A Prayer written by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (a year before his death in 1842)
Our heavenly Father, follow with thy blessing the reading of thy holy word. Hide in our hearts the very lessons it was intended to teach us. Sanctify us through thy truth; thy word is truth.
When we read of Judas, O Lord, teach us to be very jealous over ourselves, and to inquire diligently, lest after all we also should be cast away. Show us that we may know much of the Saviour, that we may call him, Lord, Lord, that we may do wonders in his name, and yet betray him after all.
Convince us of sin by thy Holy Spirit. Make us lie infinitely low before thee because of our vileness. Convince us that we never can justify ourselves in thy pure sight. Give us a soul-refreshing view of the excellency of the Lord Jesus. Give us a saving hold upon him as all our righteousness and all our strength. Give us to be vitally united to him as living branches to the true vine. Make us confident that he which hath begun a good work in us will preform it to the day of Christ Jesus.
When we read that the disciples found every thing as Jesus had said unto them, make us to set to our seal that this is true. O Saviour, it is impossible with thee to lie; thou keepest truth for ever. O Lord, help us to believe that we shall find as thou hast said.
Melt our hearts by a sight of the great love of Jesus. As he gave himself to be broken for us, so may we freely accept of him, and may our joy be full. Make us to love that holy ordinance wherein we testify that we close with him as all our salvation and all our desire. May we love to do this in remembrance of him.
When we read of thy disciples striving who should be greatest, may we be ashamed of the sins that mingle with our holiest services. O Lord, we blush when we think of our sins How often we have sinned thy love away. Plead thy blood and righteousness, O our risen Saviour, our advocate with the Father. Cover all our sins. say to us. Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more. Change our proud, selfish hearts. Give us the same mind which also was in Christ Jesus. Give us to wash one another's feet; to do to one another as Jesus did unto us.
Lord, deliver us from our spiritual enemies. Let us not be ignorant of Satan's devices. We know that he desires to have us more than the world, that he may sift us like wheat. O Saviour, pray for us, that our faith may not fail. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Help us to submit ourselves to thee: to resist the devil, and he will flee from us.
Guard us during the silent watches of this night. Thou that keepest Israel never slumberest nor sleepest. Keep our dear friends from evil. Preserve their souls. Strenghten the sick upon the bed of languishing. Comfort the bereaved. Give bread to the poor. Be with those that are afar off upon the sea. Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh. Let the wilderness become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.
Hasten the coming of the Saviour. Make us love his appearing. Why is thy chariot so long of coming; why tarry the wheels of thy chariot? Glory be to thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
R. M. M'Cheyne, Family Worship, The Banner of Truth, April 2014 (info@banneroftruth.co.uk)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Preach the Word
In the original Table Talk, a collection of informal theological conversations at Martin Luther's dinner table, the German Reformer gave the folowing advice to a young minister: "When you are to preach, speak with God and say, 'Dear Lord God, I wish to preach in Thine honor. I wish to speak about Thee, glorify Thee, [and] praise Thy name. Although I can't do this well of myself, I pray that Thou mayest make it good.'"
Thissimple prayer provides a tiny glimpse into Luther's theology of preaching. More importantly, it underscores to pastors in every age that faithful preaching must be about God, for the glory of God, and in utter dependence upon God.
First, the content of our preaching must be centered on the nature and works of God (2 Cor. 4:5-6). Evangelical preaching today can often be shallow, therapeutic, and man-centered. It commonly lacks theological substance and gravitas. Personal stories and amusing anecdotes crowd the sermon, leaving God as an afterthought. The gospel, the grand theme of scripture, is vague at best.
Biblical preaching, however, always and unmistakably makes the triune God and His marvelous works of creation, providence, and redemption the main subject matter. God is the main subject of the Bible, and thus should be the central focus of our preaching. Why is Peter's Pentecost sermon, for example, so powerful and memorable (Acts 2:14-41)? Why were so many who heard it "cut to the heart" with Spirit-wrought conviction? It is because Peter's sermon boldly and skillfully directed the people's attention to almighty God, HisWord, and the fufillment of his redemptive purposes in Christ. Moreover, it is in light of God's mighty acts of judgment and salvation that the Apostle clearly communicated the need for sinners to turn from their rebellious ways and receive Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy (and all lawfully ordained ministers) to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2). If ministers faithfully carry out this biblical mandate, their preaching will be full of God - and nothing will stir the heart of the church unto faith and obedience like a weekly view of God in the preaching of H is life-transforming Word.
Second, the ultimate aim of our preaching must be the glory and praise of God. Strictly speaking, the preaching of the Word is not primarily for the salvation of sinners. Instead, preachingis first and foremost for the glory of God - a doxological event that magnifies our Lord's sublime character and awesome deeds. Thomas Watson siad, "God is superlative good . . . better than anything you can put in competition with Him." Shouldn't the content of our preaching commicate this glorious reality?
We were created "to glorify God and enjoy him forever" (WSC A&A1; see Isa. 43:7). Biblical preaching, therefore, must underscore this foundational purpose, inspiring both preacher and hearer to joyfully "declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised' (Ps. 96:3-4a).
Third, preaching must be carried out in utter dependence upon God. Pastors should not rely upon their talents, intellect, or personality. Rather, from the study to the pulpit we must earnestly and humbly pray for a "demonstraation of the Spirit and of power" in the preaching of the Word (2 Cor. 2:4b). Indeed, apart from the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, law and gospel will fall on deaf ears and stony hearts. In the end, preaching will never be effectual unless God makes it so (Ezek. 37:1-14). There is no place for pride or self-reliance in either the preparation or the act of preaching Apart from Christ and the life-giving Holy Spirit, we can do nothing (John 15:5b).
Preaching is a primary means of grace appointed by God to regenerate, sanctify, nourish, and comfort the souls of His elect in Christ (1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23-25). In confessional terms, it is .....an effecual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them unto his image; and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace; and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. (WLC Q&IA 155)
No task, therefore, is of greater importance for the minister or the church than the faithful proclamatiion of the whole counsel of God (Acts 6:4; 20:27).
Even so, as a church planter, I experience the daily temptation to make sermon preparation and preaching a secondary matter. Of course, it is no different for pastors in established churches. Ministry is busy. Being mindful of this, let us, as ministers, renew our vow to faithfully "preach the Word." Let us trust God's promise to employ the foolishness of preaching for the advancement of his kingdom. And may we receive with humility the Wittenberg Reformer's sage advice to pray that our preaching would be chiefly about God, to the glory and praise of God, and in prayerful dependence upon Him. "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).
(Dr.Jon D.Payne, pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian, Charleston, S.C. Tabletalk, April 2014,
www.ligonier.org)
Thissimple prayer provides a tiny glimpse into Luther's theology of preaching. More importantly, it underscores to pastors in every age that faithful preaching must be about God, for the glory of God, and in utter dependence upon God.
First, the content of our preaching must be centered on the nature and works of God (2 Cor. 4:5-6). Evangelical preaching today can often be shallow, therapeutic, and man-centered. It commonly lacks theological substance and gravitas. Personal stories and amusing anecdotes crowd the sermon, leaving God as an afterthought. The gospel, the grand theme of scripture, is vague at best.
Biblical preaching, however, always and unmistakably makes the triune God and His marvelous works of creation, providence, and redemption the main subject matter. God is the main subject of the Bible, and thus should be the central focus of our preaching. Why is Peter's Pentecost sermon, for example, so powerful and memorable (Acts 2:14-41)? Why were so many who heard it "cut to the heart" with Spirit-wrought conviction? It is because Peter's sermon boldly and skillfully directed the people's attention to almighty God, HisWord, and the fufillment of his redemptive purposes in Christ. Moreover, it is in light of God's mighty acts of judgment and salvation that the Apostle clearly communicated the need for sinners to turn from their rebellious ways and receive Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy (and all lawfully ordained ministers) to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2). If ministers faithfully carry out this biblical mandate, their preaching will be full of God - and nothing will stir the heart of the church unto faith and obedience like a weekly view of God in the preaching of H is life-transforming Word.
Second, the ultimate aim of our preaching must be the glory and praise of God. Strictly speaking, the preaching of the Word is not primarily for the salvation of sinners. Instead, preachingis first and foremost for the glory of God - a doxological event that magnifies our Lord's sublime character and awesome deeds. Thomas Watson siad, "God is superlative good . . . better than anything you can put in competition with Him." Shouldn't the content of our preaching commicate this glorious reality?
We were created "to glorify God and enjoy him forever" (WSC A&A1; see Isa. 43:7). Biblical preaching, therefore, must underscore this foundational purpose, inspiring both preacher and hearer to joyfully "declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised' (Ps. 96:3-4a).
Third, preaching must be carried out in utter dependence upon God. Pastors should not rely upon their talents, intellect, or personality. Rather, from the study to the pulpit we must earnestly and humbly pray for a "demonstraation of the Spirit and of power" in the preaching of the Word (2 Cor. 2:4b). Indeed, apart from the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, law and gospel will fall on deaf ears and stony hearts. In the end, preaching will never be effectual unless God makes it so (Ezek. 37:1-14). There is no place for pride or self-reliance in either the preparation or the act of preaching Apart from Christ and the life-giving Holy Spirit, we can do nothing (John 15:5b).
Preaching is a primary means of grace appointed by God to regenerate, sanctify, nourish, and comfort the souls of His elect in Christ (1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23-25). In confessional terms, it is .....an effecual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them unto his image; and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace; and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. (WLC Q&IA 155)
No task, therefore, is of greater importance for the minister or the church than the faithful proclamatiion of the whole counsel of God (Acts 6:4; 20:27).
Even so, as a church planter, I experience the daily temptation to make sermon preparation and preaching a secondary matter. Of course, it is no different for pastors in established churches. Ministry is busy. Being mindful of this, let us, as ministers, renew our vow to faithfully "preach the Word." Let us trust God's promise to employ the foolishness of preaching for the advancement of his kingdom. And may we receive with humility the Wittenberg Reformer's sage advice to pray that our preaching would be chiefly about God, to the glory and praise of God, and in prayerful dependence upon Him. "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).
(Dr.Jon D.Payne, pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian, Charleston, S.C. Tabletalk, April 2014,
www.ligonier.org)
Thursday, April 17, 2014
We're Back!!
We have been off line for several weeks because of computer/internet problems, which we hope we have been able to solve as of today. We'll be posting about 2 times each week as we did before.
Take Captive Every Thought
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2nd Cor. 10:5 NIV
The above Scripture suggests to me that people may give their heart to Jesus and keep their head under their own control and that is a dangerous way to travel through life. A dedicated heart and a rebellious mind cannot successfully co-exist. Our mind must be obedient to Christ! Our heart must feel comfortable with what our mind decides. I once knew a person whose business dealings would not bear close scrutiny and it was said of him that, "He did not let his Christianity interfere with his business." The Scripture maintains that our Christianity should interfere with our business as well as every area of our lives.
Some have said, "I wasn't thinking when I did that!" I'm not sure that anyone can "stop thinking" as long as we are awake but we can stop thinking right, and live to regret it. Some may say, "Bringing every thought into obedience to Christ is impossible!" It is true that we cannot control what thoughts pop into our mind but do have something to say about which ones we shall entertain. If our heart is dedicated to Christ and our mind dwells on thoughts that are displeasing to Christ; our heart will reveal it to us and our mind then has a decision to make.
The same one who wrote the Scripture above also said, "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (1st Cor. 2:2) Paul maintained that he could decide what thoughts he would receive and what thoughts he would reject. It is well to remember what the writer of Proverbs said about the matter, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:" (Proverbs 23:7) We shall become according to the thoughts that we receive and dwell upon.
If we are to be like Christ,we must think like Christ and to do that we decide what thoughts we will welcome and what thoughts we shall cast out.
Just consider what a great blessing we shall receive, what a great blessing we shall be to others and the trouble that we can avoid if we have "the mind of Christ" and therefore act like Christ.
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, WY, drbc@bresnan.net)
The above Scripture suggests to me that people may give their heart to Jesus and keep their head under their own control and that is a dangerous way to travel through life. A dedicated heart and a rebellious mind cannot successfully co-exist. Our mind must be obedient to Christ! Our heart must feel comfortable with what our mind decides. I once knew a person whose business dealings would not bear close scrutiny and it was said of him that, "He did not let his Christianity interfere with his business." The Scripture maintains that our Christianity should interfere with our business as well as every area of our lives.
Some have said, "I wasn't thinking when I did that!" I'm not sure that anyone can "stop thinking" as long as we are awake but we can stop thinking right, and live to regret it. Some may say, "Bringing every thought into obedience to Christ is impossible!" It is true that we cannot control what thoughts pop into our mind but do have something to say about which ones we shall entertain. If our heart is dedicated to Christ and our mind dwells on thoughts that are displeasing to Christ; our heart will reveal it to us and our mind then has a decision to make.
The same one who wrote the Scripture above also said, "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (1st Cor. 2:2) Paul maintained that he could decide what thoughts he would receive and what thoughts he would reject. It is well to remember what the writer of Proverbs said about the matter, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:" (Proverbs 23:7) We shall become according to the thoughts that we receive and dwell upon.
If we are to be like Christ,we must think like Christ and to do that we decide what thoughts we will welcome and what thoughts we shall cast out.
Just consider what a great blessing we shall receive, what a great blessing we shall be to others and the trouble that we can avoid if we have "the mind of Christ" and therefore act like Christ.
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, WY, drbc@bresnan.net)
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