• Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

The Carpenter's Chapel (4)

NaasPreacher (C4K)

Well-Known Member
Tuesday, 13th July, 2004

Faithful and Christian continue to speak of Talkative.

Faith. Well, I was not so fond of his company at first; but I am as sick of it now. What shall we do to be rid of him?

Chr. Take my advice, and do as I bid you; and you shall find that he will soon be sick of your company too--except God shall touch his heart and turn it.

Faith. What would you have me to do?

Chr. Why, go to him, and enter into some serious discourse about the power of religion; and ask him plainly (when he has approved of it, for that he will) whether this thing be set up in his heart, house or conversation.
Faithful decides to put Talkative’s talk to a test.

Talk. I perceive, then, that our talk must be about the power of things; well, 'tis a very good question, and I shall be willing to answer you. And take my answer in brief, thus: First, Where the grace of God is in the heart, it causes there a great outcry against sin. Secondly--

Faith. Nay, hold; let us consider of one at once: I think you should rather say, it shows itself by inclining the soul to abhor its sin.

Talk. Why, what difference is there between crying out against, and abhorring of, sin?

Faith. Oh, a great deal! a man may cry out against sin of policy; but he cannot abhor it, but by virtue of a godly antipathy against it. I have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit; who yet can abide it well enough in the heart, and house, and conversation. Joseph's mistress cried out with a loud voice, as if she had been very holy; but she would willingly, notwithstanding that, have committed uncleanness with him (Genesis 39v15). Some cry out against sin, even as the mother cries out against her child in her lap; when she calls it "slut" and "naughty girl, "and then falls to hugging and kissing it.

Talk. You lie at the catch, I perceive.
Talkative ask the question of Faithful, “What is the difference between crying out sin and hating it?”

Faithful uses the illustration of the Potiphar’s wife. She cried out against Joseph when he ran, but gladly would have committed her sin if he had provided the opportunity. How often are we like Potiphar’s wife. We speak against sin, saying how wrong it is and sounding great words. Yet, in out hearts and our private lives we are guilty of the very sin we rail against? Our hearts and action tell more about our attitude toward sin than our words ever will.

Bunyan’s second illustration of harbouring sin we speak against needs no illustration – “Some cry out against sin, even as the mother cries out against her child in her lap; when she calls it "slut" and "naughty girl, "and then falls to hugging and kissing it.”

Are there sins in your life today that you speak and rail against – then privately hug and kiss that sin as your child? Are there sins that you speak and talk against only because you lack opportunity. O that not a one of us would have the same misunderstanding of sin that Talkative had.
 

Jim1999

<img src =/Jim1999.jpg>
Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Chief Cornerstone

This topic came up in a recent devotional, and the thought came to me, What is a
cornerstone? In modern architecture, a cornerstone has two basic meanings. (1) It is
the stone which identifies the building or structure. It has no link to structural
integrity; it is decorative and informative only. (2) When doing drawings, the
architect or draughtsman starts at the extreme left front corner of the building and
all drawings are read left to right. This starting corner is the chief cornerstone. It
determines the squareness of the building.

In ancient architecture, a cornerstone has two purposes. (1) It is an primary stone
directly affecting the integrity of the building. (2) It is an imperfect stone, cast to
one side until building an archway. An arch is built without the use of mortar. The
stones are cut to form the arch by standing in what is called a soldier course. They
form the arch from each side to the centre and find strength by leaning against each
other. The cornerstone is cut from the rejected stone and used at the apex of this
arch to secure it in place. In this sense, it is the most important stone in all the
building; it is the chief cornerstone. Once completed, the arch is self-sustained. It
can withstand great forces, as was evidenced during World War II in Europe.
Bombs often destroyed some of the old buildings, but the arches remained standing.

The cornerstone played a significant religious role as well. It was linked to
astrology, the stars. Buildings were laid out with astronomical precision and in
relation to the points of the compass and the emphasis was on the corners. Hence
the beginning corner, the chief cornerstone. Religiously, it was considered the seed
of the building from which everything else would develop and grow. In early
history, religious rites were performed around the chief cornerstone, including the
sprinkling of blood and water. These ceremonies were attended by monarchs,
priests and other dignitaries.

And it was used in the Bible in relation to Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone.
The “seed” from which salvation was possible and the growth of the church. With
this very brief historical and architectural information we can draw the significance
of the terminology used in scripture to denote the place of Christ to the church.

Christ was rejected of men. So the cornerstone was rejected by the builders, but it
later became the chief cornerstone. So Jesus rose again, and He is our Chief
Cornerstone.

This is not exactly a devotional, but I thought it might lead our hearts and minds in
that direction as we consider the role of the chief cornerstone.

Cheers,

Jim
 

Watchman

New Member
Thanks Jim. Oh, I think it was a very good devotional. Helping us to consider our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone!
 

Dan Todd

Active Member
Your experience in architecture - helps us to more fully understand the Biblical picture of Who Jesus really is.

Thank you Jim!
 

NaasPreacher (C4K)

Well-Known Member
Thursday, 15th July, 2004

Just want to take a one day break from our discussion of Pilgrim and Faithful’s journey to the Celestial City.

This morning let’s take a brief look at Colossians 3v12-14:

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Realising that there are many tick lists in the Word of God I want to focus on this one because I find it greatly challenging. The description of our Christian apparel is one of which I fear many of us fall short.

Here is the list. As you read it forget about everyone but you. Ask yourself, for you alone, the following questions:

Am I putting on a heart of mercy?
Am I putting on kindness?
Am I putting on a humble mind?
Am I putting on meekness?
Am I putting on the ability to “suffer long.”
Am I putting on the ability to put up with others who irritate me?
Am I putting on forgiveness?
Above all, am I putting on charity?

This fits well into our discussion of the character Talkative in Pilgrim’s progress. These are things that we all talk about and things that we know are right. However, how are we actually DOING in meeting these true Bible standards.

When I was first saved I became involved in a movement that had a whole different tick list. It went something like this:

Do I go to the cinema?
Do I play cards?
Do I listen to rock/CCM/country/secular music?
Does my wife wear trousers?
Does my hair touch my ears?
Well, you get the picture.

Now, there is nothing wrong with personal standards and I still hold to many on that list.

However, I find the Colossians list a much more convicting, challenging, and profitable list. This is what God expects us to strive after. How are you doing on the “tick list” from Colossians 3?
 

Dan Todd

Active Member
Thank you Roger - It's good for us to do some real soul searching - once in a while - instead of legalistic searching!
 

Dan Todd

Active Member
Lest some of you think I am back to my old tricks of double posting - somehow - I posted the above post twice - not intentionally.

Now that I moderate this forum - I can edit after the five minutes are up - so I'm letting you think that I am a double poster - instead of just an idiot!

Seriously - I hope many of you read these devotionals. Jim, Roger, and Charles give us lots of good things to think about and meditate upon!

Thanks guys!

[ July 15, 2004, 10:11 PM: Message edited by: Dan Todd ]
 

Watchman

New Member
Roger: all of those are attributes of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Am I putting on the ability to put up with others who irritate me?"
Now that is a toughy and God help me to be like that. One of the things I think that I would have been tempted to ask the Lord if I had been there would be (speaking of the Jews harping at Him all the time), "Lord, don't you get sick and tired of their constant harrassment?" He showed so much patience that even Job would be "green with envy!"

Dan:
You, double post? Now, we would never think that of you! :rolleyes:
 

Jim1999

<img src =/Jim1999.jpg>
Friday, July 16, 2004

2 Corinthians 13: 5

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves."

Paul is talking to Christians. So, what is he saying here? First, in context, Paul is talking to some who challenged Paul's status in Christ, and he answers those charges in te earier verses. Verse 1 "This is the third time I am coming to you.....in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." Then verse 3 "Since ye seek a proof of Christ seaking in me..."

It is obvious, reading the whole chapter, Paul is not concerned about their salvation. They are challenging Paul's apostleship, and Paul shows them that he is true to his word. So, let's get at the meat of this passage.

These Corinthians had many visible proofs of Paul's apostleship, but they had to complain about something. This is what I find in the Christian Church. There are alwayssome who must complain about something. Everything is going their way, yet still it could be better. They go on and on, day in and day out, and it has the effect of bringing the rest of the body down to their level.

Like the Corinthians, these folk are saved, but they need a tongue adjustment. They are speaking the verses of God, but behaving contrary to what they are reading. These are not outward and colossal sins, they are the nagging things that begins to challenge others. And here Paul says, "Examine yourselves..."

If we examine ourselves, will we then portray a positive witness even in adversity? Will we understand Paul when he speaks, "When I am weak, then am I strong"? What will our witness be? "Examine yourselves..." says Paul, Look inside folks and make sure both sides are telling the same message.

On physical ailments, I understand fully what it is all about as I type this message. Now, I can dwell on this malady of mine and show everyone how terrible it is, or I can take the message of God, which I claim to believe, and "examine myself, whether I be in the faith..." One illustration. If I go into the nursing home and dwell on my disabilities, of what comfort is that to people much worse off? Now, if I go in there full of joy and demonstrating what God has done in me despite the physical infirmities, they too will share the joy, and their day will brighten. This is what Paul was getting at with the Corinthian believers.

Lord, help us, each one, to examine ourselves, from the inside out, to see whether we are of the faith.

Cheers,

Jim
 

Watchman

New Member
Thank you Jim.
David invited God to search his heart to "see if there is any wicked way in me." But man has a responsibility for self-examination. If we are to do any comparing of ourselves to anyone else, it must be to the Lord Jesus Himself; because that is where God has set the bar so-to-speak.
 

Dan Todd

Active Member
Thank you Jim!

You have a great attitude - and I'm sure your visits to those in the nursing homes bring great comfort to them. Keep up the good work - my friend!
 

Watchman

New Member
Saturday July 17,2004

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1John 1:9)

Although few matters are more important than renewing a right relationship with God, there is a great deal of confusion that abounds regarding the proper manner of confessing our sins. The Biblical model for confession is clearly given in Psalm 51 where David, under inspiration, deals with his sin of adultery. Note how the focus of the passage is on God, rather than upon any other man or even on David's own needs and desires

First, the Psalm highlights the basis of proper forgiveness-God's mercy: "according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions." (Psalm 51:1)

Secondly, David underscores who his sin has offended: God.
"For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, and You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight." (Psalm 51: 3-4)

Then we note that David requests God's cleansing:
"Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7)

Only after this process does David request:
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, And uphold me by your generous Spirit." (Psalm 51:12)
Even this restoration of joy and fellowship of God's Spirit is requested that he might again use his life to glorify God.
"Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to you." (Psalm 51:13)

Biblical confession deals with our relationship with God on His terms. It is essentially agreeing with God about the specific spiritual failures in our life. After such a process we can claim God's promise found in our found in our text: "forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"
 

Watchman

New Member
Sunday July 18,2004

"When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." (Matthew 8:16-17)

The earthly healing ministries of Jesus are here to have fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53:4: "Surely He has borne our grief's And carried our sorrows"
This passage does, indeed predict the healing work of the Messiah in His earthly ministry. Isaiah 53:5-6 then predicts the substitutionary atoning work of the Messiah, concluding with the statement: "And the Lord has laid on Him the Iniquity of us all."

The order here is important. The healing ministry preceded the atonement, just as the prophecy of healing preceded the prophecy of Christ's atoning work. This means that particular healings cannot be part of the atonement itself. The reason for the earthly healing work of Christ was, "that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins." (Matthew 9:6)

The saving work of Christ includes deliverance from the death penalty for sin in one's past life, the power of sin in his present life, and the very presence of sin in the future life. Our great salvation has already delivered us from the eternal torments of the second death (Revelation 20:14; 21:8), from the defeating power of physical infirmities in our present bodies, and from the very presence of sickness and pain in the future. In any case, there is no question that God is able in particular situations right now, either to provide direct healing in answer to prayer, or sufficient grace to meet whatever physical need we have in a way that honors Him.
He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted,Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
(Isaiah 53: 3-7)
 

Dan Todd

Active Member
Thank you Charles - though we don't often care to hear from our Lord - as Paul heard when he asked that his thorn in the flesh be removed - Yet His grace is sufficient - for which I praise Him!
 

NaasPreacher (C4K)

Well-Known Member
Monday, 19th July, 2004

Faithful and Talkative’s discussion of spiritual things continues. Here Talkative brings up the topic of “Great knowledge Gospel mysteries.”


Faith. This sign should have been first; but first or last, it is also false: for knowledge, great knowledge, may be obtained in the mysteries of the Gospel, and yet no work of grace in the soul (1Corinthians 13v2). Yea, if a man have all knowledge, he may yet be nothing; and so consequently be no child of God. When Christ said, Do you know all these things? and the disciples had answered, Yes: he added, Blessed are ye if ye do them! He doth not lay the blessing in the knowing of them; but in the doing of them. For there is a knowledge that is not attended with doing: "he that knows his Master's will, and does it not." A man may know like an angel, and yet be no Christian; therefore your sign of it is not true. Indeed, to know is a thing that pleases talkers and boasters; but to do is that which pleases God. Not that the heart can be good without knowledge; for without that the heart is naught: there is, therefore, knowledge and knowledge. Knowledge that rests in the bare speculation of things; and knowledge that is accompanied with the grace of faith and love, which puts a man upon doing even the will of God from the heart: the first of these will serve the talker; but without the other the true Christian is not content. "Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart" (Psalm 119v34).
Talkative has just expressed his pride in his great knowledge of Bible truths. He seems to think that knowledge makes him spiritual. Yet 1 Corinthians 13v2 tells us “…though I understand all mysteries, and all knowledge…and have not charity I am nothing.” Knowledge of spiritual truths is no sign of salvation, anymore than spiritual talk is. Many men know vast amounts about the Bible, but never do anything about it. Faithful says, “There is knowledge and knowledge.”

The first, and ineffective kind of knowledge is that which “rests in a bare speculation of things.” This is the kind of knowledge that we might today refer to as “head knowledge.” Although it might be vast, it is meaningless.

The second kind of knowledge is that knowledge which “is accompanied with the grace of faith and love, which puts a man upon doing even the will of God from the heart.” This is what we call “heart knowledge” today and this is the knowledge that leads men to action. According to Psalm 119v34 this true knowledge will lead to “observance with the whole heart.”

The lesson for us is clear – we act when we have a heart knowledge of the truth Head knowledge leads to mental assent and agreement only. Heart knowledge will lead to a change of action.

What kind of “knowledge” do you have of spiritual truth? Is it the kind of knowledge that only resides in the head? Or is it the kind of knowledge that leads to a change of heart, and therefore a change of action?

How about a simple test?

Do you know that God will meet you needs? If you only have the first kind of knowledge you will say that you know it, yet when the trials comes you will once again fret and worry that God REALLY is able.

On the other hand, do you KNOW that God will meet your needs? When you have the second kind of knowledge Faithful talks about the next time the trail comes you will be able to trust God in the trial for it is the knowledge of the heart.

How is your knowledge today?
 
Top