09.25.07
Posted in Bruce at 4:55 pm by ebenezer
Matthew 1:21
She shall bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. [NASB]
What’s in a name? It is our tag from the cradle to the grave. It is what we use for recognition on our titles and deeds. It is our statement to others through our introductions or signature in life.
Parents labor for months choosing “just the right name” for their soon born child. Individuals long for a reputation associated only with a good name and distance themselves from a bad name. Even our “headstones” define who we were - had hoped to be - and ended up as - left only with our names etched for all to read.
But of all the individuals in this world from the past - present today - and those to come, there is no one, again no one whose name is more important to us than that of the name of Jesus.
In this name we are saved - delivered from the penalty of our sins and kept for all eternity - only in His name.
John Newton wrote: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds - In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, - And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole - And calms the troubled breast;
Tis manna to the hungry soul - And to the weary rest.
Dear name! the rock on which I build, - My shield and hiding place;
My never failing treasure, filled - With boundless stores of grace!
Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend, - My Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, - Accept the praise I bring.”
There should be no sweeter sound to your ears, than Jesus. There should be no other name to proceed from your heart, than Jesus. There should be no louder cry from your lips to God, than Jesus.
My sinner friend - Come to Him today and He will give you rest - Matthew 11:28.
Bruce
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09.19.07
Posted in Bruce at 11:23 am by ebenezer
“Broadly speaking there are three kinds of ‘Christians’ | preacher-made, self-made, and God-made …” [A.W. Pink].
Those who are preacher-made Christians are the ones who follow their pastor around like a puppy follows its master: if the pastor moves on, his converts move on with him.
The Apostle addressed this very problem at Corinth when he wrote | For when one says, I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos, are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth — 1 Corinthians 3:4-7. Whose disciple are you?
Those who are self-made Christians are like everything else that is of self importance, it is always about what they can get or what they have done. Salvation is not by man’s own effort it is completely of God.
The Apostle addressed this very problem when he wrote | For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast — Ephesians 2:8-9. Whose disciple are you?
Those who are God-made Christians are the ones who follow Jesus Christ and only Jesus Christ for they know that w/o Him they have no eternal hope.
The Apostle addressed this truth when he wrote | 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, an 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 — 1 Peter 1:3-5. Whose disciple are you?
Which type of Christian am I? - I am God-made | I am born-again in Jesus Christ, the Son of God! | I invite you to go to Calvary’s cross and trust Jesus Christ today as your Savior.
Bruce
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09.18.07
Posted in Other Noteworthies at 12:01 pm by ebenezer
Culture should not define what God’s Word teaches. Actually, culture does not care what God’s Word teaches unless they can make it support what they know to be false. Sound familiar - read Genesis 3:1. Hard to accept that the nation who promoted the gospel throughout the world is now in need of the world sharing the gospel with them. May God be pleased to send a revival among His people and an awakening to this land.
Bruce
Dr. Mohler’s Blog
September 2007 – www.albertmohler.comAnglicans on the BrinkThe Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, is set to meet with the bishops of the Episcopal Church USA [ECUSA] in a last-ditch effort to avoid a head-on collision between the American church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Neither side in the Anglican controversy seems to think that the Archbishop will succeed in his effort to persuade the ECUSA bishops to make the assurances necessary to prevent a schism.The presenting issue is the 2003 election of Gene Robinson as the Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire. Bishop Robinson is an openly homosexual man who divorced his wife and now lives with a male partner. His election as bishop came with the full knowledge of his homosexuality and his consecration as bishop set off an explosion in the Anglican Communion — the worldwide association of churches that emerged from the Church of England.The ECUSA bishops are set to meet this week in
New Orleans. As The New York Times reports:Ever since the Episcopal Church consecrated an openly gay man as bishop of
New Hampshire four years ago, forecasts of a rupture over homosexuality within the church or with the rest of the global Anglican Communion accompanied each big church meeting, only to fade. But as the bishops of the Episcopal Church approach their semiannual meeting this week in
New Orleans, the predictions are being taken very seriously. Leaders of the Anglican Communion responded to Bishop Robinson’s election with a document known as the Windsor Report. Included within that report were directives demanding that the American church cease and desist from further elections of openly homosexual bishops and from the blessing of homosexual unions.From the The New York Times:In interviews last week, bishops and church experts who hold a range of views on homosexuality said they expected the House of Bishops would stop short, perhaps far short, of meeting the directive’s demands. That could widen rifts, as several dioceses have said they would break away from the Episcopal Church and primates of several provinces, or regions, have spoken of leaving the global communion.What makes the
New Orleans meeting all the more important is the fact that the Archbishop of Canterbury will be present. He is expected to ask the American church to accept the directives of Anglican Communion.As The Telegraph [
London] reports:In one of the most crucial weeks of his tenure as Archbishop, he will fly to
New Orleans on Wednesday to urge American bishops to heed the recommendations of the
Windsor Report, which called on liberals to refrain from making further pro-gay moves. They have been given the “deadline” of September 30 to introduce a moratorium on electing gay bishops. Dr Williams’s efforts to keep the warring factions within the fold of the Anglican Communion will effectively be rendered meaningless if the
American
Church refuses to comply with the demands of the global church leaders.“He’s in no uncertainty as to the importance of this meeting,” said one of his closest aides. Meanwhile, the American bishops have already resisted the Anglican directives. Furthermore, a lesbian candidate is considered a front-runner in the election process for a new bishop in
Chicago. Some Episcopalians are already jumping ship. Several American Episcopal clergy have already accepted ordination and elevation as bishops of national churches in
Kenya,
Uganda, and
Nigeria. They, and in some cases their congregations, have then come under the oversight of the African churches. In effect, this is a case of the African churches planting congregations in the
United States — a reminder that
America is now seen as a nation in need of Christian missionaries from
Africa and other parts of the “Global South.”The division over homosexuality in the Anglican Communion is, in reality, a division over far deeper issues. At stake are basic conceptions of biblical authority, church doctrine, and the Gospel. In that sense, homosexuality is understood by both sides to be a Gospel issue. The liberals believe that homosexuality must be normalized in the name of a gospel of liberation. Conservatives insist that homosexuality must be understood as inherently sinful, and that the only rescue from sin is salvation through Christ. These are not merely two rival conceptions of Christianity — these are two different religions.All concerned Christians should watch the developments in
New Orleans with great interest. Beyond this, we must pray that this church would, against all expectations to the contrary, affirm the full authority of the Bible and its teachings on human sexuality. Anything short of that is just a temporary delay of the inevitable disaster to come._______________________________In an odd twist to this story, The Times [
London] is reporting that the Archbishop of Canterbury is to lead a “secret gay communion” for homosexual clergy at an elite Church of England parish in
London. As the paper reports:The Archbishop of
Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is to hold a secret Communion service for gay clergy and their partners in
London. Dr Williams will celebrate the eucharist at St Peter’s, Eaton Square – the Church of England parish that is known as the spiritual home to some of the country’s most liberal and wealthy Anglican elite. There he will give an address titled “Present realities and future possibilities for lesbians and gay men in the Church”. The event has been organised under
Chatham House rules, which prevent any disclosure of the discussions. The event will take place at 10am on November 29. A list of the names of those who will be present will be seen only by Dr Williams. It will be shredded afterwards. Needless to say, this has caused quite a stir in Anglican circles, leading to further confusion about the Archbishop’s own position in the controversy. Prior to his elevation as Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams was known to favor the normalization of homosexuality. Since his assumption of that office, he has attempted to hold the Church of England and the Anglican Communion together, even as both bodies are divided over the issue. This “secret gay communion” is seen by some evangelicals as an attempt by the Archbishop to give private assurances to homosexual clergy and their partners
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09.17.07
Posted in Bruce at 11:17 am by ebenezer
“Man of Sorrows,” What a Name
“Man of Sorrows,” what a name for the Son of God who came Ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah! what a Saviour!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood; Sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah! what a Saviour!
Guilty, vile and helpless, we: spotless Lamb of God was He; “Full Atonement!” can it be? Hallelujah! what a Saviour!
“Lifted up” was He to die, “It is finished,” was His cry; Now in heaven exalted high: Hallelujah! what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring, Then anew this song we’ll sing: Hallelujah! what a Saviour!
[P.P. Bliss]
Bruce
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09.16.07
Posted in Quotes - Some Famous | Some Not So Famous at 12:00 am by ebenezer
Jonathan Edwards
A true love of God must begin with a delight in His holiness and not a delight in any other attribute; for no other attributes is truly lovely without this.
____________
Do you worship God? Is He the desire of your heart? Does your delight come about because of His glory?
Bruce
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09.12.07
Posted in Other Noteworthies at 2:47 pm by ebenezer
Dr. Mohler’s Blog - September 2007
Some Thoughts on the Reading of Books
I cannot really remember when I did not love to read books. I do know that I was very eager to learn to read, and that I quickly found myself immersed in the world of books and literature. It may have been a seduction of sorts, and the Christian disciple must always be on guard to guide the eyes to books worthy of a disciple’s attention — and there are so many.As Solomon warned, “Of making many books there is no end” [Ecclesiastes: 12:12]. There is no way to read everything, and not everything deserves to be read. I say that in order to confront the notion that anyone, anywhere, can master all that could be read with profit. I read a great deal, and a large portion of my waking hours are devoted to reading. Devotional reading for spiritual profit is an important part of the day, and that begins with the reading of Scripture. In terms of timing, I am somewhat unorthodox. My best time for spending time in the Word is late at night, when all is calm and quiet and I am mentally alert and awake. That is not the case when I first get up in the mornings, when I struggle to find each word on the page (or anything else, for that matter).In the course of any given week, I will read several books. I know how much I thrive on this learning and the intellectual stimulation I get from reading. As my wife and family would be first to tell you, I can read almost anytime, anywhere, under almost any kind of conditions. I have a book with me virtually all the time, and have been known to snatch a few moments for reading at stop lights. No, I do not read while driving (though I must admit that it has been a temptation at times). I took books to high school athletic events when I played in the band. [Heap coals of scorn and nerdliness here.] I remember the books — do you remember the games? A few initial suggestions: 1. Maintain regular reading projects. I strategize my reading in six main categories: Theology, Biblical Studies, Church Life, History, Cultural Studies, and Literature. I have some project from each of these categories going at all times. I collect and gather books for each project, and read them over a determined period of time. This helps to discipline my reading, and also keeps me working across several disciplines.2. Work through major sections of Scripture. I am just completing an expository series, preaching verse by verse through the book of Romans. I have preached and taught several books of the Bible in recent years, and I plan my reading to stay ahead. I am turning next to Matthew, so I am gathering and reading ahead — not yet planning specific messages, but reading to gain as much as possible from worthy works on the first gospel. I am constantly reading works in biblical theology as well as exegetical studies.3. Read all the titles written by some authors. Choose carefully here, but identify some authors whose books demand your attention. Read all they have written and watch their minds at work and their thought in development. No author can complete his thoughts in one book, no matter how large.4. Get some big sets and read them through. Yes, invest in the works of Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards, and others. Set a project for yourself to read through the entire set, and give yourself time. You will be surprised how far you will get in less time than you think.5. Allow yourself some fun reading, and learn how to enjoy reading by reading enjoyable books. I like books across the fields of literature, but I really love to read historical biographies and historical works in general. In addition, I really enjoy quality fiction and worthy works of literature. As a boy, I probably discovered my love for reading in these categories of books. I allow some time each day, when possible, to such reading. It doesn’t have to be much. Stay in touch with the thrill. 6. Write in your books; mark them up and make them yours. Books are to be read and used, not collected and coddled. [Make an exception here for those rare antiquarian books that are treasured for their antiquity. Mark not thy pen on the ancient page, and highlight not upon the manuscript.] Invent your own system or borrow from another, but learn to have a conversation with the book, pen in hand.I would write more for this post, but I must go read. More later. For now: Tolle! Lege
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09.11.07
Posted in Bruce at 11:37 pm by ebenezer
Luke 13:1-5
There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
Christ here contrasts two different sets of people who met tragedy. One tragedy was purposefully done through Pilate’s efforts. The other tragedy was by being in the wrong place at the wrong time scenaro.
Christ’s message - be prepared to die. Except a person repent of his sinful nature and trust in the substitionary atonement of Jesus Christ - he | she too will likewise perish.
Bruce
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09.06.07
Posted in Bruce at 12:13 am by ebenezer
“Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before.”
D. James Kennedy, Ph.D.
Dr. D. James Kennedy passed away yesterday morning. My wife and I affectionately called him Dr. High-Church. This we did because he was quite the Presbyterian minister, liturgical and all. We are just plain ole’ folks - Baptists. Yet we loved to listen to him preach. We would watch the Coral Ridge Hour each Saturday night. He will be missed.
In 2 Samuel 3:38 - King David, upon hearing about the news of Abner, the righteous man who was head of King Saul’s army, said:
“Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?”
Such too can be said about Dr. D. James Kennedy - Know today that a prince and a great man has fallen among the Christians!
So long Dr. High-Church. You will be missed but not forgotten on this earth.
Bruce
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09.04.07
Posted in Bruce at 8:00 pm by ebenezer
I visited today a young lady (young compared to me) in the hospital. She is suffering from a very aggressive cancer. Her outlook is not that great. I spoke to her concerning spiritual matters. The usual comment from her, “I believe in God.” I then spoke to her about her need (as well as all of us) of Christ. I spoke to her about her possible pending death and that she would either face eternity in Christ or on her own. I encouraged her to think about these things, prayed and then soon left.
Believeing in a soverign God sometimes makes it hard not to just grab someone and shake them and say to them, “Don’t you understand!” “You may soon be gone from this world - do not leave it outside of Christ!” Sometimes they do not understand. Yet we are still to warn and leave the understanding in God’s hands. This is when we need to trust the Lord emphatically. The young lady is hoping to go to her house soon (she has been in the hospital for 2 months now). I am hoping that the young lady will soon see her need of Christ as her Savior. May the Lord be pleased to bless in that manner.
Bruce
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09.02.07
Posted in Bruce at 7:30 pm by ebenezer
Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord!
It was good to be in the Lord’s house today. It was good to worship with some of the Lord’s precious saints today. It was good to sing songs of praise today. It was good to utter words of prayer today. It was good to proclaim the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ today. May He receive the glory!
Bruce
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