Perspective

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

This statement can be found in the first paragraph of Chapter 5. "God does not forgive because He wants to be lenient with us. He forgives because His justice has been satisfied." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 33). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) 

I believe this is a huge distinction that needs to be made. I believe it was in reading one of Francis Chan's books that I came across the statement along the lines of this, Many Christians have been told that God created us because He was lonely. But how can the creator of the universe, who is totally sufficient in his own glory, be lonely? Or as I remember Matt Chandler putting it, "So His solution was to create a bunch of glory thieving rats to satisfy His loneliness?" God does not want to be lenient. In fact, the price that it cost Him shows this. No, but the debt has been paid. His justice has been satisfied.

This is important because it creates a perspective on who God is. In one case, he is a friend, buddy, pal, who has a weakness for human companionship. The word co-dependent comes to mind. So much for His holiness, majesty, etc., He is really just one of us. A god, but not the God of the universe. In the other case, He retains everything the Bible says about Him. His is holy, just, God above all, and yet can still be loving and merciful.

If God wants to be lenient with us, then He is the parent who spoils their child, you know, the one who grows up to be a total brat. But if He forgives because His justice has been satisfied, that is a completely different take. That is more like the parent who says, "This is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you." That is the parent who suffers with the child, not for the child. 

So what kind of a God do we serve? One who is just like us, or one who is the almighty creator and ruler of the universe?

What kind of God is this?

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

God is not watching me from His heavenly throne saying, “When are you going to get your act together? When are you going to deal with that sin?” Rather, He is, as it were, coming alongside me, saying, “We are going to work on that sin, but meanwhile I want you to know that I no longer count it against you.” (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 28). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) 

Unfortunately, I do not think the picture of a God who comes along side me is one that is preached in many churches today.

In many churches, we see the first God, the God who is watching you, waiting for you to fix yourself. The God of the prosperity preachers, who tell you that you need to have a better self-worth to live your best life. The God of the Pharisee who thanked God that he was not like the tax-collector sinner who stood a ways off from him.

Let me clarify, I am not, nor do I believe is Bridges in his book, saying that God is okay with our sin. In fact, quite the opposite. It's just that the means of dealing with that sin are two polar opposites.

In the first case, it is all on us. God is watching while we must fix it. That is a huge burden, an unbearable one as I constantly fall and must pick myself up again and again. Yet Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matt 11:29-30) 

In the second, it is a joint effort. God and me. The elephant and mouse on the bridge. You know, so that when they got to the other side, the mouse looked up at the elephant and said, "Boy, we sure shook that bridge, didn't we." We are yoked together with Jesus, just as two oxen (or an elephant and a mouse) are put together to plow a field. We are a work in progress and God leads us as we stay yoked to Him and follow His leading. As we pray, as we study His word, as we surrender to His Spirit. As we live in the joy that exists because of the assurance of salvation. John Piper calls it "Christian Hedonism." Where hedonism is the pursuit of ecstasy for pleasures sake, I understand Christian Hedonism as the pursuit of the ecstasy that is found in God alone. The more I find that my joy in God, the lighter my burden becomes, because now when I choose not to follow the ways of the world to satisfy my longings, but rather the ways of God, the burden is light because it is what my heart truly desires. It is why David could say that his delight is in the law of the Lord. (Ps 1:1-2, 40:8, 119:69-72, 119:92-93, 119:174)

I will end today with this quote from the book, "This twofold effect of encouragement and gratitude together produce in us a desire to deal with our sin. Make no mistake: Dealing with our sin is not an option. We are commanded to put sin to death. It is our duty to do so. But duty without desire soon produces drudgery. And it is the truth of the gospel, reaffirmed in our hearts daily, that puts desire into our duty." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 28). NavPress. Kindle Edition.)

The cure for sin

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

In chapter 3, Bridges talks about the destructive power of sin, and makes an analogy using cancer, something that has deeply affected his life. Chapter 4 is titles "The Remedy for Sin." If you think of sin as cancer, hearing that there is a remedy is surely a welcome relief. 

He speaks of John Newton, author of the well-known hymn, "Amazing Grace." Early in life, Newton was a slave trader. Eventually becoming a minister, Newton looks back to his life as a slave trader and of course, is horrified by it. Reminds me of the story of the Apostle Paul in some ways. 

Bridges writes, "Both John Newton and the apostle Paul saw themselves as great sinners, but with a great Savior." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (pp. 23-24). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) While we might not have committed the same sins, any sin is enough to separate us from God, and with that knowledge, I pray that we too might see ourselves as great sinners in need of a Savior. Or as sick patients in need of a remedy.

I think we can safely make the assumption that both Newton and Paul progressed in their growth in the faith as time went on. One thing about this growth, it increased their knowledge of their sinfulness! Sadly, I am not sure that many of today's Christians or preaching shares this position. 

So what is the remedy for sin? It is the gospel. Not the one-time confession of faith or acceptance of Christ, but the daily knowledge that Christ died on the cross in our place. He suffered damnation in our place. And if there is a day that we do not recognize this, that is a day that we need to repent of. The Bible confirms this repeatedly. If not, then why all of the instruction about how Christians should live? Why would Paul have to encourage us to live as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1) or to "live a life worthy of the gospel" (Phil 1:27) unless there was an ongoing need to do so in the life of the believer?

It all brings me back to something God laid on my heart several years ago. Something obvious, but also something that had not fully penetrated by heart. Something that I still let go of when I do not remind myself of the gospel each and every day. And that is simply how beautiful God is. Why else would I become a living sacrifice to Him? Because I have seen His mercy. Because I have seen my sin, what it does to me, and believe that God through Jesus Christ has provided the remedy.

To quote Paul from Romans 11:33-36, just prior to his statement in Romans 12:1:

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Seeing the good in light of the bad

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

I am picking up with the beginning of Chapter 3. In this chapter Bridges begins by discussing the destructive power of sin. Not only does sin destroy our union with God, but it also has destructive effects in other areas of our lives as well. And this is not just something that the unsaved must deal with, the Christian must deal with it as well.

Bridges states, "Now, here is the unvarnished truth that we need to lay to heart. Even though our hearts have been renewed, even though we have been freed from the absolute dominion of sin, even though God’s Holy Spirit dwells within our bodies, this principle of sin still lurks within us and wages war against our souls. It is the failure to recognize the awful reality of this truth that provides the fertile soil in which our “respectable” or “acceptable” sins grow and flourish." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 16). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) 

In this chapter Bridges compares sin to cancer, something that he has personally felt the impact of in his own life. He shares how his wife was diagnosed with and then died of the disease. Sin, like cancer, is bad news. But that is part of the point of the gospel. If we don't see the bad news, how can we embrace the good news? But if we see the bad news as bad as it is, then the good news looks glorious! 

I will end with this quote from Chapter 3, "God forgives our sin because of the shed blood of Christ, but He does not tolerate it. Instead, every sin that we commit, even the subtle sin that we don’t even think about, was laid upon Christ as He bore the curse of God in our place." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 22). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) When we begin to understand the meaning of that, the meaning of grace, the depth of our sin, then we can begin to appreciate the meaning of the gospel message.

Need to Breathe - Multiplied

Multiplied

NEEDTOBREATHE

Your love is like radiant diamonds
Bursting inside us we cannot contain
Your love will surely come find us
Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

God of mercy sweet love of mine
I have surrendered to Your design
May this offering stretch across the skies
And these Halleluiahs be multiplied

Your love is like radiant diamonds
Bursting inside us we cannot contain
Your love will surely come find us
Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

God of mercy sweet love of mine
I have surrendered to Your design
May this offering stretch across the skies
And these…

Source: LyricFind

As I sit and listen to this song, this is one I can imagine using in church as a worship chorus. I am hopeful that many churches do use it that way. God's love is amazing. And while I might not have completely surrendered to his design, it is certainly what is in my heart when I truly see the depth of His love for me. How truly irresistible is his love when we are confronted with it!


10 out of 10, no doubt!

Flawless - Mercy Me

"Flawless"

There’s got to be more 

Than going back and forth 

From doing right to doing wrong 

‘Cause we were taught that’s who we are 

Come on get in line right behind me 

You along with everybody 

Thinking there’s worth in what you do 

Then Like a hero who takes the stage when 

We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late 

Well let me introduce you to amazing grace 

No matter the bumps 

No matter the bruises 

No matter the scars 

Still the truth is 

The cross has made 

The cross has made you flawless 

No matter the hurt 

Or how deep the wound is 

No matter the pain 

Still the truth is 

The cross has made 

The cross has made you flawless 

Could it possibly be 

That we simply can’t believe 

That this unconditional 

Kind of love would be enough 

To take a filthy wretch like this 

And wrap him up in righteousness 

But that’s exactly what He did 

No matter the bumps 

No matter the bruises 

No matter the scars 

Still the truth is 

The cross has made 

The cross has made you flawless 

No matter the hurt 

Or how deep the wound is 

No matter the pain 

Still the truth is 

The cross has made 

The cross has made you flawless 

Take a breath smile and say 

Right here right now I’m ok 

Because the cross was enough 

Then Like a hero who takes the stage when 

We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late 

Well let me introduce you to grace grace 

God’s grace 

No matter the bumps 

No matter the bruises 

No matter the scars 

Still the truth is 

The cross has made 

The cross has made you flawless 

No matter the hurt 

Or how deep the wound is 

No matter the pain 

Still the truth is 

The cross has made 

The cross has made you flawless 

No matter what they say 

Or what you think you are 

The day you called His name 

He made you flawless

He made you flawless

No matter the bumps 

No matter the bruises 

No matter the scars 

Still the truth is 

The cross has made 

The cross has made you flawless

Source: AZLyrics.com

I have to admit that I at first had mixed feelings about this song. 

I love the lyrics. And I love the concept of having the paint stained band with the stain of the paint being removed as the video keeps going. Not the biggest fan of the musical style. A little to "pop music" for me, but I am sure not for others. At  first, I struggled with the idea of including people who struggle with sin along with those who have physical issues, but the more I thought about it, the more I came to the conclusion that it doesn't matter why we feel less then whole, Christ makes us all whole through the cross.

I also appreciate the idea at the beginning of the song where it talks about where we get our worth (from our behavior), and he introduces them to the idea of grace.

Final score for this one is 9 out of 10.

Shhh...that might offend someone.

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

In chapter 2, he sets the premise that sin is not something that is discussed anymore by the average church goer, and perhaps something that is not even a issue for them. 

But why? He gives this premise in the book, "It may have been softened in many of our churches so as not to make the audiences uncomfortable." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 12). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) I couldn't agree more. As one who has sat in on numerous committee meetings, the common theme is, "What can we do to make our church more attractive to others?" Bigger buildings, gyms, coffee bars, that what we need. What can we get rid of? Fire and brimstone, boring hymns, and lets stop mentioning sin. But there is an axiom I have often heard, "You win people to what you win them with." I doubt many Christians today could even articulate what the gospel truly is.

Of course, I think that some of the judgmental finger-pointing of some churches and Christians contributes to this idea. Picketing or even bombing abortion clinics is just one example that comes to mind. We want to show that we are accepting, although at times even that has it limits. Again, I believe that we tend to be more tolerant of this sins we might be guilty of, or the "Respectable Sins," than of those that would offend us.

The author states that this is a dark picture. I agree. Jesus said, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Luke (18:8b). My fear is that there are many in the church who are there for the wrong reasons, because they have been won through the wrong methods. If we don't believe in our own sinfulness, do we really have the faith that saves us?

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Bernie Sanders - Really doesn't get it

Like most liberals, or often people in general, Bernie Sanders just doesn't get it. In last week's confirmation hearings of Russell T. Vought, the following exchange took place.




I saw one comment on youtube, it stated, "Mr. Sanders is doing the very thing he is accusing Mr. Vought of doing—being exclusive. He is obviously rejecting Mr. Vought because of his beliefs." I couldn't agree more.

Seems like Bernie was trying to dig up some dirt on Mr. Vought, and found this article. An article where Mr. Vought is defending his university and expressing his values. But those values don't line up with Mr. Sanders values, so the attack was on. I find it interesting that when Mr. Vought is explaining his answer, and doing it well, that Mr. Sanders cuts him off and says, "again, I apologize, forgive me, we just don't have a lot of time." He then restates the question. If you don't have a lot of time, then why did you ask the question? But the answer is obvious, it is because he only wants a yes or no answer. He wants to make Mr. Vought appear racist or Islamophobic.

Are some Christians racist or Islamophobic. I would say yes, but Christianity in itself does not support such a position. And I believe Mr. Vought expressed that well. It is a core belief of Christianity that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Expressing that belief should not be a crime, nor should it be a litmus test for confirmation.

I am thankful to see that Mr. Vought was confirmed. Sorry Bernie, the only one expressing intolerance appeared to be you.

I'm looking for a cheap insurance policy.

Saw this on Facebook today. People are encouraged to copy and post.

I want to say something about Christianity. If you don't believe in Jesus Christ, that's your choice! But why is it so important for many to mock those of us who do? If we're wrong, what have we lost when we die? Nothing! How does our faith in Jesus Christ bring others any harm? You think it makes me dumb? Gullible? Ignorant? That's okay. How does that affect you? But if you're wrong, your consequence is far worse. I would rather live my life believing in God and serving Him, and find out I was right, than not believe in Him and not serve Him, and find out I was wrong. Then it's too late. Ain't no shame in my game! I believe in Jesus Christ! He has been so good to me!! So it's kind of an insurance policy for the afterlife.

Here's my challenge:
If you're not ashamed of being a Christian, copy & paste this.

Belief is a choice for some, but is it a choice for all? Did Pharaoh have a choice, or did God raise him up for a purpose. Did God harden his heart, or did he harden his own heart? There are those on both sides of that discussion. But why are Christians mocked? I believe there are multiple answers to that question. One is that faith in Jesus has brought harm to others. Ever heard of the Crusades? Or what about those who do not believe in getting medical treatment because of faith. Or what of acts of hatred and bigotry against gays or any other group that is "living in sin." (It is so much easier to point out the obvious sins of others rather than deal with my own imperfection (sin). Another is the discomfort many have when having to deal with their sin (I believe it is called a conscience). Didn't Jesus say, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household." That sounds a little problematic and hurtful to me.

I don't believe that your faith makes you dumb, but it does make you a hypocrite. But only because we are all hypocrites when it comes down to it. Some worse than others. And again, this becomes something that those outside of Christ quickly recognize (their turn to point out our sin, rather than deal with their own. I call it the log and speck syndrome. Christians are not the only ones susceptible to the disease.)

I do not think those who believe are dumb, gullible, ignorant, etc., but I do believe that many who look to Christianity only as fire insurance are. The post states, "If we're wrong, what have we lost when we die?" To me, a lot. I have altered the way that I live my life because of my faith. I have given up things that other than my faith, I might not have given up. Only God knows how my life would have been different without faith. I believe Paul echoes this thought in 1 Cor. 15:19 when he states, "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." If ever anyone altered his life for his faith, it was Paul.

I think that sharing faith as an "insurance policy for the afterlife" presents a wrong picture of saving faith to those who do not believe. Is this saving faith? I will say that I believe so that if there is a God he will take me into his kingdom? Would those who hold to this model of belief be interested in and able to pick up their cross and follow him? Is this the faith that Jesus proclaimed and died for? I personally don't think so.

Sorry, but I cannot accept your invitation to copy and paste. Not because I am ashamed of my faith in Christ, but because such a post does not reflect what I believe about faith.

What about sin?

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

In chapter 2, Bridges discusses sin. Specifically, how the idea of sin seems to be disappearing from our culture. And not just our culture, but our churches as well. If and when we do address sin, it is the "big" sins, such as murder or abortion, etc. (basically the sins of others) He makes this statement in the chapter, "But on the whole, we appear to be more concerned about the sins of society than we are the sins of the saints." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (pp. 9-10). NavPress. Kindle Edition.)

 Think about it. When is the last time you heard someone condemn one of the big sins? Now think about when is that last time you heard someone condemn gossip, anger, white lies, etc.? 

Which of these sins make us guilty of being sinners? Answer: all of them. 

He brings the point home to me when he says, "that means a 99 on a final exam is a failing grade." 
(Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 12). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) It means that anything less that perfection is imperfection. 

But it is this fact that makes the gospel so beautiful. Remember, ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24) So here is my conclusion: As we fail to see our sin (and ourselves as sinners), we fail to see the beauty of the gospel. As we fail to see the beauty of the gospel, we rob ourselves of our ability to appropriately respond to it. This is not the self-help gospel of many today, it is the God-help-me gospel of the Bible. 

Yet as we do the opposite, that is focus on the sins of others, it makes the gospel into something it was never meant to be, it makes it into legalism. It makes it into something that is ugly, challenging to do, hard work. But Jesus said that his burden is easy. 

God, be merciful to me, a sinner! (Luke 18:13b) Which man went away justified?

Wedding Day - The City Harmonic

Holy (Wedding Day)

The City Harmonic

This is the story of the Son of God
Hangin' on a cross for me
But it ends with a bride and groom
And a weddin' by a glassy sea
Oh, death, where is your sting?
'Cause I'll be there singin'
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
This is the story of a bride in white
Waitin' on her weddin' day
Anticipation wellin' up inside
While her groom is crowned a King
Oh, death, where is your sting?
'Cause we'll be there singin'
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord almighty
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord almighty
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
(Who was, and is, and is to come)
Is the Lord almighty
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
(Who was, and is, and is to come)
Is the Lord almighty
This is the story of the son of God
Hangin'…

Source: Musixmatch

This is the gospel message, and it melts my heart. What more can be said?

10 out of 10 again!

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall...

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

I want to recap yesterday with this illustration. Bridges was talking about the word "saint" and its usage in the New Testament. The word saint is not about what we do (as might be the modern interpretation), but it is who we are. And we are the redeemed. So our actions are determined by who we are.

If you say the word saint in New Orleans, many people would think you are talking about a football player, as New Orleans is the home of the NFL team by that name. Their quarterback currently is Drew Brees. So by New Orleans standards, Drew Brees is a saint. And this is not based on his actions. If he throws a touchdown pass, he is a saint. If he throws an interception, he is a saint. The town does not disown him if he fails. If he retires, he will continue to be regarded as a saint.

So when Paul addresses fellow believers, he refers to them as saints. This is based on their status and not their behavior. In addressing the believers in Corinth, there were some issues, but these issues did not keep Paul from referring to them as saints. The idea being set forth is we too, need to think of ourselves as saints. But many who profess Christianity don't. Nor do many think of themselves as sinners.

A recent example of this can be seen on the TV reality show, the Bachelorette. Apparently, there is a woman on the show who professes to be a Christian. Yet this woman admits to having sex with contestants on the show. When confronted by another contestant, also a professing Christian, about this behavior, she sent him packing. According to this article, she stated,  “I have had sex and, like, Jesus still loves me.” The article also quotes her as saying, “Guess what? Sex might be a sin out of marriage, pride is a sin, too, and I feel like this is like a pride thing,” Brown said. “I feel like I’ve finally gotten clarity on you and I do not want you to be my husband.”

Is she a saint? That is up to God. Does she see herself as a saint? Does she herself as a sinner? It appears that the answer to both of those questions is no.

How do you see yourself? How do I see myself?

Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave

Song number 4. I know that this one creates a very special feeling in me when I hear it. Can it stand the test of listening to the lyric critically?

My comments are in blue.

Overwhelmed

Big Daddy Weave

I see the work of Your Hands
Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
Captivated by Your beauty
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

I know the power of Your Cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God
And all that You’ve done is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

And God I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
Oh God,…

Source: LyricFind

At some points, the song lyrics sound like something that David might have written in the Psalms. To be honest, this song touches on a theme that God has strongly laid upon my heart lately, and that is just how beautiful God is. And as I see Him in this light, it truly does make anything I do a light burden.

10 out of 10!

Putting on the other shoe

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

In yesterday's post, I hit on the idea that the gospel is not a message about "if you just ask Jesus into your heart, you can go to heaven."  But the other shoe in that pair must also be addressed. The gospel is also more than "do better, try harder, and maybe when God weighs your deeds at the eternal roll-call, you fill have enough goodness to make it through.

Bridges begins chapter 1 by talking about the word, "saints." I think when most of us hear this word, we think of someone who, by virtue of multiple noble actions, has achieved a status beyond the normal person, sometimes referred to as a godly person. The Catholic church gives the title to those who have done just that. But in 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the Corinthians as saints. Now if you get to reading the text, you can clearly see that these people were not more noble than most. In fact, they had quite a few flaws within their character. Bridges states, The answer lies in the meaning of the word as it is used in the Bible. The Greek word for saint is hagios, and it refers not to one’s character but to a state of being. Its literal meaning is “one who is separated unto God.” (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 2). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) So in Biblical usage, a saint is not defined by a person's character or behavior, but rather by their status as someone whom Christ has brought into a saved relationship.

This has huge implications for us, especially within the current American theology of what makes a Christian. Biblically, a saint is defined by belonging to Christ, and not exemplary behavior. It's not that our behavior is unimportant, and Paul' admonitions throughout the New Testament confirm this, but it is that our ability to conform to those behaviors does not determine our status when it comes to being in Christ. That is why messages that only deal with our behavior will never truly represent the gospel. Messages that only promote positive thinking, messages that do not take into consideration our sinful state, messages that tell us how to have our best life now, these types of messages take away from the gospel by drawing people into believing they have heard the gospel.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14-15)

When it comes to gospel living, we must recognize who we are before we decide how we will act. Do you give generously? So do others who do not believe. Do you honor your wife, tell the truth (most of the time), have not murdered, don't get drunk, don't worship idols, etc.? So have others who do not believe. So what makes the difference? It is who we are. We are saints, we are sinners saved by grace, we are believers who look at God and see Him as beautiful because of His mercy and grace. And we respond accordingly. Not perfectly, but accordingly. Bridges uses the military analogy of officers in the army. As officers, a certain level of behavior is expected. Perhaps you have heard the expression, "Conduct unbecoming an officer." So their rank defines them, and the behavior follows. Soldiers who also act in manner similar to that of an officer do not become officers by their behavior. Rank defines them. And us. We are saints first, and should act accordingly.

The Gospel is for Sinners

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

One of the beliefs of Calvinism, to the best of my understanding, is that of Limited Atonement. This is the belief that Christ died only for the elect, or those God predestined for salvation. Others would argue that Christ died for all. Without getting into a lot of theological debate, I say it does not matter as the end result is the same. Christ's death is only effective for those who are saved.

In the preface to the book, Bridges states, "The gospel, though, is only for sinners, for those who recognize their need of it." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins . NavPress. Kindle Edition.) Again, we could argue that the gospel is for all, but the end result is that the gospel only saves those who accept it. So in that regard, I agree with Mr. Bridges. 

So what does this mean? To me, a lot. My understanding of the gospel is it is the good news that Jesus died on the cross to take my place. For that to really have to impact me, I need to understand that not only do I deserve death for my sins, perhaps even a death as gruesome and painful as that of Christ on the cross, but I also deserve the other punishment he took, and that is God turning his back on me, eternal damnation. If you haven't thought about that lately, let that sink in.

I think much of what is preached and responded to today is not the gospel, but the idea that if we accept Jesus we get to go to heaven. The problem with this line of thinking is that it avoids the cross, it avoids our sin, it does not lead to a full appreciation of what Christ did for us on the cross, and therefore does not lead to true repentance. It is a false gospel, or not really the gospel at all. 

Do I see myself as a sinner? As one who needs salvation? Am I relying on Christ and what He has done, or am I trying to fix myself? (See this post) Is my life a response to the mercy of God (Romans 12:1), or is my life a continual striving to get things right. Or even worse, do I not strive at all anymore because God has granted me salvation because I accepted a false gospel?

Bridges describes what I believe is a logical consequence of seeing ourselves as wanting to get into heaven, but NOT seeing ourselves as sinners. "Once we trust in Christ, so the thinking goes, we no longer need the gospel." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins . NavPress. Kindle Edition.) If I believe that once I have accepted Christ I am safe, then the gospel can be put on the shelf. But if, as Bridges also states, "the gospel is a vital gift from God not only for our salvation but also to enable us to deal with the ongoing activity of sin in our lives." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins . NavPress. Kindle Edition.), then the gospel is something that I must deal with on a continual basis. It is my reason to say, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21) It is also the reason Paul says a few verses later, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ," (Phil 1:27) notice that he says worthy of the gospel of Christ. Not the news that you have a one time get out of hell free pass, but the reality that when Jesus died on the cross he took your place both in dying and in satisfying God's wrath. 

Looking forward to reading more.

Third Day - God of Wonders

This is my third song as I begin taking a more critical look at the lyrics I listen to. I chose this song randomly from my play list.

My comments are in blue.

God of Wonders

Third Day

Lord of all creation
Of water, earth and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high

God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble in the darkness
I will call Your name by night

Hallelujah, to the Lord of Heaven and Earth
Hallelujah, to the Lord of Heaven and Earth
Hallelujah, to the Lord of Heaven and Earth

God of…

Source: Musixmatch

At one time I listened to a lot of Third Day music. I do like that they do a lot of worship music. I like this song, and think that it is solid lyrically. It is a great praise chorus. 

I especially like the chorus that starts "Early in the morning..." To me it just echoes my journey. Starting out a day, seeing the light, rested, I am full of hope and energy, it just creates an atmosphere of praise. As the day goes on, what has changed? The sun is setting, I am weary, my eyes are not seeing the beauty anymore. I have changed, my circumstances have changed, God has not changed. He is still worthy of praise and celebration. He is still Lord of Heaven and Earth.

Good music. I give this one a 8 out of 10, it is a great song, great lyrics, perhaps is it just my familiarity with it that only gets it an 8.

Cory Asbury - Reckless Love

This is song number 2 that I will be giving a critical listen to. I chose this song because it was a 2018 Dove Award winner. Before I begin, I want to note that Cory records under the Bethel Music label. This is associated with the Bethel Church in Redding, California. While I am not a fan of their theology, I am going to (try and) not let that affect my opinion of the doctrinal validity of this song.

(My comments are in blue)

"Reckless Love"

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me

There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me

There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me

There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

Lyrics found here

Listening to the song, I find myself worshiping the God that is spoken of. I also see a lot of Scriptural basis for the lyrics. God does pursue us, He does leave the 99, He pursues us even while we are sinners (foes). This song does not present God or my response to Him in a way that I find offensive. I did read a few criticisms for Cory's description of God's love as reckless, but I find it a word that really creates a feeling of appreciation for a God who would pursue us in so many wild and wonderful ways.

If I were to rate this song based on its impact as well as what it teaches I would have to give it a 10 out of 10. In fact, I'm going to listen to it again!