1Ki 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 1Ki 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
It may be quite naive of me to think to compare myself with Elijah, but nonetheless I many times find myself meditating on these verses and thinking of the similarities we see today. I realize it petty to lament on my personal issues of fellowship when I know past, present, and I am ensured future have and will endure much more than I could image and withstand to be able to worship. That said I constantly find myself jealous for the Lord and agonizing over where I am. In America with the freedoms we have with religion and the culture, especially in the Mid-West, every small town is filled with churches of every denomination and theology (I Cr 14:26). Sorrowfully I must drive by these churches and many small towns to find one church that we can attend (Rom 16:17). With most likely 100 churches in my county alone, my family and I travel over an hour one-way through 3 counties every Sunday (I Tim 1:4-7). It is not that I do not desire a local church, for I do with all my heart. I fervently seek fellowship in many of these buildings, but without hope (Hbr 3:13). All I find is feel good messages that promote man and diminishes the sovereignty of God. These social organizations promote a family and knowing or unknowingly place man under the bondage of the law. For this I weep for them. As many try to shelter themselves from what they believe are worldly influences they hide in the resting place of the devil. Giving a false since of eternal security to those laboring in the flesh (1 Tim 4:1-3). But there are still 7000 of His elect out there that I have not met. And for that I am thankful that a remnant of His church will always remain (Rom 11:5). That there are those among the goats that are His sheep and have yet to hear the voice of their master’s call. Those that I may one day break bread with and exhort. Thankful also that I do have a place to go to study His word, to hear Christ alone, based on scripture alone, through grace alone (1 Tim 1:11).
August 10, 2002
April 16, 2001
In Memory of Donald James Wilson
Cancer! A replusive word invoking fear. Yet neath my ribs the horrid thing is growing there.
For nearly a year the doctor treid with chemicals to kill the thing inside.
I trusted the Lord and His providing of doctors & medicine till at last deciding
through prayerful thought, to close the door on the painful treatments and take no more
I thanked the Lord for the thing He sent, but in hypocrisy it was not meant.
My heart accepted what God would give, but my mind saw only the negative.
Of what use could all my suffering be? How squares this with God's love for me?
But God has shown me how much I gain beyond the weakness and the pain.
For my wife and I draw closer now sharing the burden of the final trail,
and with a phone call, friendship card, or letter, friends have reached out, and I feel better.
For until the thing got bad, I never appreciated friends I had.
As my feeble life slips fast away, His word's more precious day-by-day.
But most of all I see a day when this life and sickness pass away.
Then on that day, by God's good grace I'll see my Savior face to face
My Dad seen His Savior face to face on this date
For nearly a year the doctor treid with chemicals to kill the thing inside.
I trusted the Lord and His providing of doctors & medicine till at last deciding
through prayerful thought, to close the door on the painful treatments and take no more
I thanked the Lord for the thing He sent, but in hypocrisy it was not meant.
My heart accepted what God would give, but my mind saw only the negative.
Of what use could all my suffering be? How squares this with God's love for me?
But God has shown me how much I gain beyond the weakness and the pain.
For my wife and I draw closer now sharing the burden of the final trail,
and with a phone call, friendship card, or letter, friends have reached out, and I feel better.
For until the thing got bad, I never appreciated friends I had.
As my feeble life slips fast away, His word's more precious day-by-day.
But most of all I see a day when this life and sickness pass away.
Then on that day, by God's good grace I'll see my Savior face to face
My Dad seen His Savior face to face on this date
January 05, 2000
What do you mean Sovereign? by Eric Wilson
Although the word sovereign is not found in the Bible, its inferences and substance in imbedded in every text. In the most simplest terms sovereignty means God is God. Only He, unto Himself, can be exalted above all and is God of very God (Psa 97:9). Arthur W. Pink wrote, “Few could comprehend the solitariness of God”. Image “in the beginning”, to mediate on the fullness of that statement, to truly understand that before any He was. He is the Living God, infinite in His being (Isa 44:6). At the same time, as we define it, God is with us always watching over us to do as He wills (Mat 18:20, 28:20). A sovereign God is without any limitations. He is Lord of Heaven and earth, creator of ALL, subject to none, influenced by none, and absolutely the Almighty (I Cor 29:11). Not only is there nothing He cannot do, within His nature, but also there is nothing left to chance. For all things, that are made by Him are within His dominion (Prov 16:4). Anything less than that takes glory away from God. Anything that gives any control to any of His creations most limits God, which takes away any and all sovereignty.
heart of doctrine
heart of doctrine
January 04, 2000
Are God and Jesus the same person?
(Eph 4:6) “One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Jhn 1:14) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The trinity of God is confessable not without mystery. It would be error though in light of all other scripture to come away believing Jesus was part man and part God. Jesus was all man susceptible to their will and limitations of man and at the same time all God omnipotent, knowing all that God knows, and in control of His providence.
In the revelation of one true God there exist three divine persons. It is of the Father, who is of neither begotten nor proceeding (I Cor 8:6). Through the Son, which is eternally begotten of the Father (Jhn 3:17). And by the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Son and unto the Father (Eph 2:18, 3:5). Each process His own personal characteristics and is clearly distinguishable from the other. Yet the three persons are equal in power, righteousness, and glory. Each process divine attributes (I Cor 13:4), perform divine works (Jhn 5:21), and receive divine honors (II Thes 2:16). Each being called “God”. Therefore being but one God they are not divided in nature. Even though they are three essences no one of the three may act independently of the other and cannot be seen or worshiped without exalting all (Jhn 10:30, 12:45).
heart of doctrine
In the revelation of one true God there exist three divine persons. It is of the Father, who is of neither begotten nor proceeding (I Cor 8:6). Through the Son, which is eternally begotten of the Father (Jhn 3:17). And by the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Son and unto the Father (Eph 2:18, 3:5). Each process His own personal characteristics and is clearly distinguishable from the other. Yet the three persons are equal in power, righteousness, and glory. Each process divine attributes (I Cor 13:4), perform divine works (Jhn 5:21), and receive divine honors (II Thes 2:16). Each being called “God”. Therefore being but one God they are not divided in nature. Even though they are three essences no one of the three may act independently of the other and cannot be seen or worshiped without exalting all (Jhn 10:30, 12:45).
heart of doctrine
January 03, 2000
How can I better understand what I read? by Eric Wilson
(Pro 15:33) “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” Does man come to God bringing the works they have done for salvation, God forbid. Man comes naked and dependent entirely on His mercy and grace. When you come to His word do you bring your ignorance and wisdom for understanding, God forbid. Come to His word humbled and childlike. Come thirsty and hungry for His substance. Come obedient and in faith and seek for understanding.
- Come submissively, embrace that understanding, no matter what the result, is by revelation of the Spirit.
- Read first for the literal meaning. Many times passages of scripture mean exactly what they say. Do not over analyze.
- Read in its context. It is dangerous to use pieces of scriptures to prove a position. Be cautious and look what the text surrounding a passage may expound.
- Read and examine words. Words have meanings and I believe uses of words in the scriptures have very special ones. Do not ignore the text but look closely when necessary at specific words and tenses. This to, may amplify the meaning of the entire passage.
- Read considering analogies, symbols, and what the text may be an example of. Be careful not to make it say sometime it doesn’t but examine it for what it may represent. Many times, especially in the Old Testament, there are wonderful pictures of Christ.
- Read with an unanswered questions in mind. This is not really to say ‘be open minded’, which is important, this is to come seeking understanding. Ask questions about what you read and look for the answer. Many times answers are easier to find than meaning and the result is similar.
- Compare scripture with scripture. The very best commentary on any passage is other passages.
- Read for substance. There is a message that applies to you. These messages may nourish, comfort, challenge, or rebuke.
- Read with Christ constantly in view. If you ever read and fail to see Him glorified proceed to the next point and then go back to step one.
- PRAY. Pray constantly over the scripture for understanding and any revelation of the Spirit. Prayer is the best means of understanding and study.
Even with that there may be a lot we never comprehend. But I can ensure you we will understand exactly what God wants and needs us to understand. I am thankful that it pleases God to hide some things to the wise and still a babe, by the grace of God, can swim in the scriptures and suckle all they have to reveal (Mat 11:25).
heart of doctrine
- Come submissively, embrace that understanding, no matter what the result, is by revelation of the Spirit.
- Read first for the literal meaning. Many times passages of scripture mean exactly what they say. Do not over analyze.
- Read in its context. It is dangerous to use pieces of scriptures to prove a position. Be cautious and look what the text surrounding a passage may expound.
- Read and examine words. Words have meanings and I believe uses of words in the scriptures have very special ones. Do not ignore the text but look closely when necessary at specific words and tenses. This to, may amplify the meaning of the entire passage.
- Read considering analogies, symbols, and what the text may be an example of. Be careful not to make it say sometime it doesn’t but examine it for what it may represent. Many times, especially in the Old Testament, there are wonderful pictures of Christ.
- Read with an unanswered questions in mind. This is not really to say ‘be open minded’, which is important, this is to come seeking understanding. Ask questions about what you read and look for the answer. Many times answers are easier to find than meaning and the result is similar.
- Compare scripture with scripture. The very best commentary on any passage is other passages.
- Read for substance. There is a message that applies to you. These messages may nourish, comfort, challenge, or rebuke.
- Read with Christ constantly in view. If you ever read and fail to see Him glorified proceed to the next point and then go back to step one.
- PRAY. Pray constantly over the scripture for understanding and any revelation of the Spirit. Prayer is the best means of understanding and study.
Even with that there may be a lot we never comprehend. But I can ensure you we will understand exactly what God wants and needs us to understand. I am thankful that it pleases God to hide some things to the wise and still a babe, by the grace of God, can swim in the scriptures and suckle all they have to reveal (Mat 11:25).
heart of doctrine
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