Sola Gratia

Doctrine

ryan069 — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 07:43:03 +0000

As James White says( the great apologist from Alpha and Omega Ministries ), “Theology Matters.”
A corollary to theology implies that a certain of doctrines are to be taught regarding sound teaching, and the apostle Paul made that clear to Timothy- Preach the Word in season and out of season watching your doctrine closely in accordance to Scripture. This is a big theme in the letters to Timothy and is important in our day as well. In fact God calls some to be teachers and preachers of the Word, guarding the deposit of the truth given to us by God,s revelation.
There an allergy to the word doctrine. It conjures up images of a dry and wasted land, devoid of life and, for some, practicality. This notion is lamentable because sound doctrine frames the proper base for the drama of redemption to unfold. As Michael Horton makes clear in his new systematic theology the drama sets the stage for doctrine, leading to doxology and discipleship.
I pray that teachers study with an aim to proclaim Christ and His saving grace to undeserving sinners. Perhaps the pendulum swings to quickly between doctrine and discipleship, leaving a vacuum where mission becomes either an obligation or a guilt ridden endeavor. It is vital to understand what we believe, but we also must repent of any reticence to voice the gospel due to a sinful fear of man or a dispassionate going through the motions Christianity that keeps to itself.

Doctrine has been an area of interest to me ever since I started studying Reformed Theology. I confess that I have entertained intellectual desires while being indifferent to mission. I enjoy studying theology and church history; it’s an e- ticket ride to say the least. Another insightful quote from Horton reminded me that theology is done best in community. May we edifying one another with the truth of the gospel and not be ashamed of it because God is of salvation. Gods word will not come back void; it will accomplish it’s intended purpose.

First things first

ryan069 — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:56:00 +0000

It’s been a challenging sermon series, yet the faithful preaching of The Word of God demands that the whole counsel of God be addressed. Not that every aspect of the Bible is covered in every sermon, but that there is a pivotal proclamation of Jesus Christ and His saving gospel promise.
At Kaleo we are currently going through the book of Amos. This minor prophet brings a lot of heat, calling Judah and israel to return to the Lord. Today we went through chapter two and I recognized that I am no different from the querulous Israelites. Yet we have the good news of redemption in Christ, the Lord and Savior who came to live the life we cannot and to die the death we all deserve as sinful humans. I pray that the church heeds the call of Amos and proclaims the Gospel, living in light of the good news. The benediction came from Ezekiel 37. The chapter shows us the power of God unto salvation and an important doctrine–regeneration. I’m grateful that I was in church today hearing that prophetic Word.

ryan069 — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 07:36:13 +0000

It’s been a awhile since I last posted a blog article, and I thought about the name of this blog – sola gratia. By grace alone. I believe that God initiates salvation and is the finisher of faith, however sin creeps like a roaring lion seeking to devour it’s prey. God is indeed gracious and shows us His grace by sending His son on our behalf. He who knew no sin became sin so that we may have the righteousness of God. O the riches and in searchable depths of His wisdom and grace. This is a doctrine that ought to imbue sinners with humility; we have nothing to boast in other than God,s grace. I pray that God, s Word would dwell richly in the lives of His people and that sinner,s hearts would be renewed in light of the gospel.

Rescuing Ambition

ryan069 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:18:54 +0000

Passivity is evident in a person where there are two many distractions and a lack of godly ambition. Dave Harvey has written a great book on ambition and how humans crave glory and recognition in their lives. Harvey talks about how a sports fan will center their lives around a sporting event and live to see their team win. And if the team doesn’t win, the fan is left in what seems like inconsolable melancholy. I believe a lack of ambition also stems from idolatry. Humans are made for worship. We might not always think we are worshiping, but the fact we spend our time and resources lets us know we are putting hope in something other than the Triune God, who sent His Son Jesus to die for sinners and to rise again for their justification.

I am grateful for the Holy Spirit. For the first time , I am seeing how sin has caused separation between God and other interpersonal relationship. Like King David, I recognize that I have ultimately sinned against God alone. He deserves all praise and glory. His love endures forever. Psalm 51 has been comfort to my soul as I meditate on God’s Word and rest in the gospel. We preach Christ crucified, and Him alone for salvation.

I confess that I have spent innumerable hours thinking about what my calling is in life. I have made it an idol, looking for identity in what I do. What tomfoolery! It’s not what I do, but rather what Christ has done for me on the cross. In addition to this, Harvey points out the comforting truth of Christ’s active obedience; he lived a perfect life without sin and by faith He reckons that righteousness to me. It s a righteousness outside myself. In Latin the phrase is extra nos. No this is not some octane boost inside, infused within, but it is the work of Christ on my behalf.

I pray that I’ll learn more from Harvey’s book and lean on the promises of God revealed in His Word.

Holiness

ryan069 — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:08:46 +0000

Lately I have been reading J.C. Ryle’s marquee work simple entitled “Holiness” I have learned a lot thus far about two important theological topics: justification and sanctification. Issiah came undone in the sixth chapter of his commission and proclaimed ” Woe is me, I am undone.” This is the clarion response of all the stories in the Bible and reveals the unfathomable holiness of God. Too often, God is seen as the “Big man or a Buddy” in the evangelical milieu, and as Christians, we are sinners in need of God’s grace through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to redeem sinners and to give them new life. To neglect the doctrine of justification is to confuse sanctification. Ryle wrote brilliantly and succinctly about this distinction, and I pray that I find my identity in the finished work of Christ, who obeyed, died and rose for my justification. Christians are called to be holy as our heavenly father is perfect, but we easily confuse what the law reveals with what the gospel does to free us from the condemnation of the law.

Another book that first awakened me to this all important theme in the Bible was R.C. Sproul’s book “The Holiness of God.” In my early years as a Christian I didn’t have much exposure to this doctrine of Scripture. At times, the reign of sin seems inescapable. The good I want to do is marred by the evil that is right beside me. Yet the Good news is that Jesus took upon Himself that egregious and hell-worthy sin on the cross. We proclaim Christ and Him crucified for sinners, and trust that He who began a good work will bring it to completion in Christ Jesus. Paul fought the good fight of faith, and reckoned himself the chief of all sinners. He had nothing to boast in except our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ryle also addressed growing in grace and assurance. i encouraged by this book and pray that I put on the whole armor of God to resit the wily machinations of the devil, the world and the flesh.

The Pomodoro Technique

ryan069 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:33:03 +0000

In a sound bite culture, one that we face today with many distractions, information comes to us from many sources, i.e. internet, books, TV, etc. God is gracious to us in that he gives us time, time to spend either for His glory or to dawdle away in vain pursuits. I saw a video about how to practically use time for greater productivity. This technique is rather simple: take 25 minutes and spend that time focused only on one task. I love to read, but have found it very difficult recently. I get distracted so easily and wander from one thing to another without really focusing; thus my ability to retain information is severely diminished. I pray that as Christians we use time wisely and for God’s glory. We are stewards of all He has given us, and time is short. God knows every hair that will say or fall from one’s head. For those of us who struggle with stewardship and merely paying attention, a focused shorter time frame of study is much better than taking in information at DSL speed.

Why is Rest so Tiring?

ryan069 — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:41:21 +0000

Too often I notice a rhythm of life that ebbs and flows in a mercurial, seamless way, and that to enter rest as a Christian becomes far more difficult than I expect or want it to be. I am grateful for God’s inerrant Word that shows sinners their true state and the true remedy for their souls- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul uses the familiar phrase in his epistles “in Christ” to present the truth of the gospel and where his true identity lies. Because we live in a fast paced world, it is exceedingly difficult to meditate on God’s word and to grow in holiness. As I examine my wicked heart and look to Christ for the forgiveness of sins, I am troubled by my sin and hate that I think evil thoughts and judge others unfairly, often because I hate the same thing in myself.

In regrd to meditation and spiritual disciplines, I am intrigued by the recent interest in what is called “spiritual formation” I used to think this was important (Don’t get me wrong–growing in grace and trusting the gospel is of paramount importance) but there is an emphasis on hearing from God and centering on certain words and phrases. God has revealed His Word for the Christian life and practice. This is the sole basis for our knowledge of God and what He has done in Christ, applied by the Holy Spirit. I have also read on various blogs that the New Calvinism movement has delved into this type of practice, promoting key authors and medieval Roman Catholic proponents — a strange relationship indeed.

I pray that the gospel, the person and work of Christ is made known, and that the church learns more about what it means to find our rest in Christ and to proclaim His excellencies. “Come unto me and I will give you rest…”

New Home

ryan069 — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:01:48 +0000

I recently moved to the College Area near SDSU, and I am grateful for the opportunity God afforded me to live closer to church and fellow believers. God is good and He sent His Son Jesus to rescue sinners from their bondage to sin, taking all of it on the cross and rising agian on the third day for sinner’s justification. I thank God for His grace and mercy to pursue a wretched sinner as me and that I receive His benefits by faith alone, by grace alone and in Christ alone.

Sometimes a change of locale can be a good thing, but I am convinced that only the gospel produces heart transformation, resting in the promises of God. My pursuit of sin has been deliberate and evil, and I pray that I fight the good fight of faith, not being content with any appearance of sin or evil. To believe I can hide from God and to live life in a duplicitous manner is utter folly. I am glad to have a new place to live and I pray that God’s gospel moves throughout the community and in our church.

It’s been awhile since I lasted posted, but this is a start.

May God bless

A New Start

ryan069 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:59:40 +0000

The wages of sin is death. I’ve tried to hide behind a cloak of righteousness, one that I thought would bring a resolution to the guilt and shame I’ve covered through sin. It is like Adam and Eve in the garden trying to cover themselves up after their probation period ended. Through a recent confession in the small group ministry at church, I have confessed some pretty serious sins. It has been hard to do because I’m so used to lying about who I really am, and have caused incalculable damage first and foremost to God and then as a consequence to others as well. I praise God for His mercies in Christ and the letter to the Ehpesians. I am grateful for who I am in Christ and what He did for me on the cross. I pray that I continue to hate my sin and flee to Christ and His righteousness. Part of my disciple included a withdrawal from seminary at WSC. This has been tough at first, but I realized now that I’d been trying to use the pursuit of a call to hide behind my sin. What a hypocrite I am, but O how I have seen the promises of God renewed in my heart and mind.

I thank God for His providential work and how he has used this experience to point me to the cross and to the sacraments. I also thank him for the preached Word and The Lord’s Supper. I also realize how sin affects focus and clarity of thought. I am not that gifted of a writer nor have I evidenced any improvement in the last two semesters at WSC. I was trying to serve two masters, and I loved one and hated the other. I’m not sure where I’ll go from here, but I do know that I have the forgiveness of sins through Christ and His sacrifice on the cross–to take the wrath I deserved on my behalf. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. Soli DEo Gloria

Amud Yomi

ryan069 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:02:51 +0000

This week the Spring Semester at Westminster Seminary began and I am excited to continue with Hebrew. The language is unique in many ways however I am grateful to have the opportunity to study in preparation for ministry. I also have Pentateuch, which covers the first five books of the Bible. Another beneficial course deals with the Pauline Epistles, a survey of Paul’s writings and the setting in which he wrote. It’s amazingly hard to figure out why many scholars think Paul was the founder of Christianity and propound a view of Paul that is in direct contradiction to the work of Jesus. Anyway, I am excited to learn more about his letters and how they proclaim Christ. (Col. 1:28)

The title of this blog comes from a Hebrew expression meaning “daily column.” I’m no where near that in terms of my blog records, but I thought it was appropriate in reference to Bible reading and devotion to mention that phrase.

Genesis lays the foundation for a covenant approach to theology and the work of God to form a people for Himself. There are many considerations that arise in people’s mind about the style or genre of Genesis and how that influences interpretation. One example that comes to mind is the age of the earth. The class I’m taking will look at the question more closely. When I took the J. Gresham Machen class this past winter term we looked at a period of history that challenged as well as affirmed biblical authority. These two groups are roughly labeled fundamentalist/liberal. The astounding thing about each group is there ostensible similarity, despite unique differences that caused each other’s blood to boil. One such occasion occurred during the Scopes Trial in 1925. This trial became a threat to evangelical Christians who saw a great problem with evolution and wanted to defend a creation position for fear of an atheistic platform to control society. William Jennings Bryan led the trial and championed the cause of creationism. This trial was emblematic of the struggle to proclaim truth, yet it was often done in such a defensive way that science and other fields of education regarded such notions as ridiculous as a flat earth.

Anyway, I pray that God’s Word is the meditation of your heart and that you look to Christ for refuge and strength.