"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The [W]ind bloweth where it [I]t listeth..."
(John 3"7-8)
Those who have entered into covenant relations with God, through Christ, can look forward to joys unspeakable. In fact, the half has not yet been told. Our Saviour, the Master Builder, has gone to prepare a place for those who walk with Him -for them who love Him, trust Him, and obey Him. They, like Abraham, look for a city made without hands; a continuing city. This hope sustains the faithful.
On the other side of this hope we find hopelessness. We find the promise of torment and separation from God and His blessings. This causes great heaviness and sorrow for the concerned saints. Another heaviness for the concerned saint is their inablility to convey the gospel to their unsaved loved ones.
At this point let the writer state a very unpopular belief he holds. He does not believe that every person is called to share the gospel. Not every person is called to witness. Every saint is called to be a witness but not to witness. In the often quoted passages like Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15, the Master is speaking to men which have been placed in the office of minister. When St. Paul speaks of gospel preaching in 2Cor. he uses terms such as, "we", "us", "our" etc. Paul, when using the above pronouns, speaks of himself, Timotheus, Silas and other fellow ministers. The writer understands this is considered an attack on the gospel itself, but he is not worried because it is a biblically defendable statement.
In light of the above... what is a mother, father, son or daughter to do with their unsaved loved one? "Marvel not". When the Wind or Spirit comes He will clarify all that needs to be understood by the sinner. The Spirit is "able to make one wise unto salvation".
One is never saved by the worry or clarity of a concerned saint or praying family member. The sinner is saved by the sovereign, clarifying, and regenerating work of God the Spirit.
My reader, live the gospel, love the Master, and commit your loved ones to God.
The Lord Jesus tells Nicodemus not to worry about his inability to understand the spiritual, because when the Spirit comes He will give the ability to understand. This text, if grasped with the hands of faith, can give great comfort to those with unsaved family and friends.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Divine Hatred
"And I hated Esau"
Malachi 1:3
In the previous posting the subject was loving one's enemy. In this post the subject will be hatred. The chosen text for this study is Malachi 1:3, which can be compared with Romans ch. 9. In this verse we find God Himself stating hatred for someone. Does God hate? Yes He does. I know that some readers will be quick to point out that it is a nation God is referring to in the passage, and not a person. Correct, but that is the reason one should compare it with Romans ch. 9.
Romans 9 speaks of Divine election. God chose to love Jacob and hate Esau. This election was made prior to either man doing good or evil (Romans 9). This election occured before the foundation of the world (Eph.1). The writer is prepared to state and defend the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty and free election, but not here, and not now. The subject of this posting is divine hatred and not election. What does it mean for God to hate something or someone? It means the opposite of loving something or someone. The biblical definition of love, as stated prior, is desiring the best for someone. The biblical definition for hatred is to oppose something or someone. In fact, the word for hate in the original language is "to oppose". When God stated His hatred for Esau (nation and/or person) He was stating His opposition. Please read Malachi 1:3-5 for God's actions in relation to His hatred.
Psalm 50:21 states, "[thou didst err when] thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself." God is not like us. He does not hate like we do. Hatred, in man, controls him. God is not controlled by anything- including hate. Man's hatred controls his actions, feelings, and thoughts. That is not so with God. When God hates it has nothing to do with emotion and everything to do with holiness, righteousness, and divine choice. People cannot conceive of God hating because they do not understand the biblical definition of divine hatred.
When we find the psalmist expressing hatred we do not find justification for ourselves to be controlled by an emotion. God Forbid. We do find warrant to oppose things ungodly.
To sum up this and the last posting one might say, "I, as a follower of Christ, must desire God's best for all people- but at the same time I must oppose all that oppose/hate God."
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Malachi 1:3
In the previous posting the subject was loving one's enemy. In this post the subject will be hatred. The chosen text for this study is Malachi 1:3, which can be compared with Romans ch. 9. In this verse we find God Himself stating hatred for someone. Does God hate? Yes He does. I know that some readers will be quick to point out that it is a nation God is referring to in the passage, and not a person. Correct, but that is the reason one should compare it with Romans ch. 9.
Romans 9 speaks of Divine election. God chose to love Jacob and hate Esau. This election was made prior to either man doing good or evil (Romans 9). This election occured before the foundation of the world (Eph.1). The writer is prepared to state and defend the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty and free election, but not here, and not now. The subject of this posting is divine hatred and not election. What does it mean for God to hate something or someone? It means the opposite of loving something or someone. The biblical definition of love, as stated prior, is desiring the best for someone. The biblical definition for hatred is to oppose something or someone. In fact, the word for hate in the original language is "to oppose". When God stated His hatred for Esau (nation and/or person) He was stating His opposition. Please read Malachi 1:3-5 for God's actions in relation to His hatred.
Psalm 50:21 states, "[thou didst err when] thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself." God is not like us. He does not hate like we do. Hatred, in man, controls him. God is not controlled by anything- including hate. Man's hatred controls his actions, feelings, and thoughts. That is not so with God. When God hates it has nothing to do with emotion and everything to do with holiness, righteousness, and divine choice. People cannot conceive of God hating because they do not understand the biblical definition of divine hatred.
When we find the psalmist expressing hatred we do not find justification for ourselves to be controlled by an emotion. God Forbid. We do find warrant to oppose things ungodly.
To sum up this and the last posting one might say, "I, as a follower of Christ, must desire God's best for all people- but at the same time I must oppose all that oppose/hate God."
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Loving One's Enemy.
"... say unto you, Love your enemies..."
The above words proceeded from the Master and therefore must be obeyed. This command may seem impossible to many, but it must be remembered that God is the God of the impossible. Why would one find loving one's enemy impossible? It is because the biblical definition of love is not understood. Allow the writer to provide his definition of biblical love. Biblical love is looking upon another and desiring God's best for them. Note the lack of emotions. I heard of a believer telling another that it is sin to dislike fellow believers. That is ridiculous. It is not a sin to dislike fellow Christians. It is a sin not to love them. Again, let it be said that to love another is to desire God's best for them. One can have this desire without liking another. The writer does not say it is good to dislike fellow believers, but it is a reality in many cases. In the above text the command of the Master is to love not the brother or even the neighbor, but the enemy. How is one to do this? In Matthew 5:44 you may find the answer. "...bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Example is given in the follwing verses as well.
Let both writer and reader remember this in the future (DV). When the enemy provokes, let us seek and desire God's best for him through our blessing upon him, our goodness to him, and our prayer for him. Evil must be overcome by goodness.
It is acceptable to dislike but not to "dislove".
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
The above words proceeded from the Master and therefore must be obeyed. This command may seem impossible to many, but it must be remembered that God is the God of the impossible. Why would one find loving one's enemy impossible? It is because the biblical definition of love is not understood. Allow the writer to provide his definition of biblical love. Biblical love is looking upon another and desiring God's best for them. Note the lack of emotions. I heard of a believer telling another that it is sin to dislike fellow believers. That is ridiculous. It is not a sin to dislike fellow Christians. It is a sin not to love them. Again, let it be said that to love another is to desire God's best for them. One can have this desire without liking another. The writer does not say it is good to dislike fellow believers, but it is a reality in many cases. In the above text the command of the Master is to love not the brother or even the neighbor, but the enemy. How is one to do this? In Matthew 5:44 you may find the answer. "...bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Example is given in the follwing verses as well.
Let both writer and reader remember this in the future (DV). When the enemy provokes, let us seek and desire God's best for him through our blessing upon him, our goodness to him, and our prayer for him. Evil must be overcome by goodness.
It is acceptable to dislike but not to "dislove".
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Counsel on Confession
"If we confess our sins, [H]e is [F]aithful and [J]ust to forgive us our sins..."
Christians have been told since the beginning of their Christian life to confess their sins as soon as the sin is committed. That is not sound counsel. Do I suggest, as some, that our sins are already forgiven and, therefore, confession is not needed? God forbid! Those who suggest that must realize that we have been forgiven by God in His office of Judge. We must still confess our sins today and tomorrow to our Loving Father. That is the difference. At the beginning we stood before the Judge, and after that we stand before a Father. At the beginning we confessed sin committed against the law and the Law-Giver. Now we confess sin committed against a Loving but displeased Father. That is the difference.
Why does this writer then suggest that one should not confess all sin right away? Because godly sorrow has not yet set in. When one commits sin he is afterwards still in its thrall (generally speaking), and, therefore, unprepared to confess. I grant that sometimes one is broken immediately, and sin can and should be confessed immediately. However, most of the time we are not sufficiently broken, and rigid, cold, "confessed" sin will not be forgiven; hence, the unforgiving spirit of believers today.
When this occurs one can only confess the coldness of one's heart and wait upon the Spirit of brokenness to visit. The confession might go like this... "Lord, I'm sorry that I am not sorry." God wants your honesty and not your empty motions.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Christians have been told since the beginning of their Christian life to confess their sins as soon as the sin is committed. That is not sound counsel. Do I suggest, as some, that our sins are already forgiven and, therefore, confession is not needed? God forbid! Those who suggest that must realize that we have been forgiven by God in His office of Judge. We must still confess our sins today and tomorrow to our Loving Father. That is the difference. At the beginning we stood before the Judge, and after that we stand before a Father. At the beginning we confessed sin committed against the law and the Law-Giver. Now we confess sin committed against a Loving but displeased Father. That is the difference.
Why does this writer then suggest that one should not confess all sin right away? Because godly sorrow has not yet set in. When one commits sin he is afterwards still in its thrall (generally speaking), and, therefore, unprepared to confess. I grant that sometimes one is broken immediately, and sin can and should be confessed immediately. However, most of the time we are not sufficiently broken, and rigid, cold, "confessed" sin will not be forgiven; hence, the unforgiving spirit of believers today.
When this occurs one can only confess the coldness of one's heart and wait upon the Spirit of brokenness to visit. The confession might go like this... "Lord, I'm sorry that I am not sorry." God wants your honesty and not your empty motions.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Judge the Individual.
"There was a man of the Pharisees..."
It is to one's loss to judge a person solely on his associations. There are good/bad republicans, good/bad democrats, good/bad baptists, and good/bad catholics. Are we justified in judging the afore mentioned parties? I believe we are. In politics the two or three parties have foundations. Those foundations may/can be judged. In "religion" there are foundations. Those may/can be judged. It is the individual we must be careful to judge. I am not talking about doing away with church discipline, God forbid. The church should increase discipline. I'm talking about judging a person from a distance and refusing to take a closer look.
Nicodemus was a man OF the Pharisees. For all the theologians out there - doctrine is in the small words. Doctrine is guarded by "if", "and", "but", "so", and "of". The small words are God's Watchman. Nicodemus was a man Of the Pharisees. He did not have the spirit of a Pharisee, however. The Pharisees stated that Christ was a devil, they tempted Him, they joined with their enemies to conspire, they were always "seeing" Him in order to criticize (ouch!), they were the recipients of the Master's Woes.
Does the above sound like the Nicodemus that came to Christ? I think not. Can we criticize him for coming at night? I suppose we can. If we choose to criticize, without mercy, let us be certain to never give an invitation with "every head bowed and every eye closed" again. Let us never give an "unspoken" at Wednesday prayer meeting either. Remember... judge not lest ye be judged in the same unmerciful manner.
One important reason we should be careful in judging is the fact that we do not know what spiritual state one is in. What many of you would have done the night Nic. came is to judge him, without mercy, and run him off. Nic. displayed his true colors at the death of the Master as will many others at His return.
The Master said in John 7:24, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement." That means don't judge the person solely on his association (appearance) but use righteous judgement (look at the individual and look for the right in him).
Both writer and reader would have accepted Judas gladly and rejected Nicodemus.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
It is to one's loss to judge a person solely on his associations. There are good/bad republicans, good/bad democrats, good/bad baptists, and good/bad catholics. Are we justified in judging the afore mentioned parties? I believe we are. In politics the two or three parties have foundations. Those foundations may/can be judged. In "religion" there are foundations. Those may/can be judged. It is the individual we must be careful to judge. I am not talking about doing away with church discipline, God forbid. The church should increase discipline. I'm talking about judging a person from a distance and refusing to take a closer look.
Nicodemus was a man OF the Pharisees. For all the theologians out there - doctrine is in the small words. Doctrine is guarded by "if", "and", "but", "so", and "of". The small words are God's Watchman. Nicodemus was a man Of the Pharisees. He did not have the spirit of a Pharisee, however. The Pharisees stated that Christ was a devil, they tempted Him, they joined with their enemies to conspire, they were always "seeing" Him in order to criticize (ouch!), they were the recipients of the Master's Woes.
Does the above sound like the Nicodemus that came to Christ? I think not. Can we criticize him for coming at night? I suppose we can. If we choose to criticize, without mercy, let us be certain to never give an invitation with "every head bowed and every eye closed" again. Let us never give an "unspoken" at Wednesday prayer meeting either. Remember... judge not lest ye be judged in the same unmerciful manner.
One important reason we should be careful in judging is the fact that we do not know what spiritual state one is in. What many of you would have done the night Nic. came is to judge him, without mercy, and run him off. Nic. displayed his true colors at the death of the Master as will many others at His return.
The Master said in John 7:24, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement." That means don't judge the person solely on his association (appearance) but use righteous judgement (look at the individual and look for the right in him).
Both writer and reader would have accepted Judas gladly and rejected Nicodemus.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Sunday, November 4, 2007
In the Light
"...in [T]hy light we shall see light." Psalm 36:9b
"I am the [L]ight of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
Christ Jesus, the Son of God is the Light of our life. What does this mean? It means many things. This post will not be exhaustive in declaring the full meaning of the above verses. (For none can exhaust the meanings of the above verses.)
The main point the writer desires to make is two-fold. Number 1: if one desires to walk with Christ one must walk in the light. He must walk in the light of holiness, openness, and honesty. If one desires to walk with Christ they must understand that the walk is a mystical walk. Before you roll your eyes, I will suggest that you never read Tozer (or for that matter, Jonathan Edwards). Tozer was one of the biggest supporters of the mystics. He once told Lloyd Jones, the Doctor, that they both arrived at the same spiritual place. Lloyd Jones, a sound and staunch calvinist by the Puritans and Tozer, and "the 20th Century Prophet" by the mystics. God is not bound by those He sovereignly chooses to use!!! Again, if you desire to walk with Christ you must walk on the mystical side. One must understand that to commune with Christ is to commune with the First Mystery. To commune with Christ you must sit silently at His blessed feet and hear Him to know that He is God. That is a positive statement. However, to grasp that statement one must look at the negative aspect (this is a sound rule for interpretation). If you do not sit silently at His blessed feet you shall not know (at your core) that Christ is God Almighty.
Does the above suggest that this writer recommends all that the mystics teach? God Forbid!!!
(Mysticism will be committed to your study and discernment.) Nor does He recommend all that the puritans teach. This writer recommends the Holy Spirit-inspired Scriptures. He recommends knowing the scriptures in their letter and their spirit.
Point number 2: Are you, my reader, confused by life- by circumstances? The reason for this confusion is your walk in darkness (not necessarily sin). "Turn your eyes on [Christ] Jesus...Look in [H]is wonderful [F]ace" and there alone will you find your answers. There is much that can confuse us in this life. The unholy state of the church is confusion. The state of the nations is confusion. The state of families is confusion. We will not find the answers in the "church" nor in the nation, nor in our spouse. We will find the answers, or rather... we shall see the light, in His Light.
Life's answers are found in the 150 Psalms (they are all "messianic") which reveal the heart of the Master. The answers are found in the Proverbs which reveal the mind of the Master. The answers are found in the gospels which reveal the actions and intents of the Master. The answers are found in the writings of the apostles which clarify the heart, mind, and actions of the Master.
Seek the Spirit of the LORD and beseech Him to shine Christ's Light upon you.
"... and suddenly there shined round about [you] a light from [H]eaven..."
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
"I am the [L]ight of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
Christ Jesus, the Son of God is the Light of our life. What does this mean? It means many things. This post will not be exhaustive in declaring the full meaning of the above verses. (For none can exhaust the meanings of the above verses.)
The main point the writer desires to make is two-fold. Number 1: if one desires to walk with Christ one must walk in the light. He must walk in the light of holiness, openness, and honesty. If one desires to walk with Christ they must understand that the walk is a mystical walk. Before you roll your eyes, I will suggest that you never read Tozer (or for that matter, Jonathan Edwards). Tozer was one of the biggest supporters of the mystics. He once told Lloyd Jones, the Doctor, that they both arrived at the same spiritual place. Lloyd Jones, a sound and staunch calvinist by the Puritans and Tozer, and "the 20th Century Prophet" by the mystics. God is not bound by those He sovereignly chooses to use!!! Again, if you desire to walk with Christ you must walk on the mystical side. One must understand that to commune with Christ is to commune with the First Mystery. To commune with Christ you must sit silently at His blessed feet and hear Him to know that He is God. That is a positive statement. However, to grasp that statement one must look at the negative aspect (this is a sound rule for interpretation). If you do not sit silently at His blessed feet you shall not know (at your core) that Christ is God Almighty.
Does the above suggest that this writer recommends all that the mystics teach? God Forbid!!!
(Mysticism will be committed to your study and discernment.) Nor does He recommend all that the puritans teach. This writer recommends the Holy Spirit-inspired Scriptures. He recommends knowing the scriptures in their letter and their spirit.
Point number 2: Are you, my reader, confused by life- by circumstances? The reason for this confusion is your walk in darkness (not necessarily sin). "Turn your eyes on [Christ] Jesus...Look in [H]is wonderful [F]ace" and there alone will you find your answers. There is much that can confuse us in this life. The unholy state of the church is confusion. The state of the nations is confusion. The state of families is confusion. We will not find the answers in the "church" nor in the nation, nor in our spouse. We will find the answers, or rather... we shall see the light, in His Light.
Life's answers are found in the 150 Psalms (they are all "messianic") which reveal the heart of the Master. The answers are found in the Proverbs which reveal the mind of the Master. The answers are found in the gospels which reveal the actions and intents of the Master. The answers are found in the writings of the apostles which clarify the heart, mind, and actions of the Master.
Seek the Spirit of the LORD and beseech Him to shine Christ's Light upon you.
"... and suddenly there shined round about [you] a light from [H]eaven..."
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thrice-Fold Holiness
"...[W]ithout [holiness] no man shall see the Lord..." Hebrews 12:14b
In past studies the thrice-fold life of the believer has been looked into. Writer and reader have thought upon 3-deep sin, 3-deep repentance, and 3-deep conversion. On this post, 3-deep holiness will be considered.
As already discussed, everything spiritual that happens to us is thrice-fold. Holiness is no different. In fact, not only is holiness 3-deep but it has 3 degrees. In other words, the believer's holiness must affect him in his intellect, affections, and actions. Is this true of you?
What is holiness? The answer depends on who you ask...unfortunately. This writer will define holiness thus; holiness is a God-imposed separation from the world, and it is God's demand for moral and spiritual purity. Holiness, in Scripture, is often likened to light and to cleanliness.
If the above definition is accurate... then God demands for your intellect, affections, and actions to be morally and spiritually pure. Further more, God demands that your intellect, affections, and actions be un-worldly. That is to say, "be not conformed to this [present and evil] world..."
You, my reader, may be outwardly holy, but what about inwardly? What do you enjoy thinking about? What do you love? God demands that you be holy in your whole person. "Be ye holy; for I am holy." That last verse is quoted by St. Peter, but it was first said by God Himself in Leviticus 20:7. It is interesting and convicting to read that chapter and see what God calls holy.
It was stated above that holiness is 3-deep as well as having 3 degrees. The believer is positionally holy, principally holy, and practically holy. Believers are positionally holy because God chose them "In Christ". Believers are principally holy because their judgement of right and wrong has been corrected. Believers are practically holy because their actions have changed. Can this be said of you? Do you understand your exalted position or placement "in Him"? Have your judgements changed? That is to say, "do you recognize sin for what it is"? Can you say before being converted that X was okay, but now X is plainly wrong? That is principally holy. Now practical holiness is simply living and acting out your inward holiness.
How does the above apply to you?
Without faith one cannot please God and without holiness one cannot see God.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
In past studies the thrice-fold life of the believer has been looked into. Writer and reader have thought upon 3-deep sin, 3-deep repentance, and 3-deep conversion. On this post, 3-deep holiness will be considered.
As already discussed, everything spiritual that happens to us is thrice-fold. Holiness is no different. In fact, not only is holiness 3-deep but it has 3 degrees. In other words, the believer's holiness must affect him in his intellect, affections, and actions. Is this true of you?
What is holiness? The answer depends on who you ask...unfortunately. This writer will define holiness thus; holiness is a God-imposed separation from the world, and it is God's demand for moral and spiritual purity. Holiness, in Scripture, is often likened to light and to cleanliness.
If the above definition is accurate... then God demands for your intellect, affections, and actions to be morally and spiritually pure. Further more, God demands that your intellect, affections, and actions be un-worldly. That is to say, "be not conformed to this [present and evil] world..."
You, my reader, may be outwardly holy, but what about inwardly? What do you enjoy thinking about? What do you love? God demands that you be holy in your whole person. "Be ye holy; for I am holy." That last verse is quoted by St. Peter, but it was first said by God Himself in Leviticus 20:7. It is interesting and convicting to read that chapter and see what God calls holy.
It was stated above that holiness is 3-deep as well as having 3 degrees. The believer is positionally holy, principally holy, and practically holy. Believers are positionally holy because God chose them "In Christ". Believers are principally holy because their judgement of right and wrong has been corrected. Believers are practically holy because their actions have changed. Can this be said of you? Do you understand your exalted position or placement "in Him"? Have your judgements changed? That is to say, "do you recognize sin for what it is"? Can you say before being converted that X was okay, but now X is plainly wrong? That is principally holy. Now practical holiness is simply living and acting out your inward holiness.
How does the above apply to you?
Without faith one cannot please God and without holiness one cannot see God.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thrice-Fold Conversions Psalm 51:13b
"... [S]inners shall be converted unto [T]hee."
God is interested in the full conversion of sinners, and not in their partial conversion. The writer hopes to assist his readers in understanding this truth. He believes this study will clear up many difficulties, however it will not appeal to the growth-minded "soul-winners" or their number-loving pastors.
Let a question now be asked. If, through the "constant dripping" of a spouse or the constant visits of a pastor, a person begins attending church on Sunday instead of spending Sunday in their normal manner... has this person been converted? One may say "no", but this writer would disagree with that answer. The newly church-attending person has in fact been converted...bodily, but not eternally.
What if a person readily admits that "Jesus" was a good man, but not the Son of God- yet through discussion comes to acknowledge that "Jesus" is the Christ and the Son of God? Is that person converted? Yes, he has been intellectually converted, but not eternally.
What about the "hero-worshipping" types? They come to see the works, miracles, and love of Christ, and confess a deep respect for Him. Is this person converted? Yes, they have been converted in their affections for Christ, but not eternally.
The obvious (or maybe not so obvious) problem with the above conversions is that they never endure. A truly Holy Spirit converted person is converted fully and forever. They have been converted in the intellect, in the affections, and in their bodies or actions. Have you, my reader, been converted? How about "your converts"? Do you care about the veracity of their conversion, or are you more concerned with the number of your converts?
Go to the Scriptures now and read Hebrews 6:4-6 with the above in mind.
Both writer and reader have seen many people come and go. The question may be asked, "Why have they departed? What has happened to so and so? They started out so well, but now they are gone. Why?" Now you know.
The 1/3 conversion is not a true conversion; nor is the 2/3 conversion true. The only true conversion is a 3/3 conversion, or stated differently - the only true conversion is that of the whole person; and only the sovereign God, Himself, can do that. With God it is either all or nothing.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
God is interested in the full conversion of sinners, and not in their partial conversion. The writer hopes to assist his readers in understanding this truth. He believes this study will clear up many difficulties, however it will not appeal to the growth-minded "soul-winners" or their number-loving pastors.
Let a question now be asked. If, through the "constant dripping" of a spouse or the constant visits of a pastor, a person begins attending church on Sunday instead of spending Sunday in their normal manner... has this person been converted? One may say "no", but this writer would disagree with that answer. The newly church-attending person has in fact been converted...bodily, but not eternally.
What if a person readily admits that "Jesus" was a good man, but not the Son of God- yet through discussion comes to acknowledge that "Jesus" is the Christ and the Son of God? Is that person converted? Yes, he has been intellectually converted, but not eternally.
What about the "hero-worshipping" types? They come to see the works, miracles, and love of Christ, and confess a deep respect for Him. Is this person converted? Yes, they have been converted in their affections for Christ, but not eternally.
The obvious (or maybe not so obvious) problem with the above conversions is that they never endure. A truly Holy Spirit converted person is converted fully and forever. They have been converted in the intellect, in the affections, and in their bodies or actions. Have you, my reader, been converted? How about "your converts"? Do you care about the veracity of their conversion, or are you more concerned with the number of your converts?
Go to the Scriptures now and read Hebrews 6:4-6 with the above in mind.
Both writer and reader have seen many people come and go. The question may be asked, "Why have they departed? What has happened to so and so? They started out so well, but now they are gone. Why?" Now you know.
The 1/3 conversion is not a true conversion; nor is the 2/3 conversion true. The only true conversion is a 3/3 conversion, or stated differently - the only true conversion is that of the whole person; and only the sovereign God, Himself, can do that. With God it is either all or nothing.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Thrice-Fold Repentance
"Repent Ye..."
Repentance is to change your mind; it is to change one's mind on the Person of Christ. One may believe that "Jesus" is a good man or a good teacher, and the next day one may, in his own power, decide that "Jesus" is God's Son. If this is your definition of repentance, you are wrong in many things, and may yet be in your sins.
Repentance is a change of mind, but the penitent has changed his mind about himself in relation to God's Son. The fruit of that changed mind is a change in his thinking, in his feelings (or affections or emotions), and his actions. Both writer and reader continues to sin, but we are broken afterwards. Though we may falter in our actions, we should never falter in our affections or thinking.
Some believe that repentance should not be preached. That is an odd and non-biblical belief. Christ preached repentance, and He commanded "that repentance and remission (and in that order) of sins be preached in [H]is [N]ame among all nations..." Luke (24:47). We find the Apostles obeying the Master's command in their preaching.
Isn't it sad that many of today's preachers will quote Matthew's closing words of Christ; "Go ye therefore..." (Matt. 28:19) as well as Mark's, "Go ye into all the world..." (Mark 16:15) but they never site Luke's closing words (already quoted above)? What are they doing when they avoid the doctrine of repentance? They are subtracting truths from God's Word (Rev. 22:19) and making God's Word their own personal perversion. (Many of these same preachers argue over different versions of the Bible when the original manuscripts themselves would become perversions in their hands.) For what other reasons would these "ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11:15) avoid the doctrine of repentance? If they held to this doctrine their churches, or rather, their businessess, would begin to decline in profits/people/numbers. When a man avoids this doctrine he is either ignorant of biblical teachings or he is a wolf in sheep's clothing (Acts 20), or he may himself have been deceived. Regardless of the reason, the minister is "without excuse".
When one speaks of repentance one must understand that repentance is 3 fold. When a person repents they do so in there intellect, affections, and actions; otherwise it is not biblical repentance and it never will be biblical repentance- no matter how hard and how long these "angels of light" proclaim it to be !!!
Does repentance save? No. However, one will never be saved without it. Christ came to save [H]is people from their sin (Matt 1:21), and not while they continue to bathe and bask in it!
The preachers will insist that only "belief" should be preached. 100 years ago that would be acceptable when the steel-spined of old knew what "believe" meant. Today "believe" means only head-knowledge or intellectual ascent. The writer's definition of believe is "to love Him, to trust Him and to Obey Him." The scriptures teach us that all 3 are necessary to be eternally saved (1Cor. 16:22, Matt. 11:28, and Hebrews 5:9 respectively). Does not common sense insist upon this definition?
We have sinned against the holy One in a 3 fold manner, and therefore we must repent in a 3 fold manner. If this does not make spiritual sense to you, then I would counsel you to kneel down and do the true saints' "first work".
Except ye repent; ye shall all likewise perish.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Repentance is to change your mind; it is to change one's mind on the Person of Christ. One may believe that "Jesus" is a good man or a good teacher, and the next day one may, in his own power, decide that "Jesus" is God's Son. If this is your definition of repentance, you are wrong in many things, and may yet be in your sins.
Repentance is a change of mind, but the penitent has changed his mind about himself in relation to God's Son. The fruit of that changed mind is a change in his thinking, in his feelings (or affections or emotions), and his actions. Both writer and reader continues to sin, but we are broken afterwards. Though we may falter in our actions, we should never falter in our affections or thinking.
Some believe that repentance should not be preached. That is an odd and non-biblical belief. Christ preached repentance, and He commanded "that repentance and remission (and in that order) of sins be preached in [H]is [N]ame among all nations..." Luke (24:47). We find the Apostles obeying the Master's command in their preaching.
Isn't it sad that many of today's preachers will quote Matthew's closing words of Christ; "Go ye therefore..." (Matt. 28:19) as well as Mark's, "Go ye into all the world..." (Mark 16:15) but they never site Luke's closing words (already quoted above)? What are they doing when they avoid the doctrine of repentance? They are subtracting truths from God's Word (Rev. 22:19) and making God's Word their own personal perversion. (Many of these same preachers argue over different versions of the Bible when the original manuscripts themselves would become perversions in their hands.) For what other reasons would these "ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11:15) avoid the doctrine of repentance? If they held to this doctrine their churches, or rather, their businessess, would begin to decline in profits/people/numbers. When a man avoids this doctrine he is either ignorant of biblical teachings or he is a wolf in sheep's clothing (Acts 20), or he may himself have been deceived. Regardless of the reason, the minister is "without excuse".
When one speaks of repentance one must understand that repentance is 3 fold. When a person repents they do so in there intellect, affections, and actions; otherwise it is not biblical repentance and it never will be biblical repentance- no matter how hard and how long these "angels of light" proclaim it to be !!!
Does repentance save? No. However, one will never be saved without it. Christ came to save [H]is people from their sin (Matt 1:21), and not while they continue to bathe and bask in it!
The preachers will insist that only "belief" should be preached. 100 years ago that would be acceptable when the steel-spined of old knew what "believe" meant. Today "believe" means only head-knowledge or intellectual ascent. The writer's definition of believe is "to love Him, to trust Him and to Obey Him." The scriptures teach us that all 3 are necessary to be eternally saved (1Cor. 16:22, Matt. 11:28, and Hebrews 5:9 respectively). Does not common sense insist upon this definition?
We have sinned against the holy One in a 3 fold manner, and therefore we must repent in a 3 fold manner. If this does not make spiritual sense to you, then I would counsel you to kneel down and do the true saints' "first work".
Except ye repent; ye shall all likewise perish.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Thrice-Fold Life
"...And he did eat"
The Christian life is a thrice-fold life. We must understand that our life in Christ is 3 deep. It was the Godhead that was/is active in the salvation of sinners. The Father chose us, the Son secured us, and the Spirit draws us. God created man in His image, and therefore, man is a trinity. Granted, since the fall all are now in the image or likeness of Adam (Gen. 5:3) but man is still spirit, soul, and body (1 Thess. 5:23). Man in his adamic (unsaved) state is fallen in his nature (Eph.2:1).
In this study it is the writer's hope to demonstrate the thrice-fold sin which affects man in his whole person. First the word "spirit" must be defined. To this writer "spirit" is defined as "mind". The mind is divided between intellect and affections (feelings). The word "body", of course, means our physical being.
When the literal events of Eden are considered one will find sin affecting Adam and Eve to their very core. It is clear to the focused reader that Adam chose to eat the Eve-offered fruit. He knew that death was certain upon partaking of the forbidden fruit. Adam chose to die with Eve rather than live with the Evening-walking God. This shows us the fall of Adam's affections (feelings). Is it any surprise that the "Second Adam" would state that His disciples must love Him and hate (oppose) family (Luke 14:26)? It will also be noted that Adam made an intellectual choice to partake of the fatal fruit. Adam, when offered the fruit, must have considered the warning from God. Yet, in spite of the warning he made the decision to eat and his intellect was affected. At this point their destiny was sealed; "So [God] drove out the man." Centuries later Paul would write, "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Paul would further state, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned..." (Roman 5).
It is the writer's hope that in these few words it has been made clear that sin has affected man in a thrice-fold manner. Man is a sinner to his very core. Man has been infected in his intellect, in his affections, and in his body. Man loves to dwell in sinful thought. His sinful thought is a private world- a world all to himself; a world over which Satan is god (2 Cor. 4:4). Man in his feelings or affections is sinful. He loves sin. As he carries out his lusts in his sin and pleasure-loving body, he demonstrates this hidden and thoroughly infected nature.
If the above is accurate then it must follow that repentance, conversion, and holiness must be thrice-fold as well. Lord permitting, our "thrice-fold" theme will continue in future studies.
The Christian life is a thrice-fold life. We must understand that our life in Christ is 3 deep. It was the Godhead that was/is active in the salvation of sinners. The Father chose us, the Son secured us, and the Spirit draws us. God created man in His image, and therefore, man is a trinity. Granted, since the fall all are now in the image or likeness of Adam (Gen. 5:3) but man is still spirit, soul, and body (1 Thess. 5:23). Man in his adamic (unsaved) state is fallen in his nature (Eph.2:1).
In this study it is the writer's hope to demonstrate the thrice-fold sin which affects man in his whole person. First the word "spirit" must be defined. To this writer "spirit" is defined as "mind". The mind is divided between intellect and affections (feelings). The word "body", of course, means our physical being.
When the literal events of Eden are considered one will find sin affecting Adam and Eve to their very core. It is clear to the focused reader that Adam chose to eat the Eve-offered fruit. He knew that death was certain upon partaking of the forbidden fruit. Adam chose to die with Eve rather than live with the Evening-walking God. This shows us the fall of Adam's affections (feelings). Is it any surprise that the "Second Adam" would state that His disciples must love Him and hate (oppose) family (Luke 14:26)? It will also be noted that Adam made an intellectual choice to partake of the fatal fruit. Adam, when offered the fruit, must have considered the warning from God. Yet, in spite of the warning he made the decision to eat and his intellect was affected. At this point their destiny was sealed; "So [God] drove out the man." Centuries later Paul would write, "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Paul would further state, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned..." (Roman 5).
It is the writer's hope that in these few words it has been made clear that sin has affected man in a thrice-fold manner. Man is a sinner to his very core. Man has been infected in his intellect, in his affections, and in his body. Man loves to dwell in sinful thought. His sinful thought is a private world- a world all to himself; a world over which Satan is god (2 Cor. 4:4). Man in his feelings or affections is sinful. He loves sin. As he carries out his lusts in his sin and pleasure-loving body, he demonstrates this hidden and thoroughly infected nature.
If the above is accurate then it must follow that repentance, conversion, and holiness must be thrice-fold as well. Lord permitting, our "thrice-fold" theme will continue in future studies.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
It is not easy. Matthew 16:24
If any man come after [M]e...
Christ, when He would invite sinners to "come unto me" He would tell them that there is rest to be found in Him. He would invite those who were heavy ladened and knew they were heavy ladened and felt the heavy burden to find rest in Him. However, let us not stop short of His invitation as many do. He does invite sinners to find rest in Him but He also invites those who come to Him to "Take my yoke upon you..." My readers, there is rest to be found and it is found under the lordship of God's Son. John states that "[Christ's] commandments are not grevous."
Some preachers tell their hearers that salvation is easy. My reader, salvation is not easy. Salvation was not easy for Him Who secured that salvation for repentant and believing sinners and it will not be easy for those secured. Shall we expect a life of ease when the Master received no such life? No.
Is the doctrinal truth of salvation easy? Yes and no. To understand that there is no salvation outside of Christ is simple (2 Cor. 11:3). Young children understand this truth. If you are saved today you can understand the simplicity of the Gospel or good news that God has sent a Saviour.
It was stated above that the doctrinal truth of salvation is easy but then again it is not. There are many aspects of the gospel, for example the Scriptures speak of the gospel of God, of the kingdom, of hope, of grace, of Jesus, of Christ, etc. Each of the above signify an important aspect of the gospel and worthy of our study and meditation.
Is the experimental side of salvation easy? No and again no. Look at the words of Christ, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me." Reader, does that sound easy? If you say, "yes" then the writer must conclude you to be ignorant of God's salvation. Our Lord states further, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate..." He tells us also that, "...he that endureth (eth = continues) to the end shall be saved."
Does this writer believe that salvation is "by works of righteousness which we have done"? God forbid! Salvation is by "grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone." However our Lord wants us to "count the cost" because He knows there is a cost. What is this cost? Denial of self, the taking up of your cross, following Him and there by enduring until the end.
Please do not confuse salvation with justification. Justification states that believers are legally forgiven and "made" righteous in Christ. Justification does not have tenses, Justification is accomplished or it is not accomplished. Salvation, in accordance with Roman 8 spands from eternity past through to eternity future. Salvation consists of election, justification, sanctification and finally glorification. Salvation is not easy. Salvation was not easy for the Master and it will not be easy for the servant. If you, my reader, are not being sanctified (progressive) your were never justified. as Jacob and Esau were twins so is justification and sanctification.
The sanctified are the justified. Paul and Habakkuk state that, "the just shall live by faith." The living of faith is not easy. The life of faith is "a fight" and therefore cannot be easy.
Christ, when He would invite sinners to "come unto me" He would tell them that there is rest to be found in Him. He would invite those who were heavy ladened and knew they were heavy ladened and felt the heavy burden to find rest in Him. However, let us not stop short of His invitation as many do. He does invite sinners to find rest in Him but He also invites those who come to Him to "Take my yoke upon you..." My readers, there is rest to be found and it is found under the lordship of God's Son. John states that "[Christ's] commandments are not grevous."
Some preachers tell their hearers that salvation is easy. My reader, salvation is not easy. Salvation was not easy for Him Who secured that salvation for repentant and believing sinners and it will not be easy for those secured. Shall we expect a life of ease when the Master received no such life? No.
Is the doctrinal truth of salvation easy? Yes and no. To understand that there is no salvation outside of Christ is simple (2 Cor. 11:3). Young children understand this truth. If you are saved today you can understand the simplicity of the Gospel or good news that God has sent a Saviour.
It was stated above that the doctrinal truth of salvation is easy but then again it is not. There are many aspects of the gospel, for example the Scriptures speak of the gospel of God, of the kingdom, of hope, of grace, of Jesus, of Christ, etc. Each of the above signify an important aspect of the gospel and worthy of our study and meditation.
Is the experimental side of salvation easy? No and again no. Look at the words of Christ, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me." Reader, does that sound easy? If you say, "yes" then the writer must conclude you to be ignorant of God's salvation. Our Lord states further, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate..." He tells us also that, "...he that endureth (eth = continues) to the end shall be saved."
Does this writer believe that salvation is "by works of righteousness which we have done"? God forbid! Salvation is by "grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone." However our Lord wants us to "count the cost" because He knows there is a cost. What is this cost? Denial of self, the taking up of your cross, following Him and there by enduring until the end.
Please do not confuse salvation with justification. Justification states that believers are legally forgiven and "made" righteous in Christ. Justification does not have tenses, Justification is accomplished or it is not accomplished. Salvation, in accordance with Roman 8 spands from eternity past through to eternity future. Salvation consists of election, justification, sanctification and finally glorification. Salvation is not easy. Salvation was not easy for the Master and it will not be easy for the servant. If you, my reader, are not being sanctified (progressive) your were never justified. as Jacob and Esau were twins so is justification and sanctification.
The sanctified are the justified. Paul and Habakkuk state that, "the just shall live by faith." The living of faith is not easy. The life of faith is "a fight" and therefore cannot be easy.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Psalm 4:4; "Stand in awe and sin not"
"Stand in Awe"
In our previous study we stated that the Hebrew word for awe (in this verse) means "to be angry". Before one can "sin not" one must be angry. Is this writer stating that a believer can be sinless? No. A believer cannot be sinless in this stage life. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" and further more "If we say that we have not sinned, we make [H]im a liar, and the word is not in us." (1John 8,9). Praise be to God that when the believer does sin he has an [A]dvocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the [R]ighteous.
Having said that the believer cannot be sinless we must add that the believer should sin less. Though we cannot be free from sin (as a nature) in this stage of life we can overcome certain sins (individual). The believer is an overcomer through and by Christ their Lord.
The one addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex, attention seeking, co-dependency, homosexuality, etc. can overcome those individual sins through the sufficient grace that is provided to the repentant believer. Are we not reminded of our Lord's mercy and love filled words to the woman caught "in the very act."? "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8-11) cp. Romans 8:1.
"[G]o, and sin no more." It is rather obvious to this writer that our Lord meant for her to discontinue her adulterous practises. She was told to overcome this individual sin of adultery. She did not overcome her sinful nature until she was called home to share eternity with the Husband to Whom she will ever be faithful.
How can we as believers overcome individual sins? The Bible has many answers to this question. Some examples can be found in Matthew 22:36-40 verse 40 being the key and also Romans ch. 6.
However, our text provides the answer we intend to consider today, "Be in awe and sin not."
In other words, Be angry at your sins (and yourself who is the lover of these sins) and you will overcome these sins (individual). I am angry at my sins because;
1.My sin/sins broke the eternal fellowship between the Trinity (why hast Thou forsaken Me?)
2.God hates sin. 3. Sin is sneaky, esp. in times of spiritual exercise. 4. Sins affect us to our core and in all of our levels...spirit (intellect and affections), in our soul and in our body. 5. Sins harm us, our families, friends, businesses, etc. 6. Sins harms our close fellowship with God. 7. Our obedience to sins/sin gives occasion to Satan and the world to say , "aha, aha." These do not exhaust the reasons for anger. There are many more reasons to be angry with sin/sins. The most prominent? Sin/sins put our Master, our Friend, our Faithful, our Saviour on a cross!
Be angry and sin not...St. Paul
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
In our previous study we stated that the Hebrew word for awe (in this verse) means "to be angry". Before one can "sin not" one must be angry. Is this writer stating that a believer can be sinless? No. A believer cannot be sinless in this stage life. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" and further more "If we say that we have not sinned, we make [H]im a liar, and the word is not in us." (1John 8,9). Praise be to God that when the believer does sin he has an [A]dvocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the [R]ighteous.
Having said that the believer cannot be sinless we must add that the believer should sin less. Though we cannot be free from sin (as a nature) in this stage of life we can overcome certain sins (individual). The believer is an overcomer through and by Christ their Lord.
The one addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex, attention seeking, co-dependency, homosexuality, etc. can overcome those individual sins through the sufficient grace that is provided to the repentant believer. Are we not reminded of our Lord's mercy and love filled words to the woman caught "in the very act."? "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8-11) cp. Romans 8:1.
"[G]o, and sin no more." It is rather obvious to this writer that our Lord meant for her to discontinue her adulterous practises. She was told to overcome this individual sin of adultery. She did not overcome her sinful nature until she was called home to share eternity with the Husband to Whom she will ever be faithful.
How can we as believers overcome individual sins? The Bible has many answers to this question. Some examples can be found in Matthew 22:36-40 verse 40 being the key and also Romans ch. 6.
However, our text provides the answer we intend to consider today, "Be in awe and sin not."
In other words, Be angry at your sins (and yourself who is the lover of these sins) and you will overcome these sins (individual). I am angry at my sins because;
1.My sin/sins broke the eternal fellowship between the Trinity (why hast Thou forsaken Me?)
2.God hates sin. 3. Sin is sneaky, esp. in times of spiritual exercise. 4. Sins affect us to our core and in all of our levels...spirit (intellect and affections), in our soul and in our body. 5. Sins harm us, our families, friends, businesses, etc. 6. Sins harms our close fellowship with God. 7. Our obedience to sins/sin gives occasion to Satan and the world to say , "aha, aha." These do not exhaust the reasons for anger. There are many more reasons to be angry with sin/sins. The most prominent? Sin/sins put our Master, our Friend, our Faithful, our Saviour on a cross!
Be angry and sin not...St. Paul
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Holy Spirit is above all things...Holy. Eph.4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God...
The Holy Spirit of God is many things. He is the Comforter (John 14:16, 26; 15:26) He is the Sealer (Eph 1:13, 4:30), He is the Revealer (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) but above all these titles He is ultimately and eternally holy. Holy is not a title but a nature. The Spirit of God is the holy Comforter, the holy Sealer, the holy Revealer. Everything He does is, therefore, holy. If we keep that in mind it would clarify many things. Many movements claim to be holy Spirit authored. When one tests that spirits one should ask, "Are the fruits of this movement holy?" Many believers claim their actions to be holy Spirit authored. Some would claim that their failed church growth mission was holy Spirit authored (He faileth not). Some would claim that the holy Spirit prompted them to divorce their spouse. Is divorce holy? Some would claim that their new business partnership is holy Spirit authored. Does not the holy Spirit inspired Scriptures forbid this type of partnership? Yes. Before one claims their actions to be holy Spirit authored let them ask, "Are the fruits of this action holy, do the holy Scriptures approve of my action?" This must be the final test of actions, movements and claims.
Our text states "grieve not the holy Spirit of God." The greek word for "grieve" can mean to sadden or to cause anger. To be holy means, among other things, to be angry with sin...specifically one must be angry firstly and primarily with one's own sin. David teaches us in Psalm 4:4 that we must "Stand in awe, and sin not..." The word "awe" means "to be angry". If you desire to "sin not" you must be angry with sin. You must be angry with your own sin. To be angry with other's sins will not help you. You must be angry with your own sin.
The above necessitates that the holy Spirit is angry with sin. He is not angry with His sin for He is without sin, He is the holy Spirit! His anger with sin is holy anger. His holy anger is toward the sin in the life of the believer. His holy anger is toward sin in the life of Christ's holy people. Paul states in Eph. 1 that God chose us to be holy and blameless.
May both writer and reader live like those who are angry with sin. May a fruit of the holy Spirit's indwelling of the believer be a holy anger toward sin.
Lord willing we will look at reasons to be angry with sin on our next posting.
buried in Christ,
St. Loder
The Holy Spirit of God is many things. He is the Comforter (John 14:16, 26; 15:26) He is the Sealer (Eph 1:13, 4:30), He is the Revealer (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) but above all these titles He is ultimately and eternally holy. Holy is not a title but a nature. The Spirit of God is the holy Comforter, the holy Sealer, the holy Revealer. Everything He does is, therefore, holy. If we keep that in mind it would clarify many things. Many movements claim to be holy Spirit authored. When one tests that spirits one should ask, "Are the fruits of this movement holy?" Many believers claim their actions to be holy Spirit authored. Some would claim that their failed church growth mission was holy Spirit authored (He faileth not). Some would claim that the holy Spirit prompted them to divorce their spouse. Is divorce holy? Some would claim that their new business partnership is holy Spirit authored. Does not the holy Spirit inspired Scriptures forbid this type of partnership? Yes. Before one claims their actions to be holy Spirit authored let them ask, "Are the fruits of this action holy, do the holy Scriptures approve of my action?" This must be the final test of actions, movements and claims.
Our text states "grieve not the holy Spirit of God." The greek word for "grieve" can mean to sadden or to cause anger. To be holy means, among other things, to be angry with sin...specifically one must be angry firstly and primarily with one's own sin. David teaches us in Psalm 4:4 that we must "Stand in awe, and sin not..." The word "awe" means "to be angry". If you desire to "sin not" you must be angry with sin. You must be angry with your own sin. To be angry with other's sins will not help you. You must be angry with your own sin.
The above necessitates that the holy Spirit is angry with sin. He is not angry with His sin for He is without sin, He is the holy Spirit! His anger with sin is holy anger. His holy anger is toward the sin in the life of the believer. His holy anger is toward sin in the life of Christ's holy people. Paul states in Eph. 1 that God chose us to be holy and blameless.
May both writer and reader live like those who are angry with sin. May a fruit of the holy Spirit's indwelling of the believer be a holy anger toward sin.
Lord willing we will look at reasons to be angry with sin on our next posting.
buried in Christ,
St. Loder
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Our Little Sanctuary ...Ezekiel 11:16
....Yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary...
The Godhead, the Great 3 in 1 states that He will be to His people a little sanctuary. The immediate context of this passage of Scripture shows us the judgement, and therefore, the righteousness of God. The children of Israel have once again fallen willfully into sin- even idolatry; and the Spirit of God gives a number of visions to the Prophet Ezekiel. These visions show the wickedness of God's outward people. In ch. 8 verse 12 the people entertain evil thoughts. They say that God "seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth." However, God in ch. 11 verse 5, states, "I know the things that come into your minds, every one of them." God knows all and sees all (Prov. 15:3). The Prophet Ezekiel is granted others visions that discover the hidden wickedness of Israel (compare this with the New Testament book of John 13:20-21).
God in response to the wickedness of His nation sends them into captivity once again. We ask the question, "Will they ever learn?", but the same may and should be asked of us and by us- "Will you and this writer ever learn?"
Things are dark for these people. The inward, hidden darkness has become the outward, open darkness. Be sure, friends, your sins will find you out. Is there no hope? Yes. There is always hope with our Great God. Is not the Christ called the "Blessed Hope"? In the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances God says, "I will be to them as a little sanctuary..."
The Hebrew word for "little" means "little or few" and the Hebrew word for "sanctuary" means "place set apart". One way we might interpret this meaning is God is a place for refuge... a place set apart, hidden if you will. A hiding place that is open to a few. God in Christ is our hiding place. As we journey through this pilgrim land, and ever looking for a city made without hands, we will grow weary (John 4), we will grow fearful, and we will grow cold at times. But please remember that there is a place just for you, child of God. It is hidden to others but you... you know the way (John 14:4-6). This place is a Person and He is able to shield you, to aid you, to comfort you, to strengthen you. We are in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, we are in the enemies land, but there is Refuge...and it is open to you who love God.
Buried in Him,
St. Loder
The Godhead, the Great 3 in 1 states that He will be to His people a little sanctuary. The immediate context of this passage of Scripture shows us the judgement, and therefore, the righteousness of God. The children of Israel have once again fallen willfully into sin- even idolatry; and the Spirit of God gives a number of visions to the Prophet Ezekiel. These visions show the wickedness of God's outward people. In ch. 8 verse 12 the people entertain evil thoughts. They say that God "seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth." However, God in ch. 11 verse 5, states, "I know the things that come into your minds, every one of them." God knows all and sees all (Prov. 15:3). The Prophet Ezekiel is granted others visions that discover the hidden wickedness of Israel (compare this with the New Testament book of John 13:20-21).
God in response to the wickedness of His nation sends them into captivity once again. We ask the question, "Will they ever learn?", but the same may and should be asked of us and by us- "Will you and this writer ever learn?"
Things are dark for these people. The inward, hidden darkness has become the outward, open darkness. Be sure, friends, your sins will find you out. Is there no hope? Yes. There is always hope with our Great God. Is not the Christ called the "Blessed Hope"? In the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances God says, "I will be to them as a little sanctuary..."
The Hebrew word for "little" means "little or few" and the Hebrew word for "sanctuary" means "place set apart". One way we might interpret this meaning is God is a place for refuge... a place set apart, hidden if you will. A hiding place that is open to a few. God in Christ is our hiding place. As we journey through this pilgrim land, and ever looking for a city made without hands, we will grow weary (John 4), we will grow fearful, and we will grow cold at times. But please remember that there is a place just for you, child of God. It is hidden to others but you... you know the way (John 14:4-6). This place is a Person and He is able to shield you, to aid you, to comfort you, to strengthen you. We are in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, we are in the enemies land, but there is Refuge...and it is open to you who love God.
Buried in Him,
St. Loder
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Purposes
It is the writer's purpose, through these studies, to glorify the great 3 in 1; the Mighty God Who may be known through his Son "even Jesus". It is this God Who is worthy of all our love, adoration and strength. It is to His eternal glory that these writings are prepared.
The writer is also interested in edifying his fellow followers. We are exhorted to "consider one another to provoke unto love and good works." It is to this end that these writings are prepared.
Another concern to the writer is the correctness of spiritual thought and knowledge owned by his readers. It is eternally important that believers have a correct and proper understanding of holy writ. It is to this end that these writings are prepared.
Another hope that the writer entertains is the opportunity to assist others in their spiritual growth. He would encourage you to forward questions of a spiritual nature to him. He seeks to help you as individuals in your development as mature believers. Does he have all the answers? No.
However, he does know where and from Whom to seek the answers (Thou knowest all things, Lord).
This writer also understands that it is difficult to bring questions to pastors at times. If this is a difficulty you face or may face in the future, the writer desires to assist you if or when your pastor cannot.
This writer does not seek to enter into debate with his readers. He has learned that an atmosphere of debate will not "win people" to anything. Paul warned his Corinthian readers that "knowledge puffeth up" and it is this puffing up that breeds debate. To "contend" does not mean to debate. Many debators are concerned with winning the debate rather than winning others to the truth. Winning debates is not a purpose of the sanctuary.
The writer prays that God will be pleased to condescend and bless this ministry and those who read it and pray for its contents.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
The writer is also interested in edifying his fellow followers. We are exhorted to "consider one another to provoke unto love and good works." It is to this end that these writings are prepared.
Another concern to the writer is the correctness of spiritual thought and knowledge owned by his readers. It is eternally important that believers have a correct and proper understanding of holy writ. It is to this end that these writings are prepared.
Another hope that the writer entertains is the opportunity to assist others in their spiritual growth. He would encourage you to forward questions of a spiritual nature to him. He seeks to help you as individuals in your development as mature believers. Does he have all the answers? No.
However, he does know where and from Whom to seek the answers (Thou knowest all things, Lord).
This writer also understands that it is difficult to bring questions to pastors at times. If this is a difficulty you face or may face in the future, the writer desires to assist you if or when your pastor cannot.
This writer does not seek to enter into debate with his readers. He has learned that an atmosphere of debate will not "win people" to anything. Paul warned his Corinthian readers that "knowledge puffeth up" and it is this puffing up that breeds debate. To "contend" does not mean to debate. Many debators are concerned with winning the debate rather than winning others to the truth. Winning debates is not a purpose of the sanctuary.
The writer prays that God will be pleased to condescend and bless this ministry and those who read it and pray for its contents.
Buried in Christ,
St. Loder
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