Christ is Deeper Still

By: Johnny Coggin

If you want to read hard-hitting, convicting, glorious biblical truth (and you like it in very short bursts!), you need to check out (and subscribe to) Nashville pastor Ray Ortlund's blog, Christ is Deeper Still.

Here is this morning's shocking commentary on Galatians 3:13:

“To the Jews, this was absolute blasphemy: a cursed Messiah on a cursed cross. No wonder the cross was such a stumbling block to them! To put it in the most shocking and yet perhaps the most accurate way, the apostolic message was about a God-damned Messiah.”

Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians (Phillipsburg, 2005), page 115.

When You Don't Feel Like Singing

By: Johnny Coggin

Someone recently asked worship pastor Bob Kauflin this question:

So often I come in on a Sunday morning and I don’t feel like singing. How would you encourage someone in my place?

How would you answer? Here's his helpful reply:

When I don’t feel like singing it’s usually because I haven’t been thinking much about who God is and what He’s done for us in Christ. Some situation, relationship, or event seems more important to me than the fact that Jesus came into the world to save rebellious sinners and reconcile them to God, and that I’m one of them. How can I not want to sing about that!

So the first thing I’d do is confess my distraction to God. I can tell him that I haven’t been loving him with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then I’d receive his full and complete forgiveness through Christ. God doesn’t hold my sin against me. Jesus bore it on the cross. Then, I’d start to think about the words I’m singing and direct my thoughts towards the greatness and goodness of God. If for some reason the lyrics aren’t helping me, I’ll start rehearsing the basic truths of the gospel and the promises of God. Before too long, my perspective changes and I feel like singing again.

I Don't Want My Kids to Be Happy

By: Johnny Coggin

If the title of this article alarms you, join the club. I was recently linked to this article written by a mom of several young children, and that was the title. And yes, it bothered me a little. I didn't say this, but something in me felt: "Why would anyone say such a thing?"

After reading her post, I know exactly what she meant, and I feel exactly the same way.

She's writing it to her 4 kids about their plans to adopt a child from Ethiopia. Here's part of her lead-in:

Recently we were told by people whom we love and respect why they oppose our plans to adopt. One of the reasons given was that we would not be able to pay for your college education.

It's true.

You all have college funds - college funds which recently took a terrible hit - but "they" say that by the time you're 18, college will cost anywhere between $200,000 to half a million dollars each. You might as well know now, we won't be covering that. I'm telling you now, babies.

Why would parents sacrifice their kids' college funds in order to adopt, you ask?

...several years I saw a story on a TV show about how the latest trend was for parents to give their daughters boob jobs for high school graduation (I don't know what they gave their sons). When interviewing one of the moms, she said, "I just want my daughter to be happy." And as I tossed a throw pillow at the television, this really huge thought occurred to me: I don't want my children to be happy.

Now you're thinking she has lost it, right? Understandable. But read the rest of the story. Then try telling me this young mother isn't parenting with a biblical worldview, a heart for Jesus, and deep love for her kids.

The world thinks she is doing it all wrong. So do many Christians, I'm sure.

May we at Grace Evan be so bold in our counter-culturedness, as our priorities become radically shaped by the Gospel.

They Devoted Themselves

By: Johnny Coggin


Pastor Ray Ortlund, on biblical Christian devotion:

“And they devoted themselves . . .” Acts 2:42

When the early believers converted to Christ, it never occurred to them to fit him into the margins of their busy lives. They redefined themselves around a new, immovable center. He was not an optional weekend activity, along with the kids’ soccer practices. They put him and his church and his cause first in their hearts, first in their schedules, first in their budgets, first in their reputations, first in their very lives. They devoted themselves.

Unmistakable evidence that the Holy Spirit was being poured out.

May the Holy Spirit pour out such devotion among us!

New Book: Dug Down Deep

By: Johnny Coggin

With the our new online Bookstore up and running, we'll be using the Blog occasionally to let you know about great books that we think would help you grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

One such book has just released today, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Although I haven't read it yet, I trust and respect the author as a pastor, and have also read some great reviews of the books already.

The book is called Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters by Josh Harris. It's supposed to be a very personal story of discovering the importance of theology - knowing God deeply and truly from his Word. And I hear that it's very accessible, enjoyable, and deeply rooted both in real life and the Bible.

Here's a blurb about it:

For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong."

Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture.

Need to go deeper into the truth of God without drowning in the deep waters? Or maybe you've forgotten how truth and doctrine matter and apply in your everyday life? This sounds like a book for you.

If you want a preview, you can look at the Table of Contents and read the entire first chapter here. You can buy the book here, or go to our Bookstore to browse more great books that we love at Grace Evan. Here's a brief video promo for Dug Down Deep below as well (click here if you don't see it below).

Freedom in Restraint

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

Psalm 119 has always been a favorite of mine, although it makes for a long read. So much of what is said in it goes contrary to a 21st century mindset.

For example, verses 43-45 talk of the psalmist’s love for and commitment to God’s “rules." People today hate rules. They see rules as the things that reign them in, limit their freedom, etc. For as everyone knows, if I am to be free, I must be free from all restraint.

Not according to the psalmist. In verse 45 he uses a Hebrew idiom speaking of his “walk(ing) in a wide place." What he has in mind is a place where he is free to move about, move side to side, as opposed to a narrow place where he has no options but the straight and narrow. And do you see what set him free? Rules! God’s rules!

The freest life is one lived according to rules God has given. In fact, one of the surest evidences that I belong to this God is that I have come to see the wisdom and kindness of God’s rules; that they are not given to restrict me. Just the opposite: They set me free.

Anyone knows that if I eat as much as I want of anything I want, I will soon pay a price physically. To have the joy and freedom of health, I must impose some rules on myself. For us Christians, God has done that with our great interest at heart. The freest life is the one lived saying with the psalmist, “my hope is in your rules.”

Feeling Guilty?

By: Johnny Coggin

We're all prone to feeling condemned and guilty in light of our many sins against God. You may even question your salvation, lacking any real assurance that you're right with God.

Brothers and sisters, the following response needs to be deeply and permanently woven into your mindset:

“…when the devil comes and says, ‘You have no standing, you are condemned, you are finished’, you must say, ‘No! my position did not depend upon what I was doing, or not doing; it is always dependent upon the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Turn to the devil and tell him, ‘My relationship to God is not a variable one. The case is not that I am a child of God, and then again not a child of God. That is not the basis of my standing, that is not the position. When God had mercy upon me, He made me His child, and I remain his child. A very sinful, and a very unworthy one, perhaps, but still his child!

And now, when I fall into sin, I have not sinned against the law, I have sinned against love. Like the prodigal, I will go back to my Father and I will tell Him, 'Father, I am not worthy to be called your son.' But He will embrace me, and He will say, 'Do not talk nonsense, you are My child,' and He will shower his love upon me! That is the meaning of putting on the breastplate of righteousness! Never allow the devil to get you into a state of condemnation. Never allow a particular sin to call into question your standing before God. That question has been settled.”

(Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Christian Soldier, p. 255)

Basic Bible Study Tools

By: Jeff Sample

Dr. Young introduced the subject of how to feed your soul from God’s word on Wednesday night. Later I will post the important preliminary principles he covered with some brief explanations. In the meantime, though, here is a short list of essential tools to help you become a better student of God’s word with the end of deepening your relationship with him and applying his truth to life.

1. Use a good study Bible with reliable annotations for reading insight. Suggestions would include – The English Standard Version Study Bible or the NIV Study Bible; both are excellent but we predominantly use the ESV which is a great, reliable, but readable text. Another to consider would be the Spirit of the Reformation Bible.
2. Have a concordance at hand in the translation from which you are reading (ESV, NIV, NKJV, or NASB); if you have something other than those don’t tell anyone – (jk, but not much.)
3. You may want to have a solid whole Bible commentary. Purchase, New Bible Commentary by Wenham, Motyer, Carson, and France, 21st Century Edition to help you understand as you read.
4. Add a solid theological dictionary like New Bible Dictionary; want to spend more? Add the International Standard Bible Dictionary (Revised); and/or New Dictionary of Theology.
5. Did you know there are literary guides to the Bible? Here’s one that is a standard: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart. For Christmas have someone purchase for you, Is There Meaning in this Text by Kevin Vanhoozer.
6. You might want to throw in a good map of Bible lands unless you are the manly type (we never use maps or a GPS, which is why we get lost!). Even if you are the manly type throw in the Moody Atlas of Bible Lands by Beitzel; you will be tour guide before long!
7. Just for fun why not add O. Palmer Robertson’s Christ of the Covenants to your library.
8. Have a plan. You can follow a Bible reading guide. Use the pulpit series; a class topic or series and read systematically. You might read 1 John everyday for 30 days to soak in or you might read the gospel of John a chapter a day or a paragraph at a time but follow a plan.

In another post, I will add to the library and suggest additional means to deepen you devotional life.

Living Like Jordan

By: Will Savell

Do you remember when Michael Jordan decided to play baseball? I will never forget the ESPN commentators pleading with him to put a stop to his nonsense. Jordan, basketball's greatest, was failing at his new endeavor...but why?

You have a man who was undeniably crafted for the game of basketball. By the time he finally ended his career he was able to claim...

Member of six NBA championship teams (1991-93, 1996-98)
Five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991-92, 1996, 1998)
Six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (1991-93, 1996-98)
Ten-time All-NBA First Team (1987-93, 1996-98)
Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987-93, 1996-98)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1985)
Holds the NBA Finals record for highest single-series scoring average -- 41.0 ppg (1993)

Those awards just scratched the surface of everything he was credited with.

The fact is, MJ was a basketball player - not baseball. And when he tried to do something that he wasn't, he failed. The experts, the fans, and deep down (though he won't admit it) even Jordan recognized that.

What pulled Jordan away? If he was obviously a basketball player, what made him decide to go and do something that he wasn't?

What pulls us away from who we were created and called to be?

You see, our primary function is to be one who is in union with Christ. And it’s not merely our function, it’s who we are on a fundamental level. It’s our ultimate calling, and if we neglect it and move away from it, we fail.

Paul urges us in Ephesians 4 to live consistently within our calling. Check it out. It begins like this... "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Stop deviating from the path that God has intended you to walk. Live... function... be who you are called to be. Are you confused as to what that might look like? Why don’t you finish up chapter 4 in Ephesians.

Ever-increasing Repentance

By: Johnny Coggin

“We need to realize that while God’s acceptance of each Christian believer is perfect from the start, our repentance always needs to be extended further as long as we are in this world. Repentance means turning from as much as you know of your sin to give as much as you know of yourself to as much as you know of your God, and as our knowledge grows at these three points so our practice of repentance has to be enlarged.”

- J.I. Packer, Keep in Step with the Spirit: Finding Fullness in Our Walk with God, 87.

How Eternity Influences a Mom's Daily Tasks

By: Johnny Coggin

The daily routine of life can sometimes become suffocating. At the workplace, in the home, driving kids from place to place - it's easy to get bogged down in the mundane details and lose track of the bigger picture, the ultimate purpose.

For parents, John Piper offers a wise reminder about keeping in mind the eternal perspective. Here's an excerpt pertaining to moms:

A mother will delight most in the little baby in front of her when she has a vision of God and a vision of the world that's big enough to admit that this little child has a destiny in front of him or her and might become this or that.

If she is totally circumscribed by her little home—with no vision for the world—then I think her domestic scene is probably going to shrivel up on her, and she is going to feel that it is small and constraining. But if she sees it in the wider context of what she is a part of in the missionary enterprise, I think every detail of her life can take on a global significance, indeed, an historical significance.

And to dads, there's this:

The goal isn't just to fulfill some little task that dads are supposed to do. Rather, you're building men who hopefully someday will have absorbed so much of God and so much of the Bible that it's going to shape their whole world. And they might wind up going to Pakistan to help build shelters for earthquake victims.

Read the rest here.

Walking with Jesus - A Pastor's Perspective

By: Johnny Coggin

As Christians, we often hear about the importance of "walking with God" or "spending time with Jesus." But it seems far more rare to hear anyone describe how he or she actively pursues a consistent relationship with the Lord. It doesn't just magically happen, does it?

Here's a brief but helpful video of pastor Matt Chandler (Dallas, TX) describing the proactive steps he takes to walk close with Jesus.

Success in Marriage

By: Johnny Coggin

What's the key to marital success? Finding your soul mate? Having enough money?

John Piper offers this answer:

Success in marriage is not finding the right person, but being the right person in the power of the one perfect Person.

(For more truth daggers like this, follow @JohnPiper on Twitter.)

Approved

By: Johnny Coggin

"For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

Wise commentary from pastor Ray Ortlund of Immanuel Church, Nashville:

Paul had lived for human approval. That's what his uppity legalism had really been about. It's why the word "still" is in there: "If I were still trying to please man . . . ." Paul gave it up, in order to please God.

It is so freeing to stop caring so much about what people think. It is so freeing to lift your eyes to Christ, whose approval is all that finally matters. What does he want from you? Not that people would think you're wonderful, but that your gospel would be pure and honoring to him. You can't control how people respond. That is their own responsibility before God. And if your gospel is pure, some will inevitably disapprove (2 Cor 2:15-16) and will blame you for it. Why? The impenitent are incapable of self-awareness. Don't be discouraged. Just keep your gospel clear. And keep your heart close to the Lord.

Here is his word to you: "Approved."

Justification and Suffering

By: Russell Jeffares

One of the most glorious, foundational, life-transforming teachings in the Bible is that we are justified by faith in Christ. This means we are declared righteous through the death of Christ on the cross. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul put this idea side by side with the reality of suffering. In Romans 5:1-5 Paul says,

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. … we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

In these verses Paul parallels these two profound themes. Why is that? According to Paul, our ability to face suffering with “rejoicing” is directly dependent upon our grasp of the fact that we are declared righteous and made at peace with God.

So how does our being declared righteous and at peace with God give us the ability to rejoice in the midst of suffering? Simple: We can now rejoice in suffering because we know that God is now fighting for our good. Paul says it this way:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. …What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies. (Romans 8:28, 31-34)

So Paul tells us that because we have now been declared righteous, are at peace with God, and are even adopted as His sons and daughters, we can rejoice in any circumstance—even if it means terrible suffering. As our Father, God is working all things together for our good. He is fighting for our good as our loving, heavenly Father, who -- by the way -- is truly good.

So if you are facing difficult, uncertain, painful times, rest and rejoice in the beautiful truth that you are justified—declared righteous, approved, and precious in God’s sight.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

By: Will Savell

I was studying today and ran across a great illustration having to do with worship, which is the essence of our life in Christ. I thought I would pass it along.

There is a story told of a concert pianist by the name of Paderewski, who was doing a concert and had not come out yet to begin. A young boy slipped away from his mother and went up to the stage where this concert grand piano was and started playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The crowd was pretty upset. What mother would bring a child to this very formal, highbrow event and then to let him slip away and go up and ruin the evening by playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"? Well, this great concert pianist comes out from behind the curtain and motions to the crowd. He comes up and puts his arms around the little boy and says, "Keep playing," and plays this grand and beautiful counter-melody to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," to the standing ovation of the crowd. And I am sure when the crowd went home, they didn't talk about the other songs that the pianist played that night.

Most of us think that our approach to worship is like the concert pianist. Well, I have news for us. Our worship is like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Now, play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" with all your might, with as much excellence as you can, but recognize that the only reason that the equivalent of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in our praise to God is acceptable to the Father is because of our older Brother. Jesus comes and wraps His arms around us and plays the grand and beautiful melody and counter-melody that perfects it and enriches it and makes it pleasing to our Father's ears.

Two Rebukes

By: Russell Jeffares

Have you ever been rebuked? Put in your place? No one likes it, but it happens sometimes for good reason. The Apostle Peter experienced rebuke at least two times that we know of: one by Jesus himself, and the other by the Apostle Paul.

In Matthew 16, Peter makes the great confession that Jesus is indeed the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Then Jesus tells this disciple that he will suffer and die at the hands of the religious leaders. Peter actually rebukes Jesus for speaking this way, but Jesus responds, “Get behind me Satan… For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Then in Galatians 2:11-14, Paul rebukes Peter again. This time it is because Peter chose to disassociate himself from the non-Jewish believers once the Jewish believers arrived in town. Paul notices this and blasts Peter for his apparent hypocrisy.

So what do these two rebukes have in common? I would say that they are, in essence, the same rebuke. Jesus reprimands Peter for having the mind of man and not realizing that the way of the cross includes suffering and dying. Paul does the same. Peter, for whatever reason (probably his reputation), chooses to abandon the way of the cross by not living out its implications in his relationships.

You see, the “way of the cross” (the Gospel) demands that we live out its implications fully throughout every aspect of our lives. In Matthew 16, Peter desired for Jesus to follow the way of man using power, self-reliant means and sufficiency. In Galatians, Peter abandoned the implications of his justification by seeking his righteousness and approval by means of “another Gospel.” One author wrote:

If there’s anything in life we should be passionate about, it’s the Gospel. And I don’t mean passionate about sharing it with others; I mean passionate in thinking about the Gospel, reflecting upon it, rejoicing in it, allowing it to color the way we look at the world and all of life.” (C.J. Mahaney, Living the Cross Centered Life, 15)

We’re pretty good about understanding the cross as the means of forgiveness for sins and for personal salvation, but we often leave it behind when it comes to our lifestyles, how we do business, how we relate to others, how we spent our money, etc.

May we stand rebuked by how we so easily abandon the way of the cross, and may we -- in an act of repentance -- go running into the arms of our heavenly Father who will help us do this.

Shots Hurt

By: Will Savell

I was able to sleep an extra hour this morning, and it was great! What wasn't so great was the reason I had for sleeping in. My daughter wasn't going to school - at least until mid-morning. She first had to visit her pediatrician for the annual flu shot.

My wife and I kept this small detail from her this past week because we knew what the reaction was going to be, and boy were we right. When we sprung the news on her this morning, the tears started to flow and they never stopped... no matter what sort of rational thought I laid before her. It's funny how that never works on a five year old girl.

When we arrived at the doctor's office she was somewhat subdued, yet still crying. But when the needle was revealed, she went crazy. The screams were ear piercing and nothing had even happened. Finally, the needle went in and came back out - the small hole to be quickly covered with a band aid.

Five minutes later we were in the Jeep on our way to McDonald's for a sausage biscuit. I have found that the teaching opportunities are endless while riding around in the Jeep. Emma looked at me, eyes still puffy and red, and asked, "Daddy, do all shots hurt?" And there was my moment...

"Yes Emma, all shots hurt. Some hurt worse than others, but it's never fun having a needle poked in your skin. But they only hurt for just a little while."

"But Daddy, why do we have to have shots?"

"You got that shot so you won't get sick. You see, a little pain now is much better than a lot of pain later. Do you understand?"

"Yes Daddy."

For the next few minutes I explained to her, in the best way that I could, a lasting truth about those things that seem so painful to those in Christ. I paraphrased Hebrews 12. For you, I'll give you some of the actual verses.

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons...If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons...For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness...For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:4-11)

My daughter learned today that all shots hurt. Yet even though they hurt, and even among her tears, she can view them as something good.

For those found as a son or daughter of God, you'll go through His discipline. And just like a shot, it hurts and you might cry. But take heart, it's a good thing.

Passing God's Tests

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

Character is both built and revealed by tests.

What amazes me is the nature of some of the God-sent tests. Who would want Abraham’s? Go sacrifice your son (Gen. 22:1)! What could be harder?

But even more perplexing than that, for me, is God’s willingness to allow the wicked to do big, splashy things with the intent of testing His people (Deut. 13:1-4). God grants or permits even miraculous power to false prophets in order to test folks like you and me. That’s one scary test! Passing the test requires a diligent application of all we know of God to all that is facing us.

Knowing the true God helps me spot the false one. I think I’ll go study some more...

The End of the Rope

By: Russell Jeffares

Have you ever been to that place that everyone dreads and seeks to avoid? I’m speaking of coming to the complete end of yourself. It’s sometimes called “wit's end,” “the end of the rope,” “hitting bottom,” or “hanging by a thread.” David called it “the valley of the shadow of death.” It’s a place of utter desperation in which our own personal sufficiency isn’t quite enough.

The good/bad news, however, is that God loves it when we are at that place. I don’t mean to say that God is maliciously enjoying our suffering. Rather, I believe God’s heart breaks when we are there, but he also knows how much we need it.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to be there. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Paul says:

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death."

Now listen to what Paul is saying here. They had come to the end of their rope. It was the end. They “despaired of life itself.” Paul, the Apostle no less, had come to that dark valley of death that the Psalmist writes about. But it was not a meaningless circumstance orchestrated by a vicious God. Paul knew that God had a purpose. He finishes out verse 9 by saying, “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

Paul knew that God needed them to come to that extremely difficult place of despair. Why? So that they we rely on the God who raises the dead! So that they would cease relying on their own assets and begin to rely on the God who is able to do the impossible … even raise the dead.

Many of us are, have been, and will be at that place of hopelessness and desolation, but may we through these excruciating times rely on the God who raises the dead.