Thoughts from The Plight of Man and the Power of God

Pages 113-114

Why is it that man, faced with good and evil, right and wrong, and knowing the consequences, the painful consequences, that follow wrongdoing, nevertheless chooses the wrong? And not merely ordinary or ignorant men, but all men, those who are most intellectual and cultured, those who spend their lives in considering these problems. Why is it? What explains it? Only one answer is satisfactory: that which is supplied by the gospel of Christ. Man's very nature is fallen.

Man is wrong at the centre of his being, and therefore everything is wrong. He cannot be improved, for, finally, nothing will suffice but a radical change, a new nature. Man loves the darkness and hates the light. What can be done for him? Can he change himself? Can he renew his nature? 'Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?' Can man change the whole bias of his life?

Give him new clothing, provide him with a new house in new surroundings, entertain him with all that is best and most elevating, educate him and train his mind, enrich his soul with frequent doses of the finest culture ever known, do all this and more, but still he will remain the same essential man, and his desires and innermost life will be unchanged. Were that not true, the world and individual man would long since have reached perfection.

Think of all the work of the philosophers and thinkers. Consider especially the titanic changes and social enactments of the past hundred years, with all the efforts at solving the problems of mankind. All these things are good and right in their way within their circumscribed limits. But the great problem is still left. Man needs a new nature. Whence can he obtain it? Again, there is but one answer, in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 21

From City of God by St. Augustine on why the good and the wicked both face similar sufferings:

"This being so, when the good and the wicked suffer alike, the identity of their sufferings does not mean that there is no difference between them. Though the sufferings are the same, the sufferers remain different...The fire which makes gold shine makes chaff smoke...In the same way, the violence which assails good men to test them, to cleanse and purify them, effects in the wicked their condemnation, ruin and annihilation. Thus the wicked, under pressure of affliction, execrate God and blaspheme; the good, in the same affliction, offer up prayers and praises. This shows that what matters is the nature of the sufferer, not the nature of the sufferings. Stir a cesspit, and a foul stench arises; stir a perfume, and a delightful fragrance ascends. But the movement is identical."

City of God, Book I, Chapter 8

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 20

A little preview of what we will be talking about at Flood Zone Sunday night: The Cross & the Prosperity Gospel

Consider this:

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 19

From the blog series "Twelve Appeals to Prosperity Preachers" by John Piper

Entire Post Here: Part VII: To Prosperity Preachers: Preserve Salt and Light

"The great tragedy of prosperity preaching is that a person does not have to be spiritually awakened in order to embrace it; one needs only to be greedy. Getting rich in the name of Jesus is not the salt of the earth or the light of the world. In this, the world simply sees a reflection of itself. And if they are “converted” to this, they have not been truly converted but only put a new name on an old life."

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 18

...if we begin to see the nature of sin, we are on the road back into reality. We are on our way back into the presence of God through Christ. It is not that the knowledge of sin alone suffices, but rather that it pushes us to seek our deliverance from it. Knowing about sin is therefore vital knowledge. There are none quite so lost as those who know little or nothing of their sin. Knowing about our sin, therefore, is something for which we should be deeply grateful.

David F. Wells, The Courage to be Protestant, p128

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 17

Watch your words!

A fool's lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Proverbs 18:6-7

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 16

Sin, biblically speaking, is not only the absence of good. It also entails our active opposition to God. It is, then, the defiance of his authority, the rejection of his truth, the challenge to his sovereignty in which we set ourselves up in life to live the way we want to live. It is the way we wrench ourlseves free from obedience to him, cut ourselves off from his grasp, and refuse to let him be God. It is therefore all the ways we live life on our own terms, to our own ends, with accountability to no one but ourselves.

..the target missed, the path abandoned, the authority defied, the law transgressed are in each and every case God's. Sin is all about taking issue with God, defying him, refusing to submit to him, and displacing him from the center of existence.

Page 102

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 15

From The Bible is Not Self Help by David Wells

But the point of studying Scripture is not therapy. Bible study is not self-help. We are not there to listen to our own voice that is crying from within. We are there to hear his voice that comes from outside our experience. And his Word is not one of many. It is the only Word that has been there from all eternity because it comes from the eternal God.

God, then, is not there for our use when we need him; we are here on earth for his use. He is not there for our benefit as if he were a product; we are here for his service.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 14

"One's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Luke 12:15

Partial Conversion? When a Love for God Fades

Here's a thought about "partial conversions" from D. A. Carson's devotional For the Love of God:

ONE OF THE MOST STRIKING PICTURES of what might be called a “partial conversion” is found in Luke 11:24-26. Jesus teaches that when an evil spirit comes out of someone, it “goes through arid places seeking rest ant does not find it” – apparently looking for some new person in whom to take up residence. Then the spirit contemplates returning to its previous abode. A reconnoiter finds the former residence surprisingly vacant. The spirit rounds up seven cronies who are even more vile, “and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.”

Apparently the man who has been exorcised of the evil spirit never replaced that spirit with anything else. The Holy Spirit did not take up residence in his life; the man simply remained vacant, as it were.

There are three lessons to learn.

First, “partial conversions” are all too common. A person gets partially cleaned up. He or she is drawn close enough to the Gospel and to the people of God that there is some sort of turning away from godlessness, a preliminary infatuation with holiness, an attraction toward righteousness. But like the person represented by rocky soil in the parable of the sower and the soils (8:4-15), this person may initially seem to be the best of the crop, and yet not endure. There has never been the kind of conversion that spells the takeover of an individual by the living God, a reorientation tied to genuine repentance and enduring faith.

The second lesson follows: a little Gospel is a dangerous thing. It gets people to think well of themselves, to sigh with relief that the worst evils have been dissipated, to enjoy a nice sense of belonging. But if a person is not truly justified, regenerated, and transferred from the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, the dollop of religion may serve as little more than an inoculation against the real thing.

The third lesson is inferential. This passage is thematically tied to another large strand of Scripture. Evil cannot simply be opposed – that is, it is never enough simply to fight evil, to cast out a demon. Evil must be replaced by good, the evil spirit by the Holy Spirit. We must “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). For instance, it is difficult to overcome bitterness against someone by simply resolving to stop being bitter; one must replace bitterness by genuine forgiveness and love for that person. It is difficult to overcome greed by simply resolving not to be quite so materialistic; one must fasten one’s affections on better treasure (cf. Luke 12:13-21) and learn to be wonderfully and self-sacrificially generous. Overcome evil with good.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 13

"No one can come to Christ without having some knowledge of who God is. But after one comes to Christ, the issue is whether knowledge grows or stays puny and vague. Unfortunately, a flea could wade in the depth of knowledge about God in the mind of the average Christian."

R.C. Sproul, Renewing Your Mind, p30.

Christie and I had an interesting conversation this morning about the lack of the knowledge of God among Christians. It was sparked by and article by Al Mohler with reference to blatant heresies the the popular (10 million copies sold) book The Shack. (Read the Article Here)

People have claimed that The Shack has helped them understand God better and draw closer to him. The problem presented by Mohler is that the god of The Shack is not the God of the Bible.

The question Christie and I were discussing is, "whose fault is it that Christians are comforted by a book full of false teaching about God?" Is it the church's fault that they are not teaching the Truth of God in a more accessible way? Is it the Christian's fault that they will not Love the Lord with all their MIND!

This quote from R.C. Sproul puts the majority of the responsibility on us, the Christian. Yes, the church needs to teach Truth in a way that can be understood, but the individual Christian needs to be less overwhelmed by tough reading and less easily satisfied by heretical fiction and heretical "spirituality" that is smeared all over tv, magazines and popular books...no matter how accessible.

If we knew the Word and the God who has revealed himself in the Word better we would be less comforted, intrigued and deceived by culturally accessible, yet unbiblical, notions of God.

There is more glory, peace and hope packed in one morsel of the reality of the One True God than in all the books and ideas of man.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 12

Here's a note from a missionary in Zambia about dedication to studying the Gospel:

ZAMBIA NEWZ
Lots of people say that "we deliver," but let me tell you about Frederick. In the last few years its been interesting to see the little motorcycles that now will bring pizzas and hamburgers to your door here (yes, in Africa!). Still, their "limitted delivery area" doesn't compare to Frederick's route.

You see, Frederick is a Bible School student at Manenekela (mah-nay-nay-KAY-lah). He comes for a week of intensive classes three times a year over a three year period to learn how to help his church grow and reach out. But the study is the easy part. Frederick lives in the most remote part of our ministry area and has to walk 100 kilometers (60 miles) to get to school. He travels on foot for two days, crossing a river and mountains on lots of paths.

And the "delivery?" Well, since these remote areas do not operate with a cash economy he had to bring along his school fees, five chickens. He carried five live chickens all the way. Two other students (who only have to walk about 40 miles) join him on the path. When the week is over, of course they have to walk back.

It makes me question my "delivery area," and humbles us all here. Frederick can teach us the worth of his most valuable delivery, the gospel of the One who left Heaven for us all. He delivers.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 11

From Ken Ham's blog:

To the same degree

(Numbers 11:1) And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

The Lord Jesus Christ has shown an enormous degree of favor on us by providing for our every need, and to complain is to offend Him to the same degree.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 10

Here's an interesting quote, recorded in a Fox News article, by Shia LeBeouf, the star of the Transformers movies:

**LeBeouf, 23, admitted that he is indeed battling a few demons, adding that all actors are.

“They’re all in pain. It’s a profession of bottom-feeders and heartbroken people,” he said. “Most actors on most days don’t think they’re worthy,” he added. “I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but it’s a God-sized hole. If I knew it, I’d fill it and I’d be on my way.”

The “Transformers” star, who was arrested on a DUI in July of 2008, also admitted to being an alcoholic.

“Why am I an alcoholic? I haven’t a [expletive] clue.”**

It's amazing how close people can be to Truth and yet still be so unwilling to apply it to their lives. Here Shia acknowledges the problem and his inability to solve it. He even recognizes the solution, yet does not surrender to the Truth that hope, security and peace only comes in God through Christ.

Let's pray from Shia as he struggles to apply this truth to his life.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 9

From Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God by Bruce A. Ware. Copyright 2009. Crossway Books. Page 79.

God is more concerned with our character than with our comfort, with our holiness rather than our happiness.

Consider two passages that help us see this. James says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4). And in a similar way Paul tells believers to "rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). Only because God plans for our good through suffering can we live with hope even through we experience pain. Knowing that God uses suffering to help us grow gives us the faith to accept our suffering. Suffering should be seen, then, as part of the good purposes of God in our lives to bring about our good.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 8

A few quotes from a book I have recently been reading:

When it comes to sin, people are tricky. We are prone to confess our sin but not repent of it. What I mean is this: People commonly say that they have done wrong but lack a deep remorse for who they are in addition to what they have done. The old man was at the point of confession but had not yet come to a place of repentance where he despised himself and wanted to become a new person, not just the same old person trying to do new good things. (Page 185)

If you die as a non-Christian, this life will be as close to heaven as you will ever experience, and nothing but hell awaits you. But if you die as a Christian, this life will be as close to hell as you will ever experience and nothing but heaven awaits you. This is why Paul says to Christians in Philippians 1:21 that "to die is gain." (Page 192)

The death of Jesus should not fill us with pride because we are so valuable, but rather fill us with horror that our sin is so terrible that it required the death of Jesus to atone for it. (Page 195)

Death By Love: Letters from the Cross by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears. 2008 Crossway Books

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 7

From How People Change by Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp

A good "poem" to start your day:

Each morning that greets me is full of hope
Not because I am successful at what I am doing,
Or because the people near me appreciate me,
Or because circumstances are easy,
But because God is, and he is my Father.
To look at the morning any other way
Is to believe a lie.
To live in hope is to live in truth;
To live in truth is to bring him glory;
To bring God glory in my daily living
Is the highest form of worship.

How People Change. Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp. 2006 and 2008 New Growth Press. Page 195.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 6

From How People Change by Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp

On how the church helps us live with integrity:

"The cross not only frees me from my slavery to sin, it opens me up to the resources of God's grace. One of those resources is the body of Christ. If I am encouraged that the ultimate Helper lives within me, I will take advantage of all the resources he gives me in the body of Christ. I will not live independently. I will take advantage of biblical teaching available to me. I will seek the fellowship of a small group. I will ask to be shepherded by my elders. I will pursue the wisdom of mature brothers and sisters. I will try to benefit from the accountability a close friend can provide. And I will take advantage of all of these resources by being honest about my struggles of heart and behavior."

How People Change. Timothy S. Land & Paul David Tripp. 2006 and 2008 New Growth Press. Page 190.

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 5

From How People Change by Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp

As I face crucial spiritual struggles in my life and see where I still need to change, what is my hope? The writer of Hebrews [4:14-5:10] points to six things:

1. God is not surprised by my struggle. he already sees the whole problem. He will never be shocked or caught off guard. this is precisely why he sent Christ to earth.

2. The Bible is for people just like you and me. When the writer says that Christ was tempted "in every way, just as we are" (Heb. 4:15), he is reminding me that the Bible speaks to ordinary people with all the familiar struggles of faith and character.

3. Christ enters into my struggle. he has been there. he faced the full range of temptations I do. he knows what it is like to face them.

4. Christ will help. I can be confident that I am not alone in my struggles. Jesus gives mercy and grace appropriate to my need just when I need it.

5. Christ pleads my case to the Father. In all of my struggles I have an advocate. He pleads to the Father on my behalf until I have been fully delivered from every temptation!

6. I can come to God with confidence. I do not have to clean myself up or minimize my struggles. I can come as I am and receive what I need. In my times of struggle, I do not have to run from the Lord. I can run to him to receive what he alone can give.

Real hope is not rooted in my performance, my maturity, my theological knowledge, or my personal perfection. It is not rooted in the quality of my character, my reputation, or my success in ministry. My hope is Christ! He is in my life forever, looking on me with tenderness and compassion. he will progressively transform me until the job is complete. That is the hope that helps us to persevere with the Thorns in our lives.


How People Change. Timothy S. Land & Paul David Tripp. 2006 and 2008 New Growth Press. Page 120. (Emphasis mine).

Contemplate & Consider Vol. 4

From How People Change by Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp

Just as difficulties are to be experienced through our union to Christ, so, too, are good circumstances. They can be as much of a liability as difficulties. When things are going well, we can think we are more favored by God than those who suffer. We can get self-righteous and critical of others as well. God knew the temptation of blessings when he gave Israel a land overflowing with good things. he reminded them not to forget him as they entered the Promised Land:

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery...

You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this welth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you wills urely be destoyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed fo rnot obeying the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 8:10-20)

It is tempting to forget God and to grow proud and independent in times of difficulty and blessing. But remembering your union with Christ reminds you that any good thing in yoru life is the result of his mercy and grace, not your own wisdom, goodness, and effort. Any effort we put into our lives began with the strength he gives us and continues because he is committed to us forever!

How People Change. Timothy S. Land & Paul David Tripp. 2006 and 2008 New Growth Press. Page 60.