Mar 12
1

Reign In Us

I wanted to post a bit about a new song we are planning to do this Sunday as part of our worship service called “Reign In Us” by Starfield.

I heard this song originally when it came out a few years ago, but forgot about it until hearing it at the Marriage Conference a few months ago.  The truths this song is about have a lot to do with what we’ve been discussing in our services: God’s sovereignty and God’s omniscience.

Here are the lyrics:

Verse 1:
You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we’d fall away from you
How desperately we need to be redeemed
Lord Jesus, come lead us
We’re desperate for Your touch

Chorus:
Oh great and mighty One
With one desire we come
That You would reign, that You would reign in us
We’re offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That You would reign, that You would reign in us 

Verse 2:
Spirit of the living God fall fresh again
Come search our hearts and purify our lives
We need Your perfect love we need your discipline
We’re lost unless You guide us with Your light
Lord Jesus, come lead us
We’re desperate for Your touch

Bridge:
We cry out for Your life to refine us
Cry out for Your love to define us
Cry out for Your mercy to keep us blameless until You return

If you’d like to listen to it, the song is available on iTunes here.

A good portion of the verse is taken from Psalm 139 – acknowledging the fact that God, in His omniscience, knew us before we came to be. “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:16). The whole Psalm is telling of this knowledge, omniscience – even David says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6). Reflecting on this is so important. It really reminds us that God is not a God of chance. He is purposeful and fully about making His glory known.

The chorus and bridge are such great petitions to God: That He would reign more fully in us and He would refine us, continue His work in us, and that He would make us and keep us blameless until His return.

In the second verse, there is more from Psalm 139 and a rare, but necessary, acknowledgement of our need for the Lord’s discipline in our lives. You don’t see that in many songs and I’m glad it’s there.

I hope that you enjoy this song, find the truths in communicates to be encouraging, and that it may spur us to give praise and glory to God for the reminder of those truths.

Posted in Articles, Songs, Theology, Posted by Mike. No Comments

Feb 12
29

Wrapping up “Making Sense of the Bible” & Looking Forward to What’s Next

I really enjoyed our time together in the Making Sense of the Bible course! I hope that you finished with a deeper love and appreciation for God’s Word and ultimately a deeper love for God Himself.

Enjoy your five week break from Emmaus Essentials but please do not forget about the Biblical Counseling course starting on April 1st. You can view the details about the course at emmauscf.org/essentials (including a link to purchase the book and a course overiew (which should be up in the next week or so)). You can sign up for the course on The City by clicking here and then clicking on the green “Ask permission to join…” link which is located at the bottom of the “About” paragraph.

Once you are in, please indicate which class you plan on attending (Sundays at 10am or Tuesdays at 5:30pm – to be held at the Church Office as long as space permits) by replying to the post in the Biblical Counseling group on The City.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Joe

Posted in News, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. No Comments

Feb 12
28

This Weeks Youth Focus – 3/1

About every 6 weeks we take a Thursday night and discuss various doctrines found in the catechism that we are using within our homes and with our children here at Emmaus (See our “Resource” page for more information about catechism). This week we will examine questions 16-21. I’m really excited about discussing these doctrinal truths because it is at the heart of the gospel. These 6 questions address the doctrine of sin and salvation from a biblical perspective that brings God the ultimate glory and honor. I hope to see you there!

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first disobedience?
A. Since the covenant was made not only for Adam but also for his natural descendants, all mankind sinned in him and fell with him in his first disobedience. (Ge 2:16,17; Ro 5:12; 1 Co 15:21,22)

Q. 17. What happened to man in the fall?
A. Man fell into a condition of sin and misery. (Ro 5:12)

Q. 18. What is sinful about man’s fallen condition?
A. The sinfulness of that fallen condition is twofold. First, in what is commonly called original sin, there is the guilt of Adam’s first sin with its lack of original righteousness and the corruption of his whole nature. Second are all the specific acts of disobedience that come from original sin. (Ro 5:12,19; Ro 5:10-20; Eph 2:1-3; Jas 1:14,15; Mt 15:19)

Q. 19. What is the misery of man’s fallen condition?
A. By their fall all mankind lost fellowship with God and brought His anger and curse on themselves. They are therefore subject to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever. (Ge 3:8,10,24; Eph 2:2,3; Gal 3:10; La 3:39; Ro 6:23; Mt 25:41).

Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer. (Eph 1:4; Ro 3:20,21,22; Gal 3:21,22)

Q 21. Who is the redeemer of God’s chosen ones?
A. The only redeemer of God’s chosen is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became man. He was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures and one person forever. (1 Ti 2:5,6; Jn 1:14; Gal 4:4; Ro 9:5; Lk 1:35; Col 2:9; Heb 7:24,25)

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Posted in Youth, Catechism, Doctrine, Gospel, Salvation, Sin, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Feb 12
27

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (2 of 4 weeks)

Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (2 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
  • A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

  • “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13, ESV).

Study Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22

Support Passages: Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 13

Bible Story: Matthew 5:13-16

Insight and Application

  • Scripture teaches us that we have faith in Christ because God has chosen us for salvation. We must understand that God’s choosing has nothing to do with us but has everything to do with Him. Everything is for His will, purpose, and glory.
    • Isaiah 46:10 (ESV) declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.
    • Psalm 115:3 (ESV) Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
    • Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
    • Ephesians 3:8–10 (ESV) To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
    • Deuteronomy 10:14–15 (ESV)  Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day.
    • Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
    • Psalm 106:5 (ESV)  that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
    • Haggai 2:23 (ESV)  On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”
    • Exodus 33:19 (ESV) 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
    • Deuteronomy 7:6–7 (ESV)  “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
    • Matthew 11:27 (ESV) 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.
    • Matthew 22:14 (ESV) 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
    • Matthew 24:22 (ESV) 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
    • Matthew 24:24 (ESV) 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
    • Matthew 24:31 (ESV) 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
    • Luke 18:7 (ESV) And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
    • Romans 8:28–30 (ESV) 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 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. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
    • Romans 8:33 (ESV)  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
    • Colossians 3:12 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (ESV) For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
    • Titus 1:1 (ESV)  Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,
    • 1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV)  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
    • 1 Peter 2:8–9 (ESV)  and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
    • Revelation 17:14 (ESV) They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
    • Mark 13:20 (ESV) And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
    • Ephesians 1:4–5 (ESV) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
    • Romans 9:11–13 (ESV) though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
    • Romans 9:16 (ESV) So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
    • Romans 10:20 (ESV)  Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
    • 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV)  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
    • 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)  who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
    • John 15:16 (ESV) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
    • Acts 13:48 (ESV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
    • Philippians 1:29 (ESV)  For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
    • 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 (ESV) For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
    • 2 Timothy 2:10 (ESV) Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
    • Because we are chosen in Christ we must view our position appropriately with humility. We must realize that our salvation and purpose is rooted in the glorification of our great King. This is why the Lord Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. This is why Jesus told us to love one another. This is why scriptures tell us to live as set apart and not to live like the world. Our contact towards one another and the way with live our life is to bring glory and honor to the one and true God.
    • We begin to lose a biblical perspective and start developing pride when we think that salvation and this life are about ourselves. God has chosen you and I to live in order that He may be seen and praised my many.

Discussion Questions

  • If God was not obligated to save any human being, why did He?
  • What should be the response of those who God has chosen? Explain
  • Why did God give commands to follow? Explain
  • Is salvation about God or man? Explain
  • What is this life about? (WSC #1)
  • Does your life reflect that truth? Explain
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Posted in Study Guides, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Ephesians 2:11-22, Matthew 5:13-16, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Feb 12
26

OIA for Sermon on 02/26/12

This week the sermon discussed God’s involvement with the fall of man. The questions of “Where is God in all the suffering” is a question that has troubled Christians for centuries. The following is a list of OIA questions in the attempt to bring consensus to this difficult question. (Note that several passages of scripture were used in this sermon, so several verses should be included in answering the following questions.)

(See sermon page emmauscf.org/sermons/ for a complete list of scriptures used)

Observation

1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding any of the listed passage?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?

Interpretation

1. Compare at least 3 of the used passages with at least 3 other Bible versions (NIV, ESV, NASB, NKJV, Ect.) What similarities/differences do you observe? Share with your group.
2. Are there any verbs, commands, prepositions, or conjunctions, that seemed to stand out? What? Why? Share.
3. Read through at least 2-3 commentaries on your chosen 3 passages and share what your learned with your group. Here are some free online resources. (http://net.bible.org) (http://www.blueletterbible.org/) (http://biblia.com)

Application

1. How does/should the truth that God is completely Omniscient affect/effect how you live every day? How should this truth affect the amount of how much you worry or have anxiety? Why? Explain.
2.Why is the truth that nothing in life is meaningless or without purpose important in the every day life of believer? How would you minister to a hurting Christian, who perhaps recently experienced the death of a loved one, if they asked the question “why would God allow this to happen?” (I know this is a difficult question to address, but you should discuss this question in your groups as it is very likely someone will ask you this question in the near future.)
3. Ponder (really ponder) on the truth that Nothing, Nothing, Nothing is outside of Gods control. What thoughts, feelings, or ideas come to mind? Share.
4. The Bible teaches that God works all things to good for those who love him (Rom 8:28) Though we cannot always see this truth in everything, we can often see how God has worked seemingly “bad things” into “good things” in our lives. Share with your group some experiences in which God worked something bad into good.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Feb 12
22

Lent

Today marks the 1st day of Lent (Ash Wednesday). Lent marks the 40th day prior to Holy Week. This time of year has always been a special time for Whitney and me as we each give up something of importance for a time of “fasting” in preparation for the Passover and the celebration of our risen Lord. I’d like to encourage you to consider taking part in this great event. We have found that in fasting from what are usually normal luxuries for a 40 day period brings about a great spiritual renewal as we enter into the time of Easter. The following list gives some ideas for what to choose for fasting.

-TV
-Internet
-Sweets
-Soda
-Money
-Solitude

The idea is to give up something that will be difficult but not unmanageable or impossible. In doing so we mimic the acts of Christ in the wilderness prior to His ministry. But whether you participate in this year’s Lent or not, praise be to God for He is risen indeed! (A little premature I know, sorry I’m a little excited!)

Blessings,

Russell

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Holy Days, Lent, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Feb 12
21

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (1 of 4 weeks)

Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (1 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
  • A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

  • “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (I Peter 2:9-10, ESV).

Study Passage: 1 Peter 1:13-2:10

Support Passages: Genesis 3:15, 9:8-17, 12:1-3, 15:1-21; Romans 8:28-30

Bible Story: Genesis 19:1-26

Thoughts

  • In order to begin to understand the doctrine of election, we must fully comprehend God’s sovereignty, the result of sin in man’s life, and the grace of God.
  • The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over everything. God is in control of everything: He sets up governments (Romans 13:1), He ordains where people will live, at what period of time they will live, and when they will die (Acts 17:26). God reigns over Satan and his demons and is able to take the worst they could possible do and turn it into our greatest good (Romans 8:28). God knows what all of our needs are, and He takes care of them (Matthew 5:8). He takes care of and provides for all the plants and animals (Matthew 6:26-28).  He knew that Adam and Eve, while created perfect, would sin and be in need of a savior. That Savior, Jesus Christ, was chosen before the world was formed, and was destined to come to the earth, die, and rise again for the forgiveness of sins (I Peter 1:20). God controls everything through His permissive will, that which He allows, and through His ordained will, that which He actively brings about.
  • In order to fully understand predestination, we must understand the consequence of sin. The result of sin is death both physically and spiritually. When someone is physically dead, they are one hundred percent bound by their condition. They cannot move, they cannot speak, and they cannot change their state of deadness. The same is true when someone is spiritually dead. They cannot change from death to life, they cannot seek what is spiritually good, and they cannot choose to follow the life found in Christ because they are spiritually dead. As it is written in Romans 3:10–18 (ESV):  “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. 13 Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. 14 Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known. 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  Mankind, in its sinful state, is at odds with God and is completely spiritually dead.  Just as Christ called Lazarus out of the grave and gave him life, God is the only one who can bring to life a dead soul, creating the desire to follow after Him.
  • In order to understand how God chooses to save only some through His grace and love, we need to comprehend the true meaning of grace. As we know, the consequence or result of sin is death. Every human being is a sinner and is justly condemned to Hell and punishment. God would be just and righteous to send every individual to Hell, saving no one. God is not obligated to save anyone, but He does. He chooses to save some. This is the true meaning of grace: God shows His grace by saving some when all deserve Hell. Most often we ask ourselves the question, “Why doesn’t God save all or at least more?” Actually, the more biblical question we should ponder is, “Why does God save any?” We often consider the salvation our Lord provides as an obligation required of Him when in reality it is purely a gift that He has chosen to give to some. His salvation is not given out of duty but rather out of His gracious and merciful heart. The response of those who have received His grace should be nothing less than great humility and thankfulness for what the Creator of the universe has done for us.

Discussion Questions

  • What is man’s spiritual condition because of sin? Explain
  • The Bible teaches that the result of sin is death. It also teaches that those who sin are slaves to sin. Discuss the characteristics or abilities of someone who is dead or a slave.
  • What are the desires of someone who is spiritually dead?
  • If all of mankind is sinful and, therefore, spiritually dead and slaves to sin, do we have the ability to choose and follow after Christ? Explain
  • If no one can choose to follow after Christ, why do some people receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and follow His commands? Explain
  • The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave illustrates exactly how God gives spiritual life to the spiritual dead (John 11:1-44).  Discuss the similarities.

 

Posted in Study Guides, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, 1 Peter 1:13-2:10, Acts 17:26, Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 19:1-26, Genesis 3:15, Genesis 9:8-17, I Peter 1:20, I Peter 2:9-10, Matthew 5:8, Matthew 6:26-28, Romans 3:10–18, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:28-30, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Feb 12
20

No Youth 2/23

Have a great week off from school!

Posted in Youth, Posted by Phil. No Comments

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