At times when the subject of “election” comes up in discussions, it is the source of conflict, anger, and division. Joel Beeke points us in a different direction in his book, Living for God’s Glory. He highlights, among other things, that election is an expression of God’s personal love for us. Listen to his encouraging words:

“The personal nature of God’s election is warm, paternal, and relational. God treats His millions of children as if each were His only child. The minuteness of His loving, fatherly concern is staggering. The hairs of our heads are all numbered. Our names are engraved on the palms of Jehovah’s hands and carried in the heart of the Savior, the Lord Jesus. He whispers our blood-bought names into the ears of His Father in heaven as He makes intercession for us.

“Personal election is an incredible comfort in today’s impersonal, computerized society. Many people feel lonely and insignificant, like creatures clinging desperately to a little planet in a vast universe. But the believing [Christian] finds his identity in the infinite God of this vast unvierse. He confesses with the psalmist, ‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want’ (Ps 23:1). He who has chosen us graciously will never abandon us. All things will work out for our good (Rom 8:28-39).”

May these words encourage you in Christ’s love for you, or provoke a desire to know that love if you do not.

Amen.

Psalm 137:9 challenges us at many levels: “Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!”

This is from a psalm that many have called the “imprecatory psalms,” those psalms that call upon God to actually curse and punish a group of people.  As Christians who believe that we are to “forgive our enemies” how are we to understand these passages?  Do we have enemies?  Here are a few thoughts on the subject:

1.    These psalms are religious and not personal.

Their passion does not come from the fact that they lost a football game, or got beat out for a promotion, or even that they bought a lemon at the used car lot.  Their offense comes from the fact that unbelievers have committed atrocities against believers.  Whether it is the Philistines, the Assyrians, the Egyptians, or the Babylonians, the unbelieving enemies of God’s people have oppressed them and committed great wickedness against them.  The psalms cry out from the perspective of the victim appealing to the heavenly Judge to treat them as they deserve.

2.    The people of God are no longer a theocracy like Israel.

Between Abraham and Christ the nation of Israel was to be separate and distinct from all other nations in a way not true now.  The people of God were a theocracy and this was part of the Mosaic charter.  This does not communicate to the new covenant.  We are to be distinct in our lifestyle and worship and heart, but not as a separate nation or race or tribe.  This is made obvious by the fact that we are repeatedly told to submit to the human authorities around us (Rom 13; 1 Pe 2).  Further, the gospel actually calls us to go into the nations to see them converted, even while we remain faithful to God and his call to holiness (Mat 28:16-20; Acts 1:8).

3.    Ultimate judgment is coming.

The psalmist calls for judgment to fall against those who stand against God and his people.  The difficulty for us is that he calls for that judgment now, not that he calls for that judgment.  That judgment will fall upon God’s enemies in a way vastly more horrific than what we see described in the Psalms.  We should let these imprecatory psalms remind us of the horrors of hell.  Further, at times God’s judgment falls in a kind of anticipatory manner in the present to alert those who are living perilously with respect to God.  He might let an adulterer experience a painful illness so that he will repent of his adultery; if he does not repent, he will experience a hell that will make any illness seem as nothing.

4.    Sin is horrific.

These psalms ought to remind us that sin is horrible.  It destroys what is beautiful; it defames what is sacred; it brings death where there is life; it causes a filthy darkness to blot out what is light.  Physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual harm often comes in the wake of sin.  This pain is real and often takes great effort and time to heal, if it ever does in this life.  Our sarcastic comments can be like daggers into the soul of another; our oversights caused by our self-absorption can bring tears and heart-ache that no one ever sees.  This does not even touch the depths of suffering that greater sin causes.  Many carry the scars of sin to their death and must await the cleansing of heaven to be free of their past.  We should never let the fact that we personally have not experienced such treatment blind us to the fact that many around us have.  Further, we should never lose our ability to passionately respond to sin as appropriate, or to be humbled by our own sin.

5.    We are both the oppressed and the oppressor.

The NT makes clear that the “us and them” categories we can be tempted to use break down quickly.  The truth is, I have much more in common with my oppressive unbelieving neighbor than with God.  There is no sin committed by any person that I cannot identify with in some way.  Perhaps I have not committed some specific action, but certainly I have been tempted by sins that lead directly to that action.  I may not have murdered anyone physically, but my anger toward another person is on that road.  I just got off a few exits earlier (Mat 5:21f).

6.    The example and command of Christ now informs how we treat our enemies.

Christ on the cross prayed for the Father to, “forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luk 23:34).  This is Christ living out his own command to his church, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mat 5:44), so that we might be, “sons of your Father who is in heaven” (5:45).  Throughout the history of the church, it has been godliness in the face of hostility that has born tremendous fruit.  Persecution has historically not killed the church, but it has caused it be powerfully fruitful.

7.    The gospel is real.

In the face of such sin and its consequences, the gospel can enter in and transform any person or situation.  It can enable the one treated so horribly to forgive and hope—because they see their Savior suffering even worse oppression at the hands of men (Isa 53).  It can restore the soul crushed by the sins of others—because the Holy Spirit makes us “new creatures” and not merely forgiven (2 Cor 5:17).

8.    Heaven will be wonderful.

Glancing at the horrors of sin should give us a deep longing for the re-creation of heaven.  We read in Revelation 21:4 that, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  Those who have tasted the bitterness of a world east of Eden should see this as glorious—like a child starving in a shack being told that tomorrow someone is coming to take them to Disney World.  Except that this time it will far surpass any expectations we could fathom.

9.   I have enemies: my sin, the devil, and this world–and at times these work through those who persecute Christians.

Another point to add is that we do have enemies.  What is opposed to us and wishes us only destruction?  There are three in this list of categorical enemies.  Firstly, my sin.  Sin is opposed to God.  Period.  It resists his law, desires his non-existence, and works to undo all that he is doing.  It is my enemy.  Secondly, the devil.  The devil “came to steal and kill and destroy” (Jn 10:10).   He wishes us harm in every way imaginable, resorting to at least “accusing” us when he cannot actually harm us (Rev 12:10).  The curses of the Bible can rightly be applied to the devil, provided that we never forget that our strength is in Christ and not in our own ability to stand against the devil.  Thirdly, this world.  Sin and the devil work through the structures and values and pursuits of this world in a way that makes life oppressive at times for the Christian.  Walking into any bookstore reminds us that we are not in heaven.  This world wants to tempt and challenge and neutralize us.  While we cannot pray “against the world” as if it is a person, we can see it as our adversary wanting to undo us.  This should make us alert and awake!

At times sin, the devil, and the world work through those who persecute Christians.  That is, people will oppress Christians precisely because they are Christians.  Even at such times, however, I must recognize that the New Testament calls me to “forgive” (Luk 24:34) when appropriate, to evangelize (Act 1:8), and to love my enemies (Mat 5).  In doing so I am hoping to win souls for heaven (Mat 5:16).  This is not to deny the sin they are committing, but to see it in a larger perspective, one that includes the cross as a punishment for me who was once an enemy of God, and the new heavens and the new earth where sin shall no longer have the free play it has now.

10.    When we pray these, we can:

a.    Pray for our enemies who have acted in this manner;
b.    Pray for our own sinfulness and how it has hurt others;
c.    Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the world who are even now being treated in this manner;
d.    Praise God that he has not treated us as our sins deserve.

Any comments or questions on this would be appreciated so that my own understanding can be sharpened.  At times the Bible is far more simple than we would like: “When it says love my neighbor, does that really mean I have to love my neighbor?” At times like these, it can feel more complex than we would like.

This year we assembled a set of books for parents to read through with their teenagers.  Some of these are heavy theologically, others more practical.  It opens with a basic set of recommendations, and then it follows with contributions from a number of our singles.  Their insights and remembrances add a great deal to what is below.  I hope it helps you in the sobering and wonderful task of parenting your children!

Some of the books even include discussion questions in the back, or at the end of the chapters.  For those without questions, one approach is to read a section (either together or apart), talk through the point the author is trying to make, and then apply it.  Application could be asking questions like these:

1. What should I think or do in light of this?
2. What should I not think or do in light of this?
3. How would my life be different if I thought or did this?
4. What recent example in my life shows that I need to grow in this area?

The real point here is to open spiritual discussions between a parent and their child.  There is no need to make these extensive sessions.  It’s the cumulative affect of many such conversations over the years that will have a great impact.  Maybe a goal could be to take one of these books each year and work through it.

Here was the initial list I gave to the singles to start with:

Growing Up Christian by Karl Graustein

Humility by CJ Mahaney

Living the Cross-Centered Life by CJ Mahaney

The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges

When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch

Stop Dating the Church by Josh Harris

Sex is Not the Problem by Josh Harris

Concise Theology by J.I. Packer

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Daniel,

What a great idea!  I’m sure this will be a real blessing to the youth, and I feel very honored to be a part of it!  The list you have looks very similar to what I was reading during those years, so I’d say you’re definitely on the right track (I have very vivid memories of reading When People are Big . . . in the orthodontist’s office in junior high . . .)!

In general, the book that I’d say really consistently affected me was Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening.  As a 14-year old (and up) reading this, I found it to be very helpful in its accessible size (1-2 pages a day is pretty manageable!), variety of topics, and of course, the rich content.  Spurgeon’s own example of faith and devotion was very evident and really convicted me (also, I learned some new vocabulary words from all that flowery prose!).  Another great devotional that I know I was reading by at least 8th grade was John Piper’s A Godward Life (both volumes).

For a non-devotional book, I’d say probably Jerry Bridges’ Trusting God, A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy, or John Piper’s When I Don’t Desire God.  I don’t think I was in Youth Group when I read all of these, but I think they are definitely appropriate for at least 9th grade and up (I’ve always found Jerry Bridges to be especially easy to read).  All three really broadened my view of God (head knowledge), but also caused me to love Him more and affected my walk in very practical ways (heart knowledge).  Also, in junior high, I remember reading the smaller Sovereign Grace book series (This Great Salvation, Disciplined for Life, etc.), and that was a good fit, I think.

For girls, I’d also really recommend Jani Ortlund’s Fearlessly Feminine, Elisabeth Elliot’s Let Me Be A Woman, and anything by the Mahaney ladies.  I was in senior high when I read all of these, but the Mahaneys’ Girl Talk is certainly appropriate from 7th grade on up.

Sarah Billheimer

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Daniel,

Most of the books that came into my mind were already on your list.  But books that were also very helpful for me were:

Morning and Evening by Spurgeon

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Josh Harris

I Exalt You, O God by Jerry Bridges

I Will Follow You, O God by Jerry Bridges

I Give You Glory, O God by Jerry Bridges

For girls, “Girl Talk” by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughter, “Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye” by Carolyn McCulley, and “Beautiful Girlhood” (by Karen Andreola?) have been helpful.   And, while I haven’t read it yet, I know a lot of young girls and guys who have benefited from “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper.  Our family is also going through “Do Hard Things” by Alex and Brett Harris, which is designed exactly for teenagers.

Hope this helps!

-Bekah Billheimer

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Concise Theology – dad gave it me in 9th grade or so.  it was probably my first non-oral theological instruction.

Redemption Accomplished and Applied – saved my soul in college.  wish i had read it earlier.

Philip Sasser

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Hi Daniel,

Honestly, I don’t remember jr high very well, so these are all from high school or later.

I remember “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” seemed big at the time (he wrote it when I was 16 I think), but I’m not sure how much it actually affected me in the long run. I think “Passion & Purity” actually had a bigger impact on that subject. Also, CJ’s book wasn’t out at the time, but Andrew Murray’s “Humility” was pretty big for me. “Discipline of Grace” was good, and for girls, “Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman” by Anne Ortlund. Some books that I read later on, but wished I had read earlier are “The Treasure Principle” and “Fearlessly Feminine.”

That’s all I can think of right now…I’ll let you know if I remember anything else. Bethany has read alot more christian books than me, so maybe ask her as well…

~ Joy Burnett

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I would add Packer’s, “Knowing God” to the list.

–Daniel Burnett

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Hey Daniel,

I was saved when I was 16 (11th grade), so these are from the year or two after that.  But these are the books that were the most formative for me:

The Knowledge of the Holy - A.W. Tozer

Humility – Andrew Murray

A Defense of Calvinism – C. Spurgeon

A Hunger for God – John Piper

Thoughts for Young Men – J.C. Ryle

The Christian in Complete Armour – William Gurnall

I’d be careful not to under-estimate a teenager’s reading ability, and their ability to interact with larger theological concepts, especially if the Holy Spirit is working in their hearts.  I know at least for myself, that books and teaching on more practical and surface-level issues had little, if any, effect until God had brought me to genuine repentance, and to convictions about the deeper theological foundations of faith.

Also, when it came to more practical areas, like commitment to the local church and battling lust, I found that sermons on those issues had a much greater effect on me than books.  I’m not sure if that’s a common experience, but it seems like being taught on those things by a human voice, rather than the slightly more removed medium of writing, was more effective at challenging my heart.  I’m not sure if a list of suggested listening might be useful, but here are a few that were really helpful for me after I got saved:

Commitment to the Church  -  Josh Harris (NA 03)

Why the Church?  -  Pete Greasley (NA 2000)

The Cross: Irressistably Drawn  -  C.J. Mahaney (NA 99)

The Idol Factory  -  C.J. Mahaney (NA 00)

Holiness Is a Harvest  -  Josh Harris (NA 02)

Picture of a Godly Man  -  Eric Simmons (Guys breakout NA 02)

Men and Women: Similarites and Differences  -  Wayne Grudem (NA 04)

All of John Piper’s biographical messages.

I could give a lot more, but those are a few ideas.

I hope that helps,

Nick Schlax

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Honestly, for me even remembering what books I read is hazy at best.  I do remember reading the discipline of grace (jerry bridges) in high school.  I’m reading his ‘respectable sins’ right now by the way and he says so many profound concepts in such a readable and yet not dumbed down kind of way; really good.

matt Noel

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my parents gave me “thoughts for young men” by j.c. ryle right before 9th grade (though that would have limited usefulness for the ladies). “desiring God” was a great book, as was “future grace” (both by john piper, which i’m sure you know).  i read both of those at some point during high school, probably 10-11 grade.  “still sovereign” was good, especially as i tried to reconcile my thoughts to calvinism, and as i argued with arminian friends from other churches.  i read “knowing God” during those years as well, and it was excellent, especially the chapter on adoption.

i’m trying to think of books helpful specifically for teens, but i don’t know they’d be any different from books helpful now.  i honestly don’t feel any different now than six years ago.  i’m more… shall we say restrained? but i’m not fundamentally altered, and, though i’m growing in capacity and ability to comprehend God’s truth, i’m affected by the same sorts of things.  for me, having friends and parents with whom to discuss the books/sermons/conferences was more instrumental than any of those resources in isolation.  that might not be true for the more insightful reader, though i think discussion proves valuable regardless.

you could ask jamie martin and lynne walton also.  they were always big readers back in the day.

paul boccacio

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Daniel,

Stepping Heavenward- Elizabeth Prentiss (I didn’t like this book at first, because the girl reminded me so much of me! But God was gracious, and one day gave me the desire to read this book that has now become a favorite- the story of a girl’s life from adolescence to mid-life, and how the Holy Spirit grew her in godliness along the way)

Passion & Purity- Elisabeth Elliot (Later teen years)

Beautiful Girlhood- Karen Andreola (Excellent- a little old-fashioned at times, but so full of timeless truth for young women.)

How Can I Be Sure I’m a Christian?- Donald Whitney (The senior high girls care group went through this one year.)

To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson – Courtney Anderson (One of the first biographies I read, really got me interested in reading biographies of Christians)

Girl Talk- Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristen Chesemore & Janelle (Great mother-daughter study)

Morning & Evening- Charles Spurgeon (Still a favorite)

When I Don’t Desire God- John Piper (I found Desiring God difficult to read and apply when I first read it- but this book was much easier and definitely met me where I was at the time I first read it)

I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Boy Meets Girl, & Stop Dating the Church- Joshua Harris (All good, but Stop Dating the Church was especially helpful as a teenager who had grown up in the church)

Those are my first thoughts! I’m sure Jamie will have many more good ones to recommend as well.

-Lynne

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Daniel,

here are 4 books that stand out to me from High School:

Knowing God- JI Packer

Future Grace- Piper

Jonathan Edwards-Ian Murray

Trusting God- Jerry Bridges

-Jamie (Martin)

*****************************

Thanks,

Daniel

Recently, our church has been doing a song called, “Not What My Hands Have Done.”  The original hymn is by Horatius Bonar, and Aaron Keyes has added a chorus and some additional lyrics.  It wonderfully captures the work of grace in our lives through the cross of Christ.  The chorus combines the dual identity that we have as sinner and saint: how true it is that when we worship we both raise “these guilty hands,” but also, “these holy hands.”  This is imputed righteousness expressed through poetry.

Here are the lyrics to the song for your edification, and you can hear a full recording of it at Aaron’s website: http://www.aaronkeyes.com/.

Not what my hands have done,
Can save my guilty soul
Not what my toiling flesh has borne,
Can make my spirit whole
Not what I feel or do,
Can give me peace with God
Not all my prayers and sighs and tears,
Can bear my awful load

These guilty hands are raised
Filthy rags are all I bring
And I have come to hide beneath your wings
These holy hands are raised
Washed in the fountain of your grace
And now I wear your righteousness

Thy work alone, O Christ,
Can ease this weight of sin
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,
Can give me peace within
Thy love, to me, O God,
Not mine, O Lord, to Thee
Can rid me of this dark unrest,
And set my spirit free

Thy grace alone, O God,
To me can pardon speak
Thy power, O Lamb of God,
Can this sore bondage break
No other works save Thine,
No other blood will do
The strength of God which is divine,
Can bear me safely through

These guilty hands are raised
Filthy rags are all I bring
And I have come to hide beneath your wings
These holy hands are raised
Washed in the fountain of your grace

Thanks!

Daniel

A year ago I wrote a piece on responding to the sin of abortion within our nation.  In light of the killing of George Tiller, a notorious late-term abortion doctor, it seems worth re-printing today.

“Last week’s sermon on abortion provided a great opportunity to remember this issue and to reflect biblically on how we should understand it.  We looked at man made in the image of God, and the seriousness of the sin of murder because of that. This obviously has great relevance when considering the sin of abortion (in the majority of cases, when it is sinful). Yet, there is also the need to carefully articulate the guidelines for a response to this issue. The Bible has much to say about sin, and also about a godly response to sin. These statements can serve as very helpful guidelines in a case like abortion, or any other sin that is occurring on such a grand scale. Our arsenal of reaction does not include responding in kind. Yet, here is some of what the Bible does have to say about our response:

1. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mat 5:44).
2. Turn the other cheek (Mat 5:39).
3. Overlook an offense (Prov 19:11).
4. Point out the sins of others, allowing for forgiveness, bringing church discipline (Mat 18:15-19; Luk 17:3f).
5. Do not retaliate in kind (1 Pe 2:21-25).
6. Do not seek revenge (Rom 12:17-21).
7. Do not murder (Exo 20:13)
8. Do not get sinfully angry (Mat 5:21-26).
9. Appeal personally to abortion doctors, those supporting that cause, those contemplating abortion, as we would appeal to all those engaged in unrepentant sin (Mat 18:15f; Luk 17:3f; Eph 4:15; Jam 5:19-20).
10. Appeal to heads of state humbly and obediently (Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego in Daniel; Paul to Jewish and Roman authorities in Acts).
11. Pray and fast (Luk 18:7).
12. Preach and teach—the whole counsel of God, but also related to this topic (2 Tim 3:16-4:2).
13. Practice “pure religion,” helping the helpless: orphans and widows, but also single moms, others wrecked from abortion (Jam 1:27).
14. Affirm that children are an unqualified blessing from God (Ps 127:3).
15. Trust in the sovereignty of God (Mat 10:29-31, where, “not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father”; demonstrated even when Pharaoh killed the Hebrew babies, and Herod the Jewish babies, and when all were commanded to worship idols in Daniel).
16. Trust in the justice of God (Heb 9:27; Rom 3:6).
17. Understand that the state has the power of the sword (Rom 13:1f), the church has the weapons of spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10f).

Whatever our specific, individual response to the cause of abortion, it must be consistent with the above.  Thus, our response could include (at least) the following:

1. Civil disobedience (practices that are humbly, obediently meant to disrupt normal life to force an issue to be recognized).
2. Working to change the laws of the State, and supporting those who do.
3. Writing letters to those in authority, to those who make, and to those who enforce laws.
4. Preaching against the sin of abortion and providing a rationale for opposing it.
5. Prayer, prayer, and prayer.
   

May God give us wisdom to act faithfully, courageously, and biblically in this issue, and all issues that confront us as Christians.”

In Christ,

Daniel Baker

“Man Ought Always To Pray”    Luke 18:1

Why?  One might ask.  Because it is plain and simple:  Jesus says so.  We must pray about everything (Philippians 4:8).  Jesus tells us through His inspired written word, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).  When we pray about everything, we are taking circumstances out of our hands, and turning them over, or better still, casting them on to God.  So He may do what He and only He is capable of doing (Psalm 55:22).  “Cast thy burden upon the LORD and He shall sustain thee” (1Peter 5:7), say casting all your cares upon the Lord, for He careth for you.

Prayer is a tool God has given us to come to Him for our needs to be met.  You may say, well He knows what I need before I pray.  Yes indeed He does, but we must come to God his way and not ours.  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

My friends, when we cast our cares and burdens on the Lord in prayer, we are causing him to be responsible for us and our needs, as He loves and delights to do.

When going into prayer remember that God commands us to “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17).  He says in Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”   In prayer we hallow his name; we acknowledge that He is the one and only God; that He is wise and able to present us faultless before his presence (Jude 24-25).

Always come to him with a repentant heart and a spirit of humility.  We must come in faith (Hebrews 11:6), believing that He rewards those who seek him.  He has told us to “come boldly before his throne of grace to obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  We must also be confident that what we ask, he will do according to his will, not ours (1John 5:14).

Prayer is also a time for fellowship with God, not just to say give me this or that, but another way to get closer to him and get to really know him as Abba Father.

The next time you think ‘should I pray about this small matter’, yes, you and I should because it is a direct command from the One we love and who loves us.

Last but not least, the enemy, Satan, knows how effective prayer is and can be for him who prays.

By Hannah Michels, one of our teenagers:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. I won’t forget the men who died to give this right to me.

To be free is the thing most sought after. Many people wish for it not realizing what they are asking for. True freedom can not be had by unbelievers for only after one believes can one receive true freedom.  Freedom from sin and the devil, freedom from death, free from eternal separation from God and all fear of it.

Once I was dead, now I’m alive. For freedom I’m set free. For in your great love I have found life.

I’m glad to be a Christian for at least I know I’m free. I won’t forget the man who died to give this life to me.

Hannah K. Michels.

Thinking again about our union with Christ and what it means for us in our attempts to change, Philip Ryken offers these encouraging words.  His opening couple of lines are citing the Puritan William Perkins.

“We are in mind and meditation to consider Christ crucified: and first, we are to believe that he was crucified for us.  This being done, we must go yet further, and as it were spread ourselves on the cross of Christ, believing and withal beholding ourselves crucified with him….

“Take this one step further: not only were we crucified with Christ, but we were also buried with him….But death is not the end, either for Christ or for us, so Paul goes on to say that Christ was raised from the dead, and that we were raised with him….Spiritual growth is not based on something we think, feel or even do; it begins with something that Christ did for us on a rough piece of wood, in an empty stone tomb, and in the heavenly realms of glory” (Philip Ryken, “The Message of Salvation”).

Christians can change.  Sins we struggle with we can overcome.  Temptations we face we can resist.  There are no shortcuts in this raging battle within our heart.  But there is hope.  Hope for change and power to change begin with recognizing what took place on the cross of Christ.  Not only did Christ die for us, but we died in him.  That death broke the stranglehold of sin and temptation in our lives.  What was formerly inevitable now becomes resistible.  No question, temptations are fierce and we will stumble till the day we die.  In each temptation, though, we should recall that this temptation is resistible, seeing what Christ did “on a rough piece of wood, in an empty tomb, and in the heavenly realms of glory.”  In other words, we look up when we face temptation and we look up when we fail in temptation, beholding that our Savior stands in heaven ready to forgive us for failures, but to fortify us in temptations.

Amen.

–DJB

Last week Phil preached on being united to Christ from Romans 6:1-5.  Here is a wonderful quote from Sinclair Ferguson that expounds on the glories of our union with Christ.  More than a point of doctrine, it is life, power, hope, and grace to the believer:

This, then, is the foundation of sanctification in Reformed theology. It is rooted, not in humanity and their achievement of holiness or sanctification, but in what God has done in Christ, and for us in union with him. Rather than view Christians first and foremost in the microcosmic context of their own progress, the Reformed doctrine first of all sets them in the macrocosm of God’s activity in redemptive history. It is seeing oneself in this context that enables the individual Christian to grow in true holiness.”

“Union with Christ in his death and resurrection is the element of union which Paul most extensively expounds…if we are united to Christ, then we are united to him at all points of his activity on our behalf. We share in his death (we were baptized into his death), in his resurrection (we are resurrected with Christ), in his ascension (we have been raised with him), in his heavenly session (we sit with him in heavenly places, so that our life is hidden with Christ in God), and we will share in his promised return (when Christ, who is our life, appears, we also will appear with him in glory) (Rom. 6:14; Col. 2:11-12; 3:1-3). – Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, ‘Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification‘, Ed. Donald Alexander, Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1988.

Yes!

–DJB

One of the great ways to approach the Psalms is to personalize them, to take the text and make it real for your own life.  Make the promises, warnings, descriptions, theology into statements you prayerfully speak back to God.  Rachel Pannell has recently done just that with Psalm 23, and has graciously allowed us to “overhear the conversation.”  Be encouraged by the way that the Bible can be used in your own life as well.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. The good shepherd lives with his flock and is everything to it.  Everything.  What they cannot do for themselves, He does for them.  It’s true, I can’t do this, Lord, but you can.  I have to remember that you can.  In you there is no lack, no withholding care.  I have to remember.  Because you are my Shepherd, I want for nothing.  You guide me through the rocky patches; you shield me from the brunt of the enemy’s attack; you pick me up when I slip and fall.  You provide all things for your sheep: guidance, health and healing, protection and safety, love, peace of mind, comfort, joy.  I am so stubborn and foolish, Lord, the sheep you continually have to rescue with the crook of your staff.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall now want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters. The good shepherd thinks and observes and knows exactly what is ahead and is prepared for every possibility.  You have gone before me, Lord.  You know what is coming at every turn, what I’ll find in every dark corner.  You have all things under control even when they seem devastating to me.  You know where respite shall be found and how much I will need.  Your presence is ever near if we would but see it.  You gently cultivate the dry barren land; clearing away stony unbelief; breaking up the hard, proud heart; freeing us to walk with you – to walk satisfied in our creator.  You, Jesus, are aware of my every dilemma, are in it with me, and it is in that assurance that I should rest.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. The Lord searches for the sheep that is lost and delights in restoring it, working to bring spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and psychological renewal, a deep renewal that only He can provide.  A renewal that you desire to continually provide, Lord, if I would just let you.  Why is to so hard for me to do that, Lord?  Your Holy Spirit intercedes in our weakness, intercedes when I can do nothing more than weep.  You are so good to me, Lord, hearing my cries and restoring me ever more quickly to a place of peace.  Why do you bother with me, Lord?  You are so patient with me, Jesus.  Waiting to lead, if I would only follow.  Would that it were easier to follow, Lord, to follow you rather than trails of habit, that I would do, go, say, act, and react in whatever situation in a manner that would glorify and honor you.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me.  Your rod and your staff they comfort me. In your presence, Lord, there is no fear.  Every path to which you lead is a right path, even if I can’t see that at the time.  Your rod is my defense, my sword, my comfort.  Why is it so hard sometimes to recall the truths you have taught, the verses memorized?  Your staff is my control, my teacher, my reassuring guide as you come along side me, escorting me.  Tenderly, but persistently saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).  As I climb through each valley, you promise I’ll not die there, that I will walk through it; and in every disappointment, every discouragement, every dark and difficult day you walk with me, even carrying me if necessary.  There is no fear in your presence, Lord.  Why is it so hard, Jesus, to remember in my distress that you are there, that nothing can ever take you unaware?  Why is it so hard to remember that I have no need to fear?

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.  Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. The Shepherd calls us to feast, ever alert, aware of the enemies round about, yet calls just the same, making every possible provision to ensure that His sheep will not be overcome when they have to cope with sin, self, and Satan.  Our Shepherd has already won the battle; He sacrificed that we might thrive and flourish at His table. With great care, Lord, keeping in mind what is best for me during the coming season, you make a plan and call me to the table, letting not the smallest detail go unnoticed!  Close to Christ is my one sure place of safety – if I would just have the sense to stay at the table, to stay near you at all times.  Why do I turn?  Why do I get lost in distraction and panic attempting to escape my torment?  At the very first sign of distress you are there, but I don’t see.  You continually anoint us, generously, graciously pouring out your Spirit to counteract every attack.  Sometimes it is surprising how promptly you respond to our earnest requests….when I actually choose to ask, and often, Jesus, even when I am too stupid to ask.  You fully understand my troubled mind and heart.  When will I be satisfied with your care?  When will I remember that at your table I am not forgotten?  That my Shepherd is never lax nor careless nor indifferent – not when things go well or in the midst of trial.  Up and down, calm and storm, you are with me; your blood covers me completely.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.  Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  My cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. No matter what comes, the righteousness and mercy of our Shepherd is there, bringing goodness out of chaos for the one who is truly in His care.  Where is the implicit confidence I should have in my Savior?  Where is the absolute faith in my heavenly Father who ensures that every calamitous event, every treacherous valley, every path that seems a dead end, every day black as night truly works for my good?  He is sovereign, all knowing, all discerning.  Goodness and mercy and compassion continually flow from His loving arms in unending supply.  He alone knows what He is doing and is pleased with His work in our lives.  So, what do I say when I stand helpless, what is my reaction when finances are lost, what do I say when life or friends or family prove false?  Trust – delight – certainty – gladness, these should be my hymn.  Jesus, when will I be content?  You are my Shepherd, Lord, controlling every aspect of my life with wisdom and purpose.  Please help me trust you more.  You diligently pursue me; you attend me with great care and concern because I belong to you.  And, I thank you, Lord, for your goodness, for your mercy, for calling me to you and continuing to draw me near, for making the way so that I will dwell in your house forever.

Rachel Pannell