Blog https://www.fbcmtc.org April Newsletter Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:44:07 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Fasting: What It Is & Why You Need It https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/40- https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/40-#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2021 13:00:00 -0600 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/40- Here’s my working definition of fasting based on what I see in the New Testament – Fasting is expected of Jesus’ disciples as a private expression to God of longing for His kingdom. So, let’s quickly break that down:

  • Fasting is expected of Jesus’ disciples – Jesus did not say if you fast, but when you fast (Matthew 6:16). This expectation is exemplified in Jesus’ own forty days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2) After Jesus fasted, He was hungry, so fasting involves temporarily giving up something you need or want. Normally, this means giving up food for a designated amount of time between you and God. Each time one feels the pain of hunger, they are reminded of their greater desire for God. For those with health needs and other considerations it could be something they might not need but rather want or enjoy – like a media fast. The time devoted to that activity is devoted to Scripture reading and prayer.
  • Fasting is a private expression to God. Matthew 6:16-18 "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast,anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. We see public fasts called for in the Old Testament by the nation of Israel (Ezra 8:21; Esther 4:16), and so fasting together as the people of God (the church), has biblical precedent. However, it does mean that even in our fasting together, we are not to call attention to ourselves for the purpose of displaying our willpower or supposed devotion to God – whether that be through moaning about how hungry we feel or posting about it on social media! Or, putting a message on our church sign which reads "FBC is Fasting!" To do so is to waste your fast – “they have received their reward”.
  • Fasting is an expression of longing for God’s kingdom. Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is the bride. Jesus is coming for His bride. “Even so, come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). We fast because we long for Jesus to come back. We also long for Jesus to work through us          by His Spirit now so that we see His kingdom breaking in during this present evil age. So we pray, as Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). 
  • So why did Jesus fast? Jesus is mission-minded. Jesus was fasting in order to prepare for what lay ahead in regards to His mission in ushering in the kingdom of God (study all of Matthew 4:1-25 carefully – you’ll   hear  more about it on Sunday!). The purpose of Jesus’ fast is one worth emulating by His followers. So let us also fast in order to prepare for what lies ahead in regards to our mission of going and making disciples across the street (where we live, work, and play) and around the world.

If fasting is new to you, I would highly recommend you read David Mathis’ brief, excellent article "Fasting for Beginners". You can also read a free download of his book, Habits of Grace Some other helpful resources include The Power of Prayer and Fasting by Ronnie Floyd and A Hunger for God by John Piper.

 In Christ,

Pastor Steve

]]>
Here’s my working definition of fasting based on what I see in the New Testament – Fasting is expected of Jesus’ disciples as a private expression to God of longing for His kingdom. So, let’s quickly break that down:

  • Fasting is expected of Jesus’ disciples – Jesus did not say if you fast, but when you fast (Matthew 6:16). This expectation is exemplified in Jesus’ own forty days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2) After Jesus fasted, He was hungry, so fasting involves temporarily giving up something you need or want. Normally, this means giving up food for a designated amount of time between you and God. Each time one feels the pain of hunger, they are reminded of their greater desire for God. For those with health needs and other considerations it could be something they might not need but rather want or enjoy – like a media fast. The time devoted to that activity is devoted to Scripture reading and prayer.
  • Fasting is a private expression to God. Matthew 6:16-18 "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast,anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. We see public fasts called for in the Old Testament by the nation of Israel (Ezra 8:21; Esther 4:16), and so fasting together as the people of God (the church), has biblical precedent. However, it does mean that even in our fasting together, we are not to call attention to ourselves for the purpose of displaying our willpower or supposed devotion to God – whether that be through moaning about how hungry we feel or posting about it on social media! Or, putting a message on our church sign which reads "FBC is Fasting!" To do so is to waste your fast – “they have received their reward”.
  • Fasting is an expression of longing for God’s kingdom. Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is the bride. Jesus is coming for His bride. “Even so, come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). We fast because we long for Jesus to come back. We also long for Jesus to work through us          by His Spirit now so that we see His kingdom breaking in during this present evil age. So we pray, as Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). 
  • So why did Jesus fast? Jesus is mission-minded. Jesus was fasting in order to prepare for what lay ahead in regards to His mission in ushering in the kingdom of God (study all of Matthew 4:1-25 carefully – you’ll   hear  more about it on Sunday!). The purpose of Jesus’ fast is one worth emulating by His followers. So let us also fast in order to prepare for what lies ahead in regards to our mission of going and making disciples across the street (where we live, work, and play) and around the world.

If fasting is new to you, I would highly recommend you read David Mathis’ brief, excellent article "Fasting for Beginners". You can also read a free download of his book, Habits of Grace Some other helpful resources include The Power of Prayer and Fasting by Ronnie Floyd and A Hunger for God by John Piper.

 In Christ,

Pastor Steve

]]>
This is My Father's World https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/prepare-for-worship--- https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/prepare-for-worship---#comments Thu, 08 Feb 2018 17:00:00 -0600 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/prepare-for-worship--- We'll be taking a close look at the third beatitude this Sunday: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Meekness, or gentleness, is not weakness. It is rather, as Kent Hughes explains, "strength under control". The restraint exercised by those who are in the kingdom of God may lead to losing ground now, but they shall inherit the earth!  The last stanza of the hymn,  This is My Father's World, expresses this truth and hope precisely:
This is my Father’s world:Oh, let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong,God is the ruler yet.This is my Father’s world,The battle is not done: Jesus who died shall be satisfied,And earth and Heav’n be one.
When our week has been long or we're going through a difficult season, we know this truth in our head, but sometimes we don't feel it in our heart.  That's why we gather on Sundays - to worship our God and remind one another that though everything in this world is temporary and fading, still yet we sing and say to one another, "Hallelujah, All I Have is Christ, Hallelujah, Jesus is My Life". 
  Looking forward to worshipping with you. Below is the tentative song list for Sunday. Pray for our gathering and as you are on your mission field this week, share the gospel and invite a friend to come and meet our church family and worship with us on Sunday.
  In Christ,
    Pastor Steve
  
]]>
We'll be taking a close look at the third beatitude this Sunday: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Meekness, or gentleness, is not weakness. It is rather, as Kent Hughes explains, "strength under control". The restraint exercised by those who are in the kingdom of God may lead to losing ground now, but they shall inherit the earth!  The last stanza of the hymn,  This is My Father's World, expresses this truth and hope precisely:
This is my Father’s world:Oh, let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong,God is the ruler yet.This is my Father’s world,The battle is not done: Jesus who died shall be satisfied,And earth and Heav’n be one.
When our week has been long or we're going through a difficult season, we know this truth in our head, but sometimes we don't feel it in our heart.  That's why we gather on Sundays - to worship our God and remind one another that though everything in this world is temporary and fading, still yet we sing and say to one another, "Hallelujah, All I Have is Christ, Hallelujah, Jesus is My Life". 
  Looking forward to worshipping with you. Below is the tentative song list for Sunday. Pray for our gathering and as you are on your mission field this week, share the gospel and invite a friend to come and meet our church family and worship with us on Sunday.
  In Christ,
    Pastor Steve
  
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Good Grief https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/good-grief https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/good-grief#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2018 20:00:00 -0600 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/good-grief  "Good grief Charlie Brown!" Although it's never really crossed my mind, it's thought that this familiar English idiom, "good grief", might be carried over from an attempt to censor the mild oath "Good Lord!" or "Good God!".  We use it sometimes to express irritation or surprise and frustration.  

Regardless, "good grief" is an odd expression. We might ask, "What could be good about grief?" But according to Matthew 5:4 there is a good kind of grief that God looks on with favor - "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted".  So there is a kind of mourning that those in the kingdom of God feel and experience which those who are outside the kingdom do not.  We grieve over the things which grieve God.

 Simply put, saved people are sad because of sin. We grieve over sin in our own lives (James 4:8-10). We grieve over sin in the church (1 Corinthians 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:21). And we grieve over sin in the world (Romans 9:1-3).
Sin grieves God (Ephesians 4:30), and should grieve us, because God is holy. This Sunday our church family will sing songs about the holiness of God (see the links below), yet we'll also praise God that although our sin grieves Him, and thus grieves us, His Mercy is MoreUltimately our longing is for sin in us, and in the world, to be done way with. We are longing for the Kingdom of God to come. So as we're praying for revival in the month of February get familiar with this newer hymn of praise which is actually a prayer -  Let Your Kingdom Come
   Have a blessed week. Looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday. 
   Here are the other songs we may be singing this Sunday:
Let your Kingdom Come    
Holy is the Lord
Revelation Song
His Mercy is More
It is Well With My Soul
]]>
 "Good grief Charlie Brown!" Although it's never really crossed my mind, it's thought that this familiar English idiom, "good grief", might be carried over from an attempt to censor the mild oath "Good Lord!" or "Good God!".  We use it sometimes to express irritation or surprise and frustration.  

Regardless, "good grief" is an odd expression. We might ask, "What could be good about grief?" But according to Matthew 5:4 there is a good kind of grief that God looks on with favor - "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted".  So there is a kind of mourning that those in the kingdom of God feel and experience which those who are outside the kingdom do not.  We grieve over the things which grieve God.

 Simply put, saved people are sad because of sin. We grieve over sin in our own lives (James 4:8-10). We grieve over sin in the church (1 Corinthians 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:21). And we grieve over sin in the world (Romans 9:1-3).
Sin grieves God (Ephesians 4:30), and should grieve us, because God is holy. This Sunday our church family will sing songs about the holiness of God (see the links below), yet we'll also praise God that although our sin grieves Him, and thus grieves us, His Mercy is MoreUltimately our longing is for sin in us, and in the world, to be done way with. We are longing for the Kingdom of God to come. So as we're praying for revival in the month of February get familiar with this newer hymn of praise which is actually a prayer -  Let Your Kingdom Come
   Have a blessed week. Looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday. 
   Here are the other songs we may be singing this Sunday:
Let your Kingdom Come    
Holy is the Lord
Revelation Song
His Mercy is More
It is Well With My Soul
]]>
Preparing for Sunday: Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/rock-of-ages-cleft-for-me https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/rock-of-ages-cleft-for-me#comments Fri, 26 Jan 2018 13:00:00 -0600 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/rock-of-ages-cleft-for-me    This Sunday I'll begin preaching through the beatitudes. These are attitudes which characterize those who are in the kingdom of God. First up this week, Be Poor in Spirit from Matthew 5:3. As we are fasting and praying over the next few weeks for revival, it is fitting that we consider what it means to be poor in spirit - an inner posture of humility and brokenness before a Holy God

   One of the hymns will we sing this Sunday is Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me written in England during the American Revolution by Augustus Toplady. In Exodus 33:21-23, God hid Moses in a cleft - a split or indention - in a rock in order to protect and hide Moses from God's holiness and glory as He passed by. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the "Rock" incarnate (Psalm 18:2) whose side was split open on the cross for us (John 19:34); thus the line "let the water and the blood from Thy wounded side which flowed". It is in Christ alone, the  split open rock of ages - almighty God in His crucified flesh - in which we hide and find shelter from the wrath of God.
  Perhaps for simplicity and clarity, in our Baptist hymnal,  the original second and third stanzas of the hymn - which traditionally contains four stanzas -  are combined into a single second stanza. In that second stanza the lyrics reflect what it means to be poor in spirit: Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy laws demands.  These (i.e labors of my hands) could not atone. Thou must save and Thou alone. In my hand no price I bring, simply to the cross I cling. In these words which we will sing to God and one another this Sunday we are reminded that only those who by grace are poor in spirit will humbly trust in Jesus alone for salvation.
   Another  newer hymn we will be singing is The Power of the Cross which also reflects our desperate dependence on Jesus and prepares us to remember and celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection through the Lord's Supper this Sunday. Consider familiarizing yourself with it before Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPFv-ywTY-c
  In Christ,
   Pastor Steve
]]>
   This Sunday I'll begin preaching through the beatitudes. These are attitudes which characterize those who are in the kingdom of God. First up this week, Be Poor in Spirit from Matthew 5:3. As we are fasting and praying over the next few weeks for revival, it is fitting that we consider what it means to be poor in spirit - an inner posture of humility and brokenness before a Holy God

   One of the hymns will we sing this Sunday is Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me written in England during the American Revolution by Augustus Toplady. In Exodus 33:21-23, God hid Moses in a cleft - a split or indention - in a rock in order to protect and hide Moses from God's holiness and glory as He passed by. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the "Rock" incarnate (Psalm 18:2) whose side was split open on the cross for us (John 19:34); thus the line "let the water and the blood from Thy wounded side which flowed". It is in Christ alone, the  split open rock of ages - almighty God in His crucified flesh - in which we hide and find shelter from the wrath of God.
  Perhaps for simplicity and clarity, in our Baptist hymnal,  the original second and third stanzas of the hymn - which traditionally contains four stanzas -  are combined into a single second stanza. In that second stanza the lyrics reflect what it means to be poor in spirit: Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy laws demands.  These (i.e labors of my hands) could not atone. Thou must save and Thou alone. In my hand no price I bring, simply to the cross I cling. In these words which we will sing to God and one another this Sunday we are reminded that only those who by grace are poor in spirit will humbly trust in Jesus alone for salvation.
   Another  newer hymn we will be singing is The Power of the Cross which also reflects our desperate dependence on Jesus and prepares us to remember and celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection through the Lord's Supper this Sunday. Consider familiarizing yourself with it before Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPFv-ywTY-c
  In Christ,
   Pastor Steve
]]>
Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/sola-scriptura-scripture-alone https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/sola-scriptura-scripture-alone#comments Thu, 05 Oct 2017 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/sola-scriptura-scripture-alone Five hundred years ago, on October 31, 1517, a Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany. His aim was to discuss serious concerns he had with Roman Catholic theology and practice. Many of these concerns had been brought up in years-gone-by from men like Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and others – many of whom were executed by the Church. The writings, actions, and sacrifices of these forerunners of Martin Luther culminated in a full-blown firestorm sparked ablaze by Luther’s actions in 1517. Their collective protest along with Luther’s like-minded contemporaries eventually became known as the Protestant Reformation. It was in many ways a “shot heard round the world”.

 It is Good to Be Alone

The convictions of the protesters eventually formulated into an anthem made up of five Latin phrases – Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Solus Christus (Christ Alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God Alone). It is good to be alone when such clarity rules out all other options – and this is what the Protestant Reformation sought to make clear regarding matters of first-level importance. In the 500 years since, many Protestant denominations have formed due to varying interpretations of Scripture and theological convictions; however, the curse of theological liberalism has led many mainline denominations to abandon their roots.

 Luther Stood On the Scripture Alone

In 1521, Martin Luther uttered these famous words as he stood trial before the Holy Roman Empire to answer charges of heresy :  “Unless I am refuted and convicted by testimonies of the Scriptures or by clear arguments (since I believe neither the Pope nor the Councils alone; it being evident that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am conquered by the Holy Scriptures quoted by me, and my conscience is bound in the word of God: I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is unsafe and dangerous to do anything against the conscience. Here I stand! I cannot do otherwise. God help me! Amen.”

 Luther’s response spoke to a fundamental issue the protesters had with the Church: Must believers look to the Pope and the Church’s interpretation of the Bible as authoritative for what they believe and practice? Or must they look to Scripture alone as the final authority involving all matters of what we believe and how we are to live? The protesters said “Sola Scriptura” - we must look to Scripture alone.

 Standing Alone Today

This year the historic Calvary Baptist Church in Washington hired a lesbian couple to co-pastor their church. Admittedly, this is a horribly extreme case of departing from the Bible. Yet many churches who are either adapting to the whims of culture or are adopting cultural interpretations of Scripture are unknowingly, well on their way to such a slippery slope of ungodliness. It’s happened, and is happening, over and over in many protestant denominations today. How can this be? Many protestant churches say the right things about the Bible yet their beliefs and practices reveal otherwise. Sermons are self-help messages with a few Bible verses sprinkled in, often used out of context, to help the preacher make his point and give the appearance of being biblical. Often these churches will grow numerically, but at what cost? At worst, a man-centered gospel that is no different than the works-based gospel the protesters were concerned about in Martin Luther’s day resulting in baptizing people who are not true converts. And at best? Sadly, raising up a generation of biblically illiterate Christians who lack the theological convictions essential to enduring times of suffering and persecution and left vulnerable to the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” who knock on their doors.

 A Humble Stand - Alone

The late John Stott offers this wise counsel: “We need to repent of the haughty way in which we sometimes stand in judgment upon Scripture and must learn to sit humbly under its judgments instead. If we come to Scripture with our minds made up, expecting to hear from it only an echo of our own thoughts and never the thunderclap of God's, then indeed he will not speak to us and we shall only be confirmed in our own prejudices. We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” If believers truly seek to stand on Scripture alone in this way then this is how they will be described: arrogant, legalistic, judgmental, chauvinistic, divisive, homophobic, unloving, narrow-minded and out-of-touch.

So what must you do? Turn from your sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone. Declare your faith in Christ publicly by being baptized as a believer. As you continue to grow in Christ and fight against your own indwelling sin, humbly meditate upon the Word. Search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Memorize the Scriptures (Psalm 119:11). Do not seek to be offensive, but humbly stand on the Word of God alone for defining the one true gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) – which will be offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18). And as biblical beliefs and practices are shaped in you, be prepared to stand alone, but do so with a church family which is seeking to do the same. Don’t just show up for a worship-service on Sunday and remain loosely connected with those in attendance. Live life together with other believers who are studying the Word and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

]]>
Five hundred years ago, on October 31, 1517, a Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany. His aim was to discuss serious concerns he had with Roman Catholic theology and practice. Many of these concerns had been brought up in years-gone-by from men like Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and others – many of whom were executed by the Church. The writings, actions, and sacrifices of these forerunners of Martin Luther culminated in a full-blown firestorm sparked ablaze by Luther’s actions in 1517. Their collective protest along with Luther’s like-minded contemporaries eventually became known as the Protestant Reformation. It was in many ways a “shot heard round the world”.

 It is Good to Be Alone

The convictions of the protesters eventually formulated into an anthem made up of five Latin phrases – Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Solus Christus (Christ Alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God Alone). It is good to be alone when such clarity rules out all other options – and this is what the Protestant Reformation sought to make clear regarding matters of first-level importance. In the 500 years since, many Protestant denominations have formed due to varying interpretations of Scripture and theological convictions; however, the curse of theological liberalism has led many mainline denominations to abandon their roots.

 Luther Stood On the Scripture Alone

In 1521, Martin Luther uttered these famous words as he stood trial before the Holy Roman Empire to answer charges of heresy :  “Unless I am refuted and convicted by testimonies of the Scriptures or by clear arguments (since I believe neither the Pope nor the Councils alone; it being evident that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am conquered by the Holy Scriptures quoted by me, and my conscience is bound in the word of God: I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is unsafe and dangerous to do anything against the conscience. Here I stand! I cannot do otherwise. God help me! Amen.”

 Luther’s response spoke to a fundamental issue the protesters had with the Church: Must believers look to the Pope and the Church’s interpretation of the Bible as authoritative for what they believe and practice? Or must they look to Scripture alone as the final authority involving all matters of what we believe and how we are to live? The protesters said “Sola Scriptura” - we must look to Scripture alone.

 Standing Alone Today

This year the historic Calvary Baptist Church in Washington hired a lesbian couple to co-pastor their church. Admittedly, this is a horribly extreme case of departing from the Bible. Yet many churches who are either adapting to the whims of culture or are adopting cultural interpretations of Scripture are unknowingly, well on their way to such a slippery slope of ungodliness. It’s happened, and is happening, over and over in many protestant denominations today. How can this be? Many protestant churches say the right things about the Bible yet their beliefs and practices reveal otherwise. Sermons are self-help messages with a few Bible verses sprinkled in, often used out of context, to help the preacher make his point and give the appearance of being biblical. Often these churches will grow numerically, but at what cost? At worst, a man-centered gospel that is no different than the works-based gospel the protesters were concerned about in Martin Luther’s day resulting in baptizing people who are not true converts. And at best? Sadly, raising up a generation of biblically illiterate Christians who lack the theological convictions essential to enduring times of suffering and persecution and left vulnerable to the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” who knock on their doors.

 A Humble Stand - Alone

The late John Stott offers this wise counsel: “We need to repent of the haughty way in which we sometimes stand in judgment upon Scripture and must learn to sit humbly under its judgments instead. If we come to Scripture with our minds made up, expecting to hear from it only an echo of our own thoughts and never the thunderclap of God's, then indeed he will not speak to us and we shall only be confirmed in our own prejudices. We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” If believers truly seek to stand on Scripture alone in this way then this is how they will be described: arrogant, legalistic, judgmental, chauvinistic, divisive, homophobic, unloving, narrow-minded and out-of-touch.

So what must you do? Turn from your sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone. Declare your faith in Christ publicly by being baptized as a believer. As you continue to grow in Christ and fight against your own indwelling sin, humbly meditate upon the Word. Search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Memorize the Scriptures (Psalm 119:11). Do not seek to be offensive, but humbly stand on the Word of God alone for defining the one true gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) – which will be offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18). And as biblical beliefs and practices are shaped in you, be prepared to stand alone, but do so with a church family which is seeking to do the same. Don’t just show up for a worship-service on Sunday and remain loosely connected with those in attendance. Live life together with other believers who are studying the Word and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

]]>
Jesus is Worth It https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/jesus-is-worth-it https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/jesus-is-worth-it#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2017 09:00:00 -0600 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/jesus-is-worth-it Brandon Leach and his wife Krystle were raised in Wabash County, Illinois. They both grew up in our church and were active in the youth group. Eventually they fell in love and were married. Along with their two young children, Maya and Malachi, they are saying goodbye this week to friends and family. They will leave on Thursday to begin serving as missionaries through Reaching and Teaching ministries in Argentina. Their first planned furlough will be in 2020. As Brandon stood in front of our church family this past Sunday morning, with excitement in his voice, yet tears in his eyes, he said these four words – “Jesus is worth it”. And the church family which has watched Brandon and Krystle grow up in our church said with tears in their own eyes, "Amen". What did he mean by this explanation and why did our church family say “amen”?

Jesus Cannot be Bought, but We Have
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). Jesus’ point is that the kingdom of heaven is worth everything. But it cannot be bought. In fact, Scripture teaches that believers themselves were bought with a price – and that being the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19). The kingdom of heaven is received by grace through faith. It has no price-tag. It cannot be obtained by man’s efforts. And the price paid is intended to magnify the holiness of the One who paid it, not merely the value of the sinner who was bought.

Knowing Jesus is Eternal Life
Why did Brandon not say “heaven is worth it”? Because heaven is not the end-goal for the believer. For Brandon and Krystle, it is worth leaving family and friends and the comforts of home because Jesus is worth it. And their going magnifies His worth. It is not because they want to go to heaven, nor because they know they are going to heaven. Rather, it is because of Who they already have and know now – Christ. Knowing Christ, Who is God, is eternal life. “And this is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). John Piper gets at the crux of the matter with this probing question: “If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?” For the one who loves Christ, the answer must be a resounding "no". Dear reader, do you know Christ this way?

Hallelujah, All I Have is Christ
Jordan Kauflin penned the words of this modern hymn in 2008 which expresses in poetic words Brandon’s explanation to our congregation this past Sunday, “Jesus is worth it”:

I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life, had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own, a rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first, I would refuse You still
But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost,
You looked upon my helpless state, and led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed, You suffered in my place,
You bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace.
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ, Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone, and live so all might see,
The strength to follow Your commands, could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life, in any way You choose.
And let my song forever be, my only boast is You.
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ, Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.

 Jesus is Worth It, And One Day We Will Sing About It . . . Forever
I spoke with Brandon’s father-in-law today, Rob Windes, who himself is a pastor in Noble, Illinois. He said he was out to get lunch for he and Brandon and the rest of the family. But Rob does not feel like eating. Tomorrow morning Rob and his wife Darla will say goodbye, for now, to Brandon and their daughter Krystle, as well as their two young grandchildren. Rob is sad. But he is proud. And his family, as well as Brandon’s father Gary and his wife Mandy, know that “Jesus is worth it”. And what topic does Rob intend to address at his church the next time he’s in the pulpit? The sufficiency of Christ. Jesus is worth it and one day they will sing about it, in His very presence, forever. One day, they will join the blood-bought Church of the Living God and will joyfully praise Jesus with these four words “Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:12).

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Brandon Leach and his wife Krystle were raised in Wabash County, Illinois. They both grew up in our church and were active in the youth group. Eventually they fell in love and were married. Along with their two young children, Maya and Malachi, they are saying goodbye this week to friends and family. They will leave on Thursday to begin serving as missionaries through Reaching and Teaching ministries in Argentina. Their first planned furlough will be in 2020. As Brandon stood in front of our church family this past Sunday morning, with excitement in his voice, yet tears in his eyes, he said these four words – “Jesus is worth it”. And the church family which has watched Brandon and Krystle grow up in our church said with tears in their own eyes, "Amen". What did he mean by this explanation and why did our church family say “amen”?

Jesus Cannot be Bought, but We Have
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). Jesus’ point is that the kingdom of heaven is worth everything. But it cannot be bought. In fact, Scripture teaches that believers themselves were bought with a price – and that being the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19). The kingdom of heaven is received by grace through faith. It has no price-tag. It cannot be obtained by man’s efforts. And the price paid is intended to magnify the holiness of the One who paid it, not merely the value of the sinner who was bought.

Knowing Jesus is Eternal Life
Why did Brandon not say “heaven is worth it”? Because heaven is not the end-goal for the believer. For Brandon and Krystle, it is worth leaving family and friends and the comforts of home because Jesus is worth it. And their going magnifies His worth. It is not because they want to go to heaven, nor because they know they are going to heaven. Rather, it is because of Who they already have and know now – Christ. Knowing Christ, Who is God, is eternal life. “And this is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). John Piper gets at the crux of the matter with this probing question: “If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?” For the one who loves Christ, the answer must be a resounding "no". Dear reader, do you know Christ this way?

Hallelujah, All I Have is Christ
Jordan Kauflin penned the words of this modern hymn in 2008 which expresses in poetic words Brandon’s explanation to our congregation this past Sunday, “Jesus is worth it”:

I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life, had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own, a rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first, I would refuse You still
But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost,
You looked upon my helpless state, and led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed, You suffered in my place,
You bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace.
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ, Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone, and live so all might see,
The strength to follow Your commands, could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life, in any way You choose.
And let my song forever be, my only boast is You.
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ, Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.

 Jesus is Worth It, And One Day We Will Sing About It . . . Forever
I spoke with Brandon’s father-in-law today, Rob Windes, who himself is a pastor in Noble, Illinois. He said he was out to get lunch for he and Brandon and the rest of the family. But Rob does not feel like eating. Tomorrow morning Rob and his wife Darla will say goodbye, for now, to Brandon and their daughter Krystle, as well as their two young grandchildren. Rob is sad. But he is proud. And his family, as well as Brandon’s father Gary and his wife Mandy, know that “Jesus is worth it”. And what topic does Rob intend to address at his church the next time he’s in the pulpit? The sufficiency of Christ. Jesus is worth it and one day they will sing about it, in His very presence, forever. One day, they will join the blood-bought Church of the Living God and will joyfully praise Jesus with these four words “Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:12).

]]>
New Years Do Not Give Clean Starts https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/new-years-do-not-give-clean-starts https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/new-years-do-not-give-clean-starts#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2017 12:00:00 -0600 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/new-years-do-not-give-clean-starts Reflecting is good. It’s what we instinctively do at the start of a new year. Reflecting often leads to regrets. Regrets over failings, shortcomings, and goals not achieved. And where do these reflections and regrets often lead? Resolutions of course. Resolutions to do better in the coming year. It is as if the dawning of a new year somehow magically gives you a clean start. And anyone should be able to empathize with that line of thinking. Maybe we get lazier and more neglectful as the usual busyness of the holiday season approaches. Perhaps there is an anticipation of relief that once January 1 arrives, that will be my opportunity to have a clean start and get back to it – whatever “it” is. But new years do not give clean starts. If we want to play with semantics, we might better refer to it as a “fresh start”. But not a clean one. Why does it matter?

Faith Alone in Jesus Gives a Clean Start
You see, once the new year comes and you embark on making resolutions and being a better mom, working harder on your studies, or not using filthy language, none of those shortcomings from the past year have been cleansed. You may have a fresh start, but not a clean start. To have a clean start, you must go to Jesus. It is only the blood of Christ that can wash away sin. It is only the power of the Resurrected Christ which can give you new life.

Baptism Will Not Give You a Clean Start
Not even water baptism will do. What good is a soaking-wet sinner? If we rely upon baptism for washing away of sin then we have made a blasphemous work out of God’s ordained way one should publicly express a faith in Christ and cleansing by the Holy Spirit they have already received by faith alone in Jesus. Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

What You Need is a Clean Heart
For clarity’s sake, taking inventory of our lives and making resolutions is a good practice. But may they always be accompanied by prayer and the acknowledgment that no amount of good intentions for the coming year will make you right with God. We have failed this past year. We have sinned. We will sin even today. The only way we may truly be cleansed from the guilt of our sin is through faith alone in Jesus Christ. And when you repent and trust in Jesus Christ God gives a clean heart. In fact, God gives a new heart. A heart that is cleansed from sin which makes spiritual resolutions and commitments only because this new heart desires to please the One Who has made him clean. Hebrews 10:16-17 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." So, if you really want to start your year off right, then get right with God. Repent of your sin and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. You will not be given a clean start so you can then try to make it to heaven. You will be given a clean heart that is fit for heaven. And this is the gospel truth.

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Reflecting is good. It’s what we instinctively do at the start of a new year. Reflecting often leads to regrets. Regrets over failings, shortcomings, and goals not achieved. And where do these reflections and regrets often lead? Resolutions of course. Resolutions to do better in the coming year. It is as if the dawning of a new year somehow magically gives you a clean start. And anyone should be able to empathize with that line of thinking. Maybe we get lazier and more neglectful as the usual busyness of the holiday season approaches. Perhaps there is an anticipation of relief that once January 1 arrives, that will be my opportunity to have a clean start and get back to it – whatever “it” is. But new years do not give clean starts. If we want to play with semantics, we might better refer to it as a “fresh start”. But not a clean one. Why does it matter?

Faith Alone in Jesus Gives a Clean Start
You see, once the new year comes and you embark on making resolutions and being a better mom, working harder on your studies, or not using filthy language, none of those shortcomings from the past year have been cleansed. You may have a fresh start, but not a clean start. To have a clean start, you must go to Jesus. It is only the blood of Christ that can wash away sin. It is only the power of the Resurrected Christ which can give you new life.

Baptism Will Not Give You a Clean Start
Not even water baptism will do. What good is a soaking-wet sinner? If we rely upon baptism for washing away of sin then we have made a blasphemous work out of God’s ordained way one should publicly express a faith in Christ and cleansing by the Holy Spirit they have already received by faith alone in Jesus. Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

What You Need is a Clean Heart
For clarity’s sake, taking inventory of our lives and making resolutions is a good practice. But may they always be accompanied by prayer and the acknowledgment that no amount of good intentions for the coming year will make you right with God. We have failed this past year. We have sinned. We will sin even today. The only way we may truly be cleansed from the guilt of our sin is through faith alone in Jesus Christ. And when you repent and trust in Jesus Christ God gives a clean heart. In fact, God gives a new heart. A heart that is cleansed from sin which makes spiritual resolutions and commitments only because this new heart desires to please the One Who has made him clean. Hebrews 10:16-17 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." So, if you really want to start your year off right, then get right with God. Repent of your sin and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. You will not be given a clean start so you can then try to make it to heaven. You will be given a clean heart that is fit for heaven. And this is the gospel truth.

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Memorizing Romans 8 Together https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/mem https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/mem#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2016 21:00:00 -0500 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/mem We need to feel what the Psalmist wrote, "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97). Memorize Romans 8 with our church family!

Loving Christ by Memorizing His Word

In his recent work, A Peculiar Glory, John Piper reflects on his love of the Bible, "I did not simply hold a view of the Bible for seven decades. I was held by a view through the Bible". So I ask myself this question, "Am I held?" Is the Scripture gripping the affections of my heart? As I reflect on my own love of Scripture, I find that in the midst of my waxing and waning, the means of grace which has enabled me to exclaim along with the Psalmist, "Oh how I love your law!" has been through the intentional appropriation of what he says next in that same verse. "It is my meditation all the day". I know of no better way to mediate upon and muse over the Scriptures than through memorizing it. And this is why I am challenging our church family to pursue our joy in Christ through His Word together by memorizing Romans 8 by October 30.

Why Romans 8?

Romans 8 is a theological treasure chest. Its fruits beg to be tasted and enjoyed and shared with others. Feeling condemned? Verse 1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus"  Battling sin? John Owen, in The Mortification of Sin, would point you to verse 13 " For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live". Suffering and need perspective? Verse 18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Or, verse 28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Struggling with waiting? Verse 32 "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Need joy? The entire chapter!

The Plan

I've put together a memorization plan with sections of verses to work on each week along with five review weeks built in. It begins with just the first 3 verses to be memorized by August 21. Then it picks up steam. Verses highlighted in yellow are key verses that would be good for younger children to work on who may not be ready for an entire chapter. 

Romans 8 Memorization Plan
Memory Plan – Have these passages memorized by the date listed below:
August 21 – Romans 8:1-3
August 28 – Romans 8:4-9
September 4 – Romans 8:1-9 (Review Week)
September 11- Romans 8:10-17
September 18 – Romans 8:1-17 (Review Week)
September 25 – Romans 8:18-25
October 2 – Romans 8:1-25 (Review Week)
October 9 – Romans 8:26-30
October 16 – Romans 8:1-30 (Review Week)
October 23 – Romans 8:31-39
October 30 – Romans 8:1-39 (Final Week!)

Key Verses : verses 1, 13, 18, 26, 28, 31-31, 38-39 These verses mighty be good for younger children to work on who may not be ready for an entire chapter.

Some helpful resources for memorizing Scripture:

Fighter Verses App - I really like this app. It includes fill-in-the-blank quizzes, etc. for the verses you are memorizing. Also has a widget you can move to the home screen of your home which will show the verse you are memorizing word-for-word - a great quick reference for working on your verse. It can be purchased for $2.99 through Google Play Amazon, and iTunes.

The Verses Project - Quality produced songs for various ESV translation passages of Scripture. Some portions of Romans 8 are available. All free!

Seeds Family Worship - Catered towards families, this ministry produces various songs and music videos for various ESV translation passages of Scripture. CDs and dowloads are available for purchase on their website, but you can also watch/listen to many free songs and videos through You Tube.

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We need to feel what the Psalmist wrote, "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97). Memorize Romans 8 with our church family!

Loving Christ by Memorizing His Word

In his recent work, A Peculiar Glory, John Piper reflects on his love of the Bible, "I did not simply hold a view of the Bible for seven decades. I was held by a view through the Bible". So I ask myself this question, "Am I held?" Is the Scripture gripping the affections of my heart? As I reflect on my own love of Scripture, I find that in the midst of my waxing and waning, the means of grace which has enabled me to exclaim along with the Psalmist, "Oh how I love your law!" has been through the intentional appropriation of what he says next in that same verse. "It is my meditation all the day". I know of no better way to mediate upon and muse over the Scriptures than through memorizing it. And this is why I am challenging our church family to pursue our joy in Christ through His Word together by memorizing Romans 8 by October 30.

Why Romans 8?

Romans 8 is a theological treasure chest. Its fruits beg to be tasted and enjoyed and shared with others. Feeling condemned? Verse 1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus"  Battling sin? John Owen, in The Mortification of Sin, would point you to verse 13 " For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live". Suffering and need perspective? Verse 18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Or, verse 28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Struggling with waiting? Verse 32 "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Need joy? The entire chapter!

The Plan

I've put together a memorization plan with sections of verses to work on each week along with five review weeks built in. It begins with just the first 3 verses to be memorized by August 21. Then it picks up steam. Verses highlighted in yellow are key verses that would be good for younger children to work on who may not be ready for an entire chapter. 

Romans 8 Memorization Plan
Memory Plan – Have these passages memorized by the date listed below:
August 21 – Romans 8:1-3
August 28 – Romans 8:4-9
September 4 – Romans 8:1-9 (Review Week)
September 11- Romans 8:10-17
September 18 – Romans 8:1-17 (Review Week)
September 25 – Romans 8:18-25
October 2 – Romans 8:1-25 (Review Week)
October 9 – Romans 8:26-30
October 16 – Romans 8:1-30 (Review Week)
October 23 – Romans 8:31-39
October 30 – Romans 8:1-39 (Final Week!)

Key Verses : verses 1, 13, 18, 26, 28, 31-31, 38-39 These verses mighty be good for younger children to work on who may not be ready for an entire chapter.

Some helpful resources for memorizing Scripture:

Fighter Verses App - I really like this app. It includes fill-in-the-blank quizzes, etc. for the verses you are memorizing. Also has a widget you can move to the home screen of your home which will show the verse you are memorizing word-for-word - a great quick reference for working on your verse. It can be purchased for $2.99 through Google Play Amazon, and iTunes.

The Verses Project - Quality produced songs for various ESV translation passages of Scripture. Some portions of Romans 8 are available. All free!

Seeds Family Worship - Catered towards families, this ministry produces various songs and music videos for various ESV translation passages of Scripture. CDs and dowloads are available for purchase on their website, but you can also watch/listen to many free songs and videos through You Tube.

]]>
I Could Swing Over Hell on a Rotten Cornstalk https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/i-could-swing-over-hell-on-a-rotten-cornstalk https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/i-could-swing-over-hell-on-a-rotten-cornstalk#comments Thu, 28 Apr 2016 15:00:00 -0500 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/i-could-swing-over-hell-on-a-rotten-cornstalk I don’t remember who it was or where I first heard this phrase, but I like it - “I’m so saved I could swing over hell on a rotten cornstalk”. But since most things need clarity – and since I believe Scripture alone is the final authority for what I should believe and practice (sola scriptura) – I think it would be helpful to explain just why I would dare utter or believe such a statement.

Once Saved, Always Saved, if Saved
The question seemed rhetorical – “Are you one of those Baptists that believe once you are saved you are always saved?” My answer was an unhesitant – though puzzled he would ask such a question – “Of course.” I was a twenty-year old soldier at Fort Campbell at the time. Like many believers, I knew what I believed, but not exactly why. So when my fellow soldier pressed me on my answer and began to quote warning passages from the book of Hebrews, I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Little did I know that this interaction would lead to a significant period of spiritual growth as I searched the Scriptures to see if what I’d been taught as a child about the permanence of salvation were indeed true.
As I studied the warning passages in Hebrews, I began to understand that true believers persevere in faith. As Ligon Duncan correctly states, “The aim of Hebrews is not to unsettle the assurance of true believers”. The effect of the warning passages is to cause true believers to examine themselves to see if their lives reflect what they profess to believe and to continue to look ultimately to Jesus’ finished work.

No License to Sin
A one-time acknowledgment that you’re a sinner who needs Jesus followed by praying a sinner’s prayer does not necessarily mean a person’s heart has been changed by the Spirit. Sadly, there are many false converts within the church. Those who do not continue to follow Christ were never born again to begin with – 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. Furthermore, the born again believer receives no license to sin. Justification always results in sanctification (Romans 6). The person who says, “I am saved and cannot lose it” and then proceeds to live like the world can only be assured he never had it to begin with.

Once Justified Always Justified
Romans 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Does Jesus’ blood satisfy the demands of God’s justice or does God look at the death of His Son and say “There must be more”? When a person is declared to be right with God on the basis of faith alone in Christ, Scripture teaches that this person has been justified and will be gloried. The status of being declared just in God’s sight can never be reversed by man’s work for it was never man’s work to begin with, but rather the grace of God.

Jesus Saves
Hebrews 1:3 says that after Jesus made purification for sins He then sat down at the right hand of God. Jesus truly became the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). So does Jesus save by His finished work on the Cross or do we ultimately become our own savior by our own works? If salvation can be lost then it is not a gift, but more of a loan. If I can truly be saved, yet later on be lost, then Jesus’ work on the Cross has only made salvation possible. Rather than sing the old hymn, Jesus Paid It All, I must change the lyrics to Jesus Paid Some of It. Rather than Christ get all the glory and praise for my salvation, some of that credit will end up going to me for doing my part.
“I’m so saved I could swing over hell on a rotten cornstalk”! Is it arrogant or presumptuous to exclaim such confidence? Not if I believe Jesus saves. What makes the gospel good news is that Jesus saves to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).

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I don’t remember who it was or where I first heard this phrase, but I like it - “I’m so saved I could swing over hell on a rotten cornstalk”. But since most things need clarity – and since I believe Scripture alone is the final authority for what I should believe and practice (sola scriptura) – I think it would be helpful to explain just why I would dare utter or believe such a statement.

Once Saved, Always Saved, if Saved
The question seemed rhetorical – “Are you one of those Baptists that believe once you are saved you are always saved?” My answer was an unhesitant – though puzzled he would ask such a question – “Of course.” I was a twenty-year old soldier at Fort Campbell at the time. Like many believers, I knew what I believed, but not exactly why. So when my fellow soldier pressed me on my answer and began to quote warning passages from the book of Hebrews, I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Little did I know that this interaction would lead to a significant period of spiritual growth as I searched the Scriptures to see if what I’d been taught as a child about the permanence of salvation were indeed true.
As I studied the warning passages in Hebrews, I began to understand that true believers persevere in faith. As Ligon Duncan correctly states, “The aim of Hebrews is not to unsettle the assurance of true believers”. The effect of the warning passages is to cause true believers to examine themselves to see if their lives reflect what they profess to believe and to continue to look ultimately to Jesus’ finished work.

No License to Sin
A one-time acknowledgment that you’re a sinner who needs Jesus followed by praying a sinner’s prayer does not necessarily mean a person’s heart has been changed by the Spirit. Sadly, there are many false converts within the church. Those who do not continue to follow Christ were never born again to begin with – 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. Furthermore, the born again believer receives no license to sin. Justification always results in sanctification (Romans 6). The person who says, “I am saved and cannot lose it” and then proceeds to live like the world can only be assured he never had it to begin with.

Once Justified Always Justified
Romans 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Does Jesus’ blood satisfy the demands of God’s justice or does God look at the death of His Son and say “There must be more”? When a person is declared to be right with God on the basis of faith alone in Christ, Scripture teaches that this person has been justified and will be gloried. The status of being declared just in God’s sight can never be reversed by man’s work for it was never man’s work to begin with, but rather the grace of God.

Jesus Saves
Hebrews 1:3 says that after Jesus made purification for sins He then sat down at the right hand of God. Jesus truly became the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). So does Jesus save by His finished work on the Cross or do we ultimately become our own savior by our own works? If salvation can be lost then it is not a gift, but more of a loan. If I can truly be saved, yet later on be lost, then Jesus’ work on the Cross has only made salvation possible. Rather than sing the old hymn, Jesus Paid It All, I must change the lyrics to Jesus Paid Some of It. Rather than Christ get all the glory and praise for my salvation, some of that credit will end up going to me for doing my part.
“I’m so saved I could swing over hell on a rotten cornstalk”! Is it arrogant or presumptuous to exclaim such confidence? Not if I believe Jesus saves. What makes the gospel good news is that Jesus saves to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).

]]>
Salvation in the Eleventh Hour https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/salvation-in-the-eleventh-hour https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/salvation-in-the-eleventh-hour#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:00:00 -0500 https://www.fbcmtc.org/blog/post/salvation-in-the-eleventh-hour As he lay in the back of our gun-section’s 5-ton truck, PFC Hobbs refused to put on his gas mask this time. Over the past weeks during Operation Desert Storm, the M8 alarms, tripped by dust and wind, had been the cause of too many false alarms. So Hobbs blew off the warning, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep. Thankfully, it was indeed just another false alarm.

I can’t help but smile when I remember that scene. Yet my memory-triggered amusement is accompanied by the sadness of another warning which PFC Hobbs heard, but ignored. I was 18 at the time, but had been singled out fairly quickly as the quiet guy with the thick East Tennessee accent who liked to read his Bible. On occasion Hobbs sought me out and met with me in my foxhole for Bible study. He was scared, as were we all, about what we were being told might happen in the coming days and he seemed concerned about his soul. I will never forget standing next to the long tube of our 155mm howitzer and pleading with Hobbs to repent and trust in Christ. But his answer was something like “Not now. When I get back home I’ll get right with God.” And despite my efforts, he refused to heed the warning. Looking back, it seems as if Hobbs simply did not want to repent at this time. Maybe later in life, but not right now. I pray that he is not still waiting until the eleventh hour.

Is salvation possible in the eleventh hour? Can a man or woman repent and believe in Christ in the moments before their death? The story of the thief on the Cross in Luke 23 makes it the answer is a resounding “Yes”!

Two thieves were crucified beside Jesus – one on His right and one on His left. Scripture says that both began to hurl insults at Jesus. But something happened to one of the thieves. He literally had a change of heart. He began to realize that his judgment before God was impending, so he said to the other thief, “Don’t you fear God?” He acknowledged his own sinfulness and that he deserved to die. Yet at the same time he became aware of the sinlessness of Christ – “this man has done nothing wrong”. And by grace he realized Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the King of Kings – “Remember me when you come into your kingdom”. He understood in those dying moments that now was the time to heed the warning about the coming judgment, for the Scripture says “It is appointed to man once to die and then the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Aware of his spiritual bankruptcy and inability to save himself, he threw himself upon the mercy of God in Jesus Christ and cried out to Jesus, “Remember me”. And the Lord Jesus, suffering as He was, turned to this thief who had never done any good works in the name of Jesus Christ, and said to him, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise”. What unspeakable mercy! No time for good works or church attendance or baptism. He was simply saved from spiritual death by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Is this mere “easy-believism”? Scripture is clear that repentance and faith are essential for salvation. Jesus would not have told the man he was going to heaven had the man not truly repented and believed. One must conclude, had the thief lived after making this profession, that he would have expressed his faith in baptism and would have shown evidence over time of a changed heart through faith in Jesus.

And where would the thief go? Would it be to some place just outside of hell where he would not suffer torment, but he could still feel the heat from its flames? Would he go to some in-between place to be purged from his sins? Absolutely not. No such place exists. It is either to heaven or hell that you will go when you die. Jesus said to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. The man died and went to be with Christ in Paradise. Heaven. The very presence of God. New Testament Scholar Robert Stein says, “The supreme irony is that the criminal rightfully being executed for his crime(s) was infinitely better off than Israel’s high priest, who by his rejection of God’s Son was eternally damned”.

What amazing grace and mercy is available through Jesus. Salvation in the eleventh hour is possible, but it is not certain. One should not ignore the gospel’s warning, presuming, like my old Army buddy Hobbs. that he or she will want to repent and believe at a later time. There is no guarantee that in the final hours of a person’s life he or she will even then desire to repent and believe in Christ. Unbeliever, do not dismiss the warning. And true believer, sound the alarm while there is time. Behold, today is the day of salvation.

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As he lay in the back of our gun-section’s 5-ton truck, PFC Hobbs refused to put on his gas mask this time. Over the past weeks during Operation Desert Storm, the M8 alarms, tripped by dust and wind, had been the cause of too many false alarms. So Hobbs blew off the warning, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep. Thankfully, it was indeed just another false alarm.

I can’t help but smile when I remember that scene. Yet my memory-triggered amusement is accompanied by the sadness of another warning which PFC Hobbs heard, but ignored. I was 18 at the time, but had been singled out fairly quickly as the quiet guy with the thick East Tennessee accent who liked to read his Bible. On occasion Hobbs sought me out and met with me in my foxhole for Bible study. He was scared, as were we all, about what we were being told might happen in the coming days and he seemed concerned about his soul. I will never forget standing next to the long tube of our 155mm howitzer and pleading with Hobbs to repent and trust in Christ. But his answer was something like “Not now. When I get back home I’ll get right with God.” And despite my efforts, he refused to heed the warning. Looking back, it seems as if Hobbs simply did not want to repent at this time. Maybe later in life, but not right now. I pray that he is not still waiting until the eleventh hour.

Is salvation possible in the eleventh hour? Can a man or woman repent and believe in Christ in the moments before their death? The story of the thief on the Cross in Luke 23 makes it the answer is a resounding “Yes”!

Two thieves were crucified beside Jesus – one on His right and one on His left. Scripture says that both began to hurl insults at Jesus. But something happened to one of the thieves. He literally had a change of heart. He began to realize that his judgment before God was impending, so he said to the other thief, “Don’t you fear God?” He acknowledged his own sinfulness and that he deserved to die. Yet at the same time he became aware of the sinlessness of Christ – “this man has done nothing wrong”. And by grace he realized Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the King of Kings – “Remember me when you come into your kingdom”. He understood in those dying moments that now was the time to heed the warning about the coming judgment, for the Scripture says “It is appointed to man once to die and then the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Aware of his spiritual bankruptcy and inability to save himself, he threw himself upon the mercy of God in Jesus Christ and cried out to Jesus, “Remember me”. And the Lord Jesus, suffering as He was, turned to this thief who had never done any good works in the name of Jesus Christ, and said to him, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise”. What unspeakable mercy! No time for good works or church attendance or baptism. He was simply saved from spiritual death by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Is this mere “easy-believism”? Scripture is clear that repentance and faith are essential for salvation. Jesus would not have told the man he was going to heaven had the man not truly repented and believed. One must conclude, had the thief lived after making this profession, that he would have expressed his faith in baptism and would have shown evidence over time of a changed heart through faith in Jesus.

And where would the thief go? Would it be to some place just outside of hell where he would not suffer torment, but he could still feel the heat from its flames? Would he go to some in-between place to be purged from his sins? Absolutely not. No such place exists. It is either to heaven or hell that you will go when you die. Jesus said to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. The man died and went to be with Christ in Paradise. Heaven. The very presence of God. New Testament Scholar Robert Stein says, “The supreme irony is that the criminal rightfully being executed for his crime(s) was infinitely better off than Israel’s high priest, who by his rejection of God’s Son was eternally damned”.

What amazing grace and mercy is available through Jesus. Salvation in the eleventh hour is possible, but it is not certain. One should not ignore the gospel’s warning, presuming, like my old Army buddy Hobbs. that he or she will want to repent and believe at a later time. There is no guarantee that in the final hours of a person’s life he or she will even then desire to repent and believe in Christ. Unbeliever, do not dismiss the warning. And true believer, sound the alarm while there is time. Behold, today is the day of salvation.

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