Of all things, guard against neglecting God
in the secret place of prayer.
- William Wilberforce
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
A man who is eating or lying with his wife or preparing
to go to sleep in humility, thankfulness and
temperance, is, by Christian standards, in
infinitely higher state than one who
is listening to Bach or reading
Plato in a state of pride.
Walk As You Have Been Called
What religion are you? I am sure you have been asked this question more than once in your life. Yet I believe it is not an easy question to answer. I often stumble over the word "religion." The word religion can be defined as the observance of a faith or practice of a system of beliefs. It can mean the service and worship of God, a god, or the supernatural.
Yet "religion" that has no practical impact on our daily lives is as useless as the definitions above. Religion can become vague or abstract, it can encourage empty professions of faith, it can become focused on works, loosing its true identity and purpose.
In 1 Corinthians Paul reminds us to "lead the life that the Lord has assigned him, and to which God has called him."(1Corinthians 7:17 ESV) In other words, walk the life you have been called to walk. In your home, in your work, and in your church, walk the walk you have been called to. There is little room in the Christian life for hypocrisy. Too many people today want to seek their own way; they promote their own opinions over seeking the call of God. They will tell you in a very religious tone how important God is in their life and then go on to explain their wants, their needs, and their desires. In the process, seeking God's will and walking as he has called us to walk falls out of the discussion. For these people serving their religion is far more important than seeking the one, true, living God.
Christianity is not, in the truest sense, a religion; it is a relationship. It is not based on a system of steps to follow but founded in a real, life giving relationship. Jesus did not promote a system of works, he reached out personally to those who needed him most.
RefRev
Yet "religion" that has no practical impact on our daily lives is as useless as the definitions above. Religion can become vague or abstract, it can encourage empty professions of faith, it can become focused on works, loosing its true identity and purpose.
In 1 Corinthians Paul reminds us to "lead the life that the Lord has assigned him, and to which God has called him."(1Corinthians 7:17 ESV) In other words, walk the life you have been called to walk. In your home, in your work, and in your church, walk the walk you have been called to. There is little room in the Christian life for hypocrisy. Too many people today want to seek their own way; they promote their own opinions over seeking the call of God. They will tell you in a very religious tone how important God is in their life and then go on to explain their wants, their needs, and their desires. In the process, seeking God's will and walking as he has called us to walk falls out of the discussion. For these people serving their religion is far more important than seeking the one, true, living God.
Christianity is not, in the truest sense, a religion; it is a relationship. It is not based on a system of steps to follow but founded in a real, life giving relationship. Jesus did not promote a system of works, he reached out personally to those who needed him most.
RefRev
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"Cowards never won heaven. Do not claim that you are begotton
of God and have His royal blood running in your veins unless
you can prove your lineage by this heroic spirit;
to dare to be holy in spite of men and devils."
- William Gurnall
of God and have His royal blood running in your veins unless
you can prove your lineage by this heroic spirit;
to dare to be holy in spite of men and devils."
- William Gurnall
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
Saving faith is an immediate relation to Christ,
accepting, receiving, resting upon Him alone,
for justification, sanctification, and eternal
life by virtue of God's grace.
- Charles Spurgeon
accepting, receiving, resting upon Him alone,
for justification, sanctification, and eternal
life by virtue of God's grace.
- Charles Spurgeon
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Grace is Not a Blue Light Special
Grace is not a blue light special that can be purchased with your credit or debt card. It is never to be traded or sold at a discount. Yet many today seek to do just that. They promote cheap grace. I am sure you have heard of or even had encounters with this form of grace. It is easy to obtain, it is usually offered at a price that will cost you little and comes with all kinds of guarantees.
The warning has been sounded since the founding of our faith. Cheap grace is one of the deadly enemies of the church of God. Some churches, denominations, and ministers use cheap grace as a means to increase membership, giving, or attendance. It is presented as a form of grace with no sacrifice and no commitment.
In a number of his writings Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who coined the phrase "Cheap Grace", spoke often about this type of grace. Bonhoeffer said, "Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without Church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."
This is not the pearl of great price that we are to sell all our possessions for in order to obtain. This is the discounted blue light special that can be had for little or nothing. It is peddled by those who covet position, popularity, and gain with no thought of what it will ultimately cost those who accept this imitation over the real thing. Bonhoeffer reminds us that true grace is costly: "It is costly because it cost a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son."
This costly grace that Bonhoeffer so passionately speaks of is grace that calls us to follow Jesus Christ and place our lives in his hands. It is grace that demands commitment and submission, not out of duty or guilt, but out of love and gratitude. It is real grace, costly grace, grace that is able to help each of us recognize our true self and our true need. It is the kind of grace John Newton wrote about - it is amazing grace because it has the ability to save a wrech like me.
RefRev
The warning has been sounded since the founding of our faith. Cheap grace is one of the deadly enemies of the church of God. Some churches, denominations, and ministers use cheap grace as a means to increase membership, giving, or attendance. It is presented as a form of grace with no sacrifice and no commitment.
In a number of his writings Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who coined the phrase "Cheap Grace", spoke often about this type of grace. Bonhoeffer said, "Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without Church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."
This is not the pearl of great price that we are to sell all our possessions for in order to obtain. This is the discounted blue light special that can be had for little or nothing. It is peddled by those who covet position, popularity, and gain with no thought of what it will ultimately cost those who accept this imitation over the real thing. Bonhoeffer reminds us that true grace is costly: "It is costly because it cost a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son."
This costly grace that Bonhoeffer so passionately speaks of is grace that calls us to follow Jesus Christ and place our lives in his hands. It is grace that demands commitment and submission, not out of duty or guilt, but out of love and gratitude. It is real grace, costly grace, grace that is able to help each of us recognize our true self and our true need. It is the kind of grace John Newton wrote about - it is amazing grace because it has the ability to save a wrech like me.
RefRev
Monday, June 11, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
I have held many things in my hands,
and I have lost them all; but whatever
I have placed in God's hands,
that I still possess.
- Martin Luther
and I have lost them all; but whatever
I have placed in God's hands,
that I still possess.
- Martin Luther
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"A true love of God must begin in a
delight in his holiness."
- Jonathan Edwards
delight in his holiness."
- Jonathan Edwards
Sunday, June 10, 2012
One of Those Days
Ever had one of those days? You know the kind of days I am talking about. Those days when everything seems to be a struggle, a bit more difficult, evn a challenge. When life moves from moments of enjoyment into survival mode. You know, one of those kind of days.
During the days of the prophet Micah, Israel was having one of those days, which turned into a number of those weeks, then many of those years. The people were reeling from the weight of their own disobedience and sin. It was during those days Micah spoke these words, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for my God my Savior. My God will hear me." (Micah 7:7)
As I was having one of those days this morning, I was also reading Micah's words. During a time of great disappointment, misery, and sorrow, Micah was able to watch in hope for the Lord. He was willing to wait on God to act. He believed, with no doubt, that his God would hear him.
As I read Micah's words I felt a bit unsettled. My difficulties are nothing in comparision but neither is my response to God. In both areas I have shown my weak faith and a bend towards self-centeredness. I do not watch in hope and I have shown no willingness to wait for God to respond. All I have done is to try and convince myself that God has turned a deaf ear to my request or rather, my complaints. Even though the Scriptures clearly show he has not.
So today, even though I may be having one of those days, I can be thankful. For once again, God has spoken to me through his word. He has encouraged me to take the events of this day and look at them through his word. I have been given yet another opportunity to take a step back and watch in hope and wait for my Lord to act. For through his word he has assured me that he will hear me.
RefRev
During the days of the prophet Micah, Israel was having one of those days, which turned into a number of those weeks, then many of those years. The people were reeling from the weight of their own disobedience and sin. It was during those days Micah spoke these words, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for my God my Savior. My God will hear me." (Micah 7:7)
As I was having one of those days this morning, I was also reading Micah's words. During a time of great disappointment, misery, and sorrow, Micah was able to watch in hope for the Lord. He was willing to wait on God to act. He believed, with no doubt, that his God would hear him.
As I read Micah's words I felt a bit unsettled. My difficulties are nothing in comparision but neither is my response to God. In both areas I have shown my weak faith and a bend towards self-centeredness. I do not watch in hope and I have shown no willingness to wait for God to respond. All I have done is to try and convince myself that God has turned a deaf ear to my request or rather, my complaints. Even though the Scriptures clearly show he has not.
So today, even though I may be having one of those days, I can be thankful. For once again, God has spoken to me through his word. He has encouraged me to take the events of this day and look at them through his word. I have been given yet another opportunity to take a step back and watch in hope and wait for my Lord to act. For through his word he has assured me that he will hear me.
RefRev
Thursday, June 7, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
Christianity is not a theory or speculation,
but a life; not a philosophy of life,
but a life and a living process.
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
but a life; not a philosophy of life,
but a life and a living process.
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
I am a historian, not a believer, but I must confess
as a historian that the penniless preacher from
Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of
history. Jesus Christ is easily the most
dominate figure in all history.
- H.G. Wells
as a historian that the penniless preacher from
Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of
history. Jesus Christ is easily the most
dominate figure in all history.
- H.G. Wells
Monday, June 4, 2012
This Morning
Merciful Lord,
This morning, as I look upon your creation, I am reminded of your power, your glory, and your holiness.
This morning, I come before you as a sinner whose fall and brokeness cannot be questioned.
This morning, I pray that you would forgive my sins, those of commision and omission.
This morning, I ask you to forgive my unfaithfulness, my hard-heartedness, my pride, everything that may stand between us.
This morning, I seek your pardon of my sins, those I have confessed and those I have forgotten, those I have felt and those I have ignored, those known and those I have hidden.
This morning, Lord hear my prayer. This morning, forgive your child.
Lord, this morning, may I experience the exceeding wonder and joy of your grace, knowing with full assurance, that I am a sinner but I am saved by an even greater Savior.
In the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!
RefRev
This morning, as I look upon your creation, I am reminded of your power, your glory, and your holiness.
This morning, I come before you as a sinner whose fall and brokeness cannot be questioned.
This morning, I pray that you would forgive my sins, those of commision and omission.
This morning, I ask you to forgive my unfaithfulness, my hard-heartedness, my pride, everything that may stand between us.
This morning, I seek your pardon of my sins, those I have confessed and those I have forgotten, those I have felt and those I have ignored, those known and those I have hidden.
This morning, Lord hear my prayer. This morning, forgive your child.
Lord, this morning, may I experience the exceeding wonder and joy of your grace, knowing with full assurance, that I am a sinner but I am saved by an even greater Savior.
In the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!
RefRev
Sunday, June 3, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
To be silent does not mean
to be inactive;
rather it means to breathe in the will of God,
to listen attentively and be ready to obey.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
rather it means to breathe in the will of God,
to listen attentively and be ready to obey.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Friday, June 1, 2012
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
If Jesus Christ were to come today people would
not
even crucify him. They would ask him to
dinner, and hear what he has to say,
and make fun of it.
The Ultimate Question
Questions are a part of life. Each day we respond to a number of questions. They come from family members and friends, even strangers we might pass on the street or in the market. Can you tell me how I can get to Willow Avenue? Did you pick up the dry cleaning? Would you mind taking out the trash? Are you watching the kids? Will you take the dog for a walk? We all ask and answer questions on a daily basis. But are we asking the right question?
Who is Jesus Christ? I believe this is the ultimate question we must all ask and answer in life. In the New Testament, everything revolves around this question. In the Old Testament, everything points to this question. It is the one question we can never push aside because it is woven into the fabric of our lives.
We read about Jesus in the scriptures and in books. He is discussed on television and across the internet. We here his name on the street, standing in line, at work, and at school. He is presented in a positive light by some and a negative light by others, but the discussion continues, as it has for over 2,000 years. Who is Jesus? This is and will remain the ultimate question in our lives. How we answer it will determine life itself.
The Apostle Paul was confronted with this question while on a trip to Damascus. His answer changed his life and would start a chain reaction of events that are still being felt around the world today. Paul went from being a Pharisee to a promoter of Jesus Christ. For him, Christ became his all and all. The New Testament is full of Paul's writings about Jesus Christ - his answer to the ultimate question.
In his message to the Colossians Paul gives us an example of his answer. He tells the Colossians Jesus is the true knowledge they have been searching for in life. He is the embodiment of wisdom and understanding. The truth dwells in Christ alone and the very power of God is found in him. Paul goes on to remind us that Jesus is the incarnation of God and if we want to experience God's love and bear true spiritual fruit in our lives we must grab hold of Jesus.
Jesus, who is Jesus, this is the ultimate question we must answer in life. Paul was confronted with this question. Colossians 3:11 gives us insight to Paul's answer "Christ is all and in all." We can go through life and accept or reject Jesus Christ but we cannot change the question. For Paul the answer to the ultimate question was simple. Jesus is all in life and all of life is in Him.
RefRev
Who is Jesus Christ? I believe this is the ultimate question we must all ask and answer in life. In the New Testament, everything revolves around this question. In the Old Testament, everything points to this question. It is the one question we can never push aside because it is woven into the fabric of our lives.
We read about Jesus in the scriptures and in books. He is discussed on television and across the internet. We here his name on the street, standing in line, at work, and at school. He is presented in a positive light by some and a negative light by others, but the discussion continues, as it has for over 2,000 years. Who is Jesus? This is and will remain the ultimate question in our lives. How we answer it will determine life itself.
The Apostle Paul was confronted with this question while on a trip to Damascus. His answer changed his life and would start a chain reaction of events that are still being felt around the world today. Paul went from being a Pharisee to a promoter of Jesus Christ. For him, Christ became his all and all. The New Testament is full of Paul's writings about Jesus Christ - his answer to the ultimate question.
In his message to the Colossians Paul gives us an example of his answer. He tells the Colossians Jesus is the true knowledge they have been searching for in life. He is the embodiment of wisdom and understanding. The truth dwells in Christ alone and the very power of God is found in him. Paul goes on to remind us that Jesus is the incarnation of God and if we want to experience God's love and bear true spiritual fruit in our lives we must grab hold of Jesus.
Jesus, who is Jesus, this is the ultimate question we must answer in life. Paul was confronted with this question. Colossians 3:11 gives us insight to Paul's answer "Christ is all and in all." We can go through life and accept or reject Jesus Christ but we cannot change the question. For Paul the answer to the ultimate question was simple. Jesus is all in life and all of life is in Him.
RefRev
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