It is that time of year again! Time to get back to the rigors of education. It is time to once again push back the frontiers of ignorance. Regardless of your educational circumstances, there are several biblical principles that will serve you well as you enter into the next phase of your education.
First, you need to remember that God is to be honored above everything else as you resume your educational endeavors. The dominant cultural values of our society are largely hostile to the God of Heaven and the principles of scripture that we hold dear. If you are being educated in a public school or university the opposition may be exaggerated, but it is present in every realm of our society. I am reminded of the scene in Star Wars when Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi are preparing to right an injustice. Obi-Wan warns Luke that, “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” Such is much of our present world! They have no desire to honor God.
Do not allow yourself to be influenced by those who denigrate our God! You will face opposition from education professionals, the media, other young people, etc. This will be a battle in the most controlled of environments. Stand firm in the truth that God is to be honored above all. Note the following scriptures:
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:2-3).
Simply stated, God is to be number one in your life. His word and his truth should be valued above all else. Do not be discouraged by those who will mock his name and try to cause you to doubt in his existence. God is real and he is actively involved in the affairs of men. Any person, thing, philosophy that is given priority to the honor of God and his word is disobedience to the first commandment.
Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar (Romans 3:4);
Paul writes that the truth of God is to supersede everything else in this world. There are times when we might not agree or understand his truth, but we are instructed to follow his word by faith. This truth will serve you well as you interact with negative influences, imperfect teachers and worldly evil.
Second, you should put maximum effort in your studies. It is a poor testimony when one professes to serve the Lord with their words, but their actions display laziness and a lack of effort. All of us are not suited to be PhD scholars, but we are all instructed to put forth our best efforts in all pursuits; in this case our educational endeavor.
In Ecclesiastes 9:10 Solomon writes, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” We need to strive to do the best we can in our academic pursuits. As believers in Christ we are a witness to others. For better or worse, we project our values to everyone around us. Does your work ethic cast a positive light on Christ and his church? Christ is magnified to others through our diligent labors.
If this does not motivate you to put maximum effort in your studies, remember this scripture:
And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (Colossians 3:23);
The Lord is observing our efforts. He is the only perfect teacher and supervisor and he knows if we are just getting by with minimum effort or working to the best of our abilities. He is pleased when we put forth our best effort. He is reflected in a positive light when we perform well in the academic realm.
Remember to think critically as you move through your studies. In other words, search out the facts. Look for the truth. We have the tendency to take textbooks and people at face value. Beware of this! As born again children of God we have been blessed with the gift of discernment. We have been given a mind and an ability to think and study for ourselves. We also have the Bible, which is the ultimate textbook!
Many of God’s children have had their faith overthrown because they do not follow up what is being taught to them with sound biblical study. The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).” Literature, Science and History need to be measured according to the standard of God’s word. For example, most modern academic texts completely ignore the Genesis account of creation. They take evolution as a fact and completely ignore the scriptural fact that God is creator of all. If you view these writings of men with a critical eye, then you can easily reject such errors.
Sadly, there are those in our world that want to rewrite science and history. They want to completely eradicate God from our culture. You need to be as the Bereans and search the scriptures and reject that which contradicts the word of God.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).
Finally, you should persevere in spite of difficulties. Theodore Roosevelt once said,
“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty... I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”
This is indeed true for those of you engaged in academic pursuits. If might seem at times that you are the only one who love the Lord. You will grow weary of the constant attacks upon your faith, your beliefs and the God you serve. You might be tempted to give in to the pressures of this world. I encourage you to persevere. Serving God is not an easy path to follow. It is a great challenge, but the blessings far outweigh the burdens. Hang in there! Surround yourselves with Godly mentors and friends that hold the some doctrinal and moral convictions that you value. Keep on keeping on! In Philippians 3:14 Paul writes, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Do not compromise your Godly values. Remember that our ultimate goal in all of life’s pursuits is to live for God.
It is my prayer that all will have a successful year of learning and growing. These truths coupled with prayer and a regular study of scripture will do you well!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Article - Encouragement
Encouragement
I have recently been studying the subject of encouragement. We are living in very discouraging times. The economic outlook is beak. There is a lack of confidence in our governmental system. It seems as if we are buffeted from every corner in our families, churches, neighborhoods and places of employment. One does not have to look very far to find disappointment and we quickly discover that discouragement abounds in the sin-cursed world.
David was a man that was acquainted with despair. He was the anointed king of Israel, and had to flee from the presence of Saul, the acting king. He had to leave behind friends and family because of the constant threat upon his life. He was a man without a country. During this time David also amassed an army of about six hundred men not including their families. These too were men that were distressed, in debt and discontented. They made David their captain and were involved in several military engagements during their time away from Israel.
In 1 Samuel 30 we find David and his army in Ziklag. While there the Amalekites invaded and kidnapped the families of David and his men. Obviously this was a significantly discouraging event. In verse 4 we find David and his men weeping. They were in the depths of despair and wept until they had no more power to weep. In addition to this tragic event, the men that loyally followed David into battle were now talking amongst themselves about the possibility of stoning their captain. They blamed him for this loss. Needless to say, there was overwhelming grief in the camp.
Can you imagine that degree of despair? Maybe you have been there. I have witnessed intense weeping because of the loss of a spouse or a child. The shock of the event and the numerous unanswered questions often drive people to weep as those in the above passage. Some despair because of past decisions. When a significant other leaves or a child goes astray, those that are left behind often play the “what if” game. If only I would have tried harder. What if I had given more time? What if I did not make that decision, etcetera? Other stresses such as financial difficulties, work related stresses and interpersonal conflicts can all lead to feelings of hopelessness.
How did David deal with this discouragement and stress? The Bible records that he encouraged himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6)! He turned to the One that was able to give strength in a time of great difficulty. It looked like all was lost from a worldly perspective, but when David turned to the Lord things quickly changed. He sought the Lord for direction and the Lord gave him an answer. The Lord also blessed David and his army with victory over those who had kidnapped their families. Their women and children were rescued and not one person or possession was lost.
In the midst of discouragement we should labor to encourage ourselves in the Lord. There are times when we all suffer the consequences of poor choices and sometimes disappointments come in spite of our best efforts. Either way, we can find strength in the Almighty. The word ‘encourage’ literally means to strengthen, prevail, harden, and be courageous. God is the ultimate provider of these things. I am reminded of what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6. Jesus taught us to pray that, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” David was walking through that valley, yet he encouraged himself in the Lord. All of us will likely experience such trials in our lives. May the Lord strengthen us during these times!
I have recently been studying the subject of encouragement. We are living in very discouraging times. The economic outlook is beak. There is a lack of confidence in our governmental system. It seems as if we are buffeted from every corner in our families, churches, neighborhoods and places of employment. One does not have to look very far to find disappointment and we quickly discover that discouragement abounds in the sin-cursed world.
David was a man that was acquainted with despair. He was the anointed king of Israel, and had to flee from the presence of Saul, the acting king. He had to leave behind friends and family because of the constant threat upon his life. He was a man without a country. During this time David also amassed an army of about six hundred men not including their families. These too were men that were distressed, in debt and discontented. They made David their captain and were involved in several military engagements during their time away from Israel.
In 1 Samuel 30 we find David and his army in Ziklag. While there the Amalekites invaded and kidnapped the families of David and his men. Obviously this was a significantly discouraging event. In verse 4 we find David and his men weeping. They were in the depths of despair and wept until they had no more power to weep. In addition to this tragic event, the men that loyally followed David into battle were now talking amongst themselves about the possibility of stoning their captain. They blamed him for this loss. Needless to say, there was overwhelming grief in the camp.
Can you imagine that degree of despair? Maybe you have been there. I have witnessed intense weeping because of the loss of a spouse or a child. The shock of the event and the numerous unanswered questions often drive people to weep as those in the above passage. Some despair because of past decisions. When a significant other leaves or a child goes astray, those that are left behind often play the “what if” game. If only I would have tried harder. What if I had given more time? What if I did not make that decision, etcetera? Other stresses such as financial difficulties, work related stresses and interpersonal conflicts can all lead to feelings of hopelessness.
How did David deal with this discouragement and stress? The Bible records that he encouraged himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6)! He turned to the One that was able to give strength in a time of great difficulty. It looked like all was lost from a worldly perspective, but when David turned to the Lord things quickly changed. He sought the Lord for direction and the Lord gave him an answer. The Lord also blessed David and his army with victory over those who had kidnapped their families. Their women and children were rescued and not one person or possession was lost.
In the midst of discouragement we should labor to encourage ourselves in the Lord. There are times when we all suffer the consequences of poor choices and sometimes disappointments come in spite of our best efforts. Either way, we can find strength in the Almighty. The word ‘encourage’ literally means to strengthen, prevail, harden, and be courageous. God is the ultimate provider of these things. I am reminded of what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6. Jesus taught us to pray that, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” David was walking through that valley, yet he encouraged himself in the Lord. All of us will likely experience such trials in our lives. May the Lord strengthen us during these times!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
For Whom Did Christ Give Himself?
For Whom Did Christ Give Himself?
Many well-intentioned Christians argue that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was for every man that inhabits the Earth. All that man must do is accept the gift of Christ. I submit unto you that Christ did not atone for the sins of all of mankind but a particular people. Notice the following passages:
His People
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
His Friends
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
His Sheep
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
His Church
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
For Many
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
For Us
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
For Me
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
If Christ died for every man, then all would be in Heaven. The truth is that Christ died for the elect chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. To preach that Christ’s atonement was universal and that it is up to man to ‘finish the job’ is to preach a weak savior. I am thankful that my God redeemed a particular people, and ALL of them will be in Haeven some sweet day.
Bro. Michael Green, Jr.
Many well-intentioned Christians argue that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was for every man that inhabits the Earth. All that man must do is accept the gift of Christ. I submit unto you that Christ did not atone for the sins of all of mankind but a particular people. Notice the following passages:
His People
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
His Friends
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
His Sheep
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
His Church
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
For Many
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
For Us
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
For Me
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
If Christ died for every man, then all would be in Heaven. The truth is that Christ died for the elect chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. To preach that Christ’s atonement was universal and that it is up to man to ‘finish the job’ is to preach a weak savior. I am thankful that my God redeemed a particular people, and ALL of them will be in Haeven some sweet day.
Bro. Michael Green, Jr.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Is God Fair?
Is God Fair?
When we discuss biblical topics such as the sovereignty of God and election/predestination, inevitably someone will question the fairness of such. Ultimately, they are questioning the fairness of God. Let us allow the Bible to speak for itself regarding God's fairness.
-Abraham
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Jam 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
-Jacob (speaking of the righteousness of God in his life)
Gen 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant;
-Moses
Deut 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
-Elihu
Job 36:5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
-David
Psa 99:4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
-Jeremiah
Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
-Nebuchadnezzar
Dan 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
-Jesus (speaking a parable about fairness)
Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
It becomes abundantly clear that God is just, fair, and righteous in all of His dealings. In Romans 9:14 Paul writes, “What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid.” Our Lord has done all things well. May we (His people) conform ourselves to his will.
Have a great day of worship tomorrow!
Bro. Michael Green, Jr.
When we discuss biblical topics such as the sovereignty of God and election/predestination, inevitably someone will question the fairness of such. Ultimately, they are questioning the fairness of God. Let us allow the Bible to speak for itself regarding God's fairness.
-Abraham
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Jam 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
-Jacob (speaking of the righteousness of God in his life)
Gen 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant;
-Moses
Deut 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
-Elihu
Job 36:5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
-David
Psa 99:4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
-Jeremiah
Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
-Nebuchadnezzar
Dan 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
-Jesus (speaking a parable about fairness)
Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
It becomes abundantly clear that God is just, fair, and righteous in all of His dealings. In Romans 9:14 Paul writes, “What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid.” Our Lord has done all things well. May we (His people) conform ourselves to his will.
Have a great day of worship tomorrow!
Bro. Michael Green, Jr.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Note
Good Afternoon -
I have updated the Ft. Wayne PBC (www.ftwaynepbc.org) website with additional sermons and have added some writings/thoughts to my blog. The sermons have been tested and are working correctly. I hope to add more in the days to come. They are in MP3 format and will have to be downloaded before they can be heard.
I want to especially thank Brother Paul Colter for his labors in digitizing the sermons and express appreciation to the others who have offered suggestions. My goal is to provide a comprehensive site for people our area that might be interested in attending Ft. Wayne PBC. Lord willing, more resources will be added in the future. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
I am also attending a meeting later this week that will enable me to produce a local access T.V. program it the Ft. Wayne area. I would like to either create a talk show dealing with the doctrines of grace or eventually broadcast Primitive Baptist sermons on television. I am very excited about this prospect. Ft. Wayne has over 200,000 people. My desire is for all of them to at least know about the truth that we believe. Please pray for this endeavor.
Have a great week!
Bro. Michael
I have updated the Ft. Wayne PBC (www.ftwaynepbc.org) website with additional sermons and have added some writings/thoughts to my blog. The sermons have been tested and are working correctly. I hope to add more in the days to come. They are in MP3 format and will have to be downloaded before they can be heard.
I want to especially thank Brother Paul Colter for his labors in digitizing the sermons and express appreciation to the others who have offered suggestions. My goal is to provide a comprehensive site for people our area that might be interested in attending Ft. Wayne PBC. Lord willing, more resources will be added in the future. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
I am also attending a meeting later this week that will enable me to produce a local access T.V. program it the Ft. Wayne area. I would like to either create a talk show dealing with the doctrines of grace or eventually broadcast Primitive Baptist sermons on television. I am very excited about this prospect. Ft. Wayne has over 200,000 people. My desire is for all of them to at least know about the truth that we believe. Please pray for this endeavor.
Have a great week!
Bro. Michael
THINGS THAT WE KNOW FOR CERTAIN GOING INTO A NEW YEAR
THINGS THAT WE KNOW FOR CERTAIN GOING INTO A NEW YEAR
We are indeed living in times of uncertainty. As we enter into a new year our nation faces worries governmentally, economically, globally, and personally. We do not know what tomorrow holds as we enter into 2009. However, it is a great blessing to know who holds tomorrow. This was joy to the first century Christians who faced similar trials.
The early church was plagued with much uncertainty as it struggled with spiritually darkness, antichrists, evil seducers, deceivers; all of which spring forth from the devil. It appears that they were so shaken by the attacks of the evil one that they begin to doubt their own salvation and relationship with the Lord. Notice the following teachings of John, Paul and Jesus.
In I John 5, John reassures them of a few of the innumerable certainties they have as God’s children. In particular, he reminds them that they know that they have eternal life. John writes, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (v.13).” The greatest assurance that we have as God’s children is that we have a home beyond this sin-cursed earth. Jesus Christ laid down his life for the sins of the elect family of God (Matthew 1:21). He indeed saved his people from their sins. We were redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ and no one can separate us from the love of God. In Romans 8:38-39 the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our relationship and eternal life is absolutely secure because of the efficacious work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Later, Paul wrote to the young minister Timothy regarding false teachers that would sow seeds of uncertainty amongst believers. In 2 Timothy 2 he wrote of those who taught error concerning the resurrection and had overthrown the faith of some of the Lord’s people. Did this destroy their eternal life? Were they no longer God’s children? No indeed! Again Paul writes, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. (v.19).” Paul was absolutely certain about the eternal life of those who were carried away in error. The Lord knows his people.
In John 6:37 Jesus stated that, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” This is great news for lowly sinners. Jesus did not come into the world to save everyone. He came to die for those that the father gave him (the elect). Through his sacrifice on the cross, all of these have eternal life. It is sad to think of the millions of well-meaning people who do not grasp this concept. It must be a great burden to not have the certainty of eternal life. Praise be to God that we can be sure. Not because of our works, but through the finished work of Christ we know that we will be face to face with the lord some day.
Whatever happens in the year to come may we rest on the promises of God and his word. The blessings of eternity far outweigh any trials that we face in this world. It is my prayer that we would diligently serve God on the foundation of this precious truth.
Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Ft. Wayne Primitive Baptist Church (www.ftwaynepbc.org) in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Ft. Wayne PBC meets every Sunday at 10:30am. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 758-0831 or by email at pastor@ftwaynepbc.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Ft. Wayne Primitive Baptist Church.
We are indeed living in times of uncertainty. As we enter into a new year our nation faces worries governmentally, economically, globally, and personally. We do not know what tomorrow holds as we enter into 2009. However, it is a great blessing to know who holds tomorrow. This was joy to the first century Christians who faced similar trials.
The early church was plagued with much uncertainty as it struggled with spiritually darkness, antichrists, evil seducers, deceivers; all of which spring forth from the devil. It appears that they were so shaken by the attacks of the evil one that they begin to doubt their own salvation and relationship with the Lord. Notice the following teachings of John, Paul and Jesus.
In I John 5, John reassures them of a few of the innumerable certainties they have as God’s children. In particular, he reminds them that they know that they have eternal life. John writes, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (v.13).” The greatest assurance that we have as God’s children is that we have a home beyond this sin-cursed earth. Jesus Christ laid down his life for the sins of the elect family of God (Matthew 1:21). He indeed saved his people from their sins. We were redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ and no one can separate us from the love of God. In Romans 8:38-39 the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our relationship and eternal life is absolutely secure because of the efficacious work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Later, Paul wrote to the young minister Timothy regarding false teachers that would sow seeds of uncertainty amongst believers. In 2 Timothy 2 he wrote of those who taught error concerning the resurrection and had overthrown the faith of some of the Lord’s people. Did this destroy their eternal life? Were they no longer God’s children? No indeed! Again Paul writes, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. (v.19).” Paul was absolutely certain about the eternal life of those who were carried away in error. The Lord knows his people.
In John 6:37 Jesus stated that, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” This is great news for lowly sinners. Jesus did not come into the world to save everyone. He came to die for those that the father gave him (the elect). Through his sacrifice on the cross, all of these have eternal life. It is sad to think of the millions of well-meaning people who do not grasp this concept. It must be a great burden to not have the certainty of eternal life. Praise be to God that we can be sure. Not because of our works, but through the finished work of Christ we know that we will be face to face with the lord some day.
Whatever happens in the year to come may we rest on the promises of God and his word. The blessings of eternity far outweigh any trials that we face in this world. It is my prayer that we would diligently serve God on the foundation of this precious truth.
Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Ft. Wayne Primitive Baptist Church (www.ftwaynepbc.org) in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Ft. Wayne PBC meets every Sunday at 10:30am. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 758-0831 or by email at pastor@ftwaynepbc.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Ft. Wayne Primitive Baptist Church.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Interesting Thought on Adam's Transgression
I have been studying the subject of total depravity and found this snippet in A.W. Pink's, The Total Depravity of Man:
Very much more was included and involved in Adam’s transgression than is commonly supposed or recognized. Three hundred years ago that profound theologian James Ussher pointed out that wrapped up in it was "the breach of the whole Law of God." Summarizing in our own language what the Bishop of Armagh developed at length, Adam’s violation of all the Ten Commandments of the moral law may be set forth thus: He broke the first commandment by choosing another "god" when he followed the counsel of Satan. The second, in idolizing his palate, making a god of his belly by eating the forbidden fruit. The third, by not believing God’s threatening, in that way taking His name in vain. The fourth, by breaking the sinless rest in which he had been placed. The fifth, by thus dishonoring his Father in heaven. The sixth, by bringing death on himself and all his posterity. The seventh, by committing spiritual adultery, and preferring the creature above the Creator. The eighth, by laying hands upon that to which he had no right. The ninth, by accepting the serpent’s false witness against God. The tenth, by coveting that which God had not given to him.
It is interesting to see the depth of Adam's transgression of God's righteous law.
MG
Very much more was included and involved in Adam’s transgression than is commonly supposed or recognized. Three hundred years ago that profound theologian James Ussher pointed out that wrapped up in it was "the breach of the whole Law of God." Summarizing in our own language what the Bishop of Armagh developed at length, Adam’s violation of all the Ten Commandments of the moral law may be set forth thus: He broke the first commandment by choosing another "god" when he followed the counsel of Satan. The second, in idolizing his palate, making a god of his belly by eating the forbidden fruit. The third, by not believing God’s threatening, in that way taking His name in vain. The fourth, by breaking the sinless rest in which he had been placed. The fifth, by thus dishonoring his Father in heaven. The sixth, by bringing death on himself and all his posterity. The seventh, by committing spiritual adultery, and preferring the creature above the Creator. The eighth, by laying hands upon that to which he had no right. The ninth, by accepting the serpent’s false witness against God. The tenth, by coveting that which God had not given to him.
It is interesting to see the depth of Adam's transgression of God's righteous law.
MG
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