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In this episode of Tidbits from Church History we consider Polycarp’s Martyrdom and find in the account of his faithfulness unto death real encouragement. Though we may not know the persecution that those in the first centuries experienced, we nevertheless need to be strengthened to stand against the modern opposition to our faith. Even a brief glance at the final moments of Polycarp’s life will help us here. It is one thing to die, everyone dies. It is another altogether to die well, to die in faith, and to die in hope of a resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.     More on Polycarp’s Martyrdom We are referring to the first half or so of the second century, and proof of the difficulty that the early church faced is readily seen when we consider Polycarp, perhaps the most famous martyr of the immediate post-Apostolic period. Polycarp served as bishop of the city of Smyrna, and he enjoyed the respect of many laypeople and fellow bishops for two reasons. First, Polycarp was renowned for his compassion and his pastoral care. Second, when Polycarp was young, he knew the Apostle John personally. In addition, Polycarp was friends with Ignatius of Antioch, an important early church leader who himself was martyred early in the second century. Polycarp also taught an important early church father named Irenaeus, who led the fight against the Gnostic heresy. Much of what we know about Polycarp’s martyrdom comes from the second-century work titled the Martyrdom of Polycarp. This work offers an eyewitness account of the bishop’s death at the hands of the Romans, and it is something of a guide as to how Christians are to face martyrdom should that be their end. Unlike heretics of the time or many of the later Crusaders who believed that death during a crusade would guarantee salvation, Polycarp did not seek out martyrdom. He did not hold to the assumption that says dying as a martyr automatically gives one a ticket to heaven, which is merely an extreme form of works-righteousness. Even though Polycarp said that Christians should not go looking for martyrdom, his example does show us that martyrdom must be embraced when the only alternative is to deny the faith once delivered to the saints. When the Romans arrested Polycarp and took him to an arena for public execution, they offered to spare the elderly bishop if he would renounce his faith and worship Caesar. Polycarp refused, for he treasured Jesus more than his own life. Thus, he was put to death by fire and sword. ~ from Ligonier Ministries The post 06 Tidbits from Church History – Polycarp’s Martyrdom appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:31-35 Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence. The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace. In these final verses of Proverbs 3 we clearly see the impending judgment that awaits the unrepentant sinner. Though the wheels of justice move slowly at time, they are always moving. God’s judgment will come upon every sinner. The only way of escape is through the Lord Jesus Christ. The punishment due to my sins and your sins must be satisfied. Either you will satisfy it for eternity in hell or a Substitute will satisfy it. Jesus Christ is that sin-bearing Substitute. He is mighty to save!     Show Notes: Not a single unconverted man will escape the justice of God [01:15] Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. [01:48] God’s justice for the wicked is so fearful because it is so exact. The sinner will suffer for all his sins, none missed. [01:56] Boys, girls, mothers, fathers: turn from sin [02:50] The righteous don’t receive justice, they receive mercy because Jesus Christ suffered in their place [03:25] Every believer rejoices in Christ who satisfied the wrath of God due us [03:51] The illustration of God’s justice in the account of Haman and Mordecai [04:25] Significant quote: “It is only the righteous that do not receive justice. It is the righteous that will inherit honor according to the text. It is the humble to whom God gives favor.” [03:10] The post 18 Proverbs 3:31-35 – Justice for the Wicked appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode we consider God’s supremacy. Meditating on this attribute of God helps us to view God more accurately and see Him as altogether glorious, necessary, and desirable. God is the greatest being that ever was or ever will be. Nothing can compare with God Almighty. He perfectly rules over all His creation and does all that He pleases in the heavens and in the earth. No man can thwart His plans or interfere with His purposes. God is the great God, the only true God. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.     More on God’s Supremacy Of old, God complained to an apostate Israel, “Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself” (Ps. 50:21). Such must now be His indictment against apostate Christendom. Men imagine the Most High is moved by sentiment, rather than by principle. They suppose His omnipotency is such an idle fiction that Satan can thwart His designs on every side. Mankind thinks that if He has formed any plan or purpose at all, then it must be like theirs, constantly subject to change. They openly declare that whatever power He possesses must be restricted, lest He invade the citidel of man’s free will and reduce him to a machine. Men lower the all-efficacious atonement, which redeems everyone for whom it was made, to a mere remedy, which sin-sick souls may use if they feel so disposed. They lessen the strength of the invincible work of the Holy Spirit to an offer of the Gospel which sinners may accept or reject as they please. The god of this century no more resembles the Sovereign of Holy Writ than does the dim flickering of a candle the glory of the midday sun. The god who is talked about in the average pulpit, spoken of in the ordinary Sunday school, mentioned in much of the religious literature of the day, and preached in most of the so-called Bible conferences, is a figment of human imagination, an invention of sentimentality. God’s supremacy might well be argued from the infinite distance which separates the mightiest creatures from the Creator. He is the Potter, they are but the clay in His hands, to be molded into vessels of honor or to be dashed into pieces (Ps. 2:9) as He pleases. The post 05 The Attributes of God – God’s Supremacy appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:27-30 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. In four short verses Solomon by the Holy Spirit presses upon us the necessity of redeeming those opportunities God places in front of us to do good to our neighbor. The Christian is to be generous, a free giver. We should always be looking for an opportunity to help, to give, to encourage, and to exercise the love which Jesus Christ has planted within us. To neglect such opportunities is failure and a lack of love. Selfishness is is completely contrary to all that Christ represents and the life He lived. Love in word and in deed, Christians.     Show Notes: Who is our neighbor? The Scripture declares that every man is our neighbor. [01:05] The Bible is replete with similar exhortations [01:58] Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. [02:08] Titus 3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work… [02:22] 1 John 3:17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? [02:42] We should do good even to evil men, those who don’t treat us well [03:07] Hesitation to do goo to a neighbor often involves either self-preservation or sheer selfishness [03:49] The story of a girl who didn’t neglect the opportunity to do good [04:19] Significant quotes: “If God sends rain upon the just and the unjust, if God is kind to the ungrateful and the evil, then we too should be imitators of Him as His beloved children and walk in His ways.” [03:23] The post 17 Proverbs 3:27-30 – Do Not Withhild Good appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode of Tidbits from Church History we take a glimpse into the life of Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. It was after the Council of Nicea that the opposition against the Biblical doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ was most fierce. Over the course of years, Athanasius was exiled from Alexandria five different times and yet he stood firm for what he knew the Bible to teach about Christ being fully God. His battle over orthodox trinitarianism will forever be remember as Athansius contra mundum. Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.     More on Athanasius Contra Mundum Controversy is never a pleasant thing, but in the life of the church some of the most bitter controversies have yielded the sweetest and most enduring fruit. The Arian controversy produced not only the Nicene Creed of 325 (which is still recited in many churches today) but it also brought to the fore a truly heroic figure of the faith, namely, Athanasius of Alexandria. Born around 296, Athanasius was somewhat of a theological prodigy and was brought up from an early age in the home and under the tutelage of Bishop Alexander. At the time of the Council of Nicaea, Athanasius was a deacon and attended the council as a secretary for Alexander. Even in the role of secretary, Athanasius was a significant contributor to the wording of the creed. But it was in the aftermath of the council that Athanasius’ legacy was forged as he ascended to the office of bishop in 328 upon the death of Alexander. There are three things concerning this champion of orthodoxy that I would like to commend to the contemporary church for consideration. First of all, Athanasius was driven in his rebuttal of Arianism by its practical implication. In other words, in this finely nuanced theological debate he was concerned about the implications of this heresy on salvation. Two of Athanasius’ writings reflect his practical and pastoral concerns. On the Incarnation outlines the fact that in the incarnation, God the Word, Jesus Christ, became human to renew what was human, to sanctify what had become corrupt in Adam. And in Against the Arians, he asserts that God alone initiates and accomplishes salvation, and he argues that it was necessary for our Savior to be both fully human (to renew humanity) and fully divine (to accomplish reconciliation). Evangelical Christians have a tendency to stand back from theological controversies assuming that it’s just a matter of theologians flexing their intellectual muscles in speculative debates that have no bearing on personal faith. While there may be instances where this is true, many of the current controversies, such as the “Lordship debates,” “E.C.T.” (Evangelicals and Catholics Together), and the “New Perspective” controversies are very practical. And, like Athanasius, we must understand their implications in relation to the “faith once delivered.” A second thing we can learn from Athanasius is that unity should not be sought apart from, or at the expense of, truth. The Council of Nicaea produced the creed that established the orthodox formula of the nature of Christ. All those who did not conform to this creed were deemed to be heretics, and this resulted in the exile of Arius and those who sided with him. Ten years later, key leaders of the church prevailed upon the Emperor Constantine to restore Arius. Constantine in turn wrote a letter to Athanasius (who had become a bishop by this time) urging him to receive Arius “whose opinions had been misrepresented.” Athanasius refused to re-admit Arius and his followers on the grounds that “there could be no fellowship between the church and the one who denied the divinity of Christ.” Seeing that the Emperor and many of his fellow officers were pushing for restoration, concession would have been easy if not understandable for Athanasius, but he would not budge. The lesson for us is obvious: when those with whom we have fellowship depart from the fundamentals of the faith, it is nothing less than a breach of that fellowship. This is the clear teaching of Scripture: Galatians 1:6–9; 2 John 7–11; Jude 3–4. Separation is painful, but sometimes it is necessary. The eventual restoration of Arius and his followers eventually led to Arianism becoming dominant in the Eastern provinces of the church. A third thing we can learn from Athanasius is bold tenacity for truth. The restoration of Arius and his followers eventually led to Athanasius’ expulsion in 335. Although he was restored shortly before the death of Constantine in 337, this was only the beginning; in all, Athanasius was exiled five times. Two things can be gleamed from Athanasius’ expulsions. First, he did not allow the experiences to make him bitter or wallow in pity. Like Paul during his various imprisonments, Athanasius was quite productive while in exile. Second, exile did not cause this saint to cave in and compromise. Our adversary seeks to wear us down in his assaults, and if the first attack doesn’t do the trick maybe the third or fourth will. Athanasius was just as bold for truth after his fifth and final exile as he was after the first. What can we learn from this courageous man of faith? We can learn that the Gospel is defended or denied in the doctrines we hold and that Christian fellowship is first a matter of doctrinal unity. Finally, we must firmly hold to the Gospel in spite the consequences. ~ Ken Jones of Ligonier Ministries The post 05 Tidbits from Church History – Athanasius Contra Mundum appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this fourth episode in our series on the attributes of God we take a cursory look at God’s foreknowledge. I say cursory because you really can’t cover all that much in 6 minutes! Nevertheless, I wanted to give a brief but Biblical explanation of what God’s foreknowledge is according to Scripture and that it is always (5 instances in the our New Testament) a foreknowing of persons. Many wrongly understand God’s foreknowledge to be God seeing ahead of time the choices of men, thus basing eternal election on man’s belief and repentance. Yet this is neither Biblical nor satisfactory. It undermines the beauty of the Golden Chain of Redemption we read of in Romans 8:29-30. I hope this study helps to clarify a point or two and ultimately brings glory to our God of sovereign grace! Romans 8:29-30 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.     More on God’s Foreknowledge All Christians believe in predestination by God. They believe in it because the Bible clearly teaches it. But not all Christians mean the same thing by it. The most common error among Christians about predestination arises from a misreading of Romans 8:29. There we are told that God’s predestination is grounded in His foreknowledge. This has been misunderstood to mean that God looked down the corridors of history, foresaw what you and I would do, and stuck that into His plan. This view does not reckon with the fact that God created time, and therefore all events in time, when He created the world, so that He does not look down through history but looks at history as a complete whole. Apart from such a weighty philosophical objection, however, we can notice that Romans 8:29 does not say that God foreknew certain decisions on our part. It does not say that God foresees our faith, and on that basis predestinates us. It says nothing of the sort. Rather, Romans 8:29 says that God foreknew certain people. A study of the idea of knowledge in the Bible will show that it usually involves a choice of intimate relations, as when Adam “knew” his wife Eve and she conceived. Romans 8:29 means that God “fore-loved” certain people, and predestinated them. He chose them; they did not choose Him. Romans 9 makes this abundantly clear, because Paul goes into a discussion of God’s sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau, a choice based on nothing either had done (Romans 9:11). The objection, “Is God unjust?” could not arise unless Paul were teaching real predestination; after all, nobody accuses the “foreseen faith” view of being unjust (9:14). And Paul’s answer in verse 15, which stresses that God decides whom He will save and whom He will not, clinches the matter clearly. ~ from Ligonier Ministries The post 04 The Attributes of God – God’s Foreknowledge appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:21-26 My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. We have six delightful verses before us in this episode, six verses that warm the Christian soul. And why? Because they so beautifully capture the foundational reality of the Christian life, that we have peace with God. Yes, we are no longer hostile enemies of God, but we now have peace with God. This peace produces such sweet effects in the life of a believer. With God as our Father, Deliverer, Keeper, and Guide we walk in His ways in safety for He is guarding our steps. Even in sleep we experience greater rest for God is with us when we lie down. The Lord is the Christian’s confidence all his days.     Show Notes: My object this episode is to hone in on the reality that the Christian has peace with God [00:55] The root of a Christian’s comfort [01:10] Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. [01:43] Peace with God doesn’t come through our actions but through Christ’s finished work [02:18] Isaiah 48:22 “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” [03:00] We did not always know this peace with God [03:10] Illustration of the brave miner [04:15] Significant quote: “Yes, He’s a mighty deliverer. Yes, He’s a loving Father. Yes, He nourishes us and wraps us in the garment of peace. Yes, this is what our great God does for us. ” [04:00] Link: The illustration of “The Brave Miner” was taken from our growing database of child-friendly teaching illustrations for us in family worship. The post 16 Proverbs 3:21-26 – Peace with God appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:13-20 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. In these eight verses we see the tremendous gain that comes to every Christian who finds and embraces and cleaves to God’s wisdom. Truly, the wisdom that comes from above is more valuable than silver and gold. What will it profit a person who gains the whole world and loses his own soul. Walking in God’s wisdom is life-giving and full of pleasantness. The very source of this wisdom is the Life-giver Himself. The wealth of wisdom is to be pursued by every Christian.     Show Notes: Solomon commends the wealth of wisdom to all men [01:38] Unbelievers think Christianity is all about prohibitions and all that it costs a man to follow Christ [01:52] This thinking is completely unbiblical and false [02:19] In Jesus Christ we are truly free, free to enjoy God and the life He has given us [02:27] We need to be sure as parents that we press the law upon our children, but all the more so we must press grace upon them, grace that is greater than all our sins [02:59] God’s grace is a grace that frees the man to live unto the Lord [03:15] Nobody wants to be like a professing Christian who is always frowning [03:43] Significant quote: “Christianity is not about, ‘Don’t do this. Don’t do this. Don’t do this.’ Christianity is about long life and pleasantness and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [02:25] The post 15 Proverbs 3:13-20 – The Wealth of Wisdom appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode we take a brief look at God’s knowledge. According to Scripture, God’s knowledge is exhaustive. There is not anything our God doesn’t know. Positively, we would say our God knows all things. According to Isaiah, God knows the end from the beginning. His knowledge of creation is so deep and intimate that he knows the very number of hairs upon our heads. This is a true comfort to Christians. The God who knows us so well cares for us so deeply. Yet, for the unbeliever, this is a terror. Their sins will find them out and they will one day stand before Jesus Christ in the judgment. They will have to give account before the one who knows all things. Psalm 139:1-6 O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.     More on God’s Knowledge The assertion of Psalm 139 is that God, having brought us under his omnipotent gaze, knows everything we do. In verse one, David speaks to the Lord and acknowledges that God has looked deep into his heart, and discovered the truth of all that is there. When the Psalmist moves from place to place, and even when he takes his seat or rises from it, God is not caught unaware. He knows everything we do. There is a very good example of this in the New Testament. Was not the Lord most surely aware of every circumstance in the life of the apostle Paul when he sent an angel to tell his apostle that not one person’s life on board the ship would be lost? (Acts 27:21-25). How could God have his messenger say such a thing if he did not know all that would take place? Did he not also know that Paul would do the responsible thing and tell the soldiers that if the sailors did not stay with the ship, they could not be saved? Surely, the Lord knew that the soldiers would make the right decision. The Lord was not waiting to find out what they would do. Though there are passages that indicate that the Lord tests us, and “awaits” our obedience, these are certainly anthropomorphic. There are far too many affirmations in Scripture that God knows all things, from the beginning, to think otherwise. You perceive my thoughts from afar (Ps. 139:2b). Does God know everything that we are thinking and can he “read our minds” without being present with us to observe our mood? Indeed the Lord can do such a thing, and that is part of David’s confession of faith. He knows everything we think. Does not this aspect of the knowledge of God undergird the teaching of our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount? We cannot be content with a show of outward obedience to the law, because there is a God above who sees into the very heart of man. This is the view of the writer of Hebrews. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord (Ps. 139:4). As I write, I do not know precisely what I will say in the next sentence or paragraph. In fact, thanks to word processing I will no doubt easily revise my words repeatedly, hopefully for the better each time. I do not know what I shall say, but the Lord knows each statement, each change, and the outcome, though I do not. This is the testimony of the Word of God. God knows everything that we will say before we say it. For practical purposes, is this not the definition of the omniscience of God? He knows all things, past, present, and future, and therefore he knows all that we do (which includes the remembrance of all that we have done), all that we think (and the record of those thoughts), and all that we say. ~ Joe Nesom @ Founders.org The post 03 The Attributes of God – God’s Knowledge appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode of Tidbits from Church History we look the Biblical account of the death of King Herod I. This is found in Acts 12, the same chapter in which James is martyred and Peter is imprisoned and then freed by the angel. Acts 12:20-24 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. But the word of God increased and multiplied. I wanted to bring in addition material from the historian, Josephus, that so closely parallels Luke’s account in Acts. This is a big moment in the history of the early church and there are many lessons we can learn from it.     King Herod’s Death “On the second day of the shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a texture truly wonderful, and came into the theater early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner…and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another, (though not for his good,) that he was a god; and they added, “Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.” Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery.” From the account of Josephus, we learn that Herod’s death wasn’t instant but that he lived a very painful 5 days before dying at the age of 54. “But as he presently afterward looked up, he saw an owl sitting on a certain rope over his head, and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill and fell into the deepest sorrow. A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner. He therefore looked upon his friends, and said, “I, whom you call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life; while Providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me; and I, who was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away by death.” When he said this, his pain was become violent. Accordingly he was carried into the palace, and the rumor went abroad everywhere, that he would certainly die in a little time…And when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life, being in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and in the seventh year of his reign.” ~ The Works of Josephus The post 04 Tidbits from Church History – King Herod’s Death appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. These two verses in Proverbs 3 teach us a very important lesson. First, God corrects His children. He does so, as Hebrews 12 shows us, out of a perfect love for us. Second, God’s correction of His children is for their good. This is how we grow and mature as Christians, this is how we learn to hate sin more and more, and this is how we are ultimately conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Finally, we must not grow weary of God’s correction. Why be weary of what does your soul the most good? Rather than rebel against God in this way or reject His correctives, we are to embrace them and humbly submit to our good God in them.     Show Notes: Covet Correction sermon text – Job 5:17-18 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.” [00:28] Everyone of us stands in need of regular correction [01:12] God’s correction is not something to fear [01:35] God has many purposes when He lovingly corrects His children [02:08] We need the discipline of the Lord and correction that we might grow and conquer sin in our lives [02:48] John Gill quote: “Affliction is a school of instruction, in which the saints learn much of the mind and will of God, and more of his love, grace, and kindness to them; and are enriched with a larger experience of divine and spiritual things.” [02:52] The discipline of the Lord shows us our Father’s displeasure [03:25] God purposes in correction to purge sin from our lives [04:04] Joseph Caryl quote: “Corrections are not sent to take away our comforts, but to take away our corruptions.” [04:46] The illustration of Eli’s failure to correct his two sons [05:11] Hebrews 12:6-7 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [05:28] Significant quotes: “When the Father corrects His dear ones, He is saying, “I love you too much to allow you to continue in your sinful ways. I must mold you and conform you the image of my Only Begotten Son, so that you might share in My holiness and My happiness.” [05:37] “Our Father’s rod is always dipped in honey and after the bitter pain of correction comes the sweet joy of communion.” [06:01] Sermon on the Discipline of the Lord (further listening): The post 14 Proverbs 3:11-12 – The Discipline of the Lord appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode of Tidbits from Church History we take a look at the autobiographical account of Augustine’s conversion. I read a small portion of Augustine’s Confessions where in Book 8 he vividly describes the moment when God rescued him from his bondage to sin. This wonderfully illustrates how necessary the new birth is. You can be well-liked, educated, have a godly mother, and so much going for you, as Augustine did, but you still must be born again! Be encouraged parents, God is regenerating his elect ones throughout the earth today. God is mighty to save! John 3:7-8 “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”     Augustine’s Conversion Now when deep reflection had drawn up out of the secret depths of my soul all my misery and had heaped it up before the sight of my heart, there arose a mighty storm, accompanied by a mighty rain of tears. That I might give way fully to my tears and lamentations, I stole away from Alypius, for it seemed to me that solitude was more appropriate for the business of weeping. I went far enough away that I could feel that even his presence was no restraint upon me. This was the way I felt at the time, and he realized it. I suppose I had said something before I started up and he noticed that the sound of my voice was choked with weeping. And so he stayed alone, where we had been sitting together, greatly astonished. I flung myself down under a fig tree–how I know not–and gave free course to my tears. The streams of my eyes gushed out an acceptable sacrifice to thee. And, not indeed in these words, but to this effect, I cried to thee: “And thou, O Lord, how long? How long, O Lord? Wilt thou be angry forever? Oh, remember not against us our former iniquities.” For I felt that I was still enthralled by them. I sent up these sorrowful cries: “How long, how long? Tomorrow and tomorrow? Why not now? Why not this very hour make an end to my uncleanness?” 29. I was saying these things and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when suddenly I heard the voice of a boy or a girl I know not which–coming from the neighboring house, chanting over and over again, “Pick it up, read it; pick it up, read it.” Immediately I ceased weeping and began most earnestly to think whether it was usual for children in some kind of game to sing such a song, but I could not remember ever having heard the like. So, damming the torrent of my tears, I got to my feet, for I could not but think that this was a divine command to open the Bible and read the first passage I should light upon. For I had heard how Anthony, accidentally coming into church while the gospel was being read, received the admonition as if what was read had been addressed to him: “Go and sell what you have and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me.” By such an oracle he was forthwith converted to thee. So I quickly returned to the bench where Alypius was sitting, for there I had put down the apostle’s book when I had left there. I snatched it up, opened it, and in silence read the paragraph on which my eyes first fell: “Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.” I wanted to read no further, nor did I need to. For instantly, as the sentence ended, there was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty and all the gloom of doubt vanished away. ~ Confessions, Book 8, Chapter 12 The post 03 Tidbits from Church History – Augustine’s Conversion appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode of Tidbits from Church History we consider John Calvin’s death, particularly his grave. From this account of John Calvin’s life we get a glimpse into the man’s humility, a humility worth imitating. Here was a reformer, one of the most important men in all of history, who died a quiet, humble death in Geneva after giving so much of his life to serve the people of that city in Gospel labors. Calvin’s grave speaks to us of our need to continued growth in humility. Hebrews 11:4 And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.     More on Calvin’s Final Years In his final five years, he translated the final edition of the Institutes into French, wrote a large commentary on the Pentateuch, and preached almost tirelessly. Almost. At barely fifty years old he was battling increasing illness and frailty, but his labors continued unceasing. There were seasons of sickness followed by renewed strength. The great reformer began slowing for the final time in February of 1564. Soon it was too draining to preach and lecture. He spent his final months bedridden and died May 27, 1564, just two weeks shy of his fifty-fifth birthday. Calvin could tell in his lifetime that he’d likely be remembered long after his death. So he took pains to fade as namelessly from this world as he could. He requested burial in an unmarked grave hoping to prevent pilgrims from coming to see his resting place and engaging in the kind of idolatry he’d spent his lifetime standing against. In death he completed his life’s labors, not seeking to make much of Calvin, but striving with all his might to point beyond himself to the one who saved him—the one infinitely worthy of being made much of. – from Desiring God The post 02 Tidbits from Church History – Calvin’s Grave appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode in our study of the attributes of God we take a look at God’s decree. I take a brief moment to point out that God’s decree is eternal, unchanging, absolute, and full of wisdom. It also illustrates the perfect freedom of God. Men are not absolutely free, only God is absolutely free. When we consider the decree of God, we should respond as the Apostle Paul did in Romans 11. Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!     More on God’s Decree Although God’s will is ONE, the Bible speaks of God’s will in different ways: 1) “God works all things after the counsel of His own will.” (Eph 1:11) & 2) “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) The two meanings of the word “will” may be used without contradiction or confusion if we keep in mind that the eternal will refers to what SHALL BE (God’s decree which infallibly comes to pass) and His revealed moral will concerns what SHOULD BE (What God calls men to do). For example,it is God’s moral will that we are sanctified – that we abstain from sexual immorality but it is not God’s decree that we abstain from sexual immorality, in which case, everyone would obey because God’s decree always infallibly comes to pass (NO ONE can thwart God’s eternal decree).. Likewise it is God’s moral will that all men everywhere repent and believe the gospel (Acts 17:30). this obviously is not God’s decree or else everyone would be saved. It is speaking of what God commands men to do not what God intends to do. God decreed that some men would not obey the gospel call by leaving them to their own boasted free-will. (See the Westminster Shorter Catechism, answers 7 and 39). Q. 7. What are the decrees of God? A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man? A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will. “God does not intend to bring about everything he values, but he never fails to bring about what he intends” – John Frame – from Monergism.com The post 02 The Attributes of God – God’s Decree appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:8-10 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. This portion of Proverbs 3 includes two different elements within these three verses. First, we discover the reality that the righteous life is healthy and happy life. No are so happy as those who walk in communion with God. Second, we see that the heart of Christians mimic the heart of their God. Believers are to be generous, unselfish, and quick to distribute financial aid (or other physical remedies) to those in need. In the realm of grace, God so often rewards such cheerful giving with trusting His servants with more resources. All resources are God’s either way. Let’s be the best stewards of God’s money we can be.     Show Notes: This passage contains two independent teachings [00:28] The life of righteousness lived in light of God’s wisdom is full of practical benefits [01:12] A merry heart does good like medicine [01:32] Sin is often the cause of poor bodily health and always the cause of poor soul health [02:00] True believers are those who are quick to give to others in need and genuinely unselfish [03:00] God loves cheerful givers [03:29] Luke 6:38 “…give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” [03:33] What a blessed life it is to live as a Christian by the grace of God to the glory of God [04:19] The illustration of Mr. Money Love in Pilgrim’s Progress [04:30] Freely give what you have freely received [05:11] Significant quote: “The life of righteousness, the life of trusting God with all of our heart, is a life that promotes health and longevity and good days.” [01:01] The post 13 Proverbs 3:8-10 – The Blessed Christian appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this first episode in our study of the attributes of God we take a look at the solitude of God, the picture of God from eternity past as God alone. Truly, there is no one like our God, the God who is perfect all by Himself and needs nothing.     God Is Separate from Both Time and the Universe When I’m teaching children, I like to explain it this way. There was no “before” God created. There was not even “nothing”! There was God existing in eternity. This is something humans, as finite created beings, can never really understand. That’s why the Bible makes it clear there is always a “faith” aspect to our understanding of God. Now, biblical faith is not against reason, but such things go beyond our understanding. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). In Psalm 90:2 we read: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” So what was “before” creation? God existing from everlasting to everlasting—God existing in eternity. Do you remember what God said to Moses when he asked God who he should say sent him to lead his people out of Egypt’s oppression? “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you”’” (Exodus 3:14). God is the great “I AM.” He exists in eternity. He was not created. In Revelation 1:8 we read, “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Isaiah 43:10 records these words from God: “‘You are My witnesses,’ says the Lord, ‘and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me.’” In other words, it’s a mistake to talk about what God was doing “before creation” because the concept of time (before, during, and after) did not come to be until Day One of Creation Week. God exists—He is—He is the eternal self-existent One. He is outside of time. – from Answers in Genesis The post 01 The Attributes of God – God Alone appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

In this episode of Tidbits from Church History, Lee Dodd discusses this difficult period of Calvin’s life in the earliest years of his labor and ministry in Geneva, Switzerland. There is much we can glean through considering Calvin’s exile today.     More on Calvin’s Suffering Severe trials would come the following year in the form of sickness and death. The plague that had come through Strasburg now swept through Geneva. Calvin refused to abandon his flock and seek safety outside town, risking his life to remain and comfort his ailing parishioners. Then in the summer of 1542, Calvin’s only child was born and died only two weeks later. It was a great blow. He wrote to his close friend Viret, “The Lord has certainly inflicted a severe and bitter wound in the death of our baby son. But he is himself a father and knows best what is good for his children.” Calvin’s wife would have no more children and would remain sickly until her death in the spring of 1549. Upon her death, Calvin again wrote to Viret: You know well how tender, or rather soft, my mind is. Had not a powerful self-control been given to me, I could not have borne up so long. And truly, mine is no common source of grief. I have been bereaved of the best companion of my life, of one who, had it been so ordained, would have willingly shared not only my poverty but even my death.  During her life she was the faithful helper of my ministry. From her I never experienced the slightest hindrance. She was never troublesome to me throughout the whole course of her illness, but was more anxious about her children than about herself.  As I feared these private worries might upset her to no purpose, I took occasion three days before she died, to mention that I would not fail in discharging my duty towards her children. – from Desiring God The post 01 Tidbits from Church History – Calvin’s Exile appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. These three verses found in Proverbs 3 are some of my favorite verses in the entire book of Proverbs. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have quoted these verses to myself. What a clear division between two practices: trusting in the Lord and trusting in ourselves. God loves to be trusted. He loves to be consulted! He promises to make our paths straight if we will but trust in the Lord and look to Him in everything. Even if the path looks scary or is fraught with pain, let every believer continue to trust in the Lord.     Show Notes: The first Bible verses I memorized as a new Christian [00:35] These verses are worthy of daily meditation, a help to Christians again and again [01:24] God’s blessing is upon those who trust in Him in spite of their hard circumstances [01:48] God loves to be trusted, all the more so when our circumstances are bleak [02:06] Self-trust is described as folly (Proverbs 28:26), rebellion (Jeremiah 2:13), and ruin (Isaiah 47) [02:13] We must take God at His word. What he says He will do, He will do! [02:48] The example of Noah’s faith [03:11] The example of Abraham’s faith [03:39] Romans 4:18-21 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. [04:22] In all our ways we should acknowledge God and He will make our paths straight [05:21] Significant quote: “God loves to be consulted! God loves to be trusted especially when circumstances are bleak and His providence is dark.” [02:03] The post 12 Proverbs 3:5-7 – Trust in the Lord appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 3:1-4 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. This opening passage of Proverbs 3 is another heartfelt call from father to son to treasure up God’s wisdom and commandments in his heart. This is a call to you and me today. We hide God’s Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). This isn’t something that happens overnight but is a willful pursuit and aim. We should always be growing in favor with both God and man.     Show Notes: What is the meaning of the word “forget” in verse 1? [01:10] Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” [01:52] There will never be an lovingly instructed son or daughter who can stand before the judgment seat of Christ and claim ignorance. [02:38] Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. [03:19] Jesus Christ is the best example of one who embraced His parent’s teaching [03:34] The pattern of receiving instruction and hiding it in the heart that we see in the early life of Jesus is to be imitated by all Christians [04:19] Questions to help apply the text [04:34] Significant quote: “This is a remarkable call to all who hear God’s wisdom to embrace it, not to willfully forget it or reject it or to set it aside as though there’s some better option available.” [02:10] The post 11 Proverbs 3:1-4 – Treasuring Wisdom in Your Heart appeared first on Family Worship Radio.

Proverbs 2:20-22 So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it. This final passage in Proverbs 2 closes the chapter with a clear call to action. There are only two paths one can choose, the path of righteousness or the path of wickedness. The way of good leads to life and blessing. The way of evil leads to judgment and darkness. Which path will you choose? There is no middle ground. The path you are on leads to eternal life or eternal damnation.     Show Notes: There is no middle ground and Solomon calls his son and us all to walk in one of two paths [01:08] Parallel from Pilgrim’s Progress with Mr. By-Ends and his companions Mr. Facing-both-Ways and Mr. Hold-the-World [01:31] It is an impossibility to walk in both paths, you are in one or the other [01:51] The importance of “land” as seen in verses 21 and 22 [02:32] Deuteronomy 28:63 And as the LORD took delight in doing you good and multiplying you, so the LORD will take delight in bringing ruin upon you and destroying you. And you shall be plucked off the land that you are entering to take possession of it. [02:50] Which path are you walking in? [05:34] Significant quote: “You are either in Christ or outside of Christ, children. You either love Jesus Christ with all your heart or your in love with yourself, in love with the world, in love with the things of the world. There are only two ways one can live.” [04:54] The post 10 Proverbs 2:20-22 – No Middle Ground appeared first on Family Worship Radio.