Luke 1:1-25
Zechariah did not believe the prophesy that the angel Gabriel told him. His lack of faith cost him months of speech. I feel that if I saw an angel I would be apt to believe what he said. However, nothing makes me better than Zechariah. I must accept that I am certainly capable of this level of unbelief. It makes me all the more grateful that God worked and moved in my life and heart so that I would have faith to believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
Psalm 69-72
David not only recognizes all of the incredible things that God has done for him, but he also acknowledges the importance of telling the next generation about the works of the Lord. We must be willing to tell our children what God has done in our lives. It is so important that they see that God is real to us and He is good to us.
Leviticus 3&4
The Levitical law holds leaders and priests in high esteem. If a leader sinned unintentionally, there is a great list of things that must be done for the sake of the whole nation. Leaders must recognize the great responsibility they have for those that they serve.
Ezekiel 10-12
This false attitude that the people of Israel had is one that we too can fall into. They saw and understood the signs that Ezekiel performed for them, but they said that the punishment must be far off. They saw no need to make immediate change or repentance.
Philippians 2&3
We are straining after Christlikeness. If we are not filling our minds with the example of Christ, how are we to become more like Him? We must strive after knowing Him more so that we can be made like Him each day.
2Kings 10-12
It is made clear in these passages that it was not enough for these kings to simply not worship Baal anymore, but they were meant to root out all idolatry in the land. It is not enough for us to simply not do one sin, but we must root out all sins from our lives.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
June 29 Bible Reading
Mark 16
What would the Gospel be without the resurrection? Our hope of life after death would be unattached to any thread of reality without this incredible miracle. God was proven truly sovereign not only over sin but even death and Hell.
Psalm 66-68
The earth was created to praise, honor, and worship God. We are created that He might receive glory. It is obvious in Psalms 66 and 67 that God ought to be praised. In Psalm 68 we see a different way that God is glorified. Even when man refuses to praise God, God is a just God and punishes sin, and in this He is glorified.
Leviticus 1&2
I think that the picture of the person bringing the sacrifice putting his hands on the bull’s horns is beautiful. It is a symbol of how Jesus took our sins upon himself. Our sins were transferred to Him and then He died a sacrificial death and paid the price for those sins.
Ezekiel 7-9
The people of Israel thought that because God had left them to be destroyed for their sins, that they could do evil and God would not know. God is all knowing, and even when we feel as if He has left us, He will still see us and what we do. God is not blind to our sin; He knows every bit of it.
Philippians 1
While Paul writes this letter, he is in prison. It is amazing that he is able to speak with such joy in his heart in the midst of this terrible circumstance. What keeps his spirit lifted is not the hope of release, but the fact that he has been able to share the gospel of Christ with the guards around him. This should be our fuel as well. When we are in an unfortunate circumstance, we must give thanks that we might have opportunities to share the gospel with those around us.
2Kings 7-9
God is faithful to provide. It is interesting that the same people group that God had sent manna to had trouble believing that they would be fed. When the King’s servant doubted that God could provide he was punished for his lack of belief. We must always remember that God has the power to provide.
What would the Gospel be without the resurrection? Our hope of life after death would be unattached to any thread of reality without this incredible miracle. God was proven truly sovereign not only over sin but even death and Hell.
Psalm 66-68
The earth was created to praise, honor, and worship God. We are created that He might receive glory. It is obvious in Psalms 66 and 67 that God ought to be praised. In Psalm 68 we see a different way that God is glorified. Even when man refuses to praise God, God is a just God and punishes sin, and in this He is glorified.
Leviticus 1&2
I think that the picture of the person bringing the sacrifice putting his hands on the bull’s horns is beautiful. It is a symbol of how Jesus took our sins upon himself. Our sins were transferred to Him and then He died a sacrificial death and paid the price for those sins.
Ezekiel 7-9
The people of Israel thought that because God had left them to be destroyed for their sins, that they could do evil and God would not know. God is all knowing, and even when we feel as if He has left us, He will still see us and what we do. God is not blind to our sin; He knows every bit of it.
Philippians 1
While Paul writes this letter, he is in prison. It is amazing that he is able to speak with such joy in his heart in the midst of this terrible circumstance. What keeps his spirit lifted is not the hope of release, but the fact that he has been able to share the gospel of Christ with the guards around him. This should be our fuel as well. When we are in an unfortunate circumstance, we must give thanks that we might have opportunities to share the gospel with those around us.
2Kings 7-9
God is faithful to provide. It is interesting that the same people group that God had sent manna to had trouble believing that they would be fed. When the King’s servant doubted that God could provide he was punished for his lack of belief. We must always remember that God has the power to provide.
June 28 Bible Reading
Mark 15
The cruelty of Jesus’s death is something that always brings my heart to sorrow. The very idea that we, who were created from dust, would dare to torture our Creator is repulsive. How dare we! Yet, Jesus willingly submitted Himself to such brutality for the sake of accomplishing the Father’s plan for redemption. He even goes so far as to pray for the forgiveness for those who abused Him. How little did those soldiers know that the very blood they drew was the same blood that could satisfy the price for the sin they were committing.
Psalm 63-65
Are we also thirsty for God? Do we long for His presence or recognize that He is the only one who can truly satisfy? Not only does David thirst after God, but he also praises Him, and He knows that God is due this praise. God deserves our praise because He has given us salvation (to David this salvation was from his enemies, but to us it is from sin, death, and Hell) and He gives the earth life.
Exodus 38-40
It must have been amazing to see the presence of God surrounding the tabernacle! After all of this work in building it, it also must have been assuring when God’s presence came upon the place. We too have filled with the Spirit of God and are even called tabernacles. This is our assurance as well.
Ezekiel 4-6
Again we are reminded that God is a jealous God who will not stand for the worship of idols. He is the One True God and we must not put anything before Him. As creator of the universe He has the right to punish people when they are not doing what He designed them to do--Worship Him.
Ephesians 6
The majority of the pieces of the Armor of God are used for defense and not offense. We often forget that we are being attacked and that we must defend ourselves. It is easier to arm oneself for offense, but in defense we must take time to shield ourselves. It is also important to remember that it is God and His word that is protecting us, and we must rely on Him to guard us.
2Kings 4-6
Chapter four contains a great story of hospitality. Here was a woman who loved the Lord and His prophet enough to take him in to her house and see that he was provided for. She even went as far as to build a room onto her house so that Elisha could stay there. She was even rewarded for her hospitality with a son, and then Elisha raised the boy from the dead! God loves hospitable people and rewards them.
June 26 Bible Reading
Mark 13
Jesus is most definitely coming again. The signs leading up to His return are but small pains in comparison to the great judgement that God will pour out onto the earth in the final days. We know that we have the hope of the resurrection and the return of Christ, and these things ought to make us pursue knowing Him more and make us steadfast in our waiting for His return. We must not be caught off guard, but perpetually we must be preparing ourselves.
Psalm 57-59
David can pray confidently for deliverance, because he knows that God has anointed him to be the king of Israel. We too can pray confidently in the promises of God. As we read His word and understand more and more what He has given us we can pray for more things that He has promised us.
Exodus 34&35
God is absolutely against any idols. He wants the people of Israel to serve only Him. Again and again the people of Israel are warned about falling into the snare of idol worship, and as the nation progresses, they continually are prone to wander from God. We must watch that we do not make idols in our lives, but that we stay true to God. This is the first commandment that we love God above all else.
Lamentations 3-5
Although Jeremiah is mourning the desolation of his people, he remembers that this is due to the people for their sin, and that God is faithful. When we are faced with discipline, we must remember that God is faithful even through our testing, and He will make us more like His Son even through tragedy.
Ephesians 3
Here Paul prays that the Ephesians would come to have knowledge of Christ’s love. It is not enough that we simply feel the love and power of Christ, but we must come to comprehend it as well. In my experience, the more I understand the love of Christ, the deeper my affections are toward Him. We must strive for understanding, and this will effect our feeling.
1Kings 19-22 While King Jehoshaphat did not worship idols himself, he did leave the alters to them up and did not make any effort to destroy these practices in the land of Judah. It is a compromise like this that leads the next generation into complete idolatry. We must be on our guard to not let compromise sneak into our lives. We may not experience negative outcomes, but those after us most certainly will.
Jesus is most definitely coming again. The signs leading up to His return are but small pains in comparison to the great judgement that God will pour out onto the earth in the final days. We know that we have the hope of the resurrection and the return of Christ, and these things ought to make us pursue knowing Him more and make us steadfast in our waiting for His return. We must not be caught off guard, but perpetually we must be preparing ourselves.
Psalm 57-59
David can pray confidently for deliverance, because he knows that God has anointed him to be the king of Israel. We too can pray confidently in the promises of God. As we read His word and understand more and more what He has given us we can pray for more things that He has promised us.
Exodus 34&35
God is absolutely against any idols. He wants the people of Israel to serve only Him. Again and again the people of Israel are warned about falling into the snare of idol worship, and as the nation progresses, they continually are prone to wander from God. We must watch that we do not make idols in our lives, but that we stay true to God. This is the first commandment that we love God above all else.
Lamentations 3-5
Although Jeremiah is mourning the desolation of his people, he remembers that this is due to the people for their sin, and that God is faithful. When we are faced with discipline, we must remember that God is faithful even through our testing, and He will make us more like His Son even through tragedy.
Ephesians 3
Here Paul prays that the Ephesians would come to have knowledge of Christ’s love. It is not enough that we simply feel the love and power of Christ, but we must come to comprehend it as well. In my experience, the more I understand the love of Christ, the deeper my affections are toward Him. We must strive for understanding, and this will effect our feeling.
1Kings 19-22 While King Jehoshaphat did not worship idols himself, he did leave the alters to them up and did not make any effort to destroy these practices in the land of Judah. It is a compromise like this that leads the next generation into complete idolatry. We must be on our guard to not let compromise sneak into our lives. We may not experience negative outcomes, but those after us most certainly will.
June 27 Bible Reading
Mark 14
Jesus’s prayer in the garden is one that truly reveals a submissive heart. We must take notice of the way that Jesus addresses the Father while dealing with a seemingly impossible task. He knew that it was His mission to pay the price for the sins of the world, but He begs His Father that if there is any other way that He would not have to endure this death. This proves that Christ’s death on the cross was indeed the only way for God to pay the ransom of sin. We should pattern our hearts after Jesus’s. When we are given a hard or seemingly impossible task for the Heavenly Kingdom, we must know that we must submit to the will of our Heavenly Father.
Psalm 60-62
These Psalms remind us that God is all-powerful. God is the one who crushes our enemies, not us. God is the only hiding place that we truly have, and we cannot securely rest in anything of this world. God is the highest and most powerful. We need to remember that we have been blessed with a relationship with this omnipotent God.
Exodus 36&37
To the people of Israel, the house of God was important enough for them to give up their finest possessions so that it could be built. People of our time ought to have the same giving attitude when it comes to building a place for ministry. Our hearts ought to be softened to these projects so that the gospel can be preached.
Ezekiel 1-3
Like Ezekiel, we too are watchmen of sorts. We have been given the gospel message. It is now our duty to help people recognize their sin and lead them to an understanding of the gospel so that they can repent and become a child of God.
Ephesians 4&5
Christians share a number of things no matter how much they disagree. All true believers ought to be able to find common ground on these specific issues: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God the Father of all. Holding fast to these things ought to unite us.
2Kings 1-3
What a great privilege it must have been, not only for Elijah’s life to end in such a way, but also that Elisha was able to witness his being caught up to heaven. This sight was not simply amazing because of its splendor, but it was also significant for Elisha because it meant he inherited Elijah’s spirit twofold. This request of Elijah is something that we can take notice of and apply to our lives. It is good to recognize the work that God has done through others, and ask that He use us in similar ways.
Jesus’s prayer in the garden is one that truly reveals a submissive heart. We must take notice of the way that Jesus addresses the Father while dealing with a seemingly impossible task. He knew that it was His mission to pay the price for the sins of the world, but He begs His Father that if there is any other way that He would not have to endure this death. This proves that Christ’s death on the cross was indeed the only way for God to pay the ransom of sin. We should pattern our hearts after Jesus’s. When we are given a hard or seemingly impossible task for the Heavenly Kingdom, we must know that we must submit to the will of our Heavenly Father.
Psalm 60-62
These Psalms remind us that God is all-powerful. God is the one who crushes our enemies, not us. God is the only hiding place that we truly have, and we cannot securely rest in anything of this world. God is the highest and most powerful. We need to remember that we have been blessed with a relationship with this omnipotent God.
Exodus 36&37
To the people of Israel, the house of God was important enough for them to give up their finest possessions so that it could be built. People of our time ought to have the same giving attitude when it comes to building a place for ministry. Our hearts ought to be softened to these projects so that the gospel can be preached.
Ezekiel 1-3
Like Ezekiel, we too are watchmen of sorts. We have been given the gospel message. It is now our duty to help people recognize their sin and lead them to an understanding of the gospel so that they can repent and become a child of God.
Ephesians 4&5
Christians share a number of things no matter how much they disagree. All true believers ought to be able to find common ground on these specific issues: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God the Father of all. Holding fast to these things ought to unite us.
2Kings 1-3
What a great privilege it must have been, not only for Elijah’s life to end in such a way, but also that Elisha was able to witness his being caught up to heaven. This sight was not simply amazing because of its splendor, but it was also significant for Elisha because it meant he inherited Elijah’s spirit twofold. This request of Elijah is something that we can take notice of and apply to our lives. It is good to recognize the work that God has done through others, and ask that He use us in similar ways.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Boldly I Approach: Hymn Study
Here is the link to "Boldly I Approach": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
“Body I Approach” by Rend Collective is a song that reminds us of the incredible gift we have to come before God’s presence. It points to the beautiful working of God that, although He is completely Holy, and therefore sin cannot be in His presence, we, sinful people, are allowed access to Him such as never before in history. This amazing story is due to Christ’s death and resurrection which paid for the sin that ought to separate us from God. A passage that beautifully parallels this song is Hebrews 4:14-16, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The first verse begins in a timid manner. It makes us recognize how strange it is that sinners can stand before God and in the presence of the Heavenly Host. It attributes this strange meeting to the fact that Jesus has redeemed us. It begins, “By grace alone somehow I stand/ Where even angels fear to tread.” It is truly by grace alone that we are able to come before a Holy God. We know God is Holy because of passages such as Isaiah 6:3 where the angels surround God’s throne crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;/ the whole earth is full of his glory!.” Even Christians are instructed to be holy in 1 Peter 1:16, “since it is written,’You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” And we know that this holiness of God is not something to be trifled with. Isaiah 6 paints a picture of the well-known prophet coming into the presence of the Almighty, and the light of the purity of God reveals Isaiah’s sin to such a degree that in terror Isaiah exclaims, “‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’” (Isaiah 6:5) When God came into the tabernacle and lived with His people, His presence was so holy that a priest could only come into the room, the Holy of Holies, but once a year, and this was such a terrifying job, that there were measures to retrieve the man of God if he were to be struck dead in God’s presence. There are many other examples of God’s Holy presence being a terrible thing. One last account of the Holiness of God’s presence is told in 1 Samuel 5 and 6. Here the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, but when they stood the Ark next to the idol Dagon, Dagon kept having mishaps and falling off its stand. Eventually the Philistines sent the Ark back to the people of Israel. When the Ark was being brought through the streets of Jerusalem, Uzzah, in order to keep the Ark from falling, reached out and took hold of it. Because a sinful man had come into contact with the resting place of the Holy God, Uzzah died. (2 Samuel 6) Yet, God allows those who are born again access into His throne room. Ephesians 2:18&19 tell us, “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” reminding us that because of Christ’s work we are citizens of the Heavenly Kingdom. This access to the place where even angels are afraid to enter comes only by grace. Just earlier in Ephesians 2 we are told, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” (5) and “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (8&9)
Verse one continues, “Invited by redeeming love/ Before the throne of God above.” God has truly invited us to come and live in His presence. In John 6:44 Jesus says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” As mentioned before, we were dead in our sins, alienated from the love of God when Jesus ransomed us from sin. We have been invited to come into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The last two lines of verse one are “He pulls me close with nail-scarred hands/ Into His everlasting arms.” This poetic and beautiful phrase reminds us that it is the hands that were pierced for our transgressions that call us into a relationship with the Father. In John 20:27 Thomas feels and sees the scars in Jesus’s hands, “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” We are also reminded that God is everlasting. “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” (Isaiah 40:28)
The second verse describes a scene where the singer is being tempted by Satan to not focus on his redemption, but instead on the condemnation (the guilt which demands punishment for sin) which has been removed by Christ’s work on the cross. “When condemnation grips my heart/ And Satan tempts me to despair/ I hear the voice that scatters fear/ The Great I Am the Lord is here.” The lyrics do not leave the singer in this place of guilt, but instead reminds him that God speaks to us. This same God who is inviting us into His presence is the one who paid for our sin. When believers are before God they need not fear His wrath, because it has been satisfied. This is why they ought not to remember their condemnation, but instead their forgiveness. God’s voice gives us peace and hope and drives away our fear. “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) This verse goes on with a spirit of praise to the God who would sacrifice Himself so that we could be sanctified, “O praise the One Who fights for me/ And shields my soul eternally.” God is on our side, and He does fight for us. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 states, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our natural response to God’s gifts of salvation, protection, and sanctification should be that of praise. If Psalm 136 is any indication, we ought to be praising and thanking God for His steadfast love, which empowered Jesus to bear the cross.
Verse three paints a picture of the beauty of Christ and how incredible it is that we are allowed to behold such majesty. “Behold the bright and risen Son/ More beauty than this world has known/ I’m face to face with Love Himself/ His perfect spotless righteousness.” We are told that when we come face to face with God he will be literally luminescent. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) “His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power.” (Habakkuk 3:4) We also know that the Son, Jesus Christ, is risen. An angel speaks in Matthew 28:6, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” This verse also reminds us of the truth that God is love. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Also, Jesus is not only described as, but He must be a perfect, spotless, and righteous sacrifice. Only a perfect sacrifice could pay for the debt of sin. This is described in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” The last two lines of verse three echo the thoughts of Psalm 145:2, “Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” The song states it this way, “A thousand years a thousand tongues/ Are not enough to sing His praise”
The chorus takes the singing believer from the door of the throne room and recognizing the truths about the situation to the foot of the throne itself, so that he is able to rejoice in the fact of redemption. The chorus sings, “Boldly I approach Your throne/ Blameless now I’m running home/ By Your blood I come welcomed as Your own/ Into the arms of majesty.” Again Hebrews reminds us, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.” (Hebrews 4:16) We are allowed to come into God’s presence with unashamed confidence. Colossians 1:22 states, “he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,” reminding us that we are now considered blameless when we come to God. Another beautiful truth that is in this line is the fact that our home is not this earth, but heaven. It is implying that we are running to God’s presence and it calls this place home. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ[.]” (Philippians 3:20) The only way this incredible circumstance could have come about is by the blood of Christ. “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18&20) This line is also a pairing of truths, reminding us that not only are we saved through the blood of Christ, but that we are adopted into the family of God as well. We read about this truth in Ephesians 1:5, “he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will[.]” This intimate picture is not without the weight that the Creator God deserves. The chorus ends reminding us that the God who is embracing us is not only loving but also majestic. Psalm 8:9 praises, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
The final piece of this song is the bridge. This section reminds the singer that he ought to be rejoicing at that fact that salvation has been shown to him. “This is the art of celebration/ Knowing we’re free from condemnation/ O praise the One praise the One/ Who made an end to all my sin.” It is interesting that the word condemnation reappears here in the bridge after we are reminded of Satan recalling it to our minds in verse two. We can know that we are not bound by the condemnation that once would have sent us to Hell and that Satan brings to our memories, but we are free from it. Romans 8:1 simply states this truth, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” As in verse two, we are again given an opportunity to praise the God who has made all of this possible. We are also given another reason to praise God, and that is that our sin has been ended. This incredible truth is told to us through a passage previously discussed--1Corinthians 15:54-57 “‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’/ ‘O death, where is your victory?/ O death, where is your sting?’/ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We have great reason to praise and to celebrate just in the fact that Jesus Christ is our perfect sacrifice. Not only can we praise God for the process of redemption, but we can come before Him and speak with Him. “Boldly I Approach” is a beautiful way to remind ourselves of these truths.
“Body I Approach” by Rend Collective is a song that reminds us of the incredible gift we have to come before God’s presence. It points to the beautiful working of God that, although He is completely Holy, and therefore sin cannot be in His presence, we, sinful people, are allowed access to Him such as never before in history. This amazing story is due to Christ’s death and resurrection which paid for the sin that ought to separate us from God. A passage that beautifully parallels this song is Hebrews 4:14-16, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The first verse begins in a timid manner. It makes us recognize how strange it is that sinners can stand before God and in the presence of the Heavenly Host. It attributes this strange meeting to the fact that Jesus has redeemed us. It begins, “By grace alone somehow I stand/ Where even angels fear to tread.” It is truly by grace alone that we are able to come before a Holy God. We know God is Holy because of passages such as Isaiah 6:3 where the angels surround God’s throne crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;/ the whole earth is full of his glory!.” Even Christians are instructed to be holy in 1 Peter 1:16, “since it is written,’You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” And we know that this holiness of God is not something to be trifled with. Isaiah 6 paints a picture of the well-known prophet coming into the presence of the Almighty, and the light of the purity of God reveals Isaiah’s sin to such a degree that in terror Isaiah exclaims, “‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’” (Isaiah 6:5) When God came into the tabernacle and lived with His people, His presence was so holy that a priest could only come into the room, the Holy of Holies, but once a year, and this was such a terrifying job, that there were measures to retrieve the man of God if he were to be struck dead in God’s presence. There are many other examples of God’s Holy presence being a terrible thing. One last account of the Holiness of God’s presence is told in 1 Samuel 5 and 6. Here the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, but when they stood the Ark next to the idol Dagon, Dagon kept having mishaps and falling off its stand. Eventually the Philistines sent the Ark back to the people of Israel. When the Ark was being brought through the streets of Jerusalem, Uzzah, in order to keep the Ark from falling, reached out and took hold of it. Because a sinful man had come into contact with the resting place of the Holy God, Uzzah died. (2 Samuel 6) Yet, God allows those who are born again access into His throne room. Ephesians 2:18&19 tell us, “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” reminding us that because of Christ’s work we are citizens of the Heavenly Kingdom. This access to the place where even angels are afraid to enter comes only by grace. Just earlier in Ephesians 2 we are told, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” (5) and “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (8&9)
Verse one continues, “Invited by redeeming love/ Before the throne of God above.” God has truly invited us to come and live in His presence. In John 6:44 Jesus says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” As mentioned before, we were dead in our sins, alienated from the love of God when Jesus ransomed us from sin. We have been invited to come into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The last two lines of verse one are “He pulls me close with nail-scarred hands/ Into His everlasting arms.” This poetic and beautiful phrase reminds us that it is the hands that were pierced for our transgressions that call us into a relationship with the Father. In John 20:27 Thomas feels and sees the scars in Jesus’s hands, “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” We are also reminded that God is everlasting. “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” (Isaiah 40:28)
The second verse describes a scene where the singer is being tempted by Satan to not focus on his redemption, but instead on the condemnation (the guilt which demands punishment for sin) which has been removed by Christ’s work on the cross. “When condemnation grips my heart/ And Satan tempts me to despair/ I hear the voice that scatters fear/ The Great I Am the Lord is here.” The lyrics do not leave the singer in this place of guilt, but instead reminds him that God speaks to us. This same God who is inviting us into His presence is the one who paid for our sin. When believers are before God they need not fear His wrath, because it has been satisfied. This is why they ought not to remember their condemnation, but instead their forgiveness. God’s voice gives us peace and hope and drives away our fear. “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) This verse goes on with a spirit of praise to the God who would sacrifice Himself so that we could be sanctified, “O praise the One Who fights for me/ And shields my soul eternally.” God is on our side, and He does fight for us. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 states, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our natural response to God’s gifts of salvation, protection, and sanctification should be that of praise. If Psalm 136 is any indication, we ought to be praising and thanking God for His steadfast love, which empowered Jesus to bear the cross.
Verse three paints a picture of the beauty of Christ and how incredible it is that we are allowed to behold such majesty. “Behold the bright and risen Son/ More beauty than this world has known/ I’m face to face with Love Himself/ His perfect spotless righteousness.” We are told that when we come face to face with God he will be literally luminescent. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) “His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power.” (Habakkuk 3:4) We also know that the Son, Jesus Christ, is risen. An angel speaks in Matthew 28:6, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” This verse also reminds us of the truth that God is love. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Also, Jesus is not only described as, but He must be a perfect, spotless, and righteous sacrifice. Only a perfect sacrifice could pay for the debt of sin. This is described in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” The last two lines of verse three echo the thoughts of Psalm 145:2, “Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” The song states it this way, “A thousand years a thousand tongues/ Are not enough to sing His praise”
The chorus takes the singing believer from the door of the throne room and recognizing the truths about the situation to the foot of the throne itself, so that he is able to rejoice in the fact of redemption. The chorus sings, “Boldly I approach Your throne/ Blameless now I’m running home/ By Your blood I come welcomed as Your own/ Into the arms of majesty.” Again Hebrews reminds us, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.” (Hebrews 4:16) We are allowed to come into God’s presence with unashamed confidence. Colossians 1:22 states, “he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,” reminding us that we are now considered blameless when we come to God. Another beautiful truth that is in this line is the fact that our home is not this earth, but heaven. It is implying that we are running to God’s presence and it calls this place home. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ[.]” (Philippians 3:20) The only way this incredible circumstance could have come about is by the blood of Christ. “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18&20) This line is also a pairing of truths, reminding us that not only are we saved through the blood of Christ, but that we are adopted into the family of God as well. We read about this truth in Ephesians 1:5, “he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will[.]” This intimate picture is not without the weight that the Creator God deserves. The chorus ends reminding us that the God who is embracing us is not only loving but also majestic. Psalm 8:9 praises, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
The final piece of this song is the bridge. This section reminds the singer that he ought to be rejoicing at that fact that salvation has been shown to him. “This is the art of celebration/ Knowing we’re free from condemnation/ O praise the One praise the One/ Who made an end to all my sin.” It is interesting that the word condemnation reappears here in the bridge after we are reminded of Satan recalling it to our minds in verse two. We can know that we are not bound by the condemnation that once would have sent us to Hell and that Satan brings to our memories, but we are free from it. Romans 8:1 simply states this truth, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” As in verse two, we are again given an opportunity to praise the God who has made all of this possible. We are also given another reason to praise God, and that is that our sin has been ended. This incredible truth is told to us through a passage previously discussed--1Corinthians 15:54-57 “‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’/ ‘O death, where is your victory?/ O death, where is your sting?’/ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We have great reason to praise and to celebrate just in the fact that Jesus Christ is our perfect sacrifice. Not only can we praise God for the process of redemption, but we can come before Him and speak with Him. “Boldly I Approach” is a beautiful way to remind ourselves of these truths.
Sermon 7/19
Here is the YouTube link to my sermon. Below are the notes from the program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evhAB5bmZMw
I. A Historical Point of View
A. The past must be learned from and appreciated
Ecclesiastes 1:9
What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
1. Worship wars are not new
-Socrates (380-450) Constantinopolitan lawyer and historian
The Arians, as we have said, held their meetings without the city. As often therefore as the festal days occurred--I mean Saturday and the Lord’s day--in each week, on which assemblies are usually held in the churches, they congregated within the city gates about the public squares, and sang responsive verses adapted to the Arian heresy.[...] But since they did not desist from making use of insulting expressions in relation to the Homoousians, often singing such words as these: “Where are they that say three things are but one power?”--John fearing lest any of the more simple should be drawn away from the church by such kind of hymns opposed to them some of his own people, that they also employing themselves in chanting nocturnal hymns, might obscure the effort of the Arians, and confirm his own party in the profession of their faith. John’s design seemed to be good, but it issued tumult and dangers. [...] the Arians who were very numerous, and fired with envy, resolved to revenge themselves by a desperate and riotous attack upon their rivals. For from the remembrance of their own recent domination, they were full of confidence in their ability to overcome, and of contempt for their adversaries. Without delay therefore, on one of these nights, they engaged in a conflict; and Briso, one of the eunuchs of the empress, who was at that time leading the chanters of these hymns, was wounded by a stone in the forehead, and also some of the people on both sides were killed.
-Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
A letter to Benjamin Colman 1744
REV’D & Honoured Sir,--It has been our manner in this congregation, for more than two years past, in the summer time, when we sing three times upon the Sabbath, to sing an Hymn, or part of a Hymn of Dr. Watts’s, the last time, at the conclusion of the afternoon exercise. I introduced it principally because I saw in the people a very general inclination to it: indeed I was not properly he that introduced it: they began it in my absence on a journey; and seem’d to be greatly pleased with it; and sang nothing else, & neglected the Psalms wholly. When I came home I disliked not their making some use of the Hymns: but did not like their setting aside the Psalms; and therefore used them principally, and continued the singing of the Hymns only in the manner that I have spoken of, and thus we continued to use them: which at first I suppose, was to universal satisfaction: and [so] it continued to be till very lately, excepting one [m]an, one Mr Root; he after a little while manifest[ing] a disgust, not by coming to me to say anything [to] me, but by turning his back on that part of [our] publick worship from time to time, and [going] out of the meeting House. There was no appearance of dislike in any other person that I know of, ‘till lately I have heard some other persons have appear’d not well pleased[.]
2. It is unfair to authors of the past to say that their writing can’t reflect the situations we find ourselves in.
Malachi 3:6
“For I the Lord do not change”
William Cowper (1731-1800)
B. History of Church Music
1. Psalm Singing
Psalm 23 -Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
2. Latin Hymnody
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Formula Missae et Communionis (1523)
Also, I wish we had more songs in the vernacular for the people to sing during mass, either immediately after the gradual of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei. For who doubts that once the voices of all the people did this, which now only the choir sings or responds to the blessings of the bishop? In fact, the bishops may arrange these songs thus, either after the Latin songs, or alternately in Latin on one day and sung in the vernacular on another, until the whole mass is brought out in the vernacular. But poets are missing among us, or are not yet known, who can produce devout and spiritual songs (as Paul calls them) [Colossians 3:16] [.]
3. Return to Psalmody
John Calvin (1509-1564)
Simplicity- accessible to the laypeople
Modesty- something offered to God
“Epistle to the Reader” from Cinquante Pseaumes en francois par Clem. Marot (1543)
As for public prayers, there are two kinds. Some are made through simple words, others with singing. And in truth, we know through experience that song has great power and strength to move and inflame the heart of men to invoke and praise God with a more vehement and ardent zeal. It is always necessary to give heed that the song may not be light and vulgar, but may have majesty, as Saint Augustine says. And thus there may be great difference between the music that one makes for entertaining men at table and in their house, and the psalms which are sung in the Church in the presence of God and his angels. Now when one would judge rightly of the form that is here presented we hope that it shall be found holy and pure, seeing that it is simply ordered for the edification of which we have spoken, no matter how far the use of singing extends itself. Even in houses and fields this may be an incentive to us and a means to praise God and raise our hearts to Him, to comfort us in meditating on His virtue, goodness, wisdom and justice. [...] But in speaking now of Music I include two parts, namely the letter or subject and substance, secondly the song or melody. It is true that every evil word (as Saint Paul says) corrupts good morals, but when melody is with it, this stabs the heart much more strongly and enters within. Just as wine is poured inside a vessel through a funnel, so poison and corruption is distilled down to the depths of the heart through the melody.
Now what St. Augustine says is true, that no one can sing things worthy of God, except what he may have received from Him: when we shall have moved all around to search here and there, we shall find no better nor more proper songs to do this than the Psalms of David, which the Holy Spirit has spoken and made through him.
Congregational Singing is NOT Performance
4. Return to Songs of Human Composure
a. Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Preface to Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1707)
To see the dull Indifference, the negligent and thoughtless Air that sits upon the Faces of a whole Assemble, while the Psalm is on their Lips, might tempt even a charitable Observer to suspect the Fervency of inward Religion; and ‘tis much to be fear[e]d that the Minds of most of the Worshippers are absent or unconcern[e]d. [...] But of all our Religious Solemnities Psalmodie is the most unhappily manag[e]d. That very Action which should elevate us to the most delightful and divine Sensations, doth not only flat our Devotion, but too often awakens our Regret and touches all the Springs of Uneasiness within us.
I have been long convinc[e]d, that one great Occasion of this Evil arises from the Matter and Words to which we confine all our Songs. Some of [th]em are almost opposite to the Spirit of the Gospel: Many off them are foreign to the State of the New-Testament, and widely different from the present Circumstances of Christians. Hence it comes to pass, that when spiritual Affections are excited within us, and our Souls are raised a little above this Earth in the beginning of a Psalm, we are check[e]d on a sudden in our Ascent toward Heaven by some Expressions that are more suited to the Days of Carnal Ordinances, [...] Thus by keeping too close to David in the House of God, the Vail of Moses is thrown over our Hearts. [...]
Since there are some Christians who are not yet perswaded that it is lawful to sing any thing in Divine Worship, but a meer Version of some part of the Word of God, I have subjoyned a Discourse for the satisfaction of their Consciences; wherein I indeavour to prove, that the Duty of Singing under the Gospel is not confin[e]d to the Jewish Psalms, or any other Scriptural Songs; but that Hymns of human Composure suited to the clearer Revelations of the New Testament are incouraged by the Word of God, and almost necessary for Christian Churches, that desire to worship Christ in the Beauty of Holiness, and praise him for the Wonders of redeeming Grace.
b. John Wesley (1703-1791)
“Directions for Congregational Singing” from Sacred Melody (1761)
This part of divine worship may be more acceptable to God, as well as more profitable to yourself and others, be careful to observe the following directions: ―
1. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find a blessing.
2. Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.
3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.
4. Sing in time. Whatever time is being sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before, nor stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.
5. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing; and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
Don’t be Carried Away with the Music
Huldreich Zwingli (1484-1531) went so far as to ban music in his churches. Music has a powerful effect on the soul.
II. Scripture
A. Colossians 3:14-17
Above all: Love
Be Thankful
Teach and Admonish
It Must be Based in Christ’s Word
It Must be in Christ’s Name
ψαλμός (Psalms) The Songs of the Old Testament
ὕμνος (Hymns) A Song of Praise to God
Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
From Ennarationes in psalmos, Psalm 72
Hymns are praises of God with singing: hymns are songs containing the praise of God. If there is praise, but not of God, it is not a hymn; if there is praise, and praise of God, but no singing, it is not a hymn. Therefore, if it is a hymn, it will properly have these three things: not only praise, but of God, and singing.
πνευματικός (Spiritual) Coming from the Holy Spirit
ᾠδή (Songs) A Song of Honor
B. 1 Corinthians 14:13-19
Thankfulness
Head & Heart
Alistar Begg (1952)
C. Psalm 98
Worship Because of What He’s Done
Worship with Many Instruments
Rejoice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evhAB5bmZMw
I. A Historical Point of View
A. The past must be learned from and appreciated
Ecclesiastes 1:9
What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
1. Worship wars are not new
-Socrates (380-450) Constantinopolitan lawyer and historian
The Arians, as we have said, held their meetings without the city. As often therefore as the festal days occurred--I mean Saturday and the Lord’s day--in each week, on which assemblies are usually held in the churches, they congregated within the city gates about the public squares, and sang responsive verses adapted to the Arian heresy.[...] But since they did not desist from making use of insulting expressions in relation to the Homoousians, often singing such words as these: “Where are they that say three things are but one power?”--John fearing lest any of the more simple should be drawn away from the church by such kind of hymns opposed to them some of his own people, that they also employing themselves in chanting nocturnal hymns, might obscure the effort of the Arians, and confirm his own party in the profession of their faith. John’s design seemed to be good, but it issued tumult and dangers. [...] the Arians who were very numerous, and fired with envy, resolved to revenge themselves by a desperate and riotous attack upon their rivals. For from the remembrance of their own recent domination, they were full of confidence in their ability to overcome, and of contempt for their adversaries. Without delay therefore, on one of these nights, they engaged in a conflict; and Briso, one of the eunuchs of the empress, who was at that time leading the chanters of these hymns, was wounded by a stone in the forehead, and also some of the people on both sides were killed.
-Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
A letter to Benjamin Colman 1744
REV’D & Honoured Sir,--It has been our manner in this congregation, for more than two years past, in the summer time, when we sing three times upon the Sabbath, to sing an Hymn, or part of a Hymn of Dr. Watts’s, the last time, at the conclusion of the afternoon exercise. I introduced it principally because I saw in the people a very general inclination to it: indeed I was not properly he that introduced it: they began it in my absence on a journey; and seem’d to be greatly pleased with it; and sang nothing else, & neglected the Psalms wholly. When I came home I disliked not their making some use of the Hymns: but did not like their setting aside the Psalms; and therefore used them principally, and continued the singing of the Hymns only in the manner that I have spoken of, and thus we continued to use them: which at first I suppose, was to universal satisfaction: and [so] it continued to be till very lately, excepting one [m]an, one Mr Root; he after a little while manifest[ing] a disgust, not by coming to me to say anything [to] me, but by turning his back on that part of [our] publick worship from time to time, and [going] out of the meeting House. There was no appearance of dislike in any other person that I know of, ‘till lately I have heard some other persons have appear’d not well pleased[.]
2. It is unfair to authors of the past to say that their writing can’t reflect the situations we find ourselves in.
Malachi 3:6
“For I the Lord do not change”
William Cowper (1731-1800)
B. History of Church Music
1. Psalm Singing
Psalm 23 -Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
2. Latin Hymnody
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Formula Missae et Communionis (1523)
Also, I wish we had more songs in the vernacular for the people to sing during mass, either immediately after the gradual of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei. For who doubts that once the voices of all the people did this, which now only the choir sings or responds to the blessings of the bishop? In fact, the bishops may arrange these songs thus, either after the Latin songs, or alternately in Latin on one day and sung in the vernacular on another, until the whole mass is brought out in the vernacular. But poets are missing among us, or are not yet known, who can produce devout and spiritual songs (as Paul calls them) [Colossians 3:16] [.]
3. Return to Psalmody
John Calvin (1509-1564)
Simplicity- accessible to the laypeople
Modesty- something offered to God
“Epistle to the Reader” from Cinquante Pseaumes en francois par Clem. Marot (1543)
As for public prayers, there are two kinds. Some are made through simple words, others with singing. And in truth, we know through experience that song has great power and strength to move and inflame the heart of men to invoke and praise God with a more vehement and ardent zeal. It is always necessary to give heed that the song may not be light and vulgar, but may have majesty, as Saint Augustine says. And thus there may be great difference between the music that one makes for entertaining men at table and in their house, and the psalms which are sung in the Church in the presence of God and his angels. Now when one would judge rightly of the form that is here presented we hope that it shall be found holy and pure, seeing that it is simply ordered for the edification of which we have spoken, no matter how far the use of singing extends itself. Even in houses and fields this may be an incentive to us and a means to praise God and raise our hearts to Him, to comfort us in meditating on His virtue, goodness, wisdom and justice. [...] But in speaking now of Music I include two parts, namely the letter or subject and substance, secondly the song or melody. It is true that every evil word (as Saint Paul says) corrupts good morals, but when melody is with it, this stabs the heart much more strongly and enters within. Just as wine is poured inside a vessel through a funnel, so poison and corruption is distilled down to the depths of the heart through the melody.
Now what St. Augustine says is true, that no one can sing things worthy of God, except what he may have received from Him: when we shall have moved all around to search here and there, we shall find no better nor more proper songs to do this than the Psalms of David, which the Holy Spirit has spoken and made through him.
Congregational Singing is NOT Performance
4. Return to Songs of Human Composure
a. Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Preface to Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1707)
To see the dull Indifference, the negligent and thoughtless Air that sits upon the Faces of a whole Assemble, while the Psalm is on their Lips, might tempt even a charitable Observer to suspect the Fervency of inward Religion; and ‘tis much to be fear[e]d that the Minds of most of the Worshippers are absent or unconcern[e]d. [...] But of all our Religious Solemnities Psalmodie is the most unhappily manag[e]d. That very Action which should elevate us to the most delightful and divine Sensations, doth not only flat our Devotion, but too often awakens our Regret and touches all the Springs of Uneasiness within us.
I have been long convinc[e]d, that one great Occasion of this Evil arises from the Matter and Words to which we confine all our Songs. Some of [th]em are almost opposite to the Spirit of the Gospel: Many off them are foreign to the State of the New-Testament, and widely different from the present Circumstances of Christians. Hence it comes to pass, that when spiritual Affections are excited within us, and our Souls are raised a little above this Earth in the beginning of a Psalm, we are check[e]d on a sudden in our Ascent toward Heaven by some Expressions that are more suited to the Days of Carnal Ordinances, [...] Thus by keeping too close to David in the House of God, the Vail of Moses is thrown over our Hearts. [...]
Since there are some Christians who are not yet perswaded that it is lawful to sing any thing in Divine Worship, but a meer Version of some part of the Word of God, I have subjoyned a Discourse for the satisfaction of their Consciences; wherein I indeavour to prove, that the Duty of Singing under the Gospel is not confin[e]d to the Jewish Psalms, or any other Scriptural Songs; but that Hymns of human Composure suited to the clearer Revelations of the New Testament are incouraged by the Word of God, and almost necessary for Christian Churches, that desire to worship Christ in the Beauty of Holiness, and praise him for the Wonders of redeeming Grace.
b. John Wesley (1703-1791)
“Directions for Congregational Singing” from Sacred Melody (1761)
This part of divine worship may be more acceptable to God, as well as more profitable to yourself and others, be careful to observe the following directions: ―
1. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find a blessing.
2. Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.
3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.
4. Sing in time. Whatever time is being sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before, nor stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.
5. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing; and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
Don’t be Carried Away with the Music
Huldreich Zwingli (1484-1531) went so far as to ban music in his churches. Music has a powerful effect on the soul.
II. Scripture
A. Colossians 3:14-17
Above all: Love
Be Thankful
Teach and Admonish
It Must be Based in Christ’s Word
It Must be in Christ’s Name
ψαλμός (Psalms) The Songs of the Old Testament
ὕμνος (Hymns) A Song of Praise to God
Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
From Ennarationes in psalmos, Psalm 72
Hymns are praises of God with singing: hymns are songs containing the praise of God. If there is praise, but not of God, it is not a hymn; if there is praise, and praise of God, but no singing, it is not a hymn. Therefore, if it is a hymn, it will properly have these three things: not only praise, but of God, and singing.
πνευματικός (Spiritual) Coming from the Holy Spirit
ᾠδή (Songs) A Song of Honor
B. 1 Corinthians 14:13-19
Thankfulness
Head & Heart
Alistar Begg (1952)
C. Psalm 98
Worship Because of What He’s Done
Worship with Many Instruments
Rejoice!
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Weekly Update 7/26
Dear Friends and Family,
These past few weeks have been devoted to preparing for my sermon and upcoming drama. The sermon went well, although I apologize for the length; I did not realize that the service would last an hour and a half. I do hope that those who were able to be there gained much from what was said, and for those who could not make it, I hope to have the video of the service up sometime this week. There is only one more week left for Bible Study. We will be reading the final chapter and reviewing the book. I know it has been helpful for me to study this book in depth and with fellow believers. In Sunday School we have gone through several verses in Romans 3. The children have been able to grasp rather complicated processes like justification and propitiation. I realize this update is shorter than normal, but there is much to accomplish before next Sunday, and I plan to have a psalm and an author then.
Monday, July 13, 2015
June 26 Bible Reading
Mark 13
Jesus is most definitely coming again. The signs leading up to His return are but small pains in comparison to the great judgement that God will pour out onto the earth in the final days. We know that we have the hope of the resurrection and the return of Christ, and these things ought to make us pursue knowing Him more and make us steadfast in our waiting for His return. We must not be caught off guard, but perpetually we must be preparing ourselves.
Psalm 57-59
David can pray confidently for deliverance, because he knows that God has anointed him to be the king of Israel. We too can pray confidently in the promises of God. As we read His word and understand more and more what He has given us we can pray for more things that He has promised us.
Exodus 34&35
God is absolutely against any idols. He wants the people of Israel to serve only Him. Again and again the people of Israel are warned about falling into the snare of idol worship, and as the nation progresses, they continually are prone to wander from God. We must watch that we do not make idols in our lives, but that we stay true to God. This is the first commandment that we love God above all else.
Lamentations 3-5
Although Jeremiah is mourning the desolation of his people, he remembers that this is due to the people for their sin, and that God is faithful. When we are faced with discipline, we must remember that God is faithful even through our testing, and He will make us more like His Son even through tragedy.
Ephesians 3
Here Paul prays that the Ephesians would come to have knowledge of Christ’s love. It is not enough that we simply feel the love and power of Christ, but we must come to comprehend it as well. In my experience, the more I understand the love of Christ, the deeper my affections are toward Him. We must strive for understanding, and this will effect our feeling.
1Kings 19-22
While King Jehoshaphat did not worship idols himself, he did leave the alters to them up and did not make any effort to destroy these practices in the land of Judah. It is a compromise like this that leads the next generation into complete idolatry. We must be on our guard to not let compromise sneak into our lives. We may not experience negative outcomes, but those after us most certainly will.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Weekly Update 7/12
Dear Friends and Family,
This morning’s time of worship was helpful for me. It was beneficial to take a look into the parable of the sower and see what kind of soil my heart resembles. It was also uplifting to be able to celebrate resurrection and the effects it has on our lives. Next week in Bible Study we will look into chapter four of the Scripture section of Why God Created the World. Last week we discussed the fact that the Bible explains that God created the world for His glory, and this week we will look at how the Bible expands on that by saying He created it for His name’s sake, to make Him known, and so that He would be praised. There will not be Summer Spirit until August. Next Sunday night I will be preaching. I am going to take a historical view of song in the church and provide some helpful ideas of how we ought to worship as a body of believers.
This week’s hymn writer is Isaac Watts (1674-1748). Watts was born on July 17, 1674 to a schoolmaster in Southampton, England. Even as a child he showed promise in the literary world. In 1702 he began to pastor and remained for the majority of his life in Abney Park, England. He has made an enormous impact in the world of hymnody. You may be familiar with the following hymns by this influential poet: “Alas, and Did my Savior Bleed,” “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?,” “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun,” “Joy to the World,” “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past,” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Not only has Watts provided Christians with numerous hymns, but he has also translated psalms and set them to meter. We have been appreciating some of these works each week. This week’s Psalm is number 19. I suggest singing this particular Psalm to the tune of the “Doxology” which is OLD HUNDREDTH.
Here is Hymnary.org’s page on Isaac Watts: http://www.hymnary.org/person/Watts_Isaac
Here is a wonderful video describing Watt’s life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6o9OHBtIQg
The heav’ns declare Thy glory, Lord,
In every star Thy wisdom shines;
But when our eyes behold Thy Word
We read Thy name in fairer lines.
The rolling sun, the changing light,
And nights and days Thy power confess;
But the blest volume Thou hast writ
Reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.
Sun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise
Round the whole earth, and never stand;
So when Thy truth begun its race,
It touch’d and glanc’d on every land.
Nor shall Thy spreading gospel rest,
Till thro’ the world Thy truth has run;
Till Christ has all the nations blest,
That see the light, or feel the sun.
Great Sun of Righteousness arise,
Bless the dark world with heavenly light;
Thy gospel makes the simple wise,
Thy laws are pure, Thy judgements right.
Thy noblest wonders here we view
In souls renew’d and sins forgiven;
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew,
And make Thy word my guide to heaven.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
June 25 Bible Reading
Mark 12
If ever you wonder what the most important thing is that you ought to pursue to please God, look no further than Mark 12. Here Jesus instructs us that we should love God above all else, and also that we should love our neighbor as ourself. These two commandments are the most important and ought to be sought after before anything else.
Psalm 54-56
We have a hope that we will be delivered from our affliction. We also have something that David did not; we know that Peter tells us to count it joy when we are persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. We can pray and know that God will deliver us one day into eternity to be free from oppression, but as we face it in this life, we can know that God is glorified.
Exodus 32&33
Aaron’s response to Moses’ asking about the golden calf actually made me laugh. Aaron’s response is something like, “I through the gold in the fire, and a calf came out!” This kind of response is one we might expect from a guilty child, but certainly not a man of God. However, this and countless other examples of Moses’ and Aaron’s lives remind us that we are all fallen people capable of deceit and sin no matter how close to God. This should make us strive to be more like Christ and not fall into these traps of sin.
Jeremiah 52 & Lamentations 1&2
Jeremiah’s lament over the fallen city of Jerusalem is a great example to us when we see inevitable consequences occur due to sin. Jeremiah had warned the people of the coming judgement, and they did not turn from their erroneous ways. Even after the fall of Jerusalem happened, and though Jeremiah knew it would happen, he still mourns its loss. We can mourn the consequences of our friends and loved ones too when they receive the consequence of sin.
Ephesians 2
We have been saved through faith alone. There is no law that we must fulfill or list of works we must accomplish. We have been granted salvation because of Christ’s work on the cross and the faith we have in His death and resurrection, and there’s no other way about it.
1Kings 16-18
As I was reading this passage, I was struck with the heartbreak it must have been to watch the people of the One True God turn to the idol Baal. Then, as Elijah reassembles the alter of the Lord, he must have felt such pain that it had been demolished like this. But, the Lord proved Himself to be the One True God. We serve a living God who interacts with us and is powerful enough to send fire from heaven. When we are discouraged that people are falling away from a faith in God, we can be confident that He is real and true.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
June 24 Bible Reading
Mark 11
In this passage there is a great struggle between how Jesus was perceived by His followers and how the Pharisees perceived Him. The people, for the most part, recognized His authority and honored Him as He entered Jerusalem. The Pharisees, however, did not want to admit that He had been sent from Heaven, in so far as they refused to answer Him when they were put on the spot. We must be unashamed that Jesus is sent from God to take away the sins of the world. If we cannot admit that He is Devine, then His death is in vain.
Psalm 51-53
Although we might be looked down on now for following God’s commandments, we can rest assured that there is coming a day when all will be made right. The fool who says that there is no God will be brought down and shown the truths of God.
Exodus 30&31
I find it interesting and exciting when I read about Bazalel. This was a man who God filled with the Holy Spirit and then gave artistic abilities to so that he could make beautiful things for the tabernacle. It is amazing that God would do something like this, and as an artist, I can know that God has helped my artistic abilities and equipped me with them to serve Him.
Jeremiah 49-51
God is in charge of rulers and nations. He is in control of the rise of leaders cruel and benevolent alike. We must trust that He will take care of judging cruelty and making peace and war where He deems fit.
Ephesians 1
We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is wonderful news. We are no longer bound to and controlled by our sin nature, instead we have been filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit. He is our guarantee that we will one day be a part of the Heavenly Kingdom.
1Kings 13-15
God expected that the leaders of His countries would be faithful to serving Him. The standard for leaders is one of high expectations, and it comes with great consequences when not paid attention to. Those in leadership should take note and understand that God wants us to be examples to those who are under us.
Monday, July 6, 2015
June 23 Bible Reading
Mark 10 Jesus tells His disciples that it is humanly impossible for a rich man to come to God, but with then reminds them that with God all things are possible. We must realize that it is only the Lord who can save our souls or bring us to the understanding to love Him back. We are born enemies of the cross, but it is God who works in us to bring us to Salvation.
Psalm 48-50
Psalm 49 reminds us that there is no possible way that a man could pay for his own soul, or the soul of another. God would not be able to take such a payment for the privilege to live forever and escape from Hell. This idea that we could work for salvation or do things for the salvation of others is not at all backed up by Scripture, as is evidenced here.
Exodus 28&29
God is holy, and therefore must be separated from any incarnations of sin. This would provide a challenge, then, for the people of Israel, racked with sin as they were, to come before God. The priests, in order to overcome this extreme separation, had to go through rigorous ceremonial cleanings in order to come near to God to represent the people.
Jeremiah 46-48
God promises Israel that He will protect them and deliver them. Although the Lord is bringing this judgement upon them, He will provide for Israel and preserve them through this rough time. He tells them that these events are a discipline. When we are disciplined by God, we can trust that He will be faithful to His children and bring them through purified.
Galatians 5&6
We must not be deceived in thinking that we would be able to earn God’s favor by keeping the law. We have been freed from such things, not to practice lawlessness, but instead to be governed by the Holy Spirit living in us and directing us. We are obliged to do the will of our redeemer. Our lives ought to evidence the fact that we have been regenerated by God, and our defining characteristic ought to be love for one-another.
1Kings 10-12
Solomon was not without warning. God had promised that if Solomon did not obey His commands, then the country would be ripped from him. We must pay attention to be obedient servants of God. He is serious about our dedication to Him. This sin of one man changed the lives of all of the citizens under him.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Weekly Update 7/5
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you for your encouraging singing this morning. I know it was a little different from what most of us are used to, but it was uplifting to see everyone coming together to sing to our Lord and Savior. Bible study went exceedingly well this week. It was a pleasure to examine what is meant by God’s glory and explore passages in which it is discussed. Summer Spirit was also a fun night; we learned that the power to do Godly things come from the Holy Spirit in us and not our own strength. In Sunday school this morning we exposited Philippians 2:14-18. Next week the kids in Summer Spirit will learn about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and that Jesus was faithful even when His friends abandoned or denied Him. In Bible study we will continue through the Scripture section of Why God Created the World. This week’s chapter, chapter 3, will reveal passages to us that do the following: 1) explicitly state God’s intentions for creating the world, 2) tell of what part humanity plays in creation, 3) reveal what is at the root of what makes something like God (good, true, or beautiful), 4) tell us what God expects His followers view of life to be, 5) teach what the desires of God followers should be, 6) reveal Jesus’ mission, and 7) explain what is often explained as God’s goal in His daily operations. It will be a lengthy chapter, but one that will reveal much about God and His purposes in creating. Lastly, in Sunday school next week we will be diving into Romans 3:21-28.
In leu of a bio about a hymn writer, this week I encourage you to read this paper which explains where the words to “Man of Sorrows,” our new song of the month, come from in Scripture.
Here is the link to the paper: http://drewsinternship2015.blogspot.com/2015/07/man-of-sorrows-hymn-study.html
Here is a video of the new song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ZJ5D5q54g
This week’s psalm translation of Isaac Watts is Psalm 8. I suggest singing this text to the tune “O Lord, You’re Beautiful” by Keith Green.
O Lord, our heavenly King,
Thy name is all divine;
Thy glories round the earth are spread,
And o’er the heavens they shine.
When to thy works on high
I raise my wondering eyes,
And see the moon complete in light
Adorn the darksome skies:
When I survey the stars,
And all their shining forms,
Lord, what is man, that worthless thing,
Akin to dust and worms?
Lord, what is worthless man,
That Thou shouldst love him so?
Next to thine angels he is plac’d,
And lord of all below.
Thine honours crown his head,
While beasts like slaves obey,
And birds that cut the air with wings,
And fish that cleave the sea.
How rich Thy bounties are!
And wondrous are Thy ways:
And wondrous are Thy ways:
Of dust and worms thy power can frame
A monument of praise.
Out of the mouths of babes
And sucklings Thou canst draw
Surprising honours to Thy name,
And strike the world with awe.
O Lord, our heavenly King,
Thy name is all divine;
Thy glories round the earth are spread,
And o’er the heavens they shine.
Man of Sorrows: Hymn Study
“Man of Sorrows” (2012), by Brooke Ligertwood and Matt Crocker, is a beautiful picture of the cross and tomb, and gives us an opportunity to rejoice in the gift of redemption. The first two verses present pictures of the cross and of Christ’s sufferings there. The chorus allows a chance to rejoice for our salvation through Christ’s blood poured out on the cross. In the third verse we draw back from the intimate picture of the cross to remember Christ’s overarching goal in coming to the earth. The bridge allows the singing believer another opportunity to claim the work of Christ. The final verse leaves Jesus not at the cross or in the tomb, but risen and alive. Throughout this song there are allusions and even direct quotes of Scripture, and I hope to bring these to your attention so that as you sing this song your heart and mind can be filled with the Word of God.
The first verse is an image of Christ as He is preparing to go to the cross. It reads, “Man of sorrows Lamb of God/ By His own betrayed/ The sin of man and wrath of God/ Has been on Jesus laid.” The phrase “Man of Sorrows” comes from Isaiah 53. Here the Christ is described, “He was despised and rejected by men;/ a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;/ and as one from whom men hide their faces/ he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” This powerful name well describes Jesus’s dejection as the sin of the world was placed upon Him. The line continues, and not only informs us of Christ’s suffering, but also His role in redemptive history; He is described as the “Lamb of God.” This is obviously referring to the sacrificial Lamb on which the sins of a Jew would be placed before it was killed in order to pay for them. This picture, set up by the law, parallels Christ’s actions for sinners. The sin of the world was placed upon Him, and then He died in order to pay the price for that sin. Jesus Himself is called the Lamb of God by John the Baptist in John 1:29. John sees Jesus and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus was in fact “By His own betrayed.” Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, betrayed Him only a few hours before the events depicted in this song. Luke 22:3&4 reads, “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.” This plan comes to fruition in 47&48: “While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’” This betrayal left such an impact on the other disciples that every mention of his name is qualified with the phrase, “the one who betrayed Him.” For example, in Matthew 10, when Matthew is listing the twelve disciples, the list concludes in verse 4 with, “Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” Jesus bore the sins of the world, as previously mentioned. Peter reminds us of this truth: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) Not only did He bear our sins, but He also bore the wrath of God. The word John uses to convey this truth is propitiation, which means a wrath absorbing sacrifice. This has the idea that Jesus took upon Himself the wrath of God against the sin that He was bearing, and His death satisfied this wrath. 1 John 4:10 reads, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
The second verse depicts Jesus’s sufferings as He was being tried and His submission to God’s will that He should become our sacrifice. The first line sings, “Silent as He stood accused.” Jesus, incredibly, remained silent as He was taunted. Matthew 26:59-63 recounts the story, “Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, ‘This man said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, ‘Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?’ But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, ‘I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.’” The song goes on, “Beaten, mocked, and scorned.” These three awful treatments are described in Matthew 27:27-31, “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.” The last line of this verse recounts part of these verses as well: “He took a crown of thorns.” The third line, however, “Bowing to the Father’s will,” describes the amazing submission that Christ exemplified in taking this treatment on Himself, so that God’s plan of redemption might be accomplished. This was no easy task. Jesus prayed, “‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’” (Luke 22:42)
The third verse brings to the forefront of the congregant’s mind the meta-narrative of Scripture and God’s plan for redeeming sinners, even the sinners who perpetrated such crimes against Christ. The verse opens with, “Sent of heaven, God’s own Son.” Jesus was, indeed, sent from heaven. He was not, as some heretical theories might say, created during His conception. He was there at creation, and has been with God the Father, within the Trinity, before the beginning of time. John 1:1 informs, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Not only was Jesus in the beginning with God, but because He is the God-Man, He is also the Son of God as stated in 1 John 4:15: “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” The song continues, “To purchase and redeem.” These are two things that Jesus came to earth to accomplish. First, He has purchased us from the bonds of sin. Therefore, since redemption is by definition the paying of something’s ransom, He has redeemed us to God the Father. We understand this concept from Ephesians 1:7: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses,according to the riches of his grace.” Not only are we redeemed, which implies the purchase, but we are also reconciled, meaning we have been restored to a relationship with God that sin had once breached. This can be gathered earlier in the Ephesians text when we are promised adoption in Christ: “In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:4-6) The song makes a strong statement that this reconciliation is extended even to those who committed the atrocities of crucifying Jesus. “And reconcile the very ones/ Who nailed Him to that tree.” We see that Jesus, in some of His final moments, calls out for the Father to forgive Jesus’s executers. This would indicate that Jesus knew that His blood was being shed for the sake of His oppressor’s forgiveness. “And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23:33-34)
The last verse leaves us with the hope that the resurrection provides. Instead of describing the empty tomb, in invites us to imagine seeing it empty and the stone rolled away. “See the stone is rolled away/ Behold the empty tomb.” This picture is the one presented in Luke 24:1-3: “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” This particular song invites us to rejoice at this fact with the following lines, “Hallelujah God be praised/ He’s risen from the grave.” Peter tells us to be glad for the work Christ accomplished not only on the cross, but in the tomb. He instructs us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy,he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9)
The chorus provides a repeated opportunity to marvel and rejoice in the cross and the work that God accomplished through it. Its beginning word, “Oh,” should not be overlooked or thought of as simply a syllable to fill a beat. The word is one of great emotion and expressivity. It must be used with the understanding that it reflects the overwhelming emotions that freedom from sin implies. The first line is, “Oh that rugged cross my salvation.” The cross truly was rugged; this is another word that, due to overuse, has lost its meaning. The tree on which Jesus was hung to die was rough and course. It would have torn His already mutilated flesh a considerable amount more. This was coupled with the fact that in order to just breathe, our Lord had to push Himself up through agony, as His joints were already dislocated. Each push upward brought with it the necessity to run His back along the tree’s jagged surface. This cross is the symbol of our salvation; it was the medium on which Christ accomplished His atoning work. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The second line of the chorus parallels Romans 5:5 (“and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”) by stating, “Where Your love poured out over me.” Then the song again encourages the believing singer to rejoice and thank God for His gift of Salvation: “Now my soul cries out hallelujah/ Praise and honor unto Thee.”
Lastly, the bridge of “Man of Sorrows” provides an opportunity to realize the powerful and lasting implications of Salvation. It begins, “Now my debt is paid/ It is paid in full.” Our debt has indeed been paid on the cross. Colossians 2:13&14 tell us, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Our debt has been paid with a very unique price, the blood of Christ. The bridge continues, “By the precious blood/ That my Jesus spilled.” Peter again reminds us, “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18&19) Then it moves on to realize that because of this freedom in Christ’s death, we are no longer bound by the curse. The crushing of the curse is understood in light of Romans 5:18&19, “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.” Here Paul alludes to the curse brought upon the world through Adam’s sin and its abolition brought to the world through the blood of Jesus Christ. “Man of Sorrows” puts it this way: “Now the curse of sin/ Has no hold on me/ Whom the Son sets free/ Oh is free indeed.”
“Man of Sorrows” is a beautiful tool to lead a believer’s mind to the cross and the work that Jesus Christ accomplished on it. The song instructs the believer to praise and teaches about the details of God’s plan for redemption. It has encouraged me greatly, and I hope that it continues to be a help to many.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
June 22 Bible Reading
Mark 9
Jesus reminds the disciples that power to do any sign must come from God. Jesus tells them that they must cast out demons through prayer. We must remember that it is through the power of God that we are able to do anything for the kingdom of God. It is imperative that we not try to accomplish things for God of our own power.
Psalm 45-47
Our troubles and this earth are very temporary compared to the infinity that is contained in God. We can take heart in the fact that He will outlast the hardest times or the most insurmountable odds. God is greater than anything on this earth, and we ought to rest confidently in Him as our fortress. He is our present help.
Exodus 26&27
There is definitely not a lack of detail in the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle. Moses is given explicit direction, and these details were followed to the greatest extent. God demands a high level of obedience. We too have been given instructions on how to live a God-centered life. Not only do we have the written Word of God, but also we possess the Holy Spirit guiding us from our souls. We have no excuse to be disobedient to the will of God in our lives. We are told that this conviction of the Holy Spirit we possess is greater than the written words that the prophets had. We ought to devote ourselves to the memorizing and conducting of God’s commands.
Jeremiah 43-45
Obedience is key to honoring God. The people who remained in Judah were given specific instructions and promises that guaranteed their safety, but they chose not to obey. If we expect God’s blessings, then we ought to obey His commands.
Galatians 4
We are children of God! We have been made heirs with Christ. The Kingdom of Heaven is ours to inhabit and inherit. We have an incredible promise because we are children of the new covenant. What a blessing it is to be on this side of the cross and see God’s plan of salvation come to completion and even to be a partaker in it.
1Kings 7-9
Solomon has the humility to recognize that this incredible temple that he built for the Lord pales in comparison to what the creator of the universe actually deserves to reside in. This was no small admonition; Solomon had poured a lot of time, money, and work into the Temple. Solomon knew that nothing of the world would be enough to please its creator. We must not be caught in the misunderstanding that we can impress God. We must simply do our best to be faithful.
June 21 Bible Reading
Mark 8
It is important that we recognize Jesus for who He is, the Messiah, the God-man. He must be more than a good man or a prophet if He is able to pay for the price of our redemption from sin. Jesus must be fully God to be a perfect sacrifice to appease God’s wrath.
Psalm 42-44
A simple principle that can be gathered from these psalms is that we must thirst for God. We must desire His words and His presence. He is our strength and comfort. When our soul is downcast, and when our strength seems gone, we must attend to the never ending stream of Devine strength and solace. In God our hope is found.
Exodus 24&25
God proved Himself to be mighty, splendid, and glorious when He rested on Mount Sinai. This kind of display makes the details of the intricate and beautiful Tabernacle make sense. A glorious God would reside in a glorious place. We, as born again believers, have been made the Tabernacle, or dwelling place, of God. We ought to treat ourselves with such care, and present ourselves as humble abodes to a splendid King.
Jeremiah 40-42
Jeremiah finally receives some recognition and relief. After years of oppression from his own people, the rulers of Babylon respect him and offer him freedom. God is not without comfort. We must wait on Him and trust that His purposes are being accomplished. It is a wonderful oasis from the deserts of life when God is gracious to give us rest. We must be watchful and appreciate these times.
Galatians 2&3
The law points us to our need for a Savior. We must be rescued from our sin, and we are reminded and convicted of our sin, because it is impossible for us to attain the perfection demanded by the law. Christ has redeemed us. We are saved not by being perfect, but believing in the Perfect One.
1Kings 4-6
To some, the details written here about the building of the temple might seem superfluous. But this was an incredible event in human history. Finally, the people of Israel would have a permanent place to worship the One True God. It is more though, than merely a status symbol, which brought the God of Israel to a place that idols had possessed for centuries, it was here in Jerusalem that God’s redemptive plan would unfold.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Weekly Update 6/28
Dear Friends and Family,
This week was packed with fruitful ministry. During VBS I was in the Bible room where kids and their crew leaders learned that God has the power to provide, comfort, heal, forgive, and love us forever. It was an exciting time as Miss Fran and I taught them about how God worked through the prophets Elijah and Elisha and how Peter could receive forgiveness for his denial of Jesus. Truths about the Gospel and the implications it can have in our lives were taught, and the message of Salvation was clearly presented. I had a blast, and I think the kids did too. Please pray for me as I look ahead to this week’s ministry opportunities. I return to work at Dunham’s after a hiatus for VBS. Please pray that I will be a light of Christ there. This Tuesday night, in Bible Study, we will discover a little more about what exactly is meant by God’s glory, and we will learn how we ought to glorify Him. During Summer Spirit on Wednesday night we will be exploring the Biblical accounts of Peter and John’s apostleships, and through these accounts we will be taught that the power to do God’s will comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling us. Also, please pray as I prepare for my upcoming Sunday Night of Praise. On July 19 I will be presenting a night of music and teaching to direct our hearts and minds to the history and Biblical teaching of congregational singing.
I would like to take some time and tell you about Martin Luther (1483-1546). Not only is Luther a great theologian and reformer, but he has had a great impact in the world of hymnody. He himself translated many Latin songs which were used in his time into German, so that the people of his congregations could sing them with understanding. He also translated many psalms into German, and wrote many original hymns and chorales. We have been blessed by several English translators that have brought these treasures of song to our common vernacular. Luther had an apparent desire that the people of his congregations be able to sing songs in their language. Until the Reformation songs were exclusively sung in Latin, but Luther desired hymnody that would be in the tongue of his congregants. It was plain to him that people would minister to one another in song only if the song was understandable. He also prayed that God would raise up gifted poets in order to produce new songs in the German language. We too could take his example and pray that God would continue to raise up Godly men and women who would wright songs of substance in our vernacular. Luther states in Formula Missae et Communionis (1523), “Also, I wish we had more songs in the vernacular for the people to sing during mass, either immediately after the gradual of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei. For who doubts that once the voices of all the people did this, which now only the choir sings or responds to the blessings of the bishop? In fact, the bishops may arrange these songs thus, either after the Latin songs, or alternately in Latin on one day and sung in the vernacular on another, until the whole mass is brought out in the vernacular. But poets are missing among us, or are not yet known, who can produce devout and spiritual songs (as Paul calls them) [Colossians 3:16] [.]” Also, in a letter to Georg Spalatin in 1523, he writes, “Grace and peace. It is our intention, following the example of the prophets and ancient church fathers, to write vernacular psalms for the masses, that is, spiritual songs, that the word of God may continue among the people even in song. Therefore, we look everywhere for poets. Since you are certainly gifted with both fluency and elegance in the German language, and have refined it through much use, I beg you to work with us in this cause, and try to transform any of the psalms into songs, just as you have in my present example. However, I would prefer that you omit new words and those used at court, in order to appeal to the masses of plain people, yet at the same time using words that are choice and proper to be sung, having a clear meaning and related as closely as possible to the psalm. Accordingly, exercise your freedom, keeping the meaning, abandoning exact wording, arranging your translation by using other words.” This is a wonderful example to songwriters today of how we should approach writing songs based on Scripture. Martin Luther had a passion for people to sing in their native tongue, and he had a mind to encourage others to produce songs for his congregants to sing.
This week’s psalm is the second part of the one that I presented last week, Psalm 19. Again I suggest singing it to the tune ST. THOMAS which accompanies “Stand Up and Bless the Lord” (65), “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” (405), and “Rise Up, O Church of God” (433).
I hear Thy word with love,
And I would fain obey;
Send Thy good Spirit from above
To guide me, lest I stray.
O who can ever find?
The errors of His ways?
Yet, with a bold presumptuous mind,
I would not dare transgress.
Warn me of every sin,
Forgive my secret faults,
And cleanse this guilty soul of mine,
Whose crimes exceed my thoughts.
While with my heart and tongue
I spread Thy praise abroad,
Accept the worship and the song,
My Saviour and my God.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
June 20 Bible Reading
Mark 7
Jesus reminds us that it is not what we consume that makes us sinful people, but our actions come from what is in our hearts. If our hearts are bent toward sin, then we will be people of sinful actions. We must instead strive to be people with hearts set heavenward, and our actions will follow suit.
Job 40-42
God does not answer Job’s questions about his suffering. Instead God shows Job that that is none of his business. Job realizes that God is so far above him, and he has no right to question God. We must come to that realization too. We will not always understand why God gives us certain trials, but when they come we must live up to a standard worthy of Christ and trust that God is greater than we are.
Exodus 22&23
There are three people groups that the Lord expresses extra provision for in these laws. God is concerned with the wellbeing of the widowed, the orphaned, and the sojourner. We would be wise to pay attention to these groups too. It would be a God honoring thing to make sure that our lives are promoting these peoples’ interests.
Jeremiah 37-39
Jeremiah’s message was an unpleasant, but important one. He needed to communicate the danger that the city was facing and the rescue they could have. He was then thrown in prison for his message. We too have a message that will not always be received well. People are facing eternal damnation, and we have the rescue plan. We will not always be welcomed, and we may well suffer as Jeremiah did, but we must remain faithful to our calling to preach the gospel.
Galatians 1
Paul makes it very clear that the gospel is more important than himself. He also wants the Galatians believers to understand the importance of believing the true gospel of Christ. There are many conflicting views on God in the world, but we must be unmoved in our convictions of the truth.
1Kings 1-3
Solomon’s request for wisdom is one that we recognize as coming from a heart devoted to God. We should delight in His ways and yearn for the understanding that only He gives. It is a Godly thing to ask for wisdom. When we are unsure in life or lack discernment, we ought to pray for it. God gives many things including wisdom.
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