Well, that was difficult…

Without being overly dramatic.. the hour radio show tonight was one of the most difficult hours of my life.

23 minutes into the show, a message popped up on the computer monitor in front of me, informing me that my mother was desperately sick and had been rushed to hospital. That is all I knew. I had to do the rest of the show (37 minutes) not knowing any more than that.

From what I understand, my mother did not wish to go to the hospital because of financial concerns but the gentleman staying with us (Jim) insisted – she was very delirious and was vommiting profusely and so he phoned the emergency 911 number and the ambulance and medical people came and tried to stabilize her.

Jim tells me that they found her blood sugar reading to be 40. I understand that if it goes as low as 20-30, you’re dead, so it was definitely a borderline life and death situation. I thank God for Jim, who is recovering from a stay in hospital himself – I had only picked him up from hospital earlier this afternoon. If he had not been present at my home and had not called 911, perhaps my mother would already be dead.

I had no idea of the details – just had to keep on going with the radio program because it was a live show and it would let a whole lot of people down if I just walked away. I was like a soldier who needed to stay at my post until reinforcements arrived (or in this case, the show finished).

Hopefully some of the things I was saying on the show made sense. I felt the Lord’s presence upholding me and even giving me a heavenly boldness to speak. I give the Lord all the praise, for it was certainly Him giving me the strength to do the show. Each moment I was silently (and then in the commercial breaks, not so silently) asking Him to help me keep my focus on Him and the task at hand, even though my heart was torn up over what might be happening that very moment with my mother.

I write this very quickly having just got back from the radio station. I am having a very quick hot cup of English tea (PG Tips) and will now set off in the car to go visit my mother in the hospital.

I write this post in haste to ask if you would kindly pray for my mother. I would appreciate that so very much.

Much love,

John

Recommendations

(1) God willing, this evening I will once again be hosting the Andrew Tallman show, continuing the theme of Divine election.

To repeat the details about how to listen in – the one hour show can be heard live across the Phoenix area on KXEG radio at 1360AM at 6:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. EST) and also live on the internet (same time of course) at www.kpxq1360.com – (when you get there, click on the “Listen Live” button at the top of the page)…. I would very much value your prayers. – John

Dr. John Piper was asked, “I believe the doctrine of election but I don’t like it much. Is it sin for me not to like the doctrine of election?” I like his answer:

(2) One quote from C. H. Spuregon: “Faith which refuses to obey the commands of the Saviour is a mere pretense and will never save the soul.”

One quote from Augustine: “In some places God requires newness of heart [Ezek 18:31]. But elsewhere he testifies that it is given by him [Ezek. 11:19; 36:26]. But what God promises we ourselves do not do through choice or nature; but he himself does through grace.”

Two quotes from John Hendryx: “There is no blessing that ever comes to man from God without coming through the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Martyn Lloyd Jones) “Therefore if irresistible/effectual grace is granted only to the elect, then where did this grace come from? From Christ. Therefore, Christ died in a redemptive way for the elect (to purchase effectual grace) that he did not for the non-elect (whom he did not purchase effectual grace). Gospel grace is Christocentric.” – John Hendryx

“Where did you get the sound judgment or good sense to believe the gospel? (John 6:63-65, 37) Why do some NOT have the good sense to believe the gospel? (John 8:47; 10:26). Grace frees you from boasting in what isn’t your own, including ascribing your repenting and believing to your own sound judgment or good sense. Grace makes us glory in Christ alone, even for these blessings.” – John Hendryx

(3) This short video uses the words of Pastor Tim Keller to unveil the theme of the Bible, revealing the fact that it is not about you (or me) but about Him:

True & Better from Peter Artemenko on Vimeo.

(4) “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” – Jeremiah 15:16

There is nothing more precious than a true knowledge of God and His Word. Someone wrote to me asking what recommendations I had regarding materials for Bible study. Here’s four (including one for children):

1. Dust to Glory – I absolutely love this series and am using it with my teenage children. This series takes you through the Bible book-by-book, drawing out the major themes of each. It’s available in the NEW TESTAMENT and OLD TESTAMENT (or as a complete package). It’s a comprehensive series with 57 lectures.

Dr. Ligon Duncan, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Miss. has said, ““Never before has there been a greater need for Christians to know their Bibles than now. And yet, we know them less well than we have at any time since the Reformation. That’s one reason that I am so delighted to commend R.C. Sproul’s Dust to Glory. It gives you the big picture — the major themes, events, and people of the Bible — the very thing we need to help us know our Bibles better. And it does so in a gripping, memorable way. Know your Bible better. Start here.”

(This is such a great series that it might also be something worthwhile to donate to your local church library).

2. Chosen by God – The doctrine of predestination remains a controversial subject and yet God has revealed this truth to us in His Word, not to divide us, but to show us the immensity of His grace and kindness to us.

In both the book and DVD series, Dr. Sproul “shows how election is entirely compatible with human freedom, dignity, and responsibility. One of Ligonier’s most significant and popular books, Chosen by God shows why all serious Christians cannot afford to ignore this important biblical doctrine, but instead should embrace God’s initiative in Salvation.” Buy R.C. Sproul’s “Chosen By God” for $10.40. Shop Today!

3. The Prince’s Poison Cup – (for children) Buy “The Prince’s Poison Cup” children novel by R.C. Sproul. Shop now!

4. In an earlier post I outlined why I particularly recommend The Reformation Study Bible: Simply superb!

(Remember, if you do decide to purchase any material from Ligonier, you can claim an exclusive 10% discount as a reader of this blog by using the coupon code: EGRACE10)

Assurance about lost loved ones

How does knowledge of the doctrine of election encourage/help those who are praying for lost loved ones? So many times, when discussing this doctrine for the first time, people feel discouraged and even desperate over the fact that someone that they love may or may not be elect. How can the truth of God’s election encourage someone who is praying that God will save a loved one?

I would like to answer your question by telling you a story from history. In the 4th century, there was a very devout Christian lady named Monica. She was married to a prominent man who did not share her Christian faith. He was often very cruel to her, causing her physical abuse. Every day she would go to the church and pray for his conversion. Later on in his life, he did in fact become a Christian.

Yet the pain and anguish her husband caused her seemingly paled into insignificance compared to that which she suffered because of her oldest son. Her mother’s heart was broken, time after time, seeing the reckless life her son was leading. He not only did not share his mother’s faith but would join himself to anti-Christian groups, using his sharp mind to seek to convince others to follow him. He lived a very immoral life. He had a mistress but left her for another and had a son born out of wedlock, named Adeodatus. Monica was not personally able to convince her son of the truth claims of Christianity, but she determined never to stop praying that he would turn to the Lord. Continue reading

Thanks for your prayers

Thanks for your prayers regarding tonight’s radio show. I think it went well. Callers asked some great questions and I think I was able to say enough to point people in the right direction biblically.

If you missed the show, you can hear it for the next month or so on a podcast click on the link for the show date of May 24, 2011.

One caller asked a question about 1 John 2:2 which I didn’t really have time to answer (with less than 90 seconds before the end of the show) and I promised I would post a fuller answer here before the end of the evening… so here we go. Three things might be helpful:

My article on 1 John 2:2 here.

…this article on John’s use of the word “world” here.

.. and Dan Phillips’ article here.

God bless – and please remember Thursday in your prayers when I host the show again. Thanks so much.

Tonight (and now Thursday)

In addition to tonight’s hosting of the Andrew Tallman show, I have just been asked to do the same on Thursday (May 26) also at the same time, case where I believe we will continue the theme of Divine election.

To repeat the details about how to listen in – the one hour show can be heard live across the Phoenix area on KXEG radio at 1360AM at 6:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. EST) and also live on the internet (same time of course) at www.kpxq1360.com – (when you get there, click on the “Listen Live” button at the top of the page)

I would very much value your prayers. – John

Miscellaneous Quotes (16)

“It’s a cliche, but we need to remember, we are not going at meet at the church this morning, but are the church going to meet.” – R C Sproul, Jr

“A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.” – John Calvin

“He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times.” – Johann von Schiller

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

“The hero and the coward both feel exactly the same fear, only the hero confronts his fear and converts it to fire.” – Cus D’Amato

“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” – Unknown

“Confession of sin is the first act of an awakened sinner, the first mark of a gracious spirit. When God desires an habitation in which to dwell, He prepares “a broken and a contrite heart.” – John Flavel, The Method of Grace

“To those who believe in Christ there are no works so bad as to accuse and condemn us, but again, there are no works so good that they could save and defend us.” – Martin Luther, ‘Judgment on Monastic Vows,’ in Luther’s Works, 44:301 Continue reading

Can you hear me now?

I would really value your prayers for tomorrow evening, Tuesday, May 24, when God willing, I will be hosting a one hour live call in radio program (the Andrew Tallman show). Andrew is taking a well earned break and has asked me to fill in for him.

My subject will be “Divine Election” as well as handling some of the many objections that are often raised by the subject. The show can be heard live across the Phoenix area on KXEG radio at 1360AM at 6:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. EST) and also live on the internet (same time of course) at www.kpxq1360.com – (when you get there, click on the “Listen Live” button at the top of the page)

(For those wanting to listen in on the internet live broadcast, here is a website giving you the current time in each time zone around the world. For instance, 6:00 p.m. Tuesday in Phoenix is 2:00 am Wednesday in the United Kingdom.)

Jesus on Election and Evangelism

In the past, when people have asked me how evangelism and election can co-exist, I have pointed them to Romans 9 and 10 where Paul teaches election clearly (chapter 9) and follows it with the notion that they will not hear the good news without a preacher (chapter 10). God has His ends (His elect coming to faith in Christ) and achieves those ends through the use of means (prayer and the preaching of the word).

I have pointed people to Luke’s writings in the book of Acts where in commenting on the outreach of the apostles as they preached the word, it was noted “and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:48

I have also pointed out how Luke again makes clear that Lydia’s heart was opened by the Lord as she heard Paul’s words (Acts 16:13, 14) – 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

Other passages could and should be cited in this regard and taken together, this should surely be enough for us. God has made His truth clear. However, God has been especially gracious to us in that He has revealed these same truths from the lips of Jesus Himself. John’s gospel seems to be especially full in describing Jesus’ view of election and evangelism. I think of passages in John 3, John 6, John 10 and the prayer in John 17.

However, recently I was reading Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter 11 and noticed something I had not seen before. Here, Jesus is grounding evangelism in election and once again sees no contradiction between the two…

Matthew 11: 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Notice that Jesus teaches us:

(1) God hides some things from some and reveals them to others (election)

(2) Come to me all…. (the evangelistic call)

For decades I had read these words but I think what I had done before was see these verses (25-27):

Matthew 11: 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

unrelated to the next verse (28):

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Now I see they are said in the same breath, so to speak, and of course, there’s no contradiction.

Its so good to see Jesus preaching these things. As much as I admire the Luthers, Calvins, Edwards, Whitefields and Spurgeons of this world, it is the fact that Jesus preached these things so clearly that seals the issue for me.

We don’t know who the elect are; they are not running around the countryside with the letter “E” for the elect stamped on their forehead. Nor are people stamped with the letters “NE” so that we avoid them as the “non-elect.” No, we are to preach the gospel to everyone, commanding all to come to Christ, yet at the same time, knowing in the back of our minds, only the elect will be enabled to come. “All the Father gives Me will come to Me” Jesus said (John 6:37).

Bible Prophecy Fulfilled in Stunning, Dramatic Detail

In light of the Harold Camping debacle (I fully endorse Dr. James White’s open letter to Camping found at a time when many in the world are scoffing at the truth claims of the Bible, how good it is to remind ourselves that God’s word stands alone as the ultimate source of revelation for the future.

We should always remember that around 80% of the Bible’s predictions have already been fulfilled. That does not mean that the Bible is only 80% accurate. Far from it in fact. I venture to say that the Bible is 100% accurate and will be proven to be so as time transpires. The remaining 20% of Bible prophecy are yet to be realised, simply because they relate to events immediately before, during and after the second coming of Messiah.

As Christians, we believe our Savior’s name is the Lord Jesus Christ. Its important to understand that “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name, but rather a title. The word “Christ” comes from the Greek word “Christos” which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah. When we say, “Jesus Christ” we are literally saying, “Jesus the Christ” or “Jesus the Messiah.” But are these claims valid? Can we be sure that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah?

Through what we call Messianic Prophecies, God provided a sure and certain way to recognize His Messiah when He came. These are events written in the Bible, hundreds and even thousands of years before they would take place in time. Only God could reveal such amazing detail millennia in advance of the events.

God had declared that His Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham (Gen. 22:18), from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10), and a son of David (Jer. 23:5,6; 1 Chron. 17:10b-14). God had also said that the Messiah would be born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14), in the surroundings of poverty (Isa. 11:1-2), in Bethlehem, the city of David (Micah 5:2). He would be proceeded by a herald (Isa. 40:3-5, Mal. 3:1), be seen riding on a donkey (Zech 9:9, 10) and would be present 483 years after the decree was made to rebuild Jerusalem, after the Babylonian captivity (Dan. 9:24-27). He would be a king (Gen 49:10; Isa. 9:6,7), a priest (Psalm 110:1-7) and a prophet (Deut. 18:15-19; Isa. 61:1, 2).

But there’s more. He would be legally tried and condemned to death and would suffer and die (Isa. 50;4-9; 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22), by means of piercing his hands and feet (Zech. 12:10; 13:7; Psalm 22), His death would be substitutionary (in the place of others), He would be buried in a rich man’s tomb and He would be resurrected from the dead (Isa. 52:13-53:12; Psalm 16:1-11; Psalm 22).

All in all, around 330 prophecies such as these were fulfilled by Jesus in His first coming, and as I have indicated above, many more will be fulfilled when He comes back to earth.

Amazingly, more than 30 prophecies were fulfilled in just one day – the day Jesus Christ died! Continue reading

It IS God’s wrath

Dr. James White at www.aomin.org writes

According to a recent Gallup poll, for the first time, shows a majority (53%) of Americans supporting the legalization of “same-sex marriage,” i.e., they support the radical redefinition of marriage (though, of course, the question was not asked in that logical, historical, or moral form). According to the information published in that article, when the question was first asked in 1996, 27% supported the idea. The rapid change in opinion is directly related to the public relations push planned out decades ago by homosexual activists, and fully supported by powerful figures in Hollywood.

The profanation of marriage: many Christians will say, “This will bring the wrath of God.” As a general statement, this is true. But I would like to suggest that given the light Western culture as a whole, and the United States in particular, has received, and given our cultural heritage, this will not bring God’s wrath, it is God’s wrath. In other words, when a culture can fall so far morally at such a precipitous speed, God has surely removed not only His hand of blessing, but His hand of restraint as well. We are being given over, or, maybe more accurately, have been given over, to fulfill the “lusts of the flesh.”

You see, Western culture has so demeaned marriage, treated it with such disdain, glorified its destruction, mocked its sanctity, that it is perfectly righteous and proper for God to remove the blessing of marriage from such a culture, and replace it with a profaned, twisted substitute. Just as God causes those who refuse to love the truth to love a lie (2 Thess. 2:10-12), so too it is proper to allow a culture to follow its own rebellion to its proper end. Don’t like God’s law about marriage? Fine, He will let you fall in love with a shallow, soul-destroying, culture annihilating substitute. He will let you purposefully abuse children by denying them a father or a mother, as if either one can simply be dismissed on a whim. He will let you confuse your children about their gender, resulting in the degradation of every element of the society. Such cultures pass into history, and relatively quickly.

All of this is evidence that the next generation (the article says the large portion of support comes from the young) has been thoroughly indoctrinated in a secular/materialistic mindset that has no foundation for understanding marriage, its God-given character, and its centrality to life and society. My generation has failed, quite honestly, to pass on a robust Christian worldview to our children, in general, and the results are clear, and predictable.

We must keep our lights bright, call for repentance, call sin sin, and wrath wrath, always as redeemed and hell-deserving sinners ourselves, and pray God will pour out repentance upon our land.