Megan Wedding 2017
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tackling the Issue
At the mall on Wednesday night this week, we spoke to a man who very quickly asserted that he didn't believe in hell. Despite his apparent hearing of words to the contrary, he made a point to mention that his belief was different and he could not believe that there could be a place like this because God is a forgiving God.
We went through the Law and Grace in our discussion. He admitted to being a liar and thief (though he couched this in the past when he was young), stated he never might have disobeyed his parents, but never taken the Lord's name in vain and even corrected those who had. There was a hint of him thinking that sins of the youth did not equal being a sinner today so we clarified that one sin (like murder or rape) means you are a sinner for all time. And yet, what we didn't say, or talk about, was whether he thought he currently sinned.
In retrospect, we didn't focus on sin and judgment, but instead on grace and God's love and acceptance of us. We had limited time as when his wife showed up she seemed ready to go and take him, but I pressed Bobby to continue talking (Bobby was doing all the talking).
But why didn't we tackle the issue of hell? This man's belief in no hell meant that life could be lived in whatever manner deemed appropriate. He stated that consequences are present in this life for wrong behavior (breaking the law), but God is one of forgiveness.
Reading this morning Francis Chan's book, "Erasing Hell: What God Said abut Eternity, and the Things We've Made Up" he remarks that "Jesus threatens hell to those who curse their brother (Matt 5:22)." And he states earlier that while many of us just want to think that only the devil and his angels go to hell, Revelation is clear that "the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars" will experience separation from God for all eternity (Revelation 21:8).
I guess I'm thinking that we need to be better listeners and not feel like we shouldn't speak on the subject at hand. It was fine to share the usual message that we share in talking to people of Law and Grace, but the real issue with this man (Joe Romero was his name) was his own thinking that hell was not an option. And we really should have focused our conversation on this for it really is the crux of his belief.
We went through the Law and Grace in our discussion. He admitted to being a liar and thief (though he couched this in the past when he was young), stated he never might have disobeyed his parents, but never taken the Lord's name in vain and even corrected those who had. There was a hint of him thinking that sins of the youth did not equal being a sinner today so we clarified that one sin (like murder or rape) means you are a sinner for all time. And yet, what we didn't say, or talk about, was whether he thought he currently sinned.
In retrospect, we didn't focus on sin and judgment, but instead on grace and God's love and acceptance of us. We had limited time as when his wife showed up she seemed ready to go and take him, but I pressed Bobby to continue talking (Bobby was doing all the talking).
But why didn't we tackle the issue of hell? This man's belief in no hell meant that life could be lived in whatever manner deemed appropriate. He stated that consequences are present in this life for wrong behavior (breaking the law), but God is one of forgiveness.
Reading this morning Francis Chan's book, "Erasing Hell: What God Said abut Eternity, and the Things We've Made Up" he remarks that "Jesus threatens hell to those who curse their brother (Matt 5:22)." And he states earlier that while many of us just want to think that only the devil and his angels go to hell, Revelation is clear that "the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars" will experience separation from God for all eternity (Revelation 21:8).
I guess I'm thinking that we need to be better listeners and not feel like we shouldn't speak on the subject at hand. It was fine to share the usual message that we share in talking to people of Law and Grace, but the real issue with this man (Joe Romero was his name) was his own thinking that hell was not an option. And we really should have focused our conversation on this for it really is the crux of his belief.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Ten Things
I saw this on a video a friend sent in respect to the future and uncertainty.
1. Learn new skills.
2. Improve your health, both mental and physical.
3. Store back-up food
4, Create a how-to library
5. Start a side business
6. Gather trade-able goods
7. Build community alliances
8. Alternative energy
9. Water purification
10. Love and appreciate
1. Learn new skills.
2. Improve your health, both mental and physical.
3. Store back-up food
4, Create a how-to library
5. Start a side business
6. Gather trade-able goods
7. Build community alliances
8. Alternative energy
9. Water purification
10. Love and appreciate
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Ephesians 2:4-7 - Gift, Glory, Grace
Erik Christensen gave the message this past Sunday--September 23, 2012. My 2 LDS missionary friends were with me. It was an incredible time of worship to Jesus and then this teaching was just phenomenal. I'm not sure if the younger one was listening much, but Elder Rudy was definitely listening as I saw him flipping to James 2, wondering I think about what it was saying because Erik was very clear that their are no works involved.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
(Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV)
We live under the banner, "By Grace You have been saved."
How is grace going to be enacted in our life? In Christ. Our Identity is In Christ. And then our conduct reflects our identity in Christ.
Erik asked, "Are we walking according to the course of this world?" On the contrary, He is in us and He is a part of everything in our lives.
Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
(2 Corinthians 3:4-6 ESV)
Of note here is walking of the course of the world, by the law, or living the letter of the law--this kills. It is the Spirit that gives life. When we walk to the course of the world, do we think that our walking and our good deeds is making us sufficient?
1. These are factual statements. Not based on feeling.
2. It is a done deal. It is finished.
3. It is the basis of our hope. Assurance changes our walk.
A. The Gift
verse 5 - God "made us alive together with Christ"
Like baking a cake, you put ingredients into the cake. After it bakes, you then can't decide to take out certain ingredients from the cake. It is complete. In Christ, we are complete. Nothing can be removed.
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
(Romans 8:11 ESV)
My citizenship is in heaven. I have received the Gift of life, eternal life. As Christ is resurrected, I have been resurrected. I have life.
B. The Glory
verse 6 - "and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus"
When was I raised up? When I believed. At that moment, I was raised up.
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
(Colossians 2:12 ESV)
I am "not of this world" any longer. This is not by feelings. We don't walk by feelings. We walk by faith.
When God sees me right now, he sees me seated with him in the heavenly places. How does this occur? Because I am In Christ.
My present Glory is in heaven.
C. The Grace
verse 7 - "the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Grace = Favor
Jesus went to the cross with joy.
Kindness is usefulness; it is without sharpness. "There is nothing in Him that would cause us to be repulsed."
Jesus says, "I am here to help you. I will lay down my life for you."
Salvation is a completed action.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
(Romans 2:4 ESV)
It is God's kindness that leads us to repentance.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)
Kindness is not in us. It is borne by the Spirit in us. It manifests itself because of the Spirit of God.
God in me produces kindness.
Circumstances don't define us.
-- Our identity is In Christ
-- We are made alive with Christ.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
(Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV)
We live under the banner, "By Grace You have been saved."
How is grace going to be enacted in our life? In Christ. Our Identity is In Christ. And then our conduct reflects our identity in Christ.
Erik asked, "Are we walking according to the course of this world?" On the contrary, He is in us and He is a part of everything in our lives.
Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
(2 Corinthians 3:4-6 ESV)
Of note here is walking of the course of the world, by the law, or living the letter of the law--this kills. It is the Spirit that gives life. When we walk to the course of the world, do we think that our walking and our good deeds is making us sufficient?
1. These are factual statements. Not based on feeling.
2. It is a done deal. It is finished.
3. It is the basis of our hope. Assurance changes our walk.
A. The Gift
verse 5 - God "made us alive together with Christ"
Like baking a cake, you put ingredients into the cake. After it bakes, you then can't decide to take out certain ingredients from the cake. It is complete. In Christ, we are complete. Nothing can be removed.
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
(Romans 8:11 ESV)
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
(Colossians 2:13 ESV)
B. The Glory
verse 6 - "and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus"
When was I raised up? When I believed. At that moment, I was raised up.
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
(Colossians 2:12 ESV)
I am "not of this world" any longer. This is not by feelings. We don't walk by feelings. We walk by faith.
When God sees me right now, he sees me seated with him in the heavenly places. How does this occur? Because I am In Christ.
My present Glory is in heaven.
C. The Grace
verse 7 - "the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Grace = Favor
Jesus went to the cross with joy.
Kindness is usefulness; it is without sharpness. "There is nothing in Him that would cause us to be repulsed."
Jesus says, "I am here to help you. I will lay down my life for you."
Salvation is a completed action.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
(Romans 2:4 ESV)
It is God's kindness that leads us to repentance.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)
Kindness is not in us. It is borne by the Spirit in us. It manifests itself because of the Spirit of God.
God in me produces kindness.
Circumstances don't define us.
-- Our identity is In Christ
-- We are made alive with Christ.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Deacon Meeting - September 2012
We had our first deacon's meeting in some time. It was led by the new Chairman of Deacons, Rick Davison. The senior pastor, Erik Christensen, started things off and gave us a good challenge.
(1 Timothy 3:13 ESV)
We were reminded that the work of a deacon allows the pastoral staff can have time in the Word. Deacons come alongside pastors and elders in a three fold way.
Erik's Words
For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.(1 Timothy 3:13 ESV)
We were reminded that the work of a deacon allows the pastoral staff can have time in the Word. Deacons come alongside pastors and elders in a three fold way.
- PRAY - Prayer with pastor / elders for the ministry and individuals ministries
- CARE - Care of people and families in that ministry
- HELP - Helping with specific needs of that ministry
The church is currently wanting to make sure all of the ministries in the church are discipleship based and are leading to discipleship (K-Groups and D-Groups). In the future, will focus on leadership training to more shepherd the Body.
Goal is to move to people involved in ministry versus that pastoral staff involved in ministry. Pastor's need to shepherd the flock. Ministry is for everyone.
Rick's Words
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
(Colossians 2:6-7 ESV)
His message that no matter what is going on in your life, no matter how circumstances change, we are to "continue to walk." Don't give up. We will be tempted. We will be tested. Sickness may come our way. Death may hit our families. But, we need to "continue to walk."
Friday, August 17, 2012
Being a slave
A friend recently pointed out a verse that got us thinking.
"Bondservants (or Slaves), obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.(Colossians 3:22 ESV)
He wondered whether a slave should not be a slave.
We are rescuing people from a life of slavery all over the world, but are we to rescue first or give the gospel first. Obviously, people are in danger at times and if it was my daughter or son, I probably wouldn't ask questions and just go get them back. And yet, is this what we should be about all the time? Can we even rationally talk that the slave, in whatever the circumstance, is being provided for? And yet how can slavery be compatible with the Bible? Paul seems to be stating that slaves are to fear the Lord first and obey in everything those who are your masters.
My friend mentioned wanting my advice regarding a lady he leads in swimming at the local college in the morning and how she asked him to hold his phone. She's an abortion doctor. And she is known for doing abortions at the last possible moment, receiving $5K per. She even has times when 911 has to be called because the baby escapes the womb and is born (somehow). And at that point, it has rights and 911 must be called for an ambulance to show up to take the baby away--alive. She was swimming and he was holding phones. He does this for the other doctor's there he teaches. The other people that swim think she is an ER doc, but he knows she isn't and they may not want to be even be there if they knew the truth of her. And he struggled with it because she said that if the phone rings, let her know immediately. He was hoping and praying it wouldn't ring. It did. He told her and she was out the door in less than a minute. And he wondered, was he helping an abortion procedure and could he keep doing this?
I reminded him he was her employer basically. He has a contract with the college to teach swimming and he gets payment from the college and these folks pay the college. So, he is in a way her slave. Just like Colossians 3:22. He is to be obedient to her as she is his earthly master. He wondered whether he should tell her he is uncomfortable doing this and he can't be a part of an abortion (if that is what in fact the phone call was about). To me, based upon this verse and what we know of the Gospel, it's Christ that changes lives. People need to be "in Christ." I told him, what she needs is the Gospel first. If you tell her her work makes him uncomfortable you judge her and you do more damage to her having any hope of seeing the Light. Instead, share the Gospel and let the Law (as we have learned) be the judge. You be obedient to the Gospel and let God take care of the outcome.
Is this good advice?
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Love Does: Ryan in Love
Chapter 3 of Love Does
"I used to think being loves was the greatest thing to think about, but now I know love is never satisfied just thinking about it."
Ryan is a young man that walks by the author's home, in their backyard, by the water. They live by the water and people often walk by their house. Ryan bravely asks if he can use their house as a backdrop for asking a girl to marry him. He is in love.
The author agrees, but then Ryan one by one on successive days begins to add additional requests to the proposal. And each request further adds to the wonder and excitement of this event. The author also surprises him with a detail of his own doing for the proposal.
There is an obvious reminder here of the significance of beginning a union with your mate. The preparation involved in a wedding day should confirm that the coming union is like no other union a man and woman share on earth. Life is lived in a relationship, one with the other, for the remaining days of one's life.
I think of this with my wife who I often turn to look at and am so filled up with wonder and enthusiasm and thankfulness that I get to live side by side this person all my days.
Someone recently told me that in the Bible there are double the number of commands for husbands to love their wives than there is for wives to submit; six to three.
And yet this union or this excitement for a lifelong commitment reminds us of the even greater union we have with Christ that will transcend our days on earth. And so, God has prepared man for this union in a similar way and he sees his union with man in all the same (and more) excitement and anticipation of a wedding day. I am so blessed. I am so loved.
"I used to think being loves was the greatest thing to think about, but now I know love is never satisfied just thinking about it."
Ryan is a young man that walks by the author's home, in their backyard, by the water. They live by the water and people often walk by their house. Ryan bravely asks if he can use their house as a backdrop for asking a girl to marry him. He is in love.
The author agrees, but then Ryan one by one on successive days begins to add additional requests to the proposal. And each request further adds to the wonder and excitement of this event. The author also surprises him with a detail of his own doing for the proposal.
There is an obvious reminder here of the significance of beginning a union with your mate. The preparation involved in a wedding day should confirm that the coming union is like no other union a man and woman share on earth. Life is lived in a relationship, one with the other, for the remaining days of one's life.
I think of this with my wife who I often turn to look at and am so filled up with wonder and enthusiasm and thankfulness that I get to live side by side this person all my days.
Someone recently told me that in the Bible there are double the number of commands for husbands to love their wives than there is for wives to submit; six to three.
And yet this union or this excitement for a lifelong commitment reminds us of the even greater union we have with Christ that will transcend our days on earth. And so, God has prepared man for this union in a similar way and he sees his union with man in all the same (and more) excitement and anticipation of a wedding day. I am so blessed. I am so loved.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Love Does: Sniper Fire
Chapter 2 of Love Does
"I used to think I had to act a certain way to follow God, but now I know God doesn't want us to be typical."
Typical.
Bob shares about his first encounter with Jesus and it didn't come through a lot of talking or preaching, but through watching someone live life who was a follower of Jesus. Bob was in high school hanging out with Doug and doing things boys do: shoot BB guns. Along the way of playing, Doug shot Bob in the belly. "I liked how Doug could be friends with Jesus and still shoot pellet guns."
Following Jesus may begin as a person being typical. But, intense intimacy with Jesus results in people not being typical. We are real with life and faith. Our love for people transcends all that we thought. Jesus changes us into fully loving and fully living creatures.
To be honest, I'm not sure what this means. I never thought of myself as being typical. Does typical mean traditional? Does it mean that we don't put people or ourselves in a box and think, "God can only work within the confines of that situation?" Does it mean that we stop trying to please the church and what they deem acceptable behavior?
Jesus didn't speak to typical people. He went to the poor, the suffering, the outcasts, the unpopular. When the rich or literate did come his way he generally showed them what they had gained was not what he was necessarily looking for in a person.
Maybe the key really is just to be yourself and not care what people think about you.
The other big reminder from this reading is life does need to be lived and people will see more of what you do than what you say (yet our words can't contradict our living).
It reminds me of a great t-shirt we had at college: Walk=Talk
"I used to think I had to act a certain way to follow God, but now I know God doesn't want us to be typical."
Typical.
Bob shares about his first encounter with Jesus and it didn't come through a lot of talking or preaching, but through watching someone live life who was a follower of Jesus. Bob was in high school hanging out with Doug and doing things boys do: shoot BB guns. Along the way of playing, Doug shot Bob in the belly. "I liked how Doug could be friends with Jesus and still shoot pellet guns."
Following Jesus may begin as a person being typical. But, intense intimacy with Jesus results in people not being typical. We are real with life and faith. Our love for people transcends all that we thought. Jesus changes us into fully loving and fully living creatures.
To be honest, I'm not sure what this means. I never thought of myself as being typical. Does typical mean traditional? Does it mean that we don't put people or ourselves in a box and think, "God can only work within the confines of that situation?" Does it mean that we stop trying to please the church and what they deem acceptable behavior?
Jesus didn't speak to typical people. He went to the poor, the suffering, the outcasts, the unpopular. When the rich or literate did come his way he generally showed them what they had gained was not what he was necessarily looking for in a person.
Maybe the key really is just to be yourself and not care what people think about you.
The other big reminder from this reading is life does need to be lived and people will see more of what you do than what you say (yet our words can't contradict our living).
It reminds me of a great t-shirt we had at college: Walk=Talk
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Love Does: I'm With You
Chapter 1 of Love Does by Bob Goff.
"I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them."
The culmination of this chapter was Bob realizing that his high school buddy (Randy) who had traveled with him to Yosemite had just gotten married, but rather than letting his good friend go off on life on his own (and staying home with his new bride) told him , "Bob, I'm with you."
My first impression from this was I'm not sure I would be this unselfish at that moment in time. In fact, I know I wouldn't drop everything like this. Randy had been spending time with Bob. So, he was invested in his life. Bob wasn't yet a follower of Jesus. So, Randy took off with this kid to go to a place, probably, far away.
It reminds me of Phil Floyd from high school and how this guy invested in us high school students. He had us over for sleep overs, watching "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" all night, spending time with us young guys. Phil was newly married as well. But, instead of spending alone time with his wife, Lori, he spent a lot of his free time with us guys.
He was with us.
Who am I with? Am I even with my kids wherever they go? Sure, I try to take them places and go to soccer games, drill team events, matches where Tyson referee's, but what kind of time am I really investing in their lives. Maybe it's not that bad. I know I tend to think I'm always the worst and I could always be better.
I've got friends, but what about people I've just met and barely know?
I thought it was also great that Randy offered Bob truth and perspective during any trials that may come along. He didn't correct, but encouraged.
That's a great challenge for me in my life. How can I be this type of person?
Lord, help me to be bold and help me to be a friend that goes along and invests without asking for anything in return.
"I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them."
The culmination of this chapter was Bob realizing that his high school buddy (Randy) who had traveled with him to Yosemite had just gotten married, but rather than letting his good friend go off on life on his own (and staying home with his new bride) told him , "Bob, I'm with you."
My first impression from this was I'm not sure I would be this unselfish at that moment in time. In fact, I know I wouldn't drop everything like this. Randy had been spending time with Bob. So, he was invested in his life. Bob wasn't yet a follower of Jesus. So, Randy took off with this kid to go to a place, probably, far away.
It reminds me of Phil Floyd from high school and how this guy invested in us high school students. He had us over for sleep overs, watching "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" all night, spending time with us young guys. Phil was newly married as well. But, instead of spending alone time with his wife, Lori, he spent a lot of his free time with us guys.
He was with us.
Who am I with? Am I even with my kids wherever they go? Sure, I try to take them places and go to soccer games, drill team events, matches where Tyson referee's, but what kind of time am I really investing in their lives. Maybe it's not that bad. I know I tend to think I'm always the worst and I could always be better.
I've got friends, but what about people I've just met and barely know?
I thought it was also great that Randy offered Bob truth and perspective during any trials that may come along. He didn't correct, but encouraged.
That's a great challenge for me in my life. How can I be this type of person?
Lord, help me to be bold and help me to be a friend that goes along and invests without asking for anything in return.
Holiness of God - Chapter 9
God in the Hand of Angry Sinners
Most famous sermon is probably Jonathan Edwards "Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God." But, this sermon probably doesn't have much place in churches today. "Ours is an upbeat generation with the accent on self-improvement and a broad-minded view of sin." We tend to think that "His love and mercy override His holy justice." And so we don't want to think He possesses wrath.
But, by truly understanding God's holiness we must see that God is angry with us because we violate His holiness and He does possess justice. This is what Jonathan Edwards was getting at, not to guilt trip his listeners but to "awakening them to the peril they faced if they remained unconverted."
Edwards had a sequel sermon called "Men's Naturally God's Enemies." Sproul would say, "God in the Hands of Angry Sinners." "If we are unconverted, one thing is absolutely certain: We hate God." And in turn we are God's enemies. We have all been at this point. Romans 5:10 declares, "When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son." Thus, we have a need for reconciliation. Our tendency is to flee from Him. What we often want from God is only the riches; only the gifts and the good stuff. We want everything our way. For natural man God "represents the highest possible threat to our sinful desires."
Those that have been reconciled are friends of God. Yet "our natural human natures were not annihilated."
Most famous sermon is probably Jonathan Edwards "Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God." But, this sermon probably doesn't have much place in churches today. "Ours is an upbeat generation with the accent on self-improvement and a broad-minded view of sin." We tend to think that "His love and mercy override His holy justice." And so we don't want to think He possesses wrath.
But, by truly understanding God's holiness we must see that God is angry with us because we violate His holiness and He does possess justice. This is what Jonathan Edwards was getting at, not to guilt trip his listeners but to "awakening them to the peril they faced if they remained unconverted."
"O sinner! consider the fearful danger you are in: it is a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath, that you are held over in the hand of that God, whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you, as against many of the damned in hell. You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it, and burn it asunder."Edwards states that a holy God must also be a wrathful God.
- God's wrath is divine. Human wrath terminates, but God's wrath can go on forever.
- God's wrath is fierce. God's wrath is a consuming rage against the unrepentant.
- God's wrath is everlasting. There is no end.
Edwards had a sequel sermon called "Men's Naturally God's Enemies." Sproul would say, "God in the Hands of Angry Sinners." "If we are unconverted, one thing is absolutely certain: We hate God." And in turn we are God's enemies. We have all been at this point. Romans 5:10 declares, "When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son." Thus, we have a need for reconciliation. Our tendency is to flee from Him. What we often want from God is only the riches; only the gifts and the good stuff. We want everything our way. For natural man God "represents the highest possible threat to our sinful desires."
Those that have been reconciled are friends of God. Yet "our natural human natures were not annihilated."
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