Gospel-Centered Friendship

"Some think it strength of grace
to endure nothing in the weaker,
whereas the strongest are readiest
to bear with the infirmities of the weak."
~Richard Sibbes, Puritan

Last night, on a Church Chat, we were discussing the value of Gospel-centered friends and friendships. My friends defined a Gospel-centered friend as one who consistently points to Christ, regardless of the situation or circumstance. I think they have it right and my experience bears witness to the value of Gospel-centered friends.


When I was in the miry clay of weakness, struggle, and sin, well-meaning friends would sometimes offer words that could not and would not provide any comfort or strength. On the contrary, they sucked the life out of me and caused me more angst and despair.

I found that there are two words that I, as a struggling Christian, found most *un-helpful:
1. Law apart from Gospel.
If I was able to hop to it, repent, and obey God by the strength of my will and determination. I would have! I wouldn't have been in this dark place. The Law could direct me. The Law could correct me. And the Law could accuse me, but it could also provoke me, according to St. Paul (Romans 7:5). And it had no power to create any needed change in my heart or mind, a power only found in the Gospel (Romans 1:16).

2. Undue or incongruent praise.
If I was a fine, virtuous, happy, shiny person, I wouldn't have been in this miry pit. When my well-meaning friends gave me praise, I was thinking... "If you only knew..." I was a mess, a spiritual shipwreck. They were trying to encourage me, but the effort fell flat and I stayed stuck.

A Gospel-centered friend knew how to use the Law, lawfully, and when to refrain. Gospel-centered friends pointed me to the sufficiency of Jesus, not to myself. My self was the problem. The solution was more of Jesus. So, they were able to bear with me (Romans 15:1) and point me to the source of strength.

They understood that it is the weak who need His strength. It is the dirty who need cleansing, the struggling who need support, the broken, despondent and exhausted who need His rest. So they pointed to Him... The one who said,

“It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick." (Luke 5:31)
"... whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.” (John 4:14)
"Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”  Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:47-48)

The Lord is the ultimate faithful Friend. He does not leave us alone. He provides His people with His presence, often by the presence of a friend.  At just the right season, He provides those Gospel-centered friends, with the life-giving word that Jesus is with you and for you. They, were as Sibbes put it, "readiest to bear with the infirmities of the weak" and I am so grateful for them.

~Gospel Gal: Marissa Namirr

Gospel Awakenings: Church Chats with Gospel Gal: Episode #2:

Gospel Awakenings: Church Chats with Gospel Gal: Episode #2:

So many of us were given the impression that our testimony equals gospel proclamation in our spiritual  formative process. But the truth is, that our testimony is of the grace of God in Jesus Christ. And our reception of the Gospel by the power of God's Spirit is for His glory. Listen to this chat I had with Matt, Victor and Joy. We discuss our journeys to being awakened to the Gospel.

My prayer is that, through these conversations, your assurance will be strengthened, you'll have a clearer view of Jesus, our Savior, and His work in our lives.

There's comfort ahead. Here's the episode:
https://gospelgal2020.podbean.com/e/church-chats-with-gospel-gal-episode-2-gospel-awakenings/
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Mentions: 

1. "Lordship Salvation" with Pastor John Fonville | Theology Gals | Episode 35:
http://theologygals.com/2017/10/lordship-salvation-with-pastor-john-fonville-theology-gals-episode-35/
2. The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification:Walter Marshall:   https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Mystery-Sanctification-Walter-Marshall-ebook/dp/B004G08XRW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2FKXNB4QIMDAD&dchild=1&keywords=the+gospel+mystery+of+sanctification+by+walter+marshall&qid=1590704225&sprefix=the+gospel+my%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-2
3. Westminster Shorter Catechism: Sanctification:
Q: What is sanctification?
A: Sanctification is the work of God's free grace,1 whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God,2 and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.3
4. Christless Christianity: Michael Horton
https://www.amazon.com/Christless-Christianity-Alternative-Gospel-American/dp/0801072212/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Christless+Christianity%3A+Michael+Horton&qid=1590765307&sr=8-1
5. White Horse Inn (Podcast)https://www.whitehorseinn.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjw5cL2BRASEiwAENqAPkDMbX5AyfarE4tIV66-37lBTsUphVn7W2umfHRE90k3npaT1golXRoCU0IQAvD_BwE
6. Heidelblog (Blog): R. Scott Clarkhttps://heidelblog.net/
7. Paramount Church and Him We Proclaim Radio ((Dr. John Fonville)
~ https://www.paramountchurch.com/sermons

~ https://subsplash.com/proclaimradiowithjohnfonville/lb/ms/+fka8na3

Church Discipline vs. Spiritual Abuse: Church Chats with Gospel Gal

When you think about church discipline if you’ve been a Christian for any period of time,

most likely the first passage that will come to mind Matthew 18. Verses 15-20 give us the pattern and order to follow when a brother or sister offends us.
“If your brother sins against you, go tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. If he doesn’t pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn’t pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them."

You will note that the purpose such discipline is always restorative. When church discipline

is done effectively, wisely, Biblically, and lovingly relationships with the Lord and the body can potentially be restored. This process is absolutely necessary where there is habitual, unrepented sin.

The Belgic Confession teaches us that discipline is so essential, that an institution cannot even be considered a true church apart from this mark. Article 29 states “The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; it practices church discipline for correcting faults.”

Where a church does not biblically discipline it fails to be the church and not every case of church discipline is abusive, just as not every case of parental discipline is abusive. Church discipline, formative and corrective, is necessary and right, according to Scripture. It is for the purity of the body and the restoration of the habitually unrepentant individual. 

But sometimes church leadership can and does use what they call church discipline to abuse. Spiritual abuse has become so prevalent and public, that I am taking this opportunity to discuss with some of my family and friends this important topic. We want to be clear that discipline in the church is healthy, and at the same time acknowledge that there is abuse in the evangelical church where it misuses its authority, and where it mishandles Scripture to manipulate and do harm to Christ’s sheep.

So, let’s define Spiritual abuse. First, any abuse is “A pattern of coercive control (ongoing actions or inactions) that proceeds from a mentality of entitlement to power, whereby, through intimidation, manipulation, and isolation, the abuser keeps his target subordinated and under his control. This pattern can be emotional, verbal, psychological, spiritual, sexual, financial, social, and physical,” according to Pastor Jeff Crippen author of A Cry For Justice . And Diane Langberg, a 40+ year clinical psychologist, working with trauma survivors, and a 40+ year PCA member who sits on the advisory board of the PCA General assembly defines Spiritual abuse as “the use of faith, belief, and practice to coerce, control, or damage another. Using faith, spiritual practices, belief, doctrine, …for the purpose of coercing, controlling, and using for the offender's own good." (Spiritual Abuse and Toxic Systems: http://www.dianelangberg.com/2018/03/spiritual-abuse-and-toxic-systems/ )
Tonight we’ll discuss church discipline as distinguished from spiritual abuse and hear some testimonies of a family member and some of my friends who have experienced church discipline and some who have experienced spiritual abuse. See if you can discern the difference.

Here's the conversation on
Episode #1 of Church Chats with Gospel Gal:
"Church Discipline vs. Spiritual Abuse" 

https://gospelgal2020.podbean.com/e/church-chats-with-gospel-gal-episode-1-church-discipline-vs-spiritual-abuse/

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Additional Resource: Paramount Church sermon: John Fonville describes biblical church discipline (formative and corrective) and distinguishes between discipline and spiritual abuse.Listen here: http://www.paramountchurch.com/mediaPlayer/#sermonaudio/260

Ask Gospel Gal

Ask Gospel Gal

is a new feature on the blog. Ask your theological questions and I will choose some to process and discuss on the blog, a couple of times per month.  I look forward to digging in and finding out how Christ speaks to your specific issues and concerns. You can ask your questions in the comments of the blog or contact me via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarissaNMark .

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

This Time Last Year

This time last year was one of the most trying times in my life. Our youngest daughter, then 19 and a sophomore at University, was battling emotionally, and in crisis. Hospitalized, her blood pressure plummeted, resulting in dizziness, extreme nausea and vomiting, and the doctor on staff had no answers as to what was causing these symptoms. Separated from her, she and we were very concerned and anxious for her release from the hospital. 

Upon her hospital release, recommendations included follow-up with a cardiologist for her blood pressure. By God's grace we were able to immediately locate a physician who was able to diagnose her and begin a course of treatment to elevate her blood pressure, regulate her digestive system, and improve her mood/anxiety.

For three months our daughter was battling. She was literally unable to walk from one room to another or sit upright, and unable to hold down food, due to extremely low blood pressure. Her already thin body, was taxed and weight loss threatened her life. Bedridden, at 19, and forced to withdraw from school late in the semester was painful. She was completely removed from everything normal for a young, energetic, intelligent person.

If you're a parent, you can imagine the agony of this kind of uncertainty. Wondering if your child will make it to see the next month is heart-wrenching, humbling and frightening.

Our daughter was bright, beautiful, joyful and outgoing her whole childhood, but she always expressed a level of anxiety that was concerning. I remember her standing at my bedside in the mornings peeping up over the side of my bed, patiently waiting for me to

wake up, her giant, blue eyes shining. But night terrors and stomach issues plagued her during her childhood. GI visits revealed nothing but anxiety. Problems only escalated as she entered adolescence.

Once professing faith in Christ and encouraging others in their faith, at 17 she began questioning her salvation, and by nineteen she had completely walked away from the church and the foundation we had laid for her in the Word of God. Her understanding of God, Who is capable of saving, and yet does not choose to save all has become a sticking point for her. As much as we labored to explain the theology behind her questions, she was left unsatisfied and unconvinced.

So, in this health crisis, I was filled with anxiety for her life, both physical and spiritual. My beautiful speckled ginger with the brightest blue eyes and the sweetest disposition was in grave danger, and I couldn't help her. All that was left to do was to pray and trust the doctors judgment and treatment. Fear that she would die apart from Christ gripped me. 

Every day and every night, I sat by her bed, fed her, read to her, prayed for and with her. For whatever reason, she was open to hearing me pray. One thing that the Lord was constantly bringing to mind was Heidelberg 1 and I consistently reminded our girl of the same:

"What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has delivered me from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation." These truths are the ones that held me together during this crisis last Spring. Thanks be to God that He has not left us and that His Word remains true. When we are faithless, He is faithful. He is the Good Shepherd Who tends His sheep. He is the Great Physician who heals our bodies and soothes our souls. He is the Promise-keeper Who has promised to be a God to us... and not only to us, but to our children. So, as I recall this time last year, I give thanks to God for His healing and care of our child. Last Spring is not something I would ever wish to relive. It was terrifying, but at the same time, as He always does, He reveals Himself as One Who sees, hears, and abides with us. I look for His promise and His faithfulness to our child. Her body is adjusting and healing. Her mind is active and creative. She is succeeding in her academic career. I know the Lord is gracious and pray daily that Meredith will know that salvation in Christ is not only for others, but for her also, seeing Jesus in all of His beauty and grace toward her. Nothing will delight my heart more than to see her trusting and walking with the One Who gave Himself for her.

Eat, Drink, Rest

We become weak when we don't drink, eat and rest. Growth happens when we receive and rest. So, "...Let anyone who hears, say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come (Rev 22:17). Let the one who desires take the water of life freely" says Christ and His bride.

This morning a friend from my Catechism Review course asked me a very good question: "How do you grow, spiritually?"

I love the question and I love the word that the Bible uses to describe the process by which we become more mature and increase: "Grow". Peter says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..."

 The concept of growth is a mysterious thing, but at the same time, a natural one. When we're growing we don't necessarily notice it. Humans don't notice when they're growing physically besides possibly experiencing a little discomfort. They don't do things to make themselves grow, they just do, organically.

Listen to how St. Paul describes the cause of our growth as believers: "11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children..." (Ephesians 4).

The Lord has provided us the means of grace (see Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 26 (http://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/lang/lords-days/26.html) by which we grow and develop. Pastors and teachers are quite literally God's gifts to His body to provide us with those means, primarily the Word (the Gospel we hear) and also, the sacraments which are visible, tangible representations of the Gospel: The Bread of Life that nourishes you, the Water that washes you, the Wine which satisfies you.

Biblical Theology: Seeing Christ

In the preface to Clowney's book, The Unfolding Mystery, J.I. Packer writes, "Biblical theology is the umbrella-name for those disciplines that explore the unity of the Bible, delving into the contents of the books, showing the links between them, and pointing up the ongoing flow of the revelatory and redemptive process that reached its climax in Jesus Christ." If you're like me, maybe you grew up with expository preaching taught without a proper context. Line by line is a wise approach, only as much as the lines are placed in the context of the whole. Stories, analogies and imperatives lifted out of Scripture and broken off from the overarching story of redemptive history, can leave the listener listless and even despairing. To remain faithful to an accurate understanding of Scripture, Christ must be sought out and seen, whether in the types and shadows of the Psalms and Prophets or in the plain speech of St. Peter. If we fail to see Jesus, we've missed the point. All of Scripture breathed out by the Holy Spirit, points to Him: The Serpent Crusher of Genesis, the Seed of Abraham, the Everlasting King in the line of David. Find Him and you'll find treasure. Some great resources for Biblical Theology: Michael S. Horton: God of Promise Edmund P. Clowney: The Unfolding Mystery Graeme Goldsworthy: Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture Graeme Goldsworthy: According to Plan Nancy Guthrie: Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament (series).

Reformation Theology: A Warning and A Word of Encouragement

Some of you are new to Reformation theology. Please be aware that as you mingle on social media, there are all kinds of people who claim to be Reformed, Reforming or Calvinistic/Sovereign Grace in their theology. Some of them are flat out heretical, denying the historic, orthodox creeds, and others are nothing more than IFB pietists who sprinkle on a little Calvinistic language for show. Please be careful. 

If Christ is not the centerpiece of their religion, if you're pointed to your naval or a heaping helping of directives and imperatives, you're not hearing Christianity. You're hearing the religion of the world that seeks to earn God's favor by what humans do in the name of God, rather than looking outside of ourselves to what God has done in Christ for us. This kind of thinking and teaching will drive you to despondency.

Listen to the Law... Discover your fallenness and need of a gracious Christ. Then listen to His marvelous Gospel... Nothing in it but the promise and fullness of rest, peace, joy and love. Bask in it. Christ is beautiful.

I am particularly excited to discover Reformation Anglicanism. I've been listening to Ashley Null and Michael Reeves, Justin Holcomb (Episcopalian), Chuck Collins, Curt Benham, and of course, our friend and mentor, John Fonville. They all seem to have one thing in common... a joy to make the love of Christ known to weary sinners. Listen to them. They have salve for the wounded and hope for the sinner.

Resurrection Day 2020

Jesus' resurrection is essential to Christian doctrine, being a crucial element of the Christan Gospel.
But it is also a *historical event, a fact documented and attested to by hundreds of eyewitnesses.

Of this event the Apostle Paul wrote, "For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to

Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me." (I Corinthians 15).

This event was predicted and prophesied throughout redemptive history; the promise to Eve of a Serpent Crusher, who would defeat sin and the grave (Genesis 3) and the One of Whom Moses spoke, the Great I Am. Jesus pronounced Himself the "I Am" throughout John's Gospel, and testified of Himself, "I Am the resurrection and the life."

Today marks the day when the church universal especially recalls the Passover lamb, the promised Serpent Crusher, the promised Messiah rising from the dead declaring to the world the Father's "Amen" to the Son's "It is finished." His sacrifice: His life of perfect, perpetual, personal obedience and His substitutionary atoning death has won the purchase of our deliverance from sin, death and makes certain our hope of the resurrection and life with Him forever.

Christ died. Christ is risen. Christ is coming again! Praise to you Lord Christ!

Holy Saturday 2020

Holy Saturday

You know about Good Friday. Have you heard of "Holy Saturday"? Today we, with the universal church remember the day that Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, that the Christ would die and be laid in the tomb of a rich man. His body, sacrificed for us, was laid in the grave in the fashion of a king. His burial proved that he was really dead, but awaiting the resurrection. This reality brings us the hope and confidence that we, who are in Him will too, rise again.

Isaiah 53:9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but he was with a rich man at his death, because he had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully.

John 19: 37 Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the one they pierced. 38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. 40 They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. 42 They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

He was in the grave, really dead... but Sunday's Coming!

For more on this topic, listen to John Fonville preach "He Was Buried: at https://www.paramountchurch.com/sermons/sermon/2013-04-07/he-was-buried

Good Friday 2020

Today marks what the world knows as "Good Friday". We remember, along with the saints all over the globe, the culmination of Christ's incarnate mission when He bore the sins of His people in His penal, substitutionary atonement.

Up to this point, His incarnate ministry was to live a life of personal, perpetual, perfect obedience to the will of the Father, keeping every jot and tittle of the Law of God in our place. Now to test the resolve of His obedience even further, Jesus Christ took on our sin, received our lashes, bore our "crown" and cross, and suffered the ultimate sorrow in our stead: alienation from the Father, Who cannot look upon sin.

All this for us. The scene leaves us breathless, in awestruck wonder, that the Son of God, the Word made flesh, unlike the gods of the pagan imagination, came down, lowered Himself to serve and substituted His life for ours'. Glory to You, Lord Christ for the embodiment of God's love, Oh Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world!

...The rest of the Good News is the forsakenness of the cross is not the end of the story. Take heart. Sunday is coming! Read these prophetic words,  foreshadowing the trial of our Passover Lamb and Suffering Messiah in Psalm 22 (here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+22&version=CSB ).

So, I Need a Heart Transplant: Curt Benham: VCV

"Eventually one comes to realize that what the English reformer Thomas Cranmer taught about the human condition is true - "What the heart desires, the will chooses, and the mind justifies." That's just the way we sinners operate. In other words, the choices I make, and the mental gymnastics I employ to justify those choices, are driven by what my heart desires. And I literally cannot control what my heart desires - the heart wants what it wants. My brain "ain't running the show." The desires of my heart run the show, and I cannot bring into order what my unruly heart desires. And to make matters worse, left to my own devices, what my heart desires is to gratify myself constantly, with zero regard for God or my neighbor. The prophet Jeremiah was right about my heart, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? So, what I need then is not tips on how to have a stronger will so that I can make better choices. What I need is for the desires of my heart to change. I need to begin to desire the good of my neighbor and to love the commands and promises of God, rather than gratifying the selfish desires of my flesh. The problem, once again, is that I cannot and will not change the desires of my heart. I'm not capable of doing it, and even if I were capable of doing it, I wouldn't do it, because I'm utterly curved-in on myself.
When I say I'm a "sinner," this is what I'm talking about.

So, I need a heart transplant. But God... being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ...

God is the one who changes the desires of my heart. Not me. God.
And he does it because he loves me." ~Morning Reflection: Curt: VCV

Present

"The usual response to atrocity is to try to remove it from the mind. Those who have been traumatized want to flee the memory of its occurrence, and we who hear find that we want to flee also." ~Diane Langberg, Ph. D. Diane is a Christian Psychologist with over 40 years of experience working with victims/survivors of trauma, macro and micro. I like to hear her perspectives on abuse, because she always advocates for the survivor. She always looks for Biblical justice and she always tries to bring the Lord's perspective into view. It is important to talk about what happened with someone who can express care, belief and empathy. It is freeing and relieving to speak to a trusted friend, counselor, pastor or priest about our pain. I know that when I was in crisis, struggling with a deep spiritual

depression a decade ago, my friend was my lifeline. She listened, supported, stood with me, sat with me, cried with me, believed me, invited me, assured me of her own love and of Jesus' steadfast, unfailing mercy and grace. I am eternally grateful for her. As amazing as she was, she was a vessel of God's grace to me. It was He, Who truly supported me in the midst of my own self-made trauma. What an amazing Advocate and Friend we have in Christ.

*He never leaves or forsakes us. (Heb. 13:5) *Nothing can separate us from His love: not even we, ourselves (Romans 8:39) *He is faithful and true. (Revelation 3:14) *His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 107:1) *He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) In this time of trial, we are globally facing hardship, uncertainty, pain, and even trauma, but we have a Savior who is with us in the midst of it and cares deeply. Cling to Him. He is clinging to you. Even in the isolation of social distancing, He is near. For Morning Reflection: VCV

Safe Church: True Church

This question has come up in a couple of different social media groups, and I thought it could be helpful to answer it here on the blog. There are frightened, abused sheep in need of a safe fold out there. I hope they will be drawn in by safe undershepherds. 

The question was, "How can I know if a church is safe, and what questions should I be asking the leadership?"

The first way I addressed the question was to identify, not what a "safe" church is, but what is a "true" because a true one should be a safe one.


The true church is identified by three main marks:
1. Faithful Gospel proclamation (distinguished from the Law). This is what separates the church from every other world religion.
2. Proper administration of the sacraments: baptism and communion.
3. Sound church discipline: formative and corrective. Discipline forms the mind and heart of believers as we are reminded of Christ's work for us, through Word and Sacrament. It also separates those who refuse to repent of ongoing, habitual sin. This removes corrupt influence from the local body. (See the Belgic Confession: Article 29 on the marks of the true church. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10220042886166120&set=a.10215204486289147&type=3&theater)

Beyond this, here are some questions I would recommend asking and have asked moving toward church membership:
~ What disciplinary issues have been addressed at this church?
~ What did that process look like?
~ What was the outcome of the discipline?
~ How were other members encouraged to interact with the person under discipline?
~ How are women viewed and utilized in church leadership?

Above all, wait, listen, and watch. A good pastor/ good leadership will encourage membership in the local body, but should not pressure you.
*Wait: Don't be in a hurry. Church life is a commitment.
*Listen! Do you hear the message of Christ **for you in every message?
* Watch: Are the practices/work of the church consistent with what is being taught from the pulpit? You will only know this by watching over a prolonged period of time.

Church should be the safest place on earth, but we're seeing that sometimes it is just so far from being the case. Take your time. And in the meantime, receive and rest in Jesus.

Laser-Focus on Abuse

Why my laser-focus on abuse?
I am a nationally certified and licensed therapist in my state, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible and Counseling, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling. I have extensive experience working in the field of mental health, including psychiatric hospitalization units, social service organizations, in-home crisis intervention programs, mental health clinics, private practice, and voluntary care walking alongside friends dealing with domestic and spiritual abuse situations. I have been certified nationally since 2002 and licensed in my state since 2006. During my academic and professional careers, I have been instructed in and adhered to the highest ethical principles and have operated in accordance with the laws and codes that govern my profession. I have been trained to and experienced navigating mental health and domestic crises and have been helping individuals and families in these situations for nearly two decades.

In addition to my professional education and experience, I have a personal history of witnessing domestic violence and experiencing spiritually abusive crises. I first witnessed domestic violence at age six when I was spending the afternoon with a friend, whose father, in front of three of us children, took his wife by the throat and squeezed the breath out of her until she lay unconscious on the floor. Since that time, I have experienced and witnessed, in my own life and in the lives of people I love, various kinds of abuse. So needless to say, the Lord has placed me in various and numerous situations that have led me here, personally and professionally.

Social media, over the last several years, has been enlightening as to the pervasiveness of this issue in the evangelical community. There have been months when I received daily messages from women who have endured unspeakable pain at the hands of those who should love and care for them most; their husbands and their churches. A few men have come to me in similar situations, being alienated by their wives and churches. This should not be, but as long as it *is, light should be shed on what is happening; correction should be made, forgiveness should be sought, restoration made, fruits of repentance evidenced. Where Christ is ruling His people this can happen. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, not once at an altar call in our youth, but over a lifetime. It is my prayer, and my hope in exposing abuses, especially in the church, that victims will find healing, and abusers will despair of their actions and flee to Christ. It is my prayer that the victims/survivors of abuse will find support and comfort in the true Church and a refuge in Jesus. It is my hope that Christians and others who have experienced abuses will connect with others with similar experiences, to learn they are not alone, and they are not crazy.

Adam's Temptation and Christ's Obedience

Where Adam was tempted and failed, plunging his race into sin, misery, and death, Jesus was tempted but perfectly and perpetually obeyed in our place, earning righteousness, everlasting life, and joy for His people. Glory to you, Lord Christ!

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 

Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
He will give his angels orders concerning you,
and they will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike
your foot against a stone.”
7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.

Romans 5:19 For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Are We Evangelical?

This morning, before leading our ladies Bible study, I was thinking about the reasons I recommended the series I did for our ladies. I wanted to utilize material that was consistent with the ministry and vision of our church, *and I wanted material that would draw people to Christ as the Lord and Giver of Life, not one time, but throughout the life of His church, historically, presently, corporately and individually. I wanted the study to be intentionally evangelical (Gospel-focused and Gospel-driven.) So much of what we hear from "evangelical" pulpits is not evangelical. And as much as so many evangelical pulpiteers claim to be evangelistic, they fail to be. As much as they disavow the humanism of psychology and philosophy, they provide their congregations with lists, goals, exhortations, directives, and rulings, rather than evangelizing their communities and churches. But where is the hope? Where is the Good News? Where is the Gospel? Where is the Evangel? Where there is no good news, there is no true religion. Where there is no Gospel, there is no church. Where there is no evangelism, there are no Christians. As my child lay ill for months this past year, the problem of a lack of an evangelical spirit became so vividly clear to me. If she died, what did she need to know? What did she need to hear? Did she need to hear 4 easy steps to be a better person? 3 ways to die well? No. She didn't need steps or tips. She needed to know Jesus. She needed to know what He had accomplished for her. She needed to know the assurance that whatever happened to her, she was safe in His hands. He had lived, died, and risen again for her, and continually intercedes for her...that she is secure in Him. As we think about preaching, as we think about learning doctrine, remember the point. Yes. We must understand our state, and what our sinful condition has done to our relationship to God. We need to know how to love God and serve others well. But first and foremost, of *paramount importance (I Corinthians 15:3), is *knowing and hearing the Gospel. Without knowing Him, without being assured of His grace and kindness and goodwill toward us, all the steps and programs in the world come to nothing. Know Him and make Him known. Be a true evangelical: one who declares the good news of Jesus Christ, in the Gospel. Listen to Michael Horton as he explains what the Gospel is and is not. Remember the Gospel. Be fed on the Gospel. Proclaim the Gospel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caMVMayR690&t=2s

Our Hero

Our Hero

"The book of Judges shows us what a world looks like in which people look inside of themselves rather than outside of themselves for the hero they are searching for. And it is not a pretty picture... But in the middle of this darkness and distress, Judges also presents us with hope--hope that a hero will come along, a hero who is ...not from inside us but

from outside us. Judges helps us to see not only that we really need a hero, but also exactly what we need our hero to save us from." ~The Son of David Seeing Jesus in the Historical Books
As I was reading Nancy's book for a women's group I lead for our church, Ladies of Riverside, it reminded me of these truths. 
Because man, in his original state, under the Covenant of Works, was wired to work for God's favor, our natural inclination is to turn inward to save ourselves.

"Incurvatus in se (Latin for Turned/curved inward on oneself) is a theological phrase describing a life lived "inward" for oneself rather than "outward" for God and others.

Paul the Apostle wrote of this condition in the Epistle to the Romans 7:15, 7:18-19:

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. ... For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

It was perhaps Augustine of Hippo who first coined the phrase incurvatus in se. Martin Luther expounded on this in his Lectures on Romans and described this state as:

Our nature, by the corruption of the first sin, [being] so deeply curved in on itself that it not only bends the best gifts of God towards itself and enjoys them (as is plain in the works-righteous and hypocrites), or rather even uses God himself in order to attain these gifts, but it also fails to realize that it so wickedly, curvedly, and viciously seeks all things, even God, for its own sake." ~quoted

As I consider my own sins and the sins of others, I need to remember the solution to our problem does not come from inside of us, but from our Hero, the Serpent Crusher promised to us centuries ago and before the foundations of the world, the Savior of Sinners, the Propitiation for our sins, the Friend of His enemies, Jesus Christ the Righteous. The *Gospel, His work "extra nos"--*outside of us, *for us is the answer. Today, remember His life death, burial, resurrection and persistent intercession *for us. He is our true and better Hero.

Food for thought:I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel. ~Genesis 3:15
She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~Matthew 1:21
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. ~I John 2:2
For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. ~Romans 5:10

Hospitality with the Gospel in View

Hospitality with the Gospel in View 

What words do you think of when you hear “hospitality”? …Manners, etiquette, welcoming.

Emily Post the American author famous for writing about etiquette, said "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use."

When we welcome others into our homes what do we want them to feel and know? What

do we say in actions and words that let them feel and know they’re welcome? Listen to this passage Scripture passage, and as you hear, think about what rules of hospitality were broken and what Jesus is teaching us about hospitality.

Luke 7 ³⁶ Then one of the Pharisees invited Him to eat with him. He entered the  Pharisee’s house and reclined at the  table.³⁷ And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil ³⁸ and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil.

³⁹ When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!”

⁴⁰ Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Teacher,” he said, “say it.”

⁴¹ “A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. ⁴² Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”

⁴³ Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” He told him. ⁴⁴ Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵ You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in. ⁴⁶ You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil.⁴⁷ Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” ⁴⁸ Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

⁴⁹ Those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”

⁵⁰ And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Discussion questions:

Do you think that Simon showed hospitality? Why or why not?

To whom do you think Jesus would like us to show hospitality?

What message did Jesus share about welcoming others?

How has He welcomed you into His home and family?

Listen to how Jesus welcomes us into fellowship with Himself, in the words of Thomas Cranmer the 15^th century leader of the English Reformation and Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Book of Common Prayer:

Hear what comfortable words our Savior Christ says unto all that truly turn to Him.

COME unto me all that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28

God [the Father] so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Hear also what the Apostle Paul says.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15

Hear also what the Apostle John says.
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2:1

Prayer:
Heavenly Father: We thank you, thank you so much for the hospitality you show us by welcoming us into your family through Jesus, Who lived, died, was buried and rose again from the dead, according to the Scriptures for us and for our salvation. Thank you for making us your beloved children, who were once, because of our sin, your enemies. Thank you that one day, you will welcome us into our heavenly home, where we will worship you fully and forever. Forgive us for all the ways and times we have failed to show love and hospitality to those who need our love. Help us in light of your love to us, to love and serve others well, both in our homes and in our daily lives. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Definitions and Food for Thought:

Sinner: someone who breaks God’s Holy Law. Every human being who has ever lived, because we are the children of Adam, and because we personally fail to keep God’s Law.

God’s Law: God’s commandments summed up by Jesus in two great commandments: Love the Lord your God personally, perpetually, and perfectly, all your life from conception to the death, and love your neighbor as yourself.

travail: working to the point of exhaustion.

Advocate: Someone who defends another before a Judge.

Propitiation: receiving the full weight of God’s anger and punishment for our sins.

Gospel: While we were yet sinners, Jesus Christ, God’s own Beloved Son, the Messiah, lived, died, was buried and rose again from the dead, according to the Scriptures for us and for our salvation so that we can be welcomed into God’s family.

(This was written as a devotion for the Ladies and Little Girls of Riverside Tea, August 17, 2019.)