Dating Prophets

No, this will not be a discussion of Angela Thompson's relationship with Chad before they were married.

Do you think keeping a historical sketch of the OT prophets in mind while reading applicable sections of the OT would be helpful? Or we could simply broaden the question to the relevance of chronological timelines in Bible study. Any thoughts?

Examples of Guidance in the Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones

"A comfortably-placed business man and his wife among the Calvinistic Methodists had invited the Lloyd-Joneses for Christmas. They were not Christians but were grateful to the Doctor for his effective discouragement given to their son who had wished to become a missionary. The fact was, that for the latter the pull of foreign field had been romantic rather than spiritual...After mid-day dinner in this home on Christmas Day, Dr. Lloyd-Jones had gone upstairs and was settling down in an armchair to rest, when he was given a most distinct impression that at nine o'clock that evening, when the family and visitors were to be assembled for party games, he must address the question to them, "Why did Christ come into the world?' This impression he at once resisted, thinking how it would be resented at a gathering of this nature which they were attending as guests for the first time. But the conviction that he was called to do this was inescapable and his inward conflict was not resolved until he had gone down on his knees and promised God that he would do it." D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years, 194.

MLJ did, and throughout hours of discussion the entire family was converted, including the son who wanted to be a missionary. The son, now truly converted, eventually entered the ministry.
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"There were some occasions in his (MLJ) life when he had strong presentiments about the future. These impressions, it should be said, were not always correct, neither did he ever make them a rule for others, but explain it as we will, in the worst of the Blitz he believed that Westminster Chapel would be preserved..."

Iain Murray records the weekend of Sunday May 11, 1941 as a massive air attack around Westminster Chapel during the war. Many buildings were hit, such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster school. 1,436 people were killed. MLJ was in Oxford during this time for a preaching engagement. Dr. Nathaniel Micklem, MLJ's host, told Dr. Lloyd-Jones he wouldn't be preaching in Westminster anytime soon, explaining the air-raid. We pick up the conversation with Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaking. '"Listen to this. I am telling you that Westminster Chapel has not been demolished, and that I shall be preaching in it tonight.' He was amazed at this, and especially at my certainty. I preached in the morning and after lunch got my train to London. I remember that approaching Paddington I could see fires burning in places on both sides of the line." He hailed a taxi. '"Where for, sir?' said the taximan. I said, 'I want a chapel called Westminster Chapel, halfway along Buckingham Gate, Westminster.' 'I'm afraid, sir', he said, 'you cannot get into Buckingham Gate'. 'Why not?' 'Oh, terrible bombing last night,' he said, 'everything flattened.' I said, 'Look here, you get down in the direction of Victoria and I will guide you.' While all this was going on he was telling me about what he had seen; but I was still absolutely certain that I would be preaching at the chapel. I will never forget it. We came round the corner from Palace Street into Castle Lane. I looked, and here was this old building standing as if there had not been a raid at all." D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith, 15-16.

The building, of course, was Westminster Chapel.

You may find him explaining the biblical precedence for this type of guidance here.

The Bethlehem Institute

The Bethlehem Institute is the training center developed by elders from Bethlehem Baptist Church. I was interest to find their curriculum is about to be mobilized. You can find more information here.

Discerning the Will of God: Further Clarification on the Views of Martyn Lloyd-Jones

UPDATE: I have cited a few examples of guidance in the life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones here.

This post raised questions concerning the views of Martyn Lloyd-Jones on discerning the will of God. The quotation was taken from a personal letter to his daughter, Elizabeth, who felt called to the mission field. MLJ's advice was for a specific person, in a specific circumstance, at a specific point in the decision-making process.

In order to clarify his more general advice on the subject, I have summarized (quoting liberally) a sermon found in Romans 1: The Gospel of God. The following section may be found from pages 193-204. I highly recommend reading this chapter. I don't think you can fully understand his view apart from reading the section in its entirety.

mv
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…making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you…I long to see you. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I have purposed to come unto you (but was let [prevented] hitherto)… - Romans 1:10, 11, 13

MLJ begins this discussion in the context of Paul’s prayer life, underscoring his entire submissiveness to the will of God – an amazing fact in light of who Paul was by nature. In this section, Paul underscores his earnest desire to visit the Christians at Rome. MLJ uses this situation to discuss guidance, explaining, “Christian are more frequently perplexed by this problem of guidance than perhaps by any other single question or problem.” He proceeds to underline “the things which Paul tells us about himself in that respect in this particular situation.”

1 – We notice Paul has an intense desire to see and work among them. He wants by “any means” to come, and “long(s)” to see the Romans. He has even “oftentimes” purposed to come. Then in 15:23, he says has “a great desire these many years” to visit them.

2 – “Paul always acts, you notice, by or in the will of God.” He will only come by the will of God. He not only desired, but also planned to visit Rome. “Clearly, the Apostle occasionally sat down and drew up a plan of campaign…it was in his heart…to call at Rome.” Yet, though desire and plans were in place, he wasn’t going “until he [was] absolutely sure in his own mind that it is in accordance with the will of God. This to me is a very important point.” MLJ believes the R.V. translation is closer than the A.V. “…That I may be prospered’…He is not so much saying that he may have a prosperous journey, but that, at long last, he may be so prospered by God as to be able to make the journey.” He approvingly quotes Weymouth’s translation, which says, “‘that the way may by some means be made clear for me to come to you’…What the Apostle actually desires is that he might be ‘prospered’”. MLJ proceeds to set forth proof for his position. “The word used here, which is translated in these different ways is exactly the same word that the Apostle uses in 1 Corinthians chapter sixteen, verse 2. He is talking about the collection for the saints, and this is what he says: ‘Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him…’ – precisely the same word…And the word is used again in the Third Epistle to John, in the second verse. ‘Beloved’, he says, ‘I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.’ Very well then, the meaning here is perfectly clear: that what the Apostle is waiting for is that God will make it possible for him to have a good journey – so to ‘prosper’ him that at long last he can make this journey to Rome.” MLJ reiterates that though Paul intensely desired and planned to go to Rome, he wasn’t going to move until he was certain that it was God’s will. “He knows that nothing is prospered unless it is under the blessing of God, and no matter what his own ideas are, and no matter how intense his desires may be, he will not move in this matter until it [was] clear to him that it is the will of God that he should do so.”

3 – Paul accepts hindrances, being sensitive that God uses such. On the subject of God’s use of hindrances, MLJ states, “This is a vital part of the doctrine of guidance.”
A – Romans 15:22-23 demonstrate one sort of hindrance, namely, when God keeps us in an area to complete a task. Paul was called to the unevangelized, and writes, “For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you…” But now the work is finished and he hopes to come to Rome.
B – We are sometimes hindered by sickness. “In the first chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians we find sickness mentioned. He was ill ‘nigh unto death’. His enemies thought Paul simply couldn’t be relied upon. Nevertheless, he was prevented by sickness.
C – 1 Thessalonians 2:18 states that we may also be hindered by Satan.
D – “Then there is another cause of hindrance, which to me is of vital importance, and of considerable interest. MLJ points to Acts 16:6-7, where Paul is “forbidden” to preach in Asia and “suffered” by the Spirit not to go into Bithynia. “Paul obviously had planned to preach the word in Asia, and he had proposed to do so. Indeed…he had even attempted to go to Asia, but he found himself forbidden by the Holy Ghost. Paul is said to “assayed” to go into Bithynia. “Now this word ‘assayed’ means to ‘prove’ or to ‘make a trial’…If he is not allowed to go to Asia, well, perhaps God is directing him to Bithynia, and he makes an attempt. He puts it to the test; he ‘proves’ it; he makes a trial. But the Spirit of Jesus suffered him not.” MLJ concludes, “Now clearly this is something which is of great importance to all of us. In one instance he is hindered, in the other he is not allowed, not suffered, prohibitied, forbidden. How do you think this worked? Clearly, this is something that happened in the realm of the spirit…The Apostle was sensitive in his spirit to the direct leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here he is in a dilemma and we see how he worked it out. He had thought, ‘I must go into Asia’, yet he is conscious of some prohibition by the Holy Spirit upon his spirit. Then followed this experiment about Bithynia: ‘Yes, we are evidently meant to go to Bithynia’. They began to go there, but the Holy Spirit ‘suffered them not’. Now here, I say, is the direct and immediate pressure and control of the Holy Spirit upon the spirit of man, and, as I understand this whole doctrine of guidance, there is nothing that is really important than this. I would not hesitate to say that his is the final sanction and authority in the matter of guidance…How does one decide to do anything? Well, God has given us minds: he has given us understanding, and we are meant to use them, even as the great Apostle planned to go to Spain…You can, if you like, draw up a profit and loss account; here are the things in favour; here are the things against…You use reason, common sense, understanding. You may consult other people. You can take other opinions. All that is perfectly legitimate. Then you say, ‘Yes, but God will open a door and God will shut a door.’ Quite right! He does just that. And we pay great attention to it. When God wants us to do something He does deal with circumstances. We should never force a door open. Yet I am asserting strongly that over and above both of these tests, the most important and the most crucial of all is this ‘witness of the Holy Spirit’ in our spirits. I sometimes put it like this: even though you may be satisfied in your mind about a course of action, even though, in general, circumstances may be agreeing with what you have decided in your mind, if there is a sense of uncertainty or of unhappiness within, then do not move, do not act (emphasis his). There I think is the prohibition of the Spirit…It was right to preach the Word; Asia was open to it; there was a need in Asia. Will and reason said as much. And as far as the Apostle could tell, circumstances seemed to be propitious. Yes! But the Spirit forbade it, and in the case of Bithynia did not suffer it. Let me use an illustration…There is an express train at one of the London termini. The engine has been coupled to the carriages, the pressure of steams is already in the engine, everything is ready, the passengers have taken their seats, the guard is waiting. Why doesn’t the train move then? The signal has not dropped! There is a final signal, and the final signal, it seems to me, in these matters is this very thing that we are considering: the guidance which is the direct guidance of the Spirit, this inner assurance, this certainty that we are given, and I am asserting that in the absence of that we must not act.”

4 – In light of being prevented, he had continued praying. We should be encouraged to persevere in prayer.

All of this highlights “how vital it is that our wills should be entirely submitted to the will of God."

MLJ ends the sermon with this quote. “There is only one place of safety; there is only one place of peace; there is only one place of perpetual joy, and we find it when we are entirely submitted in all things to the will of God.

Polemic Theology

Roger Nicole has written an excellent article on the subject of our manner and tactics for dealing with those who differ. The article can be found here.

HT: JT

Kirk Wellum on Matthew 5:17-20

In his inaugural lecture at Toronto Baptist Seminary, Kirk Wellum gave one of the finest treatments of Matt. 5:17-20 that I have ever read. As many of you are probably aware, this passage has massive implications when it comes to understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the relationship of the Christian to the law, etc. Wellum explains:

Matthew 5:17-20 is a crucial NT passage that has much to say to a number of issues in our day. That is why when I was asked to give an inaugural lecture at TBS I chose to speak about "The Hermeneutical Implications of Fulfillment in Matthew 5:17-20."

It is my personal opinion that many of the issues that divide evangelical Christians have to do with understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Over the years theological structures have been developed and confessional positions taken that have not always been sensitive to the Bible's own internal organization. The more we understand how God has revealed himself in his word, the more accurately we will be able to teach and apply that word to real life situations.

Study after study of the state of the evangelical church shows that people know less and less about their Bibles. Although many still confess the authority of the Bible, fewer believe the doctrines it teaches. If this situation is to be remedied, we must return to the Bible with a willingness to hear all that it has to say to us. And if we are to do that, we must see Jesus as the one who holds the whole thing together. This is what I have tried to establish from Matthew 5:17-20. Much more could be said, but this is at least a starting point that gets us going in the right direction.

The short of it is, READ THIS ARTICLE! I have no doubt that it will be of tremendous help to you regarding the issues it addresses.

HT: The Road to Emmaus

Piper Responds to Witherington

As a follow-up to this post, John Piper has now responded to Ben Witherington. His response can be read here.

HT: Between Two Worlds

Elliot on Militant Christianity

"We are still utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a power the 20th-century does not reckon with. But we are harmless, and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual passivists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle to the death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brash, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the cross. The world cannot hate us, we're too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous!" - Jim Elliot

Proclaiming the Kingdom

And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
Acts 19:8

Here's my question: Do we have any reality of this in our evangelism? Do we think of evangelism as seeking to reason with people and persuade them about the kingdom of God? What does that even mean? What is "the kingdom of God" in this context? How does this fit in with 1 Cor. 15:1-4, and Paul's definition of "the gospel" in that passage? What is the correlation between Paul's proclamation of "the gospel" in 1 Cor. 15, and "the kingdom of God" in Acts 19:8? How do the gospel and the kingdom relate to one another?

Alright, that's enough questions...

Does Reformed Theology Portray God as Narcissistic?

NT scholar Ben Witherington thinks so. What say you?


HT: Denny Burk

Justin Taylor on the Church

The Church: The Who and the Why by Justin Taylor.

HT: Between Two Worlds

Snow and Providence

Seeing the snow on the ground this morning, I was reminded of this quote from Loraine Boettner's The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination:

Every raindrop and every snowflake which falls from the cloud, every insect which moves, every plant which grows, every grain of dust which floats in the air has had certain definite causes and will have certain definite effects. Each is a link in the chain of events and many of the great events of history have turned on these apparently insignificant things.

Piper Adresses the ETS on Justification

Shortly after his new book, The Future of Justification, became available, John Piper addressed the Evangelical Theological Society on the topic of justification (audio, video, manuscript). The message is passionate and practical; I commend it to you.

HT: Between Two Worlds

Hallmarks of Grace - Mark LaCour

Hallmarks of Grace

"The law came in so that the transgression would increase, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 5:20-21)


There are millions of souls in hell today that could testify that “where sin abounds, judgment abounds.” Just ask the lust-driven residents of Sodom and Gomorrah, or Pharaoh’s soldiers floating face down in the Red Sea, or count the graves in the wilderness of Jews who didn’t believe. Judgment is the deserved response to sin -- and the Bible doesn’t lack for examples of people who got what they deserved. To make matters worse, God adds “gas to the fire” by giving His law to increase sin’s production and make men even more susceptible to judgment.

But God’s grace is a different matter. It isn’t given because it’s deserved and it isn’t given out of necessity. A sinner has nothing God wants or needs. God’s grace is the sole property of God, to give or withhold for His good pleasure -- sovereignly dispensed and freely received.

Three hallmarks of God’s grace in the above text: First, grace is found where sin is found. The perfect have no need of grace and the religious have no desire for it. Only sinners meet this condition -- the very thing that disqualifies from God’s presence qualifies for God’s grace.

Secondly, where sin abounds grace abounds all the more. In other words, God is more willing to forgive a sinner than a sinner is willing to sin, more desirous to kiss the prodigal son than to listen to his repentant speech [Compare Luke 15:17-19 with vv. 21-22--gh]. If men sin by the hundreds, God gives grace by the millions.

Thirdly, and more importantly, grace reigns through righteousness -- it’s designed to conquer sin as an opponent. The reigning power of grace is found in what it causes the child of God to believe -- the Father’s love toward Him never changes, even when he sins. Nothing else will conquer indwelling sin. The Law won’t -- knowing that God hates your sin has no power to vanquish it (1 Cor. 15:56); repentance won’t -- sorrow over the past is not enough to sustain against present temptations. You must believe God calls you His son, not when things are going well, but when you’re at rock bottom. Romans 9:26- "and it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people, there they shall be called sons of the living God.'"

Dear believer, If God hasn’t given up on you all these years, what makes you believe that He will start today?

-- Mark Lacour

Martyn Lloyd-Jones: Discerning God's Will

The following is an excerpt of a letter sent by Martyn Lloyd-Jones to his daughter, Elizabeth. In 1948, she felt called for overseas missionary work, so she asked her father to give advice on discerning the will of God. Now, the wrong way to read this excerpt is to apply his advice strictly to your circumstances. He knows his daughter and her surroundings well, and this advice is customized to her personality and circumstances. This comes out in the last paragraph on page 177. Nevertheless, the principles behind his advice are invaluable.

mv
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The one vital, all-important thing is to know the will of God. It is not as easy as it sometimes sounds. I was for over two years in a state of uncertainty and indecision before leaving medicine for the pulpit. But in the end it was made absolutely and perfectly clear and mainly by means of things which God did.

These are the rules while I would advise you to observe:

1. Never speak to anyone about it. Don't tell people what you are feeling and discuss it and ask for advice. That always leads to still more uncertainty and confusion. Make an absolute rule of this at all costs. Say nothing until you are absolutely certain, because we are all subject to self suggestion.
2. Do no even think about it and discuss the pros and cons with yourself. Once more this leads to auto suggestion and confusion.
3. In meetings, etc. do not start with the thought in your mind, 'I wonder whether this is going to throw light on my question or help in any way?'
4. In other words, you must not try to anticipate God's leading. Believing as I do that God does 'call' very definitely, and in a distinct and definite doctrine of a call, and a vocation is distinct from 'the need is the call' idea, I believe that God will always make His will and His way plain and clear. With reverence, therefore, I say leave it to God entirely as regards purpose, time and all else.

All you have to do is to tell God that you are content to do His will whatever it may be and, more, that you will rejoice to do His will. Surrender yourself, your life, your future entirely to Him and leave it at that...You must not go on asking God to show you His way. Leave it to Him and refuse to consider it until He makes it impossible for you not to do so...Our business is to make ourselves such instruments as shall be fit and meet for the Master's use. He always tells such people how and where and when He wants to use them. You prepare yourself and He will then show you what He wants you to do.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Fight of Faith (p. 178-179)

Exhortation from Chronicles

I've been reading in Chronicles these days (shameless plug - R. M. M'Cheyne reading plan). Specifically 1 Chronicles 12:23-40 had some statements about the men that came to serve David as his men of war. I was just struck by how needed these statements still are for anyone seeking to be a "good soldier of Christ Jesus" -Apostle Paul .

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1 Chronicles 12

The Mighty Men Join David

23These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the LORD. 24The men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops.

Shield and spear, weapons in war both of offense and defense. The Christian should be taking ground for the Lord on the offense. This will mean destroying any lofty thing raised up against Christ and putting to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. This means using an offensive weapon. The sword (or spear) of the Spirit, the word of God.

But making advances is not the only important thing in the Christian life. Steadfastness and holding fast the ground we have gained is important too. This involves defense, taking up the shield of faith. We are "protected by the power of God through faith" for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

And the defensive aspect can't be stressed enough. Paul said that he wrote to the Thessalonians to find out about their faith (1 Thess. 3:5). He was doing this because he knew that the devil would tempt and try these believers so as to make all the ground they gained offensively prove vain. It took a long time before my prayer life changed to reflect this. In high school all I really knew to do was to pray for souls to be saved. It wasn't until much later that I began to pray that the souls of my brothers and sisters would be kept.

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25Of the Simeonites, mighty men of valor for war, 7,100. 26Of the Levites 4,600. 27The prince Jehoiada, of the house of Aaron, and with him 3,700. 28 Zadok, a young man mighty in valor, and twenty-two commanders from his own fathers’ house.

Mighty in valor, i.e. brave and courageous. Living a crucified life takes guts and determination. And even this aspect of youth is interesting. Not that only youth can be valiant, but hey, I'm young, so I think this verse is cool. It makes me think of the often foolish but honorable zeal of my compatriots.

It's probably something of this spirit that penned the lines I love to sing, "Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease?"

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29Of the Benjaminites, the kinsmen of Saul, 3,000, of whom the majority had to that point kept their allegiance to the house of Saul. 30Of the Ephraimites 20,800, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers’ houses. 31Of the half-tribe of Manasseh 18,000, who were expressly named to come and make David king. 32Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.

How important, to be discerning and acutely aware of things like: morality, true spirituality, and our culture; but most importantly eternal life. It is pitiable when men (because of the blinding effects of Satan) can't even choose the right side to join and the right King to follow. Why would you not want to follow Jesus!?

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33Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war,

I actually like other non-ESV versions better here which say "who could draw up in battle formation" (NASBUE) and also "stouthearted men who could keep ranks" (NKJV). Not just seasoned, but people that could clump together and keep ranks! The ESV seems to totally miss that. With my tiny understanding of Hebrew, I think they should've said something here, because the Hebrew seems to say these men stuck together like a flock. See here, scroll down and look at verse 33...

What does this mean, but that we need each other. We are weak when alone, but strong when walking in unity. Christians aren't meant to be lone warriors, but soldiers fighting together, in ranks. Some are in the front line, some are archers, some are medics, some are commanders etc.

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to help David with singleness of purpose. 34Of Naphtali 1,000 commanders with whom were 37,000 men armed with shield and spear. 35Of the Danites 28,600 men equipped for battle. 36Of Asher 40,000 seasoned troops ready for battle. 37Of the Reubenites and Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh from beyond the Jordan, 120,000 men armed with all the weapons of war.

38All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with full intent to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king.

Blessed are the pure in heart. No waffling. If he's your God, then follow him. If Baal, then follow him!

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39And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them. 40And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

Serving and following a king has its benefits. Like peace, and love, and joy. And this is not just earthly joy like the Israelite feast described above. There is double joy for the Christian. There is blessing in this life (and it is good!), but most importantly there is full and everlasting joy in heaven, destined for every saint. How encouraging when Jesus said "Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."

Charles Leiter on Romans 7

In case anyone missed the link that was provided in Mason's review of Justification and Regeneration, I wanted to point out that the entire appendix from the book dealing with Romans 7 can be read online at the Puritan Fellowship website. Romans 7, particularly verses 14-25, has been a controversial passage of Scripture throughout church history, and continues to be down to this day. However, like most controversial passages, it yields great riches when wrestled with and understood properly, and Charles' thoughts in this appendix are a great help toward that end.

For further study, readers may also want to check out these two articles:

Enslaved To Sin: A Second Glance At Romans 7 by Michael Adams & Geoff Volker

Romans 7:13-25 by Daniel Thompson

John Murray - The Particularity of Christ's Work

A fellow brother shared some thoughts during last Sunday's meeting related to the personal nature of the work of Christ. While listening to him speak, I was reminded of this section from John Murray's sermon titled "The Father's Love" from Romans 8:32, found in his Collected Writings (Vol. 3, 219-220). If you can read this, and still entertain doubts as to whether or not you should purchase Murray's Collected Writings, then I worry for you. Just kidding. Sort of...

Each person has his or her own individuality. No two persons are identically the same. Even identical twins have their distinguishing features. This particularity is true also in sin, misery, and liability. 'All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way' (Isa. 53:6). We cannot place this manifold of guilt in one category. There are as many categories as there are individuals in the one characterization that 'all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God' (Rom. 3:23). Hence when God saves he does not save man in the mass. He deals with each in his or her own particularity. It is this that is likewise true in God's dealing on behalf of man in the giving up of his own Son. The Father contemplated them in the distinctiveness of the sin, misery, and liability of each.

If we are sensitive to the enormity of our own sins, it may be difficult to entertain this thought. It may be easier to think of the Father's love and provision if we were submerged in the mass and not contemplated in our own individuality. But we dare not think of the Father's provision thus. If we were submerged in the mass and as it were forgotten in the mass, there would be no salvation at all. Salvation can only be for us if it is salvation in all the particularity of our need. Paul expresses the thought elsewhere in terms of Christ's love: he 'loved me, and gave himself for me' (Gal. 2:20). In our text [Rom. 8:32] he expresses it in terms of the Father's love. On more sober and mature reflection this great truth becomes supremely precious. For this truth alone inspires the confidence needed in face of the gravity of our own sin. The Father gave up his own Son to the wrath, curse, and condemnation that our sins merited.

There is, therefore, no case that falls outside of the Father's provision. Let us ever bear in mind that the Father knew each in all the loathsomeness of his defilement, in the enormity of his guilt, in all the wretchedness of his misery, in all the particularity of his perversity, and in all the intensity of his need. And he loved with everlasting love, nevertheless. He loved with a love so great, so invincible, so purposeful that he gave over his own Son to taste death for every one of the sons to be brought to glory, and they will never taste one drop of the damnation due. Oh! the marvel of the Father's love. Eternity will not scale its heights nor fathom its depths. It is like the love of Christ himself; it passeth knowledge, yet a love to be apprehended by all saints.

"Justification and Regeneration" - A Personal Review

I will not hide my enthusiasm for this book. This review will be rare in that the book and the author have meant a lot to me personally. The help I have received from Charles demonstrates the far-reaching effect of these two miracles, justification and regeneration. Apart from this, the author would have nothing to offer.

You will have read this review correctly if upon completion you conclude the contents have profoundly shaped my life. Under a merciful providence, the contents of this book saved me from spiritual suicide in 2004. Let's go there for a moment.

I lived in Romania under the direction of HeartCry Missionary Society. I was Sorin Prodan's bag carrier - I loved it. But depression crept in as a struggle grew to understand the ontological effects of regeneration: What does regeneration actually accomplish? How was I really different now as a Christian? History has proven that my understanding of regeneration as a whole was the actual problem. My view of salvation was entirely legal. That's good. But that's only half. And poverty in the other half proved devastating. Ground for my fight with sin eluded me, and homesickness, loneliness and a paralyzing depression settled in. The situation was critical.

I was anxious to meet Charles Leiter, as I knew Charles had a significant and on-going influence on Paul Washer. Imagine my delight when Charles came to teach a Bible conference in the spring of 2004. He received the unfortunate job of sharing a van seat with me on a several-hour trip to northeast Romania. A long conversation short – upon reaching our destination, I found that most of my view of the new birth had been destroyed. The rubble was removed, and a foundation was rebuilt. This conversation would prove to be the most profound moment of my Christian life. I finally had answers to my questions – solid, biblical answers. My only desire was to find a quiet place to weep before the Lord for joy. My feet didn’t touch the ground for weeks. These tears still come when I remember this event. All glory to God!

The contents of this discussion became a book earlier this year. To this subject we now turn. The following are the chapter headings of Justification & Regeneration:

Foreword by Paul Washer
Preface
Chapter 1 - Sin: Man's Ultimate Problem
Chapter 2 - Can a Man Be Right Before God
Chapter 3 - Justification: Its Characteristics
Chapter 4 - Regeneration: All Things New
Chapter 5 - A New Creation
Chapter 6 - A New Man
Chapter 7 - A New Heart
Chapter 8 - A New Birth
Chapter 9 - A New Nature
Chapter 10 - Crucifixion & Resurrection
Chapter 11 - A Change of Realms: Flesh to Spirit
Chapter 12 - A Change of Realms: Earth to Heaven
Chapter 13 - A Change of Realms: Sin to Righteousness
Chapter 14 - A Change of Realms: Law to Grace
Chapter 15 - A Change of Realms: Adam to Christ
Appendices:
A - Regeneration: A Summary
B - "Cannot Sin"
C - Romans 7
D - All Blessings in Christ

Was another book on these topics really necessary? Endless volumes have already been printed on each of these subjects. After reading the work a couple of times, I will argue yes, there is a necessary place for this book. J&R retains a refreshing combination of biblical faithfulness, intellectual rigor, and a pastoral emphasis – all in readable language.

Biblical. The book is painstakingly biblical. In the footnotes alone J&R contains 300+ verse references which serve the purpose of validating conclusions and aiding further study. The work is basically a road map through the Bible. In this respect, the appendices alone are worth the price of the book. One appendix is a summary of regeneration which consists entirely of categorized verse references. Scriptural references pertaining to the blessings of union with Christ are also listed and categorized.

Simple. The language is accessible. Paul Washer writes in the foreword, “There seems to be a great abyss separating the biblical theologian and the Christian in the pew. While the theologian is able to climb the Everest of God’s truth and be transformed by the vision, he often communicates the vision in a language that is beyond us…Pastor Charles Leiter has done a great service to the Church in that he has taken two of the greatest doctrines of Scripture…and explained them in simple language without loss of content.” I agree. I feel comfortable handing this book to seasoned theologians. I would feel the same comfort in handing this to a new Christian. Charles has a profound gift.

Logical. Just read the chapter titles! Charles builds a coherent system of scriptural doctrine. Beginning with the radical depravity of man, he moves toward the cross, which serves as both a launching pad and the centerpiece of justification and regeneration. His logic is rigorous, which makes the book intellectually satisfying. Any critics have their work cut out for them.

Pastoral. Charles writes with a pastoral emphasis. I would have no hesitation handing this book to a scholarly theologian (and I have!). Nevertheless, the clear and constant goal throughout J&R is to promote glorying in Christ Jesus among the saints. He writes, “This book attempts to set forth in clear Biblical light the nature and characteristics of justification and regeneration that God may be glorified and His children brought to know more fully the liberty that is theirs in Christ.” I believe he succeeded. The book remains radically opposed to the destructive doctrine of perfectionism. Yet neither is the believer left to a hopeless fight with sin. The power of Christ in the believer is set forth in such compelling light that the reader is infused with solid, Scriptural hope for victory even over the most besetting sin.

And one of my favorite aspects of the book - all proceeds from the book go to HeartCry Missionary Society. Not all men are in the position to do this. However, this has made my buying and distributing copies even more satisfying.

I have enjoyed this book thoroughly. I highly recommend the work.

The book may be purchased through HeartCry by following this link. The price, including shipping, is $9.

Title: Justification and Regeneration
Author: Charles Leiter
Pages: 164
Publication Year: 2007

On Marking Books: Thoughts From Mortimer Adler

How to Mark a Book

By Mortimer J. Adler, Ph.D.

You know you have to read "between the lines" to get the most out of anything. I want to persuade you to do something equally important in the course of your reading. I want to persuade you to write between the lines. Unless you do, you are not likely to do the most efficient kind of reading.

I contend, quite bluntly, that marking up a book is not an act of mutilation but of love. You shouldn't mark up a book which isn't yours.

Librarians (or your friends) who lend you books expect you to keep them clean, and you should. If you decide that I am right about the usefulness of marking books, you will have to buy them. Most of the world's great books are available today, in reprint editions.

There are two ways in which one can own a book. The first is the property right you establish by paying for it, just as you pay for clothes and furniture. But this act of purchase is only the prelude to possession. Full ownership comes only when you have made it a part of yourself, and the best way to make yourself a part of it is by writing in it. An illustration may make the point clear. You buy a beefsteak and transfer it from the butcher's icebox to your own. But you do not own the beefsteak in the most important sense until you consume it and get it into your bloodstream. I am arguing that books, too, must be absorbed in your blood stream to do you any good.

Confusion about what it means to "own" a book leads people to a false reverence for paper, binding, and type -- a respect for the physical thing -- the craft of the printer rather than the genius of the author. They forget that it is possible for a man to acquire the idea, to possess the beauty, which a great book contains, without staking his claim by pasting his bookplate inside the cover. Having a fine library doesn't prove that its owner has a mind enriched by books; it proves nothing more than that he, his father, or his wife, was rich enough to buy them.

There are three kinds of book owners. The first has all the standard sets and best sellers -- unread, untouched. (This deluded individual owns woodpulp and ink, not books.) The second has a great many books -- a few of them read through, most of them dipped into, but all of them as clean and shiny as the day they were bought. (This person would probably like to make books his own, but is restrained by a false respect for their physical appearance.) The third has a few books or many -- every one of them dog-eared and dilapidated, shaken and loosened by continual use, marked and scribbled in from front to back. (This man owns books.)

Is it false respect, you may ask, to preserve intact and unblemished a beautifully printed book, an elegantly bound edition? Of course not. I'd no more scribble all over a first edition of 'Paradise Lost' than I'd give my baby a set of crayons and an original Rembrandt. I wouldn't mark up a painting or a statue. Its soul, so to speak, is inseparable from its body. And the beauty of a rare edition or of a richly manufactured volume is like that of a painting or a statue.

But the soul of a book "can" be separate from its body. A book is more like the score of a piece of music than it is like a painting. No great musician confuses a symphony with the printed sheets of music. Arturo Toscanini reveres Brahms, but Toscanini's score of the G minor Symphony is so thoroughly marked up that no one but the maestro himself can read it. The reason why a great conductor makes notations on his musical scores -- marks them up again and again each time he returns to study them--is the reason why you should mark your books. If your respect for magnificent binding or typography gets in the way, buy yourself a cheap edition and pay your respects to the author.

Why is marking up a book indispensable to reading? First, it keeps you awake. (And I don't mean merely conscious; I mean awake.) In the second place; reading, if it is active, is thinking, and thinking tends to express itself in words, spoken or written. The marked book is usually the thought-through book. Finally, writing helps you remember the thoughts you had, or the thoughts the author expressed. Let me develop these three points.

If reading is to accomplish anything more than passing time, it must be active. You can't let your eyes glide across the lines of a book and come up with an understanding of what you have read. Now an ordinary piece of light fiction, like, say, "Gone With the Wind," doesn't require the most active kind of reading. The books you read for pleasure can be read in a state of relaxation, and nothing is lost. But a great book, rich in ideas and beauty, a book that raises and tries to answer great fundamental questions, demands the most active reading of which you are capable. You don't absorb the ideas of John Dewey the way you absorb the crooning of Mr. Vallee. You have to reach for them. That you cannot do while you're asleep.

If, when you've finished reading a book, the pages are filled with your notes, you know that you read actively. The most famous "active" reader of great books I know is President Hutchins, of the University of Chicago. He also has the hardest schedule of business activities of any man I know. He invariably reads with a pencil, and sometimes, when he picks up a book and pencil in the evening, he finds himself, instead of making intelligent notes, drawing what he calls 'caviar factories' on the margins. When that happens, he puts the book down. He knows he's too tired to read, and he's just wasting time.

But, you may ask, why is writing necessary? Well, the physical act of writing, with your own hand, brings words and sentences more sharply before your mind and preserves them better in your memory. To set down your reaction to important words and sentences you have read, and the questions they have raised in your mind, is to preserve those reactions and sharpen those questions.

Even if you wrote on a scratch pad, and threw the paper away when you had finished writing, your grasp of the book would be surer. But you don't have to throw the paper away. The margins (top as bottom, and well as side), the end-papers, the very space between the lines, are all available. They aren't sacred. And, best of all, your marks and notes become an integral part of the book and stay there forever. You can pick up the book the following week or year, and there are all your points of agreement, disagreement, doubt, and inquiry. It's like resuming an interrupted conversation with the advantage of being able to pick up where you left off.

And that is exactly what reading a book should be: a conversation between you and the author. Presumably he knows more about the subject than you do; naturally, you'll have the proper humility as you approach him. But don't let anybody tell you that a reader is supposed to be solely on the receiving end. Understanding is a two-way operation; learning doesn't consist in being an empty receptacle. The learner has to question himself and question the teacher. He even has to argue with the teacher, once he understands what the teacher is saying. And marking a book is literally an expression of differences, or agreements of opinion, with the author.

There are all kinds of devices for marking a book intelligently and fruitfully. Here's the way I do it:

• Underlining (or highlighting): of major points, of important or forceful statements.
• Vertical lines at the margin: to emphasize a statement already underlined.
• Star, asterisk, or other doo-dad at the margin: to be used sparingly, to emphasize the ten or twenty most important statements in the book. (You may want to fold the bottom comer of each page on which you use such marks. It won't hurt the sturdy paper on which most modern books are printed, and you will be able take the book off the shelf at any time and, by opening it at the folded-corner page, refresh your recollection of the book.)
• Numbers in the margin: to indicate the sequence of points the author makes in developing a single argument.
• Numbers of other pages in the margin: to indicate where else in the book the author made points relevant to the point marked; to tie up the ideas in a book, which, though they may be separated by many pages, belong together.
• Circling or highlighting of key words or phrases.
• Writing in the margin, or at the top or bottom of the page, for the sake of: recording questions (and perhaps answers) which a passage raised in your mind; reducing a complicated discussion to a simple statement; recording the sequence of major points right through the books. I use the end-papers at the back of the book to make a personal index of the author's points in the order of their appearance.

The front end-papers are to me the most important. Some people reserve them for a fancy bookplate. I reserve them for fancy thinking. After I have finished reading the book and making my personal index on the back end-papers, I turn to the front and try to outline the book, not page by page or point by point (I've already done that at the back), but as an integrated structure, with a basic unity and an order of parts. This outline is, to me, the measure of my understanding of the work.

If you're a die-hard anti-book-marker, you may object that the margins, the space between the lines, and the end-papers don't give you room enough. All right. How about using a scratch pad slightly smaller than the page-size of the book -- so that the edges of the sheets won't protrude? Make your index, outlines and even your notes on the pad, and then insert these sheets permanently inside the front and back covers of the book.

Or, you may say that this business of marking books is going to slow up your reading. It probably will. That's one of the reasons for doing it. Most of us have been taken in by the notion that speed of reading is a measure of our intelligence. There is no such thing as the right speed for intelligent reading. Some things should be read quickly and effortlessly and some should be read slowly and even laboriously. The sign of intelligence in reading is the ability to read different things differently according to their worth. In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through you -- how many you can make your own. A few friends are better than a thousand acquaintances. If this be your aim, as it should be, you will not be impatient if it takes more time and effort to read a great book than it does a newspaper.

You may have one final objection to marking books. You can't lend them to your friends because nobody else can read them without being distracted by your notes. Furthermore, you won't want to lend them because a marked copy is kind of an intellectual diary, and lending it is almost like giving your mind away.

If your friend wishes to read your Plutarch's Lives, Shakespeare, or The Federalist Papers, tell him gently but firmly, to buy a copy. You will lend him your car or your coat -- but your books are as much a part of you as your head or your heart.

Welcoming The Lake Road Podcast

We have been contorting our brains around here to figure out how to meet the increasing demand for messages on c.d. It's no secret Lake Road has a stockpile of some of the best sermons available. The dear sister who spearheads this ministry has answered the demand in part by this - The Lake Road Chapel Podcast. This will be a wonderful resource for those of you wanting to hear more of Charles Leiter and Dick Ochs - the two elders at Lake Road Chapel. Others such as Don Johnson, Paul Washer, and Conrad Murrell will follow (if "Acts 26" by Conrad appears, don't miss it!). But let me encourage you not to miss Charles and Dick, our elders. Both retain an refreshing combination of intellectual rigor and devotional emphasis. I owe more than could ever be expressed to these two men. So bookmark the page, and check for updates.

Speech and Speaking in the Book of Proverbs

Below I have tried to deal with every verse in Proverbs which pertains to speech. The disheartening thing about this endeavor is I can't find my hand written notes! Therefore, a few verses may not be included. I thought, however, the verses may be an encouragement. I am not a good systematizer, so feel free to take the verses and put them under your own headings. If my notes turn up in the future, I will let you know the missing verses.

GENERAL
5:1-2 My son, give attention to my wisdom, Incline your ear to my understanding; That you may observe discretion And your lips may reserve knowledge.
15:26 Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD, But pleasant words are pure.
16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

DESCRIPTIVE: Various types of speech compared
10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
10:13 On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
10:20 The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little.
10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding.
10:31 The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.
10:32 The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.
15:2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so.
16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved.
18:23 The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly.
20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
24:26 He kisses the lips Who gives a right answer.
27:5-6 Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
31:26 She (an excellent wife) opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.(italics mine)

CIRCUMSTANCES: Practical advice for various situations
3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.
6:1-4 My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, Have given a pledge for a stranger, If you have been snared with the words of your mouth, Have been caught with the words of your mouth, Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor. Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids;
12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.
15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
17:10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.
17:14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.
20:3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.
20:25 It is a trap for a man to say rashly, "It is holy!" And after the vows to make inquiry.
23:9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.
25:8 Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, When your neighbor humiliates you?
25:9-10 Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another, Or he who hears it will reproach you, And the evil report about you will not pass away.
25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him.
26:5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes.
26:20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.
25:15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
26:24-26 He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart. Though his hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
27:14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be reckoned a curse to him
28:23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.
29:9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
29:19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response.
30:10 Do not slander a slave to his master, Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.

THE WICKED
16:27 A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are like scorching fire.
17:4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
18:8 (26:22) The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
24:1-2 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble.
26:23 Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart.

LYING
6:16-19 There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
12:17 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.
12:19 Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment.
12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.
14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, But he who utters lies is treacherous.
17:7 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.
19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape.
21:6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.
21:28 A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.
24:28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips.
25:18 Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
26:28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

SLANDER
20:19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.
16:28 A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.

FLATTERY
29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.

PERVERSITY
6:12 A worthless person, a wicked man, Is the one who walks with a perverse mouth,
15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
17:20 He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.
19:1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.
19:28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.

VOLUME: How much to speak
10:8 The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined.
10:10 He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined.
10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise
11:12 He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.
11:13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.
12:16 A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor.
12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.
13:3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
17:27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.
18:13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
29:11 A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.
29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

RESULTS: The fruit of our words
5:3-4 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey And smoother than oil is her speech; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.
10:14 Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.
11: 9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
12:13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble.
12:14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him
13:2 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence.
14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise will protect them.
14:23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty.
15:23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!
16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
17:5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
18:6 A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.
18:7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul
18:20 With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
20:20 He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.
21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles
22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the LORD will fall into it.
22:17-18 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips.
22:11 He who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.
24:24-25 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.
25:12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
25:23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land.
26:7 Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
26:9 Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

WHEN TO OPEN YOUR MOUTH
31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate.
31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

GOD’S WORDS
30:5-6 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

"The Outpouring of the Spirit" - Charles Leiter

Bro. Charles, in his series on Romans, taught through this wonderful subject from May to July. The following are the titles of the messages:

1 - The Spirit Himself - Intro
2 - The Spirit Himself - Intro continued
3 - "Be Filled with the Spirit"
4 - Baptism in the Spirit (Outpouring)
5 - Results of the Outpouring
6 - Historical
7 - Examining Experiences

These helpful messages are a balanced, biblical treatment on a controversial subject. If you would like a disc with these messages in MP3 format, email me at masonvann@gmail.com with your name and address.

For further reading on the subject, you may want to check out Joy Unspeakable by Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

How To Lose A Bet: Pascal's Wager

I commend those who are on the front lines of evangelism, especially those who labor on college campuses. Anyone who spends time in this arena knows the atmosphere is that of suffocating unbelief. The temptation is to relieve the tension with methods which take the blade out of our presentation of the Gospel. We, however, must let the Bible dictate both our message and our method. We are seeing a resurgence of the former. We have yet to see a resurgence in the latter.

A case-in-point of unbiblical methodology is Pascal's Wager. You can find the argument in Pensees. Click here for a synopsis.

The Argument
Premise 1 - If you believe in God, and find out your were wrong, you lose nothing.
Premise 2 - If you do not believe in God, and find out you were wrong, you lose everything.
Conclusion - You should believe in God.

The following will show this method to be unbiblical.

1 - Pascal assumes God is incomprehensible and therefore "we are then incapable of knowing either what He is or if He is." This premise is based on philosophy instead of the Bible. Romans 1:18-32 states that all men know God exist. They simply "suppress the truth in unrighteousness." Pascal's Wager allows man to remain unchallenged in his autonomy. Notice throughout the other points the wide-spread effects of this one belief.

2 - Pascal's wager gives up the certainty of God's existence in order to prove it. This method is condemned by Scripture. "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him" (Proverbs 26:4). In other words, we are not to give up God in order to prove Him. We do answer the fool - we won't let him be wise in his own eyes. The answer, however, will be from the standpoint of certainty.

3 - Pascal's Wager destroys the meaning of faith. Since, in his view, "reason can decide nothing" he asks, "What will you wager?" In this system, faith is a leap in the dark. In other words, faith is believing something which could be true, but also could be utter foolishness. This is not the biblical definition of faith. "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for" (emphasis mine). Faith, in order to be biblical faith, must be based on the revelation of God. Once again, notice the devastating effects of not affirming the truth of Romans 1:19-32. All men know God exists - and they hate it.

4 - The premise flat-out contradicts the Bible. Pascal says, "If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing." Wrong. Read the context of 1 Corinthians 15:13-19. If I am wrong, I lose everything. Or, as Paul said, "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied."

Good men have used this method. And there may be some who have come to faith after hearing this presented. Nevertheless, we must not ask if the method works, we must ask if the method honors God. This is utterly crucial for a generation of Christians for which the end justifies the means. We are to love Him with all of our heart then love our neighbor. To seek to love the latter first is essentially to hate both.

Jesus Christ: Great Teacher or God Incarnate? by Charles Leiter

Jesus Christ Great Teacher or God Incarnate?

Many think that Jesus was a "great teacher," but they don't know what He taught Jesus Christ said that He was the Messiah the Jews had awaited for over 700 years. John 4:25-26 The woman said to Him, 'I know that Messiah is coming.' Jesus said to her, 'I who speak to you am He.' He said that He existed before the creation of the universe. John 17:5 'And now Father, glorify Me with Yourself with the glory which I had with You before the world was.' John 8:58 Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.' Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him. He said that He came down from heaven. John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. He taught that He was the only person in the world with a true knowledge of God. Luke 10:22 'All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.' He taught that He had the power to give men eternal life. John 10:27-28 'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish.' Luke 23:43 And He said to him, 'Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.' He directed men to Himself as the answer for all their soul's needs. John 6:35 'I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.' John 8:12 'I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.' John 11:25 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.' He claimed absolute devotion for Himself. Matthew 10:37 'He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.' He taught that He was the only way to God. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.' He taught that He had the power to forgive sins. Luke 5:20-21 He said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven you.' And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, 'Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?' He taught that He Himself was sinless and absolutely perfect. John 8:29 'And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.' John 14:9 'He who has seen Me has seen the Father.' He said that He was God. John 10:33 The Jews answered Him, 'For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.' John 5:18 For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. He accepted worship from other men. Matthew 14:33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'You are certainly God's Son.' John 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God.' He taught that one day He was going to raise every dead person in the world from their graves, just by speaking a word to them. John 5:28-29 'An hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear My voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.' He said that He would return at the end of the world to determine the eternal destinies of all men who have ever lived. Matthew 25:31-32 'But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.' C.S. Lewis said, "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic-on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." Taken from Banner of Truth

A Cool Shot from Mikero.com

The Future of Justification - John Piper

John Piper's new book, The Future of Justification, is now available. In this important work, Piper addresses what has come to be known as the New Perspective on Paul (NPP), interacting specifically with the views of N. T. Wright. This is not a book for everyone. But if you have had questions about the NPP, this is for you. Here is the book's description from the Desiring God website:

N.T. Wright, a world-renowned New Testament scholar and bishop of Durham in the Church of England, has spent years studying the apostle Paul’s writings and has offered a “fresh perspective” on Paul’s theology. Among his conclusions are that “the discussions of justification in much of the history of the church—certainly since Augustine—got off on the wrong foot, at least in terms of understanding Paul—and they have stayed there ever since.”

Wright’s confidence that the church has gotten it wrong for 1,500 years, given his enormous influence, has set off warning bells for Christian leaders such as John Piper. If Wright’s framework for interpreting the New Testament text and his understanding of justification find a home in the church, not only could the doctrine of justification be distorted for generations to come, but the New Testament writers’ original intent could be silenced. So Piper is sounding a crucial warning in this book, reminding all Christians to exercise great caution regarding “fresh” interpretations of the Bible and to hold fast to the biblical view of justification.

As is so often the case, Piper and the folks at Desiring God are also offering the book as a free download in PDF format.

The Infinite Merit of the Death of Christ

Why was there such cleansing power in the Redeemer's blood? I answer, for several reasons. First, because of the glory of his person. Only think who he was! He was none other than the "Light of light, very God of very God." He counted it not robbery to be equal with God, yet he took upon himself our nature, and was born of a virgin. His holy soul dwelt in a perfectly pure body, and to this the Godhead was united: "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

Now, for this glorious, this sinless, this divine person, to die is an amazing thing. For the Lord of angels, Creator of all things, sustaining all things by the power of his word - for him, I say, to bow his head to death as a vindication of the law is an inconceivably majestic recompense to the honour of eternal justice. Never could justice be more gloriously exalted in the presence of intelligent beings than by the Lord of all submitting himself to its requirements.

There must be an infinite merit about his death: a desert unutterable, immeasurable. Methinks if there had been a million worlds to redeem, their redemption could not have needed more than this "sacrifice of himself." If the whole universe, teeming with worlds as many as the sands on the seashore, had required to be ransomed, that one giving up of the ghost might have sufficed as a full price for them all. I believe in the special design of our Lord's atoning death, but I will yield to no one in my belief in the absolutely infinite value of the offering which our Lord Jesus has presented; the glory of his person renders the idea of limitation an insult.

-Charles Spurgeon, "Slaying the Sacrifice"