PSALM 51

SUMMER PSALMS

This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast. Note: This post was made live blogging on 8/16/09. May it serve as a reminder of the sermon itself but not as a full presentation of all that was preached.

What should we do when we wrong or hurt other people. Ask for forgiveness. What about when we blow it with God - which in any given day - we can fail to do or say what is right or do and say that which is wrong?

Our text today tells us how it is possible to experience that forgiveness.

David composed this psalm under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The background is David committing adultery with Bathsheba and then having her husband killed to hide his sin. This psalm is his prayer of confession.

The first 9 verses this Sunday and the remaining next Sunday.

Psalm 51:1-9
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Transgression: rebellion we experience in our hearts that says it is ok to step accross that line.

Iniquity: moral crookedness. Our ultimate motive is THE GLORY OF GOD all the time for everything and yet this crookedness in our hearts causes us to fall short of that, claim some for ourselves.

Sin: Falling short, missing the mark, not making the standard. Such as Loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength - at all times. But none of this does that perfectly - all the time - with ALL of our HEART - every fiber of our being - always at all times. To do less is sin. Sin is not just breaking a set of rules, or wronging other people. But ultimately sin is an offense against God himself. Remember Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife. It was not how can I do this against my boss, but how can I sin against God.

2Sam 12:9 -- Nathan addressing David for his adultery - "Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? "

Psalm 51:5 -- "In sin did my Mother conceive me." There is nothing innocent about childhood.
Doubt this - then ask yourself: "Did I have to teach my kid to be selfish? Did I have to teach rebellion to my child? " NO - original sin, the technical word for this was already present.

Jerry Bridges: "Every day we sin....beneath the surface of our lives we tolerate all sorts of refined sins..."

We should at this point recognize our need for forgiveness. How do we experience this forgiveness.

Psalm 51:1 - appealing for mercy, knowing God's character, loving kindness and a multitude of tender mercies. Appealing to God who has revealed himself as merciful.

BLOT OUT all my transgressions: cancelling and erasing. David knowing truly that he is guilty before God, asking then that God would BLOT THAT OUT, take it away and remove all trace of it.

Isa 43

Sin is a filthy spot which mars your hearts and consciences. The stain is there - sins as scarlet. How can we be white as snow? With sin so filthy.

Psalm 51:7 "purify me with hyssop" what's hyssop?

Hyssop is a plant with a straight stock and a bushy head. On the first passover, Moses called for the elders of Isarel and said to them to slay the passover lamb and with hyssop dipped in blood applied it to the lintel and the two door posts of their house. Staying in the house that has been covered with blood until morning. So that when the angel of death came, seeing the blood he would pass over that house so covered. David understoods the connection of the blood of an innocent lamb being shed with forgiveness and cleansing of sin.

Heb 9:22 all things are cleansed by Blood -- w/o the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:13-14
13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Romans 4:4-8
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

David understood that it was not anything he could give God that procurred forgiveness. But that this forgiveness is a gift only. It is through Christ alone that we receive forgiveness of sin.

Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.


Colossians 3:12-13
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

So we started out with the wrongs we do to others, and espeically to God, but we have come full circle to now seeing how God HAS fogiven us - how can we not forgive others.


NOTE: TO SEE THE VIDEO WHICH WAS VIEWED JUST AFTER THE OFFERING AND BEFORE THE SERMON CLICK HERE:

PSALM 97

SUMMER PSALMS:
This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/.As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast.

Note: This post was made live blogging on 8/9/09. May it serve as a reminder of the sermon itself but not as a full presentation of all that was preached.


Sometimes even the world recognizes that there is more to life than living for yourself.

Even sometimes the world sees: "The satisfaction of belong to something greater than yourself."

It is intriguing that even the world can recognize that there is more than living for a self-serving agenda.


Psalm 97:1-6

V2-5 God manifesting his presence in extraordinary ways.


Psalm 97:6 Verse 6: All people everywhere have seen the Glory of God.

Psalm 19 -- the heavens declare the glory of God.

Every day the stars, the sun, the moon, the universe declares the glory of God. And every single person on this planet has access to this message.

Rom 1:20 Without Excuse

Consider the movie Expelled with Ben Stein. At the end of the movie Ben Stein asked Richard Dawkins, "What if you are wrong? What will you tell God as excuse?" To which Dawkins answers, "I'd ask 'why did you hide yourself?'"

But Psalm 97 and Psalm 19 and Rom 1:20 are showing that God does not hide himself but his glory is made manifest every day. Having been clearly seen - they are without excuse.

Rom 1:21-25 This text tells us that everybody knows there is a God worthy of thanks and worship - and yet they suppress it. They don't honor God as he deserves but choose idols.

Psalm 97:7

Acts 14:15 -- Paul is saying "Don't worship idols - but the TRUE GOD."

Acts 17:29

1Thess 1:9 Turning from idols to serve the living God.

BUT DO YOU HEAR ANY DISSONANCE in what I've said with our current culture?

Our culture teaches us always that people should be left alone - they can worship what they want without hearing from us.

But the bible tells us differently - it is counter-cultural in this regard. We are Declare God - it's not live and let live - it is not "leave people alone." BUT RATHER MAKE KNOWN GOD TO THEM.

Psalm 97:8

Zion is a reference to God's people.

So we have a message to all the world - TURN FROM YOUR IDOLS TO WORSHIP THE LIVING GOD.

Psalm 97:1 Reign: exercise sovereign power, .... right to judge the world... Our God is a God who has and exercises sovereign power.

Using the Psalms to demonstrate this:
Psalm 22:27-28 The Lord rules over all nations - all nations no exceptions.
Psalm 2:4
Psalm 93:1-2
Psalm 99:1-3

John Piper: "Worship is the fuel and goal of missions." ... "The goal of missions is the gladness of peoples in the worship of God." ... click here for Dr. Piper on Let the Nations be Glad.

Psalm 97:10-12
Holy Hatred comes from a Holy Love for God.

If the whole world is called to rejoice in the Lord - HOW MUCH MORE WE -- who know him not only as King but as Father.

APPLICATION:
Q. Am I in a right relationship with the REAL GOD? Lots of people say the believe in God...almost everybody...but the God they beleive in is not the real God.

Rom 3:23
It is infinitely serious with everlasting consequences to rebel against the true king.

But God has designed a way for people to be pardoned and saved.

God sending his Son. A sacrifice for my sin, for your sin. A sin bearer who makes true atonement for my sins bearing in himself the wrath of God against me for my sins.

Repent of the idols of your life - idols like self-sufficiency... deal making with God... God doesn't do it on our terms but on His. We must believe that Christ's death only is the proper payment.. Christ's righteousness alone is the only righteousness.

Acts 16:31
Rom 10:9-10

Self is the biggest idol in our life. Even the Army National Guard recognizes that there is more to life than living for self.

Q. What is my role in this?
Do I understand what my role is as to what God is doing in the world to make his name known and calling men to worship Him.

Psalm 96:10 "SAY among the nations 'The Lord reigns'" Somebody needs to be saying this. Either send or go but see to it that it is said among the nations that "The Lord Reigns."

The SUN has a role, the MOON has a role, they make His glory known. And so do people. People saying 'The Lord reigns.'

BUT the sun and the stars do not tell people HOW TO GET right with GOD. God uses people to announce this. God is made known by the sun, the stars, the moon. The gospel is made known by people preaching.

ASK GOD:
"Am I involved at the level YOU GOD want me involved at this season of life?"

Is it to PRAY MORE.

Praying: "YOUR NAME HONORED ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN"

Praying: "YOUR KINGDOM COME"

Praying: "For our missionaries." See our web page for a list of our tentmakers. Pray for them.

Praying: "Send Laborors to the harvest." "Asking also - AM I one of the ones you want to send."

Preparing for Marriage

Recently Dr. John Piper posted a list of discussion questions for couples considering marriage. Looked of interest to me and providentially I've been reading on that topic myself. (I'm the father of five unmarried children so I ought to be somewhat intested, right?.)

click below to read see the questions Dr. Piper quoted.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1944_questions_to_ask_when_preparing_for_marriage/

Just finished reading, Boy Meets Girl, by Joshua Harris a very helpful book with a very realistic and doable approach to courtship, engagement and marriage appropriate for a man and woman who love Jesus Christ and want to honor Him above all else. Harris shows courtship to be a period of time where a man and woman begin a relationship to determine if marriage is the desirable outcome. Rather than casual dating, this is a purposeful course of action with the goal of considering marriage. The couple enter into this with the desire to remain sexually and spiritually pure saving physical expressions of love for after they are married. Harris defines courtship as not a promise to marry, and not a commitment to future marriage but a friendship designed to see if marriage is the proper outcome for the couple. A successful courtship is one that reaches the desired end of determining either that marriage should take place or should not. Either way, the courtship is considered a success for the goal was to determine whether the couple should marry - having determined yes or no the proper outcome has been reached. And having conducted themselves with respect and integrity towards one another in honor as brothers and sisters in Christ should the courtship not end in marriage both parties to the courtship will be without shame or regret. The book is very practical, describes in a lot of detail how Joshua Harris and his bride-to-be lived out their courtship process including both the good and the bad.

Harris kept up returning to this theme concerning physical expressions of love during the courtship: Whatever physical expression you save for marriage will be special then in marriage, but what you do not save for marriage after marriage will not be so special as it could be. .... Something to consider, huh? For Joshua Harris and Shannon that meant during their courtship these physical expressions would be allowed: Arm around the shoulder, brief side hugs (whatever that is?), and holding hands. As a couple they actual prepared a list of guidelines concerning both what they would discuss, and would allow or not allow during the courtship. Then they shared the list with their close friends, pastor, and parents for the purpose that they would hold them accountable during the courtship process.

I recommend the book for you if you are looking for some ideas of how a courtship could be actually put into practice in our time and our culture with some practical examples.

Joshua Harris quoting Matthew Henry:
"Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him"

Matthew Henry - commentary on Genesis

Postscript: I think this post follows somewhat well also from the lesson we should learn from Passion and Patience regarding the one seeking immediate gratification and the other patiently waiting. The one who waits will have his joy lastingly.

Passion and Patience

UNLESS YOU ARE TRULY HEAVENLY MINDED YOU WILL BE OF NO ETERNAL GOOD and of no TRUE GOOD TO ANY EARTHLY MAN.

While in the Interpreter's House, Christian is shown two children, Passion and Patience. I couldn't find a suitable picture for you, but imagine one child as sour, rebellious, sullen, and impatient, the other child equal in age but whose countenance is peaceful, contented, and pleasant.

If you can imagine that you will have the picture proper. From Pilgrim's Progress: click here to read in context

I saw moreover in my dream, that the Interpreter took him by the hand, and had him into a little room, where sat two little children, each one in his chair. The name of the eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontented, but Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, “What is the reason of the discontent of Passion?” The Interpreter answered, “The governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year, but he will have all now; but Patience is willing to wait.”

Then I saw that one came to Passion, and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured it down at his feet: the which he took up, and rejoiced therein, and withal laughed Patience to scorn. But I beheld but a while, and he had lavished all away, and had nothing left him but rags.

Christian: Then said Christian to the Interpreter, Expound this matter more fully to me.

Interpreter: So he said, These two lads are figures; Passion of the men of this world, and Patience of the men of that which is to come; for, as here thou seest, passion will have all now, this year, that is to say, in this world; so are the men of this world: They must have all their good things now; they cannot stay till the next year, that is, until the next world, for their portion of good. That proverb, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” is of more authority with them than are all the divine testimonies of the good of the world to come. But as thou sawest that he had quickly lavished all away, and had presently left him nothing but rags, so will it be with all such men at the end of this world.

Christian: Then said Christian, Now I see that Patience has the best wisdom, and that upon many accounts. 1. Because he stays for the best things. 2. And also because he will have the glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags.

Interpreter: Nay, you may add another, to wit, the glory of the next world will never wear out; but these are suddenly gone. Therefore Passion had not so much reason to laugh at Patience because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion because he had his best things last; for first must give place to last, because last must have his time to come: but last gives place to nothing, for there is not another to succeed. He, therefore, that hath his portion first, must needs have a time to spend it; but he that hath his portion last, must have it lastingly: therefore it is said of Dives, “In thy lifetime thou receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Luke 16:25.

Christian: Then I perceive it is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come.

Interpreter: You say truth: for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:18. But though this be so, yet since things present and our fleshly appetite are such near neighbors one to another; and again, because things to come and carnal sense are such strangers one to another; therefore it is, that the first of these so suddenly fall into amity, and that distance is so continued between the second.

OUR LESSON:
Passion: represents the men of of this world. (the unregenerate)
Patience: represents the men of the world to come. (believers)

I ought and must be like Patience, who is patient. Who is willing to wait for his good things. His best life is yet to come and he knows it. From this allegory I should learn to live as a citizen of heaven, and set my affections upon it. Col 3:1-4 and Phil 3:20

Immediate Gratification belongs to that sullen child, Passion. Patient-Waiting upon the Lord belongs to Patience. And in the end, Passion dressed in his eternal rags of damnation will not be able to mock Patience. O' God give me eyes for eternity, and let my Hope be always in you. Not seeking the things of this present world but delivered from it and looking for the world to come. Patiently waiting now, forgoing the immediate gratification, for the glory that lasts lastingly. Gal 1:4 and Psa 42:11 and 2Thes 3:5.

Did you not thoroughly enjoy Bunyan's use of the English language here?
" first must give place to last, because last must have his time to come: but last gives place to nothing, for there is not another to succeed. He, therefore, that hath his portion first, must needs have a time to spend it; but he that hath his portion last, must have it lastingly.."

First MUST give place to Last.

Last Gives place to nothing.

He that hath his portion last, MUST HAVE IT LASTINGLY.

I Love it!!!!!! And so I hope for the world to come, I set my affections on things above, and with patience run the race set before me, and in patience possessing my soul, looking for the new heavens and the new earth, looking for that which comes last, for last gives place to nothing, and what I have at the last will last lastingly. Even now, this hope tasted, is a foretaste of the fullness to come. Col 3:2, 2Peter 3:13, Eph 1:14

Also there is conviction in my soul and a warning sounded as I read these words:
"yet since things present and our fleshly appetite are such near neighbors one to another; and again, because things to come and carnal sense are such strangers one to another; therefore it is, that the first of these so suddenly fall into amity, and that distance is so continued between the second."

My own "fleshly appetite" and "things present" are NEAR NEIGHBORS. So close do they dwell to one another, I must war against the flesh, and fight the fight of faith or these near neighbors will be far to well acquainted. 1Cor 9:25-27

But "things to come" and carnal sense, (which "carnal sense" I take to mean that kind of thinking which is in accord with the worlds way of thinking) are strangers one to another. Hence, I must not walk according to this world's wisdom, but I need a mind renewed. That is a spiritual mind and a spiritual sense so that my own manner of thinking is not carnal and will be no stranger to the "things to come. " Eph 4:23, Rom 12:2

That old saying illustrates well the distance between carnal sense and things to come "You are too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good." Fits Bunyan's expression well "Things to come and carnal sense are such strangers one to another"

Rom 8:5-7 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Goodwill

It's been very good reading Pilgrim's Progress with my three little girls and at the same time consulting a commentary and a curriculum to expand our understanding of what we read.

click here for link to commentary
click here for link to curriculum

Though through freqent readigns and listenings there is not yet so much familiarity with Bunyan's allegory that a little outside resources can't provide some additional input.

Click here to see how we listen to Pilgrim's Progress

Having just finished reading and discussing Christian's entering in through the wicket gate and his introduction to Mr. Goodwill I give you the text and following that a brief example of how the curriculum aided our discussion.

GOODWILL:
Click here to read in context

At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Goodwill, who asked who was there, and whence he came, and what he would have.

Christian: Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the city of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come; I would therefore, sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in.

Goodwill: I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he opened the gate.

So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull. Then said Christian, What means that? The other told him, A little distance from this gate there is erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the captain: from thence both he and they that are with him, shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in. Then said Christian, I rejoice and tremble. So when he was got in, the man of the Gate asked him who directed him thither.

Christian: Evangelist bid me come hither and knock, as I did: and he said, that you, sir, would tell me what I must do.

Goodwill: An open door is set before thee, and no man can shut it.

Christian: Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.

Goodwill: But how is it that you came alone?

Christian: Because none of my neighbors saw their danger as I saw mine.

Goodwill: Did any of them know of your coming?

Christian: Yes, my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again: also, some of my neighbors stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.

Goodwill: But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back?

Christian: Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable; but when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back; but Pliable came with me a little way.

Goodwill: But why did he not come through?

Christian: We indeed came both together until we came to the Slough of Despond, into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbor Pliable discouraged, and would not venture farther. Wherefore, getting out again on the side next to his own house, he told me I should possess the brave country alone for him: so he went his way, and I came mine; he after Obstinate, and I to this gate.

Goodwill: Then said Goodwill, Alas, poor man; is the celestial glory of so little esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazard of a few difficulties to obtain it?

Christian: Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable; and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment betwixt him and myself. It is true, he went back to his own house, but I also turned aside to go in the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman.

Goodwill: Oh, did he light upon you? What, he would have had you seek for ease at the hands of Mr. Legality! They are both of them a very cheat. But did you take his counsel?

Christian: Yes, as far as I durst. I went to find out Mr. Legality, until I thought that the mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head; wherefore there I was forced to stop.

Goodwill: That mountain has been the death of many, and will be the death of many more: it is well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces.

Christian: Why truly I do not know what had become of me there, had not Evangelist happily met me again as I was musing in the midst of my dumps; but it was God’s mercy that he came to me again, for else I had never come hither. But now I am come, such a one as I am, more fit indeed for death by that mountain, than thus to stand talking with my Lord. But O, what a favor is this to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here!

Goodwill: We make no objections against any, notwithstanding all that they have done before they come hither; they in no wise are cast out. John 6:37. And therefore good Christian, come a little way with me, and I will teach thee about the way thou must go. Look before thee; dost thou see this narrow way? That is the way thou must go. It was cast up by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ, and his apostles, and it is as strait as a rule can make it; this is the way thou must go.

Christian: But, said Christian, are there no turnings nor windings, by which a stranger may lose his way?

Goodwill: Yes, there are many ways butt down upon this, and they are crooked and wide: but thus thou mayest distinguish the right from the wrong, the right only being strait and narrow. Matt. 7:14.

Then I saw in my dream, that Christian asked him further, if he could not help him off with his burden that was upon his back. For as yet he had not got rid thereof; nor could he by any means get it off without help.

He told him, “As to thy burden, be content to bear it until thou comest to the place of deliverance; for there it will fall from thy back of itself.”

Some Scriptures to Consider accompanying this section:
Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Q. Who is this man Goodwill?
A. Jesus
See I never quite thought of Goodwill as Jesus himself in Bunyan's allegory but rather as God's good will personified. Both resources I consulted held forth Mr. Goodwill as Christ and certainly it fits as we think of the good will of Jesus Christ to receive all that come to God by Him. And also here in John 10:9 where Jesus, himself, tells us that He is the door. We are to enter through him and entering through him we shall be saved!

Note: it is my goal that as we read Pilgrim's Progress together, we will in fact spend more time in the word of God searching out the truth behind the allegory. So the time we spend here with Mr. Goodwill opens the door to discuss several things.

Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

and again:

Joh 6:35-40 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

And:
2Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Q. Why is Christ thus so willing to receive all comers?
A. Christ is thus so willing because they were given to him by the Father. How can he not receive any whom the Father has given to himself? And not only is Christ willing to receive all that come to him being given to him by the Father, but HE is also ABLE to receive all comers as he, himself, is God our Saviour. In him we live. He has undertaken to be our surety, our sins are forgiven in him - nothing bars us from him, for to him we have been given, and by him our debt to wrath was satisfied, and in him we are counted perfect and righteous.

For a wonderful exposition of John 6:37, I recommend, Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ, by John Bunyan. click here

The curriculum also asked:
Q. How did Christian display honesty when talking with Goodwill even when it hurt is own
reputation? Explain in your own words.

A. One quote could be: "Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable; and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment betwixt him and myself. It is true, he went back to his own house, but I also turned aside to go in the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman." Where Christian did not hide his own sin. 1John 1:9

Also asked:
Q. What did Christian call the road that Mr. Worldly Wiseman sent him down?
A. "Way of Death"

and then:
Q. How does what Christian says there relate to our own times where it is very popular to say that "all roads lead to heaven?"

A. Answer was open ended and meant to spark discussion. But I'm thinking of John 14:6 and
Prov 14:12 or even Acts 4:12. All roads do NOT lead to heaven. In fact, as my girls pointed out this morning, not only is Jesus the wicket gate, and Mr. Goodwill, but he, himself, is also the way. And he is the only way to heaven. If you are not on that strait and narrow way which alone is the way of life then you are in the way of death.

For more on both Goodwill and Interpreter check out Bunyan Characters by Alexander Whyte by clicking here.

GOSPEL THINKING

Last week we discussed writing out a paragraph or two in our own words describing "What is the Gospel." Click Here to see previous post This has resulted in a couple of good conversations and the following email from my good brother in Christ, Jim who expressing that "it was a joy thinking through the work of God from all creation" wrote the following:

My Short View of the Gospel

Before the foundation of the world (before creation) (Eph 1:4) it pleased God to choose/predestine/foreordain a people for himself from every tribe, tongue, people and every nation, (Rev 5:9) He wrote their names in a book called the Book of Life of the Lamb. (Rev 13:8) God then created the universe including the world and everything in it. He created man in his own image. Adam, the first man, disobeyed God’s command and his disobedience brought the penalty of death to him and all of his descendants. Out of Adam's fallen race would come God’s chosen people, who would be drawn to God by the hearing of His word and would believe and trust God. Trusting God was the evidence that they were His elect. To redeem His people required a payment or ransom for their sin. God gives His people the faith/belief needed for their salvation. (Eph 2:8-9) The evidence that it would require a blood sacrifice for payment of sin can be traced from God's covering Adam and Eve with skin (Gen 3:21) and his promise of a redeemer. (Gen 3:15) The history of God's salvation begins with His mercy shown to Adam and Eve all the way to the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who was fully God and fully man, who came to pay the ransom for God’s people. Jesus is the lamb who was slain in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:8) Jesus paid the ransom or penal substitutionary atonement by giving His own sinless body as a perfect sacrifice for sin. He died on a cross and His blood was adequate payment for the sin of God’s people.(1Cor 15:3-4) All those whom God has chosen will, by the gift of faith, come to Christ and will receive Him as their Savior and Lord.

Hoping soon to add my own summary I invite you also to email me your own attempts or you may use the comment section below.

The Man in the Picture

As we read through Pilgrim's Progress we have now arrived in the Interpreter's House. I'd like to come back to the Interpreter again in another post and for this reason, the description of the various things shown to Christian here has been called "A Classic Within A Classic." I couldn't agree more. But this post will be limited to the first thing shown to Christian as he enters the house, "The Man in the Picture." Note the picture at the top of this post. It's not perfect, so for that reason let Bunyan draw picture for you as your read the following: (note click here for more on the interpreter's house at the Pilgrim's Progress Commentaries.)

click here to read for yourself

Interpreter: Then said Interpreter, Come in; I will show thee that which will be profitable to thee. So he commanded his man to light the candle, and bid Christian follow him; so he had him into a private room, and bid his man open a door; the which when he had done, Christian saw the picture a very grave person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it: It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon its lips, the world was behind its back; it stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over its head.

Christian: Then said Christian, What means this?

Interpreter: The man whose picture this is, is one of a thousand: he can beget children, 1 Cor 4:15, travail in birth with children, Gal 4:19, and nurse them himself when they are born. And whereas thou seest him with his eyes lift up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth writ on his lips: it is to show thee, that his work is to know, and unfold dark things to sinners; even as also thou seest him stand as if he pleaded with men. And whereas thou seest the world as cast behind him, and that a crown hangs over his head; that is to show thee, that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he hath to his Master’s service, he is sure in the world that comes next, to have glory for his reward. Now, said the Interpreter, I have showed thee this picture first, because the man whose picture this is, is the only man whom the Lord of the place whither thou art going hath authorized to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the way: wherefore take good heed to what I have showed thee, and bear well in thy mind what thou hast seen, lest in thy journey thou meet with some that pretend to lead thee right, but their way goes down to death.

All day have I thought of this man. And with gratitude and thankfulness to God I consider my own Godly pastor for this is Bunyan's description of the Godly pastor.

True Pastors are gifted by God and true Pastors are a gift from God.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Very Grave Person: Sober and serious about the matters of eternal consequence and the care of souls. 1Tim 3:2

Eyes Lifted up to Heaven: From whence comes our help, to whom is all our dependency. His is a God-Centered ministry. 2Cor 5:1-2, Phil 3:20, 1Pet 1:4

The Best of Books in his Hand: The godly pastor is guided by, speaks from, and filled with God's word. What other book could there be, and where else could he look? There are pastors many, but the true pastor carries the Word of God with him always.

Law of truth was written upon its lips: Speaking the word in all his counsel.

World was behind his Back: Not for money, nor fame, nor pride, not worldly advancement, it is crucified unto him and he to it. Gal 6:14, 1Pet 5:2

Stood as if it pleaded with men: Calling them to repentance, warning them to flee the wrath to come, to find all their delight and happiness in Christ. 2Cor 5:20, 1Th 2:5-12

Crown of gold did hang over its head: The world having no reward, his reward is with the God who reigns over all. 2Tim 4:7-8

Praise God for His gift, this man who is one in a thousand, the true godly pastor.

Read the following from Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan, his own appreciation, for the godly pastor who cared for his soul at the beginning of his heavenward-race:

click here for Grace Abounding: (see especially paragraph #77 and #117)
At this time, also, I sat under the ministry of holy Mr. Gifford, whose doctrine, by God’s grace, was much for my stability. This man made it much his business to deliver the people of God from all those false and unsound rests that, by nature, we are prone to take and make to our souls. He pressed us to take special heed that we took not up any truth upon trust - as from this, or that, or any other man or men - but to cry mightily to God that he would convince us of the reality thereof, and set us down therein, by his own Spirit, in the Holy Word; for, said he, if you do other wise when temptations come, if strongly, you, not having received them ithevidence from heaven, will find you want that help and strength now to resist as once you thought you had.