I am not certain that I have shared this story with anyone yet except my dear wife. I am always a little negligent to share stories like this because they could have adverse effects. Nonetheless, I will share. About 8 months ago as I was taking the shower I felt as if the Lord said to me, "Mike, Satan is going to sift you..." Since, I do not watch the 700 Club and go to a Southern Baptist Church I thought nothing of this. It was only a few days later when I began experiencing extreme...shall I call it temptation?....persecution?...doubts?...depression?...whatever we shall call it I began battling even the vilest atheism, which led to distress, which led to questioning my salvation, which led to despair, and I truly was "being sifted". So, I can certainly relate to this chapter. 2 things the Lord used to stir my heart during this trial. 1) Psalm 103, especially verse 14. "For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust." 2) A deeper understanding of the imputed righteousness and justification of Jesus Christ. In some ways this too is the balm that Sibbes proposes to apply to weary souls.

Quick Outline:

• Temptations Which Hinder Comfort
• Weakness Should Not Keep Us From Duty

Summary:

Sibbes hope in this chapter is to give abundant help to those that are brought low by stronger objections and secret thoughts. He will deal with four different temptations which often hinder the believers comfort. They are: 1) Some believe since they have not full assurance that they should have none. 2) Their performances are weak. 3) Haunted by hideous representations of their imaginations. (I believe this is similar to what I experienced a few months ago). 4) Because the heart becomes more troubled by corruption the soul becomes more weary.

While not using these very words Sibbes seems to give the same advice that brought me through this valley. His advices is that first we remember that God remembers us and our frame and that he accepts even the weakest groan from the believer. Also, we should see our battle with sin and its corruption as evidence that we are indeed regenerate. And we can see as a foundation for all of these that our hope rests in the grand mercy of Jesus in imputing to us His righteousness and making it our own.

Sibbes, as Puritans often reasoned, encourages us to continue in our duties even in our weakness. Many that are discouraged simply give up. But Sibbes spurs us in the opposite direction: "we should not avoid good actions because of the infirmities attending them." Much of his argument can be summed up by saying, "Let us not be cruel to ourselves when Christ is thus gracious." Within Christ mercy is the abundant hope for weary souls.

Discussion:

There is no greater hope when our souls are weary than being cast upon the mercy of Jesus Christ. Sibbes does a wonderful job of helping those that are "cruel to [themselves]" to see that Christ accepts but the least glimmer of "good". As Sibbes says, "Christ looks more at the good in them which he means to cherish than the ill in them which he means to abolish". Oh, what comfort these words are.

I doubt that one appreciates this chapter unless you have been brought through the fire. I would say that I have only a glimpse of experience of this very thing. Yet that glimpse has caused me to treasure Christ more and myself much less. While I would never desire for you to go through the pain of "sifting" I certainly pray for you to bear its fruit. So, because the fruit only comes through the rain, I pray that Lord might put as through whatever trials necessary to bring about our treasuring Him most.

Some questions come from this chapter. 1) Has there been a time in your life when this chapter either was, or would have been, very helpful? Have you had the experience of "temptations which hinder comfort"? How did Christ bring you through? 2) Do you find this chapter comforting?

Pearls and Diamonds:

"It promotes humiliation to know the whole breadth and depth of sin."

"Our chief comfort is that our blessed Saviour, as he bade Satan depart from him, after he had given way awhile to his insolence (Matt. 4:10), so he will command him to be gone from us, when it shall be good for us. He must be gone at a word. And Christ can and will likewise, in his own time, rebuke the rebellious and extravagant stirrings of our hearts and bring all the thoughts of the inner man into subjection to himself. "

"...none are so aware of corruption as those whose souls are most alive."

"These stirrings of spirit touch the heart of God and melt him into compassion towards us, when they come from the Spirit of adoption, and from a striving to be better."

"Let us not be cruel to ourselves when Christ is thus gracious."

Tony Kummer encourages nursery workers by highlighting seven reasons why nursery work is vital to your church's ministry.

Timmy Brister is blogspotting the Puritan Reading Challenge. There are several links here to people that have taken the challenge and are blogging through it. I was excited to see that Borrowed Light is on that list. Thanks for the link Timmy!

Yesterday I linked to Michael Spencer's 12 Calvinists 12 Churches question. Today (actually last night) Spencer gave his response.

Frank Turk has an excellent article on....I guess you could say the problem of evil. But it cuts much deeper. It deals with depravity. It deals with our response to "sinners". Here is a wonderful excerpt: "So to ask the question, "Why does God allow?" has to go back to the issue of "What is God allowing?" The glib answer to the question is, "God is allowing evil deeds," but in fact God is allowing us to prove that we are what He has said we are. God tells us we are sinners -- and has provided the perfect Law to prove it to us. And in that, the solution God has on-tap is wrath against sin." Read more...

Challies addresses discouragement with the Church and encourages us to keep our Hand to the Plow.

Finally, John Piper has responded to the article A Common Word Between Us and You. Piper expresses his disappointment with many (some of his friends) that signed the document. I too was shocked to see some of the names that signed this article. Piper, as always, does an excellent job of displaying Christ as the supreme treasure for the nations, and helps us see the deception and lack of help this article provides. The video below is about 9 minutes but it is wonderful:

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Matthew 16:

I wonder if they had the "red sky at night sailors delight, red sky in the morning sailors take warning" saying back in Jesus' day? I'm not certain that they would have had "sailors" so I doubt it. But nonetheless, I've always found this verse kind of neat because I've heard sayings about a red sky at night and in the morning.

What is the sign of Jonah?

I love these little narrative interjections. "The disciples forgot to bring bread". Certainly it serves as a fitting transition and teachable moment, but it does a wonderful job of showing the disciples humanity and Jesus' patience with them.

The disciples continue to view things extremely literally. We should be cautious of doing the like.

In what way should we warn people as Jesus did to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Who are these groups in our day?

I wonder if Jesus' question, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is", would have sounded weird. Is he referring to himself or the "Son of Man" spoken of in the Scriptures? Is this the same as asking "Who do people say that I am" or is it asking "How do people describe the Son of Man spoken of in Scripture? I prefer the latter. I believe Jesus is saying, "How do people interpret the OT Son of Man". They then respond by the common beliefs in the day. (Jeremiah actually seems strange in this context). Then Jesus says, but who do you say that I am. Again the stress would not be on who do you...but rather who do you say that I am. I could be wrong though. He could be contrasting the "peoples" reception of Jesus with that of the disciples.

Peter replies that Jesus is the Christ the son of the Living God, and apparently knowledge of this only came because God revealed it to Him.

This verse (18-19) has been the subject of much debate. Is the rock Peter or faith? What are meant by the gates of hell? (Since when are gates active, so that the rock must withstand it?) What are the keys? What authority is given? Is it given to Peter? Is it given to His successors? Is it given to all those people of faith? It is not the place here to answer these questions.

It has always seemed strange to me that Jesus is so passionate about the disciples not telling people that he is the Christ. I know that we are not to conceal him now. It's painfully ironic that when Jesus urged people to conceal Him they could not do so. When Jesus commands us to spread His fame to the nations we eagerly desire to obey his first instruction to tell no one. Lord, help us to be faithful in proclaiming you in your fullness.

It is so funny that Peter rebukes Jesus. After he makes this amazing confession, we know that he knew who Jesus was. What boldness to rebuke God. But I wonder, how many times have I done the same? Am I not doing as Peter did whenever I question His wise counsel? Am I not rebuking God when I whine at his sovereign actions? And Peter's problem is ours--thinking of the things of man instead of the things of God.

After Jesus tells of His suffering He urges us to follow Him in this. As I look over this text I am forced to wonder whether or not I have "lost my life" for Jesus' sake. Can I be said to be a doulos?

Why is it that sometimes it sounds like works play a very important role? Why is it that we will be repaid for "what we have done"?

I've never understood how verse 28 is fulfilled? I think it is speaking of either Jesus' death, resurrection, or ascension.

Acts 16:

"A Jewish woman who was a believer"...does this mean believer in Christ? It seems from here and other places in Scripture that Timothy's mom was a follower of Jesus.

Why did Paul circumcise Timothy because of the Jews but not Titus?

We are still seeing churches increase daily. Lord, bring this movement to us!

"Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the work in Asia." Many questions arise from this. How do you know when the Holy Spirit is forbidding you? Why did He forbid them to "speak the Word"? Did he have a specific place for them to go? We should always be waiting for the Spirit's urging to know where to preach the gospel and apparently where not to.

Again Paul begins his ministry at a religious place. Synagogues, places of prayer, etc. seem to be where he preached the gospel first in a city.

The Lord opened her heart...unless He had certainly Lydia would not have believed. Lord, open hearts in our community, and help us hear the cries of them when you bid us to proclaim the gospel.

Why do we see households baptized when one believes?

Divination is probably a reality. It's not as if people are faking (though many probably are). It's just that they are demonized.

I find this story funny about Paul being annoyed. I wonder why it was so annoying. Why did he wait so long to cast it out? Why only after annoyance?

Certainly Paul's experience of affliction here in Philippi will serve a great purpose later in comforting them when they are afflicted.

Even after beatings and imprisonment the joy of the Lord (and perhaps even the desperation of the situation) draws Paul and Silas to sing hymns. Nonetheless these were clothed in Scripture and probably many Psalms. The guards listen and were certainly influenced.

Again we see "believe, and you will be saved "and your household". But the next verse says the word was spoken to them and your household. "He rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God". Let us rejoice in our salvation Lord.

This seems really stubborn of Paul. Is he being stubborn or does he see a greater purpose of God in this. Certainly Paul is not infallible. I think sometimes we read Acts and everything Paul did and assume that everyone of his actions is right.

Genesis 18:

Is this three the Trinity? I am a little confused by this dialogue. How did Abraham know it was the Lord?

A new term for menopause..."the way of women has ceased to be with her". I like reading some of the euphemisms in the Bible.

I wonder what this dialogue between laughing Sarah then embarrassed and fearful Sarah was like. What was God's response in this. Is he a little angry at her unbelief? Understanding and almost laughing Himself?

This chapter for some reason seems really strange to me. God is walking to Sodom to see if its as bad from this angle as it is from heaven.

Now, verse 22 really confuses me. The men leave, Abraham stays before the LORD? Are these men incarnations of God or not (there is a theological word for this, but for the life of me I can not think of it)?

We see the display of God's righteousness in sparing Sodom if one righteous man is found. He is doing this through all of history and the book of Revelation even as he pours out his bowls of wrath and offers more and more time for repentance (all the while knowing that many will never repent, yet still showing mercy and offering grace to display his mighty justice).

In this chapter Sibbes will discuss the marks of the smoking flax. This is a great chapter to read whenever we are questioning our salvation. Sibbes seems to have had many people in his ministry that where bruised reeds and smoking flax. He has much wisdom in directing them. This chapter is helping me as a minister in addressing they youth that come to me with doubts. It also encourages me when I might have "fits of melancholy" myself.

Quick Outline:

• Our Rule is the Covenant of Grace
• The Presence of the Heavenly Fire

Summary:

Whether Sibbes was one himself or dealt with many of the like, he accurately portrays "those that are given to quarrelling with themselves". It seems as if the entire chapter is devoted to such dear saints that "delight to be looking on the dark side of the cloud only". I have had seasons in my life where I felt this described me so this chapter serves as "balm to my soul".

Because so many ministers do not follow Chapter 5 I believe Chapter 6 becomes necessary. Because some ambassadors are "overbearing, setting up themselves in the hearts of people where Christ alone should sit as in his own temple" many young (and weaker) believers begin to have false reasoning. They begin to falsely reason that, "because our fire does not blaze out as others, therefore we have no fire at all". Sibbes in this chapter hopes to combat such false thinking.

He does so first by reminding us that believers are under the covenant of grace and not under the law. Sibbes points us to the fact that the Law demands perfect obedience from the heart, and violation of that results in a terrible curse. Moreover, the Law provides no strength. Contrast this with the merciful Savior. "Christ comes with blessing after blessing, even upon those whom Moses had cursed with healing balm for those wounds which Moses has made." Therefore, as we look at such a great Savior we must "look to grace in the spark as well as in the flame".

Sibbes then gives us 10 rules for the presence of the heavenly fire. They are:

1. If there be any holy fire in us, it is kindled from heaven
2. The least divine light has heat with it in some measure
3. Where this heavenly light is kindled, it directs in the right way
4. Where this fire is, it will sever things of diverse natures, and show a difference between such things as gold and dross.
5. So far as a man is spiritual, so far is light delightful to him.
6. Fire, where it is present, is in some degree active
7. Fire makes metals pliable and malleable
8. Fire, as much as it can, sets everything on fire
9. Sparks by nature fly upwards
10. Fire if it has any matter to feed on, enlarges itself and amounts higher and higher, and, the higher it rises, the purer the flame.

Discussion:

The key thing to note from this chapter is that "we must look to grace in the spark as well as in the flame". This is the entire point of Sibbes exposition. He is leading us from the beginning stages of the spark through the spark aflame. At the beginning he speaks tender words of encouragement to any believer that has but even a small spark of grace. But as Sibbes closes he raises the bar. "...it argues a false heart to set ourselves a low standard in grace and to rest in beginnings, alleging that Christ will not quench smoking flax".

Thinking in such a way helps us in our spiritual walk to strive toward more holiness. It also helps in ministering to the needs of others. Sibbes keeps us from being too severe and censuring those that do indeed have a spark of grace, and yet he also keeps us from being comfortable in beginnings.

Pearls and Diamonds:

"We must beware of false reasoning, such as: because our fire does not blaze out as others, therefore we have no fire at all." (p.35)

"We must look to grace in the spark as well as in the flame. All have not the like strong, though they have the like precious, faith." (p.36)

"Weak light produces weak inclinations, strong light, strong inclinations." (p.38)

"Where fire is, in any degree, it will fight everything contrary to it...grace will never join with sin, any more than fire with water." (p.41)

Today is a sad day in history. 35 years ago today Roe v. Wade was passed, setting way for the slaughter of numerous "innocent" babies. There are several articles and challenges addressing this issue today. Justin Taylor uses an excerpt from Piper's book A Hunger for God to challenge us to fast for the little ones. JT also provides a graphic that helps us visualize what 46 million looks like. He has also recently interviewed Robert George on abortion and politics. There is also a graphic video that shows actual abortions. I could hardly bare to watch. You can access that video here: (Warning: This is Very Very Graphic!)

(HT: Denny Burk)

John Ensor does offer some encouragement and challenges us to pray for the Third Wave in the fight to end abortion. Denny Burk also provides a sunday school lesson on the Sanctity of Life. After experiencing the birth of our child, I just do not get it (and even before). I can have sympathy with the teenage girl struggling with making a decision. She is only a child herself. I can sympathize (but of course not agree) with her decision. I can sympathize with the rape victims. I can sympathize but not agree. But what baffles my mind is the politicians and the entire movement itself. How in the world can we hold to such a ridiculous practice and allow it to be legal?

Dan Phillips has posted the third part to his "Preaching the Good News"? Earlier he gave us a snippet of an "evangelism" tract left at his door step. He asked what we could tell about the group that left it. Then he told us it was the Mormons. Today he considers some of the implications of this discussion.

I have been reading about the life of Charles Spurgeon. The fuel that drove his ministry was laboring in prayer. So I believe it is not a coincidence that the MacArthur article today is on Praying Without Ceasing.

Jonathan Leeman continues to blog through Willow Creek's REVEAL. Today he considers mutli-campus churches.

Finally, the IMonk has created an interesting discussion about 12 Churches and 12 Calvinists. What would happen? This lends itself to being a great discussion.

After reading this chapter, if I were a web designer I would craft a picture of my rear and Richard Sibbes kicking it. Certainly that would be inaccurate because it is not Sibbes that has "cut me to the heart" but the Holy Spirit of God using Sibbes. This chapter has thus far been the most pastoral but also has application for every believer. From the very beginning Sibbes is used by the Spirit of God to cut the heart of prideful meanies like myself. I realized after reading this chapter that I am not as merciful with "smoking flax" as I ought to be.

Quick Outline:

• Simplicity and Humility
• Sound Judgment
• How Those in Authority Should Act
• We are Debtors to the Weak

Summary:

The Spirit of Mercy Should Move Us is the title of this chapter and Sibbes makes his point well. From the beginning Sibbes sets forth his point: "Preachers need to take heed therefore how they deal with young believers. Let them be careful not to pitch matters too high, making things necessary evidences of grace which agree not to the experience of many a good Christian, and laying salvation and damnation upon things that are not fit to bear so great a weight."

Part of having a spirit of mercy is being simple and humble. We must be very careful as ministers not to let our pride cause us to speak in lofty speech. We must make certain that the truth is unadorned. We ought to be like Christ in this matter (as in all), that "abased [himself] for the good of the meanest". Part of this simplicity is not laboring over and racking their wits upon things that are non-essential. Yet, even in this point Sibbes advices that sometimes God will allow a shaking up and questionings. Therefore, we ought to be careful not to allow men to go needlessly into error. On the other hand we must be careful to deal with these times of questioning with much grace.

Lest he be misunderstood Sibbes gives a warning concerning these principles and urges us to continue in sound judgment. As we are bearing with others we must make it evident our dislike of evil. Sometimes we are called to be merciful, sometimes severe. This is a difficult task and therefore we must seek the counsel of the "spirit above our own". Often the Spirit of God will lead us into moderation. Yet, even here Sibbes warns us that. Some men are not really pursuing moderation. And others are doing so in pride as if they have wisdom above both parties.

Sibbes then move on to discussing how those in authority should act. His advice is simple. We should "not kill a fly on the forehead with a mallet, nor shut men out of heaven for a trifle". It is important to understand the great esteem held to church discipline in this day. If a man were censured by the church (in Sibbes case Anglican) it meant something. It was as if that man were shut out of heaven itself. Therefore, Sibbes is advising that we execute our authority (that which has been given to us by Christ) with care.

Along these same lines Sibbes reminds us that we are debtors to the weak. Sibbes then gives three lines of advice. 1) We must be careful in our liberties not to offend the weak. 2) Be careful not to misrepresent the actions of another. 3) We must not be quick to censure a brother based out of our ill passions. Sibbes then closes out his chapter by further making his point that mercy should move us because we are debtors. A wonderful quote to sum up this chapter would be, "The Holy Ghost is content to dwell in smoky, offensive souls. Oh, that the Spirit would breathe into our spirits the same merciful disposition".

Discussion:

As discussed earlier this has so far been the most convicting chapter for me. I believe this chapter, if heeded, could be used mightily by God in this generation. We are seeing many young ministers (as well as older men) with a bold passion for the truth of God. We are witnessing the beautiful doctrines of grace being restored. The keys of church discipline are being grasped again by many churches. Sibbes, in this chapter, serves as a reminder that we must not take these to an unhealthy extreme. In our passion for truth we must be careful not to be lofty and continue in humility. In our quest to restore biblical practices such as church discipline we must be cautious that we do not go overboard and "kill a fly on the forehead with a mallet".

Sibbes does a beautiful job in this chapter of following the narrow way. He is quick to speak against foolish moderation and passivity. However, in the same word of thought he cautions against severity. Sibbes says it best when he says, "It is hard to preserve just bounds of mercy and severity without a spirit above our own, by which we ought to desire to be led in all things". Sibbes puts us where we ought to be--in the hands of the Spirit of God. As he does this he reminds us that other believers are there as well.

Pearls and Diamonds:

"The ambassadors of so gentle a Saviour should not be overbearing, setting up themselves in the hearts of people where Christ alone should sit as in his own temple." (p.26)

"When [truth] is most unadorned, it is most lovely and powerful." (p.27)

"Nothing is so certain as that which is certain after doubts." (p.28)

"One man's meat may be another's poison." (p.28)

"Mercy does not rob us of our right judgment, so as to take stinking fire-brands for smoking flax. None will claim mercy more of others than those who deserve due severity." (p.29)

"...not to kill a fly on the forehead with a mallet..." (p.30)

"Misery should be a [magnet] of mercy, not a footstool for pride to trample on." (p.31)

"What would have become of our salvation, if he had stood upon terms, and not stooped thus low unto us? We need not affect to be more holy than Christ." (p.33)

"The Holy Ghost is content to dwell in smoky, offensive souls. Oh, that the Spirit would breathe into our spirits the same merciful disposition." (p.33)

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Early on John Piper challenged us to Not Waste the MLK Weekend. Piper also quoted at length from King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail. MLK's full I Have A Dream speech is accessible at the bottom of this post. It is such an amazing speech. Only 1600 words but riveting. (HT: JT) Said at Southern has numerous links today on Racism, Christianity, and America.

Last day of Challies blog tour. Today he visits Sharper Iron. They asks, "How does Scripture tell us to view discernment as a step of rational thought guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than a supra-rational sixth sense?" Find the answer here.

Over the weekend Justin Taylor interviewed Tim Keller. If you are not familiar with Keller you should be.

Phil Johnson continues his series on Total Depravity. Today he considers In What Sense is Depravity Total. A great summation is this statement: "Human depravity is "total" in the same sense death is total. You can't be partly dead. You can be really, really sick or critically injured and on life support, but you're either dead or alive. There are no degrees of death." The Weekly Does of Spurgeon is centered upon the point of depravity as well. In this excerpt Spurgeon discusses How Depravity Necessitates Election.

Fred from Of First Importance shares this excellent quote by Alfred Poirier: “In light of God’s judgment and justification of the sinner in the cross of Christ, we can begin to discover how to deal with any and all criticism. By agreeing with God’s criticism of me in Christ’s cross, I can face any criticism man may lay against me. In other words, no one can criticize me more than the cross has. If you thus know yourself as having been crucified with Christ, then you can respond to any criticism, even mistaken or hostile criticism, without bitterness, defensiveness, or blame shifting. Such responses typically exacerbate and intensify conflict, and lead to the rupture of relationships. You can learn to hear criticism as constructive and not condemnatory because God has justified you.”

J.D. Hatfield discusses Moving On sometimes in evangelism.

Here is the "I Have a Dream Speech":