Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Reading my Bible at the foot of the Cross

While preparing to preach from the second chapter of 2 Peter, I paused momentarily when my eyes focused upon the gloomy description found in verse 14. Here Peter writes:

"They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!" (ESV)


Now in context this terrifying verse describes the false teachers that Peter was warning the church about in this letter. Yet, I also found a reason to once again rejoice in the Savior while reading this verse. Why? Well... I realize that apart from the glorious salvation that was so graciously and undeservedly provided for me at the cross of Christ, this verse would very accurately describe me!

What a humbling thought. A thought that my flesh rises up and finds offensive. Maybe you think I'm exaggerating. I wish it were so, but the truth is I not only was a great sinner, I am a great sinner. Remember Paul's words to Timothy? He said, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:15)

John Newton (who wrote Amazing Grace) would agree with the apostle Paul. As he so adequately stated near the end of his life: "My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."

I am so grateful for Christ my Savior! I'm making it a habit to plant myself at the foot of the wondrous cross every time I open the pages of Scripture. And whenever the Bible gives detailed descriptions of sinful people like 2 Peter 2:14, I want to intentionally pause and thank God for providing a Savior and for pouring out His amazing grace on a wretch like me!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Sewage In The Church?

I have an ongoing passion for Servant's Heart Fellowship to be pursuing purity and holiness. We live in a culture that is very actively seducing the American church into worldliness and because of the sinful inclinations of our own hearts, we are often wide open to this seduction. The results can be catastrophic and heartbreaking. I recently read an insightful article by Nancy Leigh DeMoss that addresses this concern, and I'd like to share just a portion with you:

"If plumbing or septic problems caused raw sewage to overflow into the hallways and aisles of your Church, one thing is for sure: the problem would not be ignored. Everyone would be horrified. The health hazard would prompt immediate action. Business would not continue as usual. Services would be relocated and crews would work overtime, if necessary, until the problem was resolved.

The fact is that something far more serious than raw sewage is running through the lives of countless professing Christians and most of our evangelical churches. And by and large, we are oblivious to the threat.

The floodgates of unholiness - including wilful, presumptuous, blatant sin - have opened up with in the church. Adultery, drunkenness, abuse, profanity, outbursts of temper, divorce, pornography, immodest dress - such sins among professing believers, often members in good standing of respected local churches, are no longer rare exceptions.

And then there are the more "respectable" forms of sewage that are often overlooked and tolerated among believers - things like overspending, unpaid debts, gluttony, gossip, greed, covetousness, bitterness, pride, critical spirits, backbiting, temporal values, self-centeredness, and broken relationships. Sadly, the church - the place that is intended to showcase the glory and holiness of God - has become a safe place to sin." (Spirit of Revival, vol. 39, #2)

One word: Wow! I think Nancy has summed this up very vividly for us. By the way, this is exactly why we study the doctrine of sin at our church and read books like Jerry Bridges' Respectable Sins. We want to be openly honest about indwelling sin, active about growing in humility and holiness, and always gazing at the cross of Christ with increased appreciation for that incredible and costly sacrifice!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Upcoming Resource Table

As a way to serve our church family we will soon provide a Resource Table in the lobby where some excellent books and music can be purchased for our continued growth as a healthy church. While preparing to launch this, I am forced to consider what books would I most recommend to our church family. Here is just a start:

The Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney. One of my all time favorite books.

The Holiness of God by RC Sproul. I've said elsewhere on this blog, a "must read" for all Christians.

Knowing God by JI Packer. This book greatly influenced me in college and still does today.

Stop Dating the Church by Joshua Harris. I love this book and the way it challenges my love for the local church.

The Beginners Guide To Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms. A great resource. One of my favorite books on this topic.

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. This book is like having surgery - it might hurt, but in the long run it is good for you!

I guess this is enough for now. Hopefully I have whetted your appetite. All of these will find themselves on our upcoming Resource Table.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Forgetting The Gospel

How many of you have forgotten something very important? Maybe a meeting with a client? Or forgetting to return an important phone call? Or how many of you have forgotten a spouse's birthday or your anniversary? That's pretty big. Flowers can only do so much!

But there is something much more serious that we are in danger of forgetting on a regular basis: the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. One of Peter's concerns in his letter is that his beloved readers are in danger of forgetting the gospel (2 Peter 1:9). How does this happen? We get our eyes off of the cross and onto other things. It is a daily danger.

CJ Mahaney wrote, "Reminding ourselves of the gospel is the most important daily habit we can establish. If the gospel is the most vital news in the world, and if salvation by grace is the defining truth of our existence, we should create ways to immerse ourselves in these truths every day. No days off allowed." (The Cross Centered Life)

Join us this Sunday as we stand at the foot of the cross, are freshly amazed at the grace of God, and learn how to guard against this danger of forgetting the gospel.