point that this is seems most consistent with the doctrines of election and original sin.

John Piper and many others, however, believe that there is one more biblical strand of evidence which must be considered. This evidence leads us to conclude that God saves all infants who die.

In a funeral sermon several years ago for an infant, Dr. Piper summarized the basis for his conclusion:

Jesus says in John 9:41 to those who were offended at his teaching and asked if he thought they were blind-he said, "If you were blind, you would not have had sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains."

In other words, if a person lacks the natural capacity to see the revelation of God's will or God's glory then that person's sin would not remain-God would not bring the person into final judgment for not believing what he had no natural capacity to see.

The other text is Romans 1:20 where Paul is dealing with persons who have not heard the gospel and have no access to it, but who do have access to the revelation of God's glory in nature:

Romans 1:20 "Since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."

In other words: if a person did not have access to the revelation of God's glory - did not have the natural capacity to see it and understand it, then Paul implies they would have an excuse at the judgment.

The point for us is that even though we human beings are under the penalty of everlasting judgment and death because of the fall of our race into sin and the sinful nature that we all have, nevertheless God only executes this judgment on those who have the natural capacity to see his glory and understand his will, and refuse to embrace it as their treasure.

Infants, I believe, do not yet have that capacity; and therefore, in God's inscrutable way, he brings them under the forgiving blood of his Son.

In another sermon, he adds:

God in his justice will find a way to absolve infants who die of their depravity. It will surely be through Christ. But beyond that we would be guessing. It seems to me that the most natural guess would be that babies will grow up in the kingdom (either immediately, or over time) and will by God's grace come to faith so that their justification is by faith alone just like ours.

It is important to emphasize that, in our view, God is not saving infants because they are innocent. They are not innocent, but guilty. He is saving them because, although they are sinful, in his mercy he desires that compassion be exercised upon those who are sinful and yet lack the capacity to grasp the truth revealed about Him in nature and to the human heart.

It should also be emphasized that the salvation of all who die in infancy is not inconsistent with unconditional election (the view that God chooses whom to save of His own will, apart from anything in the individual). As Spurgeon pointed out, it is not that God chooses someone to salvation because they are going to die in infancy. Rather, He has ordained that only those who have been chosen for salvation will be allowed to die in infancy. God's justice in condemnation will be most clearly seen by allowing those who will not be saved to demonstrate their inherent sinfulness through willful, knowing transgression.

Finally, for those who have struggled with this issue through personal loss, we would want to say that knowing what happens to infants who die is a good place to rest your soul. But it is only the second best place for resting your soul. As John Piper has said in another funeral sermon for a young infant:

The first best place is simply this: Psalm 119:68—"Thou art good and doest good."

This was George Mueller's funeral text when his wife Mary died of rheumatic fever in 1860. His three points were:

The Lord was good, and did good, in giving her to me.
The Lord was good and did good, in so long leaving her to me.
The Lord was good and did good, in taking her from me.

He did not start from Mary and move to God's goodness. He started with the unshakable confidence in the goodness of God rooted in Jesus Christ, and he interpreted his life and his loss in view of that goodness.

That is the bottom line is the goodness of God—that is the hope for us all, and the only hope.

Our final song is a plea for God's Spirit to wean us away from everything in the earth that would tempt us not to believe that.

---

© Desiring God

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God.

Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org