Becoming the Gospel May 10, 2011 "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27) The Greek word translated "conversation" emphasizes "citizenship," with all of its attendant loyalties and expectations for appropriate behavior. The structure of the introductory word "only" indicates that it is an adjective, not an adverb. Thus, the opening phrase could be rendered, "Your only citizenship must be lived out so that it becomes the gospel." The New Testament employs three different Greek terms that are translated "conversation." Anastrepho is best understood as "dwelling" or "remaining" in a certain place: "Put off concerning the former conversation," we are commanded in Ephesians 4:22. Tropos stresses the manner of life, perhaps implying the reputation one gains by the lifestyle: "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example (Jude 1:7). Politeuo, the term used by Paul in our text, conveys citizenship: "For our conversation is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20, politeuma). The emphasis of our text is on our lifestyle and testimony as "ambassadors" in a foreign land (2 Corinthians 5:20). As such, we are to live in a manner that "becometh" the gospel--"that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1) We are to stand fast in a unity of one spirit with one mind. Paul closed his letter to the Philippians with this: "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved" (Philippians 4:1). HMM III

Possessing a Deep Concern for Lost Souls

3 Mar

We know but little of true Christianity, if we do not feel a deep concern about the souls of unconverted people. A lazy indifference about the spiritual state of others, may doubtless save us much trouble. To care nothing whether our neighbors are going to heaven or hell, is no doubt the way of the world. But a person of this spirit is very unlike David, who said, “rivers of waters run down my eyes, because men keep not your law” [Psalm 119:136]. He is very unlike Paul, who said, “I have great heaviness and continual sorrow of heart for my brethren” [Rom. 9:2]. Above all, he is very unlike Christ. If Christ felt tenderly about wicked people, the disciples of Christ ought to feel likewise.

~ J.C. Ryle

The second time......

As most of you know, JC heads out for his 2nd mission trip to Vietnam today. Let's keep him in our prayers. Here's a link to his new blog. Please follow along on this God sized adventure with JC. Some words of encouragement would be much appreciated! Let's "travel" with him this time! To God be the glory......

Going Back With God - Again!

In Christ,
Sandy

The State of Our Soul on Sunday

28 Jan

Let us never forget that our feelings about Sundays are sure tests of the state of our souls. The person who can find no pleasure in giving God one day in the week, is manifestly unfit for heaven. Heaven itself is nothing but an eternal Sabbath. If we cannot enjoy a few hours in God’s service once a week in this world, it is plain that we could not enjoy an eternity in His service in the world to come. Happy are those who walk in the steps of her of whom we read today! They shall find Christ and a blessing while they live, and Christ and glory when they die.

~ J.C. Ryle

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 2 , [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 120. {Luke 13:10-17}

J.C. Ryle Quotes

The Righteous Word January 13, 2011 "Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." (Psalm 119:137-138) The writer of the book of Hebrews called God's Word "the word of righteousness" (Hebrews 5:13). Nehemiah declared that God had "performed thy words; for thou art righteous" (Nehemiah 9:8). Those two concepts merge in the beauty of the Word. "For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth" (Psalm 33:4). The written Word is righteous; the Cause of the Word is righteous. That theme pervades this stanza of Psalm 119. Several synonyms describe this characteristic of the Scriptures. The Lord is righteous and therefore His judgments are upright. "Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way" (Psalm 25:8). God's Word is very pure (Psalm 119:140), like refined gold. "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times" (Psalm 12:6). Because the righteous acts of the Lord have everlasting consequences, the "law is the truth" (Psalm 119:142)--"the righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting" (v. 144). Since the psalmist dedicated his heart and life to the clarity of God's Word, righteous jealousy consumed him on behalf of God because the enemies of the Lord forgot His Word (v. 139). Furthermore, even though he felt "small and despised" (v. 141) and trouble and anguish surrounded him, he still delighted in understanding God's righteous commandments (v. 143). May the Lord God strengthen our resolve this day to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). HMM III

Print this article | More Days of Praise articles

Institute for Creation Research