Unmerited Favor

My Blog Has Moved!

2010-03-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

My blog has moved to the church website.
You can access it by going to: www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is the final post on blogspot, so make sure to check out my blog and our new site!

The Sacrifice of Isaac

2010-03-22T11:46:00.003-05:00

"The Sacrifice of Isaac"

Genesis 22

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http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100321.mp3

The Sacrifice of Praise

2010-03-15T12:47:00.006-05:00

"The Sacrifice of Praise"

Genesis 21

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http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100314.mp3

Proverbs 13 - Contrasts of the Wise & the Fool

2010-03-13T08:21:00.003-06:00

My reflections from Proverbs 13 this morning

The Wise
- attends to wise counsel giving by someone who's been there (Prov. 13.1)
- receives favor for his wise restrained words (Prov. 13.2)
- saves his own life by keeping his words pure (Prov. 13.3)
- faithfully does what he should and is rewarded with joy (Prov. 13.4)
- can't stand lies and half-truths (Prov. 13.5)
- is guarded by his God pleasing lifestyle (Prov. 13.6)
- doesn't waste his money, even when he can (Prov. 13.7)
- has wealth stored up in case of trouble (Prov. 13.8)
- stores up oil so he won't be frantic or in need (Prov. 13.9)
- takes advice from others (Prov. 13.10)
- accumulates riches over time (Prov. 13.11)
- fulfills his goals & dreams, which adds life (Prov. 13.12)
- fearfully respects commandments (Prov. 13.13)
- drinks up the teaching of wise people and avoids traps for his destruction (Prov. 13.14)
- has good sense which helps in his life (Prov. 13.15)
- uses his knowledge in all areas to carefully guard his steps (Prov. 13.16)
- always sticks to his word & duties and delivers healing (Prov. 13.17)
- is honored because he pays attention to advice (Prov. 13.18)
- brings a smile to his soul by obtaining goals & dreams (Prov. 13.19)
- becomes wise by intentionally being around wise people (Prov. 13.20)
- is rewarded with good because he is right with God (Prov. 13.21)
- doesn't waste his money, but even cares for his descendants after him (Prov. 13.22)
- should act justly to those who need his help (Prov. 13.23)
- is consistent in disciplining his child out of love (Prov. 13.24)
- is content with what he has (Prov. 13.25)

The Foolish

- mocks and ignores corrective punishment (Prov. 13.1)

- desires hurtful things for himself & others (Prov. 13.2)

- never restrains his lips and the result is ruin (Prov. 13.3)

- always wants but will never come up ahead (Prov. 13.4)

- stinks of shame and disgrace (Prov. 13.5)

- is always overthrown by his own wickedness (Prov. 13.6)

- acts like a big shot, when he should be begging (Prov. 13.7)

- wastes his money never thinking he may need it tomorrow (Prov. 13.8)

- ruins all chances of helping himself tomorrow (Prov. 13.9)

- always has drama around him because of his prideful lack of respect for others (Prov. 13.10)

- always wants to get rich quick, but is left with little to nothing (Prov. 13.11)

- suffers depression because he puts off his dreams & ambitions for later (Prov. 13.12)

- can't stand holy instruction and invites failure and ultimately Hell upon himself (Prov. 13.13)

- is continually trapped by death's grip because he doesn't heed wise counsel (Prov. 13.14)

- deceives others but ironically is always left in an enduring rut of their own (Prov. 13.15)

- doesn't have enough sense to blush at his stupidity, even in public (Prov. 13.16)

- twists words of others but can't figure out why he never succeeds at life (Prov. 13.17)

- thinks he knows better than the wise and will end up broke and pathetic (Prov. 13.18)

- is disgusted at the idea of forsaking their own sin (Prov. 13.19)

- hangs around with losers that continually hurt his life (Prov. 13.20)

- is chased by his own foolishness and evil (Prov. 13.21)

- makes money that always ends up with the wise who knows not to waste it (Prov. 13.22)

- can always blame his problems on someone else (Prov. 13.23)

- never sticks to what he says & does his children harm by withholding due punishments (Prov. 13.24)

- is always wanting more and never content with what he has (Prov. 13.25)

Living Above Reproach - Part 2

2010-03-08T10:51:00.002-06:00

"Living Above Reproach - Part 2"

Genesis 20

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http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100307.mp3

Coming Soon - The MacArthur Study Bible in ESV

2010-03-04T20:07:00.001-06:00

For those of you who love the MacArthur Study Bible but also love the ESV, there is good news coming your way this summer!

The MacArthur Study Bible is coming in the ESV text!
(Release date is August 31st)

Check out the following video from John MacArthur for more info:

For years, the spiritual lives of countless men and women all over the world have been strengthened with the help of The MacArthur Study Bible. This all-in-one spiritual library contains Dr. MacArthur’s personal study notes below the full-length Bible text. Virtually every Scripture has a matching study note with detailed information, explanantion, and helpful insight.

The notes are based on Dr. MacArthur’s verse-by-verse approach to the Bible and nearly forty years of careful study. His goal is to let the Bible speak for itself—nothing more, nothing less. The ESV MacArthur Study Bible is an important resource for growing Christians. It can transform your personal time in God’s Word by clarifying difficult passages, bringing unseen cultural and historical details to life, and helping you understand and apply biblical truth.

Click here to pre-order!

The Dumbest Thing I Have Ever Seen (Holy Ghost Hokey Pokey)

2010-03-04T16:15:00.000-06:00

Just when you thought the prosperity gospel couldn't sink any lower...
they now have the "Holy Ghost Hokey Pokey".

Not only just plain stupid, this is, by far, one of the saddest things I have ever seen in a worship service.

Hypocrisy

2010-03-02T08:10:00.002-06:00

"He does not believe, who does not live according to his belief."

~ Thomas Fuller

Worry

2010-03-02T07:55:00.002-06:00

Worry is like having faith in the devil.

Hypocrisy

2010-03-02T07:50:00.000-06:00

“The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity”

- Andre Gide

Living Above Reproach - Part 1

2010-03-01T09:57:00.003-06:00

"Living Above Reproach - Part 1"

Genesis 20

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http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100214.mp3

Pre-Cross Saints

2010-02-22T12:06:00.002-06:00

Humility

2010-02-19T09:08:00.002-06:00

If someone offers reproof, and your first response is to boast of your age, maturity, or experience, either in years or Christ, then you lack humility and pride is the great stumbling block to your further sanctification.

Lent

2010-02-17T13:42:00.001-06:00

Some are talking about preparing for Lent, and I’ve received some questions about this practice that is upheld in many churches. I thought I would share my thoughts and opinions on this long time tradition of most churches in our area. If you attend River, you know that this is something that we don’t practice formally. It isn’t that we are “against” the religious tradition of Lent, it is more that we don’t see it the 40 day custom as significant as other churches do. River has never been a liturgical church, however we do not look down on those that might value some rituals. So reading this, you may agree or disagree with me, but either way I hope to give some helpful, thought-provoking opinions on this subject.

1 - Is It Biblical?

When I ask those who practice this tradition of Lent I get a few common responses. One of them is “Its Biblical”. Lent observers are quick to point out that Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, thus they say Lent is Biblical. But is it? Well I suppose that depends on your definition of “Biblical”. If you mean its found in the Bible, or rooted in something that you read in the Scriptures, then I suppose I would agree. But there is a big difference between something found in the Bible, and something as a Biblical mandate for the church.

A few key points I would like to make on Jesus’ trek into the wilderness for 40 days:

a.) The Purpose?
It wasn’t necessarily to grow closer to God, but to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4.1 specifically tells us that “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Jesus was denying Himself earthly pleasures while being led into the wilderness, but it was to be tempted by the evil one. Is that our purpose in Lent? I assume not. So is it Biblical in the sense that it shares the same purpose of Jesus during His 40 day fast? No.

b.) The Mandate?

I see nothing in the Scriptures mandating us to follow Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days to fast and be tempted by the devil. Nowhere in the New Testament does it talk about churches replicating this temptation time of Jesus. I see no passage of Scripture instructing the body of Christ to do this in any way.

So I would disagree that Jesus’ 40 day time of temptation is “Biblical” in the sense that we must or even should follow it in our churches today. Many things are found in the Bible but aren’t “Biblical” in church practice. For instance, in the Scriptures Jesus walked on water, does this mean that we should take time apart every year so the congregation can attempt stepping on top of a body of water? Certainly not. So it is found in the Bible as something that Jesus did, however it was not set or stated as a practice that had to be repeated by the New Testament church. So I just don’t see Lent as a Biblical mandate, therefore most liturgical traditions like this tend to lose their appeal to me.

2 - Self Denial

One aspect that I enjoy hearing about is that people are willing to fast or deny themselves pleasure in order to get closer to God. I feel this is very Biblical and of great encouragement. My problem comes when I hear people doing it merely for superficial results rather than praise and honest pursuit of God. If you want to fast for healing of someone, or to deny yourself pleasure and thus love God more through this, more power to you! If you want to get some man-centered goal met and trick God into blessing you for your great self-denial skills, I believe you have missed the point. Scripture tells us plainly that God desires obedience more than sacrifice. You can give up soda or TV for 40 days, but if you don’t love Christ in your heart and life, who cares? Is God supposed to be impressed by the works of a heathen who calls Him Lord but can’t love Him as his treasure?

3 - Temporary Solemn Promises Another issue I have is when people make hypocritical oaths for Lent that seem to contradict following Christ. I’ve heard a few of them over the years. One time someone said “I’m going to give up swearing for Lent.” Perplexed I asked the only obvious question in my mind - “Are you going to take it back up again after Lent?” Why not just stop swearing and say God created my mouth, therefore I will praise Him with it and not curse. Why make solemn promises that should rather be lifestyle decisions in obedience to Christ? Some things are fine to abstain from temporarily for a short season, but some should be avoided all together for a cherishing of Christ above all.

4 - Cut It Loose

I’ve read a post this morning that said “Starting today I’m giving up social media for Lent.” It sounded like the goal was somewhat pure. This person felt that social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace was distracting him from having regular time with Christ in prayer and worship in the Word. My issue is two-fold here. One is the same obvious question: “If those things are hurting your relationship with Christ rather than helping, why give them up only for Lent? Why not give them up for good?”
Now personally, I’m not against social media in general. I use it often, and especially love to employ these tools it to provoke thoughts on Scriptures or ideas I’m considering for the upcoming sermon. I think social media can be used as a great tool to promote God’s glory, discuss subjects, get in touch with old and more recent friends, advertise events, communicate prayer requests and needs, etc. But if it is honestly a hindrance to your walk, cut it loose! (Matthew 5.29-20) Don’t give it up for Lent and then come back to what distracts you from Christ again. Cut it loose!

5 - Why Advertise?

My other concern is that this person broke their commitment this morning by posting that announcement on social media sites. This made me chuckle because by posting that he was abstaining from social media for 40 days starting today, he broke his promise with the post itself. As funny as that seemed to me, something else stuck out to me.

I see so many telling so many others that they are fasting and participating in Lent, what they are giving up, etc. Doesn’t this go directly against the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6.16-18: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Jesus taught to not proclaim your great work of fasting and highlight to the world your sacrifices to God, but rather to do them more with an attitude of discretion. Thus your fasting would be for God’s joy and not the applause of man. Don’t worry, your fast will still be noticed, however the audience of reward will be solely Divine.

6 - Daily Following Christ To me, the idea of giving up something that may or does hinder your walk with Christ seems it should be a lifelong venture, not one of a season. Jesus said that “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” He didn’t say deny yourself and take up your cross for 40 days a year, but… daily! This is how we follow Him. Again, I’m not trying to sound like I am against people participating in Lent, I just simply don’t understand most of the thinking process behind it. It doesn’t seem to add up for me. But again… these are my opinions. :)

My Conclusion

Finally let me close by saying I am all for the practice of fasting and self-denial. I, however, tend not to participate in liturgy and traditional practices unless they are Biblically upheld as mandates for the church indicative of a lifestyle follower of Jesus Christ. At River of Life, we are very different from most churches, but I love that about us! If your church participates in Lent, do it for the glory of God. Give up sin and anything that would hinder your walk for Christ for good, not just a season.

Maybe instead of 40 days of religious tradition, we should all have what I call “Lifetime Lent” - Self-denial, obedience and sacrificing for our entire lifetime as we surrender all of our life to the obedience of Christ for the further sanctification of our souls and to the praise of His glorious grace. Maybe we should wake up every day praying something like this: “Lord how can I be closer to you today and please you more with my life? Jesus I want to live a lifetime of Lent for You!”

Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked 2

2010-02-15T10:19:00.003-06:00

"Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked 2"

Genesis 19.1-13

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http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100214.mp3

Drinking My Cup For Me

2010-02-14T21:08:00.001-06:00

Tonight while my family was eating dinner together something amazing happened. Alisha had made chicken enchiladas and they were delicious, as is normal with her cooking! Samantha (my 5 year old) finished her dinner first, clearing her plate. She asked if she could be excused from the table. It is a rule at our house that the kid's father must approve of their finished supper and then give permission to excuse them from the table. I told her that she had to finish drinking her cup of milk before getting down. So she did and then took her plate and cup from the table and put them in the sink. What a good girl!

Sarah (my 3 year old) sees this and gets a bright idea. She finishes her plate and asks if she can be excused. I told her that she had to finish her milk also. She put up a big dramatic fit and said "I don't want to!". Now we've been through this game many times before, so I reminded Sarah that she will not be excused from the table until she drinks all of her milk and then takes her plate and cup to the sink. She then slumped down in her chair with her arms crossed and simply refused to drink her milk.

Samantha was walking away from the table to go play and overheard this going on. So she came back to the table and said "Daddy, I will drink her milk for her." Sarah didn't say anything, still sulking. I was surprised by the Samantha's offer, but agreed to the terms. So she enthusiastically took the cup and drank it down as fast as she could. She drank it down to the last drop, and then proceeded to take Sarah's cup and plate away from the table for her as well. When Samantha returned to the table, knowing that she had satisfied my conditions, smiled and said "Can Sarah come with me now?". Well pleased and having my demands met, I smiled back and said "Sarah you are excused" and reminded her to thank her big sister who loves her.

I have to admit that I was a little choked up. My daughter did for her little sister what Jesus Christ has done for me. In my disregard for the God the Father's requirements and my refusal to please Him. Worse than that, I was stubborn and not just unable, but unwilling to love Him and be obedient to His Law. I was doomed to spend a lifetime apart from His good pleasure. But God... Seeing me in my pathetic state, does the unthinkable... Jesus Christ met God's standard for me. He drank the bitter cup reserved for me. At the cross, Jesus finished the work that would please the Father and allow me permission for a stay from the penalty due me. Now the wrath of God that was upon me has been completely satisfied by Christ's payment in my place. He even removes the fragments of despair that would remind me of my failure and replaces them with an invitation to fellowship with Him. Because Christ has paid my debt to the Father, I may be excused.

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him

2010-02-12T21:50:00.000-06:00

Psalm 5.4-12
“For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. 5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. 12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”

It is God’s glory to punish those who do not take refuge in Him. Those who do, rejoice and find safety. Those who refuse are destroyed to the further praise of Him for His glorious grace upon the vessels of mercy. If He were to reward the wicked, who find pleasure and fulfillment in anything but Him alone, He would glorify idols and thus be the chief of all sinners. Instead, through the overflowing, abundant, generous grace that He pours out to His righteous, we find happiness in the Giver rather than just the gifts.

The result is the sinners bear their guilt, and are cast out because of the abundance of their transgressions against the Lord.

We however are declared righteous based on His never failing love, and are brought near because we are covered by His grace that shields our soul from the guilt of our sin.

Psalm 4.3, 7
“But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

God sets His people apart for His glory and His praise. He hears when we call to Him because it brings Him delight to satisfy us with the only thing that will and can bring us joy, namely Himself. No earthly wealth (grain) nor temporal pleasure (wine) bring the righteous more joy than Christ Himself. Thus by setting us apart and giving us Himself, He fulfills both our joy as well as the praise of His glory forever. It is two separate accomplishments achieved by one common avenue. Personally, I like how Dr. Piper explains it: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

~ Pastor Bob Turner

Celebrating God's Word - New Bibles in Malawi

2010-02-11T11:23:00.000-06:00

My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. (Psalm 119:171-172)

When was the last time your lips poured forth praise and your tongue sang because you possess the very words of God in the Scriptures? For me, this kind of joy in God and his Word does not come often enough. I take it for granted that I have multiple copies of the Scriptures at my fingertips every day.
I have a friend, Katie, who serves in Malawi, Africa. She was able to distribute Bibles to a village there, and when they received these Bibles, they ecstatically broke out in thanks, praise, and dance over their new possession of God's Word! See for yourself:

I love the description of God's Word printed in the Gideon Bibles:

THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

God's Word is a precious, wonderful gift. May we, like those villagers in Malawi, dance and sing about it and the glorious Christ it reveals to us. May we know it well, hide it in our hearts, and labor to spread its message of our glorious Christ to the nations ... a glorious Christ who mercifully forgives those who repent of taking his Word for granted and trust in him as their most valuable treasure!

Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked

2010-02-08T09:32:00.002-06:00

"Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked"

Genesis 19.1-13

Click the blue play button below to listen to the Sermon...

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http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100207.mp3

Free Audiobook: Religion Saves...

2010-02-04T07:06:00.001-06:00

Free Audiobook: Religion Saves...

and Nine Other Misconceptions
By Mark Driscoll

"Pastor Mark Driscoll addresses the nine most pressing questions posed by visitors to the Mars Hill Church website."

You can download the audiobook free at ChristianAudio.com during the month of February 2010, click here.

Here's the book form at Amazon: Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions (Re:Lit)

Note: This isn't necessarily an endorsement of Pastor Driscoll or all that he does. I know there are mixed opinions on him in the Reformed community and you will notice I have very little (if any) material from him on this site. This audiobook could serve as a research tool for those that are not Driscoll fans.

Gospel Salvation or Easy-Believism

2010-02-04T06:26:00.003-06:00

John MacArthur lays out nine characteristics of a true understanding of salvation and the Gospel and how they contrast to "easy-believism":

1.) Scripture teaches that the gospel calls sinners to faith joined in oneness with repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:30; 20:21; 2 Pet. 3:9). Repentance is a turning from sin (Acts 3:19; Luke 24:47) that consists not of a human work but of a divinely bestowed grace (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25). It is a change of heart, but genuine repentance will effect a change of behavior as well (Luke 3:8; Acts 26:18-20).

In contrast, easy-believism teaches that repentance is simply a synonym for faith and that no turning from sin is required for salvation.

2.) Scripture teaches that salvation is all God’s work. Those who believe are saved utterly apart from any effort on their own (Titus 3:5). Even faith is a gift of God, not a work of man (Eph. 2:1-5,8). Real faith therefore cannot be defective or short-lived but endures forever (Phil. 1:6; cf. Heb. 11).

In contrast, easy-believism teaches that faith might not last and that a true Christian can completely cease believing.

3.) Scripture teaches that the object of faith is Christ Himself, not a creed or a promise (John 3:16). Faith therefore involves personal commitment to Christ (2 Cor. 5:15). In other words, all true believers follow Jesus (John 10:27-28).

In contrast, easy-believism teaches that saving faith is simply being convinced or giving credence to the truth of the gospel and does not include a personal commitment to the person of Christ.

4.) Scripture teaches that real faith inevitably produces a changed life (2 Cor. 5:17). Salvation includes a transformation of the inner person (Gal. 2:20). The nature of the Christian is new and different (Rom. 6:6). The unbroken pattern of sin and enmity with God will not continue when a person is born again (1 John 3:9-10).

Although there is no contrast offered for this one, I would like to add my two cents: Easy-believism usually tries to focus on the changing of the life to force feed the idea of transformation. Topical sermons on marriage, finances, etc. tend to be the focal point. These are all well and good, however if the affections of the heart are not spurned toward Christ as the primer for all of this, these are simply modifying a person's behavior and not true fruit of the Spirit. Thus, they learn our dialect, and act more religious, but their heart is left far from Christ.

5.) Scripture teaches that God’s gift of eternal life includes all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3; Rom. 8:32), not just a ticket to heaven.

In contrast, according to easy-believism, only the judicial aspects of salvation (e.g., justification, adoption, and positional sanctification) are guaranteed for believers in this life; practical sanctification and growth in grace require a post-conversion act of dedication.

6.) Scripture teaches that Jesus is Lord of all, and the faith He demands involves unconditional surrender (Rom. 6:17-18; 10:9-10). In other words, Christ does not bestow eternal life on those whose hearts remain set against Him (James 4:6)

In contrast, easy-believism teaches that submission to Christ’s supreme authority is not germane to the saving transaction.

7.) Scripture teaches that those who truly believe will love Christ (1 Pet. 1:8-9; Rom. 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 16:22). They will therefore long to obey Him (John 14:15, 23).

In contrast, easy-believism teaches that Christians may fall into a state of lifelong carnality.

8.) Scripture teaches that behavior is an important test of faith. Obedience is evidence that one’s faith is real (1 John 2:3). On the other hand, the person who remains utterly unwilling to obey Christ does not evidence true faith (1 John 2:4).

In contrast, easy-believism teaches that disobedience and prolonged sin are no reason to doubt the reality of one’s faith.

9.) Scripture teaches that genuine believers may stumble and fall, but they will persevere in the faith (1 Cor. 1:8). Those who later turn completely away from the Lord show that they were never truly born again (1 John 2:19).

In contrast, easy-believism teaches that a true believer may utterly forsake Christ and come to the point of not believing.

Obama Gets Heat For Teaching Responsible Stewardship

2010-02-03T08:01:00.004-06:00

Ok, this might surprise some of you, but I can honestly say that I agree with President Obama on something. He recently got a lot of heat for making a comment calling Americans to be responsible with their money. This is what he said:

"When times are tough, you tighten your belts. You don't go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices."

Now Las Vegas is angry with Obama, along with others. They are saying that Obama should not have made those statements. "Let Americans spend their money how they choose" is what they are protesting. How sad, when our country is upset with our leader for telling us to be responsible with our resources in tough times.

Now one thing that should be pointed out is that this is coming from the President who spent more money on his inaugural bash than any other in history. In-spite of our financially tight times, President Obama spent $157 Million dollars for his grand celebration. This, along with his suped-up Limo named "The Beast" seem to contradict his words. So, while I agree with his recent statements, I wish he would teach them to us by example first.

Why Did God Destroy Sodom?

2010-02-01T10:08:00.004-06:00

"Why Did God Destroy Sodom?"

Examining two different perspectives to appraise

correctly from the whole counsel of God.

Click the link below to watch Sunday's Sermon....

Watch live streaming video from riveroflife at livestream.com

Article Quoted for my Sermon on Sodom

2010-01-31T10:45:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I was involved in a debate about homosexuality, and if it is a sin. The person that claimed it was not a sin pointed me to a gay church website. This website has many articles claiming that homosexuality is not a sin to God. I told the person that I would take some time and look into the articles on the website for further investigation and curiosity.

Today we are starting Genesis 19 for the preaching at River of Life Church. So I decided to start with a topical sermon called "Why God Destroyed Sodom". Before stating the conservative, Biblical point of view that I hold, I decided to be fair enough to quote an excerpt of the article on the gay church's website on this topic. Here is the excerpt that I quoted from their article, annotated by me, including my 5 problems with their article, as well as some Scriptures I went over in the sermon. The article is in plain text, my comments are bolded and italicized:

Why God Destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah from http://gaychurch.org

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah takes place primarily in Genesis 19 with God about ready to pass judgment on the evil people of Sodom. But before He does so, He elects to give them one last chance, a test if you will. He agrees to send two of His angels to the city. If they can find ten righteous among the citizens of Sodom, God will spare the city from destruction. However, if they cannot find ten righteous people then His judgment would stand and the city destroyed. We catch the story as the angels are coming into the town.

Genesis 19:1-5

That evening as the angels bed down for the night, the entire male population of the city encircles Lot’s home and accuses Lot of harboring these uninvited and unapproved strangers. They demand that Lot hand the angels over to them so that they may “know” them (“Yada” Strongs #3045). While there is much debate over the interpretation of this word “Yada”, I believe Moffet’s translation of “violent rape” is probably the closest. I personally don’t think that the citizens of this violent place really intended to sit down and have a nice little chitchat over tea with these strangers!

1.) They deceive you by wrongly redefining words.

They say that “know” in Gen. 19.5 means “violently rape” rather than just “sex”.

We all know rape is wrong. That is not the question here. The question is weather or not that was the grave sin that God was dealing with that He calls an “abomination”.

They avoid that the same root word that is used in v.5 “know” is also used in Gen. 4.1, for Adam “knowing” his wife to conceive children. Did he violently rape Eve??

3 verses after Genesis 19.5, when Lot wrongly offers up his virgin daughters who have not “known” any man (same root word). Does he mean they have never been “violently raped”??

Whatever the exact translation, I think it’s clear the people of Sodom meant the angels harm. God also seemed to come to the same conclusion since after Lot and his family were a safe distance away, the city was destroyed – just as God had originally planned.

The question that is debated is this: Is God condemning the people because they were homosexual or because they were cruel, selfish and showed no mercy or compassion to others?
Ezekiel 16:49-50 answers many of these questions when he states:

"Behold, this was the inequity of your sister Sodom: pride, overabundance of food (in Hebrew this phrase literally means eating to the point of retching...), prosperous ease, and idleness were hers and her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abominable offenses before Me."

2.) They don’t quote all of Ezekiel 16.49-50.

They actually cut off v.50 for some odd reason. Hmmm… suspicious...
The final sentence of that verse says: "So I removed them, when I saw it."

In other words they were evil and self-centered people who totally ignored God and thought nothing of attacking, raping and killing people. Here is where the interpretations begin to differ. One side believes the sin of the Sodomites was the method of rape they intended to inflict upon the angels (i.e. the act of sodomy), while the other side believes the fact that the Sodomites wanted to attack and harm the strangers at all demonstrated the evil nature of these people and their complete abandonment of the law of Love. In other words it wasn’t the method of rape that was important - but the fact that the Sodomites wanted to rape and kill them at all that is truly the issue!

3.) They avoid obvious cross-references.

The Bible defines what the “abomination” is in Ezek. 16.49-50. (Lev. 18.22, 20.13)

The best commentary for the Bible is the Bible! Cross-reference often!

I personally don’t think God cares so much about our method of intercourse as He does about the attitude and intent behind it.

4.) They ignore other passages that tell us why Sodom was destroyed.

No mention of Jude at all. Jude v.7 tells us why Sodom was destroyed.

Theology shouldn’t dictate your Scriptures…

instead allow Scriptures to dictate theology!

Even today, rape has nothing to do with a loving relationship. Rapists are motivated of power, the need for control, anger, hatred and in some cases even vengeance. Ezekiel's account substantiates our belief that the sin of the Sodomites was not one of homosexuality, but of a self-centered, unloving attitude that cared little for God or their fellow man.

5.) They ignore other passages that call homosexuality acts sinful.

Why would they do this if they did not have an agenda.

Other Scriptures Quoted in the Sermon:

Genesis 19.5-8, 19.15; Leviticus 18.22, 20.13; Judges 19.22;

Romans 1.24-27; Jude 1.7; 1 Timothy 1.9-20;

2 Peter 2.6; 1 Corinthians 6.9-10

Is there hope for the sinner?

1 Corinthians 6.9-11

There is hope for the sinner who will call his sin…  for what it truly is - sin.

Turn from your sin (repent)… and trust Christ (believe)  and you will be saved!

1 Corinthians 6.12-20

There is hope for the sinner.  Not in excusing… redefining...  or explaining away their sins…  but there is hope for the sinner in Christ!

A Topical Sermon on Expository Preaching

2010-01-25T09:19:00.003-06:00

"A Topical Sermon on Expository Preaching"

By Pastor Bob

Here is the video that we played just before Pastor Bob preached

Click the blue play button below to listen to the Sermon by Pastor Bob:

Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...

http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100124.mp3