The Bible Alone Blog

I recently read the following from the Rev. T. V. Moore:

God is love. This is true even when he afflicts, for whom he loveth he chasteneth. We must not therefore infer that he does not love us, because he afflicts. The gardener prunes the grape which he values, not the thistle which he hates. The fruit tree that is highly prized is trimmed that it may bear more fruit, the forest tree that is designed for the flames is left to grow in unpruned luxuriance. Yet in answer to these assurances of God to us, we often say in our murmuring, "In what hast thou loved us. Where is the proof?" It is a mournful proof of human depravity that the love of God is often least acknowledged, where it is most manifested.

-- Moore, Rev. T. V.; The Prophets of the Restoration: or Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi: A New Translation with Notes; Robert Carter and Brothers; New York; 1856; p.338.

The folks of Malachi's day thought that the Lord owed them something. In particular they were of the opinion that they should receive material blessings from Him because they made an attempt at worshiping Him [a pretty poor attempt when you look at the quality of their offerings as described in chapter 1:6 - 2:9]. They sought God on their own terms and when He didn't respond as they thought He should they became discouraged and upset with Him.

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Recently, while studying to preach from the book of Galatians, I came across the following quote:

Let our religion be the religion of the mind, the religion of the heart, the religion of the life, - not a theory of doctrine, however ingenious, or even correct, - not a feeling casually, though it may be strongly, excited, - not an external and ritual service, however simple or however imposing, - not an assumed garb, however splendid, and gracefully worn; but a constituent -- the governing-element of our intellectual and moral nature: not speculation - not enthusiasm - not superstition - not formalism - not hypocrisy: not exclusively doctrinal, or experimental, or liturgical, or professional, or practical; but all these in due proportion and degree, - the natural effect of the truth understood, and believed, and loved, " faith purifying the heart, working by love, and overcoming the world.”

-- John Brown, D. D., An Exposition of The Epistle of Paul The Apostle to The Galatians, Banner of Truth, 2001, pp. 362-63.

How often do we tend toward compartmentalization in our lives? We speak in terms of it being "time for work", of having "family time", or of the ever famous "me time". But as Christians we must be ever mindful of the fact that Jesus claims dominion over every area of our lives. He is the One who enables us to work and has blessed us with families. And passages such as Deuteronomy 6:5 ("You eshall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." - ESV) would leave no place for so-called "me time".

The false teachers who plagued the Galatians churches evidently practiced this idea of compartmentalization, Galatians 6:13. "For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law...." (ESV). And though they compelled the Galatians to be circumcised and follow the ceremonial laws of apostate Judaism they only kept these same laws when it was convenient to their own purposes.

We dare not live such divided lives if we would faithfully follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He rightfully claims sovereignty over every area of life. Therefore if we are to practice a true religion we must live every moment before the Lord and unto His glory. Anything less would be wrong. We dare not be guilty of the hypocrisy of the Judaisers.

Corum Deo!

If all of the superhero movies that have been released of late are any indication, our culture is drawn to such individuals. It is true that men, whether they admit it or not, are looking for a savior. In our day and time this savior is often found in the political realm. However, very few would say that anyone on the political scene today is a superhero. So as far as the man on the street is concerned, true superheroes are the things of legend and myth. Yet I contend that superheroes exist. It's just that we don't know where to look to find them. But thanks to a gentleman named Steve Rafalsky we've been pointed in the right direction.

Below is a post he made over at www.puritanboard.com. I think you'll find his insight very interesting and thought provoking.

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Having just passed through another election and listening to some of the reasoning for various issues I noticed that the so-called evangelical right, never referred to the Bible. Particularly in my home state of Virginia, we had the opportunity of voting on a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as between one man and one woman. I am for this amendment; even stood at the polls for three hours in the rain passing out literature asking folks to vote "yes" for marriage.

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Welcome to our new blog page

We will begin posting thoughts, observations, and comments here soon. We hope to stimulate thought and discussion on various topics from a Biblical perspective. It is not our intention to entertain you, but to encourage, edify, and exhort you in your Christian walk and world view.

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
--Proverbs 27:17, ESV

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
--2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV

Please check back regularly to see what is being discussed.