What is the secret to increased obedience to God's word? Is it going to church more? Reading your Bible more? Memorizing Scripture? Working harder? Being more diligent? While those things could be an aid to increased obedience to God's word, they are useless without the key ingredient of faith. You may ask, "What does faith have to do with obeying the Bible. Isn't faith just for getting saved and then we just need to pull our bootstraps up and work hard in obeying God's commands." I am glad you asked.
Abraham provides and excellent example of how to answer this question. Genesis 26:5 states "Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." What a great description of Abraham that I am sure we wish could be true of our lives as well. What was the secret to Abraham's obedience? Hebrews 11:8 provides the answer when the author writes, "By faith Abraham obeyed." The secret to Abraham's obedience was his faith. His obedience did not proceed faith, but followed it.
This helps us see the root of our disobedience. If faith is the source of obedience, then unbelief is the source of disobedience. When we disobey God's word we are willfully choosing our own laws over God's law. We think our way is better than God's way. The root of this type of thinking is a lack of belief and trust that God's law will lead us to what our hearts deeply long for, which is happiness. Instead we are trusting that our laws will lead us to happiness. So the secret to faithful obedience is not doing more, but trusting more.
May God's grace supply us with the necessary faith that leads to obedience.
Cory
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A Gospel Story
Do you have a gospel story? The gospel for the Apostle Paul was more than just theological statements. It was something that radically changed his life. Paul was once someone who "persecuted the church of God and violently tried to destroy it" (Gal. 1:13). He then became someone known for "preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy" (Gal. 1:23). The root of Paul's transformation was the gospel (Gal. 1:14-15).
It is important to remember that Paul was not a pagan before his conversion. Yes, he was persecuting the church, but he was doing this out of a desire to keep Judaism pure. He thought he was honoring God by doing this. The pre-conversion Paul was a very "moral" person. He was a respected and rising Pharisee. In fact, Paul says he was "zealous" for the moral traditions of Judaism.
I point this out because we often associate the gospel with simply living a good moral life. So and so was a heathen, but now they live a good life. Many think if you live a good moral life, then you are a good Christian. The reality is that you can live a good moral life without Jesus or any understanding of the gospel. The highly moral person needs Jesus as much as the biggest heathen. For Paul, the gospel was never about simply living a good moral life. Instead, it was about realizing that living a moral life would never be sufficient to save him. He knew that no amount of good works could ever overcome the depths of his sinfulness. Reflecting on the gospel always lead Paul to remember his own sinfulness and inability to save himself. This is why he would later write that he was "chief" among all sinners.
When you think about the gospel, do you think about all the great things you do for God? If so, that is not the gospel but legalism. Reflecting on the gospel should always lead you to remembering the depths of God's grace; and how He saved someone who was unworthy and unable to save themselves. That was Paul's gospel story. What is yours?
In Christ Alone,
Cory
It is important to remember that Paul was not a pagan before his conversion. Yes, he was persecuting the church, but he was doing this out of a desire to keep Judaism pure. He thought he was honoring God by doing this. The pre-conversion Paul was a very "moral" person. He was a respected and rising Pharisee. In fact, Paul says he was "zealous" for the moral traditions of Judaism.
I point this out because we often associate the gospel with simply living a good moral life. So and so was a heathen, but now they live a good life. Many think if you live a good moral life, then you are a good Christian. The reality is that you can live a good moral life without Jesus or any understanding of the gospel. The highly moral person needs Jesus as much as the biggest heathen. For Paul, the gospel was never about simply living a good moral life. Instead, it was about realizing that living a moral life would never be sufficient to save him. He knew that no amount of good works could ever overcome the depths of his sinfulness. Reflecting on the gospel always lead Paul to remember his own sinfulness and inability to save himself. This is why he would later write that he was "chief" among all sinners.
When you think about the gospel, do you think about all the great things you do for God? If so, that is not the gospel but legalism. Reflecting on the gospel should always lead you to remembering the depths of God's grace; and how He saved someone who was unworthy and unable to save themselves. That was Paul's gospel story. What is yours?
In Christ Alone,
Cory
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Gospel and 9/11
We are fast approaching the tenth anniversary of the events that comprised 9/11. Media outlets are putting out countless stories reflecting on the dramatic events of that day, and the ten years that have followed. No doubt, many are recounting where they were and what they were doing on that day. I can vividly recall the events of that September day. I was living in Burkina Faso, West Africa at the time, in a small Marense village named Zomkalga. The village did not have electricity, so my only access to outside news was a short-wave radio that I would listen to each night. My first account of the attacks actually came from a Marense friend, who happened to be listening to a news program in French. He approached me and informed me that something was happening in America. The literal translation of what he told me in the Marense language was, "An eagle has fallen on the big house in New York and Washington, D.C." Needless to say, it wasn't until I was able to find the BBC on my short-way radio that I understood the fullness of what he was saying.
Ten years later, the memory remains as fresh as if it were yesterday. The question is, as these memories are revived, are there any connections between remembering 9/11 and the gospel? I think there are several, but two stand out in particular. The first is the reminder that we live in a fallen world. As Americans, we have a tendency to forget that there are billions of people filling our planet that live outside of the United States. In remembering 9/11, it is easy to forget that we are not alone in national tragedies. There were nearly 3,000 people killed in the airplane attacks and aftermaths of 9/11. Since that time 4,474 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq, while over 100,000 Iraqi civilians have lost their lives. Another 1,584 U.S. military personnel have died in Afganistan. The 2004 tsunami in Asia took over 230,000 lives, while the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan killed 15,690 (nearly 5,000 people are still unaccounted for). In recent months, over 29,000 children under 5 years old have died in Somalia as a result of starvation. The United Nations warns that another 750,000 people are currently in danger of dying in East Africa as a result of the famine. While we mourn the lives lost on 9/11, we must remember that we are not alone. We live in a fallen, sin-plagued world. It is a world that groans for the redemption and restoration that is ultimately promised in the gospel. Suffering and death are realities that we share with all humanity, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
The second is the reminder that the gospel is ultimately our only hope. Americans are consumed with security and safety. The events of 9/11 have put that value on steroids. We spend billions each year on security measures, abroad and stateside. I am thankful for the men and women who dedicate their lives to helping the United States be a safer place to live. However, the gospel demands that my ultimate hope be in the gospel that promises life after this one, not in their ability to protect me. When our eyes turn from eternity, only this life is left for us. The result is being totally consumed with "security and safety" in this earthly life. The words of Jesus are strikingly applicable here, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). Have no fear for what terrorists can do, and avoid putting all hope in the limited ability of the government and civil servants to protect you. As long as the root of war remains, which is sin, there will be wars and rumors of wars. It is possible that all earthly possessions are taken from us. Fear not. Instead, cast your hope in the gospel that promises eternal security and rest in the presence of King Jesus.
As we remember 9/11, let us remember that deeper biblical truths it points us to.
In Christ,
Cory
Ten years later, the memory remains as fresh as if it were yesterday. The question is, as these memories are revived, are there any connections between remembering 9/11 and the gospel? I think there are several, but two stand out in particular. The first is the reminder that we live in a fallen world. As Americans, we have a tendency to forget that there are billions of people filling our planet that live outside of the United States. In remembering 9/11, it is easy to forget that we are not alone in national tragedies. There were nearly 3,000 people killed in the airplane attacks and aftermaths of 9/11. Since that time 4,474 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq, while over 100,000 Iraqi civilians have lost their lives. Another 1,584 U.S. military personnel have died in Afganistan. The 2004 tsunami in Asia took over 230,000 lives, while the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan killed 15,690 (nearly 5,000 people are still unaccounted for). In recent months, over 29,000 children under 5 years old have died in Somalia as a result of starvation. The United Nations warns that another 750,000 people are currently in danger of dying in East Africa as a result of the famine. While we mourn the lives lost on 9/11, we must remember that we are not alone. We live in a fallen, sin-plagued world. It is a world that groans for the redemption and restoration that is ultimately promised in the gospel. Suffering and death are realities that we share with all humanity, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
The second is the reminder that the gospel is ultimately our only hope. Americans are consumed with security and safety. The events of 9/11 have put that value on steroids. We spend billions each year on security measures, abroad and stateside. I am thankful for the men and women who dedicate their lives to helping the United States be a safer place to live. However, the gospel demands that my ultimate hope be in the gospel that promises life after this one, not in their ability to protect me. When our eyes turn from eternity, only this life is left for us. The result is being totally consumed with "security and safety" in this earthly life. The words of Jesus are strikingly applicable here, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). Have no fear for what terrorists can do, and avoid putting all hope in the limited ability of the government and civil servants to protect you. As long as the root of war remains, which is sin, there will be wars and rumors of wars. It is possible that all earthly possessions are taken from us. Fear not. Instead, cast your hope in the gospel that promises eternal security and rest in the presence of King Jesus.
As we remember 9/11, let us remember that deeper biblical truths it points us to.
In Christ,
Cory
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Promise of the Gospel
There are many ways in which the gospel can be distorted. In the case of the churches of Galatia, the problem was that some were adding to the gospel. Specifically, some where teaching that you must be circumcised in order to be saved. Paul is clear, this addition by the false teachers results in a different gospel than what he was preaching (Gal. 1:6-10). A gospel that is added to is no gospel at all.
Unfortunately, adding to the gospel continues today. One of the ways we like to add to the gospel is in regard to the promise of the gospel. We like to change the singular "promise" to a plural "promises". Some may not directly do this, however, we often assume added promises in our minds. It generally goes something like this, "I thought I was being a good Christian. I don't understand why (insert undesirable situation) is happening to me?" The undesirable situation could be various things (sickness, job problems, financial problems, family issues, etc.).
When we think this way, we are adding promises to the gospel. Does the gospel promise perfect health? Does the gospel promise financial prosperity? Does the gospel promise a removal of all difficult family issues? Does the gospel promise you will never suffer? Does the gospel promise hurricanes will not flood or destroy your house? Does the gospel promise we will get promotions over non-believers? The gospel promises none of these things in our earthly lives.
What then, does the gospel promise? The promise of the gospel is, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13). The call of faith is a call to trust in that promise. The gospel is the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham to make a people for Himself from all peoples (Gen. 12:3; 15:5). Through faith we are Christ's. If we are Christ's, then we are Abraham's offspring, and therefore, "heirs according to promise" (Gal. 3:29).
In the gospel, we are promised God. Nothing more, nothing less. It needs no additions.
In Christ,
Cory
Unfortunately, adding to the gospel continues today. One of the ways we like to add to the gospel is in regard to the promise of the gospel. We like to change the singular "promise" to a plural "promises". Some may not directly do this, however, we often assume added promises in our minds. It generally goes something like this, "I thought I was being a good Christian. I don't understand why (insert undesirable situation) is happening to me?" The undesirable situation could be various things (sickness, job problems, financial problems, family issues, etc.).
When we think this way, we are adding promises to the gospel. Does the gospel promise perfect health? Does the gospel promise financial prosperity? Does the gospel promise a removal of all difficult family issues? Does the gospel promise you will never suffer? Does the gospel promise hurricanes will not flood or destroy your house? Does the gospel promise we will get promotions over non-believers? The gospel promises none of these things in our earthly lives.
What then, does the gospel promise? The promise of the gospel is, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13). The call of faith is a call to trust in that promise. The gospel is the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham to make a people for Himself from all peoples (Gen. 12:3; 15:5). Through faith we are Christ's. If we are Christ's, then we are Abraham's offspring, and therefore, "heirs according to promise" (Gal. 3:29).
In the gospel, we are promised God. Nothing more, nothing less. It needs no additions.
In Christ,
Cory
Monday, August 29, 2011
Learning to Love the Gospel
Nothing is more fundamental to a healthy church than getting the gospel right. When the gospel is lost the church begins its wayward journey into irrelevance. Before the gospel is lost in a congregation, something else is lost first—a love for the gospel. A lack of love for the truth that Jesus saves sinners through his death and resurrection always precedes the losing of the gospel.
The cause of this lost love can be traced to a growing complacency in regard to our own sin. If we are not consciously aware of our own sinfulness, then we are not consciously aware of our need of redemption. If we are not consciously aware of our need of redemption, then the gospel is nothing but hollow words. Over time we grow complacent in the routine of life. We cease thinking deeply of our rebellion against God's law. We cease asking God to show us the depths of our sinfulness. We cease confessing sin, other than the occasional half-hearted, "God, please forgive me for all my sins". We cease repenting of our sin. The result is that we cease loving the gospel for there is nothing there for us to love. Instead we become infatuated with our own self-righteousness.
How much love do you have for the gospel? The answer to that question is directly related to how clearly you see your own sin. Thomas Schreiner insightfully writes, “The wonder and beauty of the gospel is forgotten if we fail to see the depth and gravity of our sin, for then the death of Christ seems unnecessary.” How necessary do you see the death of Christ? Take time this week to ask God to show you the depths of your own sinfulness. Be specific. Confess it. Repent of it. Embrace the beauty of the gospel. A love for the gospel makes healthy Christians. Healthy Christians make healthy churches. May God, in His grace, grant us a healthy congregation that loves the gospel at Red Bud.
Praying for a deeper love of the gospel,
Pastor Cory
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Gospel Implications
The goal of this blog is quite simple. It is to serve the church in aiding her pursuit of thinking and living rightly in light of the gospel. I don't presume to have this all figured out myself, but I am committed to seeking to understand the gospel more fully and the effects that it should have on those who claim it as truth. There are implications for trusting in the gospel. Claiming Jesus as Lord demands a certain way of thinking and living. The goal here is to continually unpack what those implications are for our thinking and living.
This will be done in two ways. The first will be a post every Monday that focuses on further application from Sunday's sermon. I will be starting a new sermon series on August 28th titled "Getting the Gospel Right." This series will take us through the book of Galatians. Therefore, the Monday posts will begin on Aug. 29th.
The second way will be a Thursday post that will deal with either a question of the week or current event. The goal will be to explore how the gospel helps answer a particular question about living as a follower of Jesus or how the gospel should influence our understanding of a current event. This is where I need your help. Please submit relevant questions that you may have or events that you would be interested in exploring how the gospel should impact our understanding or response to the event.
In these ways my hope is that together we can grow in our understanding of the implications of the gospel for our thinking and living.
Thankful for the Gospel,
Cory
This will be done in two ways. The first will be a post every Monday that focuses on further application from Sunday's sermon. I will be starting a new sermon series on August 28th titled "Getting the Gospel Right." This series will take us through the book of Galatians. Therefore, the Monday posts will begin on Aug. 29th.
The second way will be a Thursday post that will deal with either a question of the week or current event. The goal will be to explore how the gospel helps answer a particular question about living as a follower of Jesus or how the gospel should influence our understanding of a current event. This is where I need your help. Please submit relevant questions that you may have or events that you would be interested in exploring how the gospel should impact our understanding or response to the event.
In these ways my hope is that together we can grow in our understanding of the implications of the gospel for our thinking and living.
Thankful for the Gospel,
Cory
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