The Gospel Coalition’s Post

Viewing Ourselves Rightly TUESDAY 6/18/2024 | truthforlife,org By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. - Romans 12:3 No one is immune to the sin of self-exaltation. To find evidence of this, simply enter any kindergarten classroom. In this little group of children, soon enough somebody will be singing their own praises about building the tallest block tower or drawing the best family portrait—in other words, thinking of themselves more highly than they ought. Constantly comparing ourselves with other people is a worldly way to think. An exaggerated view of ourselves is a dreadful problem—one that puts others down and ignores our place before God. The answer, though, is not found in self-denigration, which is the opposite and equal error to self-exaltation. This self-disparagement is also the product of pride because it still surfaces from comparison. It is still self-focused. The Christian’s view of self should be grounded in a mind renewed by God (Romans 12:2). With this perspective, we find our value in God’s mercy and grace. Our significance, identity, worth, and role all find their foundation in who God is and what He has done for us, not on account of who we are or what we’ve done for Him. We are reminded of this proper perspective of self when we sing the lines “When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died.” To survey the cross is to focus on the gospel—the truth that another has died in our place and borne our punishment. In doing this, we realize that “my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.” The cross raises us and lowers us at the same time, and this frees us from needing to push ourselves forward in life and enables us to acknowledge ways in which God has gifted us. This is thinking of ourselves with “sober judgment.” The church, then, is to be noticeably different from the world in the way we view ourselves and each other. When we come together, united by the gospel, all else that relates to our identity, though not irrelevant, loses its primary significance, and we use our gifts not to please ourselves but to serve others. Look at the cross, where your Savior bled and died for your sins because He loves you. There is no room for you to feel proud. There is no need for you to compare yourself to others. Instead, you can use all that He has given you in selfless, joyful service of others.

Read Bob Cornwall's review of my book The A to Z of the New Testament in Word and Way. He writes: 'If you choose, and I hope you will, to pick this book up and read it, I expect that it will make you want to know more, to dive deeper, to explore the deeper nuances of scripture. If, as I do, you believe the Bible to be the foundational text of the Christian faith (for me that involves both Testaments), then exploring it with some depth is important. You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in the Bible to do this, but you do need the kinds of information that James McGrath provides in The A to Z of the New Testament. So, pick up the Bible and McGrath’s book and have some fun as you dive deep into the Bible. If you do, I think you’ll develop a great appreciation for the Bible and be able to use the Bible responsibly in your own spiritual journey.'

June 26 - The Narrow Gate, Part 2 https://ift.tt/SAdtx4e “‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it’” (Matthew 7:13–14). Entering through the narrow gate makes a few demands on the person passing through. First, he must enter alone. You can bring no one else and nothing else with you. Some have suggested that the gate is like a turnstile: only one person can get through at a time, and with no baggage. The narrow gate also demands we must go through naked. This is a gate of self-denial—you can’t carry the baggage of sin and self-will. The way of Christ is the way of the cross, and the way of the cross is self-denial: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24–25). The narrow gate also demands repentance. Many Jews believed that merely being a Jew, a physical descendant of Abraham, was sufficient for entrance into heaven. Many people today believe that being in a church, or even being a good human being, qualifies them. But the way of repentance, of turning from their own way and their own righteousness to God’s, is the only way to enter His kingdom and therefore the only way to keep from perishing. Ask Yourself What are the various pieces of baggage that people want to hold on to as they enter from death to life? What are the pieces that you still have a tendency to long for, even on this side of the narrow gate? From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com. Additional Resources The Study Bible (mobile app) Grace to You Sermons (mobile app) John MacArthur’s complete sermon archive The MacArthur Study Bible The complete MacArthur New Testament Commentary series Bible via GTY: Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1 https://ift.tt/7qRs2FU June 27, 2024 at 03:40AM

July 12 - Response to the Greatest Sermon https://ift.tt/VfAmJpx “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:28–29). The response to the best and most astounding preaching ever—the Sermon on the Mount—was in itself very remarkable. Likely some among our Lord’s audience that day believed in Him for salvation. But quite probably the number converted was small, affirming Jesus’ assertion about the narrow gate: “there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:14). The verb translated “were amazed” means to be struck out of oneself, or to be beside oneself with astonishment. The crowd was utterly flabbergasted by the power, comprehensiveness, and extraordinary insight of Christ’s words. Never had people heard such a penetrating description of true righteousness or such a relentless condemnation of self-righteousness. Even more remarkable is the way Jesus spoke with a power (“authority”) that proved and reflected His sovereignty. Unlike the Jewish teachers, who quoted the rabbis words and additional sacred writings, He quoted only Scripture and spoke as the final authority on truth. The Sermon on the Mount is important for everyone to hear. But the response to it must not conclude with mere amazement but real, saving faith. If we have read it and meditated upon its instructions and imperatives, we also need to move from astonishment to obedience. Such obedience entails moving from intellectual knowledge of the narrow gate and way to actually entering the gate by faith and following the way to eternal life. Ask Yourself Think back on the many lessons taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Which have struck you with new force? Which are your children in greatest need of hearing? Don’t let His Word grow quiet within you. From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com. Additional Resources The Study Bible (mobile app) Grace to You Sermons (mobile app) John MacArthur’s complete sermon archive The MacArthur Study Bible The complete MacArthur New Testament Commentary series Bible via GTY: Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1 https://ift.tt/QmSy1Tt July 12, 2024 at 03:41AM

Can you trust the Gospels? Some critical New Testament scholars have made outlandish claims that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John really did not write the Gospels. In this article, Dr. Habermas explains that, number one, the traditional authors like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John can be defended; number two, the critical scholars today have conceded that parts of the Gospels are historically true; and number three, if you take that evidence that they concede, you can easily defend traditional Christian beliefs about Jesus. https://hubs.li/Q01-r20Z0

. Grace and Works: Lessons from Israel’s Story Romans 11:7–10 Have you ever wondered about the complex connection between works and grace in Israel’s history? It’s a bit like a puzzle — works representing earthly Israel and grace symbolizing the true Israel. How do these contradictions play out? In the book of Romans, it’s highlighted that while Israel sought something, they couldn’t obtain it. A selected few, the remnant, obtained it, but others became hardened. This hardening led them to a state of spiritual slumber, as if the whole nation was asleep. “What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written: ‘God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.’ And David says, ‘May their table become a snare and a trap, And a stumbling block and a retribution to them. May their eyes be darkened to see Not, And bend their backs continually.’” (Romans 11:7–10). Paul, doesn’t conjure this up; it’s rooted in teachings from the Old Testament, dating back to Psalms. It’s like a feast laid out before them, meant for good, but it becomes a stumbling block instead. Throughout the Old Testament, there’s a continuous reference to a Savior to come, yet many never grasp the mercy offered through Christ. Now, reflect on today. We have the Bible, countless privileges, and signs pointing to a loving God. Will everyone embrace Christ? Paul is explicit — not everyone will. So, what can we learn? Understanding the tension between seeking and obtaining, between works and grace, helps us comprehend the broader context of salvation. It’s a reminder that despite opportunities, some may never accept the gift of grace. Therefore, our role becomes clear — to embrace this gift of salvation ourselves and extend grace and understanding to others, just as it has been extended to us.

June 7 - Serving Only One Master https://ift.tt/mV7Tl8h “‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth’” (Matthew 6:24). Just as we cannot have our treasures both in earth and in heaven or our bodies both in light and in darkness, we cannot “serve two masters.” The Greek word for “masters” is often translated “lord,” and often refers to a slave owner. By definition, a slave owner has total control of the slave. For a slave there is no such thing as partial or part-time obligation to his master. He owes full-time service to his master. He is owned and totally controlled by and obligated to his master. To give anything to anyone else would make his master less than his master. It is impossible to “serve two masters” and fully or faithfully be the obedient slave of each. In this way we can’t claim Christ as Lord if our allegiance is to anything or anyone else, including ourselves. And when we know God’s will but resist obeying it, we give evidence that our loyalty is to someone or something other than Him. But the person whose master is Jesus Christ can say that when he eats or drinks or does anything else, he does “all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Make your allegiance to Christ your priority each and every day. Ask Yourself What alternative “masters” compete the hardest for your devotion? How has the inviolable truth of this “no man can serve two masters” statement been proven true in your life and in your observation of others? But why do we seem so intent on trying to have it that way anyway? From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com. Additional Resources The Study Bible (mobile app) Grace to You Sermons (mobile app) John MacArthur’s complete sermon archive The MacArthur Study Bible The complete MacArthur New Testament Commentary series Bible via GTY: Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1 https://ift.tt/MdtPK15 June 7, 2024 at 03:33AM

Can you trust the Gospels? Some critical New Testament scholars have made outlandish claims that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John really did not write the Gospels. In this article, Dr. Habermas explains that, number one, the traditional authors like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John can be defended; number two, the critical scholars today have conceded that parts of the Gospels are historically true; and number three, if you take that evidence that they concede, you can easily defend traditional Christian beliefs about Jesus. https://hubs.li/Q01-qW6t0

Camille Gail Weston "Jesus' little brown sheep" Bible Devotional - The Remix 2024 Today is January 18, 2024. https://lnkd.in/g7tP3CdH This is part 1 of 2... the beginning of a two part message. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4 I have been working hard studying for French law school exams. There are debates in the examination. When Nikki Haley is debating, she looks so intently for about 10 -20 minutes... not speaking. Then, she writes down one word. As soon as it is her turn again she eats that guy for breakfast. This is how I want to achieve precision in political debates. "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." - James 1:19-20 Ellen G. White was encouraging for evangelism today. When the Loud Cry Sounds, January 19 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  - Romans 13:11 The end is near, stealing upon us stealthily, imperceptibly, like the noiseless approach of a thief in the night. May the Lord grant that we shall no longer sleep as do others, but that we shall watch and be sober. The truth is soon to triumph gloriously, and all who now choose to be laborers together with God, will triumph with it. The time is short; the night soon cometh when no man can work…. The time is coming when there will be as many converted in a day as there were on the day of Pentecost, after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit…. Many have let the gospel invitation go unheeded; they have been tested and tried; but mountainous obstacles have seemed to loom up before their faces, blocking their onward march. Through faith, perseverance, and courage, many will surmount these obstructions and walk out into the glorious light. Almost unconsciously barriers have been erected in the strait and narrow way; stones of stumbling have been placed in the path; these will all be rolled away. The safeguards which false shepherds have thrown around their flocks will become as nought; thousands will step out into the light, and work to spread the light. Heavenly intelligences will combine with the human agencies. Thus encouraged, the church will indeed arise and shine, throwing all her sanctified energies into the contest; thus the design of God is accomplished; the lost pearls are recovered…. - Ellen G. White, Evangelism pages 692-694 This is part 1 of 2... the beginning of a two part message. There is more in the next posting. https://lnkd.in/g7tP3CdH