“The biggest problem the sinner has in hell is not the Devil, its God. God is in hell, actively punishing the wicked. The sinner in hell would do anything and everything he could to get God out of hell. Because the terror that men face in the judgment is God himself.” -R.C. Sproul-
Who Rules Hell?
The common idea about hell today, is that it is ruled by Satan. But what is the purpose of hell? Answer, it was originally created for the punishment of Satan and his fallen angels. Now after the fall of man, it is reserved for those who follow in the rebellion of Satan and who die in their sins. It was created by God for the punishment of the wicked. And God is actively punishing the wicked in hell for eternity.
Question
Here's a good question that R.C. Sproul asks:
"What are you saved from?"
His answer might shock some:
"You are saved from God. From being exposed to His fierce wrath and punishment."
What does the Apostle say in Hebrews? "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31).
Or Paul: "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Rom. 5:9).
Changing Perspectives
Putting it in this way can change perspectives. No longer is hell the party of the devil some might think it is. Satan is not the ruler of hell, but is actively being punished by God as well.
Its possible that some may think: "If hell is a separation from God, what is so bad about that, the people who are being separated from Him never wanted to be near Him anyway."
It is true a person in hell is separated from God in one sense. They are no longer beneficiaries of God's common grace which is given to all men. "The person in the most abysmal state of suffering still enjoys some bit of the common grace of God at this moment, which would be removed entirely if they were to move to hell" (Sproul). So then they no longer experience the love, care, benevolence, grace and long suffering of God. But for all of eternity will experience His wrath, curse, anger and hate.
Hope
By the grace of God, He has given hope to all men in Christ Jesus. What Jesus underwent upon the cross, was what a sinner would experience in hell. He took upon himself the "sin of many" (Isa. 53:12), became a curse on our behalf (Gal 3:13), bore the wrath of Almighty God and was forsaken by Him(Isa. 53:4-7; Matt 27:46). Because of this, the verse I used before displays a wonderful truth: "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved through Him."
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
We Need More Drums, Guitars and Fireworks...
Perry Noble is one of the leading pastors in the Emerging Church Movement. Recently I was reading one of his blog posts entitled, “I Don’t See How Someone Can Worship God With A Booming Sound System” (read the article to better understand this post).
He talks about how he was listening to a man on the radio talk about how he doesn't like how worship in church has evolved. How we have gotten away from old-hymns, and organs and pianos. The man commented, "“I am not trying to be a cantankerous old man, and I have thought about it…and I just don’t see how someone can truly worship God with a booming sound system."
Apparently this drove Perry to almost killing himself. And then giving 5 questions to this man, and why he disagrees. I am going to post the questions, and then his response to the question, with my comments interjected in darker lettering. Keep in mind I probably would not have agreed with the man on the radio too much either, but I will make that more apparent later.
#1 - Is there one particular worship style that can be dictated to everyone?
"When he made his comment about the worship and sound system I said out loud, “Who in the heck are you to mandate how I worship?” (The man most likely did not claim to be the authority on how to worship, but the Bible surely is.) I have literally been moved to tears in our worship services before and have experienced the presence of God in ways that I can’t even describe (Probably chills or spine tingle, not a good way to determine God's presence)–and yes, the sound system was BOOMING! (I wonder if this would be a proper way to judge right worship of God. Are emotions the sign of the Holy Spirit? I know people who are moved to tears by sad movies, is it worship? In other words are emotions the determining factor on whether the Holy Spirit is at work? In 2 Cor. 7:9,10 Paul distinguishes between two types of sorrow over sin, one which leads to life and one to death. Could our own hearts and emotions deceive us? Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things,And desperately wicked; Who can know it?" The heart rules the emotions, tears are not always a sign that your worship or your salvation is true.)
Different worship styles work for different people–and all of them are necessary! (They are? Says who? Not the Bible ). And just because something doesn’t particularly fit with my methodology doesn’t mean that it is wrong!" (That comment may want to be looked over. Worship of God is not however you please, but what is pleasing to God.)
#2 - What did the early church do before hymns?
Seriously, if hymns are the only true way to worship ( Again...Says who? This is where I would disagree with the man on the radio, and any others who believe hymn singing is the only TRUE way.)–then how in the world did people worship for the first 1500 years of Christianity? I mean, heck, they didn’t have a book where they could sing hundreds of songs–1st, 2nd and last verse only! ( Actually there was this one book, that God actually gave to us, which happens to be a book of songs of praise, its called the Psalms. Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.")
#3 - Is it wrong for a song to repeat itself?
As I read the book of Revelation the angels seem to be pretty obsessed with singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Do they have it wrong? ( There is a bit of a difference between those saints and angels in heaven worshiping, and the corporate worship on earth here. Most people in many churches wouldn't even understand the meaning of Holy Holy Holy. Once again, in Colossians 3:16, Paul commands us to teach and admonish with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.) In Psalm 136 the writer seems to be overly obsessed with, “His love endures forever!” I guess this guy from the radio show can inform the Holy Spirit inspired author when he gets to heaven that something like this is just a little too emotional! ( Okay, well I have no problem with Psalm 136, of course he does give a full spectrum look at God's attributes, such as His goodness and mercy, His power (v.4-9), His judgment, wrath, forgiveness, and love (v.10-22). Unlike most repeating hymns of today which focus on one aspect of God, and repeat it a million times to different tunes.)
#4 - Is it wrong for music to be loud?
In reading Scripture I see many occasions in the OT where the Bible says that the sounds of the celebrations were heard far away! ( I am going to need a specific example in order to give a specific answer. If he is talking about in worship, then there were set apart groups such as the Sons of Korah who were set apart for playing music. More to say about that but just ask about it, I don't think anyone is reading anyways :P.) I also see David (a man after God’s own heart) saying in the psalms to worship the Lord with drums and cymbals (both of which are loud!) ( Instruments in worship for me, is a debatable subject really, I believe the church is better off not using them, because of the stimulation of false emotions, which I talked about above. Outside of church though, I say filly the airwaves with it.) In Revelation 7:9-10 we are told that the singing in heaven is going to be loud! (Uh, reading over the verse I hardly see this as justification for blasting music that drowns out any words in the song that may, by some randomness, have something meaningful in them.) I think its time the church STOPPED looking like a funeral parlor and started acting like the tomb is EMPTY! (Good point, lets preach the Gospel then!)
#5 - Is innovation right for one generation only?
(A better question might be, "Is innovation right for any generation?" To what extent and context do we mean this in. Issues and what the church focuses on can change over time (i.e. Abortion, Homosexuality, etc.). But the Bible is as relevant, perfect, and clear on every matter today as it was in any generation. Did Paul tell us, "Go out and innovate the world!" Definition of Innovate = "To introduce something new; make changes in anything established." Wow, that sounds a lot like what most heretics do.)
As I listened to this guy I could not help but think about recent church history. In the 1970’s and early 80’s one of the most innovative things a growing church could do was to have an orchestra. AND for some churches–THIS WAS A BATTLE! Seriously–churches split over this very issue–some people were so offended that ANY instrument other than a piano or organ (neither of which are in Scripture for the true literalist out there) would be on stage.
These guys fought that fight–they stood for “innovation,” yet they are the ones who seem to be most resistant to it today! (This really challenges me to embrace the next generation!)
Go back a little further in church history–when churches first began introducing piano’s in the worship services it was considered “worldly” and “sinful,” today it is common. Once again people fought that fight–at one time it was new and innovative. (But who said it was right?)
Heck, many of the hymns were actually bar tunes rewritten with Christ centered lyrics to minister to those far away from God. (Example?) The “Christians” of the day were most likely turned off by the way people tried to reach out “to those pagans.” NOW it is common!
It seems to me that those who fought the fight in their lifetime would actually embrace those who are thinking of fresh ways to carry Christ to the world–not resist them. (Fresh ways? There is one way, and that is by the ministering of the Word of God, and by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. No other way was commanded, and no other way is glorifying to God.)
Just my two cents…
(Okay. This is not the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen by an emerging"pastor" in the least bit. But it gives a good idea of how they think about things. Most Biblical references are stretched or taken too far to justify a point, as one might find in reading "The Purpose Driven Life." At times things are said that have no scriptural support at all, but if it works it must be right. Remember one thing, the ends do not justify the means. Just because you have 300 baptisms or "converts", or just because you have tears welling in your eyes, does not mean that the means by which to attain it were correct. In fact I could probably make myself cry right now just by listening to the Forrest Gump soundtrack or something, doesn't mean the Holy Spirit is working within me, it just means it can stir emotion.)
He talks about how he was listening to a man on the radio talk about how he doesn't like how worship in church has evolved. How we have gotten away from old-hymns, and organs and pianos. The man commented, "“I am not trying to be a cantankerous old man, and I have thought about it…and I just don’t see how someone can truly worship God with a booming sound system."
Apparently this drove Perry to almost killing himself. And then giving 5 questions to this man, and why he disagrees. I am going to post the questions, and then his response to the question, with my comments interjected in darker lettering. Keep in mind I probably would not have agreed with the man on the radio too much either, but I will make that more apparent later.
#1 - Is there one particular worship style that can be dictated to everyone?
"When he made his comment about the worship and sound system I said out loud, “Who in the heck are you to mandate how I worship?” (The man most likely did not claim to be the authority on how to worship, but the Bible surely is.) I have literally been moved to tears in our worship services before and have experienced the presence of God in ways that I can’t even describe (Probably chills or spine tingle, not a good way to determine God's presence)–and yes, the sound system was BOOMING! (I wonder if this would be a proper way to judge right worship of God. Are emotions the sign of the Holy Spirit? I know people who are moved to tears by sad movies, is it worship? In other words are emotions the determining factor on whether the Holy Spirit is at work? In 2 Cor. 7:9,10 Paul distinguishes between two types of sorrow over sin, one which leads to life and one to death. Could our own hearts and emotions deceive us? Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things,And desperately wicked; Who can know it?" The heart rules the emotions, tears are not always a sign that your worship or your salvation is true.)
Different worship styles work for different people–and all of them are necessary! (They are? Says who? Not the Bible ). And just because something doesn’t particularly fit with my methodology doesn’t mean that it is wrong!" (That comment may want to be looked over. Worship of God is not however you please, but what is pleasing to God.)
#2 - What did the early church do before hymns?
Seriously, if hymns are the only true way to worship ( Again...Says who? This is where I would disagree with the man on the radio, and any others who believe hymn singing is the only TRUE way.)–then how in the world did people worship for the first 1500 years of Christianity? I mean, heck, they didn’t have a book where they could sing hundreds of songs–1st, 2nd and last verse only! ( Actually there was this one book, that God actually gave to us, which happens to be a book of songs of praise, its called the Psalms. Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.")
#3 - Is it wrong for a song to repeat itself?
As I read the book of Revelation the angels seem to be pretty obsessed with singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Do they have it wrong? ( There is a bit of a difference between those saints and angels in heaven worshiping, and the corporate worship on earth here. Most people in many churches wouldn't even understand the meaning of Holy Holy Holy. Once again, in Colossians 3:16, Paul commands us to teach and admonish with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.) In Psalm 136 the writer seems to be overly obsessed with, “His love endures forever!” I guess this guy from the radio show can inform the Holy Spirit inspired author when he gets to heaven that something like this is just a little too emotional! ( Okay, well I have no problem with Psalm 136, of course he does give a full spectrum look at God's attributes, such as His goodness and mercy, His power (v.4-9), His judgment, wrath, forgiveness, and love (v.10-22). Unlike most repeating hymns of today which focus on one aspect of God, and repeat it a million times to different tunes.)
#4 - Is it wrong for music to be loud?
In reading Scripture I see many occasions in the OT where the Bible says that the sounds of the celebrations were heard far away! ( I am going to need a specific example in order to give a specific answer. If he is talking about in worship, then there were set apart groups such as the Sons of Korah who were set apart for playing music. More to say about that but just ask about it, I don't think anyone is reading anyways :P.) I also see David (a man after God’s own heart) saying in the psalms to worship the Lord with drums and cymbals (both of which are loud!) ( Instruments in worship for me, is a debatable subject really, I believe the church is better off not using them, because of the stimulation of false emotions, which I talked about above. Outside of church though, I say filly the airwaves with it.) In Revelation 7:9-10 we are told that the singing in heaven is going to be loud! (Uh, reading over the verse I hardly see this as justification for blasting music that drowns out any words in the song that may, by some randomness, have something meaningful in them.) I think its time the church STOPPED looking like a funeral parlor and started acting like the tomb is EMPTY! (Good point, lets preach the Gospel then!)
#5 - Is innovation right for one generation only?
(A better question might be, "Is innovation right for any generation?" To what extent and context do we mean this in. Issues and what the church focuses on can change over time (i.e. Abortion, Homosexuality, etc.). But the Bible is as relevant, perfect, and clear on every matter today as it was in any generation. Did Paul tell us, "Go out and innovate the world!" Definition of Innovate = "To introduce something new; make changes in anything established." Wow, that sounds a lot like what most heretics do.)
As I listened to this guy I could not help but think about recent church history. In the 1970’s and early 80’s one of the most innovative things a growing church could do was to have an orchestra. AND for some churches–THIS WAS A BATTLE! Seriously–churches split over this very issue–some people were so offended that ANY instrument other than a piano or organ (neither of which are in Scripture for the true literalist out there) would be on stage.
These guys fought that fight–they stood for “innovation,” yet they are the ones who seem to be most resistant to it today! (This really challenges me to embrace the next generation!)
Go back a little further in church history–when churches first began introducing piano’s in the worship services it was considered “worldly” and “sinful,” today it is common. Once again people fought that fight–at one time it was new and innovative. (But who said it was right?)
Heck, many of the hymns were actually bar tunes rewritten with Christ centered lyrics to minister to those far away from God. (Example?) The “Christians” of the day were most likely turned off by the way people tried to reach out “to those pagans.” NOW it is common!
It seems to me that those who fought the fight in their lifetime would actually embrace those who are thinking of fresh ways to carry Christ to the world–not resist them. (Fresh ways? There is one way, and that is by the ministering of the Word of God, and by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. No other way was commanded, and no other way is glorifying to God.)
Just my two cents…
(Okay. This is not the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen by an emerging"pastor" in the least bit. But it gives a good idea of how they think about things. Most Biblical references are stretched or taken too far to justify a point, as one might find in reading "The Purpose Driven Life." At times things are said that have no scriptural support at all, but if it works it must be right. Remember one thing, the ends do not justify the means. Just because you have 300 baptisms or "converts", or just because you have tears welling in your eyes, does not mean that the means by which to attain it were correct. In fact I could probably make myself cry right now just by listening to the Forrest Gump soundtrack or something, doesn't mean the Holy Spirit is working within me, it just means it can stir emotion.)
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Meditations on Psalm 4:1
This is a verse I have been pondering as of late. Just a few things I was thinking about, and maybe you might think about as well.
NASB/ ESV/ ASV
"Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!"
KJV/ NKJV
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."
Psalter which I sing from:
"Answer when I call, O God who justifies..."
"Answer me when I call, O God..." For this verse I actually prefer the KJV rendering here (not because they translated it better, both translations are perfectly fine, in fact both mean the same thing). The way the KJV has it makes my point clearer though: "Hear me" is how the KJV has it, "Answer me" is how the NASB renders the first petition. For God to "Hear" us, is for God to "Answer," at least in the case of a believer. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive..."(Matt. 21:22) "Whatever we ask we receive from Him..."(1 John 3:22) "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him..."(1 John 5:14,15).
Thus, it follows that what we ask of God in faith we shall receive. And for the Lord to "Hear" us is to answer. "Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.."(end of v. 1), this having the same conotation. Its no wonder that in the verse after next, David says, "The Lord Hears when I call to Him." He knows the Lord hears his cries, and He is not afraid of the enemies pursuing him, for he knows that God will answer.
"O God of my righteousness..." C.H. Spurgeon, has a good thing to say of this particular part of the 1st verse, it goes along with how I viewed it. He states, "The name by which the Lord is here addressed...deserves notice, since it is not used in any other part of scripture. It means 'Thou art the author, the Witness, the Maintainer, the Judge, and the Rewarder of my righteousness; to thee I appear from the calumnies and harsh judgments of men'"(Treasury of David, Psalm IV, P.34). This, a righteousness not of our own but a gift of God through Christ. The imputation of which was divinely orchestrated by the work of the Holy Spirit. The psalter renders it, "O God who justifies." Rightly so, since the same Hebrew word can mean justify as well. To be justified is to be seen as righteous in the eyes of God. There is not way to this, but by faith in Christ, and the alien-righteousness (not belonging to us) imputed to our account.
2 Cor. 5:21
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
NASB/ ESV/ ASV
"Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!"
KJV/ NKJV
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."
Psalter which I sing from:
"Answer when I call, O God who justifies..."
"Answer me when I call, O God..." For this verse I actually prefer the KJV rendering here (not because they translated it better, both translations are perfectly fine, in fact both mean the same thing). The way the KJV has it makes my point clearer though: "Hear me" is how the KJV has it, "Answer me" is how the NASB renders the first petition. For God to "Hear" us, is for God to "Answer," at least in the case of a believer. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive..."(Matt. 21:22) "Whatever we ask we receive from Him..."(1 John 3:22) "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him..."(1 John 5:14,15).
Thus, it follows that what we ask of God in faith we shall receive. And for the Lord to "Hear" us is to answer. "Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.."(end of v. 1), this having the same conotation. Its no wonder that in the verse after next, David says, "The Lord Hears when I call to Him." He knows the Lord hears his cries, and He is not afraid of the enemies pursuing him, for he knows that God will answer.
"O God of my righteousness..." C.H. Spurgeon, has a good thing to say of this particular part of the 1st verse, it goes along with how I viewed it. He states, "The name by which the Lord is here addressed...deserves notice, since it is not used in any other part of scripture. It means 'Thou art the author, the Witness, the Maintainer, the Judge, and the Rewarder of my righteousness; to thee I appear from the calumnies and harsh judgments of men'"(Treasury of David, Psalm IV, P.34). This, a righteousness not of our own but a gift of God through Christ. The imputation of which was divinely orchestrated by the work of the Holy Spirit. The psalter renders it, "O God who justifies." Rightly so, since the same Hebrew word can mean justify as well. To be justified is to be seen as righteous in the eyes of God. There is not way to this, but by faith in Christ, and the alien-righteousness (not belonging to us) imputed to our account.
2 Cor. 5:21
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
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