Hebrews Dramatic Reading

Part One





Part Two





Part Three





Part Four

I found these here.

Baxter on Nature

"...nature must be read as one of God’s books, which is purposely written for the revelation of himself. The Holy Scripture is the easier book: when you have first learned from it God, and his will, as to the most necessary things, address yourselves to the study of his works, and read every creature as a Christian and a divine. If you see not yourselves, and all things, as living, and moving, and having being in God, you see nothing, whatever you think you see." Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor

The Importance of The End of Redemption

"If there be such a plan concerning the redemption of man, it is obviously of the greatest importance that it should be known and correctly apprehended. If in looking at a complicated machine we are ignorant of the object it is designed to accomplish, or of the relation of its several parts, we must be unable to understand or usefully to apply it. In like manner if we are ignorant of the great end aimed at in the scheme of redemption, or of the relation of the several parts of that scheme; or if we misconceive that end and that relation, all our views must be confused or erroneous. We shall be unable either to exhibit it to others or to apply it to ourselves. If the end of redemption as well as of creation and of providence, is the production of the greatest amount of happiness, then Christianity is one thing; if the end be the glory of God, then Christianity is another thing. The whole character of our theology and religion depends on the answer to that question." C. Hodge Systematic Theology Book III, Chapter I

Life in Maine...

We are settling in to Maine finally. Our life here so far has been blessed. I am finding work, we have found our widwives, we are keeping warm in our little house in the woods, bible study with brothers and sisters in our Lord Sunday afternoons. These things are blessings we don't deserve.

This Threefold Course

"In my early years I assiduously followed this threefold course: first, I read through the entire Bible three times a year (eight chapters in the Old Testament, and two in the New Testament daily.) I steadily persevered in this for ten years, in order to familiarize myself with its contents, which can only be done by consecutive reading. Second, I studied a portion of the Bible each week, concentrating for ten minutes (or more) each day on the same passage, pondering the order of it, the connection between each statement, seeking a definition of the important terms in it, looking up all the marginal references, being on the look-out for its typical significance. Third, I meditated on one verse each day; writing it out on a slip of paper in the morning, memorizing it, consulting it at odd moments through the day; pondering separately each word in it, asking God to open for me its spiritual meaning and to write it on my heart. The verse was my food for that day, meditation standing to reading as mastication does to eating.The more some such method as the above be followed out, the more shall we be able to say, 'thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path' [Ps 119:105]."-A.W. Pink, from Letters of A.W. Pink

Okay, this is a Reformed Voices post from August 30, 2008 but I thought it was necessary to post it again. Believe it or not, this is what many many men of God recommend to the younger generation. Paul washer advised me to read through my bible systematically from Genesis to Revelation. (He also recommended I read Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology.)

Consider this, brothers.

The Gospel of our Salvation

I have recently gone through a sort of study guide through the Gospel of our Salvation that Paul Washer has done. I recommend it to all. This is the first two chapters entitled "Chapter One: God's Motive for Sending the Son and Chapter Two: The Son's Motive in coming to Save" It is refreshing to hear the gospel again and again, family.

Here is the link to the PDF of the first two chapters: http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/download.php?file=Chapter_1_2.pdf

May God be gracious to you this day.

Joshua

If It Had Not Been the LORD

If It Had Not Been the LORD



"A Song of degrees of David.
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 124

This 124th Psalm is a song of deliverance written by King David. He starts with a description of the misery of his situation. He describes his enemies as predators and fowlers to snatch the people of God as prey. He likens his enemies to churning, raging water moving over their souls. He takes care to provide for his readers vivid imagery of the state of his soul that we might feel and experience with David what it is this deliverance has meant to him. Secondly, His focus appropriately shifts our attention from the distress to deliverance. This is the purpose of describing any misery. We do not elaborate on details of distress as an end in itself, but rather that the deliverance (or rather the Deliverer) might be lifted up and magnified. Is it not true that the chief purpose in even the existence of present evil is that we might cleave to and love God more? Has he not ordained all tribulations for our benefit? As it is written, "…we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Rom 5:3-5 and again, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Rom 8:28. Truly it is a glorious truth that even though men "thought evil against [us]", "God meant it unto good". Gen 50:20 That is, He devised, planned, and invented this event for the purpose of a more beautiful work and that He might receive all the glory for it's coming to pass. Let us be thankful and praise our most Holy and Wise God for all His providence brings us. May we say with Job, "the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21.

v.1 "If it had not been the LORD" If our helper was one other than the maker of heaven and earth we are among men most miserable. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Ps 121:1-2 This may be the single most important tactic is this battle… Look unto the Deliverer. Just exactly who is it that has placed Himself "on your side"? Who is this God in whom you place your trust? A shield? A strong tower? The Almighty under whose wings you find refuge? Let us learn more of who our God is that we might be strengthened in this lifelong war. Consider what it would be to trust in another god. "The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them." Ps 135:15-18 What a despicable lot it would be to rely on wood and stones for safety. How does dressing up a piece of wood make your heart able to feel safe with it as your deliverer? "What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?" Hab 2:18 Everything made was made by God and is no God itself. There is but one God: the LORD of heaven and earth.

"Now may Israel say" Let us proclaim His victory! Let us declare His marvellous works to the children of men! "All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom." Ps 145:10-12 This is our aim. To preach Him. To declare Him. To herald the wonders of His work! Let Christ be on our tongues to this degree. Let us be a savour of Christ to this fallen world! "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?" 2 Cor 2:15-16 Our goal is not to please men and tickle their ears with sweet sounding vain oratory but rather to make Christ known. This brings one of two effects in natural man (1) If the Spirit of God is pleased to accompany the Word meeting a sinner, conversion is sure. God has overcome their stubbornness and He receives all the glory for their deliverance. or (2) If the Spirit determines to let that fallen creature alone, the natural man left to himself refuses the glad tidings of Christ making manifest the foolishness of the "wisdom" of man. God is glorified in the declaring of His "foolish" message of Christ and Him crucified. "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." 1 Cor 1:21 The first goal in gospel preaching is not "saving souls" but rather declaring God's Gospel for God's sake. The Lord will sort out the results. As the apostle Paul puts it, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." 1 Cor 3:6-7 We are to be sowers of the word. What is the job of the sower? What does his duty entail? "The sower soweth the word." Mk 4:14 Watering with prayer is also important. However, my burden is to show that there is nothing in the sower nor in the plant itself that can make it grow and bear fruit unto God. It is "God that giveth the increase". Let us beseech our Sovereign Sustainer for life to be imparted.

v.2 "When men rose up against us" At the garden of Eden, God put enmity between the seed of Satan and the Seed of the Woman. Satan and His followers are at enmity with Christ and His. But "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me" Ps 118:16 and, "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Heb 13:6 We are commanded of our Lord Jesus, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Mt 10:28 Fear of man is nowhere known to be a respectable trait. Some of those thrown into the lake of fire are the fearful and unbelieving ones. (Rev 21:8) Our Lord is most glorified when we fully trust in the saving strength of His right hand. Blessed be God that "he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Ps 103:14 He knows we are frail, but in that frailty reminds us that His strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9) This truth is what inspired Paul to assert "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." What blessed promises! It is not our finitude that condemns us but only our unbelief in the only Infinite One. Let us receive grace to believe Him today! "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Pt 5:6-7

v.3 "Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us" It is natural to the sons of Adam to be quick to wrath and bite and devour one another because these things come from within "of your lusts that war in your members" Jam 4:1. There is a wrath that is holy and there is a wrath that is unholy. God never has an unholy wrath and it is only from the pure spring of the regenerate heart that holy wrath can proceed out of man. These unbelievers are filled with hatred and unholy wrath against God's people. "There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." Prv 30:14 Our God is a Jealous God. The Christ is a jealous husband to His bride. He says to the wicked, "As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?" Ex 9:17 It is for the church that our Lord laid down His life (Eph 5:25) and for her that He makes intercession (Heb 7:25, Jn 17:9). "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not" Lk 20:31-32 It is the sheep that Jesus seeks after and protects. It is the bride he died for. It is all those the Father gave Him He intercedes for. God has brought He and his elect together to be wed one day at the Lamb's Marriage Supper. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Mk 10:9 Christ loves His people. The love of Christ, which passes knowledge is so immense it requires divine aid to comprehend its breadth, and length, and depth, and height. (Eph 3:18-19) This God and His Christ shall not let one of his sheep go. He will never forsake them. Any that come against them shall be surely recompensed.

v.4-5 " Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul." Here, the enemies of the people are likened to the overwhelming power of water. It is said to "go over their soul". David calls this water proud (Further possible translations being "churning, raging, or turbulent.") These waters are no sprinkling or misting. These are the waves spoken of in Ps 42:7, "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." The people have crashing waves poured out on them. There is struggling to surface for air. It seems as if the end is in sight. No freedom. As soon as one wave hits them down another is coming. The undercurrent only pulls them deeper and deeper into this sea of distress. As the Psalmists cries, "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD." Ps 130:1 It is appropriate to look at Psalm 18 for another account of deliverance. "The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears… The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." Ps 18:4-6, 13-19

v.6 "Blessed be the LORD" David renders honour to whom honour is due. The LORD is our deliverer. "Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy: That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it." Ps 109:26-27 Among God's people it is known that "Salvation is of the LORD." Jon 2:9 That is, salvation does not proceed out of something within man or something created, as this present evil world would have us to believe, but rather it proceeds out of the Wisdom and Grace of God. "For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah." Ps 44:6-8

"Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth." Satan and his followers desire to have us that they may do as they will to us. They are spoken of as devouring beasts. The Devil is a beast as a lion. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" 1 Pet 5:8 And his children reflect his image, " I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts." Ecc 3:18

It is the teeth of the enemy that will snatch and devour. This is the only means by which they may consume us. A lion with no teeth is hardly a conqueror. Therefore we cry, "Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly." Ps 3:7 and "Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD." Ps 58:6 What is our Lord's response to cry of His people? "Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey." Jer 30:16 We exclaim,"Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased." Ps 115:2-3

O dear saints, know that not only has he promised to deliver you at that final day but also he has brought daily victory to his people in this New Covenant promise of the indwelling Spirit. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Gal 5:16 Our victory as the redeemed is in Jesus' accomplishment on the cross. "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ...." 2 Cor 2:14 "And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb" Rev 12:11

v.7 "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped." This God of Heaven is our keeper and provider. "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." Ps 91:2-3 Surely it is true that our enemy is Satan and all spiritual wickedness. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph 6:12 However, can it not also be said that one of our greatest enemies is ourselves? For left to himself, does man desire that which is good to keep his soul alive? Would it have been necessary then to say to man, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mk 8:36 Man desires to live his life without God. The bible calls this sin and "the wages of sin is death" Rom 6:23 Therefore, it is true to say man is his own greatest enemy. He has forfeited his freedom to serve God to become a slave to sin. "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." Jn 8:34 Man is in the snare of sin and bondage. A Deliverer is necessary. It is said to evangelists, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2 Tim 2:26 It is God granting repentance that is the greatest deliverance. For "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Jn 8:36 "the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Rom 8:21 It is God that overcomes our stubborn wills and conquers our hearts. He makes us to become "more than conquerors through him that loved us." Rom 8:37 "O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." Ps 98:1 "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." Zep 3:17 "Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance." Ps 32:7

v.8 "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Where does your help come from? Are relying on your own wisdom and strength to deliver you from the day that God has appointed for judgment? Know this. Help is only to be found in Jesus Christ. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Act 4:12

"Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil 2:5-11 "…these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Jn 20:31

Reader, today I would have you to consider Christ, the only Saviour. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" 1 Tim 2:5 God's own dear Son has come to this world bringing deliverance. At the cross, he defeated death so that it has no more sting. On that cross He satisfied the wrath of God, bearing the penalty of sin by becoming a curse. By that cross, He accomplished a full salvation for all who would believe! It is the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ alone that is sufficient to pay your debt against God. Lay down your sin and cast yourself upon Him. May the God of Heaven so stir in your heart conviction of sin, and love toward Christ this very moment! May these words of Jesus the Lord ring in your ears from this day forward, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Jn 6:37

Grace be with you, family!

Joshua

A Testimony by David Brainerd

"Having been thus endeavouring to pray though, as I thought, very stupid and senseless for near half an hour, then, as I was walking in a dark thick grove, unspeakable glory seemed to open to the view and apprehension of my soul. I do not mean any external brightness, for I saw no such thing; nor do I intend any imagination of a body of light, somewhere in the third heavens, or any thing of that nature; but it was a new inward apprehension or view that I had of God, such as I never had before, nor any thing which had the least resemblance of it. I stood still, wondered, and admired! I knew that I never had seen before any thing comparable to it for excellency and beauty; it was widely different from all the conceptions that ever I had of God, or things divine. I had no particular apprehension of any one person in the Trinity, either the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost; but it appeared to be divine glory. My soul rejoiced with joy unspeakable, to see such a God, such a glorious Divine Being; and I was inwardly pleased and satisfied that he should be God over all for ever and ever. My soul was so captivated and delighted with the excellency, loveliness, greatness, and other perfections of God, that I was even swallowed up in him; at least to that degree, that I had no thought (as I remember) at first about my own salvation, and scarce reflected there was such a creature as myself.

“Thus God, I trust, brought me to a hearty disposition to exalt him, and set him on the throne, and principally and ultimately to aim at his honour and glory, as King of the universe. I continued in this state of inward joy, peace, and astonishment, till near dark, without any sensible abatement; and then began to think and examine what I had seen; and felt sweetly composed in my mind all the evening following. I felt myself in a new world, and every thing about me appeared with a different aspect from what it was wont to do. At this time, the way of salvation opened to me with such infinite wisdom, suitableness, and excellency, that I wondered I should ever think of any other way of salvation; was amazed that I had not dropped my own contrivances, and complied with this lovely, blessed, and excellent way before. If I could have been saved by my own duties, or any other way that I had formerly contrived, my whole soul would now have refused it. I wondered that all the world did not see and comply with this way of salvation, entirely by the righteousness of Christ." - The Life and Diary of David Brainerd

The Danger of Spiritual Self Confidence

This man's name is Conrad Mbewe. Brother Paul Washer has said of him that he is the Charles Spurgeon of Africa.

This sermon brought sweet conviction today while listening. It is titled "The Danger of Spiritual Self Confidence". There are more of his sermons here.

Grace and Peace!

Joshua

Semper Reformanda!

"Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda: The church reformed and always to be reformed"

Ever heard of this before? I recommend reading a short article on what this means. May this spiritual reformation be ever present in our lives!

Ten Indictments

This is Paul Washer preaching at a revival conference on October 22nd. Many believe these 2 hours sum up Paul's preaching ministry. For more info on this sermon... http://tenindictments.com

Matthew Henry on the Sufficiency of God

"[Paul] utterly disclaims the taking of any praise to themselves, and ascribes all the glory to God: "We are not sufficient of ourselves, v. 5. We could never have made such good impressions on your hearts, nor upon our own. Such are our weakness and inability that we cannot of ourselves think a good thought, much less raise any good thoughts or affections in other men. All our sufficiency is of God; to him therefore are owing all the praise and glory of that good which is done, and from him we must receive grace and strength to do more.’’ This is true concerning ministers and all Christians; the best are no more than what the grace of God makes them. Our hands are not sufficient for us, but our sufficiency is of God; and his grace is sufficient for us, to furnish us for every good word and work." M. Henry on 2 Cor 3:5

The Month of October...Providence.

This previous month has been a tumultuous one. After months of prayer about whether we should move out of state or not, my pregnant wife and I spent a day in the emergency room and month ago due to stomach pain. They found a seven inch tumor on her right ovary and several smaller tumors on her left one. Emergency surgery was necessary. The Christian surgeon saw our situation and figured out a way to cover our $30,000 expenses. The surgery went great. Tumors removed. Able to save 90% of left ovary. Right ovary removed. Baby is healthy and strong. Blessed be God.

These passages were our song during this time...

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8

"I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever." Psalm 145

I am presently in a moving truck with my father in Maine. We are approximately one hour from our new home... Sedgwick, ME. Julia flew out and is waiting on our arrival. My father flew down to Nashville to help with driving. What a blessing. 25 hours in two days. Our cat Lentil is riding with us, sleeping on our laps the whole way. He's a good traveler.

Thank the LORD for His graces toward us in this time. Thank you to any of my brothers and sisters that were praying for us during this time.
May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you hearts in grace and peace in believing today. Bless His holy name for ever and ever.

Preaching Christ in the Power of the Spirit

Dr Arturo G Azurdia III is one of my favorite preachers. His website is http://spiritempoweredpreaching.com/. He has tons of sermons for free to download. His series on the Doctrines of Grace is what I give to people with questions about Reformed Soteriology. I listened to a series that blessed me recently. This is a great series on "Preaching Christ in the Power of the Spirit" Download them here: Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4

Spiritual Depression in the Psalms

Pastor John Piper preached a sermon this year about spiritual depression. It has affected me greatly and helped coach me through times of downcastness. I highly recommend it. May the God of Peace give you the greatest peace in believing today!

http://www.desiringgod.org/download.php?file=http://media.desiringgod.org/audio/2008/20080601.mp3

The Justification for Hell

The Justification for Hell

All Sin is Against God.

"Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest." Ps 51:4

Sin is Exceeding Sinful.

"Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful." Rom 7:13

Sin is an Infinite Crime.

"Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?" Job 22:5

This is Because the Crime is Against the God of Infinite Worth.

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev 4:11

God Hates Sin.

"For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity." Ps 5:4-5

God Has Promised to Punish the Wicked with Eternal Damnation.

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Ps 9:17

Everything God Does is Just and Right.

"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." Deut 32:4

Therefore, Eternal Damnation is Just.

"God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." Rom 3:4-19

Let Brotherly Love Continue

Brethren in the Beloved,

My heart has been heavy lately to think of the lack of love and compassion among the family of God. There is no room in the Christian life for arrogance and fighting between brothers in the most holy faith! Theological convictions aside, Let us love one another, brethren! Here are some reminders from the word of God pertaining to this. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless this to you heart this day! Grace and Peace. -Joshua

Let Brotherly Love Continue

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Mt 22:37-40

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same." Lk 6:31-33

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Jn 13:34-35

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." Jn 15:9

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Jn 15:12-13

"These things I command you, that ye love one another." Jn 15:17

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" Rom 12:10

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Rom 13:8-10

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Gal 5:13-14

"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers" Eph 1:15-16

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph 4:2-3

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Col 3:12-14

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph 4:31-32

"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Eph 4:16

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." Eph 5:2

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment" Phil 1:9

"Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Phil 2:2

"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col 2:2-3

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments" Ps 133:1-2

"And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." 1 Th 3:12-13

"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another." 1 Th 4:9

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently" 1 Pet 1:22

"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." 1 Pet 4:8

"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes." 1 Jn 2:6-11

"For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1 Jn 3:11

"Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." 1 Jn 3:13-19

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." 1 Jn 4:20-21

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments." 1 Jn 5:1-2

"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." 1 Jn 3:23

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." 1 Jn 4:7-8

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." 1 Jn 4:11-12

"Let brotherly love continue." Heb 13:1

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Song of Solomon

I recently was talking with my dear brother Abraham and he was sharing with me that Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Song of Solomon was a very edifying read. My wife and I began reading it as well. We fully agree. It is a crucial thing to understand in scripture the special love that God has for His bride. This commentary is stirring and evokes praise. It can be found many places online for free. Here is one place.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Tablets of Stone by John Reisinger

My pastor has loaned me a book recently and it has been a great help to me in understanding the role of the ten commandments in the life of a New Covenant Christian.
"Tablets of Stone and the History of Redemption is a study of the part the Ten Commandments play in God’s plan of salvation by grace through faith as that plan unfolds in the Old Testament Scriptures, moves into the New Testament Scriptures, and finally reaches into the life of the church today. The material will be of special interest to those concerned about the biblical relationship between law and grace. Clear biblical answers that will help God’s people to obey the command ‘Be ye holy, for I am holy’ (1 Pet. 1:15, 16) are provided.If this book helps any of God’s people to better understand his Word and thereby love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ more fervently, the efforts of writing it shall be well rewarded."

I would highly recommend it to anyone wondering about this issue of the relationahip between law and grace. You could purchase a copy here or you could read this short article by the author to get and overview of his perspective.
Also, my pastor taught a series on Law and Grace that was helpful as well. It can be found for free here at our fellowship's website.

Giving God the Credit

My Pastor, Jim McClarty preached an edifying sermon this Sunday. Take a listen...

http://www.salvationbygrace.org/uc/sub/messages/Sun_20080831_Giving_God_the_Credit.mp3

Grace,
Joshua

Beware of the Leaven of the Finneyites and Wesleyans

Beloved,

Below is a link to an enlightening article about the dangers of certain men's teaching and the harmful effects it has had. I assure you, this is not controversy for controversy sake. The things spoken of here are grave matters.

Please read this article if you have not yet studied the theology of these men.

Here is the link...


http://www.cristianismobiblico.com/leaven.htm

Grace and Peace,
Joshua

Lord's Day 1 from the Heidelberg Catechism

This has been a great source of rejoicing for me of late. May the Lord bless it you as well. The full Catechism is found here. Grace be with you!

Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?

Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c) who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)

(a) Rom.14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Rom.14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (b) 1 Cor.6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (c) 1 Cor.3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Tit.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. (d) 1 Pet.1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (e) Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. John 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (f) John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 2 Thess.3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 1 Pet.1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (g) Matt.10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Matt.10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt.10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 21:18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. (h) Rom.8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (i) 2 Cor.1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor.1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 2 Cor.1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor.5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Eph.1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Eph.1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Rom.8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (j) Rom.8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Question 2. How many things are necessary for thee to know, that thou, enjoying this comfort, mayest live and die happily?

Answer: Three; (a) the first, how great my sins and miseries are; (b) the second, how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries; (c) the third, how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance. (d)

(a) Matt.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt.11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matt.11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 1 Cor.6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Tit.3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Tit.3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Tit.3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Tit.3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Tit.3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (b) John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. (c) John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 10:43 To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (d) Eph.5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Eph.5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Eph.5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Eph.5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 1 Pet.2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Pet.2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Rom.6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom.6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom.6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom.6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Harmless As Doves

Harmless As Doves
The Doctrine of Non-Retaliation

by: Joshua Klein

"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (Jhn 18:36)

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." (Mt 5:5)

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (Mt 5:7)

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Mt 5:9)

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Mt 5:10-12)

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust… Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Mt 5:43-45, 48)

"And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Lk 6:29-31)

"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." (Lk 6:35)

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Jhn 14:27)

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Mt 5:38-39)

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Mt 22:37-40)

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Rom 13:8-10)

"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Gal 5:14)

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." (Mt 7:12)

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." (1 Pet 3:8-9)

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom 12:17-21)

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men." (1 Th 5:15)

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" (1 Pet 2:21-23)

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Eph 6:12)

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:3-5)

"And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." (Mt 26:51-52)

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Mt 10:28)

"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." Ps 56:11

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." Prv 29:25

"From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not." (Jam 4:1-2)

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Gal 5:19-24)

"The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth." (Ps 11:5)

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!" (Isa 31:1)

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Ps 20:7

"For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me." Ps 44:6

"They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods." Ps 42:17

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Ps 118:8

"And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him." Ps 37:40

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Prv 3:5

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Ps 62:8

"And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day." (1 Cor 4:12-13)

"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." Nah 1:7

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Mt 10:16)

Exhorations...

Pray Without Ceasing.
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Th 5:17
"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Ps 55:17
"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." Mk 14:38
"Brethren, pray for us." 1 Th 5:25
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." 1 Tim 2:8
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Jam 5:16

Rejoice Always.
"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Phil 4:4
"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." Ps 5:11
"I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High." Ps 9:2
"But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation." Ps 13:5
"Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." Ps 32:11
"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation." Ps 35:9
"But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice." Ps 68:3
"Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD." Ps 105:3
"Rejoice evermore." 1 Th 5:16

Thank Him in all Things.
"…be ye thankful." Col 3:15
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Col 3:17
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Ps 100:4
"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Ps 106:1
"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Ps 107:1
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Cor 9:15
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Th 5:18
"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Heb 13:15

Praise Him in all Things.
"I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints." Ps 52:9
"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee." Ps 63:3
"Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee." Ps 67:3
"Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day." Ps 71:8
"Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee." Ps 118:28
"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." Ps 150:6
"And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great." Rev 19:5

Trust Him at all Times.
"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Ps 62:8
"The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour…" 2 Sam 22:3
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Ps 9:10
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Ps 20:7
"But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever." Ps 52:8
"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." Ps 56:11
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Prv 3:5

Be Clothed with Humility.
"…Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" 1 Pet 5:5-6
"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility." Prv 15:33
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit." Prv 29:23
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Mt 23:12
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Jam 4:6
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." Jam 4:10

Always Give Him the Glory.
"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified." Ps 70:4
"And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name." Rom 15:9
"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." 1 Pet 4:16
"I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore." Ps 86:12
"Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength." 1 Ch 16:28
"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." Ps 29:2
"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 2 Tim 4:18
"To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Pet 5:11

Hey Family,

Here is a link to something wonderful! I was so surprised to find myself edified by hip hop music. Check out this dear brother's music! His name is Shai Linne.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=99574894
Here are the lyrics to his new cd... http://lyricaltheology.blogspot.com
Here's a sample...

Triune Praise
written by shai linne

Verse 1

Praise God the Father, the Immortal Creator
For Your glory you made us, You're the Sovereign Orchestrator
All that You decree will most surely come to happen
You're awesome as can be and Your glory none can fathom
Nothing could ever stain You, the heavens can't contain You
We thank You for sending Your Son to explain You
Otherwise we would have remained in the dark
but You sent Your Holy Spirit to spark a change in our hearts
According to Your eternal purpose and will
You determined to reveal Yourself to those who deserve to be killed
Those of us whom You foreknew adore You
We praise You that You predestined us to be conformed to
The image of Your Son who's the radiance of Your glory
When I meditate on it, the weightiness of it floors me
So Father, we'll praise you over and over again
Because You sent Your only Son to atone for our sins

Chorus

Glory to the Father, Glory to the Son,
Glory to The Spirit- Three and Yet One
One in Your essence, Three in Your Person
The same in Your nature, distinct in Your working
Oh my soul- behold the wonder of the Trinity
Blessed be the Trinity, Oh, what a mystery!
I'll stand amazed for the rest of my days
Pouring out my heart in Triune praise

Verse 2

Praise God the Son, Second Person of the Trinity
You're distinct from the Father, yet you share in His divinity
Fulfilling an eternal covenant- You came through
To planet earth to save who? All the Father gave You
You became a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief
For the glory of Your Father You extinguished the beef
That stood between us at the cross- the Father's anger released
The Shepherd slain for the sheep, the situation is deep
I can't find the right language to speak, in fact it's making me weep-
Just the thought of You saving this creep
You're risen from the dead, I still can't get this in my head,
How the Judge could leave the bench and go to prison instead
Lord Jesus, you're amazing, Your bleeding is what saved men
It's the reason why we're praising, can't wait to see Your face
In the meantime, please help us to see You as colossal
And by the Spirit live lives worthy of the gospel

Chorus

Verse 3

Praise God the Holy Spirit, 3rd person of the Trinity
Distinct from Father and Son, yet share in Their divinity
Holy Spirit we praise You, You don't like the spotlight
You'd rather point away from yourself and give props to Christ
But yet because You're God, You deserve veneration
And You're the One responsible for our regeneration
You apply the finished work of Christ to all the elect
Your call is effectual- You haven't lost one yet
You comfort us when sin, Satan and the world got us bothered
And it's only by You that we cry out "Abba Father"
You're the Spirit of adoption, the Spirit of Truth,
You graciously provide Your people with the gifts and the fruit
You help us kill sin and dis-attach us from our idols
If it wasn't for You, we'd never understand the Bible
Because You wrote it- For our life it will surely suffice
Amazingly, You do it all for the glory of Christ!

Here's what Paul Washer thought of some of this "Reformed Rap"...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MfdpFdZq7nA

A Mighty Fortress is our God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJHKzU_t1M


A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

A Soft Tongue Wielding the Sword

A Soft Tongue Wielding the Sword
How to Preach Trusting in the Power of God
by: Joshua Klein


I. Be Affectionately Desirous of Them…

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." Rom 10:1

"So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us." 1 Thes 2:8

"Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." 1 Cor 10:33

"Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Tim 2:10

II. Understand That Conversion is Wrought Solely by the Spirit of God…

"I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints." Ps 52:9

"For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" I Cor 4:7

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" Tit 3:5

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." II Cor 4:6-7

III. Know that the Sword Comes out of His Mouth, Not Yours…

"…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" Eph 6:17

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb 4:12

"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa 55:10-11

"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Pet 1:23

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Rom 1:16

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim 3:15

"For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many." Isa 66:16

IV. Have A Soft Tongue and Gentle Spirit (For This is in the sight God of Great Price)…

"By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone." Prv 25:15

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2 Tim 2:24-26

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Gal 6:1

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing." 1 Pet 3:15-17

V. Lean Not Unto Thine Own Understanding and Wisdom…

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Prv 3:5

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." 1 Cor 1:17-24

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Cor 2:1-5

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14

VI. Preach in the Fear of God, Not the Fear of Men…

"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." 1 Thes 2:4

Scriptures For Gospel Presentation

Dearest Family in the Lord Jesus...

The following is a scripture list to help prepare Christians for evangelism. Remember, it is the word of God that is powerful, not the words of men. Please meditate on the scriptures so that you may be able to lean on them in evangelistic situations.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!!!
brother Joshua

Scriptures for Gospel Presentation

Arranged by: Joshua Klein
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17


I. Who is God?

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me" (Isa 46:9)

a. He is Independent.

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things" Acts 17:24-25

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." Ex 3:14

b. He is Unchangeable.

"For I am the LORD, I change not..." Mal 3:6

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Heb 13:8

"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." Ps 102:25-27

c. He is Infinite.

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." Ps 90:2

"Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out." Job 36:26

d. He is Omniscient (All-Knowing).

"Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?" Job 37:16

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Prv 15:3

"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Heb 4:13

e. He is Omnipresent (Present Everywhere).

"Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD." Jer 23:23-24

"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?"
1 Kings 8:27

f. He is Omnipotent (All-Powerful).

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jer 32:27

"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee" Jer 32:17

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Mt 19:26

g. He is Holy.

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." Isa 6:3

"Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity." Job 34:10

"Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" Ex 15:11

"There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God." 1 Sam 2:2

h. He is Loving and Compassionate.

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." 1 Jn 4:8

"Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? … For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." Eze 18:23, 32

"He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion." Ps 111:4

i. He is Good.

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Ps 106:1

"Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." Ps 119:68

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Jam 1:17

j. He is Just.

"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." Deut 32:4

"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?" Gen 18:25

"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?" Job 4:17

"The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame." Zep 3:5

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Rev 15:3

k. He is Jealous.

"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me" Ex 20:5

"For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" Ex 34:14

l. He is Gracious and Merciful.

"And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" Ex 34:6

"For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD." Ps 117:2

"And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." Joel 2:13

m. He is Infinitely Wise.

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Rom 11:33

"O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." Ps 104:24

n. He is Wrathful.

"God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day." Ps 7:11

"Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof." Eze 22:21

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" Rom 1:18

o. He is Sovereign.

"God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness." Ps 47:8

"But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased." Ps 115:3

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" Eph 1:11

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." Isa 46:9-11

II. He Created Us and All Things for His Pleasure.

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev 4:11

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Col 1:16-17

III. We Have Sinned Against God.

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Rom 3:10-12

"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" Prv 20:6

"The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Ps 14:2-3

IV. Everyone is Born in Sin.

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Ps 51:5

"And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done." Gen 8:21

V. The Natural Man

"The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." Ps 10:4

"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities." Isa 64:7

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom 8:7-8

"…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Rom 14:23

"For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." Jn 3:20

VI. Our Sins Have Separated Us From God.

"The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." Prv 15:29

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isa 59:2

VII. God's Wrath on Sinners.

"For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity" Ps 5:4-5

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Jn 3:36

VIII. No One Can Hide Anything From God.

"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Ecc 12:14

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Prv 15:3

"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Heb 4:13

"For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings." Job 34:21

IX. Our Righteousnesses Are As Filthy Rags.

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isa 64:6

"…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Rom 14:23

"Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah." Ps 39:5

X. God's Grace and Compassion Toward All of Mankind.

"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:17

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
Mt 5:45

XI. Jesus Christ is the Perfect Sacrifice for Sin.

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 Jn 4:10

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" 1 Pet 1:18-19

"For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Heb 9:26, 28

XII. The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.

"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." Acts 2:23-24

"Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." Rom 6:9

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Cor 15:3-4

"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places" Eph 1:20

XIII. Jesus Christ is the Only Way to God.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Jn 14:6

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" 1 Tim 2:5

XIV. Repentance and Faith.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph 2:8-9

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I Jn 1:9

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" Acts 3:19

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent" Acts 17:30

"Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." Joel 2:12-13

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." Jn 8:24

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb 11:6

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom 10:9

XV. You Must Be Born Again.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jn 3:3

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." Jn 3:6-7

XVI. Assurance of Salvation.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Mt 7:21-23

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" 1 Jn 1:6

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 Jn 2:4

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor 5:17

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." 1 Jn 2:3

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Eze 36:26-27

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 Jn 5:3

XVII. Perseverance of the Saints.

"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Heb 7:25

"For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people." 1 Sam 12:22

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." Jn 10:27-29

XVIII. The Love of God for His Chosen People.

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." Eph 1:4-6

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for It; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph 5:25-27

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jer 31:3

XIX. Eternal Life.

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Jn 17:3

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Ps 16:11

"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" 1 Pet 1:4

XX. Eternal Damnation.

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Ps 9:17

"So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." Mt 13:49-50

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Rev 21:8

"And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!" Prv 5:11-13

"And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." Lk 16:23-24

XXI. Exhortations to Sinners.

"Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? … For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." Eze 18:23, 32

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" Acts 3:19

"Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." Joel 2:12-13

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isa 55:6-7