Did our hearts not burn within us?

Did our hearts not burn within us?

Monday, February 05, 2007

A LIVING HOPE IN A HOPELESS WORLD:

I would like to direct you to the link above which will take you to the website Echoes of Grace. My dear friend Dr. George Bloomquist writes a monthly newsletter. Please check it out. I've inserted an sample of the article below>>>


A Bible Teaching Newsletter of Dr. George E. Bloomquist ….

A LIVING HOPE IN A HOPELESS WORLD:
A Study of I & II Peter, Part XXIV, II Peter 2:1-3 February 2007 Issue

If you notice from the title of this issue, this is the twenty-fourth month that we have been walking through Peter’s epistles to the church. We have had a few months when we focused on Christ’s coming into the world and His resurrection. However, in keeping with the purpose and focus of this monthly epistle, we return to II Peter and three verses that focus on the danger of false teachers.
In these two epistles, Peter has emphasized true heart-knowledge, the need to be serious about our Christian life, the certainty of the prophetic Word of Scripture, and the Second Coming of the Lord. He now warns us of one of the most insidious dangers to the church, false teachers.
In an age in which doctrine is becoming less important and methods and schemes for “church development” engulf our discussions and practices, this passage must be understood. To assume that every successful-appearing work with the name church on it is kosher is to be blind to what the apostle predicts and we see unfolding before our eyes. Thus, Peter’s words are a clear guide concerning true and false teaching.


Click here to read the rest of the article: http://www.echoesofgrace.com/feb2007.pdf

More and more, in our churches in America today, we have been receiving a message that doesn't at all sound like anything that Peter or Paul had communicated to any of the churches in their Epistles. It has become an internal, self-centered, ME-ism, that has infiltrated our churches with a consumerism mentality, that sells ideas and techniques that are new, innovative, and pragmatic. Whatever shows results, and is meeting the "felt needs" and is "touching the heart" of the people, that's what we have become as a church. We will do "Whatever it Takes" to bring people into the church. Sadly this means we think that doctrine is antithetical and un practical or irrelevant. And, we have also pushed aside an encounter with God and his attributes. That makes people uncomfortable. People will say "We need something that is relevant." Since when is God not relevant? That is like saying that "Jesus at times didn't behave as a very good Christian."
What if we were to revisit the concept of God's Holiness? I totally believe that everything in the church centers on this attribute of God. This informs how the church is to do everything. It impacts evangelism, discipleship, and leaving a legacy to the family. If we would remind ourselves that God is Holy, and try to understand what that means, I think we just might see less of an embrace of a "ME-ism" and a greater embrace of God, His Holiness and an appreciation of His Sovereign Grace.
If I want to leave a legacy to my family I need to show them this about God. They need to know why I am SO consumed with his Holiness and His Sovereign Grace, that it compels me to dig into His word more and more. These are things that they will see and observe day-in and day-out and can not be burned up (like a letter) in a fire or eaten by the dog.
Dads!!! If you were to write a letter or even BE a letter to your family to pass along... Write something like this:

2 Timothy 3:10-17 (English Standard Version)

All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God
10You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra--which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom[a] you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God[b] may be competent, equipped for every good work.
1 Peter 4:10-12 (English Standard Version)
10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

2 Peter 1:15-17 (English Standard Version)

15And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word

16For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son,[a] with whom I am well pleased,"
This month's edition of the Echoes of Grace Newsletter by Dr. George Bloomquist does a really good job of bringing these things to light. As well does this weeks topic on the White Horse Inn called Narcissism Gone Wild.
Grace and Peace,
Chris Allen
Coram Deo!!!

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