Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah . . . has conquered . . . Revelation 5:5
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . Galatians 6:14
You have been very angry with your Anointed One. Psalm 89:38
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2
Let the motto upon your whole ministry be - "Christ is All!" - Cotton Mather

Thursday, December 22, 2016

21 Reasons God The Son Took On Human Flesh And Dwelt Among Us


The incarnation was, for the Son of God, a humiliation beyond compare. The Son who thirsted was the same who made water; the Son who was too tired to carry his cross was the same who upholds the entire world; the Son whose side was pierced was the same who gave breath and life to the one who did it. The incarnation of the Son of God, in this world of sin and misery, was truly an act of humiliation. It began as his birth and continued to his death and burial . . . All that belongs to God, Jesus possesses. All that makes someone truly human, Jesus possesses . . . Jesus learned and Jesus knew all things; Jesus died and Jesus gives life to all living creatures; Jesus drank from his mother's breasts and Jesus provided his mother with the milk to feed him. Only the incarnation of the Son of God can explain such statements. Mark Jones (Knowing Christ)

1. So that God might be with us

Matthew 1:23: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). 

2. So that He could die in order to destroy the devil

Hebrews 2:14: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil

3. So that He could destroy the works of the devil

1 John 3:8: The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 

4. So that He could deliver us from death

Hebrews 2:14-15: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 

5. So that He could be a merciful and faithful high priest

Hebrews 2:17: Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God

6. So that He could make propitiation for the sins of the people

Hebrews 2:17: Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

John 1:29: Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 

7. So that He is able to help those who are being tempted

Hebrews 2:18: For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 

8. So that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us

Romans 8:3-4: For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 

9. So that we could be redeemed and receive adoption as sons

Galatians 4:4-5: But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 

10. So that He, as a human being, could perfectly do the will of God

Hebrews 10:5-7: Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'" 


11. So that He could be the mediator between God and man

1 Timothy 2:5: For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 

12. So that He might humble Himself and be exalted

Philippians 2:8-11: And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

13. So that He might be the victorious last Adam

1 Corinthians 15:45: Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 

14. So that all the fullness of God might dwell in Him bodily

Colossians 1:19: For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell

Colossians 2:9: For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 

15. So that we might see God

Colossians 1:15: He is the image of the invisible God

16. So that we would know the Spirit of God and truth

1 John 4:2: By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God

2 John 1:7: For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 

17. So that we might know the mystery of godliness

1 Timothy 3:16: Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 

18. So that we might know and experience God's great love for us and live through Him

1 John 4:9: In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 

19. So that we would have an image to be conformed into

Romans 8:29: For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son

20. So that we might have an example to know how to live and love one another

1 Peter 2:21: For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 

John 13:34: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 

21. So that we might have an everlasting reminder of His great love for us

Luke 24:40: And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 

John 20:27-28: Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 

For more information about the incarnation of Jesus Christ, please see: What Is The Incarnation?

My Other Christmas Blog Posts


For more information about the Gospel of my King Jesus Christ, please see: American Gospel: Christ Alone.

You can see the full version of American Gospel: Christ Alone here with a free trial. 

Thursday, November 24, 2016

"That's My King!" Who's The Center Of All Thanksgiving As The God Of The Living Through His Merciful Forgiving!


As you enjoy your thanksgiving food
Don't forget the Seed and serpent feud
When Adam fell the war ensued
Because the serpent crass and crude
So bad the lying devil shrewd
God's Word to Eve and Adam skewed
Then in the world all evil brewed
From garden bliss He did exclude
All sinners with their attitude
But God sent Christ to change the mood
In this dark world Light would intrude
His whole life worthiness accrued
And at His death He's stripped and nude
And treated as unwanted lewd
He won the war – it did conclude
Death's jaws He would finally elude
By evil He won't be subdued
This the whole world He renewed
And in your sin and hatred rude
By mercy He in love pursued
So you in heaven He'd include
Through faith in Him His beauty's viewed!

That's my King!

Now He's the center of all your praise
All His good gifts are merely rays
That point us back to the Ancient of Days
He's the Sun that burns our idol haze
And sets our hearts for Him ablaze
He blesses with gifts in manifold ways
But to the Source our eyes must raise
With Him alone allegiance stays
His grace and glory all amaze!

In every delight you've ever desired
Christ is the joy you most truly admired
Every good gift from Him is inspired
For lasting deep joy He's required
With the Father and Spirit He's conspired
To ensure fullness of joy in Him is acquired!

Be thankful that He saved from hell
Now with your soul it all is well
In His house forever you'll dwell
All your sin He'll finally expel
In righteousness you'll truly excel
So from the mountain go and yell
And everyone His Gospel tell
For His great love this will compel!

That's my King! Do you know Him?!

Be thankful He's a sovereign King
Elect He chose under His wing
Totally depraved – a sinful spring
He died for them to make them clean
Irresistibly to God He'll bring
To Him alone they'll always cling
His glories praise – forever sing!

Be thankful He loves Himself the most
He'll fill you with His Holy Ghost
And with His pleasures be engrossed
He's greatest joy from coast to coast
He's the delight of heaven's host
May He be your only boast!

Be thankful Christ is the center from Genesis to Revelation
He's the Word God spoke at the beginning of creation
And this Word became flesh in the glorious incarnation
He's the fourth man in the furnace of the Shadrach conflagration
He's the greater Adam Who overcame the Devil's temptation and passed the earthly probation
He's the greater Moses Who lead His people without hesitation
Into the promised land where there'd be no tribulation
He's the greater David Who represented His congregation
In the great confrontation where He endured condemnation to save them from damnation!

That's my King!

Be thankful for His Gospel every day
We need it for the power in all we do and say
It's not just for the beginning when we start to walk Christ's way
But something to always live out in its manifold array
With our holy lives we must put it on display
It'll keep us from going astray
Help us pray, and we must always seek to give it away!

Be thankful for His lovely Bride
For her alone He bled and died
He always stands right by her side
She displays His beauty worldwide
To principalities outside
Her every need He will provide
In glorious bliss she'll forever abide!

All the thanks you could ever render
Could never repay the Christ our Defender
He came and defeated every contender
He sends to endless hell every offender
And unmasks the heart of every pretender
So bow to Him by faith and surrender
And He'll fill your heart with everlasting splendor!

That's my King! I wonder if you know Him today?!

He's the God of the living Who conquered the grave
He puts an end to death's cold wave
Through the cross and resurrection He forgave
All sinners who repent and believe He'll save!

Mercy-Heart is His beautiful name
I'm so glad He took the shame and blame
That I should claim for my every wicked frame
But He became the same and by imputation my sin became
His Father's wrath He'd finally tame
So that “Freedom!” we could forever exclaim
If “Mercy!” too we'd cry and proclaim
May His glory alone be our only aim
All for the sake of the fame of His beautiful name!

He taught me “Christ is all!” through rejection and pain
And to boast only in the cross off the coast of Bahrain
So many earthly treasures I fought to attain
He taught me to live is Christ and to die is gain
May I wholly die now, fall to earth like a grain
Then fruit I'll produce that He can sustain
All praise and honor to the Lamb Who was slain
And with Him someday we'll forever reign
Then every reason for all the pain
In His love He'll forever make plain
As we enjoy His pleasures that will never wane!

That's my King! That's my King!

Friday, November 11, 2016

"That's my King!" Who's The Veteran Of Veterans Who Answered The Call And Became The Universe's All In All!


Veteran: One who has been long exercised in any service or art, particularly in war; one who has grown old in service and has had much experience. (Webster's Dictionary, 1828)

The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name. Exodus 15:3

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-16

He's the only One Who perfectly served
God's law He always perfectly observed
And shed His blood for the undeserved!

He has infinite might
Won the greatest fight
Put all enemies to flight
Makes all wrongs right
And gives everlasting delight!

He's God's Ultimate Warrior Who never sins
He finishes everything He begins
His power and strength never thins
Against all enemies He defends
And always wins
With every threat He contends
And to hell He sends
So make amends
And by faith become one of His friends
To you His mercy extends
And then enjoy His beauty that forever transcends!

That's my King! I wonder if you know Him today?!

When I hit the buoy, He was there with me
Each event occurs according to His decree
Our ship was tossed about the Arabian Sea
But low and behold what did I see
A cross-shaped buoy – that bloody tree
May this memory from pride always set me free
May my boast be in Him to every degree
May all glory ever be to the great One in Three!

He's an army of One Who can't be beat
He's got more power than every navy fleet
He's better than all special forces elite
If you're on His side, you'll never face defeat
From the battle He'll never retreat
His supplies for the war never deplete
He'll never mistreat
With Him no one can compete
Every mission He'll perfectly complete
And save His people from everlasting heat!

That's my King!  Do you know Him?!

For a few good men one may dare to die
But in this God shows His love so high
While we were still sinners, Christ died to buy
Salvation for all who would comply
So repent and believe – on Christ rely
He will be your everlasting supply!

He gave His life on the battle field
To all temptations He'd never yield
From the grave He rose and salvation sealed
And became our everlasting Shield
He lived and died and rose and healed
To the world His Father He perfectly revealed
He returns with a sword of judgment to wield
So trust in Him, and you won't be killed
But instead be forever thrilled
And with pleasures unspeakable be filled!

That's my King!

Every decoration He deserves and more
The Medal of Honor and all décor
He's more decorated than the whole Marine Corps
Alone on that cross He won the greatest war
To save our souls and earth restore
Now Him alone we'll forever adore
And find our delights eternally soar!

He won the battle against the great snake
Though His heel was bruised, the devil's head He'd break
The earth did quake
But He rose from the dead to end earth's ache
And finally cast the devil into the eternal, fiery lake
He'll make His dead people awake
And He did it all for His Father's great name's sake!

That's my King!  That's my King!

Monday, November 7, 2016

"That's My King!" Who's The Only Saving President Who Can Make You A Heavenly Resident And In Perfect Righteousness Represent!



My King was born president in the humble manger
For sin and righteousness He became the great Exchanger
To suffering, pain, and death He was no stranger
But He rose up from the dead to become the only true World Changer
From sin, death, and Hell He'll save you from all danger
And become your whole life's almighty Rearranger!

That's my King!

He was elected by God as Head over His people
He died for His church and it's not a cathedral or wood under a steeple
But a group of people who've miraculously walked through the eye of a needle
And even though they're often feeble
By grace they wait on the LORD and mount up with wings like an eagle!

Neither Clinton, Biden, Trump, nor anyone else can save your soul
Only Jesus is worthy to open the scroll
Men make promises, but they all have a hole
Because there's just so much man can't control
But the omnipotent Christ rules over the whole
And He alone ought to be number one on your poll
You'll find that He alone is worthy to extol!

That's my King! I wonder if you know Him?!

The poor and the rich, unborn babies and women, every race and nation – He loves them all
He loves the politician who serves city hall
And the brick mason too whose work stands tall
He only demands that you heed His call
To repent and believe and before Him fall
Believe the Gospel, and He'll forever enthrall!

He never spends more money than He has because He owns everything
He's not left or right wing, but of the whole universe He's sovereign King
The sun, moon, and stars from His hand He did fling
Trust in the Gospel now and to Him alone cling
He'll make your heart sing
From your lips His praises must ring
And to you fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore He'll bring!

His budget is balanced all the time
He owns the whole world and every dime
He died to save sinners of any crime
And grant them a richness that's truly sublime
He's the executive, legislative, and judicial branch all at the same time!

That's my King!  Do you know Him?!

He executes every action that needs to be taken
He died on that cross your soul to awaken
Follow Him and you'll never be mistaken
His rule and government can never be shaken
And forevermore shall not be overtaken
If by faith you're His you'll never be forsaken!

He's the law itself Who's come down from above
He's God in the flesh Who's perfect love
He's gentle and tender, just like a dove!

He's also the righteous judge of all the earth
He'll condemn all people who are without new birth
So come and acknowledge His infinite worth
And He'll fill you with everlasting, unquenchable mirth!

That's my King!

He only speaks the truth and never lies
Just like He said He would die and then rise
And win for His people the everlasting prize
Now He never dies
In and of Himself He's infinitely wise
He'll never compromise or demise
And He has all the best allies
He never needs to improvise or revise
Because He has all-knowing, perfect eyes
Trust in Him, and He'll fill you with infinite supplies
He only satisfies and fills your life with delightful surprise!

He only does what's right
His record is out of sight
Against all your enemies He won the fight
He's your indestructible, shining Knight
Who's also the everlasting, unchanging Light
About Him you could infinitely write
He has all power and might
And can save from your hellish plight
So trust in Him on election night
And He'll usher in everlasting joy and delight!

That's my King!

Though Adam was our federal head
He sinned and left us all for dead
Bearing the burden – lifelong dread
Now only Hell awaits ahead
But God has spoken, and He said
"I won't leave my people dead
But elect a new federal Head
Who will obey and love instead!
He'll be the everlasting Bread
And stand in my people's stead
He'll take their place as the True Adam dead!"
And as to death a lamb is lead
Upon that cross He died and bled
But in Him all death died and fled
He rose from the grave and on death tread
And now salvation is widespread!

That's my King!  That's my President! That's my King!

Do you know Him?!

No King But Christ!

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

"That's My King!" In Proverbs 11

Jesus Is The LORD's Delight  
He's True And Just And Always Right  
Integrity That's Out Of Sight
He Died For Justice In God's Sight
And Rose To Conquer Death's Dark Night
He's Your Reward And Heaven's Light!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Knew Deep Disgrace
Though Humble Wisdom He'd Showcase
His Counselors In Heaven's Space
Led Him To Sinners' Dangerous Place
And There He Died To Sin Erase
Then Rose To Plead Your Righteous Case
Oh Trust The Son And Him Embrace
He'll Give You Every Joy And Grace!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Gave Everything
He Freely Gives – Our Gracious King
He's Righteous, Yet Still Took Death's Sting
Then Rose And Now His Praise We Sing
So Trust In Him And To Him Cling
For Him You'll Give Up Everything!

That's my King! Do you know Him?!

Jesus Only Did What's Right
He's Righteous, Blameless, Perfect Light
Yet He Would Perish In The Fight
Delivered Over To Death's Bite
But Righteous He Would Live To Smite
The Wicked Death And Make Things Right
So Trust In Him With All His Might
In Righteousness You Will Delight!

That's my King!

Jesus' Mouth Gives Life And Peace
Exalted Good It Will Release
He Died Belittled To Decrease
That We, Built Up Might Grow Increase
He Rose And Now All Death Will Cease
His Words Are Our Delightful Feast!

That's my King!

Jesus Rejoices In All That's Right
O'er You He Sings With All His Might
In Judging Evil He'll Delight
Oh Turn To Him With Heart Contrite
He Died And Rose To All Wrongs Right!

That's my King! I wonder if you know Him today?!

Jesus Christ Is The Greatest Guide
From His Face You Cannot Hide
He'll Find And Crush Your Sinful Pride
But You Won't Fall Close By His Side
The Wonderful Counselor Bled And Died
Then Rose True Victory To Provide
And Grant All Safety To His Bride
So Trust In Him – In Him Confide
He'll Be Your Joy And Faithful Guide!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Hates All That's Bad
His Father's Wrath Burns Hot And Mad
Yet They Both Love Us Though We're Bad
Christ Took Our Crookedness So Sad
The Blameless One Was Made Our Bad
He Died And Rose To Make Us Glad
We're His Delight In Rightness Clad!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Is The Best Good Man
Love, Grace, And Kindness Are His Plan
All Sin And Evil He Will Ban
He Died And Rose The Greatest Man
Our Death And Curse He Overran
Of All That's Good He's Better Than!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Produced The Greatest Fruit
He Took And Won Our Sin Lawsuit
He Died And Rose To Death Refute
His Righteousness To Us Impute
Of All Our Fruit He Is The Root
So Trust In Him And Come Bear Fruit!

That's my King! Do you know Him?!

Jesus Died To Capture Your Soul
Now One With Him You'll Be Made Whole
To Be Like Christ Is Our Great Goal
Help Others Bow To His Control
In All Of Life Our King Extol!

That's my King! That's my King!

Saturday, October 22, 2016

The Joy Of The Lord

The joy of toys is NOT my strength!
The joy of food is NOT my strength!
The joy of friendship is NOT my strength!
The joy of a girlfriend is NOT my strength!
The joy of getting engaged is NOT my strength!
The joy of marriage is NOT my strength!
The joy of children is NOT my strength!
The joy of football is NOT my strength!
The joy of money is NOT my strength!
The joy of stuff is NOT my strength!
The joy of fame and respect is NOT my strength!
The joy of success is NOT my strength!
The joy of being thought well of by others is NOT my strength!
The joy of winning is NOT my strength!
The joy of vacation is NOT my strength!
The joy of whatever else there is to be joyful in besides HIM is NOT by strength!

BUT THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH! (Nehemiah 8:10)

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief! For Jesus' sake!

Friday, September 9, 2016

Jesus Christ - That Glorious Someone!

Are you lonely? I know Someone Who will never leave you nor forsake you!

Are you sad? I know Someone Who gives fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore!

Are you heartbroken? I know Someone Who binds up the brokenhearted!

Are you afraid? I know Someone Who gently says “Do not be afraid.” And He will always protect you!

Are you angry? I know Someone Who should be more angry at you – but He's not because of mercy!

Are you a sinner? I know Someone Who will forgive you of all your sins!

Are you sick? I know Someone Who will heal you!

Are you in bondage? I know the Bondage Breaker!

Are you forgotten? I know Someone Who will remember you forever!

Are you suffering? I know Someone Who suffered more to make all your sufferings serve you for your good!

Are you poor? I know Someone Who became poor so that you might become forever rich in Him!

Are you burdened? I know the Burden Bearer!

Are you depressed? I know Someone Who can restore to you the joy of full salvation!

Are you addicted? I know Someone Who breaks the power of canceled sin!

Are you blind? I know Someone Who makes the blind see!

Are you deaf? I know Someone Who makes the deaf hear!

Are you in pain? I know the Pain Taker!

Are you lost? I know the Way Maker!

Are you in prison? I know Someone Who sets the captives free!

Are you in chains? I know the Chain Breaker!

Are you under the wrath of God? I know Someone Who delivers from the wrath to come!

Are you hopeless? I know Someone Who, against all hope, gives hope!

Are you a loser? I know a Champion!

Are you unloved? I know the Lover of your soul!

Are you single? I know Someone Who will marry you – and He's the Spouse above all spouses!

Are you betrayed? I know a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother!

Are you fatherless? I know Someone Who will take you as His own!

Are you not cherished? I know Someone Who will rejoice over you with loud songs of love and joy!

Are you empty? I know Someone Who will fill you to overflowing!

Are you tempted? I know Someone Who came to destroy the works of the devil!

Are you ready to give up? I know Someone Who will help and keep you to the end!

Are you weak? I know Someone Who has all power to strengthen you!

Are you ashamed? I know Someone Who took your shame!

Are you dead? I know Someone Who will raise you from the dead!

Jesus Christ

Inspired by Zach Williams' song "Chain Breaker," and three lines are taken from this song.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

"That's My King!" In Proverbs 10

Jesus Christ Made His Father Glad
Yet On That Cross My God Was Mad
The Righteous King Was Counted Bad
Yet Rose To Conquer All That's Sad
In Him You Shall Be Righteous-Clad
To His Greatness None Can Add
He's Treasure Like You've Never Had!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Provides Our Food
And Thwarts All Cravings Wicked Lewd
His Diligence God's Wrath Subdued
Then Rose From Death He Did Elude
Now With All Riches He's Imbued
So Trust The Son And Be Renewed
For By This Christ You'll Be Pursued
And Every Blessing He'll Include!

That's my King! I wonder if you know Him?!

Jesus Christ Has The Most Diligent Hand
He's The Prudent Son Whose Work Is Planned
In Him Sin's Shame Was Crushed And Banned
So Trust The Son And By Him Stand
He Is All Riches Pure And Grand!

That's my King!

Blessed By The Best Who's The Best Of The Blessed
Jesus Christ Is The Best Of The Blessed
He's On An Everlasting Quest
With Conquering Love And Joy And Zest
To Save His Own Who Failed The Test
He Died And Rose His Love Expressed
He Took The Curse By Wrath Oppressed
Then Rose And Conquered As Professed
So Trust The Son, Don't Be Depressed
For In His Righteousness Your Dressed
With Him Alone You'll Be Obsessed
In Him You Have The Best Of Blessed!

That's my King!

Jesus Has A Tongue Of Gold
The Way To Life His Mouth Has Told
He Feeds The Multitudes Untold
With Greatest Food Our King Behold
He Tells The Truth With Wisdom Bold
And Died And Rose As Told Of Old
So Trust In Him And Give Him Hold
Of Your All Heart And Lips Controlled!

That's my King!

Christ Was Beaten With The Rod
Though He's The Holy, All-Wise God
The Way Of Righteous Words He Trod
Yet To The Cross To Die He'd Plod
But Rise To Conquer – 'Twas God's Nod
His Matchless Worth Is No Facade
This All Because He Took The Rod!

That's my King!

Christ's Words Were Numbered Prudent Wise
In Shape And Volume Perfect Size
Far More Than Gold And Silver Prize
Cut Off, Forsaken, Yet He'd Rise
And Feed With Words – Endless Supplies
So On His Beauty Fix Your Eyes!

That's my King! Do you know Him?!

Jesus' Love Covers All Sin Offenses
He Died To Crush Hatred's Dire Consequences
And Rose To Break Down all Our Defenses
To Fill Us With Joy Beyond All Our Senses
So Trust In The Son He'll Pay All Expenses
For All Your Offenses And Sin Consequences!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Is Our Greatest Joy      
Every Proud And Wicked Ploy
He'll Cast Down And Then Destroy
He's Hope The Righteous Will Enjoy
He's God's Wisdom To Employ
So Trust Him As Your Highest Joy!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Is Our Wealth And Strong City
He Has More Riches Than Every Billionaire Committee
He Died On That Cross Where He Was Ruined Without Pity
Then Rose To Bless Us With The Everlasting City!

That's my King!

Jesus Has The Most Memorable Name
He Died To Take All Our Shame And Blame
Then Rose So Freedom We Proclaim
And Now We'll Never Be The Same
His Name Is Utmost – Greatest Fame
Oh Set Our Hearts For You Aflame
Remember Us For Your Great Name!

That's my King!

Jesus Christ Gives The Greatest End
He Walks Secure – The Perfect Friend
In Storms He Stands To Help Extend
He Lives Forever To Defend
He's Blameless – Never Did Offend
“It Is Finished!” Is Death's End
So Trust In Him And Death Transcend!

That's my King! That's my King!

Friday, August 5, 2016

"That's My King!" Who's Better Than A Diamond Ring!

She won't need a diamond ring
Because the King will make her sing
To Him alone she'll bow and cling
Great joy to her His love will bring
He will be her everything
Her all in all and life's wellspring
She'll serve the poor and take the sting
Of giving up that diamond ring
For oh how worthy is her King!

That's my King!

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

No Longer "Do And Live!" But "Christ Is All!"

The Westminster Delegates taught that there was a works principle in the Mosaic Covenant in the Westminster Confession.  They cited Leviticus 18:5 from the Mosaic Covenant as a proof text for the covenant of works.  That's pretty amazing to me.  Let me say it again: they used a proof text from the Mosaic law as a basis for the covenant of works with Adam.  Moses' command for Israel to "do and live" and Paul's interpretation of that command in both Romans 10:5-6 and Galatians 3:12 is the Biblical warrant for a covenant of works in Eden and a works principle in the Mosaic Covenant.

To be clear, I am not saying God was not gracious with Israel in the Mosaic Covenant. It was gracious to show them their utter sinfulness, their helplessness to achieve righteousness on their own, and, through the sacrificial system, to point them to a Redeemer Who would come. But this sacrificial system could not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4), and many offenses in the Mosaic Covenant required God's people to show no mercy - the death penalty was the only response. No sacrifice could make atonement - the blood of man must be shed. A works principle was embedding in the Mosaic Covenant in order to drive those in that covenant to Christ - the only suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Savior!

Below I list 32 ways the law functioned for the Jews under the Mosaic Covenant.  The law was given to Israel as a rule of life.  But there was a big problem.  Namely, God said He had not given Israel a heart to do the law:

Deuteronomy 5:29:  Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!

Deuteronomy 29:4:  But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.

Deuteronomy 31:26-29:  Take this Book of the Law, and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there as a witness against you; for I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. If today, while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the LORD, then how much more after my death?  Gather to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.  For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days, because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger through the work of your hands.

Joshua 24:19: But Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins."

The LORD told Israel they would fail to keep the law (Deuteronomy 30-32).  The fact that Israel broke covenant with God and was exiled is a great proof of a works principle in the Mosaic Covenant.  This will never happen to the Church.  The Church will never be exiled!  The Church will triumph through the blood of the Lamb as God saves all His elect from every tribe, tongue, and nation as a pure, spotless bride.  And why?  Because unlike Israel, who was a little story or paradigm of the first Adam (who also failed to do and live), Jesus - the second and true Adam, the only true and worthy Israelite Who ever lived - He came and He did and lives forevermore!  He alone conquered sin, death, hell, and Satan.  He alone did the law perfectly whereas all others have failed.  Therefore, He lives!

And by faith we can live in Him!  So the primary function of the law for all the unregenerate Jews (which was most of them for most of Israel's history!) in the Mosaic Covenant was to drive them to Christ - and oh how gracious this was!!  Only with the ushering in of the New Covenant is the law fully established - as Paul says (Romans 3:31).  Only now in the New Covenant era do we have the fullness of the Spirit and the Law written on the hearts of God's people in a manifest way.  And we have all of this because our dear Savior did and lived for us.  Oh what good news this is!!

Now look how the law primarily functions, according to the Holy Spirit in the Pauline corpus:

The law was . . .

1.  A ministry of condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:9)

2.  A ministry of death (2 Corinthians 3:7; Romans 7:10)

3.  A ministry of killing (2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 7:9)

4.  Giving a knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20; 7:7)

5.  Bringing about wrath (Romans 4:15)

6.  Reviving sin (Romans 7:9)

7.  Making sin exceedingly sinful (Romans 7:13)

8.  The strength of sin (1 Corinthians 15:56)

9.  Making nothing perfect (Hebrews 7:19)

10.  Not taking away sins (Hebrews 10:4)

11.  Weak and unprofitable (Hebrews 7:18)

12.  An inferior covenant, based on inferior promises (Hebrews 8:6) (Compared to the New Covenant)

13.  At fault (Hebrews 8:7-8)

14.  Not the way to inheritance (Galatians 3:18)

15.  Not able to give life (Galatians 3:21)

16.  Confining all under sin (Galatians 3:22)

17.  A yoke not able to be borne by the Jewish Fathers, Peter, and the Apostles (Acts 15:10)

18.  In direct contrast to New Covenant Faith (Romans 10:5-6; Galatians 3:12)

19.  Enabled the imputation of sin.  It acted in a particular, specific way under the Adamic and Mosaic covenants that it did not act outside of those covenants (Romans 5:14)

20.  Imprisoning sinners until faith came (Galatians 3:23)

21.  A school-master to lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:24)

22.  Not of faith (Galatians 3:12)

23.  Promised life but brought death (Romans 7:10)

24.  Was added because of transgressions (Galatians 3:19)

25.  Was added to increase transgressions, and so sin abounded (Romans 5:20)

26.  In its proper use, was not given for the just, but for the lawless (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

27.  Contrasted with grace and faith (Romans 4:13-16; Romans 6:14)

28.  Condemning Israel while the promise made to Abraham rescued them from destruction over and over again (Exodus 32:9-13; Leviticus 26:40-42; Deuteronomy 4:25-31, 9:4-5, 23-27; 2 Kings 13:1-26; and Micah 7:18-20)

29.  Was broken by Israel.  Therefore they were exiled for breaking covenant with God.  This is in stark contrast to the New Covenant.  The Church will not break the New Covenant, but will ultimately triumph through the blood of the Lamb as God gathers all His elect from every tongue, tribe, language and nation!

30.  Whatever it says it says to those who are under the law that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God (Romans 3:19)

31.  Compared with the elementary principles of the world that held people under bondage (Galatians 4:1-11)

32.  Held people under bondage (Galatians 4:25)

Only if we first meet the law face to face the way it is described above will we, through the law, die to the law so that we might live to God (Galatians 2:19), belong to Christ (Romans 7:4), and bear true, lasting, God-glorifying fruit for Him!  Only then can we say with the Psalmist:  "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! . . . The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (Psalm 119:72, 103).

Appendix

When Paul wrote about the law, the graciousness of the sacrificial system was not his focus.  He focused primarily on the “do and live” aspect of the law, just like the LORD His God:

Jeremiah 7:21-23:  Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices, and eat the flesh. For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'

And over and over again, God's people broke His law (the Mosaic legislation):  they did not do and live, and appeal was made to the promises made to Abraham for mercy:

Failure to "do and live" - Exodus 32:9-10:  And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you."

Mercy through the Abrahamic Covenant:  Exodus 32:11-14:  But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, "O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, 'With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth'? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.'" And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.

Mercy for sinners based on the Abrahamic Covenant:  Leviticus 26:40-42:  "But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers in their treachery that they committed against me, and also in walking contrary to me, so that I walked contrary to them and brought them into the land of their enemies- if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled and they make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember my covenant with Jacob, and I will remember my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.

Stephen Dempster comments on this passage:
Moreover, the book [Leviticus] concludes on a negative note with a list of blessings for obedience to the covenant and curses for disobedience.  The curses (Lev. 26:14-39) far outweigh the blessings (Lev. 2:3-13).  The imbalance indicates an expectation of covenant violation.  In addition, the last curse of exile (Lev. 26:33-39) proves to be the ultimate curse that Israel could experience.  It is the death of the nation.  Hope is held out for Israel in a foreign land, however, and that hope is grounded not in the Sinai covenant but in the Abrahamic covenant, which is repeated three times in one verse (Lev. 26:42).  If the people confess their sins and have a change of heart, the covenant with the patriarchs will be remembered, and the end of the exile is implied. (Stephen G. Dempster, Dominion and Dynasty:  A Theology of the Hebrew Bible, New Studies In Biblical Theology series, D. A. Carson (ed.), (Downers Grove:  InterVarsity Press, 2003), 104.)
Mercy from the failure to obey the Mosaic Covenant through the Abrahamic Covenant:

Deuteronomy 4:25-31: When you father children and children's children, and have grown old in the land, if you act corruptly by making a carved image in the form of anything, and by doing what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, so as to provoke him to anger, I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. You will not live long in it, but will be utterly destroyed. And the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the LORD will drive you. And there you will serve gods of wood and stone, the work of human hands, that neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the LORD your God and obey his voice. For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them.

Deuteronomy 9:5:  Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the LORD your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Deuteronomy 9:23-27:  And when the LORD sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, 'Go up and take possession of the land that I have given you,' then you rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God and did not believe him or obey his voice. You have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you. "So I lay prostrate before the LORD for these forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said he would destroy you. And I prayed to the LORD, 'O Lord GOD, destroy not your people and your heritage, whom you have redeemed through your greatness, whom you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Do not regard the stubbornness of this people, or their wickedness or their sin . . .

2 Kings 13:23:  But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.

Micah 7:18-20:  Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

Paul contrast the “do and live” of the Mosaic law with New Covenant faith.  Stephen Westerholm is very helpful on this point:
The point is both obvious and crucial that what Paul means by “law” in Galatians 3:10-14 [and Galatians 3:18 as well for our purposes] does not differ from other passages we have considered:  the “law” refers not to the Pentateuch, but to the divine requirements imposed upon Israel at Mount Sinai and intended (need it be said?) to be done.  But whereas in other passages it was regarded as self-evident that the law was to be done or kept, that it was not to be transgressed, here the axiom is made the basis for a fundamental claim about the nature of the law:  since the basic principle of the law is that it requires deeds, it “does not rest on faith.”  Faith and deeds (or faith and the law) are seen – in this context at least – as exclusive alternatives.  (Stephen Westerholm, Perspectives Old And New On Paul:  The “Lutheran” Paul and His Critics, (Grand Rapids:  Eerdmans, 2004), 304-305.)

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

If We Have Christ, We Desire Nothing More!

"Wherever we turn in the church of God, there is Jesus. He is the beginning, middle and end of everything to us . . . There is nothing good, nothing holy, nothing beautiful, nothing joyous which He is not to His servants. No one need be poor, because, if he chooses, he can have Jesus for his own property and possession. No one need be downcast, for Jesus is the joy of heaven, and it is His joy to enter into sorrowful hearts. We can exaggerate about many things; but we can never exaggerate our obligation to Jesus, or the compassionate abundance of the love of Jesus to us. All our lives long we might talk of Jesus, and yet we should never come to an end of the sweet things that might be said of Him. Eternity will not be long enough to learn all He is, or to praise Him for all He has done, but then, that matters not; for we shall be always with Him, and we desire nothing more." Frederick Faber

Saturday, June 4, 2016

"Christ Is All" In The Coffin

Oh Father, please help me get back in the coffin.

Please help me live in the coffin.

True life only comes inside the coffin.

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I need to do is get into the coffin.

When I am afraid, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't fear.

When I am anxious, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't worry.

When I am alone, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't know they are alone.

When all my personal hopes and dreams are shattered, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't have hopes and dreams.

When I selfishly desire my own happiness, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't selfishly desire.

When I'm tempted to sin, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't sin.

When I'm tempted to lust, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't lust.

When I'm tempted to sin in anger, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't feel unrighteous anger.

When I'm afraid I'll never get married, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't need to be married.

When I'm afraid I'll never have children, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people don't need children.

When I don't feel like praying, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people pray.

When I don't feel like reading my Bible, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people read their Bibles.

When Christ is not all to me, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people know that Christ is all.

When God is not my greatest joy, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people know that God is the greatest joy.

When I feel overwhelmed by the trials and hardships of this life, I need to get back in the coffin. Dead people have endured all trials and hardships.

Oh Joseph, get back in the coffin!

Jesus said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

One-way missionaries bought one-way tickets to the mission field and packed their bags in coffins.

Spurgeon said: “I have now concentrated all my prayers into one . . . that I may die to self, and live wholly to Him.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”

Martin Luther said: “Until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him.”

“Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'” (Matthew 16:24-25)

The truest, most full, most joyous, most satisfying life is found when you are dead inside the coffin.

Inside the coffin, life is gloriously beautiful!

Oh Joseph, get back in the coffin!

For inside the coffin, the Coffin Crusher dwells!

Monday, May 16, 2016

"That's My King!" In Proverbs 9!

Jesus' Feast Gives Eternal Life
He Died To Save From Wrathful Strife
And Make Us Pure – His Lovely Wife!

That's my King! Do you know Him?!

Jesus Christ Was Severely Abused
Though He Never Scoffed Or Words Misused
He's The Wisest Of All And Yet Was Bruised
Shamefully Used, And Falsely Accused
But He Rose And Left All Foes Confused
Now From Judgment For Sin We're Forever Excused!

That's my King! That's my King!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

"That's My King!" Who Was Single Yet He Burned; Aflame With Passion Yearned; For His Bride Who Spurned; Her Righteousness He Earned; And From Her Sin She Turned; To Long For His Return!


"For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion." 1 Corinthians 7:9

Jesus was a single man His whole time on earth, but He was always aflame with passion for His bride, the Church. At the consummation of all things, He will take her to Himself and marry her so that He might express His flaming passion for her in new, glorious, and utterly sensational ways for all eternity!

Come Lord Jesus!

He was single all His life
And conquered every strife
Then gave His precious life
So we could be His wife!

That's my King!

Pleasures of marriage He never knew
He lived and died – the single Jew
There's joy in sex and marriage true
But from a greater joy He drew
Eternal pleasures great He knew
Joys from His Father through and through
His delights in the Father flourished and grew
The pleasures of sin away He threw
No lust His heart would ever pursue
For God's beauty itself is the greatest view
His heart was crushed when this Beauty withdrew
For on that cross God's wrath would spew
Forsaken by God He paid our due
Though no sin to Him would ever accrue
He became sin for me and also for you
Then He arose and made all things new
To bring you to God – a bride clean and true
Come to Him now – your desires He'll subdue
You'll cry from your heart: "All my joy is You!"

That's my King! Do you know Him?!

Oh Father please come – my need seems dire
Please come help me fight overwhelming desire
Oh God You alone can put out the fire
Turn my eyes upon You and lift me up higher
To trust and obey all that You require
May I find "Christ is all!" –  my great King and Sire
And delight in Him – our greatest Desire!

That's my King!

God's Word says singleness is the best way
And you'll be happier if single you stay
All your attention on God you can certainly lay
He'll fill all your thoughts – to Him you can pray
He wants you alone with Him everyday
A Lover Who's jealous and won't let you stray
He's the Fountain of all delight so survey
His glorious beauty on full display
He died to take your sins away
And lives to give you life His way
So trust in Him and fight to obey
He'll grant you contentment – come what may!

That's my King! I wonder if you know Him?!

Christ is THE SINGLE Who was left all alone
No wife, no father, no children His own
No friends, no disciples from Him they'd all flown
No God, in a sense, forsaken and thrown
Under His wrath where He died with a groan
There Jesus died for our sins to atone
Then rose up alive to sit on His throne
All this for His bride - the bone of His bone
He's single no more, the Lamb has now shown
His love for His bride, the church He has known
We'll praise Him forever our Groom Cornerstone!

That's my King!

One day you'll be married for eternal duration
This fact is certain – God's declaration
For all who trust in Christ for salvation
Will marry the Lamb in the new creation
His bride you will be from every nation
You'll marry the King – the best combination
Most loving, most kind, your closest relation
The greatest Spouse – beyond all expectation!
If you have Him, fear no deprivation
You'll know all is good at the consummation
Where joys in Him pass all imagination
And grow forever in great adoration
The Husband-King is all compensation
So find in Him life's full celebration!

That's my King! That's my King!

To listen to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, please watch: American Gospel: Christ Alone

Thursday, March 31, 2016

"Christ Is All!" For Muslims!

Is Islam A Religion Of Peace?

What Does The Quran Say?


Surah 9:29: Fight those who do not believe in Allah

Surah 9:73: O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be unyielding to them.

Surah 9:123: O you who believe! Fight those of the unbelievers who are close to you, and let them find harshness in you

Surah 48:29: Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves.

Surah 2:216: Fighting is ordained for you

Surah 5:33: the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land.

Surah 5:51: O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them is of them.

Surah 8:12: I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.

Surah 8:59-60: And let not those who disbelieve think that they can outstrip (escape from the punishment). Verily, they will never be able to save themselves (from Allah's Punishment). And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery) to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others besides whom, you may not know but whom Allah does know.  And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly.

Surah 8:65: O Prophet! Urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty steadfast persons amongst you, they will overcome two hundred, and if there be a hundred steadfast persons they will overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are people who do not understand.

Surah 9:5: Then when the Sacred Months (the 1st, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islamic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and lie in wait for them in each and every ambush.

Surah 47:4: So, when you meet, those who disbelieve smite (their) necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them

What Did Muhammad Say?



Bukhari: 4.52.220: Muhammad said: “I have been made victorious with terror.”

Bukhari 9.84:57: Muhammad said: “Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.”

Sahih Muslim 1767a: “Muhammad said: I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula”

Bukhari 1.2.25: Muhammad said: “I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform that, then they save their lives and property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah.”

Bukhari 4.52.176: Muhammad said: “You (Muslims) will fight with the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.'”

Please Turn Away From This Violence And Trust In The Prince Of Peace:  

The Lord Jesus Christ!


Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This was prophesied about Jesus Christ 700 years before He was even born! He is the Mighty God and the Prince of Peace Who alone can grant you peace with God and peace with others!

The Bible says God created all things, and He made you to be in a relationship with Him: to know Him, to trust Him, to love Him, and to obey Him.

Genesis 1:1:  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Matthew 22:37-39:  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

1 Corinthians 10:31:  “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

The bad news is that we have all sinned against God, selfishly desiring our own will instead of His will, and we've broken His good, holy, just, and loving laws – laws He gave us because He loves us and to help us live lives full of joy, peace, and satisfaction.

Romans 3:23:  “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

Because of our sin, we deserve God's just punishment and curse in hell forever.  But God so loved sinners that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save sinners!

John 3:16:  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus never sinned, died on the cross, bearing the anger and curse of God toward sinners, and rose up from the dead, conquering sin, death, and hell, so that if you turn from your sins and believe in Him, He will save you!

Acts 16:31:  “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved!”

Ephesians 2:8-9:  “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

You cannot earn God's love and favor by doing good things, praying, giving alms, or being a good person. Adam and Eve were forced to leave God's presence in Paradise for committing only one sin! God cannot be in the presence of even one sin! And you need all of your sins forgiven! Only through Jesus can all your sins be forgiven. He is God the Son, and He alone can save you and grant you peace: Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Please trust in God the Son today!

To learn more, please visit us at:

Olney Baptist Church
239 West Chew Ave.
Phila, PA 19120
www.olneybaptist.org
215-548-8833
11am every Sunday

We have lunch afterward, and we love to share meals with our Muslim friends!

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

30 Reasons Jesus Christ Rose From The Dead


Buddha is dead, Mohammed is dead,
Ghandi and Haile Selassie are dead,
Elijah Mohammed is dead - however
Jesus is Alive! Shai Linne

Jesus Christ Is the Risen King 
He's More Beautiful Than Anything 
He Conquered All And Took Death's Sting 
Fullest Pleasures He Will Bring 
So Turn From Sin And To Him Cling 
He Will Forever Make You Sing!

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead . . . . 2 Timothy 2:8

1. Jesus rose from the dead to fulfill God's promises about Him in the Old Testament

1 Corinthians 15:4: he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures

Isaiah 53:8, 10: he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people . . . it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days

Acts 13:30, 32-33, 35: But God raised him from the dead . . . And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,  this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus . . . Therefore he says also in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.' 

Paul Tripp: The victory of Jesus' empty tomb is an historical validation of the reliability of every promise God has ever made to his children.

2. Jesus rose from the dead to fulfill what He said He would do

Mark 9:31: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.

Greg Bahnsen: Christ [strongly disapproved of] those who sought signs beyond the authority of His words . . . The refusal of men to believe Christ’s word is not attributed to a lack of factual evidence, but rather to their not abiding in that self-evidencing word of God. Scripture is authoritative in itself to testify of Christ, for God’s word is more sure than any eyewitness experience of the facts. If men will not submit to the self-evidencing, ultimate starting point of God’s word, neither will the fact of an historical resurrection convince them. Hence, when certain disciples were reluctant to believe the fact of Christ’s resurrection, He rebuked them, not for failure to attend to the experienced evidence, but for their hesitance to believe the Scriptures.

3. Jesus rose from the dead for our justification

Romans 4:25: who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

S. Lewis Johnson: The resurrection is God's "Amen!" to Christ's "It is finished."

4. Jesus rose from the dead so our faith won't be futile

1 Corinthians 15:17-19: And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 

5. Jesus rose from the dead so we would be raised imperishable

1 Corinthians 15:42: So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

You won't perish! You won't be destroyed! You won't see corruption! You won't see decay! New body!

6. Jesus rose from the dead so He would be a life giving spirit

1 Corinthians 15:45: Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

7. Jesus rose from the dead so we would bear the likeness of the man from heaven

1 Corinthians 15:49: Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

8. Jesus rose from the dead so death would be swallowed up in victory

1 Corinthians 15:54-58: When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Philippians 1:21: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Luke 1:34-37: And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God."

Our Daily Bread Story: As enemy forces advanced, Baker Company was cut off from the rest of their unit. For several hours no word was heard, even though headquarters repeatedly tried to communicate with the missing troops. Finally a faint signal was received. Straining to hear, the corpsman asked, "Baker Company, do you read me?" "This is Baker Company," came the reply. "What is your situation?" asked the corpsman. "The enemy is to the east of us, the enemy is to the west of us, the enemy is to the north of us, the enemy is to the south of us." Then after a brief pause, the sergeant from Baker Company said with determination, "The enemy is not going to get away from us now!" Although surrounded and outnumbered, he was thinking of victory, not defeat. 
 

9. Jesus rose from the dead so He would be the firstfruits


1 Corinthians 15:20: But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Christ is the first to rise, and His resurrection guarantees that all who trust in Christ shall also rise again!

10. Jesus rose from the dead so we would have new life full of love and holiness as those dead to sin and alive to righteousness

Romans 6:3-13: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

11. Jesus rose from the dead to show it was impossible for death to hold Him

Acts 2:24: God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Paul Tripp: The sermon preached by the empty tomb outside Jerusalem is titled, "Nothing Has the Power to Stop this Savior!"

12. Jesus rose from the dead to give us repentance and forgiveness of sins

Acts 5:30-31: The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

13. Jesus rose from the dead so He would be declared to be the Son of God in power

Romans 1:4: and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead

This is Jesus' installation (His crowning!) as the ruling, reigning, God-Man and Davidic King Who has conquered death and has been exalted as Lord and all powerful Messiah!

Hebrews 1:8: But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” 

2 Corinthians 13:4: For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. 

He came meek and humble; but He's coming back as a lion!

Revelation 19:11-16: Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

14. Jesus rose from the dead so He would be the Resurrection and the Life

John 11:25-26: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

John Piper: One of the most powerful moments in my seminary days was at the funeral of James Morgan, my 36-year-old systematic theology teacher. Lewis Smedes was preaching the sermon, and at one point he lifted up his majestic voice and cried, "James Morgan is not dead!" My spine tingled, with the heralding of glorious truth.

15. Jesus rose from the dead so we would have the powerful life of the Spirit of God dwell in us

Romans 8:11-15: If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

16. Jesus rose from the dead so no one or no thing can ever condemn us

Romans 8:34-39: Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 

17. Jesus rose from the dead so we would be delivered from the wrath to come


1 Thessalonians 1:9-10: you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 

18. Jesus rose from the dead so we would believe and be saved

Romans 10:9: if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

19. Jesus rose from the dead so we would enjoy God's presence

2 Corinthians 4:14: knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.  

20. Jesus rose from the dead so we would be born again to a living hope in God

1 Peter 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

21. Jesus rose from the dead so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

Philippians 2:8-11: And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

22. Jesus rose from the dead to prove that He is the Messiah

Acts 2:31-32: he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses . . . Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

23. Jesus rose from the dead to show that He is God

John 20:27-28: Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

24. Jesus rose from the dead to be our everlasting, permanent Priest Who has an indestructible life and Who guarantees for us a better covenant, saves to the uttermost, and always lives to make intercession for us

Hebrews 7:14-17, 22-25: For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." . . . This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

25. Jesus rose from the dead so that He would conquer all of His and our enemies and be worthy to accomplish all God's perfect plans and purposes

Revelation 5:2-5: And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." 

Simon Kistemaker: The verb overcome [conquered] conveys good news. It links this verse to the letters to the seven churches, which have re recurring refrain "the one who overcomes" (e. g., 2:7), and also to Jesus who says "I have overcome" (3:21; John 16:33). This verb implies that Jesus is the conqueror over death and hell, the firstfruits of the dead, and the King who ascended to heaven and sits at God's right hand.

26. Jesus rose from the dead so that He might be the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth 

Revelation 1:5: Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

27. Jesus rose from the dead never to die again and to take the keys of Death and Hades so that we might not fear

Revelation 1:17-18: When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."

Simon Kistemaker: The one who has a key is able to unlock doors that give access to possessions, treasures, and secrets. Possessing a key means having power and authority. But no one on the face of this earth is able to claim power over Death and Hades. Jesus, who triumphed over death and the grave, possesses the keys to unlock them . . . Jesus has complete power over death and the grave.

28. Jesus rose from the dead to destroy the devil and to deliver us from the fear and slavery of death

Hebrews 2:14-15: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.  

John MacArthur: Jesus came to earth to die. By dying, He was able to conquer death in His resurrection (Jn 14:19). By conquering death, He rendered Satan powerless against all who are saved. Satan's using the power of death is subject to God's will (cf. Job 2:6).

Buist Fanning: Jesus' death and resurrection provides complete victory over death and the devil. 

 29. Jesus rose from the dead to show God will judge the world through Jesus Christ

Acts 17:30-31: The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

30. Jesus rose from the dead so we would seek the things above and Christ would be all in all

Colossians 3:1-11: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

To learn more about the great and true Triune God, the God-ManJesus Christ, and His glorious Gospel message and everlasting Kingship, please watch American Gospel: Christ Alone. You can watch the full documentary here with a free, 3 day trial.