Can we ourselves make this satisfaction?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 13. Can we ourselves make this satisfaction?

Answer. Certainly not; on the contrary, we daily increase our guilt.[1]

[1] Job 9:2-3, 15:15-16; Ps 130:3; Mt 6:12, 16:26; Rom 2:4-5

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Bagster's Daily Light - February 1 - Evening

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' 1

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 2

With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. 3

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 4

But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 5

it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 6

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- 7
______________

1 Jer 23:6;
2 Isa 64:6;
3 Psa 71:16;
4 Isa 61:10;
5 Luke 15:22;
6 Rev 19:8;
7 Phil 3:8,9

Whom having not seen, ye love

Bagster's Daily Light - February 1 - Morning

Whom having not seen, ye love.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 1

for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2

We love because he first loved us. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 3

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 4

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 5

If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 6

Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 7

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. 8
______________

1 1 Pet 1:8;
2 2 Cor 5:7;
3 1 John 4:19,16;
4 Eph 1:13;
5 Col 1:27;
6 1 John 4:20;
7 John 20:29;
8 Psa 2:12

The danger of misplaced faith

"There is always a danger that when we begin to see fruit in our lives, we’ll subtly begin to rely on that fruit for our salvation, instead of on Christ. Guard against that temptation, Christian. Realize that the fruit you bear is merely that — the fruit of a tree already made good by God’s grace in Christ. To rely on your own Christian fruit to secure God’s favor is ultimately to shift your faith from Jesus to yourself. And that is no salvation at all." — Greg Gilbert, What is the Gospel? (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2010), 82-83

(HT: Of First Importance)

The only 'good name' that matters

"In the end, the only 'good name' that matters is not how men feel about us, but how God feels about us." (Matt 3:17; Gal 3:26; Eph 1:3; 1 Cor 1:30,31; Rom 8:1,37-39)

(Piper, John: Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. Wheaton, Ill. : Crossway Books, 2004, S. 63)

How may we escape God's punishment and be received into favor?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 12. Since, then, by the righteous judgment of God we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, how may we escape this punishment and be again received into favor?

Answer. God wills that His justice be satisfied;[1] therefore, we must make full satisfaction to that justice, either by ourselves or by another.[2]

[1] Ex 20:5, 23:7; Rom 2:1-11;
[2] Isa 53:11; Rom 8:3-4

If a man sin against the LORD

Bagster's Daily Light - January 31 - Evening

If a man sin against the LORD ...

If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?" But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the LORD to put them to death. 1

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 2

whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 3

and he is merciful to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom; 4

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 5
______________

1 1 Sam 2:25;
2 1 John 2:1,2;
3 Rom 3:25,26;
4 Job 33:24;
5 Rom 8:31,33,34

If ye will not drive out the inhabitants

Bagster's Daily Light - January 31 - Morning

If ye will not drive out the inhabitants ...

But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell. 1

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 2

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 3

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 4

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 5

but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 6

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 7
______________

1 Num 33:55;
2 1 Tim 6:12;
3 2 Cor 10:4,5;
4 Rom 8:12,13;
5 Gal 5:17;
6 Rom 7:23;
7 Rom 8:37

All close relationships, especially marriage, lead people either nearer to heaven or hell

From J.C. Ryle's comments about Luke 2:41-52:

Marriage is a state of life which has the greatest effect on the souls of those who enter into it. It helps them upwards or downwards. It leads them nearer to heaven or nearer to hell. We all depend much on the company we keep. Our characters are insensibly molded by those with whom we pass our time. To none does this apply so much as to married people. Husbands and wives are continually doing either good or harm to one another's souls.

Let all who are married, or think of being married, ponder these things well. Let them take example from the conduct of Joseph and Mary, and resolve to do likewise. Let them pray together, and read the Bible together, and go to the house of God together, and talk to one another about spiritual matters. Above all, let them beware of throwing obstacles and discouragements in one another's way about means of grace. Blessed are those husbands who say to their wives as Elkanah did to Hannah, "Do all that is in your heart." Happy are those wives who say to their husbands as Leah and Rachel did to Jacob, "Whatever God has said unto you, do." (1 Sam. 1:23; Gen. 31:16.)

But is not God also merciful?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 11. But is not God also merciful?

Answer. God is indeed merciful,[1] but He is likewise just;[2] His justice therefore requires that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment both of body and soul.[3]

[1] Ex 20:6, 34:6-7; Ps 103:8-9;
[2] Ex 20:5, 34:7; Deut 7:9-11; Ps 5:4-6; 2 Cor 6:14-16; Heb 10:30-31; Rev 14:11;
[3] Mt 25:45-46

Bear the yoke in his youth

Bagster's Daily Light - January 30 - Evening

Bear the yoke in his youth.

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 1

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 2

Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 3

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. 4

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 5

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 6
______________

1 Lam 3:27;
2 Prov 22:6;
3 Heb 12:9,10;
4 Psa 119:67,71;
5 Jer 29:11;
6 1 Pet 5:6

Let us run with patience the race set before us

Bagster's Daily Light - January 30 - Morning

Let us run with patience the race set before us.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 1

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 2

So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. 3

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 4

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 5

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 6

Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth." 7
______________

1 Heb 12:1,2;
2 Luke 9:23;
3 Luke 14:33;
4 Rom 13:12;
5 1 Cor 9:25-27;
6 Phil 3:13,14;
7 Hos 6:3

Upon the disobedient child

Upon the Disobedient Child

Children become, while little, our delights!
When they grow bigger, they begin to fright’s.
Their sinful nature prompts them to rebel,
And to delight in paths that lead to hell.
Their parents’ love and care they overlook,
As if relation had them quite forsook.
They take the counsels of the wanton’s, rather
Than the most grave instructions of a father.
They reckon parents ought to do for them,
Though they the fifth commandment do contemn;
They snap and snarl if parents them control,
Though but in things most hurtful to the soul.
They reckon they are masters, and that we
Who parents are, should to them subject be!
If parents fain would have a hand in choosing,
The children have a heart will in refusing.
They’ll by wrong doings, under parents gather,
And say it is no sin to rob a father.
They’ll jostle parents out of place and power,
They’ll make themselves the head, and them devour.
How many children, by becoming head,
Have brought their parents to a piece of bread!
Thus they who, at the first, were parents joy,
Turn that to bitterness, themselves destroy.
But, wretched child, how canst thou thus requite
Thy aged parents, for that great delight
They took in thee, when thou, as helpless, lay
In their indulgent bosoms day by day?
Thy mother, long before she brought thee forth,
Took care thou shouldst want neither food nor cloth.
Thy father glad was at his very heart,
Had he to thee a portion to impart.
Comfort they promised themselves in thee,
But thou, it seems, to them a grief wilt be.
How oft, how willingly brake they their sleep,
If thou, their bantling, didst but winch or weep.
Their love to thee was such they could have giv’n,
That thou mightst live, almost their part of heav’n.
But now, behold how they rewarded are!
For their indulgent love and tender care;
All is forgot, this love he doth despise.
They brought this bird up to pick out their eyes.

Bunyan, John. The works of John Bunyan: with an introduction to each treatise, notes, and a sketch of his life, times, and contemporaries. 3 vols. Banner of Truth, 1991. 761-62.

The only way to be kept from falling is to grow

R.M. McCheyne in a pastoral letter dated March 13, 1839: The only way to be kept from falling is to grow. If you stand still, you will fall. Read Prov. 11:28, “The righteous shall flourish as a branch.” Remember you are not a tree, that can stand alone; you are only “a branch,” and it is only while you abide in Him, as a branch, that you will flourish. Keep clear your sense of justification; remember it is not your own natural goodness, nor your tears, nor your sanctification, that will justify you before God. It is Christ’s sufferings and obedience alone. Seek to be made holier every day; pray, strive, wrestle for the Spirit, to make you like God. Be as much as you can with God. I declare to you that I had rather be one hour with God, than a thousand with the sweetest society on earth or in heaven. All other joys are but streams; God is the fountain: “all my springs are in Thee.”

McCheyne, Robert Murray ; Bonar, Andrew A.: Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne. Edinburgh; London : Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1894, S. 206

Will God allow such disobedience and apostasy to go unpunished?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 10. Will God allow such disobedience and apostasy to go unpunished?

Answer. Certainly not,[1] but He is terribly displeased with our inborn as well as our actual sins, and will punish them in just judgment in time and eternity,[2] as He has declared: “Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”[3]

[1] Heb 9:27;
[2] Ex 34:7; Ps 5:4-6, 7:10; Nah 1:2; Mt 25:41; Rom 1:18, 5:12; Eph 5:6;
[3] Deut 27:26; Gal 3:10

I will praise thee, O LORD my God

Bagster's Daily Light - January 29 - Evening

I will praise thee, O LORD my God.

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 1

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!" 2

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! 4

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 5

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 6

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 7

saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 8
______________

1 Psa 86:12;
2 Psa 50:23;
3 Psa 92:1,2;
4 Psa 150:6;
5 Rom 12:1;
6 Heb 13:12,15;
7 Eph 5:20;
8 Rev 5:12

Thou God seest me

Bagster's Daily Light - January 29 - Morning

Thou God seest me.

So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing," for she said, "Truly here I have seen him who looks after me." 1

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 2

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 3

For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. 4

And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 5

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars." 6

But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. 7

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 8
______________

1 Gen 16:13;
2 Psa 139:1-4,6;
3 Prov 15:3;
4 Prov 5:21;
5 Luke 16:15;
6 2 Chron 16:9;
7 John 2:24,25;
8 John 21:17

Does not God, then, do injustice to man by requiring of him in His Law that which he cannot perform?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 9. Does not God, then, do injustice to man by requiring of him in His Law that which he cannot perform?

Answer. No, for God so made man that he could perform it;[1] but man, through the instigation of the devil,[2] by willful disobedience[3] deprived himself and all his descendants of this power[4]

[1] Gen 1:31; Eph 4:24;
[2] Gen 3:13; Jn 8:44; 1 Tim 2:13-14;
[3] Gen 3:6;
[4] Rom 5:12, 18-19

Awake, O north wind, and ... blow upon my garden

Bagster's Daily Light - January 28 - Evening

Awake, O north wind, and ... blow upon my garden.

Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow. Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits. 1

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 2

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 3

Measure by measure, by exile you contended with them; he removed them with his fierce breath in the day of the east wind. 4

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 5

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 6

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 7

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 8
______________

1 Song of Songs 4:16;
2 Heb 12:11;
3 Gal 5:22;
4 Isa 27:8;
5 Psa 103:13;
6 2 Cor 4:16-18;
7 Heb 5:8;
8 Heb 4:15

As thy days, so shall thy strength be

Bagster's Daily Light - January 28 - Morning

As thy days, so shall thy strength be.

Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be. 1

And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 2

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 3

Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel--he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! 4

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 5

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 6

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 7

The torrent Kishon swept them away, the ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, with might! 8
______________

1 Deut 33:25;
2 Mark 13:11;
3 Matt 6:34;
4 Psa 68:35;
5 Isa 40:29;
6 2 Cor 12:9,10;
7 Phil 4:13;
8 Jdg 5:21

But are we so depraved that we are completely incapable of any good and prone to all evil?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 8. But are we so depraved that we are completely incapable of any good and prone to all evil?

Answer. Yes,[1] unless we are born again by the Spirit of God.[2]

[1] Gen 6:5, 8:21; Job 14:4; Isa 53:6; Jer 17:9; Jn 3:6;
Rom 7:18;
[2] Jn 3:3-5

Choose life

Bagster's Daily Light - January 27 - Evening

Choose life.

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 1

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live." 2

If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 3

And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 4

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 5

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. 6

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 7

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 8
______________

1 Deut 30:19;
2 Ezek 18:32;
3 John 15:22;
4 Luke 12:47;
5 Rom 6:23;
6 John 3:36;
7 Rom 6:16;
8 John 12:26

He was revealed to take away our sins

Bagster's Daily Light - January 27 - Morning

He was revealed to take away our sins ...

You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 1

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 2

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 3

And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 4

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 5
______________

1 1 John 3:5;
2 Heb 1:1-3;
3 2 Cor 5:21;
4 1 Pet 1:17-20;
5 2 Cor 5:14,15

From where, then, does this depraved nature of man come?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 7. From where, then, does this depraved nature of man come?

Answer. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise,[1] whereby our nature became so corrupt[2] that we are all conceived and born in sin.[3]

[1] Gen 3;
[2] Rom 5:12, 18-19;
[3] Psalm 14:2-3, 51:5

Fashioned like his glorious body

Bagster's Daily Light - January 26 - Evening

... Fashioned like his glorious body.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 1

And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking. 2

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 3

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 4

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 5

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 6
______________

1 Phil 3:20,21;
2 Ezek 1:26-28;
3 2 Cor 3:18;
4 1 John 3:2;
5 Rev 7:16;
6 Rev 15:3

Bearing his reproach

Bagster's Daily Light - January 26 - Morning

... Bearing his reproach.

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 1

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 2

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 3

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 4

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 5

choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 6
______________

1 Heb 13:13,14;
2 1 Pet 4:12,13;
3 2 Cor 1:7;
4 1 Pet 4:14;
5 Acts 5:41;
6 Heb 11:25,26

Did God create man thus, wicked and perverse?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 6. Did God create man thus, wicked and perverse?

Answer. No, but God created man good[1] and after His own image,[2] that is, in righteousness and true holiness,[3] that he might rightly know God his Creator,[4] heartily love Him, and live with Him in eternal blessedness, to praise and glorify Him.[5]

[1] Gen 1:31;
[2] Gen 1:26-27
[3] Eph 4:24; 2 Cor 3:18;
[4] Col 3:10;
[5] Psa 8

The Spirit of adoption

Bagster's Daily Light - January 25 - Evening

The Spirit of adoption.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" 1

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 2

And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." 3

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 4

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 5

For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. 6

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 7

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 8
______________

1 Rom 8:15;
2 John 17:1,11,25;
3 Mark 14:36;
4 Gal 4:6;
5 Eph 2:18,19;
6 Isa 63:16;
7 Luke 15:18-20;
8 Eph 5:1

The righteousness of God which is by faith

Bagster's Daily Light - January 25 - Morning

The righteousness of God which is by faith ...

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 1

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-- 3

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 4

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 5

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- 6
______________

1 Rom 3:22;
2 2 Cor 5:21;
3 Gal 3:13;
4 1 Cor 1:30;
5 Tit 3:5,6;
6 Phil 3:8,9

How should we look at a human being in the womb?

The excerpt below is from the message "The Baby in My Womb Leaped for Joy," which John Piper delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Jan. 25, 2009.

Watch and pray ...



Read, listen to, or watch the entire message here. The message is about how the Bible looks at a human being in the womb.

(HT: Justin Taylor)

Chalcedonian Creed

Chalcedonian Creed

We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one
consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead
and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly
man, of a reasonable soul and body; consubstantial
with the Father according to the Godhead, and
consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in
all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before
all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and
in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born
of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, according to
the Manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord,
only begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures,
unconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly,
inseparably; the distinction of natures being by no
means taken away by the union, but rather the
property of each nature being preserved, and
concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not
parted or divided into two persons, but one and the
same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the
Lord Jesus Christ; as the prophets from the beginning
have declared concerning Him, and the Lord Jesus
Christ Himself has taught us, and the Creed of the
holy Fathers has handed down to us.

Athanasian Creed

Athanasian Creed

Whosoever wants to be saved, before all things it is
necessary that he hold the catholic faith.

Which faith except everyone do keep whole and
undefiled, without doubt he shall perish
everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this, that we
worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity,
neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the
Substance. For there is one Person of the Father,
another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost.
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son and of the
Holy Ghost is all One, the Glory Equal, the Majesty
Co-Eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and
such is the Holy Ghost. The Father Uncreated, the
Son Uncreated, and the Holy Ghost Uncreated. The
Father Incomprehensible, the Son Incomprehensible,
and the Holy Ghost Incomprehensible. The Father
Eternal, the Son Eternal, and the Holy Ghost Eternal
and yet they are not Three Eternals but One Eternal.
As also there are not Three Uncreated, nor Three
Incomprehensibles, but One Uncreated, and One
Incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is
Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost
Almighty. And yet they are not Three Almighties but
One Almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy
Ghost is God. And yet they are not Three Gods, but
One God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son
Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord, and yet not Three
Lords but One Lord. For, like as we are compelled by
the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by
Himself to be God and Lord, so are we forbidden by
the catholic religion to say, there be Three Gods or
Three Lords. The Father is made of none, neither
created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone;
not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost
is of the Father, and of the Son neither made, nor
created, nor begotten, but proceeding.

So there is One Father, not Three Fathers; one Son,
not Three Sons; One Holy Ghost, not Three Holy
Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is afore or after
Other, None is greater or less than Another, but the
whole Three Persons are Co-eternal together, and
Co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the
Unity is Trinity, and the Trinity is Unity is to be
worshiped. He therefore that wants to be saved,
must thus think of the Trinity.

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting Salvation,
that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our
Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is, that we
believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Son of God, is God and Man. God, of the substance
of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man,
of the substance of His mother, born into the world.
Perfect God and Perfect Man, of a reasonable Soul
and human Flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father as
touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as
touching His Manhood. Who, although He be God
and Man, yet He is not two, but One Christ. One, not
by conversion of the Godhead into Flesh, but by
taking of the Manhood into God. One altogether, not
by confusion of substance, but by Unity of Person.
For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one Man, so
God and Man is one Christ. Who suffered for our
salvation, descended into Hell, rose again the third
day from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, He
sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God
Almighty, from whence he shall come to judge the
quick and the dead. At whose coming all men shall
rise again with their bodies, and shall give account
for their own works. And they that have done good
shall go into life everlasting, and they that have done
evil into everlasting fire.

This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe
faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.

Nicene Creed

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker
of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and
invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten of
the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of
Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father, by whom all
things were made. Who, for us men and for our
salvation, came down from heaven, and was
incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and
was made man; and was crucified also for us under
Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the
third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;
and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right
hand of the Father and He shall come again, with
glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose
kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver
of life; who proceedeth from the Father and the Son;
who with the Father and the Son together is
worshipped and glorified; who spake by the
prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic and
apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the
remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of
the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Apostles' Creed

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father
Almighty;
from there he shall come again to judge the living
and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

AMEN.

Can you keep all this perfectly?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 5. Can you keep all this perfectly?

Answer. No,[1] for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor.[2]

[1] Rom 3:10-12, 23; 1 Jn 1:8, 10;
[2] Gen 6:5, 8:21; Jer 17:9; Rom 7:23, 8:7; Eph 2:3; Tit 2:3

The choice vine

Bagster's Daily Light - January 24 - Evening

The choice vine.

Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey's colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. 1

Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. 2

Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine? 3

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 4

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 5
______________

1 Gen 49:11;
2 Isa 5:1,2;
3 Jer 2:21;
4 Gal 5:19,21-23;
5 John 15:1,2,4,8

The Lord is at hand

Bagster's Daily Light - January 24 - Morning

The Lord is at hand.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 1

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 2

He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 3

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 4

Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 5

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 6
______________

1 Phil 4:5;
2 1 Thess 4:16-18;
3 Rev 22:20;
4 2 Pet 3:14;
5 1 Thess 5:22-24;
6 James 5:8

What does the Law of God require of us?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 4. What does the Law of God require of us?

Answer. Christ teaches us in sum, Matthew 22: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.[1] This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.[2] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”[3]

[1] Deut 6:5;
[2] Lev 19:18; Gal 5:14;
[3] Lk 10:27

It is wrong to kill unborn babies, God hates it and God will judge it

Jan. 22, 2011, is the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Below is a roundup of recent posts at Between Two Worlds to help us think, feel, and do what is right about "the most pressing moral issue of our day."

1. This Is Abortion: This post contains a very graphic video that "depicts the reality that is happening in our neighborhoods."

2. Pro-Life Apologetics for the Next Generation: "A helpful post from Scott Klusendorf on four ways Christian leaders can help the next generation think clearly about the most pressing moral issue of our day."

3. “My Embryo Your Eyes Saw”: "Bruce Waltke’s translation of Psalm 139:16."

4. An Interview with Robert P. George on Roe v. Wade: A republishing of Justin Taylor's interview of Professor Robert P. George about the Roe v. Wade decision and its aftermath.

5. The Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade, and Abortion Law: "To understand the ruling and subsequent decisions in detail, there is probably no better resource than Francis Beckwith’s article, “The Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade, and Abortion Law,” Liberty University Law Review 1.1 (2006): 37-72, available online."

6. Randy Alcorn to Pastors about Abortion: Randy Alcorn: If you lack the conviction or the courage to stand up and say to your church, who you are accountable to lead, “It is wrong to kill unborn babies, God hates it and God will judge it,” then you should not be a pastor. If you don’t have the guts to say “These are children—we must stop killing them” then you need to do something that doesn’t even pretend to take on a biblical and prophetic mantle. (whole post)

7. Abortion Is About God: Piper’s Passionate, Prophetic Pro-Life Preaching: Justin Taylor posts to post online a PDF of his chapter, “Abortion Is About God: Piper’s Passionate, Prophetic Pro-Life Preaching” (in For the Fame of God’s Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper, ed. Sam Storms and Justin Taylor [Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010], 328-350). [original sermons]

God the Spirit

Here's a prayer titled "God the Spirit" from "Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennett (pages 52-53):

O LORD GOD,

I pray not so much for graces as for
the Spirit himself,
because I feel his absence,
and act by my own spirit in everything.

Give me not weak desires but the power of
his presence,
for this is the surest way to have all his graces,
and when I have the seal I have the impression
also;
He can heal, help, quicken, humble suddenly
and easily,
can work grace and life effectually,
and being eternal he can give grace eternally.

Save me from great hindrances,
from being content with a little measure
of the Spirit,
from thinking thou wilt not give me more.
When I feel my lack of him, light up life and faith,
for when I lose thee I am either in the dark
and cannot see thee,
or Satan and my natural abilities content me
with a light light,
so that I seek no further for the Spirit of life.

Teach me then what to do.
Should I merely humble myself and not stir up
my heart?
Should I meditate and use all means to bring
him near,
not being contented by one means,
but trust him to give me a blessing by the use
of all,
depending only upon, and waiting always for,
thy light, by use of means?

Is it a duty or an error to pray
and look for the fullness of the Spirit in me?
Am I mistaken in feeling I am empty of the Spirit
because I do not sense him presence within,
when all the time I am most empty
and could be more full by faith in Christ?
Was the fullness of the Spirit in the apostles
chiefly a power,
giving the subsistence outside themselves
in Christ,
in whom was their life and joy?

Teach me to find and know fullness of the Spirit only in Jesus.

The offence of the cross

Bagster's Daily Light - January 23 - Evening

The offence of the cross.

But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 1

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 2

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 3

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 4

as it is written, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." 5

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 6

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 7

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 8

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 9

if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 10
______________

1 Gal 5:11;
2 Matt 16:24;
3 James 4:4;
4 Acts 14:22;
5 Rom 9:33;
6 1 Pet 2:7,8;
7 Gal 6:14;
8 Gal 2:20;
9 Gal 5:24;
10 2 Tim 2:12

Hope maketh not ashamed

Bagster's Daily Light - January 23 - Morning

Hope maketh not ashamed.

and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 1

Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you, and lick the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame." 2

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 3

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. 4

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 5

which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 6

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 7
______________

1 Rom 5:5;
2 Isa 49:23;
3 Jer 17:7;
4 Isa 26:3,4;
5 Psa 62:5,6;
6 2 Tim 1:12;
7 Heb 6:17-20

How would you explain the kingdom of God to a 15-year-old?

Here's Russell Moore's attempt (Read his entire post here.):

... the mission of Christ starts and ends not just in the announcement of forgiveness of sins or in the removal of condemnation—although both of those things are certainly true. The mission of Christ starts and ends with an announcement that God has made Jesus emperor of the cosmos—and he plans to bend the cosmos to fit Jesus’ agenda, not the other way around.

The kingdom of God, then, is the good news that the right rule of God, and the right rule of man—a rule our ancestors Adam and Eve lost—have come together in the right rule of one right God-man: Jesus of Nazareth. In his sin-resisting life, his wisdom-saturated teaching, his demon-exorcising power, his substitutionary, conquering death, and his justifying, victorious resurrection, Christ is king.

That king, through his Spirit, invites all men to believe by faith what they’ll someday see by sight—what everyone will someday see by sight: Jesus is Lord. Jesus forgives. Jesus is king. And his reign will extend to the corner of every galaxy, forever.

[emphasis mine]

God, make me a man

A prayer Darrin Patrick prays with his son almost every night:

God, make me a man with thick skin and a soft heart. Make me a man who is tough and tender. Make me tough so I can handle life. Make me tender so I can love people. God, make me a man.

Patrick explains the prayer in the video below between 47:30 and 49:00 minutes.


(HT: Andy Naselli)

Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way

Michael Patton posted a list of 10 of his most recommended systematic theologies at Parchment and Pen. Dr. Michael Horton’s The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way wasn't listed, probably because it wasn't officially released at the time of Patton's writing and he hasn't had a chance to read it in order to form an opinion about it, but I wouldn't be surprised if Horton's book is included on Patton's list whenever the list is updated.

See Horton talking about The Christian Faith in the video below. He was interviewed about the book in the 8 Sept. 2010 edition of Westminster Seminary California's podcast "Office Hours." As much as a one-volume work can do, Horton said he spends time not only on the biblical-theological roots of a doctrine, but also on the historical-theological development.

See the contents and part of chapter 1 here.



Below is more information about the book and author.

Publisher's Description: The most important systematic theology since Louis Berkhof's 1932 magum opus. Interacting with movements within the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions, award-winning scholar Horton offers a brief synopsis of biblical passages that inform a particular doctrine; and surveys current and past works with contemporary emphasis on exegetical, philosophical, practical, and theological questions. Includes an extensive bibliography.
The Christian Faith is written for a growing cast of pilgrims making their way together and will be especially welcomed by professors, pastors, students, and armchair theologians. Its features include: (1) a brief synopsis of biblical passages that inform a particular doctrine; (2) surveys of past and current theologies with contemporary emphasis on exegetical, philosophical, practical, and theological questions; (3) substantial interaction with various Christian movements within the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox traditions, as well as the hermeneutical issues raised by postmodernity; and (4) charts, sidebars, questions for discussion, and an extensive bibliography, divided into different entry levels and topics.

960 pages
Published January 2011

About the Author: Michael Horton (PhD, University of Coventry and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) is J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California. He hosts The White Horse Inn radio broadcast and is editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine. He is the author/editor of more than 15 books, including Christless Christianity.

From where do you know your misery?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 3. From where do you know your misery?

Answer. From the Law of God.[1]

[1] Rom 3:20, 7:7

Thy comforts delight my soul

Bagster's Daily Light - January 22 - Evening

... Thy comforts delight my soul.

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. 1

from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, 2

Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my pledge of safety! 3

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 4

And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6

to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 7

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 8

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 9

And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 10

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 11
______________

1 Psa 94:19;
2 Psa 61:2;
3 Isa 38:14;
4 Psa 55:22;
5 1 Kings 3:7;
6 James 1:5;
7 2 Cor 2:16;
8 Rom 7:18;
9 2 Cor 12:9;
10 Matt 9:2,22;
11 Psa 63:5,6

This God is our God for ever and ever

Bagster's Daily Light - January 22 - Morning

This God is our God for ever and ever ...

that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. 1

O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. 2

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 3

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 4

Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 5

For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 6

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. 7
______________

1 Psa 48:14;
2 Isa 25:1;
3 Psa 16:5;
4 Psa 23:3,4;
5 Psa 73:23-26;
6 Psa 33:21;
7 Psa 138:8

Jesus loves the little children

Kevin DeYoung writes about the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a brief history of how some people have viewed and treated children, and the Christian position on abortion (zero tolerance) in his post "Jesus Loves the Little Children."

He concludes his article with Jesus' attitude toward, words about, and love for children, as well as a call to prayer:

Jesus welcomed children when others wanted to shoo them away (Mark 10:13-16). Moreover, he said the measure of our love for him would be measured by our love for children (Mark 9:36-37). He took the children in his arms as if to say, “Honor these little ones, and you honor me. Send them away because they are weak, socially insignificant, and bothersome, and you’ve demonstrated you don’t understand the values of the kingdom.”

On the eve of Roe, let’s pray for our society to change its mind regarding the smallest and most helpless of its citizens. Let’s pray the change starts in the church (those parts too cowardly or confused to condemn abortion). Let’s pray that every judge, politician, and doctor becomes convinced of the sanctity of unborn life and acts accordingly. Let’s pray for the flourishing of pregnancy centers and women’s clinics that provide an alternative to abortion. Let’s pray for the women contemplating such a tragic choice, and for the family members encouraging them in the wrong direction. Let’s pray for men to be men, to stop fooling around and to stop fleeing when they have. Let’s pray that hundreds of politicians, thousands of pastors, millions of would-be moms and dads, and 300 million hearts are gripped by a Jesus-inspired view of children.

Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world. Whether they’ve got an umbilical cord or not.

Church planting effectiveness in a single sentence

Dustin Neeley at the Resurgence attempts to summarize church planting effectiveness in one sentence: "Get the right guy, rightly equipped, with the right heart, right doctrine, and right team, in the right place at the right time doing the right things, and good things will happen."

Read his entire post here.

Respond to his sentence here.

In Christ Alone

A 10th anniversary edition of a great hymn by written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, sung by Kristyn Getty, arranged by Dave Cleveland, and recorded live at Shadow Mountain Community Church, El Cajon, Calif.



Visit here for the lyrics.

(HT: Tim Challies)

How many things are necessary for you to know, that in this comfort you may live and die happily?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 2. How many things are necessary for you to know, that in this comfort you may live and die happily?

Answer. Three things:[1] First, the greatness of my sin and misery.[2] Second, how I am redeemed from all my sins and misery.[3] Third, how I am to be thankful to God for such redemption.[4]

[1] Lk 24:46-47; Rom 7:24-25; 1 Cor 6:11; Tit 3:3-7;
[2] Jn 9:41, 15:22; Rom 3:9-10; 1 Jn 1:10;
[3] Jn 17:3; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Gal 3:13;
[4] Mt 5:16; Rom 6:13; Eph 5:8-11; Col 3:17; 1 Pt 2:9-12

Now we call the proud happy

Bagster's Daily Light - January 21 - Evening

Now we call the proud happy.

And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.'" 1

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. 2

It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. 3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 5

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! 7

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 8

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 9
______________

1 Mal 3:15;
2 Isa 57:15;
3 Prov 16:19;
4 Matt 5:3;
5 Prov 6:16,17;
6 Prov 16:5;
7 Psa 139:23,24;
8 Phil 1:2,3;
9 Matt 5:5

Every branch that beareth fruit, he trimmeth

Bagster's Daily Light - January 21 - Morning

Every branch that beareth fruit, he trimmeth.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 1

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. 2

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 3

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 4
______________

1 John 15:2;
2 Mal 3:2,3;
3 Rom 5:3-5;
4 Heb 12:7,8,11,12

The LORD's portion is his people

Bagster's Daily Light - January 20 - Evening

The LORD's portion is his people.

But the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. 1

and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 2

I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me. 3

My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies. 4

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 5

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 6

But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day. 7

For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. 8

but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. 9

you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 10

"They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 11

All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 12

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 13
______________

1 Deut 32:9;
2 1 Cor 3:23;
3 Song of Sol 7:10;
4 Song of Sol 2:16;
5 Gal 2:20;
6 1 Cor 6:19,20;
7 Deut 4:20;
8 1 Cor 3:9;
9 Heb 3:6;
10 1 Pet 2:5;
11 Mal 3:17;
12 John 17:10;
13 Eph 1:18

What is your only comfort in life and in death?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

Answer. That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death,[1] am not my own,[2] but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ,[3] who with His precious blood[4] has fully satisfied for all my sins,[5] and redeemed me from all the power of the devil;[6] and so preserves me[7] that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head;[8] indeed, that all things must work together for my salvation.[9] Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life,[10] and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live unto Him.[11]

[1] Rom 14:7-9;
[2] 1 Cor 6:19-20;
[3] 1 Cor 3:23; Tit 2:14;
[4] 1 Pt 1:18-19;
[5] 1 Jn 1:7; 2:2;
[6] Jn 8:34-36; Heb 2:14-15; 1 Jn 3:8;
[7] Jn 6:39-40, 10:27-30; 2 Thes 3:3; 1 Pt 1:5;
[8] Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18;
[9] Rom 8:28;
[10] Rom 8:15-16; 2 Cor 1:21-22, 5:5; Eph 1:13-14;
[11] Rom 8:14

Which counterfeit gospels are most prevalent today?

Trevin Wax lists the six "counterfeit gospels" below and asks readers to take a poll and comment about which ones they think are most prominent. His book, Counterfeit Gospels: Rediscovering the Good News in a World of False Hope, is scheduled to be published by Moody in April 2011.

Therapeutic Gospel: Sin robs us of our sense of fullness. Christ’s death proves our worth as humans and gives us power to reach our potential. The church helps us find happiness.

Formalist Gospel: Sin is failing to keep church rules and regulations. Christ’s death gives me an agenda, so I can begin to follow the predescribed forms of Christianity.

Moralist Gospel: Our big problem is sins (plural) and not sin (nature). The purpose for Christ’s death is to give us a second chance and make us better people. Redemption comes through the exercise of willpower with God’s help.

Judgmentless Gospel: God’s forgiveness does not need to come through the sacrifice of His Son. Judgment is more about God’s goodness, not the need for human rebellion to be punished. Evangelism is not urgent.

Social-Club Gospel: Salvation is all about finding fellowship and friendship at church. The gospel is reduced to Christian relationships that help us enjoy life.

Activist Gospel: The kingdom is advanced through our efforts to build a just society. The gospel’s power is demonstrated through cultural transformation, and the church is united around political causes and social projects.

Churchless Gospel: The focus of salvation is primarily on the individual, in a way that makes the community of faith peripheral to God’s purposes. The church is viewed as an option to personal spirituality, or even an obstacle to Christlikeness.

Mystic Gospel: Salvation comes through an emotional experience with God. The church is there to help me feel close to God by helping me along in my pursuit of mystical union.

Quietist Gospel: Salvation is about spiritual things, not secular matters. Christianity is only about individual life change and is not concerned with society and politics.

Without the Spirit, we cannot be saved

"The Father has elected, and the Son has redeemed; but until the Spirit (who is the last cause) has wrought his part also, we cannot be saved. For he comes in the Father’s and in the Son’s name and authority, to put the last hand to the work of our salvation, by bringing all the fruits of election and redemption home to our souls in this work at effectual vocation." — John Flavel, quoted by Fred Sanders in The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010), 144

(HT: Of First Importance)

His name shall be called Wonderful

Bagster's Daily Light - January 20 - Morning

His name shall be called Wonderful.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 1

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 2

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 4

that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 5

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 6

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 7

His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 8

The Almighty--we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. 9

Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know! 10
______________

1 Isa 9:6;
2 John 1:14;
3 Psa 138:2;
4 Matt 1:23,21;
5 Joh n5:23;
6 Phil 2:9;
7 Eph 1:21,22;
8 Rev 19:12,16;
9 Job 37:23;
10 Prov 30:4