Friday, April 29, 2011

Book Review: The Gospel Commission: Recovering God's Strategy for Making Disciples

By Michael Horton
Baker Books, 2011.

ISBN:978-0-8010-1389-8
ISBN-10:0-8010-1389-5
Dimensions:5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages:320
Carton Quantity:26
Publication Date: Apr. 11, 2011
Formats: Hardcover


In "The Gospel Commission: Recovering God's Strategy for Making Disciples", Michael Horton takes the practical reality of our clear mandate as Christians to make disciples, and neatly shows how this mandate fits in with other aspect of time, kingdom and power. Contrasting the biblical mandate, with classic and contemporary errors that have come as a "mission creep", Horton shows how "the expansion of a project or mission beyond its original goals, often after initial success" (p. 8), has occurred.  In an age where many "post-baby boom generations, who only know Christianity from TV preachers and political debates" (p, 10), Horton clearly specifies what our mission truly is. We indeed are in danger of "surrendering a robust confidence in God's and his Word to a culture of marketing and entertainment, self-help, and right-wing and left-wing political agendas" (p.11). Are we making disciples even of our own members-our own children- much less the nations? (p.11). The promise is not only for you and your children"; it is also "for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself" (Acts 2:39). Horton's thesis is summed up in one sentence early on: "The central point of this book is that there is no mission without the church and no church without the mission" (p. 14). Horton specifies how we are Ambassadors, "eyewitness of his majesty" (2 Pt. 1:16) and how God is fulfilling the Gen. 3:15 promise. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... (Rom. 1:16). Yet the belief and practice of this mandate has shifted mainly from the northern hemisphere to the global south (p.17).

In Part One: "The Great Announcement" Horton shows how the Great Commission actually begins with a great announcement of authority being given for proclamation (Mt. 28:18). Through the work of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16-23) justification and renewal are occurring. Chapter two specifies the Gospel and the Kingdom, with a helpful biblical background from the Exodus and Conquest fulfillment to Acts 1, New Covenant Kingdom, resurrection appearances to the ascension, and coming of the Holy Spirit, foreshadowing the return of Christ (Acts 1:11).

In Part Two: "The Mission Statement", Chapter three opens with the "Urgent Imperative": to go, showing the width, and depth of the kingdom mandate (Mt. 28:19). Acknowledging some contemporary baggage with connotations of "missionary" and "evangelism". Horton specifies the urgent imperative to proclaim the gospel to everyone and how Christianity is truly a missionary faith. The line of demarcation is then specified in blurring the line of "the city of God' and the "city of man" (Constantine). Although the Gospel is veiled, to those who are perishing (2 Cor. 4:1-3) we indeed have a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20). That this mandate is from Jerusalem, Judea to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8) Horton then specifies the depth of its intensiveness to the width of its extensiveness. Much like the stated movement in the last chapter with Constantine, Horton then begins an examination of the emergent moment and Brian McLaren (p. 93). Understandably the pressure to soften the message in a pluralistic society is there to remove the offence, but the particular examination of McLaren seems to be application at this point before an examination of the offence of the Gospel itself. Perhaps Horton jumps the gun a little at this point. I do appreciate the fine distinction of how the "major problem with inclusivism in Horton's view is that "it refuses to speak where God has spoken and speculates where God is silent" (p. 93). Well said and summarized. Horton then begins to clarify the stumbling block of hell, General and Special Revelation, Post Modernism, and Modernism.

In Chapter four, the issue of Contextualization of the Gospel in many cultures is examined. I especially appreciated the link of the Romans 12:2 warning for us not to be conformed any longer to the patter of this age, but to be transformed by the Word of God. Horton's unique ability to contrast and compare complex situations now plays a special part. He specified how Modernity tended to suppress difference, while postmodernity tends to suppress the possibility of arriving at a truth that transcends all temporal and cultural boundaries (p.123). Indeed we need to identity ourselves as true children of Abraham though faith in Christ (Galatians 2:20) beyond any cultural or socio-economic standing. Recovering "genuine Catholicity" (p. 126) surely answers this problem.

Chapter five deals with The Goal of Making Disciples, contrasting the spiritual but not religious trend. The dangers of the "spiritual marketplace" (2 Tim. 3:5) with indeed cause many to be surprised in the last day that they were not indeed disciples (Mt. 7:22-23). I would have loved to see the entire book focused on the truth of the gospel contrasted with the subjective "spirituality" of today's "people of faith". If I have one complaint with this book is that it's breadth by definition at times deflates it depth. Focusing on one aspect of distortion from the Gospel, or a more in-depth of study of the Gospel itself would have keep the book more focused. Even a development of Matthew 10:24-42 in following Christ by learning and living should have been expanded or a greater explanation of being conformed to Christ's image (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18) by becoming mature in Christ (Eph. 4:12-16) or what it means to be a "living sacrifice" (Rom. 12). Key passages are only glanced at to achieve Horton's breadth. His treatment in the contrast with genuine spiritual disciplines with the "false promises" (2 Tim. 3:1-5) (p. 154-157) is first rate.

In Part Three: The Strategic Plan, Chapter six in "How to make Disciples" attempts to shows how we are to fulfill the Great Commission. This aspect of the Gospel Commission is unique in the corporate church focus of Word (Rom. 10:16; Isa 55:10-11; Heb. 4:12-14; 1 Tim. 4:13), Supper (1 Cor. 10:16); Covenant Baptism (Acts 16;15) Spiritual Gifts (Eph.4; Rom. 12, 1 Cor. 12) and Home missions (Acts 2:39). Chapter seven deals with the topic of obedience, discipleship and discipline in "Teaching them to observe All that I have Commanded". Topics include obedience to leaders (Heb. 13:7,14, 17) Church discipline (Mt. 18:17-20), denominations, co-operation between churches (Acts 15-16) and the para-church.

Chapter eight contrast the Great Commission with the Great Commandment. This is where the real topic of "mission creep" comes into place with mercy ministry (Acts 2:44-45; Rom. 15; 2 Cor. 8-9) the diaconate (Acts 6) and caring particularly for the household of faith (Ga;. 6:10; Heb. 13). Horton takes an interesting case study of Wilberforce (p. 231-236) contrasts Saving vs. Common grace; indicatives vs. imperatives and the Kingdom of God. Horton notes that there is nothing in the Great Commission about transforming culture. However, the Great Commandment calls every person- believer and unbeliever alike- to works of love and service in our daily lives (p.226). "The Great commission reflects the holy (saving grace) and is where disciples are made. The Great Commandment reflects common grace and is where our discipleship goes" (p. 243). Yet, The Great Commandment work does not bring people to faith. Your actions reflect your status as a disciple, but they do not make other disciples. Only the gospel does that.
Chapter 9 shows the danger of mission creep in inventing our own strategic plan, with the example of Aaron (Ex. 32:6), Finney, Barna, Viola, Padgitt, the Quakers, Plymouth Brethren, and Salvation Army. Horton provides an accurate summation of the problem: "In all of these movements, the public ministry of Word and sacrament is either subordinated to or even replaced by informal gatherings without any ordained leadership" (p. 257). Further examinations include the Enlightement, Romanticism, McLaren, Forster, and the distinction of "Living the Gospel" that often forgets to proclaim the Gospel. Finally, in Chapter Ten: The Great Assurance (Mt. 28:20), Horton considers the presence and assurance of Christ in building His church (Mt. 16:18) as well as the ongoing battle of Spiritual Warfare (Eph. 6). Our mission is not over, Jesus is preparing a place of us (Jn. 14: 1-3, 27-29), let us indeed: "reach out to our fellow saints and to our neighbours with our hearts and hands in love. As God serves us with his heavenly gifts through the ministry of the church in his own Great Commission, he also serves our neighbours with common blessings through our worldly callings" (p. 308).

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Hail The Day (from the Risen album)


' Hail The Day' From Sovereign Grace Music's album, Risen. Sung by Erin Hill.
Lyrics adapted from Charles Wesley's "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise"
New lyrics and music by Steve & Vikki Cook
© 2011 Integrity's Hosanna Music (ASCAP)
Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Ministries.
http://sovereigngracemusic.org/albums/category/sovereign_grace_music/risen

Thursday, April 28, 2011

How You Can Tell A Book on Jesus is Historically Unreliable (and Complete Garbage)


http://reasonablefaith.org - Dr. William Lane Craig

Some profound books on Jesus (like Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, Michael Bagent's The Jesus Papers, James Tabor's The Jesus Dynasty, etc.) that are praised by the sensational and unsophisticated and gullible media are historically unreliable and bunk. Nevertheless, people actually take these books seriously.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

J.R. Miller - Our Words and Deeds are Irrevocable


J.R. Miller playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2085C7193D4C2AAE

James Russell Miller was born on March 20, 1840 at Frankfort Springs, Pennsylvania and died on July 2, 1912. Besides authoring over 80 books, booklets, and pamphlets, Dr. J.R. Miller was the Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication and a very active pastor in a succession of churches.

The crucible of J.R. Miller's education was his service with the United States Christian Commission, an agency set up to minister to the troops, during the civil war. When the war ended Miller completed his theological studies and was ordained and installed on September 11, 1867. On June 22, 1870, when he was thirty, he married Miss Louise E. King.

The end of life on earth came without warning on the afternoon of July 2, 1912. JR's wife, Louise Miller, and their only daughter, Mary Wanamaker Miller (Mrs. W.B. Mount), were present, but it was impossible to summon the sons — William King Miller and Russell King Miller. One moment Dr. Miller seemed to be resting quietly; the next he was at rest.

JR Miller DD was one of the best selling Christian authors of his era. Rev. Miller's books had a total circulation of over two million copies during his lifetime and in 1911 the Presbyterian Board of Publication, under his direction, published over 66 million copies of its periodicals.

J.R. Miller - Our Words and Deeds are Irrevocable

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Oh What a Day (from the Risen album)


'Oh, What a Day' From Sovereign Grace Music's album, Risen. Sung by Jason McGovern . Written by Mark Altrogge. © 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Ministries.
http://sovereigngracemusic.org/albums/category/sovereign_grace_music/risen

Monday, April 25, 2011

Behold Our God (from the Risen album)


'Behold Our God' From Sovereign Grace Music's album, Risen. Sung by Ryan Baird. Written Jonathan Baird, Meghan Baird, Ryan Baird and Stephen Altrogge. © 2011 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Ministries.
http://sovereigngracemusic.org/albums/category/sovereign_grace_music/risen

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Sermon Outline: "Resurrection: A Theology of Hope" Mark 16:1-7

1) The Grief (Mark 16:1–3)
• Mark 14:3-9

2) The Glory (Mark 16:4–7)
• Matthew 28:2-3

• John 20:19, 26

Friday, April 22, 2011

Christ Died for God, (Romans 3:25--31)


John MacArthur: Tonight we're going to look at Romans chapter 3 again and I'm always blessed to have the privilege of doing this. I'm grateful for the new life that we know about in our church, the people who are being baptized every Sunday, the people who are coming into our church constantly. And I realize how foundational and important this particular section of Romans is so that everybody understands the reality of the doctrine of salvation in its fullness and in its richness.

The text I want you to look at is Romans chapter 3 and verse 25...Romans chapter 3 and verse 25, and we'll read down to verse 31.

This is speaking of Christ Jesus and His redemption as indicated in verse 24, "Christ Jesus whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed for the demonstration, I say, for His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Or works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be. On the contrary, we establish the Law."...

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Doctrine of Repentance


The Doctrine of Repentance is the Christian's secret weapon. Imagine the joy and privilege of not being guilty for your sin. But it is more than that. In this seminar we will look at some of the benefits that we receive through the cross of Christ when we repent.

This seminar will walk you through a practical step-by-step process of the key elements of repentance. We'll look at the pitfalls and dangers of un-repentance as well as the blessings and power that is found in the expulsive truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have developed a 70 slide Keynote presentation that will enrich you personally as well as serve many of your family members and friends.

This 10-minute training is a sample of the longer 1 hour webinar I present to our Members. If you're interested in the longer version of this training and would like to enjoy more benefits of our Membership Site, please click here: http://www.counselingsolutionresources.com/?page_id=1369

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Christ Crucified - James Smith


James Smith playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=096D74E48C1F1243

James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841 until 1850. Early on, Smith's readings were even more popular than Spurgeon's!

From "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household"

The habit of laying up a text of Scripture in the morning, to be meditated upon while engaged in the business of this world through the day—is both profitable and delightful. It is as a refreshing draught to a weary traveler!

My object in these pages is . . .
to stir up the minds of the Lord's people,
to caution them against sin,
to guard them against Satan, and
to stimulate them in the path of holy obedience.

Christ Crucified - James Smith

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

What If There Is No Resurrection? Part 2 (1 Corinthians 15:12-20) John MacArthur


John MacArthur: Now I know tonight we're going to be looking at 1 Corinthians 15 as we continue through this great resurrection chapter. But to begin with, I want you to turn in your Bible to the seventeenth chapter of Acts...the seventeenth chapter of Acts because I think it gives us a good setting for what we're going to see in Paul's letter to the Corinthians.

In the seventeenth chapter of Acts, the Apostle Paul comes to the religious focal point of the ancient world of his day. He comes to Athens. And it is in Athens that there are many philosophers and many religions, and many gods. In fact, in verse 16 of Acts 17 it says that, "He observed the city of Athens and that it was full of idols." There were in Athens, along with all the idols, there were the priests and priestesses that were associated with those idols and their various religions. And on top of that, there were all kinds of philosophers, as verse 18 indicates. There were Epicurean and Stoic philosophers as well as many others.

Now Paul walks into this milieu of religions and what he says to them is very, very important. Verse 18, "And some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. Some were saying, 'What would this idol babbler which to say?' Others, 'He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities.' Why? 'Because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.' And they took him and brought him into the Areopagus saying, 'May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming?'" What he was proclaiming was resurrection. For them with all their myriad religions and philosophies, this was new teaching. In fact, they go on to say, "You're bringing some strange things to our ears, so we want to know what these things mean."

Down in verse 22, "Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, 'Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects." Then in verse 23 he refers to the fact that they even have an altar identified as the altar TO THE UNKNOWN GOD, just in case in all of them they missed one. "He introduces them to the true and living God, the God who made the world and all things in it, the One who is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is He served by human hands as though He needed anything since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him though He is not far from each one of us, for in Him we live and move and exist as even some of your own poets have said, for we also are His children. Being then the children of God, says Paul, we ought not to think of the divine nature, like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man, therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to all men to all people everywhere that they should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."...

Monday, April 18, 2011

What If There Is No Resurrection? Part 1 (1 Corinthians 15:12-20) John MacArthur


John MacArthur: Now I know tonight we're going to be looking at 1 Corinthians 15 as we continue through this great resurrection chapter. But to begin with, I want you to turn in your Bible to the seventeenth chapter of Acts...the seventeenth chapter of Acts because I think it gives us a good setting for what we're going to see in Paul's letter to the Corinthians.

In the seventeenth chapter of Acts, the Apostle Paul comes to the religious focal point of the ancient world of his day. He comes to Athens. And it is in Athens that there are many philosophers and many religions, and many gods. In fact, in verse 16 of Acts 17 it says that, "He observed the city of Athens and that it was full of idols." There were in Athens, along with all the idols, there were the priests and priestesses that were associated with those idols and their various religions. And on top of that, there were all kinds of philosophers, as verse 18 indicates. There were Epicurean and Stoic philosophers as well as many others.

Now Paul walks into this milieu of religions and what he says to them is very, very important. Verse 18, "And some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. Some were saying, 'What would this idol babbler which to say?' Others, 'He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities.' Why? 'Because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.' And they took him and brought him into the Areopagus saying, 'May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming?'" What he was proclaiming was resurrection. For them with all their myriad religions and philosophies, this was new teaching. In fact, they go on to say, "You're bringing some strange things to our ears, so we want to know what these things mean."...

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Sermon Notes: "Hosanna". John 12:12-16

1) At the Proper Moment (John 12:12a)
• Daniel 9:24-26

2) With the Passionate Multitude (John 12:12b-13)
• Psalm 118: 22-27

• Matthew 21:15-16

• Luke 19:41-44

3) In the Predicted Manner (John 12:14-15)
• Matthew 21:1-8

4) To the Perplexity of His Men (John 12:16)
• Acts 1:6

• Revelation 19:11-16

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Let him that Think he Stand Take Heed Lest he Fall - Spurgeon


Charles Spurgeon Devotional - Morning and Evening Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=23948E734B236C5A

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Morning and Evening: Daily Readings.

Spurgeon Devotional Morning & Evening: Daily Readings (Eve March 13)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Geisler - Is the Bible reliable?


We ask special guest Dr. Norman Geisler the question "Is the Bible reliable?"

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Doctrine of Repentance


The Doctrine of Repentance is the Christian's secret weapon. Imagine the joy and privilege of not being guilty for your sin. But it is more than that. In this seminar we will look at some of the benefits that we receive through the cross of Christ when we repent.

This seminar will walk you through a practical step-by-step process of the key elements of repentance. We'll look at the pitfalls and dangers of un-repentance as well as the blessings and power that is found in the expulsive truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have developed a 70 slide Keynote presentation that will enrich you personally as well as serve many of your family members and friends.

This 10-minute training is a sample of the longer 1 hour webinar I present to our Members. If you're interested in the longer version of this training and would like to enjoy more benefits of our Membership Site, please click here: http://www.counselingsolutionresources.com/?page_id=1369

Monday, April 11, 2011

Why Does Evil Dominate the World? (John MacArthur)


John MacArthur: I told you that I was going to speak on the problem of evil. Why did God allow evil in the world? You could frame the question a number of ways. If the Creator God is so good, why is there so much evil in the world? In fact, the reality of evil in the world is one of the favorite justifications of those who reject the God of the Bible. They're eager to ask those questions in a myriad of different ways...how can God be holy and allow His creation to be dominated by unholiness? How can God be perfectly righteous and ordain the presence of unrighteousness? There are a number of ways that this particular idea is effectively communicated. One is a syllogism, a series of logical steps such as the biblical God is loving...the biblical God is all-knowing, the biblical God is all powerful, yet massive evil exists in the world therefore the biblical God does not exist. That is to say that whoever allows this evil cannot be loving, or cannot be holy, or cannot be all powerful or all knowing and still allow evil.

In the minds of many, this backs Christians up into an impossible corner. There are many who see this as putting us, I guess you could say, at fourth and forty on our own ten-yard line. And our only option is to punt. And there are many Christians who would agree with that and they would grab Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong to the Lord," and punt that into the opposition's territory as far as they can. Is that the best we can do when pressed against our own theological end zone, is to punt Deuteronomy 29:29? Isn't there anything better than that in the divine play book? Isn't there some kind of long pass we can complete, something that will not only allow us to escape from defeat, but guarantee victory?

I believe there is. I believe that Scripture gives us an answer and without hesitation we can know that answer, we can understand that answer, and we can find eminent satisfaction in that answer. It is not enough to simply say the secret things belong to the Lord, which is to say we don't know, God doesn't tell us. God did not tell Adam and Eve why He let that snake in the Garden. And He didn't tell them why He gave that snake the ability to talk. Nor did God tell Job why He unleashed calamity, disease, disaster and death and Satan into his life. And when Job tried to get an answer out of God, He never did tell him why. So isn't that the best approach, to just say we really don't know, Scripture doesn't tell us? That would be the best answer if Scripture didn't tell us. If that was honestly the case and we said that we have no scriptural answer, that's fine. But we do have a scriptural answer, that's fine. But we do have a scriptural answer.

And this opens up to our thinking a whole category of theological truth that goes under the name of theodicy...theodicy...t-h-e-o-d-i-c-y, theodicy. It comes from two Greek words, theos meaning God, and dikewhich is the root of the words that mean righteousness or righteous, or just, or justice. A theodicy is an explanation of how God can be just, or how God can be righteous. It is a defense of God's righteousness in the face of the presence of pervasive sin. And so I want to give you what I believe is a biblical theodicy, a biblical defense of why God who is holy, who is loving, who is all-knowing, who is all-powerful has allowed evil to dominate His creation?

So I'm going to put together my own little series of logical points. Number one, evil exists...evil exists. This is without serious argument. It is incontrovertible unless you are a Christian science advocate. It was Mary Baker Eddy Patterson Glover Frye...she had a problem with men...who basically developed what is called Christian Science. The teaching of Christian Science is this, "All evil is an illusion. All sickness is an illusion. And even death is an illusion." Christian Science is actually like Grape Nuts. If you've ever had Grape Nuts, I don't know why they named them that, they're not grapes and they're not nuts. And Christian Science is neither Christian nor scientific. But it sounds impressive....

Saturday, April 09, 2011

"The Body is the Lord's" 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

1) Sexual Sin Harms (1 Corinthians 6:12a)
• Proverbs 5:3-6; 8-11; 18-19

2) Sexual Sin Controls (1 Corinthians 6:12b)
• Romans 6:14

• Psalm 1:1

3) Sexual Sin Perverts (1 Corinthians 6:13-20)
a) The Body is for the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13-14)
• Philippians 3:20-21


b) The Body is a Member of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15-18)
• Ephesians 1:22-23


c) The Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
• 1 Peter 1:18-19

SEXUAL PURITY: PASSION HELD BY PRINCIPLE

The love life of a Christian is a crucial battleground. Each Christian woman must consider the authority of Christ over human passions, then set her heart on purity. Chastity means abstention from sexual activity outside of marriage and is a Christian obligation. For the Christian there is one rule and one rule only: total abstention from sexual activity prior to marriage and total faithfulness within marriage (1 Cor. 7:1–9).

Christians are to prize the sanctity of sex. This means learning the disciplines of longing, loneliness, uncertainty, hope, trust, and unconditional commitment to Christ—a commitment requiring that regardless of what passion we may feel, we must be pure.

Chastity presupposes not taking lightly any act or thought that is not appropriate to the kind of commitment you have to God. To equate any and every personal sexual desire as natural, healthy, and God-given is a powerful lie. God does not give desires that cannot be fulfilled according to His standards of holiness, wholeness, and purity. Sexual purity is one of the foremost means of safeguarding a marriage from that which pollutes, corrupts, infects, or destroys—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Purity means freedom from contamination, from anything that would spoil the taste or the pleasure, reduce the power, or in any way adulterate what a thing is meant to be. Within marriage, sexual union is natural, healthy, and pleasurable not only for the moment—but for all of life together. Sexual intimacy is natural, in the sense in which the original Designer created it to be. When virginity and purity are no longer protected and prized, there is dullness, monotony, and sheer boredom. By trying to grab fulfillment everywhere, you find it nowhere.

Purity before marriage consists of giving ourselves to and for each other in obedience to God. Passion must be held by principle. The principle is love—not merely erotic, sentimental, or sexual feeling. There is no other way to control passion and no other route to purity and joy. If you choose to avoid the sin of sexual immorality, that is God’s ideal; but if you have already given away your virginity, the message of the gospel proclaims New Birth, a new beginning, and a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).

See also 1 Cor. 6:13–18; 1 Thess. 4:3–6; notes on Dating (1 Tim. 4); Marriage (Gen. 2; 2 Sam. 6; Prov. 5; Hos. 2; Amos 3; 2 Cor. 13; Heb. 12); Sexual Immorality (Prov. 6); Sexuality (Song 4)
Thomas Nelson, I. (1997). Woman's study Bible . Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

100 Huntley Interviews Geoff Tunnicliffe regarding recent murder of Shahbaz Bhatti


Jim Cantelon from 100 Huntley interviews Geoff Tunnicliffe, the International Director of World Evangelical Alliance about the murder of Pakistan's only Christian Cabinet minister. He was gunned down by the radical Taliban because of his attempt to change the blasphemy laws. www.worldevangelicals.org

Saturday, April 02, 2011

Sermon Outline: "The Glorious Church" Ephesians 5 25-33

1) The Manner of Christ's Love (Ephesians 5:25–31)
a) Sacrificial Love (5:25b)
• Romans 5:7-8

b) Purifying Love (Ephesians 5:26–27)
• 1 John 1:9

• Titus 3:2-8

c) Caring Love (Ephesians 5:28–30)
• Galatians 2:20

• 1 Corinthians 6:17

d) Unbreakable Love (Ephesians 5:31)
• Matthew 19:6-9


2) The Motive of Christ's Love (5:32–33)
• Revelation 21:1-8

Friday, April 01, 2011

Greg Koukl - What Can We Know about the Afterlife?


Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason answers the question, "What do you say when a person says that we can't know what happens after we die?".