EXCERPT FROM "IF GOD IS GOOD"

I just started reading "If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil" by Randy Alcorn. I had to chuckle at this humorous story...

"Some worldviews, including Christian Science, argue that suffering doesn't exist. The irrationality of this worldview is illustrated by a boy who visits his family's Christian Science practitioner to ask him to pray for his very sick father. The practitioner replies, "Son, your father only thinks he's sick. Tell him to have faith and believe he's not sick, but well."

The boy did so. The practitioner sees him the next day and asks, "How's your father?"

The boy answers, "Now he thinks he's dead."

SOMEONE WHO CARES

Months ago the church received a letter from a man in prison. We had no idea who the fellow was, or anything about him, but that he was looking for help and direction. He had dug our address out of the yellow pages. I passed the letter on to one of our deacons and asked if he might be willing to write back to the fellow. Since that time he has been faithfully corresponding with the inmate, offering friendship and Biblical counsel. On one occasion he and I visited the fellow at the prison camp where he was then staying. There have been some challenges along the way. But our deacon has been much used by God in encouraging this man in his relationship with the Lord Jesus. I have read all of the letters and I myself have been blessed to see his growth in Christ. It was the inmate's birthday on November 25th. I was touched by what he wrote, and it should be an encouragement to us all, in how we can be used by God to encourage and disciple others in Christ. This is what he said at the close of his letter...

"I'll be 48 tomorrow and I want you (all) to know how much it means to me knowing that besides God...there are others who care about that date in history too. Maybe that's why the Bible and the yellow pages are so often found in such close proximity."

Praise the Lord!

Pastor Jerry

SPURGEON ON THE INDESCRIBABLE GIFT

Do you ministers, who have been a long time in one place, ever say to yourselves, "We shall run dry for subjects by-and-by"? If you preach Christ, you will never run short. If you have preached ten thousand sermons about Christ, you have not yet left the shore; you are not out in the deep sea yet. Dive, my brother! With splendour of thought, plunge into this great mystery of free grace and dying love; and when you have dived the farthest, you will perceive that you are as far off the bottom as when you first touched the surface. It is an endless theme; it is unspeakable!

THE SEASON OF GIVING

Christmastime is oftentimes referred to as “the season of giving,” which is altogether appropriate inasmuch as it celebrates the greatest gift ever given. The birth of Jesus Christ, who “came into the world to save sinners,” is a gift unrivaled in its glorious benefits. As we reflect on the birth, life and death of our Savior, it becomes readily apparent that He was an expert on giving. His entire life was characterized by selfless sacrifice. He gave and He gave and when there was nothing else to give—He gave His own life. No one has ever given so much and to those who deserve it so little. 2 Cor. 8:9, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” “We are so blessed by the gifts of His hands”--Christmas celebrates all of this.

The expert on giving once said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These words of our Lord Jesus are recorded for us in the Book of Acts (Acts 20:35). Paul exhorted the elders in Ephesus to adopt the same self-sacrificing manner of life that was evident in Jesus and exemplified in Paul. Christmastime reminds us that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. It is more blessed--the act of giving brings great joy to our hearts. Jesus’ words correct a spiritual misunderstanding we are all born with regarding the nature of life. The Devil espouses taking, the world tells us that we need, the flesh cries out “give me, give me!” We are prone in our lusts to want, thinking that is what life is all about (Eph. 2:3). We mistakenly believe that we can find satisfaction and happiness in taking and receiving--but Jesus has revealed to us a better way.

It is more blessed to give than to receive! What a contrary way of life! Since it is more blessed to give, then Jesus is the most blessed of all. His manner of life sets the standard; indeed God’s purpose is to make a giver out of you. It is the nature of the flesh to take; it is the nature of Christlike love to give. 1 John 3:16, “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” The opportunities to give abound--an encouraging word; forgiveness extended; a financial gift given; a prayer offered, a physical need met; a spiritual gift exercised, the gospel message shared--the list goes on and on. To give in meeting such needs is “more blessed!” It pleases God, bestows joy to the giver, and stores up “the treasure of a good foundation for the future” (1 Tim. 6:19).

In a world full of takers, givers stand out. When we give by God’s grace--and unto God’s glory-- Christ’s greater gift is magnified. For every gift given flows from the cross itself--through which hearts are enlarged, minds are renewed, and channels of blessing are etched through hearts of stone. I’m no expert on giving, but Jesus is. He is able to take selfish takers and transform them into selfless givers. His capacity to give is replicated in those who are careful to walk near to Him. His joy is imparted to us in giving, that we might find joy in that which pleases Him most. The season of giving never stops for the believer in Christ inasmuch as there is always more to learn from Him. Let us then endeavor to learn that we may be more blessed! Heavenly Father, help us to learn how to give, as Christ gave. Your capacity to give is beyond our capacity to comprehend. The selfless gift of the Savior not only saves us but instructs us. Help us to walk in His footsteps that we might be joyful of heart and useful in your service. Amen.

Pastor Jerry

STUDY GUIDE FOR CHAPTER 8 OF "HOLINESS" BY J.C RYLE

CHAPTER 8: MOSES--AN EXAMPLE

1. Read Hebrews 11:24-26. How does the study of the example of Moses relate to our pursuit of holiness (p.1)? Why is his example especially relevant to our present situation (p. 1)?
2. What three things did Moses give up for the sake of his soul (p.2-3)?
3. What did Moses give up as far as rank and greatness is concerned (p.2)?
4. What pleasures did Moses refuse (p. 2-3; cf. 1 John 2:16)? People say, "Whatever makes you happy" and "If it feels good, do it," how was Mose’s example contrary to the way that we are naturally prone to live our lives?
5. What was the measure of wealth that Moses refused (p.3)? How deeply rooted is the pursuit of riches in our day? What should our response be (Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:8-10)?
6. What three things did Moses choose for the sake of his soul (p.4-6)?
7. What did Moses choose with regards to:1) enduring suffering and affliction (v.25; p.4), being identified with the people of God (v.25; p.4-5); and bearing reproach (v.26; p.5-6)? To what extent are we as believers in Christ compelled to make similar choices (Cf. Heb. 10:32-34; 2 Tim. 1:8; Phil. 1:29; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-14)?
8. What was the reason for Moses’ suprising decisions (Heb. 11:24-26)? What things did he believe regarding God’s character and promises (p.6)?
9. How was faith like a telescope and interpreter to Moses (p.7)? What did faith teach Moses regarding rank, wealth, and worldly pleasures (p.7)? What did faith teach Moses regarding suffering, identification with God’s people, and bearing the reproach of Christ (p.7)?
10. The author asked "Is there any cross in your Christianity." John Bunyan wrote, "the bitter must go before the sweet." What did they mean? How do these matters apply to us (Cf. Heb. 12:1-4)?
11. Why is faith the only virtue that will enable a person to make such decisions (Cf. Phil. 1:21; 4:13; 2 Pet. 1:1)? How is our faith strengthened (Rom. 1:12; 10:17; Heb. Chapter 11; 12:1-4)?
12. How is the absence of true faith related to one’s actions (p.11)? How does the possession of great faith lead to great results (p.12)?

JESUS LOVES ME

In preparing for this Sunday's sermon I happened upon the account of the writing of the hymn "Jesus Loves Me." Jesus Loves Me is, of course, one of the most endearing Christian hymns ever written. It is oftentimes the first Christian song taught by missionaries to new converts in foreign lands. It has been used by God, no doubt, to bring comfort and hope to millions of souls.

It was written by Anna B. Warner. Anna and Susan Warner were highly educated Christian young women who lived along the Hudson River in the time preceding the Civil War. Their mother died when they were children. Their father, a wealthy and influential New York lawyer, died not long after losing everything but his home in an economic depression. They were left to themselves with a need to find income to provide for their needs, which they did by writing books.

They lived near the US Military Academy and ministered to young cadets who would soon be headed off to war. In fact, Anna's body is buried on the grounds of the US Military Academy, having been honored for her faithful spiritual support of the Army cadets.

The text of the hymn "Jesus Loves Me" was a part of a fictional book she wrote entitled, "Say and Seal." In the book a young and dying child, Johnny Fax, is comforted by a Mr. Linden. Johnny looks to Mr. Linden for comfort and hope, and Mr. Linden responds by gently patting Johnny and reciting the words of the poem:

Jesus loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak bu He is strong.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! Loves me still,
Though I'm very weak and ill
From His shining throne on high
Comes to watch me where I lie.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Then His little child He'll take
Up to heaven for His dear sake.

The chorus was added and the music was written by William B. Bradbury some time later. The hymn speaks to the most basic, yet important, of Christian truths--the love of Jesus revealed in His death upon the cross. Isn't it amazing how God brought this hymn to us?

Pastor Jerry

A BETTER COUNTRY

As a country, America has been unrivaled in its greatness.

• Established by God fearing men with a constitution written to form "a more perfect union."
• Founded in the shed blood of men who valiantly defended their right to govern themselves according to the dictates of their consciences.
• Populated by men and women and families who sacrificed much to enjoy the harvest of blessings this great land affords.
• Through our colorful history great wars have been fought to better define the principles on which this country was founded. Other wars have been fought to set captives free. The soil of foreign countries are stained with the blood of American heroes who sacrificed their lives to rescue others from tyranny and oppression.
• America has led the world in expedition and invention, enterprise and prosperity, education and science, medical science and health care. We have been the envy of the world. Sadly, America’s influence for good in the world is on the decline.

We are privileged to be citizens of this great country, but even when America was at its best, it was never the best country. It is good to be a citizen of America, but infinitely better to be a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20). The author Hebrews wrote of men and women who desired a "better country, that is a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16). These men and women of faith walked by faith in God. They saw themselves as "strangers and exiles on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13). They lived their lives according to the dictates of God’s Word. They believed in God with a confident faith that stood firm on His promises. They fixed their hopes entirely on God’s reward and were not deterred by evil men or worldly temptations. They were willing to suffer persecution and even death in the pursuit of that "better country" (Hebrews 11:32-40).

As it is our country is burdened by great conflicts and unprecedented challenges. We are fighting wars with no end in sight. We have amassed an irreconcilable national debt. Corruption, terrorist threats, and health care debates burden our country. Our treasured freedoms are under attack. Any "right-thinking" American citizen should be concerned about where things are headed. But we citizens of heaven need to "fix our hope" on something better (1 Peter 1:13). Even when America was at its best, the "better country" to which we, as believers, are destined was infinitely better--it is infinitely better now. It has a perfect and loving ruler, the Lord Jesus Christ, "Righteous and true are (His) ways" (Revelation 15:3). America’s greatness will wane, this "better country" is "eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1). In heaven we will experience the glory of His presence, the absence of sin, and the absence of sin’s curse--"there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain" (Revelation 21:4).

All this begs the question--"Where does your hope lie?" "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them" (Hebrews 11:16). A country and a city prepared by God Himself--now that’s a desirable place! That’s why we, as citizens of heaven, "eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself" (Philippians 3:20-21).

Pastor Jerry