A Lamp in the Window (A True Christmas Story)

Here is a wonderful and true Christmas story from a friend of mine. When things seem dark, sometimes a lamp is right around the corner.

A Lamp in the Window


Merry Christmas,

Doug

Importunate Prayer

It is interesting how God seems to be moved by our importunate prayers, but that should not suprise us, because the only time we seem to offer importunate prayers is when He is moving us.

Doug

What Troubles You?

"Were any of us asked seriously, what it is that troubles us, we must refer it to one of these heads:— either we want strength or power, vigour and life, in our obedience, in our walking with God; or we want peace, comfort, and consolation therein. Whatever it is that may befall a believer that doth not belong to one of these two heads, doth not deserve to be mentioned in the days of our complaints." -John Owen

What Your Lust is Working Towards

"Take heed, this is that thy lust is working towards, — the hardening of the heart, searing of the conscience, blinding of the mind, stupifying of the affections, and deceiving of the whole soul." - John Owen

Christmas Hope (For the Hurting)

Christmas, Heartache, and the Christian

Many people have trouble celebrating Christmas because of the pain and heartache they are facing. But for the Christian, pain and heartache is often used by the Lord to move us into a deeper celebration, because we realize that the one we are celebrating is our ultimate redemption from all pain and heartache.

Doug

More Conservative than Scripture (Video)

Being more conservative than Scripture is no more praiseworthy than being more liberal than Scripture.

Doug

Hope in Chastisement

Since God chastises those He loves, here is a great verse to keep in mind when His hand is heavy upon us for our sins, “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up." Hosea 6:1

Doug

Please Pray for Bobby Grow

Please keep my friend Bobby Grow and his wife Angela Grow in prayer as he battles cancer and if the Lord is leading you to help them out, you can find out how to do so at the link.

A Day at the Oncologist: A Full-Fledged Health Update, and Real Life Request for Help «

Doug

Empty Deceit and "Christian" Self-help

To the atheist, the conscience is the end product of a long line of evolutionary and social conditioning, so when it bothers them they are not really guilty of anything. As James Sire puts it, they are really only guilty of guilt. This is why we live in a culture of therapy. The goal is to rid ourselves of the feeling of guilt instead of the guilt itself. Unfortunately, we see this being translated into many churches as sin and the cross of Christ are ignored and replaced with a "Christian" self-help regimen. So even under the name of Jesus, empty deceit can hold sway.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

-Colossians 2:8-

Doug Eaton

A Shepherd's Christmas

To hear the shepherds tell their story must have been wonderful.

More Conservative Than Scripture

Being more conservative than scripture is no more praiseworthy than being more liberal than scripture.

Doug

The Funny Thing About a False Belief

The funny thing about a false belief is how beautiful and strong it can often appear before reality applies its pressure. Take for example the person who believes that God would never want his people to face affliction because he loves them so much that he couldn’t stand to see them suffer. During the good times, this idea has a way of sounding beautiful in that it encourages them to believe that God, in his affections toward them, is going to always keep them at peace. It can also give the perception of strength as they think of the all the dangers of this life, yet feel hedged in by a God that would never let their foot slip into distress. But when the person who holds to this false notion is tested in the furnace of affliction, they will out find how quickly it begins to crumble. In the midst of suffering they will either have to admit that their God, who does not want them to suffer, either does not exist, or he is not powerful enough to stop it. Either way, what they trusted in is gone right when they needed it the most. We must build our life upon the Word of God, because when the storms come, everything else will be washed away.

Doug Eaton

The Problem with Many "Seeker" Churches

The problem with many “seeker” churches, is that they really don’t understand people who are truly seeking after God. Usually, the person who is seeking God, is under the conviction of their sin and trying to understand how a just God could forgive them, and unfortunately, the guilt of sin and the justice of God are two things many seeker churches avoid mentioning in order to not annoy the "seeker."

Doug Eaton

Application Without Exegesis: A Destructive Trend

Exegesis is foundational to understand scripture’s application to our lives. The problem is that many in the church want to hear the application without doing the work of the exegete. In many cases this has also been translated into the way many preachers preach. In order to keep congregants happy, they are given large amounts of life application with little if any scriptural content. This puts both the preacher and the congregant in a dangerous position, because now neither the preacher nor the churchgoer is tethered to the text. Two major problems can arise in the life of the church member because of this. First, even if the application of scripture is correct, when it is challenged by those who disagree, the church member is left defenseless when it comes to defending this truth biblically. And second, if the application is not truly derived from scripture, then the church member has been sold some kind self-help scheme as if were a “biblical principle.” And when this self help scheme eventually lets them down, not only will they be disappointed in the church, but they may even start to believe scripture is no longer trustworthy. This is indeed a destructive trend.

-Doug Eaton-

10 Ways Daily Bible Reading Will Enhance Corporate Worship

1. When a scripture is read you will already have some idea of the context of the passage and be able to draw more from it.

2. As you sing songs in worship you will recognize many of the passages of scriptures alluded to in the music, which will enrich the truths they are communicating.

3. You will better understand the significance of the ordinances like baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which will make you be able to see more of the imagery of the law and gospel in them.

4. As you study the text while it is being preached, you will be able to relate it to other passages of scripture not included in the sermon.

5. During discussion times you will better be able to contribute to discussions and edify others.

6. You will have a greater hunger for the word because you have been feeding on it and finding satisfaction in it. This hunger takes away much of the dryness that some people experience when attending church and makes it a pleasure to be in the house of the Lord.

7. In times of fellowship you will be able to apply the scripture to people’s lives as they talk about their daily joys and struggles.

8. It will reveal your sinfulness and give you strength as you fight against the indwelling sin in your own life, and make you better able to strengthen others. And better understanding this struggle produces contrition and begins to eliminate the pride which causes unneeded divisions in many churches.

9. As you desire success for your church, you will better understand what true church success is, and it will keep you trusting in the Lord who gives the increase instead of trusting in worldly tactics as you seek growth.

10. Since the Word moves us to prayer, you will be more prayerful as you spend time in the Lord’s house which is called a house of prayer.

This list is designed to let people know a few of the ways daily bible reading will enhance the corporate worship in bible teaching churches. If you attend a church where the bible is neglected and pop psychology is the main course, attending those types of churches while engaged in daily bible reading will only frustrate you. This is because you will find that motivational “preaching” neglects the main themes that run throughout scripture and replaces theology with therapy and replaces redemption with a self-help regimen. Of course even that frustration is a good thing.

-Doug Eaton-

The Cities of Refuge: Sermon on Youtube

Lane Chaplin has graciously posted the Cities of Refuge sermon on youtube.

Doug

Christ Our Refuge (Christ in the Cities of Refuge)

Here is a link to a sermon I preached recently on the cities of refuge and how they point to Christ. The text is Joshua 20. The MP3 can also be downloaded at the link.

Christ our Refuge

God Bless,

Doug

Truth and Personal Peace

Sometimes truth and personal peace seem to be at odds. So what do you do when that happens? You follow the advice of John Owen.

"See in the meantime that your faith brings forth obedience, and God in due time will cause it to bring forth peace." - John Owen

God Bless,

Doug

Christianity, The Church, and Government

Why is it that many Christians who decry Christian political involvement (read Tony Campolo types) because power and politics are tools of Satan, then go on to argue for government solutions to global warming and health care? Do they really want Satan and his tools cooling our plannet and running our health care? Perhaps a more balanced approach is needed.

Should Christians be involved in government? Isn’t Christ our hope not politics? Is any influence of Christian thought on the state a violation of the separation of church and state? In this episode of Apologetics.com radio, Dean, Donald McConnell of Trinity Law School, Doug Eaton, and Lane Chaplin discuss several questions that pertain to the Christian’s role in government and the governments role in Christianity.

http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=385:christianity-the-church-and-government&catid=43:kkla-995-fm-los-angeles&Itemid=74

This show can also be downloaded for free as a podcast in itunes. Simply search for apologetics.com in the itunes store.

Discomfort and Daily Dependence Upon God

When we become believers we still have a strong natural tendency to consider our earthy pleasures and our feelings as the measure of what is really important in life. So much so, that we may often desire the old flesh-pots of Egypt, instead of what we really need. To break us from this the Lord will take us through times of discomfort as He teaches us daily dependence upon Him instead of the frames and feelings of this life. Through it all He is moving us further along in our sanctification where we begin all the more to understand that Christ is the greatest treasure we could ever have.

God Bless,

Doug

Dark Nights of the Soul

Sanctification is process that will not be completed on this side of heaven, which means that right now we still have issues of sin that the Lord is dealing with. This video looks at some of the things a true Child of God can face when God deals with us in our sinfulness. Even though these times can be the darkest of nights for the believer, they are also some of the most precious as the Lord works in us great progress in our sanctification. Which will make us much more useful for His glory.

God Bless,

Doug

Charles Finney and the Heresy of American Pelagianism (White Horse Inn)

Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism

This is from Lane Chaplin's Youtube Channel. This is a great resource.

Lanes Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/LaneCh

Link to purchase the DVD: http://www.theapologeticsgroup.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=219

Study Guide for Amazing Grace:http://www.theapologeticsgroup.com/export/Articles/1%20AmazingGraceStudyGuide.pdf

Sanctified Affliction

"No trial is so hard to bear as a sense of sin. If Thou shouldst give me choice to live in pleasure and keep my sins, or to have them burnt away with trial, give me sanctified affliction. Deliver me from every evil habit, every accretion of former sins, everything that dims the brightness of Thy grace in me, everything that prevents me taking delight in Thee. Then I shall bless Thee, God of jeshurun, for helping me to be upright."

-Valley of Vision-

He Restores My Soul - Video Devotion

The Lord is my shepherd and He restores my soul.


God Bless,

Doug

Affliction and the Chastisement of God - John Calvin

"[O]ur most merciful Father requires not only to prevent our weakness, but often to correct our past faults, that he may keep us in due obedience. Therefore, whenever we are afflicted we ought immediately to call to mind our past life. In this way we will find that the faults which we have committed are deserving of such castigation. And yet the exhortation to patience is not to be founded chiefly on the acknowledgment of sin. For Scripture supplies a far better consideration when it says, that in adversity "we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world," (1 Cor. 11: 32.) Therefore, in the very bitterness of tribulation we ought to recognise the kindness and mercy of our Father, since even then he ceases not to further our salvation. For he afflicts, not that he may ruin or destroy but rather that he may deliver us from the condemnation of the world. Let this thought lead us to what Scripture elsewhere teaches: "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth," (Prov. iii 11, 12.) When we perceive our Father's rod, is it not our part to behave as obedient docile sons rather than rebelliously imitate desperate men, who are hardened in wickedness? God dooms us to destruction, if he does not, by correction, call us back when we have fallen off from him, so that it is truly said, "If ye be without chastisement," "then are ye bastards, and not sons," (Heb. 12: 8.) We are most perverse then if we cannot bear him while he is manifesting his good-will to us, and the care which he takes of our salvation. Scripture states the difference between believers and unbelievers to be, that the latter, as the slaves of inveterate and deep-seated iniquity, only become worse and more obstinate under the lash; whereas the former, like free-born sons turn to repentance. Now, therefore, choose your class."

-John Calvin-

Boredom, Self-Denial, and the Christian Life

As a Christian are you bored? There should be some things that bore you, but are you bored by the right things?

God Bless,

Doug

A Vision of Your Sinfulness - Oswald Chambers

"When God wants to show you what human nature is like apart from Himself, he has to show it to you in yourself. If the Spirit of God has given you a vision of what you are apart from the grace of God (and he only does it when His Spirit is at work), you know there is no criminal who is half so bad in actuality as you know yourself to be in possibility."

- Oswald Chambers -

The Imputation of Sin - Charles Spurgeon

“And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt- offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”- Lev_1:4

Our Lord’s being made “sin for us” is set forth here by the very significant transfer of sin to the bullock, which was made by the elders of the people. The laying of the hand was not a mere touch of contact, for in some other places of Scripture the original word has the meaning of leaning heavily, as in the expression, “thy wrath lieth hard upon me” (Psa_88:7). Surely this is the very essence and nature of faith, which doth not only bring us into contact with the great Substitute, but teaches us to lean upon him with all the burden of our guilt. Jehovah made to meet upon the head of the Substitute all the offences of his covenant people, but each one of the chosen is brought personally to ratify this solemn covenant act, when by grace he is enabled by faith to lay his hand upon the head of the “Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world.” Believer, do you remember that rapturous day when you first realized pardon through Jesus the sin-bearer? Can you not make glad confession, and join with the writer in saying, “My soul recalls her day of deliverance with delight. Laden with guilt and full of fears, I saw my Saviour as my Substitute, and I laid my hand upon him; oh! how timidly at first, but courage grew and confidence was confirmed until I leaned my soul entirely upon him; and now it is my unceasing joy to know that my sins are no longer imputed to me, but laid on him, and like the debts of the wounded traveller, Jesus, like the good Samaritan, has said of all my future sinfulness, ‘Set that to my account.’“ Blessed discovery! Eternal solace of a grateful heart!

“My numerous sins transferr’d to him,
Shall never more be found,
Lost in his blood’s atoning stream,
Where every crime is drown’d!”

-Charles Spurgeon-

Are You Using God Given Gifts to Sin?

In the book of Hosea, God had strengthened the people and they turned around and used that strength to sin against Him. We do the same thing when we sin.

God Bless,

Doug

Michael Jackson Has Died (A Christian Reflection)

It was just reported that Michael Jackson has died after going into cardiac arrest. During this time our hearts, as Christians, go out to the family and his children. To reflect on such an event as a believer is sobering to say the least. To reflect on the death of anyone would do the same, but there seems to be something extra when it is a person like Michael Jackson. To imagine that even kings, even if they were just the “King of Pop,” will one day stand before the King of kings, should cause us all to pause and reflect for a moment on our lives.

Scripture tells us that it is appointed once for a man to die, then the judgment (Heb. 9:27). All men, even those who seemed to have the world by the tail for a time, are subjected to it. What is more troubling for the Christian who considers such an event, is to see how many people are still clamoring to have what Michael had at the height of his fame, knowing that many fail to see how quickly these kingdoms will come crashing down.

There is no doubt that fame has engulfed many to the point that it seems to have consumed them, and it should not be surprising when we consider that scripture tells us that “the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest” (Isa 57:20). Even if we end up with all that we dreamed of in this world, unless Christ is our treasure we will not find the rest that seems to be eluding us (Matt. 16:26). In fact, we often impale ourselves with many troubles as we pursue it (1 Tim 6:10).

There is a restlessness in the human heart as Augustine pointed out when he said, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” This restlessness comes from the fact that there is a knowledge of God written on our hearts, and in our sinfulness we want nothing to do with it (Rom. 1:18-20). It is from this point that our pursuits for peace take us everywhere except the one place we would be able to find it.

In our sinfulness we reject God, knowing that we have violated his ways (Rom 1:32), and to cover up that knowledge, we tend to work even harder to find things that can distract us from that truth. In it we tend to go further and further down a path of vanity, for all is vanity apart from Christ (Ecc. 1:2).

From here we create our own standards of what we think a good person ought to be, but even by our own standards we fail to measure up. Only by deceiving ourselves are we able maintain any level of respectability and righteousness. Often during these pursuits, we find ourselves engaging in all kinds of aberrant behavior simply trying to measure up to our own standards. In it, we are clinging to our own righteousness in order to appease the God we know is there. For many, even in their suppression of the truth, will create a God to their liking and will try to appease him (Rom 1:23), but the God of scripture tells us that all our righteousness is like filthy rags, and he wants nothing to do it them (Isa. 64:6). But, praise God, He then goes on to tell us of the remedy that he has offered in Christ Jesus for all of us have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (Rom. 3:23) . You see, God the Father sent his son to die upon the cross to bear the punishment for all who will believe in Him (John 3:16) in order to bring us into a right relationship with Him and give us the peace we are seeking.

As was mentioned before, it is appointed once for a man to die then the judgment, but the only way anyone will be able to stand in the judgment is if they are in Christ, because he is the only one who has lived a truly righteous life and paid the penalty for our sins (Acts 4:12), and if we are not in Christ we will have to pay our own penalty for sins. This truth applies to all men and women, whether rich or poor, famous or unknown, loved by the world or not.

To paraphrase John Donne, when we hear that someone has died and we wonder for whom the bell tolls, there is a sense in which it will always be tolling for us. It is a constant reminder of our own frailty, telling us to be cognizant of our own end, and to ponder what awaits us afterward, and whether or not we are living life the way it should be lived; to the glory of God (Psalm 39:4).

God Bless,

Doug Eaton

The God of All Comfort

God is the God of all comfort as 2 Corinthians tells us, but what does that mean and what are we to do with that comfort once we have received it?

God Bless,

Doug

The Most Generally Prevailing and Ensnaring Sin - John Newton

(From the Letter of John Newton)

"For of this you can be sure: that no sexually immoral or impure nor covetousness person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of God." Ephesians 5:5

What is covetousness?

Covetousness is a sin from which few people are entirely free. It is eminently a deceitful sin! It is decried and condemned in others--by multitudes who live in the habit of it themselves! It is very difficult to fix a conviction of this sin--upon those who are guilty of it!

Whether drunkards or profligates regard the warnings of the preacher or not, when he declares that those who persist in those evil practices, shall not inherit the kingdom of God--they at least know their own characters, and are sensible that they are the people intended.

But if the preacher adds, "nor the covetousness person--such a man is an idolater" --the covetous man usually sits unmoved, and is more ready to apply the threatening to his neighbor--than to himself! If he now and then gives a few dollars to some charity--he does not suspect that he is liable to the charge of covetousness!

I consider covetousness as the most generally prevailing and ensnaring sin, by which professors of the gospel, in our materialistic society, are hindered in their spiritual progress. A disposition deeply rooted in our fallen nature, strengthened by the custom of all around us, the power of habit, and the fascinating charm of wealth--is not easily counteracted.

If we are, indeed, genuine believers in Christ--we are bound by obligation, and required by our Scriptural rule--to set our affections on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. Christ has called us out of the world, and cautioned us against conformity to its spirit. While we are in the world--it is our duty, privilege, and honor--to manifest that grace which has delivered us from the love of the world. Christians must indeed eat and drink, and may buy and sell, as other people do. But the principles, motives, and ends of their conduct, are entirely different--they are to adorn the doctrine of God their Savior, and to do all for His glory!

The Christian knows that it is not necessary to be rich, or to be admired or envied by the vain unthinking world--and that it is absolutely necessary for him to maintain peace of conscience, and communion with God. In these respects, all God's people, however differently situated--are exactly upon a par.

But, alas! how many who profess to know and value the gospel--are far otherwise minded! The chief mark of their profession, is their attendance on Sunday services! At other times, and in other respects--they are not easily distinguished from the ungodly world! Their houses, furniture, tables, and other belongings; and the manner in which they seek worldly things--sufficiently proves them to be covetous! Their love of money, and the desire of more--are always in exercise. They attempt to look two ways at once--and to reconcile the incompatible claims of God--and mammon! They rise early, go to bed late, and eat the bread of worry--that they may be able to vie with the world in their possessions; and to lay up snares, and thorns, and encumbrances for their children!

Often, they already have a lawful employment, which affords a competence for a comfortable support. But if opportunity offers, they eagerly catch at some other prospect of gain, though they thereby double their anxieties, and encroach still more upon that time (too little before) which they should allot to the concerns of their souls!

Such opportunities they call providential openings, and perhaps say they are thankful for them; not considering that such openings of Providence are frequently temptations or tests, which the Lord permits a man to meet with--to prove what is in his heart, and to try him, whether his affections are indeed set on the things above--or still cleave to the earth!

For those who, as the apostle expresses it, "long to be rich," who will strain every nerve to be found in the list of the wealthy--may, and often do, obtain the poor reward they seek. As in the case of Israel, when, not satisfied with bread from heaven, they clamored for meat. God gives them their desire--but with it, sends leanness into their souls. They expose themselves to temptations and snares, to foolish passions and pursuits; and thus too many, who promised fair at the first setting out, are drowned in destruction and perdition! For it is written in the Scripture, "For of this you can be sure: that no covetousness person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of God." Ephesians 5:5 And the Scriptures cannot be broken!

"For the love of money is the root of all evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows!" 1 Timothy 6:10. Who can enumerate the many sorrows with which the covetous and worldly-minded professor is pierced! Sooner or later, his schemes are broken; losses and crosses, disappointments and and anxieties, wear down his spirit. Improper connections, which he formed, because he longed to be rich, become thorns in his sides and in his eyes! He trusted in men--and men deceive him! He leaned upon a weak reed--which breaks, and he falls! Thus he finds that the way of transgressors and backsliders is hard!

If therefore, my dear reader, you wish to avoid trouble, and to pass through life as smoothly as possible, take heed and beware of covetousness!

From The Letters of John Newton - (For more from Grace Gems see the link in my sidebar.)

For the Double Minded

We as Christians are often double minded. We seek to follow after God, yet we still pursue the things of this world. This video takes a look at James 4: 4-10 and what it tells us about resisting those temptations.

God Bless,

Doug

When Loss Is Gain

I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Phil. 3:8

Our hearts are easily lured away by the fleeting shadows of this world, and these shadows have a way of slowly enticing our hearts in ways that are so subtle that we are often unaware of how tightly they have begun to grip us. Unaware that is, until we find ourselves reeling emotionally from being pulled in two opposite directions. If we follow the ways of Christ, our hearts break in longing for that which we will have to deny, and if we give ourselves to whatever it is that has our hearts inordinately bound, we know that we will find ourselves disappointed in the long run, even though it seems like it is the very thing we need to give us the peace that seems to be eluding us.

We know in these moments that it truly is impossible to serve two masters, for we will end up despising one of them. If we were left to ourselves, we would run headlong into sin, but praise God, our savior has ways of showing us our folly. The things that have held us captive and entranced are often exposed, by some providential means, to be things to which we must bid farewell.

How does the Lord do this? Often it is through trials, for when we are tried, we are reminded that this world is not our home, and no matter what it was that we were pursuing, we begin to realize that next to the excellency of knowing Christ, all other things will let us down. For if we are pursuing youth and beauty, he can remind us of our own frailty through illness and make us to be cognizant of our own end. If we are pursuing wealth and affluence, even if he allows us to attain it, he can cause us to experience great emptiness in the midst of it all through a time of spiritual depression. If you have made an idol out of some relationship, he has ways to show you how easily it is to be let down by those we trust or how easy it is to let someone down ourselves.

After the Lord has broken our hearts by showing us the futility of making anything of this world our ultimate treasure, he then reveals to us in even greater ways the unfailing treasure of knowing Him. For anything we may pursue in this life apart from Christ, only leads us to greater condemnation. Our sin separated us from a Holy God, and no amount of youth and beauty, wealth and affluence, or any earthy relationships could have removed the penalty that we deserved. But Christ, the Lord of Glory, stepped out of heaven into human flesh to save those who will have faith in him. He was a man who had no form or comeliness (Isaiah 53:2), and any youth and beauty he did possess was marred beyond recognition as they crucified Him. Being born in a stable he was not a man of affluence. He had no place to call his home (Luke 9:58), and even the robe he did own was stripped from his back and gambled away by the roman soldiers. Finally, he was denied by those closest to him; he was betrayed by Judas, disowned by Peter, and the rest of the disciples scattered as he was being tried and sacrificed for our salvation.

If Christ denied himself all these things when it was necessary, how much more should we who follow him. What good would it be if we had all these things, but did not have Christ? For there was one aspect of suffering Christ bore in order that we would not have to. While Jesus was suffering on the Cross, he was bearing something much more terrible than the loss of beauty, wealth, and friends. He was bearing the very wrath of God the Father. When Jesus told the people, “do not fear those who can destroy the body, but fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell,” he knew that he would be bearing that destruction in our place, and the blow would be given by his Father in Heaven. As he cried, “my God, my God why have you forsaken me,” he was doing more than simply drawing a comparison to the suffering servant of psalm 22. He was fulfilling its prophecy, and it pleased the Lord to bruise him (Isaiah 53:10).

Now why would Christ, who could have refused the suffering, choose to bear it, and why did the Father, who loved the son, choose to pour his wrath on his only son? It was so that we could be reconciled to God, through the forgiveness of sins. The punishment for our sins has been met in Christ, for He loves us with an everlasting love. In Christ, though we may lose some of what this world calls pleasure, relationships, and maybe even our lives, we will gain all the blessings of God, including eternal life and a friend who sticks closer than a brother. As we experience these losses, we must remember that those losses will be gain as we find our Savior. There is no treasure that can compare to the greatness of knowing Christ.

Doug Eaton

When Fighting Against Sin Is Painful

A few thoughts on fighting against sin, and making Christ your treasure.

Every Which Way But Loose

Just a few thoughts about when life hits us with unexpected troubles.

Doug

P.S. Thanks dad for following the Lord and preaching the sermons He gave you. The "Every Which Way But Loose" one has never ceased to comfort me. Happy Fathers Day!

Audio Resources (Theology, Apologetics, and Philosophy)

Here are the links.All Past Shows...
http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?...

Postmodernism's Influence of Evangelical and Emergent Churches...
http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?...

10 Arguments Thoughtful Atheists Won't Use...
http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?...

Eschatology 101: Repent! The End is (possibly) Near(er)! ...
http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?...

Christianity and Liberalism: Can Both Survive?
http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?...

Unitarianism, Universalism, Inclusivism Against the Kingdom of God ...
http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?...

The Glorious Reformation
http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?...

God Bless,

Doug

Suffering and Ministry: A Quote by Charles Spurgeon

This is a short quote by Charles Spurgeon to remind us that sometimes suffering is part of our ministry.

"One Sabbath morning, I preached from the text, `My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?' and though I did not say so, yet I preached my own experience. I heard my own chains clank while I tried to preach to my fellow-prisoners in the dark; but I could not tell why I was brought into such an awful horror of darkness, for which I condemned myself. On the following Monday evening, a man came to see me who bore all the marks of despair upon his countenance. His hair seemed to stand up right, and his eyes were ready to start from their sockets. He said to me, after a little parleying, "I never before, in my life, heard any man speak who seemed to know my heart. Mine is a terrible case; but on Sunday morning you painted me to the life, and preached as if you had been inside my soul." By God's grace I saved that man from suicide, and led him into gospel light and liberty; but I know I could not have done it if I had not myself been confined in the dungeon in which he lay. I tell you the story, brethren, because you sometimes may not understand your own experience, and the perfect people may condemn you for having it; but what know they of God's servants? You and I have to suffer much for the sake of the people of our charge....You may be in Egyptian darkness, and you may wonder why such a horror chills your marrow; but you may be altogether in the pursuit of your calling, and be led of the Spirit to a position of sympathy with desponding minds."

-C.H. Spurgeon-

Family Man - Andrew Peterson

Still, My Soul Be Still

The Gettys do it again. Here is a sample of one of the new songs off their soon to be released album, "Awaken the Dawn"

Still, My Soul Be Still (Click link to hear an audio sample)

Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming

Words and Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend

Bearing Our Curse: Penal Substitution

The atonement is at the heart of Christianity, but what was it that Christ accomplished on the cross?

Doug

Unitarianism, Universalism, and Inclusivism Against the Kingdom of God (MP3)

Christopher Neiswonger and Doug Eaton on this weeks www.apologetics.com radio show. (Audio can also be downloaded in itunes under the apologetics.com podcast).

Unitarianism, Universalism, and Inclusivism Against the Kingdom of God (Audio)

There are moods in theology just as there are in culture. The pressure from the dominant culture upon the church is to find a way, any way, to re-interpret the scriptures so as to make soteriology (The doctrines of salvation) less exclusive.

John Hick created the new standards for religious pluralism by arguing for the move away from a needlessly “christ-centered” theology to a more moderate “god-centered” theology. There has been a move in Evangelical Christianity to follow suit.

Karl Rahner posited something a little less ambitious, arguing that though Christianity (of the Roman Catholic denomination) is the true religion sincerity and good works within the context of other religions is sufficient for God’s purposes soteriologically speaking. While Protestant orthodoxy has always taught “justification by grace alone through faith alone apart from the merit of works”, the new theology, especially as adopted by the Emergent church movement and Christian Liberalism seems to favor a ‘Justification by works alone, apart from faith’. Assent to certain beliefs or intellectual content is thought to be merely incidental.

Unitarianism (not simply the variety that denies the deity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity) is willing to argue for the veracity of all religions which makes it equally comfortable with any of them or none of them.

The most offensive teaching of traditional Christian Theology, to those in these revisionist movements, seems to be the doctrine of endless punishment, or more properly, the doctrine that God would ever punish anyone at all. The accusation is that there is some kind of inherent personality defect in any god that might have the capacity for Justice, or anger over sin, or “punishment”.

Of course nothing is being said here that has not been said before about Christian thought or religion in general. Religious syncretism was the norm in the first and second centuries AD. But none of this has ever been mistaken for Christian thought. The Scriptures being the source and center of Christian faith and practice, this kind of thinking has always been understood to be irreconcilable with an orthodox Christianity. Not only has it been condemned again and again by the historical church but the Christian laity have had an easy enough time seeing something very different in the words Jesus and the Apostles. There seems to be very little that would lead anyone to find universalism in the scriptures in any obvious way. This is why so many find them so offensive.

At the end of the day, we read the scriptures the same way we read any other book. We use the text to interpret the text. It builds theme upon theme; idea upon idea. These alternatives to traditional orthodox Christianity seem lacking in both the weight of the necessary internal evidence to support their claims and in coherence as a worldview supposedly Christian.

Christopher Neiswonger

http://www.apologetics.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=353:unitarianism-universalism-inclusivism-against-the-kingdom-of-god&catid=43:kkla-995-fm-los-angeles&Itemid=74

Does God Accept Only Certain Denominations?

Do you think that God accepts only Christians of a certain denomination? Can people who hold to different doctrines, both be accepted by God? For instance, what about both the Calvinist and the Open Theist? They are both so different, can they both be considered Christianity?

Postmodernism's influence upon the Evangelical and Emergent Churches (MP3)

Here is the link latest apologetics.com radio show. In it, Christopher Neiswonger and I discuss postmodernism and the emergent church.

Postmodernism's influence upon the Evangelical and Emergent Churches

This episode can also be downloaded through the apologetics.com podcast in itunes.

Here is the synopsis of the radio show...

Christopher Neiswonger and Doug Eaton discuss some of the ways in which secular philosophers have had a direct influence upon how the Church is doing theology and the ways that that thought might be irreconcilable with traditional orthodox Christian theology. (W/calls last half hour)

Subjects include: Postmodernism, Emergent theology, J. Gresham Machen, Richard Rorty, Brian McClaren, Tony Snow, propositional truth, faith and practice, being followers of Jesus, Christendom, law and gospel, communitarianism, individualism, metanarrative, narrative, evangelization, hermeneutics, universalism, doubt, Rob Bell, Michael Horton, analogy, absolute truth, Augustine, C.S. Lewis and others.

God Bless,

Doug

"You Follow Calvin? Well, I Follow Christ!"

Some people think that using labels like Calvinism or Arminianism is wrong. After all shouldn't we follow Christ, not men or schools of thought? This video takes a look at these questions.

God Bless,

Doug

Rhett and Link Do Christian Songs for Kids

Rhett and Link on youtube always make me laugh, but I recently found out that they have also done some work for www.jellytelly.com. They have several songs about books of the Bible for kids. Here are two to check out.





God Bless,

Doug

Fundamentalism: Good or Bad?

Are you a fundamentalist? What exactly does the term mean?

To listen to an apologetics.com radio show on J. Gresham Machen's book, "Chrisitanity and Liberalism," Click the link below. It can also be downloaded on itunes as a podcast.

Christianity and Liberalism

God Bless,

Doug

God's Plan To Prosper You Includes Your Death

For the Christian, God's plan to prosper and not to harm you includes your death. Often when we talk about trials and God doing his work in us, we think about Job, but what about the Christian who dies in the prime of life and didn't escape their trial? Did God fail to prosper them, or do we have to assume that they deserved it? The answer to both of these questions is, no. God's is doing a work that is bigger than us, and His ways are higher than ours.

God Bless,

Doug

Only Those Completely Leperous Can Be Declared Clean

"If men knew themselves, God would heal and pardon them." - Blaise Pascal

God Bless,

Doug

How to Be Irrelevant

Homosexuality: Be Careful What You Say

What I find when it comes to the topic of homosexuality, is that many times Christians want to soft-peddle it in order to make people comfortable. This desire to soft-peddle tends to be driven by the outrage that is often unleashed by the homosexual community upon those who think their lifestyle is sinful. When we see this, many think, oh no, we have offended them, they will never know we love them if we do that. The problem with this type of thinking is that it usually assumes that the outrage is justified when in fact it is not. Often, the charges against Christians have nothing to do with the homosexuals actually being unloved, and have more to do with them not wanting anyone to tell them they are in sin. If we kowtow to these objections we are actually bowing in reverence to their sinful rebellion to the Word of God. I for one chose not to do this because I love them dearly and see them as totally depraved sinners, just like I was until I was brought to faith by the conviction of the Law, and told how Christ fulfilled the Law on my behalf and bore my wrath on the cross. It will not do to act like someone sins are small and then present the Gospel. Like Luther said, Christ did not pay a meager price on a meager cross for someones meager sins. He paid the ultimate price, because our sin (mine, yours, and the homosexual's) are disgusting and need to be rejected immediately.

Doug

Porn and Paper Pastors - Dan Phillips

Here is a thought provoking post by Dan Phillips of the Pyromaniacs.

Porn and Paper Pastors

God Bless,

Doug

The Opposite of Justice is NOT Mercy

What Are You Seeking?

The Christian life is more about seeking to be someone who is longsuffering and patient, than it is about seeking gratification in earthy comforts and pleasures.

Doug

"God is Dead" (Understanding Nietzsche)

Miserable Christians

When you desire sinful things and desire to serve Christ, you will be miserable, because when withdraw from your inordinate desires you will be saddened, and when you give into them you will find them empty and burdensome compared to Christ. This is why some Christians are less at peace than some people who do not have Christ. But the realization of this is often what God uses to draw us closer to Him. For the burden of the world is always greater than the easy yoke of Christ.

Doug

(This is a thought that was brought home to me while reading Thomas A. Kempis and from experience.)

Is The Love of The World Driving You or Your Church?

From Calvin’s Institutes…

“Whatever be the kind of tribulation with which we are afflicted, we should always consider the end of it to be, that we may be trained to despise the present, and thereby stimulated to aspire to the future life. For since God well knows how strongly we are inclined by nature to a slavish love of this world, in order to prevent us from clinging too strongly to it, he employs the fittest reason for calling us back, and shaking off our lethargy. Every one of us, indeed, would be thought to aspire and aim at heavenly immortality during the whole course of his life. For we would be ashamed in no respect to excel the lower animals; whose condition would not be at all inferior to ours, had we not a hope of immortality beyond the grave. But when you attend to the plans, wishes, and actions of each, you see nothing in them but the earth. Hence our stupidity; our minds being dazzled with the glare of wealth, power, and honours, that they can see no farther. The heart also, engrossed with avarice, ambition, and lust, is weighed down and cannot rise above them. In short, the whole soul, ensnared by the allurements of the flesh, seeks its happiness on the earth. To meet this disease, the Lord makes his people sensible of the vanity of the present life, by a constant proof of its miseries.”

Read the entire section here: Of Meditating on the Future Life.

Shocking Message To Pastors & Churches

Christians Shouldn't Disagree on Doctrine!

From the Triumphal Entry to the Cross

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed behind cried out, saying; Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest! Matt. 21:9

Though it is called the triumphal entry we know that Jesus had only one purpose in mind when he came to this earth, and that was to be our sacrifice. As he entered Jerusalem He rode on the donkey heading for His destination, the cross. In the words of the old spiritual, we who know this can cry “Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder Thee.”

Jesus was not merely riding into the city, but riding forward to the cross. He knew by the end of the week He would be beaten, spit upon, and crucified. But the thought of this torturous death was not the most grueling image, It would have been thoughts of that final moment, when He was to take on the sins of us who call on Him as Lord, and His Father whom He had obeyed perfectly would turn His face away from His son and pour His justice and wrath upon Him. In anguish, He knew, He would cry out “Father why have you forsaken me”.

On the way to the cross, the entry must have been bittersweet. As we consider this moment we know that nothing could have hindered Him from reaching His goal. As He rode, His mind would have most likely been directed to those He came to save. Maybe He saw our faces, knowing that without His death, he would have to watch us die. For we were born sinners, hopeless, condemned already. Maybe He looked at us, as a man who would look into the eyes of His bride as disease steals her away.

Whatever He was thinking, He was not going to let anything stand between Him and His bride. He was driven by His love for us, and when the time of the crucifixion came, He reached His destination. Upright, between two thieves, nailed to the cross, and having a spear thrust into His side, the cleansing blood and water flowed. His final cry was “It is finished”. The purchase had been made, and the powers of Hell had been broken. In the words of Charles Spurgeon “no sin of the believer can now be an arrow to mortally wound Him”.

All those who have faith in Him have been saved by His grace and have every reason to sing…

Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed Be the Name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the Highest!

-Doug Eaton-

On Contentment - William Plummer

"What shadows we are--and what shadows we pursue!"

"Humility is the mother of contentment."

"Those who realize that they deserve nothing, will be content with anything."

When we become lifted up with pride, and think we deserve something good at God's hands--it is impossible to satisfy us. But with the humble is wisdom, quietness, gentleness and contentment. He who expects nothing, because he deserves nothing, is sure to be satisfied with the treatment he receives at God's hands.

The proud man is like a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. He is turbulent and fiery. He alienates friends; he makes enemies. He has much trouble and sorrow--where the humble man passes quietly along. Pride and contentment do not go together. Neither do contentment and carnal ambition.

"Do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not!" (Jeremiah 45:5)

Our actual needs are not many; but the ambitious create a thousand desires and demands, which are hard, if not impossible to meet.

He who is carnally ambitious, will not be content with whatever he gains, because each elevation widens his horizon, and gives him a view of something else which he greatly longs for. And so he is tossed from vanity to vanity--a stranger to solid peace.

Are you ambitious for the things of this world?
Then you are your own tormentor!

-William Plummer-

The Gospel Coalition 2009 National Conference

The Intent of the Atonement - Jonathan Edwards

Here is an interesting thought by Jonathan Edwards on the intent and efficacy (limit) of the atonement.

"Universal redemption must be denied in the very sense of Calvinists themselves, whether predestination is acknowledged or no, if we acknowledge that Christ knows all things. For if Christ certainly knows all things to come, he certainly knew, when he died, that there were such and such men that would never be the better for his death. And therefore, it was impossible that he should die with an intent to make them (particular persons) happy. For it is a right-down contradiction [to say that] he died with an intent to make them happy, when at the same time he knew they would not be happy-Predestination or no predestination, it is all one for that. This is all that Calvinists mean when they say that Christ did not die for all, that he did not die intending and designing that such and such particular persons should be the better for it; and that is evident to a demonstration. Now Arminians, when [they] say that Christ died for all, cannot mean, with any sense, that he died for all any otherwise than to give all an opportunity to be saved; and that, Calvinists themselves never denied. He did die for all in this sense; ’tis past all contradiction."

-Jonathan Edwards [1722], The “Miscellanies”

HT: Adam R. Christensen

My Shepherd - Psalm 23

Dead. Black. Harmful. Guilty. These are not words that describe a mere principle that worked within me, they described me. Though life coursed through my veins I was spiritually dead, and death was to be the only wage I would merit. Not simply physical death, but eternal death. Flesh was the only word that could described me. As in death my eyes were closed and lifeless, there was no light allowed to enter because I loved the darkness. Blackness permeated everything I was. Though my eyes could see, in rebellion they would not look upon light and life. All my actions, though I boasted of goodness, were done in darkness, and because of this I was harmful; harmful to myself and to those around me, and none of it was accidental or blameless. In all of it I was culpable for I had gone astray.

Broken, Injured. Restless. Fearful. Of no merit in myself and entirely for His name’s sake, He called this wandering sheep. For the first time I heard His voice and it me gave life, and light began to penetrate my soul. And though still somewhat harmful something had changed. Something old had passed away and all things were becoming new. Yet in it all I was still broken. I had injured myself and those around me, and in restlessness and fear I began to wonder if He could give me all He promised.

Guided. Nourished. Protected. Loved. From a distance I followed His voice learning that He would only lead me to places that would be for my advantage. In all His leading He began to feed my wounded soul with nourishment that could not be found from any other source. In my ignorance I would wander from time to time but He never failed to fend off the enemies of my soul with His rod, and if necessary He would even use His rod to chasten me. When my foolish legs began to wander He did not hesitate to wound them. Then in my weakness He would gather me up into His arms and keep me close and protect me from myself while I would mend. In those times I began to know Him better, and as He spoke to me using a name that was all my own, I knew I was loved.

Peace. Comfort. Fearless. Endless. My Shepherd’s name is Jesus and He restores my soul. I now lay down in peace wherever He leads me and I shall not be in want. I am comforted by His rod and staff and now long to be at my Shepherd’s side. No longer do I fear evil for He is with me. His goodness and mercy will be with me all the days of my life and my dwelling in the house of the Lord will be endless.

Doug Eaton

Is Doctrine Important?

Is doctrine important or should we just focus on following Christ? This is another video from Mark at proclaimhisword. It also features Lane Chaplin.

Christians and the Courts with Mark From ProclaimHisWord

Recently I was interview by Mark From ProclaimHisWord. Be sure to visit his youtube channel and check out his videos.

Ten Keys to Evangelical Political Involvement (Donald McConnell)

This is another lecture from the God and Governing Conference hosted by Trinity Law School. If you want more from Dean Donald McConnell, be sure to click his link in the sidebar "Trinitarian Don."

The Importance of Preaching Damnation - Brian Brodersen

Does God Learn?: Problems with Open Theism

William Carey's Great Expectation

This is a brief video about the life of William Carey and what he accomplished. For more information I recommend this free mp3 lecture given By Timothy George of Beeson Seminary.

How Much Hate Does it Take to Call Someone a Hater?

You Must Suffer - John Piper

Abort73.com

Start spreading the word: Abort73 Graphics / Abort73 Shirts

Be sure to check out this great resource! Click the image to go to the site.

Florida Abortion Clinic Throws Live Baby in the Trash

Here is an appaling story posted at the Christian Theology blog.

Florida Abortion Clinic Throws Live Baby in Trash

Doug

Sustaining Freedom - Os Guinness

Here is a lecture given by Os Guinness at Trinity Law School’s God and Governing Conference.
For more information about Trinity Law School
Visit www.TLS.edu or Call 800-922-4748

10 Signs You May Have Just Entered and Emergent Church

Ten Arguments Thoughtful Atheists Won’t Use

Awhile back I had written a post called, Pitfalls for Atheists to Avoid.

Below is the link to the latest Apologetics.com radio show covering 10 of those pitfalls and why they are not good arguments.

Ten Arguments Thoughtful Atheists Won’t Use… The Radio Show by Apologetics.com

Doug

The post was also turned into a video blog which you can view below.

Approaching the Throne of Grace

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Eschatology 101: Repent! The End is (possibly) Near(er)!

Here is the link to the latest Apologetics.com radio show.

Eschatology 101

The show can also be downloaded through the itunes podcast. Simply search for Apologetics.com. in the itunes store (the download is free).

Here is the description of the show as written by my good friend Christopher Neiswonger.
___________________________________

The Apologetics.com Radio Program for Friday night February 6th on KKLA 99.5

Hosted by Christopher Neiswonger with special guests Donald McConnell, Dean of Trinity Law School in Santa Ana CA, Pastor Kent Moorlach of Communion Presbyterian Church of Irvine CA and Doug Eaton College and Career Minister of the 1st Southern Baptist Church of Downey CA.

The other day I was driving by USC and I saw a guy on the street with a sandwich board that said, “Repent! The End is Near!” I’m not the kind to argue with something as authoritative as a sandwich board, but really, this is not the church’s historical position on these things. The sandwich board should have read, “Repent! The end could possibly be near depending upon your hermeneutic and your eschatological position!” But it’s hard to fit all of that on a sandwich board, so, we at apologetics.com are bringing in the experts to show and tell on the end or thereabouts; give or take a millennia.

The Four Big Players Are: The Dispies, the Premies, the Amils, and the Posties.

Dispensational Premillenialism (The newest innovation in eschatology and the current default position in American Evangelicalism, popularized mainly through religious fiction like the “Left Behind” series. Important points include the distinction of Israel and the Church, a series of returns of Christ, the coming of the AntiChrist, The tribulation (pre-mid-or-post), the battle of Armageddon, and the literal thousand-year reign of Christ, on the earth, before the several judgments. Since Dispensationalism seems to be a fading hermeneutic, and it has suffered dozens of failed predictions of the imminent end of the world over the last 50 years, it’s questionable whether this one will survive even with its iconic pop culture status.)

Historic Premillenialism (A position held by many in the early church but carefully avoiding the dispensational understanding of the relationship between Israel and the Church, the nature of the age, and the interpretation of key eschatological texts. With many leaving the Dispensational understanding of scripture for Progressive Dispensational and Reformed understandings of some key texts, Historic Premillenialism is receiving a bit of a revival among those that have a Premillenial expectation without what might be thought of as eccentricities in the Dispensational Premillenial camp.)

Amillenialism (A position that would take much of what Premillenials think to be about the end of the world to be about the historical past (the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. for example) and takes much of what is taken by the church today to be eschatological to be better understood as spiritual in nature. For most Protestants, the system simply has too little practical application and seems overly dismissive of major portions of biblical text.)

Postmillennialism (The current minority position that has at times been the majority position and by far the most influential in early American Christianity. There are two active forms currently vying for the claim to the title postmillennial: the theologically Liberal version that translates eschatological data into a program for social action and tends to be dismissive of any literal reading of the text, and the theologically Conservative version that sees the progress of the gospel in history as being recognizable in tangible effects upon the Church, the State, and the culture writ large; culminating in the return of the King. Though conservative American theologians could have been assumed to postmillennial a couple of hundred years ago, this system has yet to get past the fact that the dominant form of postmillennialism in the last century was identified with Liberalism, and Liberalism being identified with apostasy, causes an instant wariness and lack of credibility in the Evangelical mind.)

The Return of Christ: How Should It Cause Us to Live

The Inspiration of Scripture

What does it mean for Scripture to be inspired?

Gospel Distractions

'Not all distractions to the Gospel seem like distractions. Sometimes they may even seem helpful."

(Sorry about the audio, it is a new camera and I am still working out the settings)

The Significance of the Triumphal Entry

An Important Message About Sharing the Gospel From Penn of Penn and Teller (an atheist)

She is Selling Her Virginity, But What Will it Cost Her?

This news is buzzing about a 22 year-old woman who is selling her virginity online. Natalie Dylan (a pseudo-name) has decided to sell her virginity to pay for graduate school. The amazing thing is that the bids are coming in, and they are coming in high. One bid has allegedly come in for 3.7 million and some people are thinking that this is pretty good deal for her. What she could earn is far more than what she needs for grad school, but one question that does not seem to be floating around is, “What will it cost her?”

The first thing that should be noted is that, virginity, which is often taken for granted, seems to still hold value in this culture. There seems to be something innate in us that knows that sexual purity is something of value. This is proven by the fact that if this woman was simply selling sex, then she would earn a small sum of money hardly worth the forfeiture, and most people would simply call her a prostitute and move on, but because she is a virgin, the level of curiosity has spiked. As you scan the news, you see reporters struggle with how to respond. The reports seem to contain a mix of blessings and cursings, as the moral sentiments of many have been thrown into confusion over this matter. After all, society, especially Hollywood, seems to glory in cheap sex and promiscuity on one hand, but now the wrench that has been thrown into the system is virginity, and we seem to be having trouble with articulating our thoughts. We know it will cost her something, but what exactly is it?

Scripture is clear that marriage is a sacred institution and that the marriage bed is to be undefiled. When we act outside of God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, we are defiling the marriage bed, even if we are not married. The reason for this is that we are treating contemptuously what should be honored. When we rebel against God’s plan for marriage we are simply saying, “No, I will not honor marriage in the way it is intended.” To top it off, we are proclaiming to the world, and God himself, that we have a different plan for sexuality and marriage that we think is better than God’s. And all of us have done this to some degree, for even to lust after someone is to commit the sin in our hearts.

When it comes to this young lady, not only is she defiling what God has ordained as one of the greatest blessings of life, but she is selling it for profit. Much like Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of stew, the temporary blessings may seem worth it, but unfortunately the consequences far exceed any temporary satisfaction that may be found.

All of the commands of God are for our benefit. Because God is good, all of his commands are good. In accordance with this, the Westminster Larger Catechism answers the question, “what is the chief end of man” with the profound scriptural answer of, “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” So often we find ourselves looking for pleasure and enjoyment because there is a longing in our hearts that desires to filled, but the only ultimate source of pleasure is God himself. Whenever we seek our fulfillment outside the revealed will of God, we eventually find ourselves more frustrated than when we began. We begin to wonder like Solomon in Ecclesiastes if all is vain. The more we feed on this world apart from seeking God, the more futile our existence becomes.

We must remember that it is possible to gain the whole world and lose our souls. This young lady may be able to attend the graduate school of her choice without financial aid, buy a house, and even put a little away for the future, but in the long run it will send her further down a path of destruction. She will find herself, sometime in the future, regretting her decision, as this public offer of prostitution follows her the rest of her life. There will undoubtedly be times when she will want this behind her. She will try to hide it from those she does not want to know, and even if she succeeds it will never leave her as she wonders if the secret will come out. The pain of living with suppressed guilt is never worth the pleasure that the sin gave us. Ultimately, what it will cost her is the very thing she is seeking. She is seeking satisfaction in some aspect of her life and thinks this will bring it to her, but in the long run will bring her more ruin than benefit as do all acts outside of God’s loving plan. And the sad part is that many are so blinded by this world that they never find their way home.

Some of you may already be there. You have run headlong into sin and wonder if there is any hope for you to return to the purity and innocence you once had. You may wonder if there is any hope of removing this burden from your life and conscience as you have grown weary from the guilt that came with your choices.

There is hope, and the truth is that Christ was speaking to you when he said, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Christ Jesus came to this earth and lived the sinless life that the rest of us have failed to live. In failing to live this righteous life, we have not merely fallen into sin as if it were and accident, but we have willingly run headlong into it. That sin requires the punishment of a just God, and the punishment that is demanded is death. But this same Christ who lived the sinless life came to die for those who will trust him, and He bore the burden of our guilt. Upon the cross, God the Father poured out upon Him the wrath that we deserved, and all who have faith in Him and His work are in Christ, and His righteousness is counted as ours. When God looks at us, He sees Christ’s righteousness and calls us His children. He promises from that point that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that he will bring us home with him and make us co-heirs with Christ in the inheritance that he so rightly deserves and we most certainly do not. But for all those who reject Christ, they will have to bear the punishment of their own sins and will not be with the father in heaven, but will suffer eternity in hell. Even if they had gained the whole world they will have still lost their souls.

My prayer for this young lady is that she will not go through with it, and that whatever she is seeking, she will find in Christ who is able not only to forgive the sin of selling her virginity through prostitution, but also all her sins that have led her to this point. My prayer is that she, and all who are carrying the burden of their sins, will repent and place their faith in Christ and experience the times of refreshing that come to those who do so. Just like the author of this article and every other Christian had to do with our sins, we handed them over and found our rest in Christ. After all, we are all sinners in need of a Savior.

Doug

If you are a Christian and still find yourself plagued with the “Haunting Effects of Sin” then the video devotion below is for you. Our Savior can heal even that.