How are you saved? That is the most crucial question for a believer. There are many cults, false religions and weird ideas out there about how a person gets to heaven and how a person is justified, or "made righteous" before God. We know from 1 John 1:7 that Jesus is our Advocate before God the Father, which means even as believers we continue to sin.
The real question is, "Did Jesus pay for some or all of our sin, past - present - future, on the cross?" The answer is fundamentally intertwined with real justification. Here is Phil Johnson to give a quick answer to this question, What is Justification by Faith?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Holy Spirit teaches us
Context, Context, Context!!!
1 John 2:26-27 is in the context of warning us about false teachers. We know that context is the most important thing when it comes to studying the Bible apart from the discernment and understanding that comes from the Holy Spirit. In Bible Study principles "context is king". For instance, if you were to take my statement "context is King" out of context, to make it say whatever you wanted it to say, you would say the Bible says "Jesus is King". But the context of what I am saying is about how to study your Bible. So the principle "context is king" means that it is the most important of the Bible study principles.
Another example: "I love this dog". What does that mean? You have no idea. You have no context. Am I speaking of a "ball park frank" at a cubs game with mustard on it made out of meat, or am I speaking of a furry four legged creature? Again, you MUST understand the context to understand what a writer or author is talking about. That is also true of scripture. That is why God gave us context.
There are many religious groups out there that teach only the "church" or the bishops or priests or pope can accurately explain the truth. This comes from taking verses out of context. Whenever we come upon something like this, we need to run to scripture and test that teaching with the word of God. In Fact, that is what God commands us to do!!! Paul even commands us to test his words against scripture. (Gal 1:8 - the context is preaching a false gospel) Jesus called Peter "satan" and Peter denied Christ 3 times at the most important turning point in all of history. Don't rely on men! That is why God said, "I will build this church". Not on the value of Peter, whom he called "satan", but on the will, good pleasure and sovereignty of God.
So let's examine this text.
1 John 2:26 - This further clarifies the context of what John is saying.
"These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you."
John tells us in verse 26 exactly why he is writing. There are false teachers who are trying to deceive the believers.
1 John 2:27
"As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."
John then explains to them that the Holy Spirit teaches men the truth. We do not have to rely soley on popes or bishops or priests for truth. That would fully contradict these verses. We know when men contradict scripture, we obey God rather than men.
How do we know John is talking about the Holy Spirit? Good question. Look at the context. 1. John says "the anointing...abides in you" We know that believers are a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 6:19) 2. 2:20-21 - The Holy One is Christ (Acts 3:14) - the anointing the Holy One gives is the Holy Spirit. It can only be God the Father, Son or Holy Spirit. No one else comes to live inside of us. John 14:26 (also written by the Apostle John so the people would be familiar with his writing) explicitly states the Holy Spirit "will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you". Notice, the Holy Spirit will teach us scripture, not new doctrines.
I hope what you have taken from this short study, is:
1. The Holy Spirit is our teacher
2. Anyone who says people can't know the truth apart from their own teaching is in disagreement with Holy Scripture.
3. Context is king, when it comes to studying the Bible, or any literature. Without it, you will be following error and fighting against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will one day judge the living and the dead.
I pray you read the Bible, in it's context. Seek to understand what it means, not what you want it to say. In that, you will stay away from error just as the Apostle John and God want you to.
Dave
1 John 2:26-27 is in the context of warning us about false teachers. We know that context is the most important thing when it comes to studying the Bible apart from the discernment and understanding that comes from the Holy Spirit. In Bible Study principles "context is king". For instance, if you were to take my statement "context is King" out of context, to make it say whatever you wanted it to say, you would say the Bible says "Jesus is King". But the context of what I am saying is about how to study your Bible. So the principle "context is king" means that it is the most important of the Bible study principles.
Another example: "I love this dog". What does that mean? You have no idea. You have no context. Am I speaking of a "ball park frank" at a cubs game with mustard on it made out of meat, or am I speaking of a furry four legged creature? Again, you MUST understand the context to understand what a writer or author is talking about. That is also true of scripture. That is why God gave us context.
There are many religious groups out there that teach only the "church" or the bishops or priests or pope can accurately explain the truth. This comes from taking verses out of context. Whenever we come upon something like this, we need to run to scripture and test that teaching with the word of God. In Fact, that is what God commands us to do!!! Paul even commands us to test his words against scripture. (Gal 1:8 - the context is preaching a false gospel) Jesus called Peter "satan" and Peter denied Christ 3 times at the most important turning point in all of history. Don't rely on men! That is why God said, "I will build this church". Not on the value of Peter, whom he called "satan", but on the will, good pleasure and sovereignty of God.
So let's examine this text.
1 John 2:26 - This further clarifies the context of what John is saying.
"These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you."
John tells us in verse 26 exactly why he is writing. There are false teachers who are trying to deceive the believers.
1 John 2:27
"As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."
John then explains to them that the Holy Spirit teaches men the truth. We do not have to rely soley on popes or bishops or priests for truth. That would fully contradict these verses. We know when men contradict scripture, we obey God rather than men.
How do we know John is talking about the Holy Spirit? Good question. Look at the context. 1. John says "the anointing...abides in you" We know that believers are a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 6:19) 2. 2:20-21 - The Holy One is Christ (Acts 3:14) - the anointing the Holy One gives is the Holy Spirit. It can only be God the Father, Son or Holy Spirit. No one else comes to live inside of us. John 14:26 (also written by the Apostle John so the people would be familiar with his writing) explicitly states the Holy Spirit "will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you". Notice, the Holy Spirit will teach us scripture, not new doctrines.
I hope what you have taken from this short study, is:
1. The Holy Spirit is our teacher
2. Anyone who says people can't know the truth apart from their own teaching is in disagreement with Holy Scripture.
3. Context is king, when it comes to studying the Bible, or any literature. Without it, you will be following error and fighting against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will one day judge the living and the dead.
I pray you read the Bible, in it's context. Seek to understand what it means, not what you want it to say. In that, you will stay away from error just as the Apostle John and God want you to.
Dave
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A New Year, How's your heart?
The first month of the New Year is almost over.
We still haven't sold our house, but the Lord continues to provide. He is so faithful.
So how is your faithfulness to God? Do you live the way He desires in scripture? Are you abiding by His rules or mans? Even the Apostle Paul said to check everything he said with scripture, like the faithful Bereans. We are not to follow even one word that man says, if it is not 100% in line with the 66 books of the Bible. Jesus, the apostles, and those who wrote scripture attested to only these books. Even Clement of Rome attested to these books as I learned in Historical Theology this past semester. For an extensive treatment of this subject, go here: http://calvarybiblechurch.org/teaching.aspx/doctrine_of_the_bible
So I want to encourage you to take a good hard look at your life. How would you say your love for Jesus is going so far this year? It is hard this time of year with Holiday parties that have made us tired, new things starting up at work and having a new schedule to keep a consistent time of prayer with our sweet Savior. But how is your prayer life? Do you spend solitary time with God in prayer, like Jesus and the Apostles did? If not, take it at face value and ask the Lord for help. He is willing. How's your Bible reading and study? Not good? Well, take that at face value too and ask the Lord for help. He is willing. It's really an issue of our heart. When our we treasure Jesus and His word, prayer and bible study are very natural to the believer.
Be willing this year to be led by the Holy Spirit through the power of the word of God and prayer. If you're not doing this, be real with yourself and ask the Lord to change your heart. We spend every day just exactly how we want to. I pray this year for my family and for you, that we would spend more time at the feet of our Savior, resting in His complete payment for our sins, praying to Him and studying the perfect word of God.
We still haven't sold our house, but the Lord continues to provide. He is so faithful.
So how is your faithfulness to God? Do you live the way He desires in scripture? Are you abiding by His rules or mans? Even the Apostle Paul said to check everything he said with scripture, like the faithful Bereans. We are not to follow even one word that man says, if it is not 100% in line with the 66 books of the Bible. Jesus, the apostles, and those who wrote scripture attested to only these books. Even Clement of Rome attested to these books as I learned in Historical Theology this past semester. For an extensive treatment of this subject, go here: http://calvarybiblechurch.org/teaching.aspx/doctrine_of_the_bible
So I want to encourage you to take a good hard look at your life. How would you say your love for Jesus is going so far this year? It is hard this time of year with Holiday parties that have made us tired, new things starting up at work and having a new schedule to keep a consistent time of prayer with our sweet Savior. But how is your prayer life? Do you spend solitary time with God in prayer, like Jesus and the Apostles did? If not, take it at face value and ask the Lord for help. He is willing. How's your Bible reading and study? Not good? Well, take that at face value too and ask the Lord for help. He is willing. It's really an issue of our heart. When our we treasure Jesus and His word, prayer and bible study are very natural to the believer.
Be willing this year to be led by the Holy Spirit through the power of the word of God and prayer. If you're not doing this, be real with yourself and ask the Lord to change your heart. We spend every day just exactly how we want to. I pray this year for my family and for you, that we would spend more time at the feet of our Savior, resting in His complete payment for our sins, praying to Him and studying the perfect word of God.
Monday, December 13, 2010
747 Love
"This love to Christ is the inseparable companion of saving faith. A faith of devils, a mere intellectual faith, a man may have without love, but not that faith which saves. Love cannot usurp the office of faith. It cannot justify. It does not join the soul to Christ. It cannot bring peace to the conscience. But where there is real justifying faith in Christ, there will always be heart love to Christ. He that is really forgiven is the man who will really love (Luke 7:47). If a man has no love to Christ, you may be sure he has no faith."
J.C. Ryle, Holiness p.237
That last sentence is quite striking and is a summation of the greatest commandment. (Mark 12:30) Beg God for sincere love that you may know you have a sincere faith.
dj
J.C. Ryle, Holiness p.237
That last sentence is quite striking and is a summation of the greatest commandment. (Mark 12:30) Beg God for sincere love that you may know you have a sincere faith.
dj
Friday, December 3, 2010
God continues to provide (Tyler turns 3)
Our house is for sale. Our house is for rent. We pray it sells. Today we heard from a very interested renter. Either way - the Lord provides.
Wed morning I went to Starbucks. An occasional norm these days. Wed morning is when the men's small group I lead occurs. A few of the guys occasionally show up to Starbucks and we enjoy a time of fellowship before our group meets. The guy in line in front of me goes to pay for his 3 coffee's and his visa doesn't ring up. They can't type the numbers manually at Starbuck's and he has no cash. So I paid for his. The lady behind the counter didn't charge me for my drink (which cost more than his). I used a gift card to buy the coffee and ended up using .65 cents of my own money. The Lord provides for others as we show the world that God is more important than money.
Went to grab something for lunch at the grocery store by our church. I'm studying here at church all day. (Another way the Lord has provided - it's very convenient since I live a few miles from here, and saves the 20min trip to school) I saw one of our church staff at the grocery store - he bought my lunch for me. I told him 2 times I was ok, that I had money to buy lunch today, but he insisted. The Lord provides.
You see, when your Father is creator of the World, all your needs are met. Please pray that Ann and I continue to seek first His Kingdom. God is so kind to us.
Tonight we head to a pizza party for our Sunday School class. The pizzas will be cooked by CPK on site in a custom outdoor pizza oven. Yum. The fellowship will be great.
Also looking forward to our church's Christmas concert in a few weeks.
Per school - I have one Final in Greek Exegesis next week, and two finals the following week. One in Hebrew Exegesis and the other in Historical Theology. God will certainly have to provide for me to survive these next few week.
Today is also my son Tyler's 3rd Birthday. Happy Birthday Ty Ty. (He of course is a frequent visitor on my blog) 8)
dj
Wed morning I went to Starbucks. An occasional norm these days. Wed morning is when the men's small group I lead occurs. A few of the guys occasionally show up to Starbucks and we enjoy a time of fellowship before our group meets. The guy in line in front of me goes to pay for his 3 coffee's and his visa doesn't ring up. They can't type the numbers manually at Starbuck's and he has no cash. So I paid for his. The lady behind the counter didn't charge me for my drink (which cost more than his). I used a gift card to buy the coffee and ended up using .65 cents of my own money. The Lord provides for others as we show the world that God is more important than money.
Went to grab something for lunch at the grocery store by our church. I'm studying here at church all day. (Another way the Lord has provided - it's very convenient since I live a few miles from here, and saves the 20min trip to school) I saw one of our church staff at the grocery store - he bought my lunch for me. I told him 2 times I was ok, that I had money to buy lunch today, but he insisted. The Lord provides.
You see, when your Father is creator of the World, all your needs are met. Please pray that Ann and I continue to seek first His Kingdom. God is so kind to us.
Tonight we head to a pizza party for our Sunday School class. The pizzas will be cooked by CPK on site in a custom outdoor pizza oven. Yum. The fellowship will be great.
Also looking forward to our church's Christmas concert in a few weeks.
Per school - I have one Final in Greek Exegesis next week, and two finals the following week. One in Hebrew Exegesis and the other in Historical Theology. God will certainly have to provide for me to survive these next few week.
Today is also my son Tyler's 3rd Birthday. Happy Birthday Ty Ty. (He of course is a frequent visitor on my blog) 8)
dj
Monday, November 29, 2010
Holiness
This morning I began to study Holiness. First, searching the scripture, here is what I found.1. Holiness and godly sincerity is a good example of pure Christian conduct. 2 Cor 1:12
2. Holiness is perfected (ongoing) in the fear of God. 2 Cor 7:1
3. Holiness plus righteousness = the new self. Eph 4:24
4. Holiness of heart is how we are to be presented before God at His second coming. 1 Thes 3:13
5. Holiness, derived from discipline, is shared with God. (we share in God's holiness) Heb 12:10
I pray the Lord enables us to live a life of Holiness through pure Christian conduct, in the fear of God, putting on the new self, from a holy heart and thereby sharing in God's holiness through godly discipline.
2. Holiness is perfected (ongoing) in the fear of God. 2 Cor 7:1
3. Holiness plus righteousness = the new self. Eph 4:24
4. Holiness of heart is how we are to be presented before God at His second coming. 1 Thes 3:13
5. Holiness, derived from discipline, is shared with God. (we share in God's holiness) Heb 12:10
I pray the Lord enables us to live a life of Holiness through pure Christian conduct, in the fear of God, putting on the new self, from a holy heart and thereby sharing in God's holiness through godly discipline.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
You can have all this world, Give me Jesus
A beautiful song by Fernando Ortega. Well composed. Listen to it today. "Give me Jesus". Here are the lyrics.
May God be praised!
May we seek the Lord while He may be found.
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
May God be praised!
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