tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249208002024-03-19T01:46:55.245-07:00Mountain Top MusingsPractical discussion on contemporary life challenges from an ancient perspective.Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.comBlogger1630125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-58303806923418621032024-02-24T04:55:00.000-08:002024-02-24T04:55:19.391-08:00HE LIVES—AND WE ARE WITNESSES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3v-S4aGBbXXgXxuhUdC6ZYzQgeQMtTE_2J0lsiyrxxN0xgL17ikhkBpFgTbia7amF3jAyJH3WbM28p-4SBswiUdhmPWZkf9A1egckvsZJdH2TGbfsVW3uJp3J2PIT7BHrlRcUEuDFK60GBM7gn6bws0WhGttQZWV_CsMuBizNUQf3jiGVtgcWg/s1200/IMG_0104.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3v-S4aGBbXXgXxuhUdC6ZYzQgeQMtTE_2J0lsiyrxxN0xgL17ikhkBpFgTbia7amF3jAyJH3WbM28p-4SBswiUdhmPWZkf9A1egckvsZJdH2TGbfsVW3uJp3J2PIT7BHrlRcUEuDFK60GBM7gn6bws0WhGttQZWV_CsMuBizNUQf3jiGVtgcWg/w400-h400/IMG_0104.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We are in the season of STRESSING the Gospel message of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Yet, we must ever be SHARING that redemption story, “In season and out of season,” as Paul told Timothy (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2b). That is, every season is “in season”, even if it is considered by some to be “out of season”! </p><p>The central truth of the Christian faith is that Christ is risen from the dead, for without it we have no hope. Apart from it, we have no message. Should Christ not be risen, then the preacher should close his Bible, walk out of the pulpit, turn off the lights, lock the doors, and never waste his time, or that of anyone else ever again. Indeed, life itself would be “futile,” as Paul puts it, (cf. 1 Cor. 15:17). </p><p>Yet, as the hymn says, “I serve a risen Savior!” Every Lord’s Day is a reminder of the reason we gather as the saints of God. That is the day Christ rose from the tomb. We meet not just because of a commandment to do so, but for a celebration in doing so. </p><p>The story never gets old. It must never fail to be told and retold. As witnesses we must be bold!</p><p>If the preacher is not faithful to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ consistently, then He is guilty of sermonic malpractice.</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-2458197701811329622024-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:002024-01-20T09:00:32.968-08:00SERVICE AND NOT SERVE US!<p> Too many churches are “self service” organizations. They have members who demand that the ministries of the church, “serve us,” when the Lord intends for members to be ministers engaged in service of others. Consider this devotional thought from Stephen Olford:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” – John 9:4 </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">The true principle of all real service for God underlies this statement of the Lord Jesus. And since He was the perfect Servant when upon this earth, He made this principle the basis of His loyal service to God.</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">The Obligation of True Service. The Lord Jesus said, “I must work.” The obligation of loving and loyal service to His Father compelled Him to work. Yes, right from the beginning (remember the temple when He was twelve years old?) to the end. </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">The Occupation of True Service. There is only one great occupation in true service – it is doing God's will. I must work the “works of Him.” “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me,” said the Savior (John 4:34). </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">The Opportunity of True Service. “While it is day.” Now is the acceptable time … “Time is short” (1 Cor. 7:29). </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div>I can do nothing else but serve You, Lord, all of my days, <br />For it is a privilege and an honor – yes, even my duty! (According to Your Word, Stephen Olford, p. 76, Kindle Edition).</div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8GRCU06vZO-HyUb8iohIevepzht6IEL0-ZR4qlr8lc-wPZqfYKLg5U3n-ke_7DFnobzh3RsaT3ekppa6I0KM_qvxHIZwQ19Zj9NDQqWKA8rCgZnBXuAP96vpasTl1aVfPLCuZIhL3mANCo98B-0gHl0WfdLKGy6NCSAHJ7kGdMoBzeyTIJ1Yuw/s1096/IMG_0043.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="755" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8GRCU06vZO-HyUb8iohIevepzht6IEL0-ZR4qlr8lc-wPZqfYKLg5U3n-ke_7DFnobzh3RsaT3ekppa6I0KM_qvxHIZwQ19Zj9NDQqWKA8rCgZnBXuAP96vpasTl1aVfPLCuZIhL3mANCo98B-0gHl0WfdLKGy6NCSAHJ7kGdMoBzeyTIJ1Yuw/w275-h400/IMG_0043.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p> </p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-25096157844421270472023-08-05T05:40:00.001-07:002023-08-05T05:40:19.893-07:00THE WORD IN THE WILDERNESS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERuRXe3ccEoE9p831wpT2N6S43u-Cep-18q2ROZ0a6V0Skr8SqK_vmdgGWw327W2mVCOEH-eUCuoEKs51HxiogqxchIOkWcqQJO_159bEsWS5BMQe_i5O0UOgdvoJ3ePPtwNRRbclhb0B1a9upA8JpiTJQilP1s2i3S85xE9O7fW2wWTyfCioFg/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERuRXe3ccEoE9p831wpT2N6S43u-Cep-18q2ROZ0a6V0Skr8SqK_vmdgGWw327W2mVCOEH-eUCuoEKs51HxiogqxchIOkWcqQJO_159bEsWS5BMQe_i5O0UOgdvoJ3ePPtwNRRbclhb0B1a9upA8JpiTJQilP1s2i3S85xE9O7fW2wWTyfCioFg/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>John the Baptist would be in the wilderness of preparation when he received the Word for proclamation. It is interesting how many of God’s men were readied for public declaration through private isolation. Moses was in the wilderness caring for his father-in-law’s flocks when the Lord spoke to Him. It took him forty years to graduate from that “seminary,” but what a man of God he had been molded to be! David was likewise tending sheep when he was summoned to become the shepherd of Israel. God assigned him a work, but also gave him His Word. The anointing with oil was an attestation of the anointing of the Spirit. Further, Amos was a shepherd whom God set apart for prophetic declaration. Do you see the pattern here?</p><p>It is good to be alone with God—to be apart from the din and clamor of our world. Horns honking, engines racing, radios blaring, voices calling—all the raucous noise that can drown out the still, small voice of God. </p><p>This time I am now spending has often been referred to as “the daily quiet time.” It has been the pattern of my Christian life to rise early in the morning to meet with the Lord. Being alone, having conversation with God as I hear His voice in Scripture and lifting my voice in supplication in response. If there is anything that has propelled me forward in maturity and prepared me for ministry, it has been this daily discipline. It has been said that my worth to God in public is what I am in private. How can I speak for God until I hear from Him?</p><p>Yet, this is not sermon preparation, but the spiritual preparation of the preacher. There is a time for study in anticipation of the proclamation of God’s truth from the pulpit. Certainly, God may give us a message as the one I am sharing today. Yet, the intent of morning devotions is for our own growth in godliness. It helps me to be and not just to say. </p><p>Of course, the daily quiet time is vital for every Christian’s development and not just meant for preachers. Before God called me to preach, the pattern had already been established in my life. Whatever the nature of service in the church—a Bible study leader, a deacon, a children’s worker, a member of the finance committee—each disciple needs development and this discipline is demanded.</p><p>I would also advocate a “sabbatical,” for elders in the church, as such a time is often called. I began a yearly pattern of a few days away alone with God to pray and plan. It may be profitable after a number of years in church work to have a longer time—several weeks to reflect and be refreshed. Visit other churches, hear from other preachers, just soak in without having to give out.</p><p> “If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Some of us have been so busy swinging the ax, that we have failed to sharpen the edge. We work feverishly, but not fruitfully. Go to the woods, not to cut logs, but to pause and regain your edge. </p><p>Does God have you in a season of being in the wilderness? Do not strive to escape, but rather embrace it as the providential hand of God shaping you for your work. You can turn the time of present inactivity into future productivity. Wait, reflect, grow, prepare—God knows where you are and can get you where you need to be. A dear friend gave me that counsel as a young student at Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute (now College). It was the crucible of refining—helping to make me a man God could use. </p><p>The work continues.</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-85760580887438405702023-07-22T05:28:00.003-07:002023-07-22T05:28:41.904-07:00THE PROMISE OF POWERFUL PREACHING<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6oBWsbwlgfKtV1yLB3ukmTXb-JlmvaE4Z7oK2P3N8hGUremNSLv3BlVYHRHDERRQx0v_9alxZhL_T7Ktr7A78b2oqxETRVxlo5Czl3ntFEKojFdmn0YHGS2lH9haZYiWCUeR6qopNzALFkwZEDeBpVU5FolCKsjEgoNTdApJcVy6E9DUU4-KxQ/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6oBWsbwlgfKtV1yLB3ukmTXb-JlmvaE4Z7oK2P3N8hGUremNSLv3BlVYHRHDERRQx0v_9alxZhL_T7Ktr7A78b2oqxETRVxlo5Czl3ntFEKojFdmn0YHGS2lH9haZYiWCUeR6qopNzALFkwZEDeBpVU5FolCKsjEgoNTdApJcVy6E9DUU4-KxQ/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is a puny, pitiful, punchless, powerless preaching that is pointless! It is tragic and worthless. Concerning this, Paul spoke of God, “who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6). “Letter” preaching may be “by the Book.” That is, the content is Biblically based and doctrinally sound—as it should be—yet, is dry and deadening to the hearer. Old Vance Havner said, “You can be straight as a gun barrel theologically, and empty as one spiritually.” It is the Spirit who gives life. He is the promised power in our preaching. Remember how in the vision of a valley of dry, dead bones, Ezekiel was told to preach to them—and this we must. But, it was when the Word of God was accompanied by the Wind of God—that same Divine Breath of Pentecost—coming into them, that they had life, (cf. Ezek.37:1-14). </p><p>With this in mind, consider the promise of our Lord in Mark 13:11. “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11). In the context, where the preacher is arrested and will be indicted before a judge for preaching the Gospel, he will have no library, no Bible, no occasion of sermon preparation. Yet, there is no need to fear, for the Spirit will give the right message—an anointed one—in such an occasion. This does not mean under normal circumstances that we should not study and prepare, instead trusting spontaneity in proclamation. Should such need arise, God will provide. Yet, if we can prepare, we must. Do not be like the old boy that said, “Sometimes I preach from notes and sometimes I just talk out of my head.” That is apparent from some sermons you hear! God does not bless laziness. Study and have something to say.</p><p>Yet, there must not be reliance on preparation in your study, but dependence on the Spirit. He is the One who breathes life into dead bones. Preaching “by the letter,” is deadening. It may induce nodding heads of agreement as to content, but then leads to nodding heads of slumber. It is promised, “the Spirit gives life.” God’s man can claim the promise of the Lord not just when summoned from a prison, but when standing in a pulpit: “But whether is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” </p><p>How does this happen? I heard Stephen Olford say years ago, that there must be “emptiness, prayerfulness, and yielded-ness.”</p><p>There must be emptiness. God does not fill a man with His Spirit that is full of himself. A glass cannot be filled with milk, if even a quarter of it is full of lemonade. You must empty the glass and then you can fill it. Spiritually, this demands our repentance. We confess our sin and claim God’s forgiveness. We head to the cross and die to all that we are in order to live in all He is.</p><p>There must be prayerfulness. James said, “Yet you do not have because you do not ask,” (4:2d). We must pray in faith, asking God to fill us. It is His will to do so, for He has commanded, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,”. (Eph. 5:17-18). </p><p>There must be yielded-ness. This is the surrendered life of utter dependence on the Spirit of God. As being filled with wine means one is under the control of alcohol, so being filled with the Spirit demands we be under the mastery of God. When I stand to preach, I need to be gloriously intoxicated with God! As alcohol will impact every dimension of my life—how I think, see, speak, feel, and walk, thus the one who is filled with the Spirit will find his mind directed by Scripture, his vision focused on eternity, his mouth declaring transformative truth, his heart full of love, and his walk aligned with the Word.</p><p>This is the promise of powerful preaching! May the Lord bless us with preachers on this Lord’s Day who stand and speak in the anointing of God’s Spirit!</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-37691111108355597272023-07-15T06:46:00.002-07:002023-07-15T06:46:24.079-07:00THE CONGREGATION OF THE COMMON<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1xXKxIZIId0d5Lad46bHQ1BJrB4YOTMRls6GQiI_yHa8uSv8Dg3ymbNbh9s5T2ztkefQ4h3jraWTqgQdZBxenAqP40Vj5E0fBGJkeoeL-1tOAXDj5nbbM4O-E6iXvO_IW1StVkt0K2jSjAb6eJr4UMS7aH_GHS6y9qSbvQ63hFrNN8o2bB00nK_DtA/s640/save-image.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1xXKxIZIId0d5Lad46bHQ1BJrB4YOTMRls6GQiI_yHa8uSv8Dg3ymbNbh9s5T2ztkefQ4h3jraWTqgQdZBxenAqP40Vj5E0fBGJkeoeL-1tOAXDj5nbbM4O-E6iXvO_IW1StVkt0K2jSjAb6eJr4UMS7aH_GHS6y9qSbvQ63hFrNN8o2bB00nK_DtA/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There were a relative handful of those who held the reins of power and abundance of possessions who followed Jesus. One thinks of Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and a few women of Herod’s household. Matthew and Zaccheus had been wealthy, but surrendered their status and substance to follow Jesus. There was an occasional ruler of a synagogue and Roman centurion, but that is about it.</p><p>The vast majority of those who received Christ’s words were common people. The peasant Prophet had a receptive audience in the poor, needy, outcasts, and such. Jesus had a message of hope to those who were the dregs in the bottom of society’s cup. The common people not only heard Him, but “heard Him gladly”!</p><p>One is reminded of Paul’s words:</p><p>“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” (I Corinthians 1:26-29)</p><p>There is an uncommonly great message for the common people. </p><p>Notice it does not say “not ANY wise…not ANY mighty, not ANY noble,” but “not many,” so we need not abandon all hope of reaching those who are scholars, successful business leaders, and in positions of power. Yet, only a handful of the “upper crust,” will respond to the Gospel. It is a sad reality.</p><p>Yet, the preacher need not despair, for he will often have a listening ear among those who are struggling to survive from day to day. In almost a half century of preaching the Gospel my experience attests to this. I have embraced it and seen people lifted from the depths of depravity and despair to the glory of being children of God!</p><p>So, stop complaining if this is the makeup of your congregation. Jesus was not “too good” to preach to such a flock, though He was the King of Glory, and only perfect Man. I can be like Jesus in serving the congregation of the common. May I be found preaching in the nursing home, the prison, the homeless shelter, and in the little brown church in the wildwood. I do not have to speak from an elevated pulpit in a massive cathedral or on a spot-lit stage in a high-tech mega church facility. If God calls me to such, then it is grace, but wherever—it is for His glory.</p><p>Matthew West put it this way in song lyrics:</p><div>Why You ever chose me<br />Has always been a mystery<br />All my life I've been told I belong at the end of the line<br />With all the other Not-Quites<br />With all the Never-Get-It-Rights<br />But it turns out they're the ones You've been looking for all this time</div><div><br />'Cause I'm just a nobody<br />Trying to tell everybody<br />All about Somebody who saved my soul<br />Ever since You rescued me<br />You gave my heart a song to sing<br />I'm living for the world to see<br />Nobody but Jesus<br />I'm living for the world to see<br />Nobody but Jesus</div><div><br />Moses had stage fright<br />And David brought a rock to a sword fight<br />You picked 12 outsiders nobody would've chosen<br />And You changed the world<br />Well, the moral of the story is<br />Everybody's got a purpose<br />So when I hear that devil start talking to me, saying<br />"Who do you think you are"<br />I say...<br /><br /></div><div>I'm just a nobody<br />Trying to tell everybody<br />All about Somebody who saved my soul<br />Ever since You rescued me<br />You gave my heart a song to sing<br />I'm living for the world to see<br />Nobody but Jesus<br />I'm living for the world to see<br />Nobody but Jesus<br /><br /></div><div>To this I say, “Soli Deo gloria!”</div>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-28520885231847172812023-07-01T06:27:00.004-07:002023-07-01T06:27:51.834-07:00THE WAY, WHAT, AND WHY WE HEAR THE WORD<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9uRWrWyFDNfuXYxZObvF1rF0IuSGvB9HN-8H05MhLEZcgSiyGFnCvQkLWgVHl4eoGvRMghZODo-bM4HIXG_BWjhMN9b5noNhICQq8nmwN8VyMpRD14pZn8OPzWEzI_7ozfp18NcT0L9_KkA7-2g2eD8765xX9pV3jxQFmz_8Yfik_J6EYsi_lQ/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9uRWrWyFDNfuXYxZObvF1rF0IuSGvB9HN-8H05MhLEZcgSiyGFnCvQkLWgVHl4eoGvRMghZODo-bM4HIXG_BWjhMN9b5noNhICQq8nmwN8VyMpRD14pZn8OPzWEzI_7ozfp18NcT0L9_KkA7-2g2eD8765xX9pV3jxQFmz_8Yfik_J6EYsi_lQ/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The parables of Jesus recorded in Mark 4 are about preaching and teaching the Word of God, and how that supernatural act brings spiritual life and growth to those who hear and heed it. As we come to the Lord’s Day and the gathering of the saints, let us do so with confidence that God’s intended results will come from that life-giving Book. We are likely familiar with the parable of the sower found in Mark 4:1-20. It deals with the condition of the soil—that is, the human heart. Only the soil that produces a crop (in varying measure) is good soil—one out of four hearers in this illustration. The Lord does not change the thrust of his sermon, as He proceeds further with four other parables, that we will group under three headings.</p><p>First, consider THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD IN SHINING LIGHT, (v. 21-23). </p><p>Sin is for the shadows. This is the dark depravity of the human heart. The preacher is meant to take the Word of God as a Gospel light to summon men and women from the darkness to Christ who is the Light of the World. Pastors need to speak plainly. The light is not meant to be stuck under a basket of confusion or under the bed of comfort. The first type of teaching leaves the hearer scratching his head and the second style, rubbing his or her eyes. The preacher is not there to impress the people with his profundity or confound them with his obscurity. They need the light of truth plainly and simply communicated. The congregation needs to come with preparation—ears to hear. The best sermon will not help someone who is absent or absent-minded. This has to do with the way we hear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhrZyNCzKsyaP3qV7902UN8gKiYhBAQnPx4qwlRWWTOheBp4kkyjdJq8l8yawozjcDYdv-2QU_Z75f-apqDks73WJPZ7-Mf0HuMndNUlxaOfVWAaxh5Rah4xnoQLxQ5T83lbUMmhjw1_HcvIkgIc8lsjFIKwFMZJI_IhfSwV1RYPr_F10ExUzMQ/s1080/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhrZyNCzKsyaP3qV7902UN8gKiYhBAQnPx4qwlRWWTOheBp4kkyjdJq8l8yawozjcDYdv-2QU_Z75f-apqDks73WJPZ7-Mf0HuMndNUlxaOfVWAaxh5Rah4xnoQLxQ5T83lbUMmhjw1_HcvIkgIc8lsjFIKwFMZJI_IhfSwV1RYPr_F10ExUzMQ/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Second, note THE RECEPTIVITY OF THE WORD IN SHARING TRUTH, (v. 24-25). </p><p>The church member has a responsibility to be selective in what they hear. They must make sure there is an alignment of the preacher’s sermon with the truth of Scripture. Obviously, the church needs caution to determine if the instruction is doctrinally sound or theologically deviant. If you attend a church or are part of a denomination that has departed from the Word, then you need to depart from that congregation. Saturate the place with your absence! However, preaching can be so basic for so long as to end up giving people a bottle full of milk, sermon after sermon, and never nourish them with a plateful of meat! Again, we do not start with fundamental matters and move on from them, for there will always be those in the fellowship who need the simple Gospel for they are lost, with others who are babes in Christ needing to be spoon fed. Yet, the preacher must give more than that for others are eager to grow, being receptive to the truth. Expository preaching produces a well-balanced diet for all stages of spiritual development. It will sort out the receptive hearers from the carnal crowd. Some will ravenously consume it as they know it is feeding their soul. Others will spit it out and move on searching for a sugary sermonette that puts them in a spiritual slumber. This relates to what we hear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipACniZulxWBIsZl2sk8rzAQs3VnPLinQqiGyWJ3XKeVZxNC3t0H2zSq397IozGuG2tI09kttkjFJTzUe_r7jOygsQIZL0LwHh6TDTlvErsni3k-NHIxfQFiU5RKPtqU-f3jlKDq1HTaOmzRdO-dtgSPI37iH8PxdgAjvAEu5sR0p5W6yDQXUANg/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipACniZulxWBIsZl2sk8rzAQs3VnPLinQqiGyWJ3XKeVZxNC3t0H2zSq397IozGuG2tI09kttkjFJTzUe_r7jOygsQIZL0LwHh6TDTlvErsni3k-NHIxfQFiU5RKPtqU-f3jlKDq1HTaOmzRdO-dtgSPI37iH8PxdgAjvAEu5sR0p5W6yDQXUANg/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Third, observe THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE WORD IN SOWING SEED, (v. 26-32)</p><p>In both these parables, there is similarity in presenting the productivity of God’s Word when it is faithfully sown. The preacher is not responsible for fruitfulness. He is accountable for his faithfulness. We do the sowing and God does the saving. It is not a product of human ability, but heavenly activity. The preacher must make certain to cultivate the soil, sow good seed in abundance, and prayerfully prepare in faith for a harvest. He must be capable of gathering and conserving. Do not be disheartened if there seems small progress. God can grow a church into a large work, not only in terms of numbers, but in Kingdom impact. Preacher, trust God and press on! This speaks to why we hear.</p><p>If the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed then there will be results. God has promised this supernatural impact. Everybody who sits under the Word will leave changed by it. It is to the welfare of those who receive it, “For whoever has, to him more will be given,” (v.25a). But, sadly, it is to the worsening of those who reject it, “but whoever does not have even what he has will be taken away from him,” (v.25b).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVGtYAGMykxeTOQXGarjmvPLC_KkFpTaMo3U-x9poj9xF91v2077AUGXAWAU8oc8NmmOwCh8TlAbIaUq0PpzX8u3DGWl-Galc6i5GY_Up3q2NqqKvDDzBsuZ7hVHI_hQc0yBVpwrviicULpilp8hUXIUe1flgU6T4fmlU3BxM6_1kWyj1oj025w/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVGtYAGMykxeTOQXGarjmvPLC_KkFpTaMo3U-x9poj9xF91v2077AUGXAWAU8oc8NmmOwCh8TlAbIaUq0PpzX8u3DGWl-Galc6i5GY_Up3q2NqqKvDDzBsuZ7hVHI_hQc0yBVpwrviicULpilp8hUXIUe1flgU6T4fmlU3BxM6_1kWyj1oj025w/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-91701924320392668272023-06-24T07:04:00.002-07:002023-06-24T07:04:42.592-07:00THE FLOCK OF GOD<p></p><p>The flock of God is the focus of 1 Peter 5. In concluding his letter, Peter offers a word of exhortation, (v. 1, 12), to the church—God’s flock. It is an exhortation to the shepherds and to the sheep. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kuAhUhs0Ej2vDzTNdXRqtZtxAfYyD-9psN8eUlssRoPXmwDKKzc6CMEDNpzoz7wNx1fUJR8n5HsE7QopmKDSl-mW9s06OAgUWBtP-ZfOQ2F8djsic7x0Ot8WOtHDxrJiZTv3voAxeJR7mJJOuq6qQsyQcLRfX80mKYHvLJT3pLrhSSA0fAhZHg/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kuAhUhs0Ej2vDzTNdXRqtZtxAfYyD-9psN8eUlssRoPXmwDKKzc6CMEDNpzoz7wNx1fUJR8n5HsE7QopmKDSl-mW9s06OAgUWBtP-ZfOQ2F8djsic7x0Ot8WOtHDxrJiZTv3voAxeJR7mJJOuq6qQsyQcLRfX80mKYHvLJT3pLrhSSA0fAhZHg/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>He begins with THE CHARGE TO THE SHEPHERDS, (v.1-5). The example of the shepherds and their exposition of the Scriptures are vital for the health of the sheep. As shepherds, pastors are called to feed, lead, and bleed for the sheep. They feed them by proclamation of the Word, lead them by demonstration of the way, and are willing to bleed for them in provision for their welfare. </p><p>These do not work for material gain, but wait for eternal glory. This labor is not to be viewed as a drudgery we’ve got to do, but as a delight we get to do!</p><p>The gravity of our responsibility as pastors rests in the reality that the church is not ours, but belongs to Christ. They are not cattle to be driven by domineering, but sheep to be led by demonstration. While we will certainly exhort them, we must be an example to them. You better practice what you preach! Jesus loves every lamb and we had better. There will be an accountability faced at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If we have been faithful to care for the flock, a special crown awaits the shepherd. </p><p>There is no place for egotism. It is a grace that we are called to serve and it is grace that enables us to serve. Let us clothe ourselves—not with robes of royalty, but dress ourselves in humility.</p><p>Peter, then moves to THE CAUTION TO THE SHEEP, (v.6-14). The enemy of the sheep—the devil—is a ravenous, roaring lion. Lambs are no match for lions. They are not fast enough to flee and not fierce enough to fight. Yet, as we humbly admit that, we have available the power of God to strengthen us. Indeed, we are no match for the devil, but he is no match for the Chief Shepherd! </p><p>So, this is a call to humility, (v. 6). A prideful attitude assures us of being overcome. It turned a beautiful angel into a demonic spirit, and Satan uses the same ploy to get at us. </p><p>There is further a caution against anxiety, (v.7). The roar of the lion is meant to paralyze us with fear. We are to cast all our cares on the Lord, knowing that He cares for us!</p><p>Then, we have a command for sobriety, (v. 8 ). By no means do we ignore the peril with naïveté, but have an awareness with sobriety. We are not to be afraid, but we are to stay alert. The danger is real. The devil wants to destroy and devour the flock. </p><p>We must have stability, (v.9). Do not race off, but brace up! Should we have to suffer for our stand, do not back down. Satan will use his minions to attack us. He hates us. This world is not a friend to grace. Others have suffered for the cause across the centuries, and in many countries do so today. Why should we think to be the exception? </p><p>Trust in God’s sovereignty, (v.10-11). The Lord reigns! Christ is conqueror. The grace of God will usher us into the glory of God. </p><p>Abide in the community, (v.12-14). We are not in this alone. There is a community of faith to encourage us. Love on one another. There is a refuge in the church for the believer—an oasis of peace. We may have peace of mind, because of our peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ!</p><p>Amen.</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-16722526902541162802023-05-27T04:34:00.004-07:002023-05-27T04:34:54.491-07:00SERVING AND SPEAKING WITH SINCERITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ22fY6QolOq-l-e4jc7u5FFaCgQDOO2jlbqg6HpkkQMwTIdr_zobD_aW9ZySfx81RbfkcORU-ekzHR54wiRZpw_AIx7fBzpVcXBhKwLdtROQe1uCQf4DcjMqizPHPTfqCL08KBvnLKy449GjhFiM3X0uwd_I-z5uIR2K8Q8qAKNGdih7P2s/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ22fY6QolOq-l-e4jc7u5FFaCgQDOO2jlbqg6HpkkQMwTIdr_zobD_aW9ZySfx81RbfkcORU-ekzHR54wiRZpw_AIx7fBzpVcXBhKwLdtROQe1uCQf4DcjMqizPHPTfqCL08KBvnLKy449GjhFiM3X0uwd_I-z5uIR2K8Q8qAKNGdih7P2s/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>You can do the right thing for the wrong reason and it is still wrong. Case in point: the Pharisees of Biblical times did many right things—fasting, praying, giving, reading Scripture, and attending worship—yet did it for the wrong reason, as a religious show. There was outward conformity, but inward hypocrisy. God desires for us to serve Him and speak for Him, but with sincerity. In contrast to the Pharisees, we have the Apostle Paul who declared in summary of 2 Cor.2, “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ,” (v.17). There are three basic elements of such motivation and manner of ministry.</p><p>Serving and speaking with sincerity calls for RESTRAINT, (v.1-4). Paul had chosen to communicate with tenderness in a letter, rather than with toughness in a visit. There were many issues in the Corinthian church that called for confrontation. So, he had addressed these needful matters in his first epistle to them. It was painful discipline, but essential correction. </p><p>Yet, Paul felt no joy in having to bring them to tears. His hope was that their repentance would be an ongoing work of the Spirit among them, so when he did visit there would be joy and not grief. While there were still issues (and always will be until Christ returns and we are glorified), the Apostle writes with restraint. Having “spanked,” them, Paul will now hug them. Corporal punishment of a child is not to become damaging abuse. It is to be administered with restraint and done in love rather than anger. This is true in dealing with sin in the church. Then sorrow is supplanted with smiles!</p><p>Serving and speaking with sincerity seeks RECONCILIATION, (v.5-11). By this, we do not refer to the reconciliation with God brought in salvation, but reconciliation among the members attained by church discipline. </p><p>Sin in the body affects the whole body. When a member must be disciplined, it is a painful process—a spiritual surgery. Apparently that rebellious member was now repentant. The correction had achieved its purpose, so the erring member was to be forgiven and reconciled to the congregation. Failing to practice church discipline is wrong, but so is a purpose of rejection instead of restoration of the sinning member. Satan will take advantage of being permissive or punitive concerning sin in the body. </p><p>Unrepentant sin is a cancer in our soul. If the church is soft and overlooks the sin in the name of love (while shirking truth), then the malignancy spreads. This is what Paul had to forcefully address in his first epistle to them. Yet, if we are severe in confronting the sin in the name of truth (while neglecting love), the result is the amputation of the member, bringing loss to both them and the church. Admittedly, if the cancer of sin is not dealt with through the removal of the malignancy of wickedness, then to save the body, the member has to be “amputated,” but the hope is that the chemotherapy of confrontation and the radiation of repentance will deal with the disease, without the amputation of excommunication! Satan would kill or at least cripple the church body by diverting us to being permissive or punitive. He is so crafty, promoting either “love,” or “truth,” when God’s way calls for both in balance. </p><p>Carl Sandburg described Abraham Lincoln this way: "Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is hard as a rock and soft as a drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect." In dealing with erring members, we must have a hand of steel in a glove of velvet!</p><p>Serving and speaking with sincerity demands RELIANCE, (v.12-17). As we consider the challenges in church life in this pagan environment and our own human frailties, we ask with Paul, “Who is sufficient for these things?” How can I be tough and tender? The answer is, “I can’t,” but Jesus can—and He is in me! Paul will answer this question, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (3:5-6). It is in reliance on Jesus—His virtue and victory—that we can serve and speak with sincerity.</p><p>At Troas, Paul would see a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him to come share the Gospel. Paul would be obedient and take the message of Christ to Europe for the first time, (v.12-13). That is how the Gospel came to Corinth on the Grecian peninsula and the church was established. It was in reliance on God’s guidance and grace that the Apostle accomplished this work.</p><p>Relying on Christ, we are “more than conquerors,” (cf. Rom.8:37). Paul illustrates the principle here, of being conquered by Christ in order to be conquerors with Christ, (v.14-17). The Apostle uses the imagery of a Roman general returning in triumph from battle. The cavalcade winds through the city of Rome, preceding through the cheering throngs, with the priests swinging burning braziers of incense. To the captives who had surrendered to the conqueror, it was the smell of life, but to those who had resisted it was the stench of death. The former group would become servants while the latter would be slain. The Gospel we share has the same effect. Those who receive it find eternal life, while those who reject it enter everlasting death. The Gospel witness has a fragrant aroma of heaven, as well as the smell of hell’s smoke and sulphur. </p><p>None of us are sufficient for the magnitude of such a ministry. For this, we need the power of God and Christ’s Gospel. Only then can we avoid being religious racketeers who peddle God’s Word—offering scraps of truth concealing toxin—for personal profit. Let us take our calling with utmost sincerity. God has called us and holds us accountable as to whether we are speaking an undiluted message with unselfish motive.</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-393917336479634902023-04-24T05:24:00.008-07:002023-04-24T05:26:05.122-07:00A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RSYOvji6G24jIZD2zUU78lINF_q9KD-d5rRezlTrzyjvOdDikonCfFYonPmYclz65SzDVCb5hoKBanuPETpE_Z6dAewYwo_NKaBtP7fvGE5zLwnHGDw6XZq5S1F0WhsClUOXxLUDDozEHTrMsF65n0g-awFJnHfK-FsrlWqWf5HW7lQ7tUU/s640/save-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RSYOvji6G24jIZD2zUU78lINF_q9KD-d5rRezlTrzyjvOdDikonCfFYonPmYclz65SzDVCb5hoKBanuPETpE_Z6dAewYwo_NKaBtP7fvGE5zLwnHGDw6XZq5S1F0WhsClUOXxLUDDozEHTrMsF65n0g-awFJnHfK-FsrlWqWf5HW7lQ7tUU/w400-h400/save-image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Life here and hereafter is about choices. </p><p>I think of the scene in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” where the Knight who guarded the Holy Grail—the cup Christ drank from in the Last Supper—beckoned, “choose wisely,” for the wrong cup would bring death and the other life. The American businessman working with the Nazis drank from the golden, gem encrusted, glittering cup. When he was doomed to death, the Knight said, “He choose—poorly.” Indiana Jones chose the simple cup of a Carpenter. “You have chosen wisely,” was the Knight’s affirmation. </p><p>The wise choice for us is God’s way. On the surface, it may not have all the sparkle of the world’s splendor, but it will prove of enduring radiance in glory!</p><p>THE SUMMONS OF WISDOM, (8:1-11). It is a blessing to us in our senseless ways that God takes the initiative in calling us with a summoning word. Left to ourselves, we would follow the path of folly—as sheep to the slaughter—but, God is gracious and reaches out to us. In our natural state, we would give ourselves to the pursuit of trash, packaged as treasure. Wisdom beckons us to true wealth.</p><p>THE SUCCESS BY WISDOM, (8:12-36). Only a fool would determine to fail in life. The problem is that in our depraved mind, we are proud and pursue a perverse pathway. If we would humble ourselves before God and seek His way, we will find the success He means for us. There awaits eternal wealth and everlasting worth—all we need here and abundance hereafter! Wisdom’s attributes are akin to Deity’s, for they are of Divine origin.</p><p>THE SHELTER IN WISDOM, (9:1-18). Wisdom builds a house that is secured and supplied, (v.1-6). </p><p>It shelters us from the scoffer, (v.7-12). The scoffer is resistant to reproof. His questions are not from genuine desire for wisdom, but to generate questions in the witness and undermine faith. If you are well-acquainted with Biblical bread, you will have no appetite for forbidden fruit. You will sniff it out before you bite into it. If you chew on it, you might spit it out, but you are more likely to swallow some of it. I do not have to taste dung to know it is not chocolate pudding!</p><p>It shelters us from the seductress, (v.13-18). Folly is personified as a prostitute. She offers you a night to “live it up,” but her bed is that of the dead! I think of these words in the Eagles’ pop song, “Hotel California:”</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>Mirrors on the ceiling<br /><span> </span>The pink champagne on ice<br /> <span> </span>And she said, “We are all just prisoners here<br /> <span> </span>Of our own device"<br /> <span> A</span>nd in the master's chambers<br /> <span> </span>They gathered for the feast<br /> <span> </span>They stab it with their steely knives<br /> <span> </span>But they just can't kill the beast<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>Last thing I remember, I was<br /> <span> </span>Running for the door<br /> <span> </span>I had to find the passage back<br /> <span> </span>To the place I was before<br /> <span> </span>"Relax, " said the night man<br /> <span> </span>"We are programmed to receive<br /> <span> </span>You can check out any time you like<br /><span> </span>But you can never leave"</div><p style="text-align: left;">As a teacher of mine was fond of saying, “A word to the wise is sufficient.” Let us listen to wisdom for it is a matter of life and death!</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-91820230478781825492023-03-11T06:24:00.005-08:002023-03-11T06:24:43.046-08:00THE WAR WITHIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKEJHkL8MQG72c2UChphZZ90PuEibqWyOfWK-Xd096yIiN4AVqKk_HzJz4VEM9dyBkzxYfiAMECaI4sFcT47NgHiT0g-vbfKMoPIRquEjUibCoIBvpcNnLrWYt64mSK82Wbz3MokeY2QheKEqu2my1Ut6r8970eT0KrAkNIYqHFZewdsVjgw/s640/E50E85DA-DBB1-4A16-A2DA-0D70C4991020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKEJHkL8MQG72c2UChphZZ90PuEibqWyOfWK-Xd096yIiN4AVqKk_HzJz4VEM9dyBkzxYfiAMECaI4sFcT47NgHiT0g-vbfKMoPIRquEjUibCoIBvpcNnLrWYt64mSK82Wbz3MokeY2QheKEqu2my1Ut6r8970eT0KrAkNIYqHFZewdsVjgw/w400-h400/E50E85DA-DBB1-4A16-A2DA-0D70C4991020.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Paul spoke in Romans 7 of the battlefield inside the believer—wanting to do right and doing wrong. There is no text more illustrative than in the confession and condemnation of Peter in Matthew 16. Within a few verses, Peter goes from speaking on behalf of heaven to speaking on behalf of hell. He went rapidly from hero to zero—from the pinnacle of commendation to the pit of condemnation. In the former case, Simon was Spirit inspired and in the latter, satanically inspired. He went from being a solid stone to a stumbling block. </div><div><br /></div><div>It does not take long. Each day and then throughout the day, we have to humbly cry out for grace. With deep contrition, we must confess that we are capable in our worst moments of descending into depths that are a bottomless abyss. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jer.17:9). Even at our best moments, we ought acknowledge what Jesus taught, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” (Lk.17:10). </div><div><br /></div><div>The best of men are capable of doing the worst of things. We find Noah in the ark, securing deliverance for the world’s inhabitants and then in his tent, drunk and naked to his shame. There is Moses through his faith leading Israel out of Egypt, but then due to his failure incapable of leading them into Canaan. David can bring down a giant with a slingshot, but is brought down by his lust for a woman.</div><div><br /></div><div>Need I go on? In desperation, we must cry out with the Apostle, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom.7:24). But, then he looks up and says, “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom.7:25). The desperation of Romans 7 is followed by the deliverance of Romans 8. That chapter begins with no condemnation and ends with no separation. In between there is much about the groans we experience here, but the glory that awaits hereafter. In the meantime, God is shaping us as human clay through the pressure of problems and firing us in the kiln of adversity in His pottery shop. There is this:</div><div><br /></div><div> And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Rom.8:28-30).</div><div><br /></div><div>I love the lyrics of this song, written by Ada R. Habershon and performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Selah, entitled, “He Will Hold Me Fast.”</div><div><br /></div><div>When I fear my faith will fail</div><div>Christ will hold me fast</div><div>When the tempter would prevail</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>I could never keep my hold</div><div>Through life's fearful path</div><div>For my love is often cold</div><div>He must hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>For my Saviour loves me so</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>Those He saves are His delight</div><div>Christ will hold me fast</div><div>Precious in His holy sight</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>He'll not let my soul be lost</div><div>His promises shall last</div><div>Bought by Him at such a cost</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>For my Saviour loves me so</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>For my life He bled and died</div><div>Christ will hold me fast</div><div>Justice has been satisfied</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>Raised with Him to endless life</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>'Til our faith is turned to sight</div><div>When He comes at last!</div><div><br /></div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>For my Saviour loves me so</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div>For my Saviour loves me so</div><div>He will hold me fast</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/3OOphIgGkjM">https://youtu.be/3OOphIgGkjM</a></div>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-60966981325043696202023-02-19T05:34:00.000-08:002023-02-19T05:34:18.995-08:00THE ANOINTING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fsnTxCJUBY7zd0VoGYHO1_rrTBRLZzcJAfnecI5IxFjOLusevZ3NVoxw_1jALnuSpNYKjB9-L3FZPjZOzswuNd0fQh-fxoqT0FaamMZHi5fbNXqZ2XZ_-C1x9NpZwrcwo_kfOq_7ce-4D9sdYbOUC_fTNsXyGZEd66Ytbkr5BRZFZbZ41sc/s1200/421EE363-7680-499E-B4B1-3D85A603E282.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fsnTxCJUBY7zd0VoGYHO1_rrTBRLZzcJAfnecI5IxFjOLusevZ3NVoxw_1jALnuSpNYKjB9-L3FZPjZOzswuNd0fQh-fxoqT0FaamMZHi5fbNXqZ2XZ_-C1x9NpZwrcwo_kfOq_7ce-4D9sdYbOUC_fTNsXyGZEd66Ytbkr5BRZFZbZ41sc/s320/421EE363-7680-499E-B4B1-3D85A603E282.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVkXEv1b6Tqi1rPvRPS9dmwwBO72eSFIaGa89fnXCzfVJFe79JV3wbffXvDPPoDC7fwPo20i4g1nFBCnbblIOhtSR9eyU1ubSVM-kCJewoBb7QBcV7Zze4y840mn3hMxToXpeqCucX3uSymMe_KfCiMGbZtYfzEC7VIoVWsRUWtaoerKDL9o/s1200/EAFF2E13-1FEF-4105-B80B-4880D92AF520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVkXEv1b6Tqi1rPvRPS9dmwwBO72eSFIaGa89fnXCzfVJFe79JV3wbffXvDPPoDC7fwPo20i4g1nFBCnbblIOhtSR9eyU1ubSVM-kCJewoBb7QBcV7Zze4y840mn3hMxToXpeqCucX3uSymMe_KfCiMGbZtYfzEC7VIoVWsRUWtaoerKDL9o/s320/EAFF2E13-1FEF-4105-B80B-4880D92AF520.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> The only perfect Preacher—the Lord Jesus—preached with the anointing of the Spirit. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel…” Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1 in reference to Himself. We too may—and we must—as messengers of God have this might from God! Consider the quotation of Lloyd-Jones in the first case, the experience D.L.Moody described in the second, and in summary the prayer of Olford in the last one. In the words of the old hymn, “All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down; Brethren, pray and holy manna will be showered all around.”</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCWLbe7AZMhMpkHIdPsJuoqX7eL8NCFXsJoavlCZdxMFPlFVcNcAd4ms08S3VRdsojlXqbGJ4ZLqMlOHZy0R1avO8vz88jyy-6rpqbbA_qczlUPZXuN_6MaeYBToQ45F9AgYry6CZlKZLAGzyF42GHI4WpVOZqVL7_bxBr3ZoQFg4EQ6H3MI/s1200/BD5A6435-A960-49CE-AA9D-8A8BD2D576DA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCWLbe7AZMhMpkHIdPsJuoqX7eL8NCFXsJoavlCZdxMFPlFVcNcAd4ms08S3VRdsojlXqbGJ4ZLqMlOHZy0R1avO8vz88jyy-6rpqbbA_qczlUPZXuN_6MaeYBToQ45F9AgYry6CZlKZLAGzyF42GHI4WpVOZqVL7_bxBr3ZoQFg4EQ6H3MI/s320/BD5A6435-A960-49CE-AA9D-8A8BD2D576DA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-67391429291646917222023-02-11T06:11:00.000-08:002023-02-11T06:11:02.778-08:00THE POWER OF UNBELIEF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ECtGW35C98mLnO0djgeVaHZJVoHbTWyyR-4qvJowR4pBRpUGO27EI6R34z6zW-rsoIWZ3D9ow7QMI8i546l4bXJUyfbZubExFdvjB8412OR0ZZR05ZVENFF2f8K3kjCIDsNaS2a0Ks-YESyxbw3Jut0JHS889SbK6LPP_oWj2VTiQaPFZk8/s1200/AD0671F8-63F5-457A-959E-E81F181BCA16.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ECtGW35C98mLnO0djgeVaHZJVoHbTWyyR-4qvJowR4pBRpUGO27EI6R34z6zW-rsoIWZ3D9ow7QMI8i546l4bXJUyfbZubExFdvjB8412OR0ZZR05ZVENFF2f8K3kjCIDsNaS2a0Ks-YESyxbw3Jut0JHS889SbK6LPP_oWj2VTiQaPFZk8/w400-h400/AD0671F8-63F5-457A-959E-E81F181BCA16.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>As I read these sobering words I thought how many times God might have used me in a greater way had I only trusted Him more. Pastors may be struggling to lead their flock forward because either they or their congregation just do not trust God. Our preaching on faith will have little impact if our practice of faith is absent. Lord, increase our faith!</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-47779317221416727512022-12-31T06:50:00.000-08:002022-12-31T06:50:14.058-08:00ONLY SAY THE WORD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT62LtuNMO_vPr6XphAqkXgFTNNTwcyCZlHR5hxfRHMDOr0ZnGqAN2lqdh0anN76JrUFRNfOazxDU_9fQXnT8NGjpneG2ZVA2GDQ-YpOiL1g4BSE_zWrQPe4ibs_w7Y3_orNzQQWMCY063RRerFwEzmgP_RaHBtxMeyhM9KB9NbPQQrMYkvf8/s640/CFCC0A27-1E4E-4910-8F1F-F38DBF6A7EA6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT62LtuNMO_vPr6XphAqkXgFTNNTwcyCZlHR5hxfRHMDOr0ZnGqAN2lqdh0anN76JrUFRNfOazxDU_9fQXnT8NGjpneG2ZVA2GDQ-YpOiL1g4BSE_zWrQPe4ibs_w7Y3_orNzQQWMCY063RRerFwEzmgP_RaHBtxMeyhM9KB9NbPQQrMYkvf8/w400-h400/CFCC0A27-1E4E-4910-8F1F-F38DBF6A7EA6.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Word of God has power to change your life! As you enter this New Year, would you commit yourself to open your Bible daily, consume it, digest it, and trust God to grow you as your are nourished from it? A great place to begin would be to go to the house of God where the Word of God is faithfully taught tomorrow, New Years’ Day 2023. Studying personally is essential, but so is the study with fellow believers. In small groups, in the music, in the message, and as you exhort one another—this could be a transformative year for you—transformed by truth! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVOZF8VsQNmDU64R5CRXVFJdcJGZYjjvwnL9MFRd7d9R_YsGnjWu0EjXCuKwANB3WnoPcgyL1CDXw4eFvcECoLIZw_LQmXS8P6MVkDYGk0RcJnUL3yDxMMFquprKJ9kux--znboOmD4GVHQMtO2BzWP20_gTmpBMlxWJLbjJSwUJTu760Fko/s1200/A30AE3F2-1BEA-49C1-8BA7-FB1E46682BBF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVOZF8VsQNmDU64R5CRXVFJdcJGZYjjvwnL9MFRd7d9R_YsGnjWu0EjXCuKwANB3WnoPcgyL1CDXw4eFvcECoLIZw_LQmXS8P6MVkDYGk0RcJnUL3yDxMMFquprKJ9kux--znboOmD4GVHQMtO2BzWP20_gTmpBMlxWJLbjJSwUJTu760Fko/w400-h400/A30AE3F2-1BEA-49C1-8BA7-FB1E46682BBF.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-62291190421791080802022-11-19T05:20:00.000-08:002022-11-19T05:20:22.491-08:00AT THE FEET OF JESUS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkAfG7YcoPyOqPthyMOPGM-v1tpuv6beZQE0NArIKKaea6iI9leoNSIR_Bs-PZxbrr5k_r9b-ReqT0Rf_oxUSHn4hUZm5Njaf4XQkInHwtxJoZeGA0r82MnA7sz1f4UAT_MbD6edPSZq54zIES97VQ2YnzngwoHvIQ3eEdkKkmbzyhck652Y/s640/53A79C6F-5CAB-4A62-A873-FA4157BC2AFA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkAfG7YcoPyOqPthyMOPGM-v1tpuv6beZQE0NArIKKaea6iI9leoNSIR_Bs-PZxbrr5k_r9b-ReqT0Rf_oxUSHn4hUZm5Njaf4XQkInHwtxJoZeGA0r82MnA7sz1f4UAT_MbD6edPSZq54zIES97VQ2YnzngwoHvIQ3eEdkKkmbzyhck652Y/w400-h400/53A79C6F-5CAB-4A62-A873-FA4157BC2AFA.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>There are many lessons to learn from the visit of the Magi. It is a wise man indeed who falls at Jesus’ feet to worship Him. There are numerous occasions where this act of submission, devotion, and adoration is recorded in Scripture.</p><p>They bow at Christ’s INCARNATION. “When they … saw the young Child … [they] fell down and worshiped Him.” (Matt.2:11). This stresses His humanity. We marvel that God would become man—the Infinite as an infant; the Creator becoming a creature! To know He came in love to be one of us in order to save us fills us with awe.</p><p>They bow at Christ’s TRANSFIGURATION. “They fell on their faces” (Matt. 17:6). This stresses His deity. Peter, James, and John got a glimpse of His glory. For one brief, shining moment, who Jesus was on the inside burst through to the outside. They were smitten by His splendor and fell at His feet. Only a man could die for us, but only God could save us. How marvelous!</p><p>They bow at Christ’s RESURRECTION. “They came and held Him by the feet” (Matt. 28:9). This stresses His victory. He stands before them as Conqueror of death! It is now nail-scarred feet before which they fall. Wonder and worship is their response, and ought to be ours as we bow before the One who holds the keys to death, hell, and the grave!</p><p>Later, John would record how he would bow at Christ’s GLORIFICATION. “I fell at His feet as dead” (Rev. 1:17a). This stresses His supremacy. Those who bow before Him now as the Lord and Savior, will bow before Him in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. When we gather for worship, spiritually we may bow before the glorified Christ in anticipation of literally bowing before Him someday!</p><p>The Gospel song, written by Squire Parsons, Jr., puts it:</p><div style="text-align: left;">If I leave this world of sorrow sometime before you do,<br />Just look for me in heaven and we'll talk the ages thru;<br />But if, at first, you fail to see me, let me tell you where I'll be,<br />I'll be thanking Christ, my Savior, for saving a wretch like me.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't look 'neath the gates of pearl, don't look on the streets of gold,<br />Don't look by the walls of jasper, nor among the many sights untold;<br />For I've been longing and I've been waiting for the precious, holy One to meet,</div><div style="text-align: left;">There I'll be thru the countless ages, look for me at Jesus' feet.</div>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-37059158639285980872022-09-03T05:26:00.000-07:002022-09-03T05:26:03.298-07:00DEFEATING THE DRAGON<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nXq400yGbb4mKwpdBIP3WDISdm3lzABpQzG54iEkKLc-RNhPnwHlfaWJ1QVcrgcUeN1tXzwt176ZihR2IJp7v2NtYvWEVdLinhz3PFyWC1j87aZHFXW9QwmoyTitBLsOk9wjkYT-mRTOQUX6gVuvh4uw1cyizrC7B1-zZfNoTUpekM1IDkc/s640/33662E2E-86FC-483E-83B9-A9A47CC20DFF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nXq400yGbb4mKwpdBIP3WDISdm3lzABpQzG54iEkKLc-RNhPnwHlfaWJ1QVcrgcUeN1tXzwt176ZihR2IJp7v2NtYvWEVdLinhz3PFyWC1j87aZHFXW9QwmoyTitBLsOk9wjkYT-mRTOQUX6gVuvh4uw1cyizrC7B1-zZfNoTUpekM1IDkc/w400-h400/33662E2E-86FC-483E-83B9-A9A47CC20DFF.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There is much that might be said concerning the long war between God and Satan, that this brief devotional on Revelation 12 cannot exhaust. We will be able to only touch the hem of the garment, but pray that the virtue of Christ will flow into the reader.</p><p>Satan is real. He is not some bogeyman of myth meant to frighten little children. His fight against God though fierce is futile. God is omnipotent and the Dragon is not. In fact, when Satan attacks the gates of Heaven, God does not need to lift a finger. It is Michael who leads a band of holy angels to repel this hellish horde. The outcome has never been in doubt. </p><p>Though he has no might to resist God, he has been granted permission to deceive and destroy. His movements are only within the parameters a sovereign God permits. As we learn in the book of Job, the Devil and his demonic hosts must still report to God (Job 1-2). There will come a time, however, that his access to heaven is halted and he who has been cast down, will be cast out, awaiting only a few years until he is ultimately cast into the lake of fire.</p><p>But, the devil is not in hell today. He is raging against the saints. He is “the accuser of [the] brethren,” (Rev.12:10). He wants to present a list of crimes for which the people of God are guilty—that God might condemn us and consign us to hell with Satan. Yet, we have an Advocate who has ascended (Rev.12:5) who “is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them,” (Heb.7:25).</p><p>So, if the Serpent cannot bring us eternal punishment, he will cause earthly pain. Not only is his hatred directed toward the church, but to Israel—God’s chosen people who birthed Christ (Rev.12:1-6). Old Testament history shows repeated attempts by the Devil to obliterate Israel in an effort to prevent Messiah from being born. Failing in that, the New Testament story shows Satan seeking to slay the Savior, which only accomplished His mission as the Lamb, leading to Him overcoming death as the Lion, and ascending to glory as the Lord! What is left for the Dragon to do, but to seek the genocide of the Jews and the slaughter of the saints? The story of the last two thousand years shows this.</p><p>So much more might be said concerning this long war against God. But, I want to move beyond the panorama of spiritual conflict through the ages and the prophetic aspect of the end of the age, to the present application of this to the church age.</p><p>There are three essentials to overcome the Devil. He is overcome by our communion with our Substitute, our communication of the Scriptures, and our commitment to the Savior.</p><p>Our communion with our Substitute is indicated by this, “they overcame [the Devil] by the blood of the Lamb.” The accuser has no answer to this. The powerful blood of Jesus has blotted out our sins. When Satan wants to point out our sins, we point to the blood and say, “What sins are you talking about?” Jesus became our Substitute on the cross—paying the debt in full that we could never pay and giving us His perfect righteousness that we could never procure. Regularly, we should have communion, so those elements of the bread and the cup remind us of this truth (1 Cor.11:24).</p><p>Our communication of the Scriptures is stressed in this, “they overcame him…by the word of their testimony.” God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph.6:17). As we practice that truth in obedience and proclaim it in witness, we go on the offense against the Dragon. The Word in our heart and confession of our lips is the testimony of our faith that puts the Devil to flight. It is how the perfect Man, Jesus overcame and how we must (Matt.4:1-11). </p><p>Our commitment to the Savior is underscored by, “they overcame him…[because] they did not love their lives to the death.” What is Satan’s worst threat? He can tell us, “I am going to kill you!” He cannot so long as God has a purpose for us in this world. The moment of our death is by God’s appointment and not the Devil’s decision. Should God in His providence decide that suffering and martyrdom is to be the means of our testing in this world and exit from this life, all Satan can accomplish is to send us on our journey to the glory that awaits! So, why should we fear?</p><p>“How does this future war apply to the church today? The same serpent who accuses the saints in heaven also deceives the nations on earth (Rev. 12:9); and one of his strategies is to lie about the church. He deceives the nations into thinking that the people of God are dangerous, deluded, even destructive. It is through Satan’s deception that the leaders of the nations band together against Christ and His people (Ps. 2; Acts 4:23–30). God’s people in every age must expect the world’s opposition, but the church can always defeat the enemy by being faithful to Jesus Christ" (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol.2.Warren Wiersbe, p.603).</p><p>In America, the church had a period of favor as our religious liberty was enshrined in our Constitution. The citizenry saw the church as a positive force to be embraced. That favor became apathy as a changing culture decided to ignore us and though unbelieving, tolerated the church. The nation saw the church as a neutral force to be endured. Now, the forces of secularism are speaking of animosity toward the church. The voices are louder and more direct. They speak publicly from the highest platforms of civil authority and you can hear the Dragon’s fire in their voices. The majority are starting to see the church as a negative force to be eradicated. </p><p>Brace yourselves, saints of God as you meditate on these truths in Revelation 12!</p><p>(Thanks to the late Dr. Henry Morris, for the phrase, “the long war against God,” taken from his book by that title).</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-65983725214904596452022-08-29T04:45:00.000-07:002022-08-29T04:45:09.797-07:00EVERY PRAISE FROM EVERY PERSON IN EVERY PLACE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lmeAKj3o-CufRjtX9afsigSZTc-52eDUVBkakGELd8wHq8K56H-duBQGFewmI91lAnhV1H3MJe5YjQJlyxNtVoh5IMaLpi5j4AqBhIcIxroCPNFwH3yw-brmwCFEVzX4jWx8qVVwQUCfcc5TG0VN6p5YTw8G3aSP-hMwwTnPWpNM8NRLszI/s640/1E5E561D-4989-4984-9371-4DA80AD5EE0D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lmeAKj3o-CufRjtX9afsigSZTc-52eDUVBkakGELd8wHq8K56H-duBQGFewmI91lAnhV1H3MJe5YjQJlyxNtVoh5IMaLpi5j4AqBhIcIxroCPNFwH3yw-brmwCFEVzX4jWx8qVVwQUCfcc5TG0VN6p5YTw8G3aSP-hMwwTnPWpNM8NRLszI/w400-h400/1E5E561D-4989-4984-9371-4DA80AD5EE0D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>God desires and deserves every praise from every person in every place. This is the repeated refrain of Psalm 67. “Let all the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” That concludes two stanzas, and in summation, “Let all the ends of the earth fear him!”</p><p>We praise God for HIS REDEMPTION FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.1-3). The chosen people plead for God’s grace and blessing in order to extend it to all nations. They want to experience God’s shining presence among the Jews that they might express God’s saving power among the Gentiles. God did not choose Israel to the exclusion of the others, but to be the means of inclusion. In this dispensation, the church is God’s missionary force. We declare His redeeming grace as available to all men everywhere. Jesus paid the price at Calvary, and God is glorified when people receive that forgiveness by faith.</p><p>We praise God for HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.4-5). We rejoice in redemption because it is desperately needed by all people as none of us can meet God’s righteous standard and thus face judgment. God will judge everyone with equity. The perfect righteousness of Christ must be ours or we will experience the wrath our sins merit. So the question, “Will God judge those who have never heard the Gospel?” The answer of the book of Romans is that all are without excuse, as everyone has some knowledge of God. The problem is that sinners reject that light and turn to darkness. The question for those who have heard is why have we not told everyone everywhere? “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Rom. 10:14-15). </p><p>We praise God for HIS RICHES FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.6-7). The rains that water the fields of the just also produce crops for the unjust. The Lord gives a witness to His grace in the bounty of His blessings, leaving men without excuse if they do not turn to Him (cf. Rom.2:1-3). “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4). The harvest from seed in earth is meant to yield a harvest of souls for eternity!</p><p>God’s people are to explain this and call all mankind to fear God. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev. 7:9-10)</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-89074505655870205972022-07-12T07:11:00.000-07:002022-07-12T07:11:04.174-07:00THE BLESSEDNESS OF FORGIVENESS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxOPU6-dcIE67oNVOkvwjBBS6MZJpretz4N4GRUNwig-t6uPloBuvAV27PBvG1ZnxfyuMuXbLyvik-2yBfU22FLrSbwpOseVhakn9PFjPIrnsySxfh4G0FuGC7G6BCULulJxL4ItkqgEbICPWxZoG-EoeaeJjwiUo7IjVkLmXY9GI_6bqohA/s640/4F93AADE-1E7C-4AD5-AE7E-F068B8CFA78C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxOPU6-dcIE67oNVOkvwjBBS6MZJpretz4N4GRUNwig-t6uPloBuvAV27PBvG1ZnxfyuMuXbLyvik-2yBfU22FLrSbwpOseVhakn9PFjPIrnsySxfh4G0FuGC7G6BCULulJxL4ItkqgEbICPWxZoG-EoeaeJjwiUo7IjVkLmXY9GI_6bqohA/w400-h400/4F93AADE-1E7C-4AD5-AE7E-F068B8CFA78C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Both the commencement and conclusion of Psalm 32 provide the bookends for the content: the blessedness of forgiveness. David starts with an expression of happiness in the Lord, and sums up with an exultation of hallelujah to the Lord.</p><p>Consider THE COVERING OF SIN (v.1-5). Sin calls for a covering. The choice is in who will do the covering and the resulting consequences. There is blessing when God covers our sin, but a burden when we seek to do so. It is the difference between heaven and hell for sinners and happiness or heaviness for saints. There is gladness when God covers sin and groaning when we attempt it. It is fascinating that the great salvation word, “atone,” literally means, “to cover.”</p><p>Blessedness comes with THE CONFESSION OF SIN (v.5-7). God removes the sin we refuse to cover, but will reveal that which we seek to hide. He is writing it down (cf. Rev.20:12). The godly are not sinless, but swift and sincere in repentance. The wicked make excuses and shift blame, hesitant to admit guilt. At best, they are superficial in remorse. The waters of judgment will not reach the repentant. God will be their, “hiding place.” The wicked will be swept away. The story of Noah illustrates this. It is interesting that the word, “pitch,” that Noah used to waterproof the ark, is the Hebrew, “kaphar,” also rendered, “atonement!”</p><p>We conclude with THE COUNSEL OF SANCTIFICATION (v.8-11). God’s grace in forgiveness is never meant to be an excuse for sinfulness. Repentance means we are counseled by God from the path of sin to the pursuit of sanctification. It is the highway of holiness that yields happiness. Stubborn mules can be broken—and God will chasten us when needed. Yet, far better to be compliant than face correction! There is the choice of a sorrowful life in sin or the steadfast love from sanctification.</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-9134915901869146542022-06-18T04:34:00.005-07:002022-06-18T04:34:53.472-07:00PREACHING ON PROPHECY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Xp4bacoOvQjUV-a61fyCrODGAdhaM0gQkz5EYFJVGabJjEjhUCvAo2rzXTolOpRT1aroRgAS5anWhb2_MM3XbVQJdEreaNKPumBHJ5Z4kmt2s75CNbabDuz7hTyn2GNXXxmzzxvY2yKgxAqxaKt-KEKCb0BxDeLTsOU46pZKXdOyDlqAxQ/s640/F6C7FBA4-1BBB-4195-A50E-1E3A467D4256.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Xp4bacoOvQjUV-a61fyCrODGAdhaM0gQkz5EYFJVGabJjEjhUCvAo2rzXTolOpRT1aroRgAS5anWhb2_MM3XbVQJdEreaNKPumBHJ5Z4kmt2s75CNbabDuz7hTyn2GNXXxmzzxvY2yKgxAqxaKt-KEKCb0BxDeLTsOU46pZKXdOyDlqAxQ/w400-h400/F6C7FBA4-1BBB-4195-A50E-1E3A467D4256.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Do you want to rob yourself and your flock of God’s blessing? Then ignore prophecy—and in particular do not preach from Revelation. Our Lord has assured us to read and hear these words is to receive God’s blessing (1:3). This is THE NECESSITY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. </p><p>So, why do many pastors rarely deal with this book? There is THE DIFFICULTY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. Granted, there are interpretive challenges. Yet, we must not shirk our duty because of the difficulty.</p><p>Yet, we must be motivated by THE URGENCY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. We are assured that “the time is near,” for the fulfillment of these passages. Jesus is coming soon! We must help prepare people. What if it were today?</p><p>Do not miss THE CENTRALITY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. It is foremost a book about Jesus. He is the central figure. Do not get so bogged down in the details that you forget to shine the spotlight on Jesus. The Gospel is the primary message. The church is the audience.</p><p>I love how Jesus walks among the seven golden lamp stands—the seven churches. This is the vital interest of Christ—for His church. We may be assured that when we assemble, wherever that local body gathers in this wide world, that Jesus is in our midst! Pastor, if there are two or three in the congregation—there will be another, for Christ has promised to be there. What you do is big business, no matter the size of the congregation; be faithful, for the Lord is listening!</p><p>He also holds the seven stars in His hand. Those are the angels of the churches—one for each. The Greek word means, “messenger,” and mostly it is used to describe a heavenly being, but in this case, I understand it to be a human messenger. This is the pastor who will preach God’s Word. The message is addressed to him first—to assimilate and apply—so he might become the one who stands and speaks on behalf of Christ. What a privilege! What a responsibility! </p><p>No matter the critics we face or the challenges we find in ministry, always remember that Jesus holds you in the palm of His hand—and there is no safer place to be! John was banished for his faithful preaching of the Word, suffering in isolation on a rocky island, surrounded by a stormy sea. Yet, Christ was with Him, and we may be assured He knows where we are, and will manifest Himself to us and speak though us.</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-57666368603795929882022-06-16T09:13:00.000-07:002022-06-16T09:13:01.476-07:00THE DEPRAVITY OF HUMANITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6Sf-T0Smg_GaF51-3TCA6RqRKbIL2V6PYkjl_FCryt8nJs62e0BQZjJbDSKst7q6xuDYAmTjiObjTgqb_UK5zbswUC7T8nyczTUqT05DvVBmtrdVkkzp58hAL7vyAJpmAY9z4JVdcAOcGb9xagC5_vQbEx5PPKM0Mu2jUKdCBtbbYLpmhXo/s640/D4C854A6-652D-481A-8939-BC2A29A56FF2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6Sf-T0Smg_GaF51-3TCA6RqRKbIL2V6PYkjl_FCryt8nJs62e0BQZjJbDSKst7q6xuDYAmTjiObjTgqb_UK5zbswUC7T8nyczTUqT05DvVBmtrdVkkzp58hAL7vyAJpmAY9z4JVdcAOcGb9xagC5_vQbEx5PPKM0Mu2jUKdCBtbbYLpmhXo/w400-h400/D4C854A6-652D-481A-8939-BC2A29A56FF2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Psalm 14 declares the depravity of humanity. Every person is born tainted with sin (cf. Rom.3:23). The Psalmist says, “there is none who does good,” (v.1b), “there is none who does good, not even one,” (v.3b). This does not mean that all are as bad as they might be, but that even what men call good in comparison to others is still contaminated by sin in comparison to God’s perfect standard—falling short of His glory (Rom.3:23). </p><p>This depravity affects OUR COMPREHENSION (v.1a, 2). So that the question is, “Have they no knowledge…?” They are fools who deny God’s existence. The word does not mean people who are mentally deficient (they may be highly educated), but morally deviant. They choose to reject the evidence for God in order to avoid thinking of judgment. They are free then to pursue their own wicked ways—to eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow they die, and that’s that.</p><p>Depravity produces OUR CORRUPTION (v.1b, 3). The rottenness of who we are permeates every facet of our being. It perverts our thinking and it pollutes our passions. From a wicked heart flows vile conversation and vicious conduct. Sin is woven into the fabric of our fleshly existence.</p><p>Such depravity is seen in OUR CONSUMPTION (v.4). We use and abuse others—chewing them up and spitting them out when we have consumed all they can do for us. We are by nature takers and not givers. Life revolves around us. We craft our own plans and refuse to call on the name of the Lord. </p><p>William Henley’s poem, “Invictus,” displays this attitude:</p><p>Out of the night that covers me,</p><p> Black as the pit from pole to pole,</p><p>I thank whatever gods may be</p><p> For my unconquerable soul.</p><p>In the fell clutch of circumstance</p><p> I have not winced nor cried aloud.</p><p>Under the bludgeonings of chance</p><p> My head is bloody, but unbowed.</p><p>Beyond this place of wrath and tears</p><p> Looms but the Horror of the shade,</p><p>And yet the menace of the years</p><p> Finds and shall find me unafraid.</p><p>It matters not how strait the gate,</p><p> How charged with punishments the scroll,</p><p>I am the master of my fate,</p><p> I am the captain of my soul.</p><p>Depravity leads to OUR CONDEMNATION (v.5). The fear of death hangs like the shadow of a gallows over humanity. The terror of hell awaits all sinners.</p><p>Yet, we read of others that God calls, “My people,” (v.4), “the generation of the righteous,” (v.5), and “the poor,” (v.6). Who would these be?</p><p>Depravity is overcome by OUR CONVERSION (v.6-7). While we cannot fix ourselves, God can convert us from sinners to saints. From what we all are as, “the children of man,” (v.2a) we can become the children of God through regeneration (cf. John 1:12-12). It is the discarding of the filthy rags of self-righteousness (cf. Isa.64:6) and being clothed in the righteousness of Christ by faith through repentance (cf. Phil.3:7-9). We run to God for “refuge” (v.6b) and trust Him for “salvation,” (v.7a). </p><p>The converted acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy as “the poor,” (v.6) for Jesus promised, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” (Matt.5:3). To those God then “restores the fortunes of his people,” (v.7) by the riches of His grace in Christ Jesus (cf. Eph.1:7). Rather than everlasting regret and grief in hell, there can be eternal rejoicing and gladness in heaven (v.7b)!</p><p>In connection with conversion, it is fascinating that the names, “Jacob,” and “Israel,” are used here. Those were the names of the same man. Jacob (meaning supplanter) was a cheat, a scoundrel, a man always seeking to climb the ladder by pulling others down—a model of depravity. Yet, he met God and surrendered to Him. The Lord changed his name to Israel (prince with power with God) indicating his conversion. Has that happened to you?</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-10370061115755361992022-05-13T03:52:00.000-07:002022-05-13T03:52:01.499-07:00READY TO GIVE A REASON<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B28eIKMnAonIuThg-GmIQrojfWqLhPrZQwNNabQcXTTqabg2uoa_VUjt4uwcol2-vgO5Sgy2EjX8YXSeVFx5hWaLQTGU_8QGkocavwcwztST00ZZuTxQluFcV7-jT4FTIm42AjN6g1XU4b8NwOxkRunXrhOHepq0Nt7c3Al_jk4Lm2auAPY/s1280/4CB251CA-0B67-49C8-96AE-8EAA5532C76C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B28eIKMnAonIuThg-GmIQrojfWqLhPrZQwNNabQcXTTqabg2uoa_VUjt4uwcol2-vgO5Sgy2EjX8YXSeVFx5hWaLQTGU_8QGkocavwcwztST00ZZuTxQluFcV7-jT4FTIm42AjN6g1XU4b8NwOxkRunXrhOHepq0Nt7c3Al_jk4Lm2auAPY/w400-h400/4CB251CA-0B67-49C8-96AE-8EAA5532C76C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As a follower of Christ, I should know what I believe and why I believe it. Consequently, it is to produce a living hope in me. The Christian faith is such, that it changes us in tangible ways and we must long to share that reality so it can impact others, as well.</p><p>Peter speaks to OUR DEVOTION, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…”. The sharing of our faith with others is foremost a matter of obedience. We have been commanded to witness to Christ by the Lord God Himself. We are set apart to shine as lights in the darkness of this world. Our love for God is the foundation of our love for others.</p><p>The Apostle then points to OUR DECLARATION, “and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” There should be something so different about us—a hope so profound—that others recognize it and ask about it. Sharing Jesus does not require beating someone’s door down to do so, but they may beat a path to our door to discover why we can face the challenges of life with a radiant peace and joy. Those in the world should see that we have something they don’t have and something they need. This is being the salt of the earth; salt makes you thirsty. It creates a thirst for God in others.</p><p>Then, Peter indicates OUR DISPOSITION, “with meekness and fear.” Meekness is not weakness. It is a disposition of humility. We do not talk down to sinners, for we recognize apart from the grace of God we would still be in the same state. An attitude of smug sanctimony is not attractive, but repulsive. Someone has defined witnessing as one beggar tell another beggar where to find bread. The fear of which Peter speaks is not the fear of man—that is what often paralyzes our vocal cords. Rather, it is the fear of God—our reverence for His authority and purity—knowing we will give account to Him concerning whether we seize opportunity or shirk responsibility. Hell is real—and family and friends are going there without Christ. That should move us to speak to them about the only source of salvation.</p><p>Having a visible devotion and proper disposition makes our witness credible. Giving a ready declaration makes our faith comprehensible. All these elements are essential for sharing the hope of Christ to a hopeless world.</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-58770888737861626372022-05-12T03:23:00.002-07:002022-05-12T03:23:35.725-07:00PATIENCE, PAIN, PERSEVERANCE, AND PRODUCTIVITY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZTNeElu2rJzz_xuYoLPPmbPBhI2ALiMl6VkuGsfoloWEZAGxWgyo1astWvoxkqYxBYGxQv0Vix1GmRJdXGHSYbW6y0N0wJg8XbBUzPwIjYr3S4DLbTp_oYKqjW2DvwrYqnmtPZKAYTbTRRuUaLlpuJEGDxD_mqzxFk5BjgGvCZVviRjPiJo/s640/52CECF2D-676F-4A0C-BD28-D0206D112724.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZTNeElu2rJzz_xuYoLPPmbPBhI2ALiMl6VkuGsfoloWEZAGxWgyo1astWvoxkqYxBYGxQv0Vix1GmRJdXGHSYbW6y0N0wJg8XbBUzPwIjYr3S4DLbTp_oYKqjW2DvwrYqnmtPZKAYTbTRRuUaLlpuJEGDxD_mqzxFk5BjgGvCZVviRjPiJo/w400-h400/52CECF2D-676F-4A0C-BD28-D0206D112724.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The earth has warmed and it is time to put in the garden. We labor as we till the soil, stoop to sow, with weeding to come. Sore muscles and an aching back may attend our efforts, and for what? Nothing, then a little shoot—and more work. It is not a process that can be hastened. Yet, when in the fall, should God bless with the proper amount of sun and showers, the harvest can be gathered.</p><p>James stresses this as he speaks of the harvest and the hope we have of the final gathering of the saints in God’s granary in glory at the end of the age. Note the words, “patient,” “waits,” “waiting patiently,” “be patient,” “Establish your hearts,” “endure,” “perseverance.”</p><p>Stephen Olford made this observation:</p><p>Was it not Hudson Taylor who told a young candidate for the mission field that there were three very important lessons to learn in God's work? The first was patience; the second was patience; and the third was patience. </p><p>Paul says that tribulation works patience. This was undoubtedly true in Job's case. He certainly suffered affliction! And so did many prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. </p><p>Lord, if I should have to pass by way of tribulation, I do pray that I may learn the lesson of patience. (According to Your Word, p.221). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinwPLIT7-tvT91HgX5cx_rOqzwB-UJ2yAAASNhjSHzQ4aXirfH5gZW94n-K69_VKLd9ovlofgZdVGobdBvhrgIyehktJttc6HWxWMYDqZS6ak96w_C_d_m7Ox19d5wOmbKC6DSZjL8T6POdXtpTD7bOs8LVhIZOzWJ94PJpBqfX1ecCqRJFQ/s640/4B3A1689-6C3B-47A3-B1D3-EFFEBB261E45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinwPLIT7-tvT91HgX5cx_rOqzwB-UJ2yAAASNhjSHzQ4aXirfH5gZW94n-K69_VKLd9ovlofgZdVGobdBvhrgIyehktJttc6HWxWMYDqZS6ak96w_C_d_m7Ox19d5wOmbKC6DSZjL8T6POdXtpTD7bOs8LVhIZOzWJ94PJpBqfX1ecCqRJFQ/w400-h400/4B3A1689-6C3B-47A3-B1D3-EFFEBB261E45.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>As we do Gospel work, we must be cautious not to merely seek “decisions,” though we certainly desire and pray for fruit. We may share the Gospel and there is immediate receptivity. Yet, in many instances, the labor will be long and patience is required. Some fields are more labor intensive and can test our resolve. Our job is to persevere through the pain of criticism, opposition, defection, disappointment, and so forth. Trust the Holy Spirit to do His work, as we do ours! God sent the early rain at Pentecost and there have been intermittent showers. Revelation promises the latter rain and a harvest from every nation—a great blood-washed throng!</p><p>A caution that James gives, “Do not grumble against one another.” One of the issues we find on the mission field is that the difficulties faced breed impatience not only with the results, but fellow missionaries. When we are dealing with disappointment at the lack of visible results—as Satan is fighting us tooth and claw—it is easy to be short tempered and divisive. Many missionaries walk away at this point and never return to the field.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTl7Eoi2UFiwB98oKVTObOdIj9lILPyL_4DqmyZcZbUyfngmcyNXhdOdO5KACe6Rq0W1Q9uaGX1E7q7Usw0WphXwZxoSrBV-agymn1092j6QDI_ncGLdG3bxvHxAQj7zkivNz0-wxP6XvDCF5hMfl8dPZEaZz2ewDnzI6aKekQ68En13KACY/s640/EAD23425-A8AD-4DD2-9C17-2628763BE72D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTl7Eoi2UFiwB98oKVTObOdIj9lILPyL_4DqmyZcZbUyfngmcyNXhdOdO5KACe6Rq0W1Q9uaGX1E7q7Usw0WphXwZxoSrBV-agymn1092j6QDI_ncGLdG3bxvHxAQj7zkivNz0-wxP6XvDCF5hMfl8dPZEaZz2ewDnzI6aKekQ68En13KACY/w400-h400/EAD23425-A8AD-4DD2-9C17-2628763BE72D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-46177612627263013782022-05-11T04:05:00.007-07:002022-05-11T04:05:58.992-07:00THE ROYAL LAW<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M0WXl5bU-NHCg-Qoy4AkKLGtw1TTRMrKvP8_UXwzZttGCQhAJqwPKfP0HZ-xCX8Ny4cRv5T_-vhpltG9Cu5AmBAXGxvVL7yfxNgFuKj13iR2Vpk9x0nICK_wfe_9UJUx0c4IpWsR48jSVRKbz7BxBpkr5acIwwtGbE-uSbZximv1TNptNIU/s640/1A2BCCA7-D9BE-461C-A407-B87A0E7F828F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M0WXl5bU-NHCg-Qoy4AkKLGtw1TTRMrKvP8_UXwzZttGCQhAJqwPKfP0HZ-xCX8Ny4cRv5T_-vhpltG9Cu5AmBAXGxvVL7yfxNgFuKj13iR2Vpk9x0nICK_wfe_9UJUx0c4IpWsR48jSVRKbz7BxBpkr5acIwwtGbE-uSbZximv1TNptNIU/w400-h400/1A2BCCA7-D9BE-461C-A407-B87A0E7F828F.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A group of us are to fly to Vermont this morning where God has planted a church and is making inroads with the Gospel. Seed has been sown in a spiritually harsh climate. We want to see where God is working and join Him in that work. Only one thing should motivate us—the royal law of love! It is our love for God and those made in His image that compels us to spend time and money to see sinners saved and saints strengthened.</p><p>In Stephen Olford’s excellent devotional book, “According to Your Word,” he writes:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">“Fulfill the royal law.” – James 2:8 </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">The royal law is defined thus: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself ” (v. 8). And it is the command that the Lord Jesus pointed out as including all other commandments. Of course, this command implies love to God first, and then love to man. James points out that the fulfilling of it is the hallmark of kingship or royalty. So that if I am a genuine king and priest to God, I am one who fulfills this command. He goes further to explain that he who shows partiality and who breaks this royal law commits sin. “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34); so why should we? Whether poor or rich, they should be loved, honored, and recognized without partiality. </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">No wonder the Lord Jesus was the Friend of Sinners! </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">Teach me to love others as You love me, Lord. (p.219). </p></blockquote>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-35062115886337516232022-03-12T06:07:00.001-08:002022-03-12T06:07:16.306-08:00FACING LIONS WITHOUT FEAR<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSOL3MU_EV0DsZbj0Tfc3KAFAb9MuPjJ2iy82uRA3xpe8eClBdASuUzEnjmokDbTylef-VfSQ8crRFKex2FioE9WL_glVYhgDm3PVhw_FnnKncxFZgbV-oq6qNoJDgUmj2zmPFA8cSjalrRHITkJYc7rqVgK3VIf7BVABTnct-jpzgwLpd_ew=s640" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSOL3MU_EV0DsZbj0Tfc3KAFAb9MuPjJ2iy82uRA3xpe8eClBdASuUzEnjmokDbTylef-VfSQ8crRFKex2FioE9WL_glVYhgDm3PVhw_FnnKncxFZgbV-oq6qNoJDgUmj2zmPFA8cSjalrRHITkJYc7rqVgK3VIf7BVABTnct-jpzgwLpd_ew=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Satan is pictured as a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). We may be sure that his offspring—lions and lionesses, often in the church—will lurk, ready to pounce. Paul spoke of such here, and God’s servants will face them. You may hear their roar, smell the stench of their breath, and even feel the pain of their fangs clamping down on you and claws leaving you bleeding. Yet, Paul tells us that we can face these lions without fear.</p><p>We can STAND for the Lord stands with us. Get your eyes off the lion and look to the Lord. Ravenous beasts are no match for Jesus Christ! He is the Creator and Conqueror and since He is with us, we don’t have to flee in fear. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Nehemiah was threatened and answered, “Should such a man as I flee?” Stand your ground.</p><p>We are STRONG for our strength is from the Omnipotent. The power of the Spirit indwells us. While in myself, I am weak—in His strength I am more than sufficient to overcome my adversaries. They whimper and slink into the shadows when the Lion of Judah, King of the jungle of this world roars!</p><p>We are SECURE since none can truly harm us. What is the worst an enemy might do—kill us? But, our times are in God’s hands. He numbers our days and when He is through with us, by whatever means He sovereignty selects, He will take us home. Paul was spared from the lion before, but soon would lose his head! Yet, He was secure in knowing that would only deliver him to glory and the greatest gain of all! As Luther sang, “the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!”</p><p>You can face the lion without fear!</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-58175712878518379802021-12-25T04:39:00.004-08:002021-12-25T04:39:32.088-08:00THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKPNHtIPhN498gugjOCVAGu2Z8vC1GJk6BHCcCw8yGRC7TbuXfJLLLskmpi9x3QAAOregYS0YyCUPP-z3khkev31l64vqsAQ7tOqWjmyCOFtuTgJyoBb-DIHRedt41AM6nZBbnHXD3MvFCgLAboPTjuRPQzezlQNeutcz66j8QSWeGSTh6BDM=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKPNHtIPhN498gugjOCVAGu2Z8vC1GJk6BHCcCw8yGRC7TbuXfJLLLskmpi9x3QAAOregYS0YyCUPP-z3khkev31l64vqsAQ7tOqWjmyCOFtuTgJyoBb-DIHRedt41AM6nZBbnHXD3MvFCgLAboPTjuRPQzezlQNeutcz66j8QSWeGSTh6BDM=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Who runs the church? Is it a pastor, or maybe the elders, or perhaps the deacons, or some combination—who is in charge?</p><p>It better be Jesus! He is “the head of His body, the church.” Now, many local congregations may not behave accordingly, but in so doing they are in rebellion against God!</p><p>There would be no church without Him. His resurrection as “the firstborn from the dead,” birthed the church in His atoning work through the crucifixion and resurrection. Now, He claims absolute authority, “that in everything he might be preeminent.”</p><p>I heard the story of an old African chieftain. He sat before his hut, bent over, weariness on his face, skin wrinkled from advanced age. One of the strong young warriors came up to him and challenged him, “It is time for you to step aside. We need a man of strength to lead this tribe. What gives you the right to rule over us?” The elderly man answered, “There was a time you do not remember, for your father was a child. A lion came into the village. He would have killed many, including your father. I thrust my arms into the lion’s mouth, broke his jaws, and killed it with my bare hands. Then raising himself up, his voice resounding with authority, he lifted his arms to reveal many scars from battling the beast, and said, “By my wounds I demand the right to rule over you!”</p><p>So, Jesus lifts His hands, shows the scars from His battle on Calvary, and says, “By my wounds I demand the right to rule over you!” Surely as a preacher, and as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will submit to Him who saved us by His sacrifice!</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24920800.post-9940404393538120162021-08-25T10:20:00.000-07:002021-08-25T10:20:37.874-07:00 THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF FAITH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7_yJLpEKVA/YSZ69NL_NkI/AAAAAAAAumY/G7PWR4sYWLIkEcex9ZL6wFAgNFuWMopuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/AE1E533A-9A08-4225-96AA-FC04B091FEA5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7_yJLpEKVA/YSZ69NL_NkI/AAAAAAAAumY/G7PWR4sYWLIkEcex9ZL6wFAgNFuWMopuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/AE1E533A-9A08-4225-96AA-FC04B091FEA5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The old hymn begins, </p><p><span> </span>How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord </p><p><span> </span>Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.</p><p>That firm foundation of faith is featured in Acts 4. There are several facets of faith that we see. </p><p>FIRST, WE SEE A CONFESSIONAL FAITH (v.1-22). We have the confession of Peter and John. There are core convictions that Christianity has which are compelled to be communicated. Such terms as, “speaking,” (v.1), “teaching…proclaiming,” (v.2), and “the word,” (v.4). As a result of the preaching, faith was formed in “about five thousand.” The core message is Christ—“the name of Jesus…crucified, whom God raised from the dead,” (v.10). He is “the cornerstone” of faith (v.11) and the Gospel message declares, “there is no other name…by which we must be saved” (v.12). That confession is a must for true faith (Rom.10:9-10, 13). The Spirit bears witness to Christ through His church (v.8) compelling us to confess Christ, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,” (v.20). </p><p>FURTHER, WE SEE A COURAGEOUS FAITH (v.23-31). This courage is required because of the conflict. Proclaiming the Gospel is an assault on the kingdom of darkness. The devil and his minions will fight back, and so we note, “they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus,” (v.18). Such threats and rage had been predicted by David, writing Ps.2 quoted here (v.25-26). But, the kings of the earth are no match for the King of Eternity! The “Sovereign Lord” ( v.24), even uses the wicked to work His will (v.27), “to do whatever [God’s] hand and [God’s] plan has predestined to take place.” The church’s prayer was not for the removal of conflict, but for the reinforcement of courage, “to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (v.29). Such prayers will shake the world and send us out to speak boldly (v.31). </p><p>FINALLY, WE SEE A COMMON FAITH (v.32-37). Now, by that, I do not mean the faith is cheap and ordinary, but that it is faith all believers have in common. This calls us to do life together in community (v.32). Such common faith produces uncommon fruit—“great power,” and “great grace,” (v.33), inspiring testimony and generosity (v.34-35).</p>Dennis Thurmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516250465226543noreply@blogger.com0