A Taste of His Grace: Regeneration – The Hope of Salvation

Text: John 3.1-7

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”

Two-minute clip: 090930 – Regeneration

The full sermon, “Regeneration: The Hope of Salvation,” was preached on January 27, 2002.

HT: Michael Boyle.

Sermon Notes (090927 – AM service)

Unjust Suffering and the Temptation of Vengeance

Genesis 37-50

Pastor McCormick

Introduction

Last week Pastor Brooks spoke from Ephesians 4. He reminded us the good news about Jesus Christ is life-transforming. One difference Jesus Christ makes in our lives is how we respond when we are angry. Even if we are angry about genuine wrongdoing, we are not allowed to do wrong in response to evil, hurtful actions toward us.

So what wrong action happened to you or someone you know? It could be something as small as being cut off in traffic by someone in a hurry. It could be as devastating as being physically abused by a relative. Or, maybe you lost your job because someone was unfairly trying to protect their reputation or their own job. What does the Bible teach about unjust suffering and our temptation to pay back the person doing wrong? What hope can you have or offer someone else when it comes to explaining why bad things happen? This morning, I want us to look at specific teaching in the New Testament, learn from the life of one man in Old Testament, and then ultimately look to Christ.

There is Clear Teaching Regarding Unjust Suffering and Vengeance

In Matthew 5:38-42, Christ offered direct advice regarding personal retaliation or payback.

Paul gave further explanation in Romans 12:14-13:7.

Your seeking personal vengeance is wrong. vv 17,19

God gets angry when people do wrong. v 19

God will judge wrongdoing. v 19

Currently, God uses civil authorities to punish wrongful acts. 13:4

Ultimately, God will bring every man into account. Romans 2:6-11

Application: If you think someone has done something to you or someone you know and they are getting away with it, adjust your thinking according to what we just read. No one escapes having his life measured by God.

Transition: The question is what do you need to keep in mind to let God do the judging and not get caught up in a game of payback. Let’s find out. Turn to Genesis Chapter 37.

Joseph is a Clear Example of Unjust Suffering

Unjust suffering can come from family. In this case, the motive was from envy. Genesis 37

The brothers could not even speak peacefully to Joseph. v 4

Their hateful feelings continued to grow. vv 5, 8

Unjust suffering can take place where you work. In this case, unfulfilled sexual desire led to false accusation. Genesis 39

The pressure at work can be continual. v 10

Someone may hurt you to protect their own reputation. vv 11-18

Unjust suffering can come after you try to help someone…and they forget you. Genesis 40:23

Transition

In Genesis 41, the life of Joseph takes a turn because Pharaoh has dreams, his magicians and wise men cannot figure out the dreams, and the cupbearer remembers Joseph. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and makes a recommendation. Pharaoh promotes Joseph. (Gen. 41:40-44) After seven good years, the famine begins. It is so severe that Jacob sends his sons to buy grain in Egypt.

In chapter 42, the brothers, except for Benjamin, make their first trip to Egypt.

In chapter 43, the brothers make a second trip to Egypt and have to take Benjamin this time.

In chapter 44, Joseph tests his brothers by giving supplies and sending them back to Jacob. But Joseph has his cup secretly placed in Benjamin’s sack. He sends Egyptians after his brothers, they are forced to turn around, and now they fear what might happen to them.

What does Joseph say to his brothers when he finally reveals himself to them? Follow along as I read beginning in 45:4 (through verse 8).

Joseph is a Clear Example of How to Respond to Unjust Suffering

1. He acknowledges the rule and power of God for the good of others. Genesis 45:4-8

Application: Are you looking for the rule and power of God in your circumstances?

Recommended Devotional Reading during the Week: Read through Genesis 37-50 and look for all the times “God” or “Lord” is mentioned

2. He recognizes it would be wrong to act like he is God. Genesis 50:19

Contrast his response to Adam and Eve in their temptation to be like God.

Application: The problem with payback is, in our pride, we put ourselves in the place of God.

Recommended Devotional Reading during the Week: Read through Genesis 37-50 noting the times when Joseph is weeping (having compassion even after hurtful actions).

Illustration: You may be thinking, “Sandy, that worked for Joseph a long time ago but what about people living in this generation. Does God still use wrongdoing to show His rule and power for good?” Thank you for asking.

In the early 1990’s, a young elementary-age boy had his life turned upside down. His dad began having an affair with his mom’s best friend and broke up the home to marry his mistress. But his mom sought to commit her way to the Lord and as the boy became a young man, instead of seeking payback he sought to build his relationship with his dad.

Fast forward to 2009 and the governor of South Carolina admits to having an affair and hurting his wife and sons. The young boy, now in his 20’s, writes the governor to share his testimony and offer the governor God-centered hope for reconnecting with his sons. Guess who was invited for a personal meeting with the governor because the governor wanted his counsel?

Application: God has the authority and power to use harmful actions to be placing you or equipping you for the help of others. Do not put yourself in God’s place but look around, observe what He is doing, and consider how He might work through you for the good of others.

Transition: And now one final, ultimate example of how God can use unjust suffering for the good of many. Turn to Hebrews 2:14.

Christ is the Ultimate Example of Good Coming from Unjust Suffering

In Hebrews 2:14-18, we discover Christ had to become human, suffer, and die. But all those actions actually worked for our salvation while equipping Christ to represent us to God and be sympathetic to our human struggles. It is why, as we have sung this morning, “In Christ Alone, Our Hope is Found.”

Recommended Devotional Reading during the Week: Hebrews 2:14-18

Conclusion
Jesus Christ offers hope to you this morning. If you are suffering this morning, you need the strength and humility to respond in kindness to a person who has genuinely wronged you. I will be here for a few minutes after the service to speak with you. Or, you can call the office this week and ask for a meeting with a pastoral staff member.

Weekend Reminders

Here are a few reminders as you prepare for worship this Sunday:

• Pray for the Ambassadors class as they take their annual fall camping trip to Crescent Campground in Hartwell, GA.
• Sandy McCormick will be preaching this Sunday morning. Please pray for him and for us as he finishes preparing a follow-up to his sermon, “Anger and the Grace of God.” Lewis Carl, our missionary to Italy, will be speaking in the evening service.
• Christmas in October continues this week. Please stop by the tables in the South Lobby for more information and to sign-up to serve one of our missionaries.
• The Annual Congregational Meeting will be Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Our annual budget will be discussed and voted on. Please come early to enjoy our monthly Prayer Night Supper. Dinner will be served beginning at 5:45 p.m.

Book Review: The Night of Weeping by Horatius Bonar

Title: The Night of Weeping

Author: Horatius Bonar

Publisher: Christian Focus

ISBN: 185792441X

Pages: 159

Reviewer: Dennis McKinsey

Summary of the Book

The Night of Weeping is a book for members of the family of God who are experiencing afflictions and trials. Bonar explains that chastening draws the saint away from the ways of the world and toward the holiness of God. “The thoughts that follow are designed to assist them in interpreting God’s ways, not merely in finding comfort under trial, but in drawing profit from it” (12).

Overview of the Chapter Contents

1.    The Family is made up of those who have been born of the Spirit of God.

2.    The Family Life is one that is lived by faith.

3.    The Family Badge reveals itself in the cross that each member must bear.

4.    The Family Discipline is education for eternity.

5.    The Family Rods are used to correct, to chasten and to bless.

a.    Bodily sickness.

b.    Bereavement.

c.    Adversity.

i.    “We should learn not merely to submit to the rod, but to kiss and welcome it” (73).

ii.   “We should learn not merely to praise God in affliction, but to praise Him for it” (73).

6.    The Types of Chastening in the Scripture are many. The author gives several examples.

a.    The corn dried by the fire in Leviticus 2:14.

b.    The beaten gold on the Tabernacle furniture.

c.    Widowhood.

7.    The Proving reveals the deceitfulness of the believer’s heart that he may know the evil that still cleaves to him.

8.    The Rebuking of Christ demonstrates His gentleness with the believer.

9.    The Purifying Process gives the believer the holiness of Christ.

10.    The Arousing awakens the believer from sleep upon the world’s enchanted ground.

11.    The Solemnizing draws the saint away from the levity of those who want to cover over their uneasiness.

12.    The Warning can be found in affliction.

a.    Do not love the world (I John 2:15).

b.    Do not be covetous (Luke 12:15).

c.    Keep away from every appearance of evil (I Thess. 5:22).

d.    Do not hold grudges against others (James 5:9).

e.    Do not worship idols (I John 5:21).

13.    The Recollections of past trials remind us of the goodness and greatness of God.

14.    The Consolation is remembering the glory that awaits the believer after the trials are past.

15.    The Eternal Results are that the saints will reign with Him in complete holiness.

Recommendation

The Night of Weeping is a book that every child of God must read. Who is the saint to whom trials are scarce? Where is the believer that is not afflicted on every side? If such a life is not his, then his spiritual pedigree is in question. Bonar’s book will give the genuine Christian practical advice about gleaning the most from chastening. Do you merely want spiritual milk? Then go to the cow of superficiality to drink. Do you want tender spiritual meat that is full of flavor? Then ruminate on the words of this book as you savor the riches of God’s grace.

Note: Chapel Library, a ministry of Mount Zion Bible Church, offers the text of this book free of charge here.

Introducing Book Reviews

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

So wrote the Apostle Paul to Timothy while in prison (2 Ti 4.13). The parchments may very well refer to the Scriptures themselves. But what were the books? We can only speculate. What we do know, however, is that Paul valued these books so highly that he asked Timothy to bring them.

Paul’s example is worth following. True, “of making books there is no end, and much study is a weariness to the flesh” (Ec 12.12). Nevertheless for Christians studying the ways and works of God–primarily in his word but also through the writings of his people–must be a priority. Over a hundred years ago, C. H. Spurgeon lamented:

I would that this age produced more thoughtful and studious Christians. I am afraid that, apart from what many of you gather from the sermon or from the reading of the Scriptures in public, you do not learn much from the Word of God and from those innumerable instructive books which godly men have bequeathed to us.

But what to read? A trip to the local bookstore reveals literally thousands of titles that clamor for the reader’s attention–and pocketbook. Certainly not all those books are of equal value; therefore no Christian should feel guilty for failing to read them all. As early-nineteenth-century pastor Charles Bridges noted, “No man can read everything; nor would our real store be increased by the capacity to do so.” How then do we select the best that is available?

Hopefully this blog can help you. Each week we’ll feature one book that may be worth your investment of time (and, yes, in some cases your money). The contributors include current and former elders of our church, as well as some of our church planters whom we have sent across the country. With occasional exception, the books reviewed will be recommended resources. You’ll learn about books old and new covering a wide range of topics, including Christian growth, parenting, and biography, to name a few.

Only a few will read all of these books. Our goal is not for you to read each one. But as you learn about these works through these reviews, our hope is that you’ll find some that will expand your understanding of God, increase your affection for Christ, and empower you to walk in the Spirit.

A Taste of His Grace: Christ is the Gospel

One of this blog’s weekly features is called A Taste of His Grace. Each Wednesday we will post a two-minute-or-less audio clip from a sermon by Pastor Brooks. We’re doing this in hopes that it will encourage you with a mid-week reminder of the grace that is ours in Christ. Perhaps you’ll even be motivated to go back and listen to the sermon in its entirety, so we’ll provide the link to the full message. It may also provide a good way to introduce your unbelieving family and friends to the gospel.

We’ll begin with a series of sermons that Pastor Brooks preached in 2002 entitled The Gospel for Daily Living.

Text: 1 Corinthians 1.18-31

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Two-minute clip: 090923 – Christ is the Gospel

The full sermon, “Christ is the Gospel,” was preached on January 20, 2002.

HT: Sean Hall.

Sermon Notes (090920 – PM service)

The Means of Grace

2 Timothy 2.1-7

Pastor Hoskinson

Introduction

• We are the weak, but we are far too often surprised by our weakness.
• What is God’s word to the weak? 2 Timothy 2.1
  • v. 1 – why do we need to be strengthened? what is it about the Christian life that makes being strengthened necessary?
  • Three illustrations
    • A soldier who suffers
    • An athlete who competes
    • A farmer who works hard
• Where then is our strength? The grace that is in Christ Jesus
• How do we access that grace? The means of grace

The Means of Grace

• The Word: God speaks to us
  • Acts 20.32 – the word of his grace is able to build you up
  • Not a focus on just doing it, not a checklist
  • 2 Timothy 3.16-17 – behold yourself
  • 2 Corinthians 3.18 – behold your Savior
• Prayer: we speak to God
  • Hebrews 4.16
  • Verbalize your dependence on God (Acts 1.12-14)
    • Persistence (14)
    • Dependence (4-5, 14)
  • Affirm the words of God (Acts 4.23-26)
    • Scriptural allusion (24, cp. w/ Ex 20.11; Ne 9.6)
    • Scriptural quotation (25, cp. w/ Ps 2.1-2)
  • Rest in the sovereignty of God (Acts 4.27-31)
• Fellowship: we speak to one another about God
  • 2 Timothy 2.2
  • Take responsibility for the body (Hebrews 3.12-13)
    • The danger (12a)
    • The result (12b)
    • The antidote (13a)
    • The seriousness (13b)
  • Become transparent with the body (1 John 1.6-7)
    • Walking in the light = living a life of transparency
    • Result = fellowship with one another
    • Not a program, cannot be institutionalized
    • Les Ollila: find a Paul, a peer, and a project

Conclusion: the disposition of those who receive grace

• The means of grace do not come ex opere operato
• James 4.6 – humility
• We use the means of grace in humble dependence on God, not in proud arrogance supposing God is a vending machine
  • Word = humble our thoughts to God
  • Prayer = humbly cry out how desperately you need him
  • Fellowship = humbly acknowledge your weakness to others, that you need one another

Sermon Notes (090920 – AM service)

Performing Deeds in Keeping with Repentance

Acts 26.20

Pastor Brooks

1. The Substance of Repentance
   1. Repent: (μετανοεῖν) “A complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness” and thus to change one’s way of life” (Louw & Nida, 1.509).
      1. Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.
   2. Turn: (ἐπιστρέφειν) to turn around or turn back;
      1. “To change one’s manner of life in a particular direction, with the implication of turning back to God” (Louw & Nida, 1.509).
2. The Works of Repentance
   1. Lit., practice works worthy of the change of mind:
      1. ἄξια: “By implication, suitable, congruent, corresponding to” (Zodhiates, Word Study Dictionary).
      2. NASB: performing deeds appropriate to repentance.
      3. NIV: and prove their repentance by their deeds
      4. Jesus said: Lk 3:7-8 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
   2. What does performing deeds in keeping with repentance look like?
      1. Command given in Eph 4:17-24
         1. Put off the old self (v. 22)
         2. Put on the new self (v, 24)
   3. Examples given in Eph 4:25-32
      1. How do you know that a liar is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?
         1. He not only stops lying, but now he actively speaks the truth because he realizes that he is part of the body (members one of another).
      2. How do you know that a woman with a temper is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?
         1. She not only stops losing her cool all the time, but is angry over the right things without sinning AND when she blows it, she deals with it that same day.
      3. How do you know that a thief is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?
         1. He not only stops stealing, but he also secures a job that will allow him to provide honestly for himself AND have something to give to others who are in need.
      4. How do you know that gossip or slanderer is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?
         1. He not only ceases to speak or write or blog corrupting words, that is, words which cause the spirit of others to decay, but also uses words to build up those around him ministering grace.
      5. How do you know that an immoral person is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?
         1. The individual not only ceases the immoral relationship, but also actively loves the spouse God has given or controls the sexual urges until God gives a spouse.

Point: The Gospel message is a message of repentance.

1. This kind of repentance is the kind of repentance that God seeks in His people.
2. Are you repenting in this way?
3. Are you seeking to perform deeds in keeping with repentance?
4. Some of you may be stuck in the mode of thinking all you have to do is change your mind toward your sin.
5. That’s a start, but that’s just step one.
6. “The day when it is once more understood that God will not be responsible for our sin and unbelief will be a glad one for the Church of Christ. The realization that we are personally responsible for our individual sins may be a shock to our hearts, but it will clear the air and remove the uncertainty. Returning sinners waste their time begging God to perform the very acts He has sternly commanded them to do” (Tozer, Paths to Power, 20).
   

I. The Substance of Repentance

A. Repent: (μετανοεῖν) “A complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness” and thus to change one’s way of life.^[1]

1. Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.

B. Turn: (ἐπιστρέφειν) to turn around or turn back;

1. “To change one’s manner of life in a particular direction, with the implication of turning back to God^[2]

II. The Works of Repentance

A. Lit., practice works worthy of the change of mind:

1. ἄξια: By implication, suitable, congruent, corresponding to^[3]

2. NASB: performing deeds appropriate to repentance.

3. NIV: and prove their repentance by their deeds

4. Jesus said: Lk 3:7-8 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

B. What does performing deeds in keeping with repentance look like?

1. Command given in Eph 4:17-24

a. Put off the old self (v. 22)

b. Put on the new self (v, 24)

2. Examples given in Eph 4:25-32

a. How do you know that a liar is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?

i. He not only stops lying, but now he actively speaks the truth because he realizes that he is part of the body (members one of another).

b. How do you know that a woman with a temper is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?

i. She not only stops losing her cool all the time, but is angry over the right things without sinning AND when she blows it, she deals with it that same day.

c. How do you know that a thief is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?

i. He not only stops stealing, but he also secures a job that will allow him to provide honestly for himself AND have something to give to others who are in need.

d. How do you know that gossip or slanderer is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?

i. He not only ceases to speak or write or blog corrupting words, that is, words which cause the spirit of others to decay, but also uses words to build up those around him ministering grace.

e. How do you know that an immoral person is performing deeds in keeping with repentance?

i. The individual not only ceases the immoral relationship, but also actively loves the spouse God has given or controls the sexual urges until God gives a spouse.

C. Point: The Gospel message is a message of repentance.

1. This kind of repentance is the kind of repentance that God seeks in His people.

2. Are you repenting in this way?

3. Are you seeking to perform deeds in keeping with repentance?

4. Some of you may be stuck in the mode of thinking all you have to do is change your mind toward your sin.

5. That’s a start, but that’s just step one.

6. “The day when it is once more understood that God will not be responsible for our sin and unbelief will be a glad one for the Church of Christ. The realization that we are personally responsible for our individual sins may be a shock to our hearts, but it will clear the air and remove the uncertainty. Returning sinners waste their time begging God to perform the very acts He has sternly commanded them to do.”[4]

---

^[1]Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (1:509). New York: United Bible societies.

^[2]Louw & Nida, (1:509).

^[3]Zodhiates, S. (2000, c1992, c1993). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.) (G514). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

[4]Tozer, A. W., Paths to Power, Christian Publications, 20.

Our First Post

Welcome to the official blog of Heritage Bible Church in Greer, South Carolina! We are a congregation of sinners who are finding the gospel of Christ to be our hope and joy. Our prayer is that you will be satisfied with God’s steadfast love so that you may rejoice and be glad all your days (Psalm 90.14). Over the next few weeks we hope to launch a number of regular features through this blog that will connect you with the body of Christ at Heritage, stimulate your thinking, and refresh your heart.

There’s a better way to check for updates than visiting this site every day–or several times a day. Try using an aggregator (a.k.a. feed reader). An aggregator is like creating your own personalized newspaper composed of various blogs to which you’ve subscribed. When one of your hand-picked blogs posts something new, the aggregator retrieves it and puts it on your reader. Here’s the best part: you do not need to go from one website to another to see if your favorite blogs are updated; all you need to do is go to your aggregator and it will show you all the blogs that have been updated since the last time you checked.

Sound too complicated? Well, here are some helpful resources to get you started:

• “A Primer on RSS Feeds” by Matt Perman.
• Video: “RSS in Plain English” by CommonCraft

If you’d rather just receive an e-mail every time there’s an update here, just click on the box at the top of the right-hand column.