by Don Carson:
One evangelical cliché has it that God hates the sin but loves the sinner.
There is a small element of truth in these words: God has nothing but hate for the sin, but this cannot be said with respect to how God sees the sinner.
Nevertheless the cliché is false on the face of it, and should be abandoned. Fourteen times in the first fifty psalms alone, the psalmists state that God hates the sinner, that His wrath is on the liar, and so forth. In the Bible the wrath of God rests on both the sin (Rom. 1:18–23) and the sinner (1:24–32; 2:5; John 3:36).
Our problem in part is that in human experience wrath and love normally abide in mutually exclusive compartments. Love drives wrath out, or wrath drives love out. We come closest to bringing them together, perhaps, in our responses to a wayward act by one of our children, but normally we do not think that a wrathful person is loving.
But this is not the way it is with God. God’s wrath is not an implacable blind rage. However emotional it may be, it is an entirely reasonable and willed response to offenses against His holiness. At the same time His love wells up amidst His perfections and is not generated by the loveliness of the loved. Thus there is nothing intrinsically impossible about wrath and love being directed toward the same individual or people at once. God in His perfections must be wrathful against His rebel image-bearers, for they have offended Him; God in His perfections must be loving toward His rebel image-bearers, for He is that kind of God. . . .
The reality is that the Old Testament displays the grace and love of God in experience and types, and these realities become all the clearer in the New Testament. Similarly, the Old Testament displays the righteous wrath of God in experience and types, and these realities become all the clearer in the New Testament. In other words both God’s love and God’s wrath are ratcheted up in the move from the Old Testament to the New. These themes barrel along through redemptive history, unresolved, until they come to a resounding climax in the Cross.
Do you wish to see God’s love? Look at the Cross.
Do you wish to see God’s wrath? Look at the Cross.
—From D.A. Carson, “God’s Love and God’s Wrath,” Bibliotheca Sacra 156 (1999): 388–390.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
8 Symptoms of False Doctrine
J. C. Ryle Quotes is a nice repository of ever-relevant quotes from the 19th century pastor.
Here is the latest:
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Many things combine to make the present inroad of false doctrine peculiarly dangerous.
1. There is an undeniable zeal in some of the teachers of error: their “earnestness” makes many think they must be right.
2. There is a great appearance of learning and theological knowledge: many fancy that such clever and intellectual men must surely be safe guides.
3. There is a general tendency to free thought and free inquiry in these latter days: many like to prove their independence of judgment, by believing novelties.
4. There is a wide-spread desire to appear charitable and liberal-minded: many seem half ashamed of saying that anybody can be in the wrong.
5. There is a quantity of half-truth taught by the modern false teachers: they are incessantly using Scriptural terms and phrases in an unscriptural sense.
6. There is a morbid craving in the public mind for a more sensuous, ceremonial, sensational, showy worship: men are impatient of inward, invisible heart-work.
7. There is a silly readiness in every direction to believe everybody who talks cleverly, lovingly and earnestly, and a determination to forget that Satan often masquerades himself “as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
8. There is a wide-spread “gullibility” among professing Christians: every heretic who tells his story plausibly is sure to be believed, and everybody who doubts him is called a persecutor and a narrow-minded man.
All these things are peculiar symptoms of our times. I defy any observing person to deny them. They tend to make the assaults of false doctrine in our day peculiarly dangerous. They make it more than ever needful to cry aloud, “Do not be carried away!”
~ J.C. Ryle
Warnings to the Churches, “Divers and Strange Doctrines”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1967], 76, 77.
Here is the latest:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many things combine to make the present inroad of false doctrine peculiarly dangerous.
1. There is an undeniable zeal in some of the teachers of error: their “earnestness” makes many think they must be right.
2. There is a great appearance of learning and theological knowledge: many fancy that such clever and intellectual men must surely be safe guides.
3. There is a general tendency to free thought and free inquiry in these latter days: many like to prove their independence of judgment, by believing novelties.
4. There is a wide-spread desire to appear charitable and liberal-minded: many seem half ashamed of saying that anybody can be in the wrong.
5. There is a quantity of half-truth taught by the modern false teachers: they are incessantly using Scriptural terms and phrases in an unscriptural sense.
6. There is a morbid craving in the public mind for a more sensuous, ceremonial, sensational, showy worship: men are impatient of inward, invisible heart-work.
7. There is a silly readiness in every direction to believe everybody who talks cleverly, lovingly and earnestly, and a determination to forget that Satan often masquerades himself “as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
8. There is a wide-spread “gullibility” among professing Christians: every heretic who tells his story plausibly is sure to be believed, and everybody who doubts him is called a persecutor and a narrow-minded man.
All these things are peculiar symptoms of our times. I defy any observing person to deny them. They tend to make the assaults of false doctrine in our day peculiarly dangerous. They make it more than ever needful to cry aloud, “Do not be carried away!”
~ J.C. Ryle
Warnings to the Churches, “Divers and Strange Doctrines”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1967], 76, 77.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Nicaragua Missions with M.U.D. Ministries
God is expanding our ministry in Nicaragua, and we are in the beginning stages of some major training for the indigenous pastors in this country. There has been a lot of “mission” effort going on in Nicaragua for the past several years. With that, there are some good things that have happened and some bad things that have happened, as well.
With the doors open for Americans to go to Nicaragua and train pastors, many have taken advantage of that opportunity. Just like in Jude, some men have crept in unnoticed and begun to preach another gospel. There have been some churches that have fallen victim to the prosperity message: if you come to a certain church and give to their cause, God has promised health and wealth. This is so sad because the poorest people seem to be the ones that fall victims to this kind of lie. There has been an invasion of cults into the country, and so many are being led down a pathway of destruction. Our only option is to take the truth and preach the Gospel. We have been doing this diligently for the past several years, and we will continue to share the Gospel and contend for the faith.
In addition, we have the team that is going in July to prepare the way for our mission trips later in the year. We are in need of Bibles in Spanish or the funds to purchase them. The fact is, we can't take enough so we just take all we can and continue to prepare to bring more!
In August and October we will take more teams to spend time equipping and training pastors and lay leaders. We have 27 new Pastors that will be going through some very strategic training to help equip them to lead their congregations for the glory of the Lord. We are also working with two new orphanages that are in need of our help. We feel that the Lord is leading us to begin a mentor program that will prepare the older children for a transition to life outside the orphanage.
The facts about some of the conditions in Nicaragua are heartbreaking but we must face the issues. We see the problem, now we must combat the enemy!
When you support M.U.D. Ministries you are supporting God’s work in Nicaragua. He has told us to go and serve Him by serving others. Please consider going with us either this year or next year. God can use you to go and make disciples and stop the cycle of destruction that many children and adults are in. If you can’t go, help us by sending us and offering scholarships for those desiring to be on one of our mission teams to Nicaragua!
With the doors open for Americans to go to Nicaragua and train pastors, many have taken advantage of that opportunity. Just like in Jude, some men have crept in unnoticed and begun to preach another gospel. There have been some churches that have fallen victim to the prosperity message: if you come to a certain church and give to their cause, God has promised health and wealth. This is so sad because the poorest people seem to be the ones that fall victims to this kind of lie. There has been an invasion of cults into the country, and so many are being led down a pathway of destruction. Our only option is to take the truth and preach the Gospel. We have been doing this diligently for the past several years, and we will continue to share the Gospel and contend for the faith.
In addition, we have the team that is going in July to prepare the way for our mission trips later in the year. We are in need of Bibles in Spanish or the funds to purchase them. The fact is, we can't take enough so we just take all we can and continue to prepare to bring more!
In August and October we will take more teams to spend time equipping and training pastors and lay leaders. We have 27 new Pastors that will be going through some very strategic training to help equip them to lead their congregations for the glory of the Lord. We are also working with two new orphanages that are in need of our help. We feel that the Lord is leading us to begin a mentor program that will prepare the older children for a transition to life outside the orphanage.
The facts about some of the conditions in Nicaragua are heartbreaking but we must face the issues. We see the problem, now we must combat the enemy!
78% of rape cases in 2009 involved adolescent girls less than 17 years old.
1 of every 4 children suffer from some form of malnutrition.
Prostitution is legal for girls 14 years old or older.
87% of violent crimes—rape, sexual crimes, and assault—are against children.
1 of every 3 girls and 1 of every 5 boys have been sexually assaulted.
When you support M.U.D. Ministries you are supporting God’s work in Nicaragua. He has told us to go and serve Him by serving others. Please consider going with us either this year or next year. God can use you to go and make disciples and stop the cycle of destruction that many children and adults are in. If you can’t go, help us by sending us and offering scholarships for those desiring to be on one of our mission teams to Nicaragua!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thank you
I wanted to personally thank all those who have and are continuing to pray for our family during our loss. My wife lost her Dad suddenly on Friday, March 4th. He was getting well and planning to come home after a bout with pneumonia. All we know is that he fell in the hospital and hit his head. Due to the amount of blood thinner he was taking, he could not have surgery and the bleed inside his head could not be stopped. He went to be with the Lord on March 5th.
We all have a best. I encourage you to give your best to Christ while you can. For some, it would have just been a bump on the head but for others it may be the end of your life. When the Lord requires your soul, you will not take it back. I thank you for your love and prayers as we move ahead. We desperately wanted the boys we are adopting to meet their Paw Paw Bill. He would have loved them and they would have loved him. God's grace is sufficient and we will continue to trust the Lord!
We all have a best. I encourage you to give your best to Christ while you can. For some, it would have just been a bump on the head but for others it may be the end of your life. When the Lord requires your soul, you will not take it back. I thank you for your love and prayers as we move ahead. We desperately wanted the boys we are adopting to meet their Paw Paw Bill. He would have loved them and they would have loved him. God's grace is sufficient and we will continue to trust the Lord!
Monday, March 7, 2011
2011 Nicaragua Missions
M.U.D. Ministries has been hosting mission trips to the country of Nicaragua for the past five years. In 2010, over 100 people from dozens of churches throughout the U.S. participated. These trips have included city-wide crusades, door to door evangelism, revival services, pastor's conferences, marriage conferences, women's conferences, VBS for children, construction projects, and ministering to orphans. The primary focus for all M.U.D. Mission Trips is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ Biblically and effectively. M.U.D. is also committed to equipping international churches to reach their communities.
There is still time to sign up for a mission trip with M.U.D. Ministries to Nicaragua this year. If you have any questions or would like general information, please feel free to contact us anytime! The June trip price increased due to airfare increase.
JULY NICARAGUA TRIPDate: July 23-30, 2011
Capacity: 30 participants *
Cost: $1,770 per person **
Description: Plans include Revival Services, Evangelism, and Children's Ministry.
Payment breakdown: $870 deposit due March 15th, 2011
AUGUST NICARAGUA TRIPDate: August 13-20, 2011
Capacity: 30 participants *
Cost: $1,695 per person **
Description: Plans include Revival Services, Evangelism, and Pastors’ Conference.
Payment breakdown: $700 deposit due June 1st, 2011
OCTOBER NICARAGUA TRIPDate: October 1-8, 2011
Capacity: 30 participants *
Cost: $1,695 per person **
Description: Plans include Revival Services, Evangelism, Pastors’ Conference, and Children's Ministry.
Payment breakdown: $700 deposit due July 1st, 2011
* Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Student Groups must have one adult chaperone per four students of the same gender.
** Cost includes the following: administration, meals, lodging, ground fees, interpreters, and airfare from Atlanta, GA. Cost is subject to change if airfare increases or your group needs to fly out of a different city. Deposits are NON-Refundable and used to purchase airfare for participants. Call the M.U.D. Office (256.620.1788) today for questions, reservations, or more information.
There is still time to sign up for a mission trip with M.U.D. Ministries to Nicaragua this year. If you have any questions or would like general information, please feel free to contact us anytime! The June trip price increased due to airfare increase.
JULY NICARAGUA TRIPDate: July 23-30, 2011
Capacity: 30 participants *
Cost: $1,770 per person **
Description: Plans include Revival Services, Evangelism, and Children's Ministry.
Payment breakdown: $870 deposit due March 15th, 2011
AUGUST NICARAGUA TRIPDate: August 13-20, 2011
Capacity: 30 participants *
Cost: $1,695 per person **
Description: Plans include Revival Services, Evangelism, and Pastors’ Conference.
Payment breakdown: $700 deposit due June 1st, 2011
OCTOBER NICARAGUA TRIPDate: October 1-8, 2011
Capacity: 30 participants *
Cost: $1,695 per person **
Description: Plans include Revival Services, Evangelism, Pastors’ Conference, and Children's Ministry.
Payment breakdown: $700 deposit due July 1st, 2011
* Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Student Groups must have one adult chaperone per four students of the same gender.
** Cost includes the following: administration, meals, lodging, ground fees, interpreters, and airfare from Atlanta, GA. Cost is subject to change if airfare increases or your group needs to fly out of a different city. Deposits are NON-Refundable and used to purchase airfare for participants. Call the M.U.D. Office (256.620.1788) today for questions, reservations, or more information.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Prayer Request
Hello my friends! Please pass the word along about the blog and M.U.D. Ministries. You can alos keep up with me on Facebook and Twitter.
I'm asking you to pray for me as I preach at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Albertville on Sunday morning and Monday night. I'll be teaching during Sunday School to all parents and grandparents that have children in the home. I'll teach on
I'm asking you to pray for me as I preach at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Albertville on Sunday morning and Monday night. I'll be teaching during Sunday School to all parents and grandparents that have children in the home. I'll teach on
Leading and Restoring a Household of Faith.It is basically the doctrinal foundation for family discipleship and worship. Then I'll preach their first revival service. Monday night I'll return and preach the revival service that night. I pray that it is a God blown revival!!
Rebekah's Dad
Bill Nesmith, my Father-in-Law, went to be with the Lord Saturday morning.
Paw Paw Bill as I called him, was in the hospital with pneumonia but was expected to come home soon when he fell in the hospital room and suffered injury to his head Friday. He died yesterday morning. To say this is such a shock is an understatement.
He will be missed greatly by my precious wife and children. I thank the Lord for him and the love he had for his family. I thank the Lord that our last conversation was about the Gospel and the joy of knowing Christ. We talked about John 17:3.
I grieve for my wife, and I am encouraged by her faith in God's Word. She wanted so deeply for her daddy to meet his adopted grandsons. I pray that they will come to know Jesus as their Savior and have true eternal life.
Eternal life is not place, it is a relationship with God and His Son! I am thankful for eternal life this morning!!
Even though they will not meet Paw Paw Bill this side of heaven, I know that he would have loved them! He sure did love his grandchildren!! Please pray for Rebekah as she and her brother work through the many things together. Pray that it builds their love for each other and strengthens our family. For a good picture of Rebekah and her dad visit...
Paw Paw Bill as I called him, was in the hospital with pneumonia but was expected to come home soon when he fell in the hospital room and suffered injury to his head Friday. He died yesterday morning. To say this is such a shock is an understatement.
He will be missed greatly by my precious wife and children. I thank the Lord for him and the love he had for his family. I thank the Lord that our last conversation was about the Gospel and the joy of knowing Christ. We talked about John 17:3.
This is eternal life, to know the one true God and His Son, whom He sent, Jesus Christ.
I grieve for my wife, and I am encouraged by her faith in God's Word. She wanted so deeply for her daddy to meet his adopted grandsons. I pray that they will come to know Jesus as their Savior and have true eternal life.
Eternal life is not place, it is a relationship with God and His Son! I am thankful for eternal life this morning!!
Even though they will not meet Paw Paw Bill this side of heaven, I know that he would have loved them! He sure did love his grandchildren!! Please pray for Rebekah as she and her brother work through the many things together. Pray that it builds their love for each other and strengthens our family. For a good picture of Rebekah and her dad visit...
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