What Does the Gospel Teach?

Francis Turretin wonderfully summarizes the heart of the gospel message: "The gospel teaches that what could not be found in us was to be sought in another, and could be found nowhere else than in Christ, the God-man; who taking upon himself the office of surety most fully satisfied the justice of God by his perfect obedience and thus brought to us an everlasting righteousness by which alone we can be justified before God; in order that covered and clothed with that garment . . .we may obtain under it the eternal blessing of our heavenly Father." 

41 Years of Roe v. Wade

Dear Friends,

The sum of God's law is simply this: love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Each of the Ten Commandments, therefore, puts hands and feet on what some have called "the law of love."

This week, I'm reminded of the importance of the sixth commandment which is "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The Shorter Catechism asks, "What is required in the sixth commandment?" The answer: "The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others" (Q. 68). So what does love for our neighbor look like according to the sixth commandment? We love by preserving life. 

And what does the sixth commandment forbid? "The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tends thereunto" (Q. 69). The sixth commandment shows us that there is no love in the unlawful taking of life. 

God's law is simple and yet profound. It's no wonder the psalmist declared: "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple..." (Psalm 19:7). 

January 22, 2014 marked the the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court's tragic decision on Roe v. Wade. A man-made law was passed which tramples upon God's law of love.

What can we do? Let's start with fervent prayer as a church and as individuals. Pray for our nation to conform to God's perfect law. Pray for justice. Pray for the rights of the unborn. 

Secondly, let's be prepared to give a reasonable defense for our faith. Below are some articles to help us:  

 

New Year Resolutions

It's the time of year when people are making resolutions. 

Although they are not New Year resolutions, the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards are well worth looking at the start of 2014.  

First, Edwards reminds us of our need for God's help as we strive to progress in the Christian life. In the preface to his list of resolutions he writes: "Being sensible that I unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake." Edwards understood that we depend on God for every step forward; yet he was resolved to perform these commitments. There is a helpful picture of the Christian's life of sanctification. 

Secondly, if you're looking for some resolutions worth making, read through the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. Here are a few of Edwards' resolutions (there are seventy in all). 

"4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it." 

"5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I can."

"6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live." 

"8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God." 

If you'd like to read the rest of Edwards' resolution, go here.

 

How to Listen to a Sermon

Pastor Phil Ryken has given helpful instruction for listening to sermons. The purpose of the short article is to make us better hearers and appliers of the sermons we listen to each week. 

So, how should we sit under the preaching of the Word? Phil Ryken says: "With a soul that is prepared, a mind that is alert, a Bible that is open, a heart that is receptive, and a life that is ready to spring into action." 

Click the link below for more helpful direction in making the hearing of the Word profitable.

What's Your Regulative Principle?

David Murray recently posted a blog which prompts us to ask the question: who governs our worship? 

Today, worship is often thought of in terms of style. A great divide has been established between contemporary and traditional worship. Style has become the governing principle for some churches. The older folks stick with their traditional style; the younger generation flocks toward the new. But is this a legitimate principle? 

David Murray's comments directs us away from this relatively new distinction and points us to the important biblical idea of the regulative principle. What's the regulative principle? Simply put, God governs our worship. 

And what a freeing principle this is! When we turn to Scripture and seek to follow God's direction in our worship, we are set free to worship Him according to His Word. 

Check out Murray's post for a further explanation of the importance of this principle for the church today.