Why was Jesus “buried?”

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 41. Why was He “buried?”

Answer. To show thereby that He was really dead.[1]

[1] Isa 53:9; Mt 27:59-60; Jn 19:38-42; Acts 13:29; 1 Cor 15:3-4

Jehovahnissi: The LORD my banner

Bagster's Daily Light - March 1 - Evening

Jehovahnissi: The LORD my banner.

And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner, 1

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 2

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 3

You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 4

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 5

Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed." 6

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 7

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." 8

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 9

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us. 10
______________

1 Exo 17:15;
2 Rom 8:31;
3 Psa 118:6;
4 Psa 60:4;
5 Psa 27:1,3;
6 2 Chron 13:12;
7 Psa 46:7;
8 Rev 17:14;
9 Psa 2:1,4;
10 Isa 8:10

The fruit of the Spirit is love

Bagster's Daily Light - March 1 - Morning

The fruit of the Spirit is love.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 1

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. 2

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

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," 4

We love because he first loved us. 5

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. 6

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 7

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 8

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 10
______________

1 Gal 5:22;
2 1 John 4:16;
3 Rom 5:5;
4 1 Pet 2:7;
5 1 John 4:19;
6 2 Cor 5:14,15;
7 1 Thess 4:9;
8 John 15:12;
9 1 Pet 4:8;
10 Eph 5:2

Planted to grow until transplanted by the Master Gardener

"The great Master Gardener, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a wonderful providence, with his own hand, planted me here, where by his grace, in this part of his vineyard, I grow; and here I will abide till the great Master of the vineyard think fit to transplant me." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007. 1.

Jesus: The only way to God

BLUF: Jesus is the only way to God. Holy love wins.

Rob Bell's forthcoming book, Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived (scheduled for release on March 29, 2011), is already causing no small controversy in some circles (partly because of its marketing video, reviews of some pre-published chapters, and comments by some who know Bell and his teaching well). See links below to some related blog posts. I expect many will write critical reviews soon after the book is released, but I also expect that there will be nothing in Bell's book that hasn't already been adequately addressed by minds who have forgotten more than Bell (and I) will ever know.

• Rob Bell: Universalist? (Justin Taylor contributes fair but cautious consideration and encourages readers to pray for Bell.)
• Rob Bell Outs Himself (Denny Burke biblically answers each of Bell's questions in the promotional video above)
• To Hell With Hell (Kevin DeYoung provides eight reasons we need God's wrath, excerpted from his book Why We're Not Emergent.)
• Rob Bell and the Judgmentless "Gospel": Holy Love Wins (Trevin Wax briefly comments about his short trek in Bell's teaching, discusses three reasons why the "judgmentless gospel" is attractive and what the heart of the problem of such a false gospel is, and concludes the kind of love that wins in the end is holy love.)
• Rob Bell, Hell and Why I Hope I'm Wrong (Joshua Harris reminds readers "to remember that all discussion about hell ... should be done with heavy hearts. Hell is what our sin deserves (Eph. 2:3). Hell is what God in his love has rescued us from. And we are not rescued from hell by our merit or the rightness of our doctrine. We are rescued from God's wrath by the self-giving love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (Rom. 5:8-9). We are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8). So there should be no glee or triumph in our tone in seeking to proving this biblical doctrine. Our hearts should break for the lost and for our own coldness of heart towards their spiritual condition. This conversation should lead us to redouble our prayers and our evangelistic, risk-taking efforts to proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, to the ends of the earth.")
• At the Speed of the Web (Tim Challies)
• More on the Intolerance of Overtolerance (Phil Johnson)
• Rob Bell, Tribes, and Our Tendency Towards Idolatry (Zach Nielsen)
• Universalism as a Lure? The Emerging Case of Rob Bell (Albert Mohler)
• Two Thoughts on the Rob Bell Brouhaha (Kevin DeYoung blogs about Justin Taylor's post and whether or not (1) Taylor needed to go to Bell first before airing public criticism, and (2) Taylor needed to remain silent until Bell’s book is published.)
  

Good description of a false gospel: “a God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.” -- H. Richard Niebuhr, Kingdom of God in America (1937), p. 193 [HT: Justin Taylor]

UPDATED: March 1, 2011.

Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer “death?”

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 40. Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer “death?”

Answer. Because the justice and truth [1] of God required that satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God.[2]

[1] Gen 2:17;
[2] Rom 6:23, 8:3; Php 2:8; Heb 2:9, 14-15

The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord

Bagster's Daily Light - February 28 - Evening

The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord.

The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all his innermost parts. 1

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 2

He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" 3

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. 4

for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 5

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 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
______________

1 Prov 20:27;
2 John 8:7,9;
3 Gen 3:11;
4 James 4:17;
5 1 John 3:20,21;
6 Rom 14:20,22;
7 Psa 139:23,24

God so loved the world ...

Bagster's Daily Light - February 28 - Morning

God so loved the world ...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 1

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 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

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 3
______________

1 John 3:16;
2 2 Cor 5:18-21;
3 1 John 4:8-11

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The Spirit's Work

Here's a prayer titled "The Spirit's Work" from "Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennett (pages 56-57):

O GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT,

Thou who dost proceed from the Father
and the Son,
have mercy on me.

When thou didst first hover over chaos,
order came to birth,
beauty robed the world, fruitfulness sprang forth.
Move, I pray thee, upon my disordered heart;
Take away the infirmities of unruly desires
and hateful lusts;
Lift the mists and darkness of unbelief;
Brighten my soul with the pure light of truth;
Make it fragrant as the garden of paradise,
rich with every goodly fruit,
beautiful with heavenly grace,
radiant with rays of divine light.

Fulfill in me the glory of thy divine offices;
Be my comforter, light, guide, sanctifier;
Take of the things of Christ and show them
to my soul;
Through thee may I daily learn more of his love,
grace, compassion, faithfulness, beauty;
Lead me to the cross and show me his wounds,
the hateful nature of evil, the power of Satan;
May I there see my sins as
the nails that transfixed him,
the cords that bound him,
the thorns that tore him,
the sword that pierced him.

Help me to find in his death the reality
and immensity of his love.
Open for me the wondrous volumes of truth
in his, 'It is finished'.
Increase my faith in the clear knowledge of
atonement achieved, expiation completed,
satisfaction made, guilt done away,
my debt paid, my sins forgiven,
my person redeemed, my soul saved,
hell vanquished, heaven opened,
eternity made mine.

O Holy Spirit, deepen in me these saving lessons.
Write them upon my heart, that my walk be
sin-loathing, sin-fleeing, Christ -loving;
And suffer no devil's device to beguile
or deceive me.

Is there anything more in His having been “crucified” than if He had suffered some other death?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 39. Is there anything more in His having been “crucified” than if He had suffered some other death?

Answer. Yes, for thereby I am assured that He took upon Himself the curse which lay upon me,[1] because the death of the cross was accursed of God.[2]

[1] Gal 3:13-14;
[2] Deut 21:22-23; Php 2:8

God ... giveth ... liberally, and ubraideth not

Bagster's Daily Light - February 27 - Evening

God ... giveth ... liberally, and ubraideth not.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 1

Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." 2

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 3

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 4

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 5
______________

1 James 1:5;
2 John 8:10,11;
3 Rom 5:15,16;
4 Eph 2:4-7;
5 Rom 8:32

Reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed to sin

Bagster's Daily Light - February 27 - Morning

Reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed to sin.

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 1

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 2

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 3

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 4

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." 5

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 6
______________

1 Rom 6:11;
2 John 5:24;
3 Gal 2:19,20;
4 John 14:19;
5 John 10:28-30;
6 Col 3:1,3

Why did He suffer “under Pontius Pilate” as judge?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 38. Why did He suffer “under Pontius Pilate” as judge?

Answer. That He, being innocent, might be condemned by the temporal judge,[1] and thereby deliver us from the severe judgment of God, to which we were exposed.[2]

[1] Lk 23:13-24; Jn 19:4, 12-16; Acts 4:27-28;
[2] Ps 69:4; Isa 53:4-5; Mt 27:24; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:13

There was a rainbow around the throne

Bagster's Daily Light - February 26 - Evening

There was a rainbow around the throne ...

And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 1

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." 2

"For does not my house stand so with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? 3

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. 4

And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.' 5

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 6
______________

1 Rev 4:3;
2 Gen 9:12,13,16;
3 2 Sa 23:5;
4 Heb 6:18;
5 Acts 13:32,33;
6 Heb 13:8

Let us ... turn again to the Lord

Bagster's Daily Light - February 26 - Morning

Let us ... turn again to the Lord.

Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD! 1

Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 2

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 3

When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. 4

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 5

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 6

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. 7

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 8
______________

1 Lam 3:40;
2 Psa 26:2;
3 Psa 51:6;
4 Psa 119:59,60;
5 1 Cor 11:28;
6 1 John 1:9;
7 1 John 2:1;
8 Heb 10:19-22

What do you understand by the word “suffered?”

Heidelberg Catechism

~His Death

Questions 37. What do you understand by the word “suffered?”

Answer. That all the time He lived on earth, but especially at the end of His life, He bore, in body and soul, the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race;[1] in order that by His suffering, as the only atoning sacrifice,[2] He might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation,[3] and obtain for us the grace of God, righteousness, and eternal life.[4]

[1] Isa 53; 1 Tim 2:6; 1 Pt 2:2-4, 24, 3:18;
[2] Ps 22:14- 16; Mt 26:38; Rom 3:25-26, 5:6; 1 Cor 5:7; Eph 5:2; Heb 10:14; 1 Jn 2:2, 4:10;
[3] Rm 8:1-4; Gal 3:13; Col 1:13; Heb 9:12; 1Pt 1:18-19;
[4] Jn 3:16; Rom 3:24-26; 2Cor 5:21; Heb 9:11

O that I knew where I might find him!

Bagster's Daily Light - February 25 - Evening

O that I knew where I might find him!

Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! 1

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. 2

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 3

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 4

that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 5

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 6

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 8

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 9

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 10
______________

1 Job 23:3;
2 Isa 50:10;
3 Jer 29:13;
4 Luke 11:9,10;
5 1 John 1:3;
6 Eph 2:13,18;
7 1 John 1:6;
8 Matt 28:20;
9 Heb 13:5;
10 John 14:16,17

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you

Bagster's Daily Light - February 25 - Morning

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 1

So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives. 2

Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. 3

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 4

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 5

so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 6

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 7

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 8

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 9
______________

1 James 4:7;
2 Isa 59:19;
3 Matt 4:10,11;
4 Eph 6:10,11;
5 Eph 5:11;
6 2 Cor 2:11;
7 1 Pet 5:8,9;
8 1 John 5:4;
9 Rom 8:33

King’s Cross: The Story of the World in the Life of Jesus

Tim Keller's latest book King's Cross: The Story of the World in the Life of Jesus, based on a two-part (part 1 and part 2), 50-sermon series on the Gospel According to Mark, was released Feb. 22. Westminster Bookstore is offering 60 percent off the suggested retail price until Feb. 28.

Keller's description of the book: “The whole story of the world—and of how we fit into it—is most clearly understood through a careful, direct look at the story of Jesus. My purpose here is to try to show, through his words and actions, how beautifully his life makes sense of ours.”

From Keller's preface to the book: “[The Gospel of] Mark does not read like a dry history. It is written in the present tense, often using words like ‘immediately’ to pack the account full of action. You can’t help but notice the abruptness and breathless speed of the narrative. This Gospel conveys, then, something important about Jesus. He is not merely a historical figure, but a living reality, a person who addresses us today. In his very first sentences Mark tells us that God has broken into history. His style communicates a sense of crisis, that the status quo has been ruptured… Jesus has come; anything can happen now. Mark wants us to see that the coming of Jesus calls for decisive action… Therefore we need to respond actively. We can’t remain neutral. We may not sit and reflect and find excuses for not changing our lives now.”

Excerpts from the book and two free sermons from the 2006-2007 sermon series may be viewed or downloaded at the following links:

• Table of Contents
• Preface (Before)
• Chapter One
• Chapter Six
• Chapter Eight
• Audio sermon: "Father, Son and Holy Spirit"
• Audio sermon: "The Final Temple"

Here's a trailer that introduces Keller's books and resources:

Christian humility

"Christian humility is a self-forgetting happiness in Christ." — John Piper, "Using Our Gifts in Proportion to Our Faith, Part 2" (Minneapolis, Minn.: Desiring God Ministries, Nov. 7, 2004)

(HT: Of First Importance)

Dealing with doubt

“Have mercy on some who are doubting.” Jude 1:22

Michael Patton and Tim Kimberley, with Reclaiming the Mind/Credo House Ministries, will on March 1 from 8 to 9 p.m. (CST?) be leading a live online private (i.e., anonymous) text and voice "chat" room discussion on doubts people have about the Christian faith.

When I learned of this, I remembered an ABC News piece about pastors who have lost their faith (see the video below or read the story).

I'm glad to see Reclaiming the Mind/Credo House Ministries attempting to tackle this deep yet often silent problem.

To learn more about who the discussion is for, who it is not for, what its purpose is, and how to get involved, click here.

What benefit do you receive from the holy conception and birth of Christ?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 36. What benefit do you receive from the holy conception and birth of Christ?

Answer. That He is our Mediator,[1] and with His innocence and perfect holiness[2] covers, in the sight of God, my sin,[3] wherein I was conceived.[4]

[1] 1 Tim 2:5-6; Heb 2:16-17, 9:13-15;
[2] Rom 8:3-4; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 4:4-5; 1 Pt 1:18-19;
[3] Ps 32:1; 1 Jn 1:9;
[4] Ps 51:5

Shall we not receive evil?

Bagster's Daily Light - February 24 - Evening

... shall we not receive evil?

But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. 1

I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 2

But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. 3

So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him." 4

Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? 5

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. 6

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 7

It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 8

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 10

I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 11
______________

1 Job 2:10;
2 Psa 119:75;
3 Isa 64:8;
4 1 Sam 3:18;
5 Jer 12:1;
6 Mal 3:3;
7 Heb 12:6;
8 Matt 10:25;
9 Heb 5:8;
10 1 Pet 4:13;
11 Rev 7:14

I will yet for this be enquired of

Bagster's Daily Light - February 24 - Morning

... I will yet for this be enquired of.

"Thus says the Lord GOD: This also I will let the house of Israel ask me to do for them: to increase their people like a flock. 1

You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 2

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 3

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 4

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 5

I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 6

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 7

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 8

In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 9
______________

1 Ezek 36:37;
2 James 4:2;
3 Matt 7:7,8;
4 1 John 5:14,15;
5 James 1:5;
6 Psa 81:10;
7 Luke 18:1;
8 Psa 34:15,17;
9 John 16:26,27,24

What is the meaning of “conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary?”

Heidelberg Catechism

~His Incarnation

Question 35. What is the meaning of “conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary?”

Answer. That the eternal Son of God, who is and continues true and eternal God,[1] took upon Himself the very nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,[2] by the operation of the Holy Spirit;[3] so that He might also be the true seed of David,[4] like unto His brethren in all things,[5] except for sin.[6]

[1] Jn 1:1-4, 10:30-36; Rom 1:3-4, 9:5; Col 1:15-17; 1 Jn 5:20;
[2] Mt 1:18-23; Jn 1:14; Gal 4:4; Heb 2:14;
[3] Mt 1:18-20; Lk 1:35;
[4] 2 Sam 7:12-16; Ps 132:11; Mt 1:1; Lk 1:32; Rom 1:3;
[5] Php 2:7; Heb 2:17;
[6] Heb 4:15, 7:26-27

Who knoweth the power of thy anger?

Bagster's Daily Light - February 23 - Evening

Who knoweth the power of thy anger?

Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? 1

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 2

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. 3

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 4

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 5

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"-- 6

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 7

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. 8
______________

1 Psa 90:11;
2 Matt 27:45,46;
3 Isa 53:6;
4 Rom 8:1;
5 Rom 5:1;
6 Gal 3:13;
7 1 John 4:9,10;
8 Rom 3:26

The blood of sprinking

Bagster's Daily Light - February 23 - Morning

The blood of sprinking ...

and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 1

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 2

and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 3

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 4

and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 6

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 7
______________

1 Heb 12:24;
2 John 1:29;
3 Rev 13:8;
4 Heb 10:4,5,10;
5 Gen 4:4;
6 Eph 5:2;
7 Heb 10:22,19

Commentaries on Revelation

Below is an alphabetical list by author of commentaries/books on the book of Revelation that may prove helpful for those studying the book.

As Keith Matthison stated in his list of top five commnetaries on Revelation, "preparing a ... list of commentaries on the book of Revelation is extremely challenging in a number of ways. Commentators differ on many basic issues, from the structure of the book (recapitulation, chronological ordering, telescoping, etc.) to the basic interpretive approach (futurist, preterist, historicist, idealist, eclectic) to its date of composition (which itself affects one's interpretive approach). All of these differences and more mean that it is very rare for someone to find a commentary on Revelation with which they agree on every point. I cannot point to a single commentary with which I agree entirely. My own understanding of the book is set forth in a very summary manner in the last chapter of my book From Age to Age (a chapter that is not intended to be read until all of the other chapters have been completed).

David E. Aune -- Revelation 1-5 (Word Biblical Commentary 52a), Revelation 6-16 (Word Biblical Commentary 52b), Revelation 17-22 (Word Biblical Commentary 52c)

William Barclay -- The Revelation of John, Vol. 1, Revelation of John: Chapters 6 through 22 (New Daily Study Bible)

Richard Bauckham -- The Theology of the Book of Revelation (New Testament Theology), and his commentary on Revelation in The Oxford Bible Commentary

G.K. Beale -- The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text (New International Greek Testament Commentary)

George R. Beasley-Murray -- Book of Revelation: Based on the Revised Standard Version (New Century Bible Commentary)

Priscilla C. Benham -- Revelation: A Pentecostal Commentary

Brian K. Blount -- Revelation: A Commentary (New Testament Library)

Eugene M. Boring -- Revelation (Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching)

Ian Boxall -- The Revelation of Saint John (Black's New Testament Commentary)

Robert G. Bratcher, Howard A. Hatton -- A Handbook on the Revelation to John (UBS Handbooks Helps for Translators)

Louis A. Brighton -- Revelation (Concordia Commentary)

Richard Brooks -- Lamb is All the Glory: Revelation (Welwyn commentary series)

G.B. Caird -- The Revelation of Saint John (Black's New Testament Commentary)

Charles W. Carter -- The Wesleyan Bible Commentary: Hebrews, James and Jude, I and II Peter, I, II, III John, Revelation

R. H. Charles -- A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John (Volume 1), A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John, Vol. 2

David Clark -- The Message From Patmos: A Postmillennial Commentary on the Book of Revelatio

Stephen L. Cook -- The Apocalyptic Literature: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series

Christopher A. Davis -- Revelation (The College Press Niv Commentary)

Ralph Earle -- Beacon Bible Commentary, Volume 10: Hebrews through Revelation (Beacon Commentary)

Kendell Easley -- Holman New Testament Commentary - Revelation

Richard Eckley -- Revelation: A Commentary for Bible Students (Wesleyan Bible Study Commentaries)

Ronald L. Farmer -- Revelation (Chalice Commentaries for Today)

Austin Farrer -- The Revelation of St. John Divine: Commentary on the English Text

J. Massyngberde Ford -- Revelation (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Paul Gardner -- Revelation: The Compassion and Protection of Christ (Focus on the Bible)

Rev A J P Garrow -- Revelation (New Testament Readings)

T. F. Glasson -- Cambridge Bible Commentaries: New Testament 17 Volume Set: Revelation to John

Justo L. Gonzales, Catherine Gunsalus Gonzalez -- Revelation (Westminster Bible Companion)

Wilfrid J. Harrington -- Revelation (Sacra Pagina series)

Howard A. Hatton, Robert G. Bratcher -- A Handbook on the Revelation to John (UBS Handbooks Helps for Translators)

William Hendriksen -- More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation

Matthew Henry -- Revelation (Crossway Classic Commentaries)

Ed Hindson -- The Book of Revelation: Unlocking the Future (21st Century Biblical Commentary Series)

H. A. Ironside -- Revelation (Ironside Expository Commentaries)

Alan F. Johnson -- The Expositor's Bible Commentary (Vol 12) Hebrews through Revelation; Hebrews - Revelation (The Expositor's Bible Commentary, revised edition)

Dennis Johnson -- Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation

Craig Keener -- Revelation (The NIV Application Commentary)

Simon Kistemaker -- New Testament Commentary: Exposition of the Book of Revelation

Judith Kovacs -- Revelation: The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ (Blackwell Bible Commentaries)

Gerhard A. Krodel -- ACNT Revelation (Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament)

George Eldon Ladd -- A Commentary on the Revelation of John

John MacArthur Jr. -- Revelation 1-11, Revelation 12-22 (Macarthur New Testament Commentary Series)

Joseph L. Mangina -- Revelation (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible)

J. Ramsey Michaels -- Revelation (IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

Leon Morris -- The Book of Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries)

Robert Mounce -- The Book of Revelation (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

M. Robert Mulholland Jr. -- James, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude, Revelation (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary)

Grant R. Osborne -- Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)

Earl F. Palmer -- 1,2,3 John, Revelation: The Preacher's Commentary

Paige Patterson -- Revelation

Eugene H. Peterson -- Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination

John Phillips -- Exploring Revelation (John Phillips Commentary Series)

Vern Poythress -- The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation

James B. Ramsey -- The Book of Revelation: An Exposition of the First Eleven Chapters Originally Published Under the Title "the Spiritual Kingdom" (Geneva Series of Commentaries)

Mitchell G. Reddish -- Revelation: Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary

James L. Resseguie -- The Revelation of John: A Narrative Commentary

Jurgen Roloff -- Revelation Continental Comment (A Continental Commentary)

Christopher Rowland -- Revelation (Epworth Commentaries)

Christopher C. Rowland -- The New Interpreter's Bible: Hebrews - Revelation (Volume 12)

Stephen S. Smalley -- The Revelation to John: A Commentary on the Greek Text of the Apocalypse

John Philip McMurdo Sweet -- Revelation (T P I New Testament Commentaries)

Robert L. Thomas -- Revelation 1-7 and Revelation 8-22 (Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary)

Leonard Thompson -- Revelation (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries)

Ronald Trail -- An Exegetical Summary of Revelation 1-11, Second edition, An Exegetical Summary of Revelation 12-22, Second edition

Robert W. Wall -- Revelation (New International Biblical Commentary, Vol. 18)

John F. Walvoord -- Revelation (The John Walvoord Commentary Series)

John F. Walvoord -- The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty [New Testament Edition]

William C. Weinrich -- Revelation (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture)

Warren W. Wiersbe -- Be Victorious (Revelation): In Christ You Are an Overcomer (The BE Series Commentary)

Michael Wilcock -- The Message of Revelation (Bible Speaks Today)

Ben Witherington -- Revelation (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)

John R. Yeatts -- Revelation (Believers Church Bible Commentary)

[Sources: Best Commentaries.com, Keith Mathison]

Revelation in one sentence

"Can you understand the Book of Revelation? Yes, you can. You can summarize its message in one sentence: God rules history and will bring it to its consummation in Christ. Read it with this main point in mind, and you will understand. You will not necessarily understand every detail—neither do I. But it is not necessary to understand every detail in order to profit spiritually." — Vern Poythress, The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation, page 11)

Poythress posted most of his 213-page Revelation commentary online in the form of seven Web pages, the first of which (here) has a linked table of contents. His book "is an expansion of study notes that (he) originally wrote for the New Geneva Study Bible," which was later revised and renamed the Reformation Study Bible.

Poythress clearly communicates his interpretive conviction concerning Revelation (idealist/recapitulationist/amillennialist) while also demonstrating an appreciation for other positions. Even if one does not agree with the interpretive framework of the book, it is a good place to start after reading and thinking about the book of Revelation (and the rest of the Bible) more than once.

Other free online books by Poythress may be found here.

(HT: Joshua Harris, emphasis mine)

Light & heat: A passion for the holiness of God

Here is an excellent video to what I'm sure will be an even better conference:

Ligonier Ministries 2011 National Conference (March 24-26 in Orlando)

We live in him

"Although we are justified by Christ’s external righteousness imputed to us, our Savior does not remain outside of us, simply leading the way to a better life; rather, we live in him and therefore in and for each other." — Michael Horton, The Christian Faith (Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 2011), 592

So if there is any encouragement in Christ,
any comfort from love,
any participation in the Spirit,
any affection and sympathy,
complete my joy by being of the same mind,
having the same love,
being in full accord and of one mind.

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit,
but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.

Have this mind among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:1-11)

(HT: Of First Importance)

Piper on technological temptations to distractedness

In the video below from the 2011 Desiring God Conference for Pastors, John Piper speaks "about the challenges technology poses to Bible reading and prayer."


(HT: Michael Johnson)

Man shall not live by Facebook alone

John Piper on using Bible apps more than "lesser" apps:

Are apps a threat to God-focus? Yes. But it works both ways. Fight fire with fire.

If you are reading your Bible on your computer or your smartphone or your iPad, the presence of the email app and the news apps and the Facebook app threaten every moment to drag your attention away from the word of God.

True. Fight that. If your finger offends you, cut it off. Or use any other virtuous violence (Matthew 11:12) that sets you free to rivet your soul on God.

But don’t take mainly a defensive posture. Fight fire with fire.

Why should we think of the Facebook app threatening the Bible app? Why not the Bible app threatening the Facebook app, and the email app, and the RSS feeder, and the news?

Resolve that today you will press the Bible app three times during the day. No five times. Ten times! Maybe you will lose control and become addicted to Bible! Again and again get a two-minute dose of life-giving Food. Man shall not live by Facebook alone.

I’m serious. Never has God’s voice been so easily accessible. The ESV app is free. The OliveTree BibleReader app is free. And so are lots of others. Let the Bible threaten your focus. Or better: Let the Bible bring you back to reality over and over during the day.

[emphasis mine]

Do you own technology, or does technology own you?

Challies's Channel: Acknowledging that technology is everywhere, an inescapable aspect of our lives, author and blogger Tim Challies provides guidance and direction for readers who struggle with the changes brought about by the digital revolution. He helps readers understand why digital technology exists and how a Christian can use new technologies with biblical discernment. Learn more at http://www.challies.com/nextstory

Why do you call Him “our Lord?”

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 34. Why do you call Him “our Lord?”

Answer. Because not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood,[1] He has redeemed and purchased us, body and soul,[2] from sin and from all the power of the devil, to be His own.[3]

[1] 1 Pt 1:18-19;
[2] Acts 2:36; 1 Cor 6:20, 7:23; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Tit 2:14; 1 Pt 2:9;
[3] Col 1:13-14; Heb 2:14-15

Thy sleep shall be sweet

Bagster's Daily Light - February 22 - Evening

... thy sleep shall be sweet.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 1

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 2

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 3

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. 4

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 5

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 6

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 7
______________

1 Prov 3:24;
2 Mark 4:37,38;
3 Phil 4:6,7;
4 Psa 4:8;
5 Psa 127:2;
6 Acts 7:59,60;
7 2 Cor 5:8

What man is he that feareth the Lord?

Bagster's Daily Light - February 22 - Morning

What man is he that feareth the Lord?

Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 1

"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 2
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 3

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. 4

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! 5

I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 6
______________

1 Psa 25:12;
2 Matt 6:22;
3 Psa 119:105;
4 Isa 30:21;
5 Psa 32:8-11;
6 Jer 10:23

A song from Romans 12:7-8

Below are lyrics to a song John Piper wrote while preaching through Romans 12:1-8 in 2004. Kevin Potherician wrote music for the lyrics.

A Song From Romans 12:7-8

O Jesus, take my bent away
For thinking much of me,
And kill my pride, and from this day
With mercy make me free.

O Jesus, grant the gift to see
The treasure that you are,
And as the night eclipses me,
O be my Morning Star.

And now if I should serve, or lead,
Or give, or mercy show,
O Jesus, let my love be freed,
And like a river flow.

O Jesus, be the treasure of
My heart and all I do,
And may the river of my love,
Alone make much of you.

Piper's concluding comments in his Nov. 7, 2004, sermon:

"What matters to God is not merely that we use our gifts, but how we use them—the spirit, the attitude. What matters is not merely that we give and lead and show mercy. What matters to God is free and lavish generosity in our giving. What matters to God is passion and eagerness and zeal in our leadership. What matters to God is gladness and cheerfulness and joy in our mercy.

"And my point—and I think Paul’s point—is that these are the overflow of mercy-dependent, mercy-loving, self-forgetting, Christ-treasuring humility. ...

"The church and the world need people who have trembled in the courtroom of God as guilty sinners; who have heard the joyful sound of mercy from the bench of the Judge: “You may go free; my Son paid your debt”; who are therefore mercy-loving, mercy-dependent, Christ treasuring people; and who therefore overflow not just with contributions but self-forgetting, lavish contributions; and who don’t just lead, but lead with self-forgetting zeal and passion for the cause of Christ; and who don’t just do mercy, but love mercy and do it with self-forgetting joy.

"That is what we need because that is what will show how valuable Christ is. He gets the glory, we get the joy."

(HT: Josh Etter)

Why is He called God’s “only begotten Son,” since we also are the children of God?

Heidelberg Catechism

~His Deity

Question 33. Why is He called God’s “only begotten Son,” since we also are the children of God?

Answer. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God,[1] but we are children of God by adoption, through grace, for His sake.[2]

[1] Jn 1:1-3, 14, 18, 3:16; Rom 8:32; Heb 1; 1 Jn 4:9;
[2] Jn 1:12; Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:6; Eph 1:5-6; 1 Jn 3:1

Light is sown for the righteous

Bagster's Daily Light - February 21 - Evening

Light is sown for the righteous ...

Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. 1

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. 2

And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 4
______________

1 Psa 97:11;
2 Psa 126:5,6;
3 1 Cor 15:37;
4 1 Pet 1:3,6,7

I am the Lord who sanctify you

Bagster's Daily Light - February 21 - Morning

I am the Lord who sanctify you.

Keep my statutes and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you. But I have said to you, 'You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.' I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples. You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. 1

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 3

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. 4

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 5

waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 6

For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 7

And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 8

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 9
______________

1 Lev 20:8,24,26;
2 Jude 1:1;
3 John 17:17;
4 1 Thess 5:23;
5 Heb 13:12;
6 Tit 2:13,14;
7 Heb 2:11;
8 John 17:19;
9 1 Pet 1:2

But why are you called a Christian?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 32. But why are you called a Christian?

Answer. Because by faith I am a member of Christ[1] and thus a partaker of His anointing,[2] in order that I also may confess His Name,[3] may present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to Him,[4] and with a free conscience may fight against sin and the devil in this life,[5] and hereafter in eternity reign with Him over all creatures.[6]

[1] Acts 11:26; 1 Cor 12:12-27; 1 Jn 2:20, 27;
[2] Joel 2:28 [Acts 2:17]; 1 Jn 2:27;
[3] Mk 8:38, 10:32; Rom 10:9-10; Heb 13:15;
[4] Rom 12:1; 1 Pt 2:5, 9; Rev 1:6, 5:8, 10;
[5] Gal 5:16-17; Eph 6:11; 1 Tim 1:18-19;
[6] Mt 25:34; Eph 6:12; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 3:21

The day of temptation in the wilderness

Bagster's Daily Light - February 20 - Evening

The day of temptation in the wilderness.

do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 1

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 2

But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; 3

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 5

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." 6
______________

1 Heb 3:8;
2 James 1:13-15;
3 Psa 106:14;
4 Luke 4:1-3;
5 Heb 2:18;
6 Luke 22:31,32

He shall see the travail of his soul

Bagster's Daily Light - February 20 - Morning

He shall see the travail of his soul ...

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 1

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 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

the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. 4

so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 5

so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 6

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, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 7

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 8
______________

1 Isa 53:11;
2 John 19:30;
3 2 Cor 5:21;
4 Isa 43:21;
5 Eph 3:10,11;
6 Eph 2:7;
7 Eph 1:13,14;
8 1 Pet 2:9

The intolerance of tolerance

D. A. Carson speaks about the incoherence of postmodern tolerance:



D. A. Carson: The new definition of tolerance is not only inconsistent, it's incoherent and proves, in fact, to be less tolerant than the brand of tolerance that was around under modernism. Because at the very point where it comes up with that which disagrees with it the most, it has to dismiss all opponents as intolerant and bigoted, and therefore becomes, in fact, totalitarian.

Below are audio resources from D. A. Carson related to the topic of postmodernism that are posted at the European Leadership Forum.

• Don Carson - Postmodernism 1 (mp3)
• Don Carson - Postmodernism 2 (mp3)
• Don Carson - Postmodernism Workshop (mp3)
• The Gagging of God: Questions & Answers
  

Here's an outline for the first three messages above:

Understanding Postmodernism from a Confessional Stance

Introduction: The challenge of terminology
1 Historical overview: The centrality of epistemology
2 Premodernism

3 Modernism and its six defining characteristics
Beginning with the finite 'I'
Epistemological certainty is both desirable and attainable
Foundationalism
The focus on method
The assumption of 'a-historical universality'
The rise of philosophical naturalism

4 Postmodernism
Historical antecedents
Twentieth century contributions of Germans, French and Americans
The overthrow or the revision of the six characteristics of modernism

5. Correlatives of Postmodernism
6. The advantages of Postmodernism
7. The weaknesses and dangers of Postmodernism

(HT: Tim Challies)

Why is He called “Christ,” that is, Anointed?

Heidelberg Catechism

~His Title

Question 31. Why is He called “Christ,” that is, Anointed?

Answer. Because He is ordained of God the Father and anointed with the Holy Spirit[1] to be our chief Prophet and Teacher,[2] who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption;[3] and our only High Priest,[4] who by the one sacrifice of His body, has redeemed us,[5] and ever lives to make intercession for us with the Father;[6] and our eternal King,[7] who governs us by His Word and Spirit, and defends and preserves us in the redemption obtained for us.[8]

[1] Ps 45:7 [Heb 1:9]; Isa 61:1 [Lk 3:21-22, 4:18];
[2] Deut 18:15 [Acts 3:22];
[3] Jn 1:18, 15:15;
[4] Ps 110:4 [Heb 7:17, 21];
[5] Heb 9:12, 10:11-14;
[6] Rom 5:9-10, 8:34; Heb 9:24; 1 Jn 2:1;
[7] Zech 9:9 [Mt 21:5]; Lk 1:33;
[8] Ps 2:6; Isa.61:1-2; Mt 28:18-20; Jn 10:28; 1 Pt 2:24; Rev 12:10-11, 19:16

The year of my redeemed is come

Bagster's Daily Light - February 19 - Evening

The year of my redeemed is come.

For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. 1

And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan. 2

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. 3

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. 4

Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from Death? O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes. 5

Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon. 6
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1 Isa 63:4;
2 Lev 25:10;
3 Isa 26:19;
4 1 Thess 4:16,17;
5 Hos 13:14;
6 Jer 50:34

The Lord giveth wisdom

Bagster's Daily Light - February 19 - Morning

The Lord giveth wisdom ...

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 1

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 2

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 3

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 4

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 5

And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" 6

The officers answered, "No one ever spoke like this man!" 7

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 8
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1 Prov 2:6;
2 Prov 3:5;
3 James 1:5;
4 1 Cor 1:25,27,29;
5 Psa 119:130,11;
6 Luke 4:22;
7 John 7:46;
8 1 Cor 1:30

Three hours

"Christ dispatched more work in those three hours He suffered, than ever was or will be done by all creatures until eternity. It was a good six days of work when the world was made, and He had a principal hand in that; neither has He been idle since. But that three hours’ work on the cross was more than all the other. More will not be done in eternity that virtually was done in those three hours. As they say that eternity is all time contracted into an instant, so all time, past and to come, was contracted into those few hours, as well as the merit of them. For He then made work for the Spirit, and indeed for all three persons, to eternity. He did that which the Spirit is writing out in grace and glory forever, and all that ever was or will be done toward the saints was then perfected: ‘He perfected for ever them that are sanctified, by that one offering’ (Heb 10:12,14)." — Thomas Goodwin, A Habitual Sight of Him: The Christ-centered Piety of Thomas Goodwin, ed. Joel Beeke and Mark Jones(Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2009), 63-64

(HT: Of First Importance)