Marks of the New Birth

'Regeneration' By J. C. Ryle

If you are not familiar with the works of J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), you should be.  His commentaries are concise, warm, and full of 'gospel light.' He is probably most known for his ‘Expository Thoughts’ on the Gospels.  However, he also wrote a work on the doctrine of regeneration entitled, 'Regeneration: Being Born Again: What it means and why it's necessary.' After carefully explaining the Bible's teaching on the subject, he then turns to the epistle of I John in order to help his reader know if he or she has been born from above, that is, born again by the Spirit of our God. In light of our sermon on John 3:1-8, I have summarized his words for your convenience. If you are serious about this topic, I encourage you to look up the corresponding Scriptures.  -Kevin 

Here are the six marks of regeneration from First John (in the words of J.C. Ryle):

1. A regenerate man does not commit sin as a habit. (I John 3:9; 5:18)  'In one word, sin no longer pleases him, nor is even a matter of indifference: it has become the abominable thing which he hates.' Ryle admits that 'in many things we offend all,' (James 3:2), but these things are a 'daily grief and sorrow to him.' 

2. A regenerate man believes that Jesus Christ is the only Savior by whom his soul can be pardoned and redeemed.  (I John 5:1) 'In himself he sees nothing but unworthiness, but in Christ he sees ground for the fullest confidence, and trusting in Him he believes that his sins are all forgiven and his iniquities all put away.' 

3. The regenerate man is a holy man. (I John 2:29) In spite of all shortcomings, the average bent and bias of his way is holy, his doings holy, his tastes holy, and his habits holy.' 

4. A regenerate man has a special love for all true disciples of Christ. (I John 3:14) 'Like his Father in heaven he loves all men with a great general love, but he has a special love for them who are of one mind with himself.' 

5. A regenerate man does not make the world's opinion his rule of right and wrong. (I John 5:4) 'He finds no pleasure in things which most around him call happiness. He cannot enjoy their enjoyments: they weary him: they appear to him vain, unprofitable, and unworthy...'

6. A regenerate man is very careful of his own soul.  (I John 5:18) He endeavors not only to keep clear of sin, but also to keep clear of everything which may lead to it. His is careful about the company he keeps...He is careful about the employment of his time...he is careful about the books he reads...about the friendships he forms...over his own daily habits and behavior.  


Hated For The Right Reason

If one wants to set social media on fire these days, all one has to do is make a comment about the current covid vaccines.  I know this because I recently took part in such a discussion!  As I engaged in the conversation, I realized that the enemy's tactic is truly to 'divide and conquer.'  

Recently at Providence we've been going through Paul's letter to the Romans.  In chapter 12 we were exhorted, 'Do not be wise in your own opinion,' and 'Repay no one evil for evil.' (Rom. 12:16,17) This morning as part of my Bible reading, I came across an interesting phrase by David, in the 38th Psalm that I believe touches on Paul's words in Romans.  In this Psalm, David is obviously isolated from friends and family and his enemies are growing.  In verse 19, he says this: 'But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied.' Hmm.  'Those who hate me...wrongfully.' You know, sometimes we can't prevent others from hating us.  The Bible says ‘if at all possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom. 12:18) Jesus warned us that there will be those who hate us because of our allegiance to Him.  Back in Psalm 38, David was concerned that there were those that hated him wrongfully.  Christian, make sure that when people are upset at you, yes, even when some hate you, that it is for the 'right' reason, and not the wrong reason.  Make sure it is because you are a godly, Christ-following child of God, not because you have committed evil towards them.  

Let me give one example: social media.  For those of you on Facebook, Nextdoor, and the like, do you choose your words carefully? Are you spiteful? Yes we are to speak the truth, but we are to speak it in love (Eph. 4:15,25).  When we are ugly and spiteful with our speech, we grieve the Holy Spirit who indwells us (Eph. 4:30). Not only that, we bring reproach on the name of Christ and lessen our chances of being used by the Lord to lead others to Him.  So be respectful.  Be kind.  Be truthful.  Be loving.  Ask questions in stead of accusing others. If you are going to engage others online you've never even met in person, remember that even behind the keyboard, whether poorly or well, you represent your Lord. Make certain that if someone hates you Christian, that they hate you ‘wrongfully.’

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The Need for A Biblical Eschatology

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At all times it is important for the church of Jesus Christ to remember the promises He has made to her.  This is true whether she is undergoing revival and numerical growth, seeing a godly influence in her land, or if she has seen better days, and wonders how much longer she can hold on to the Savior's hand.  (Even that should elicit one of the promises of Christ from John 10:28, that, '...I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.')  

In Psalm 37, David begins with the gripping words, 'Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.'  Then, in a stirring comparison, he contrasts the future of the wicked with the righteous.  The righteous are those who 'trust in Him' (v.5) and no doubt, were in the Old Testament those who waited for the Lord to 'bring forth your righteousness as the light,' (v.6), a reference to the coming righteousness that only Christ Himself could bring.  But there is more in store for those who are forgiven by God through Jesus and thus made righteous by faith and trust alone in Him.  Even though we wage spiritual warfare in this life, and at times cry out with those saints in heaven, 'How long, O Lord?', if our understanding concerning the future of the righteous and the wicked aligns with God's word, we can persevere with joy until the end.  

Just consider the fate of the wicked according to this Psalm:  

They shall soon be cut down and wither (2); they shall be cut off (v.9); in a little while the wicked shall be no more, (10); the Lord laughs at them for He sees that his day is coming (13); their sword shall enter their own heart (v.15); their arms shall be broken (v.17); they shall perish (v.20); into the smoke they shall vanish away (v.20); they shall be cut off (v.22); even their descendants shall be cut off (v.28); even though they achieve great power, they shall pass away and be no more (v.36); they shall be destroyed together and cut off (v.38)

Now, listen to the promises for the righteous, those who belong to Jesus Christ:  

They shall be given the desires of their heart (v.4); their salvation is sure (v.6); they shall inherit the earth (v.9,11,22); the Lord will uphold them (v.17); their inheritance shall be forever (v.18); they shall be satisfied (v.19); though they fall, they shall not be utterly cast down (v.24); they will dwell forevermore (v.27); they shall inherit the land and dwell in it forever (v.29); they will not be condemned at the day of judgement (v.33); they shall see the wicked cut off (v.34); their future is peace (v.37); the Lord is their strength (v.39) and their help (v.40); and He shall deliver them from the wicked (v.40).  

The point is this.  Though Christians have difficulties in this life, even trouble from the wicked, when Christians know for certain what awaits them based on God's promises, they will more willfully endure the trials in the present. Through the work of Christ, we have won, are winning, and will win. (Rom. 8:38; 8:28; Rev. 1:8) A basic understanding of biblical eschatology (study of the things to come, or end times) is a must.  To put it in the words of James Henley Thornwell,  “If the church could be aroused to a deeper sense of the glory that awaits her, she would enter with a warmer spirit into the struggles that are before her.'  Our great Teacher Himself, we are told, 'for the joy set before Him, endured the cross.'  (Heb. 12:2) Christian, what cross are you bearing at the moment? Do you fret because of the prosperity of the wicked? Do the things promised to you by God enable you to bear the present a little easier, or at least with joy, knowing what is in store for you?  






Who Runs The Church?

I am thankful, and hopefully not prideful that the session of Providence decided to resume normal worship services soon after we were asked by our civil magistrate to help ‘flatten the curve.’ After about five weeks we came to the conclusion that the covid-19 threat was not as serious as first believed, and so we eagerly, though cautiously encouraged our congregation to resume worship in person. At the same time, we realized that some might not do so for various reasons, and desired to be gracious and understanding for those who did not soon return. We did not want to ask those at risk to put themselves in danger . Even now, when asked, we advise people that if they are sick and or have a fever, that they stay at home, as the historical and biblical practice in such cases has been to quarantine the sick, not the sick and the healthy (Leviticus 13). Certainly, these have been difficult times to navigate.

The following document was passed recently by our presbytery, the Presbytery of the Southeast of the OPC. I am thankful for the pastors who wrote it, and the men who voted to pass it. It will go to our General Assembly this Summer for its consideration. Enjoy! -Kevin

Overture to the 87th General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (2021) From the Presbytery of the Southeast, approved at her stated meeting of April 2021

Whereas “the Lord Jesus Christ, as King and Head of His church, hath therein appointed a government in the hand of church-officers distinct from the civil magistrate” (WCF 30:1), and that “there is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ” (Col. 1:18, Eph. 1:22, WCF 25:6);

Whereas the following are contrary to Scripture and injurious to our Savior’s exclusive rights to dictate to the church when, where, and how she should meet, conduct her services, and carry out her prophetic and witness bearing mandate in the world;

1. Applications of God’s Word maintaining that the civil government may dictate rules and regulations for the church or her pastors that infringe upon her worship, doctrine, and God- given ministry in the world to urge men to turn from their sins and idols to serve the living and true God, see Romans 13:1-7.

2. Applications of God’s Word maintaining that God gives civil government unlimited authority in areas beyond those pertaining directly to the sword of justice, crime and punishment, rewarding those who do good, and the taxation required to uphold the laws of the land, see Romans 13:1-7.

Whereas God has humbled kings for their rebellion and presumption (Dan. 4:34-37), testified to His constant warfare against statist totalitarianism and globalist hubris (Gen. 11:1-7, Rev. 14:9-12; 15:2; 17:14; 20:4), blessed His people when they have resisted ungodly dictates of men in order to obey Him (Dan. 3:18; 6:10; Acts 5:29, 41), and instituted the kingdom of His Son to overturn the kingdoms of this world (Dan. 2:44-45; Matt. 28:18; Rev. 11:15);

Whereas the civil magistrate has no God-given authority to forbid the church to gather for worship or fellowship, to forbid her to sing God’s praises in her worship, to forbid her to proclaim His authority over men and nations, nor to forbid her to testify to all civil magistrates His rule over them in His exalted position as “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16); and that all men in all places of authority be earnestly exhorted to “Kiss the Son, lest they perish, when His wrath is kindled but a little” (Ps. 2:12);

And whereas, although we are commanded to “obey every ordinance of men” (1 Pet. 2:13) and to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17), this does not warrant the state or its agencies to intrude into other jurisdictions that God has ordained, namely, the church and the family, but calls us to obey and honor God-given authority in its proper sphere. These commands in Scripture do not legitimize tyranny or statist overreach, for “God alone is Lord of the conscience, and has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to His word, or beside it in matters of faith and worship” (WCF 20:2). We ought always to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Be It Therefore Resolved that Christ’s ministers and elders should be encouraged to resume all the stated worship services and ministries that He has commanded in His word; to do so wisely, remembering that God has not commanded us to meet in buildings normally set apart for worship, but to meet for worship where we can.

Be It Further Resolved that whereas some of our beloved pastors and churches are in places of severe and unjustified restriction upon their ministries and worship, that they be encouraged wisely to endeavor to resume public, corporate worship in ways that are perhaps unusual but are nonetheless legitimate. Whether in private homes or open fields, they must do so not as a political stand in arrogant defiance of civil authority, but in humble obedience to God (Acts 4:19-20).

Be it Further Resolved that her members be encouraged to obey His command to assemble together and not to forsake His worship (Heb. 10:25), and to honor Him even at the peril of their liberties

and lives; thereby upholding His honor in the world and His exclusive authority in His church (WCF 25:2, see also Article 28 of the Belgic Confession).

Be it Further Resolved that the entire church be encouraged to humble herself under God’s evident chastening of us, setting aside days of prayer and fasting to entreat the Head of the church to have mercy upon us, with the following emphases:

1. That He might preserve us in the liberty that He has purchased for us with His own blood, and that liberty for which our forefathers and mothers in the faith gave their lives to hand down to us.

2. That He might send seasons of refreshment from His exalted position at the right hand of the Father, pour His Spirit of wisdom, counsel, and might upon us, and draw multitudes to the hope of the gospel and everlasting glory by granting faith and repentance unto life (Acts 3:19-21).

Humbly and Prayerfully Offered for the glory of Jesus Christ over all men and nations, the maintenance of His exclusive authority in the church, and in solemn recognition that Satan and those led captive by him are doing all in their power to diminish His honor in the world (Ps 2:2-3). The enemies of Christ continue to make war against His gospel, infringe upon His worship, persecute His people, and therefore erect again the old Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-7). Against this monument of human pride and rebellion, God has forever declared His warfare (Rev. 19:15). We bless His name that He has repeatedly delivered His people, and humbly encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ that we are called again in our times to oppose the kingdom of darkness with the sword of the Spirit, in defense of our Savior’s church and kingdom (Eph. 6:11-13). This we must do even with our lives, should He call and bless us to suffer shame for His name or seal His truth with our blood (Acts 5:41), being strengthened by His promise, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:11).

Don't Neglect Your Walk With The Lord

 

 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.'    -Acts 5:41

Once in a blue moon I get hit right between the eyes…metaphorically…spiritually. What I mean by that is that I believe the Lord providentially grabs my attention in one way or another, and His Spirit works in my heart through Biblical truth.  Recently I received such another 'sanctified blow' to the forehead.  

I was enjoying a conversation at breakfast with an older man who is also a church elder, for whom I have great respect.  We were talking about our nation and the possible future of Christians in a cancel culture, when he shared a passage from a book he recently read.  That book tells the story of how Christians survived in a country that took a turn towards Totalitarianism.  My friend related two of the author's observations.  First, the point was made that today in the West, Christians are perhaps in more danger because the evil influences are not as noticeable-they are are more subtle.  (Makes me think of the Garden of Eden.) Second, and this is what hit me hard, is that the Christians who survived the shift to Totalitarianism said that they were most happy not when things were going well, not when they had everything they wanted, but while they were in prison suffering for their faith.  Immediately I thought, 'That puts many of us Christians today to shame.'  Really what I should have said or thought, is, 'That puts me to shame.' 

     You see, I do believe that in the United States we still have the opportunity as Christians lawfully to defend our freedoms, and that we should.  However, especially during an election year, and a significant one at that, we ought not to allow the pursuit of political and religious freedom to crowd out our relationship with the Lord, nor should we allow a 'trust in the system' to replace our faith in Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  Nor should we ignore the Lord’s warning in Deut. 8:11-14 which says, “Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.‘  I mean, just look at the Apostles in Acts chapter 5.  It doesn’t seem that they had much. They were warned by the authorities not to preach in the name of Jesus.  Then they were beaten because they did.  Before they were released, they were again commanded not to preach in Jesus' name. Even though it would cost them, they chose to obey God rather than man. The cost was physical pain and public huiliation.  And yet, we are told they left 'rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.'  My purpose is not to make the wealthy feel guilty, although the Bible gives many warnings to the rich (I Tim. 6:10; Mt. 6:24;Mt. 13:22) 

     My purpose is to ask the question, ‘Whether we are beaten like the Apostles for preaching the gospel, or are locked in prison under a modern day Totalitarian government, or are ‘cancelled’ by unbelieving institutions for our faithfulness to Christ, could we rejoice in such a time? I would like to think that I would, that God would give me the grace in such a situation.  I also think that the answer to such a question will be determined by our present walk with the Lord. After all, the Apostles' practice was to devote themselves to prayer and the word (Acts 6:4) 

     So then, how does it go with our communion with Jesus right now?  Are we making use of the Word of God? Of prayer? Of the Fellowship of the Saints?  Are there any idols in our lives crowding out time alone with our heavenly Father? What should we say 'No' to today, so that we might spend time with Him in prayer, and listening to His word, so that when the tough times do come, we might 'rejoice' and even 'consider it all joy?' May we consider the name of Christ, that is, His cause, His very being, our all! -Pastor Kevin

A Little Reminder

“And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.”

-Numbers 15:39-41

The children of Israel were instructed by God through Moses to attach white tassels with blue threads to their garments. These tassels were reminders to them, to be faithful to the God who had saved them. After all, God who alone knows our hearts, told them that their hearts and eyes were inclined to harlotry (v. 39), and thus they were often forgetful of God. Some have speculated that the blue and white colors reminded them of the sky, and thus the God of heaven. We really don’t know the significance of the colors, but God tells them the purpose of these tassels: it is that they ‘remember…and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God.’ (v.40) He then tells them of how He saved them out of the land of Egypt, and the inference is that He did so that they would serve Him. (v. 41. See also Exodus 20:1-3)

While we are not under the same administration as Israel of old, what was true of them is true of us. We come into this world with sin natures (Gen. 6:5, Romans 3:10), and are thus prone to wander from God and latch on to idols, which is spiritual harlotry. Yes, Christians to a degree struggle with and must fight against this today. (See Romans 7:15; Gal.5:17) Were it not for the grace of God and His abiding Holy Spirit in those of us who believe, we would stray from the faith (1 Cor. 15:15; I Jn. 3:9; Ps. 51) Even this side of the cross we need reminders of what God has done for us, and why He has done them. So how can we continually remember the great ‘Exodus’ that God has accomplished for us, through our passover, the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:7), bringing us out of the house of bondage, that we might glorify Him in our spirits and bodies, remembering that we are not our own; we’ve been bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19,20)?

The primary means for us to remember is His holy word. ‘Sanctify them by your truth, your word is the truth.’ (Jn. 17:17) (The tassels of Numbers 15 were to prompt their minds to the commandments.) A steady diet of the word, attended by prayer, will keep in our hearts and minds what God has done for us, and what He thus expects from us.

The sacraments are great pictures of God’s redemption as well. Baptism pictures the cleansing power of the blood of Christ, which washes away all of our sin, and of course the Lord’s Supper is a blessed ordinance that Christ has given to us, so that we might ‘remember’ Him. Historically, Reformed Christians have always understood that the preaching of the word gives meaning to the sacraments, so baptism and the Lord’s Supper are never to be administered without it. Yet, God communicates His grace to us through them, and through them requires our obedience as we ‘remember’ Him. (1 Cor. 11:24)

So before you approach the Lord’s table next, do some self examination. “Am I seeking to obey the Lord my God?’ ‘Am I different than the unbelieving world around me?’ ‘Is that difference marked by a desire to follow Christ by following His word, in my thinking and actions?’ If not, simply repent, confess your sins (I Jn. 1:9), and He will forgive you. And then approach the table with joyful thanksgiving. We may not wear tassels today, but we have God’s holy word and His sacraments, which remind us ‘to be holy, for He, the Lord our God is Holy.’

A Guide For Fasting

'Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.'

Daniel 9:3  

During this phase in Daniel's life, he understood that his people were under God's chastisement.  They had been exiled as predicted by God's prophet.  So he interceded on behalf of his people, confessing their sins to God, and attended these prayers with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. This was Daniel's way of 'afflicting' himself before God.  See especially the verses that follow.  

We learn from this, and other passages on fasting, that there are appropriate times for it.  In particular, we ought to fast and pray when we experience God's judgment or see a need to overcome a particular sin, personally and or nationally. (See Joel 2:12, Esth. 4:16, Matt. 9:15, 1 Cor. 7:5) Our confession of faith notes that part of the special occasions of worship includes 'solemn fastings.' (WCF 21:5) The Bible informs us that there are times which especially call for fasts: sickness (Psalms 35:13), times of death (I Samuel 31:13), times war  (Judges 20:24-28), when under deep conviction of sin (Ezra 10:3), before making an important decision (Acts 13:2; 14:23), and seeking God's power to overcome oppressive spiritual forces and sin (Mark 9:28,29). 

While I have not personally fasted as frequently as I ought, when I have it has never been time wasted.  In fact, it has been a blessing!  May it be so for those who desire to partake this coming Monday.  

Along with the biblical principles of fasting, men have provided conventional wisdom with regards to the spiritual discipline.  Allow me to pass along helpful guidelines.  

1. Prepare for your fast.  Think ahead of when, for how long, and where you will do it.  If you have to work, perhaps a break or lunch time might be best.  Think of a 'prayer closet' you might use for the occasion.  If this will affect any medication or medical condition, it might be best to consult your physician. If you are highly dependent on certain ingredients (caffeine), you might get a headache.  

2. Be prepared to read your bible.  A great part of fasting is meditating on God's word and examining one's self in light of it.  

3. Don't overdo it.  I once tried to fast all day while working a construction job.  It didn't work out well, as I began to get very hungry and needed energy for my work. So the only thing I could eat at the time was a pack of cookies.  That didn't end well.  If it's your first time, or you are out of practice, then maybe just skip one meal. Maybe you should only fast from foods, not liquids. Eat plenty of healthy food before your fast, not junk food.   

4. Don't brag about your fasting.  Jesus warns that this was the practice of the hypocritical Pharisees in his day. (Mt. 6:16) 

5. Come off your fast slowly.  Don't break it suddenly with steak and potatoes, unless you have a very small portion. Your stomach will need time to adjust.  

6. Do it in faith! Expect and ask God for His blessing. Expect God to show you your need for repentance, and expect the Lord to shower His mercy upon our nation, for His name's sake, as you intercede for it in Jesus' name.  

May the Lord use the spiritual discipline for our good and His glory!   -Kevin

Service In The Church

As part of my personal readings of Scripture, I've recently been in the book of Numbers.  As I read through chapter 4, it reminded me of all who serve in some way at Providence.  In that chapter the LORD told Moses to take a census of various families in Israel.  To the sons of these various families the LORD gave certain tasks regarding the tabernacle.  The reason God did this is because the tabernacle had to be set up and then disassembled every time the Israelites moved throughout the wilderness. 

To the Kohath family, God gave the job of taking down the covering and the ark, putting out the dishes for the table of showbread, cover them, putting them away carefully and transporting them, as well as the lamps, the golden altar, that is, 'the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry.' (4:1-15, esp. v. 15)  

Eleazar's sons were responsible for the lamp oil, incense, grain offering, the anointing oil, all that was in the sanctuary and its furnishings (v. 16).  Gershon's sons were to carry the curtains of the tabernacle and its covering, a door screen, the hangings of the court, cords and furnishings (vv.24-26).  Finally, the sons of Merari were to carry the board of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars around the courts, with all their furnishings and all their service (vv.31-33). These seem like mundane things, don’t they? But they enabled the children of Israel to worship their God!  

Granted, these men were the sons of Levi and therefore it was their calling to serve in the ministry of the tabernacle and sacrifices.  In other words, not all within Israel had these duties.  In addition to men such as this, the Holy Spirit previously gifted certain men with gifts of artistry in order for them to construct the tabernacle.  Hundreds of years later, the prophet Joel spoke of a time at which God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, the sons and daughters of Israel, who would prophesy, dream dreams and see visions (Joel 2:28,29).  This would be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, during the days of the Apostles (Acts 2:16-21).  While some of the gifts given in those times were temporary (1 Cor. 13:8-10), many remain with us in the Church today.  In fact, Paul was able to tell the Christians at Corinth that each one of them had been given a 'manifestation' of the Spirit, or, a spiritual gift (1 Cor. 12:7).  Again, the Apostle will show that some of those gifts were revelational, and as such, were temporal (1 Cor. 13:8-10).  Some of the gifts were those of administration and mercy, that is elder and deacon.  But all Christians have been called to serve one another, and the Spirit, who takes up residence in every believer, has gifted every Christian for some aspect of service in Christ's church (Eph. 1:13,14 with 1 Cor. 12:7).   

Today, we may not be in the wilderness, packing and unpacking the tabernacle, but we are the temple of God, walking through the wilderness of this life headed towards the Canaan above, the true promised land (1 Cor. 3:16; Hebrews 11:8-16)  All Christians are kings and priests to God, a royal priesthood, saved by the blood of the lamb to offer spiritual sacrifices to Him!  (I Pet. 2:9-10; Rev. 5:10) This in no way detracts from the offices of the church, but enhances our collective service within the church.     

Therefore, when you set up or tear down for worship, set up audio equipment, record the sermon, assist with music, bake casseroles, help with the nursery, pray for the brethren, or teach a class, you are exercising the gift that Christ by His Spirit has given to you.  Christian, what is your gift? What do others see in you as a gift of God, a way that you serve Christ's church well? As you chip in with service to the Lord and His church, perhaps in ways that seem insignificant, be careful that you 'do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not' (Gal. 6:9). When you give a cup of water, do it in Christ’s name in service to Him (Mt. 25:44-46). If you don't know how Christ's Spirit has gifted you, consider what that might be, in what way you joyfully serve the church well and receive such confirmation from others, seek it out with the guidance of your elders, and serve in His name as we march towards the Canaan which is above!  

Spiritual Pride

"Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.' 

-Luke 10:20 

While I grew up going to church in the 80's, it wasn't until my senior year in high school that my eyes, ears and heart were opened to the gospel of Christ.  I not only knew about Jesus, I came to know Him.  I knew from the preaching of the word that I was a sinner damned to Hell and that Jesus Christ was the incarnate Son of God and died in my place at Calvary.  I actually believed the gospel. My life began to change. I began to read my bible not to check off a list, but because I had a hunger to know the God who had saved me from Himself.  That was an exciting time of growth in grace as I began to worship from the heart. I devoured the word and experienced Christian fellowship for the first time.  

Not too many years after that I 'felt a call to the ministry.'  After all, I had already taught on a few occasions and I had witnessed to the homeless near GA State where I was enrolled for my first year of college.  I was therefore encouraged to attend Bible College by my pastor, so I transferred to one.  That was was 28 years ago.  Since then I've embraced the Reformed faith (while in Bible college), joined Reformed churches, graduated from a Presbyterian seminary (one that is 'truly Reformed’) and ministered in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church for the past 13 years.  Yet in many respects, one could say that over time I've 'come full circle,' as we say.  Not that I've become Baptist again (no disrespect to my Baptist brethren).  No. I believe the Holy Spirit always eventually brings me back to 'keeping the main thing the main thing.'  You see, there was a time in my Christian walk where I began to learn sound doctrine, the Bible, even a little church history, and something called the Westminster Confession of Faith.  I began to think that being a pastor was all about living in a study, reading presuppositional apologetics and smoking the finest tobacco.  (I know.)  The the temptation then was to look down upon those who haven't figured out such things.  In other words the temptation was spiritual pride, which manifests itself in many forms.  It wasn’t the Reformed Church, it wasn’t Seminary, and it wasn’t the study of apologetics. It was my own heart. The Apostle put our pride in check when he wrote to the Corinthians, 'What do you have that you did not receive?' (1 Cor. 4:7). Or as our Savior put it in Luke 10:20, '...Rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.'  

In Lk. 10:20, Jesus had already empowered and commissioned the 70 disciples to go out, preach His gospel and cast out demons.  When they joyfully reported their 'success in ministry' to Him, He cautioned them not to take joy in the fact that Satan was being conquered, but to rejoice because their names were written in heaven.  You see, like all Christians, they were the recipients of God's eternal and sovereign mercy. That was to be their focus. This text not only serves to correct the charismatic movement of yesterday, but the Reformed, and many other Christians of today.  

Whereas I might take satisfaction in spiritual victories in my life, the acquisition of knowledge, or the positive fruits of my ministry, I should not focus so much on those things, as good as they might be.  I should fall down on my face before the God of mercy and take great joy that He chose me (Eph. 1:4), that the Son of God 'loved me and gave Himself for me' (Gal. 2:20).   All of this is to say that we should NEVER take our eyes off Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2).  Paul's passion was to 'know' Christ (Phil. 3:10), and prayed that other Christians would know the same love of Christ for them (Eph. 3:14-19).  I suppose that some might say, 'Absolutely!' and at the same time be content never to increase in knowledge of Scripture or theology or Christian influence.  In other words we can swing to the other side of the pendulum which would be just as grievous to our Lord, for He has commanded us to be salt and light, and to make the nations His disciples (Mt. 5; 28:18-20).  (That includes our own advancement in discipleship, by the way.) We are commanded to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' (2 Pet. 3:18).  The early Hebrew Christians were rebuked because they had been Christians long enough to teach others but themselves needed to be taught (Heb. 5:12).  So it's not ‘either or,’ it's both.  As we progress in the Christian faith and life, so too should our love for God, and in particular, our love for the Lord Jesus Christ.  In fact, ‘If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ,’ Paul writes, ‘let him be accursed’ (1 Cor. 16:22).

How does it go today with your Christian walk?  Are you enraptured, yes captivated by the love of God for you? Do you ever rejoice that your name is written in Heaven?  Do you marvel with the hymn writer, that He could 'save a wretch like me?' Or, are you like the Pharisee who prays, 'I thank You that I am not like other men,' (i.e., sinners)?   It was the repentant tax collector who knew of his personal sin and thus called upon the God of mercy for forgiveness that went home justified (Lk. 18:14).  (If you struggle with this, I encourage you to read one of the gospels prayerfully.)

May we all desire that good things come and at the same time greatly rejoice that our names are written in heaven.  May we, like the Apostle Paul, never 'get over' Jesus!