God Breathed

“Thirdly, they are free. ‘Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counselor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding?’ (Isa. 40:13-14). God was alone when he made his decrees, and his determinations were influenced by no external cause. He was free to decree or not to decree, and to decree one thing and not another, This liberty we must ascribe to him who is supreme, independent, and sovereign in all his doings.” (p. 18 )

“Secondly, the decrees of God are wise. Wisdom is shown in the selection of the best possible ends and the fittest means of accomplishing them. That this character belongs to the decrees of God is evident from what we know of them. They are disclosed to us by their execution, and every proof of wisdom in the works of God is a proof of the wisdom of the plan, in conformity to which they are performed. As the Psalmist declared, ‘O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all’ (Ps. 104:24). It is indeed but a very small part of them which falls under our observation, yet, we ought to proceed here as we do in other cases, and judge of the whole by the specimen, of what is unknown, by what is known. He who perceives the workings of admirable skill in the parts of a machine which he has an opportunity to examine, is naturally led to believe that the other parts are equally admirable. In like manner we should satisfy our minds as to God’s works when doubts obtrude themselves upon us, and repel any objections that may be suggested by something that we cannot reconcile to our notions of what is good and wise. When we reach the bounds of the finite and gaze toward the mysterious realm of the infinite, let us exclaim, ‘O the depth of the riches! Both of the wisdom and knowledge of God’ (Rom. 11:33).” (p. 17-18 )

In addressing some of the more specific properties of God’s divine decrees, Pink continues:

“First, they are eternal. To suppose any of them to be made in time is to suppose that some new occasion has occurred; some unforeseen event or combination of circumstances has arisen, which has induced the Most Hight to form a new resolution. This would argue that the knowledge of the Deity is limited, and that he is growing wiser in the progress of time–which would be horrible blasphemy. No man who believes that the Divine understanding is infinite, comprehending the past, the present, and the future, will ever assent to the erroneous doctrine of temporal decrees. God is not ignorant of future events which will be executed by human volitions; he has foretold them in innumerable instances, and prophecy is but the manifestation of his eternal prescience. Scripture affirms that believers were chosen in Christ before the world began (Eph. 1:4), yea, that grace was ‘given’ to them then (2 Tim. 1:9).” (p. 17)

One of my favorite attributes of God is His sovereignty, specifically displayed through His decrees over all future events. I find much comfort as His child, knowing that “he chose [me] in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4a). Although, He not only predetermined my salvation, but He also preplanned every aspect of my being and my life. It is so assuring to know that there are no such things as “random chances” or “coincidences”. Rather, my heavenly Father is intentionally bringing about every trial, every blessing, every situation, and every circumstance to fulfill His predetermined purposes for my life!

I was reminded of this recently when reading through Arthur W. Pink’s booklet, simply titled “The Attributes of God”. This is an excellent condensed booklet on the many facets of God’s wondrous character and I highly recommend it, but I will simply focus on my favorite attribute for the purpose of this post.

As Pink wrote:

“The decree of God is his purpose of determination with respect to future things… The decrees of God relate to all future things without exception: whatever is done in time was foreordained before time began. god’s purpose was concerned with everything, whether great or small, whether good or evil, although with reference to the latter we must be careful to state that while God is the Orderer and Controller of sin, he is not the Author of it in the same way that he is the Author of good. Sin could not proceed from a holy god by positive and direct creation, but only by decretive permission and negative action. God’s decree is as comprehensive as his government, extending to all creatures and all events. It was cincerned about our life and death; about our state in time, and our state in eternity. As God works all things after the counsel of his own will, we learn from his works what his counsel is (was), as we judge of an architect’s plan by inspecting the building which was erected under his directions.

God did not merely decree to make man, place him upon the earth, and then leave him to his own uncontrolled guidance; instead, he fixed all the circumstances in the lot of individuals, and all the particulars which will comprise the history of the human race from its commencement to its close. He did not merely decree that general laws should be established for the government of the world, but he settled the application of those laws to all particular cases. Our days are numbered, and so are the hairs of our heads. We may learn what is the extent of the Divine decrees from the dispensations of providence, in which they are executed. The care of Providence reaches to the most insignificant creatures, and the most minute events–the death of a sparrow, and the fall of a hair.” (p. 15-17)

When I think of this in the context of “LIFE”, I am deeply encouraged to know that my heavenly Father is intimately involved in every aspect of my life. I pray that you will find the same encouragement!

Pink continues to expound on this great and wondrous attribute of God in greater detail in the text that follows. However, because each point he raises is so rich and saturated with hope for the Christian life, I will spread them out and break-up the text into parts. As you read through each part, really meditate on each point and think through its implications before moving onto the next. (Feel free to leave a comment or two and share your thoughts with others as well ). In doing so, it should hopefully prevent you from being too overwhelmed or lost in the jargon.

Again, I pray that these excerpts would be a source of encouragement as you learn more (or in some cases, are reminded of truth you already knew) about an amazing aspect of our great God!

Well, so much has happened since my last post. Where do I begin?

To try to include it all here would take quite a bit of time. So, just to give you an idea, I thought I would focus on last weekend (May 9-12, 2008):

1) Well, for starters, I graduated from The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA. with an M.A. in Biblical Counseling on Friday (praise the Lord!!!):

2) My husband and I attended The Master’s Seminary Banquet, along with both of his parent’s, at Grace Community Church on Saturday.

3) My husband graduated from The Master’s Seminary in Panorama City, CA. with an M.A. in Divinity (standard Pastoral degree) on Sunday:

4) We BOTH celebrated our 1 Year Wedding Anniversary on Monday with a stay at Pismo Beach CA.

It’s been busy, but we are so grateful for the Lord’s goodness in blessing us with so much to celebrate!

After the next month or so (upon our return from The Holy Land, Israel–by the way, we could use your prayers as we travel), we are anticipating that things will settle-down a bit and I should be able to get back into a steadier “posting mode”. But until then, “may the Lord bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you!”

“Christians, God and angels are spectators, observing how you [conduct] yourselves like children of the Most High; every exploit your faith doth against sin and Satan causeth a shout in heaven; while you valiantly prostrate this temptation, scale that difficulty, regain the other ground you even now lost out of your enemies’ hands. Your dear Savior, who stands by with a reserve for your relief at a pinch, his very heart leaps within him for joy to see the proof of your love to him and zeal for him in all your combats; and will not forget all the faithful service you have done in his wars on earth; but when thought comest out of the field, will receive thee with the like joy as he was entertained himself at his return to heaven of his Father.”

– William Gurnall, ‘Armour’ (p. 17)

1 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them.-Leviticus 10:1

This verse so vividly illustrates the fact that being born into a family of religious privilege does not necessarily ensure that the child will endear the affection toward the object of religion. Both Nadab and Abihu had a great godly example in their father, Aaron, and their uncle, Moses. But, no matter how godly their family might have been, their sinful, slothful hearts led them to commit a most fatal sin.

This completely goes against psychology’s argument that children, when raised in a positive environment with good parental examples, will naturally gravitate toward that which is good. The Holy Spirit teaches through the authorship of Paul that man’s heart has been sinful ever since the fall of Adam and it will continue to be so. Man is enslaved to sin. The only thing that breaks the bondage to sin is the precious shed blood of the “second Adam”, Jesus Christ … not better role models or higher self-esteem. However, even those, who have placed their faith in the blood of Jesus Christ to atone for their sins (justification), will struggle with the abiding sin nature that resides in their flesh as they are conformed more and more to the image of their Savior (sanctification), but will eventually be perfected in the eternal life-to-come.

This verse really illustrates the fact that obedience to God is not a matter of choice. Despite our propensity toward sin, there is no excuse for disobedience to God. God’s holiness demands our obedience. In order to please God, man must perfectly obey Him.

No “mental disorder”, “psychiatric disorder”, or “emotional issue” is a viable excuse for violation of the perfect law of God. However, perfect fulfillment of God’s law is also impossible for man’s fallen sinful race. Therefore, he must hide himself in the perfect God-man, Jesus Christ, who came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it in order to reconcile man to God. When man places His faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior from sin, He not only is forgiven of all of the times he had trespassed God’s perfect law, but he is also credited with the perfect righteousness and obedience of Jesus Christ. Praise God!!!

Please pray for our country today, its current leaders in office, and those who are to come (should the Lord tarry much longer).

“1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior“-1 Timothy 2:1-3

And don’t forget to exercise your God-ordained role and responsibility as a citizen of this country to get out to the polls today and cast your vote for the Presidential Candidates!

“14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.”-Mark 8:14-30

In reading through the Gospel according to Mark, I was recently struck by something in the text. It was the classic inclusio (“sandwich”-like structure that frames the text), which initially caught my attention. See, in verses 14 through 21, Mark gives a brief narrative of an account in which the disciples were blind to the plain truth, which Jesus was holding before them. Then, in verses 22 through 25, Mark tells of a literal blind man, who is made to see. Again, in verses 27 through 30, Mark gives another brief narrative of the initial blindness of the disciples and closes with their final revelation.

These are three consecutive passages, which are all tied together with the same theme (i.e. the blind are made to see), are progressive in nature. The first passage introduces complete blindness with no account of revelation. The second passage introduces an account of complete blindness with partial revelation, eventually leading to clear sight. Then, the last passage introduces partial revelation, and finally the crescendo of absolute and perfect sight.

Typically, in an inclusion, the introductory passage and the closing passage (like the two slices of bread on a sandwich) point to the passage in the middle (the meat on the sandwich). Clearly this is the case here. It is as though Mark intended for the events in the second passage (verses 22 through 25) to serve as an illustration for the first and third passages. So we will take a look at the second passage and see what it reveals about the first and third passages in part 2 of this series.

The Therapeutic Gospel by David Powlison

“Which Gospel?

Which gospel will you live? Which gospel will you preach? Which needs will you awaken and address in others? Which Christ will be your people’s Christ? Will it be the christette who massages felt needs? Or the Christ who turns the world upside down and makes all things new?…

It is ultimately cruel to leave people in their sins, captive to their instinctive desires, in despair, under curse. The current therapeutic gospel sounds tender-hearted at first. It is so sensitive to pressure points of ache and disappointment. But in the end it is cruel and Christ-less. It does not foster true self-knowledge. It does not rewrite the script of the world. It creates no prayers or songs.

We must be no less sensitive but far more discerning. Jesus Christ turns human need upside down, creating prayer. He is the inexpressible Gift of gifts, creating song. And He gives all good gifts, both now and forever. Let ever knee bow, and let everything that has breath praise the LORD.”