by HARVEYOPP | Jun 9, 2015 | Scott Henry
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar” (Psalm 42:5-6).
“Christian Psychology” is an entire movement that has steered the church away from dependence upon Christ, His Word, and His Holy Spirit as the only sufficient means to deal with all our spiritual problems. There is such a thing as Biblical psychology since man is created as body and soul. The Greek word for soul is “psuche” and from this word is derived the English term psychology. Scripture deals with man’s psychology as regards the heart, mind, or soul and directs him to Christ and the Word of God at every point. Today’s psychologists focus upon humanistic therapies and theories, which essentially eclipse Christ’s Word and Spirit (1 Cor. 1:17-21). They teach such things as the basic goodness of human nature, that answers come from within, that attitudes and actions are changed by looking to one’s past, that individual problems are the result of others actions done to me, etc. However, these humanistic therapies and theories are based upon presuppositions that are contrary to the teaching of Scripture and do a great disservice to the church by telling Christians that there are other means to heal the soul other than Christ, His Word, and Holy Spirit.
Today the therapist calls sin a sickness and therefore prescribes a therapy rather than repentance. Habitual sin is called addictive behavior and the solution of today’s therapist is medical care rather than the spiritual correctives of Scripture. According to Scripture, the path to spiritual wholeness in the Christian life is sanctification, which comes about only by God’s grace, Word, and Spirit. Jesus Christ alone is the wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) who leads His sheep to living waters, green pastures, and restores their soul (Psalm 23). When David was downcast in his soul his only response was to turn to God (Psalm 42). When he was spiritually depleted after his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah his only recourse after a year of trying to cover it up and deal with it in a humanistic way was to confess his sins to the Lord. “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:3-8). Also read Psalm 51 and see how David addressed the issue of his sin-grieved soul.
Jesus Christ suffered more trauma in His soul than any person who ever lived or shall live, and yet His response was always to run to God the Father through prayer and Scripture as He walked by the power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus cried out, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death…” (Matt. 26:38), you will notice that He went immediately to His Father in prayer to address the sorrowful death-like depression of His soul (Matt 26:39). As believers, we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) and therefore we are called to walk as Christ walked (1 John 2:6; Col. 2:6; Phil. 2:5) as those being conformed into His very image (Rom. 8:29). Therefore, in all our struggles in life, which are ultimately soul issues, we must turn to the only remedy for the soul, which is Christ, His Word, and Spirit. The Apostle Peter wrote: “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:2-3). Everything we need to live the Christian life is found in Christ and therefore we must seek Him (Col. 3:1) through His Word (Heb. 1:2, 4:12) by the power of the Holy Spirit and in diligent prayer as we deal with every issue regarding our soul in this troubled life. As the writer to the Hebrews declared, we must keep on “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:2-3).
Dear Christian, examine this matter in light of Scripture and let the Holy Spirit deal with your soul and direct you into all truth by His Word for His glory, honor and praise!
by HARVEYOPP | Jun 2, 2015 | Scott Henry
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
Most people in our society think that all “spiritual” roads lead to heaven. They say if a person is sincere and lives a moral life then surely they’ll go to heaven — no matter what they believe. However, our text teaches that there is only one way to heaven, and anyone who teaches any other way is a liar who is deceived by Satan (Galatians 1:6-8). Scripture teaches only one way to be saved from the guilt and consequences of our sin, and that one way is the perfect work of Jesus Christ alone. Only by the love and grace of God raising sinners up from spiritual death (Eph. 2) and uniting them to Jesus Christ is there salvation. That’s the only way sinners can be redeemed from their sin and misery.
Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” However, too many professing Christians say foolish things like, “Oh, yes, Christ saves, but let’s not be unloving by saying Christ is the only way to heaven. That would mean all other faiths are condemned.” You see, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be tolerated by most people if it’s presented as one way among many. But when it’s proclaimed as the only way, the exclusive way, then it becomes offensive to a pluralistic society.
Our text is very clear — apart from true faith in Jesus Christ you perish! Jesus doesn’t say He is one way among many. He says He is THE ONLY WAY a sinner can come to the Father. There is no salvation in the superstitions, philosophies, ideologies, or the man-made religions that abound in our world. All other beliefs apart from true faith in Jesus Christ are doctrines of demons sent among men to deceive, and the ONLY loving action a Christian can take is to boldly and loudly proclaim the truth that Jesus is THE way, THE truth, and THE life, and that NO ONE comes to the Father except through HIM! (John 14:6).
And if you come to Jesus by true faith He will not cast you aside but will wash you from the guilt and consequences of your sins by His sin-atoning death, and He will restore you to a right relationship to God through His perfect law-fulfilling, perfectly righteous life, which becomes yours through faith. As we read in Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.” Are you trusting in the only Savior, Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins? “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
by HARVEYOPP | May 29, 2015 | Scott Henry
“Do all things without complaining or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:14-15).
If we complained less and were more thankful we would be joyous Christians, and God would be more glorified through our words and works. Every day we must thank God for the “ordinary mercies” we receive from His generous hand; for although we deserve nothing, God provides us with great abundance, as the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17: “…who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”
However, our loudest song of thanksgiving should be for God’s redeeming grace. Believers have been redeemed from the overpowering rule and consequences of sin in which we were conceived and born. We have been led to the cross of Christ by the sweet Holy Spirit of God and our bonds of guilt have been removed. We are no longer slaves of Satan and sin, but are now children of the living God who are adopted through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. We now have the precious promises that “nothing can separate us from Christ’s love” and that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28-39). Why, then, should the Christian ever be heard complaining? Oh, what a grievous, selfish, thankless heart we demonstrate when we participate in the worldly, sinful craft of complaining. Every child of God must cultivate a thankful heart. We must learn to be content with God’s provisions, to be thankful in all things, to be people of praise rather than people who complain. As the writer of Hebrews declared: “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
Begin by thinking of the “little” things and then move into the realm of God’s saving grace. Reflect upon the truth that God, out of mere grace, caused every elect sinner to be born from above, renewed in their soul, given spiritual life by the working of the Holy Spirit who baptizes us into the spiritual body of Jesus Christ where we receive all Christ’s merits. Reflect upon the fact that the redeemed are sinners saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, and given hearts of true faith and love in order that we might trust God, adore His glorious attributes, praise the blessed name of Jesus, and do good deeds to our neighbors out of a thankful heart to the God of our salvation. Meditate on these truths and your heart will surely be stirred by the Holy Spirit to “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
by HARVEYOPP | May 22, 2015 | Scott Henry
“Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit” (Psalm 34:13).
Most, if not all, of our problems relate to our tongue … our speech is one of the easiest ways to sin. We cannot do just anything we want, but we sure can say just about anything. Do you want to grow in your Christian life? Practice putting a muzzle on your tongue. “I said, I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me” (Psalm 39:1). And we read in James 3:3: “Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.” James says if we can control a horse’s tongue then we can direct the entire body of the horse to a useful purpose. However, without the control of the tongue the horse is absolutely useless … it’s like a wild stallion running throughout the countryside trampling over everything it encounters. In like manner, if we can control our tongue then our whole life can be directed to the noble purpose of glorifying God and edifying our neighbor. But if we let our tongue run loose then our whole body will follow and we will bring dishonor to God, destruction to our neighbor, and shame to ourselves.
According to Scripture, the tongue reveals the true person. It’s an instrument that tells on the condition of a person’s heart. The tongue is the dip stick of the heart, the tattletale, the barometer that displays a person’s spiritual condition. Ultimately, a person speaks the way he does because of the state of his heart. Jesus said: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). David described the tongue of the wicked in Psalm 52:2-4: “Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah. You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.” Therefore, believers are admonished in Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” True believers are those begotten by the Word of God (James 1:18), and James tells us that true, living, vibrant faith shows itself in the control of the tongue. As the doctor would say, “stick out your tongue” and put the thermometer under your tongue for your physical temperature, so James says the tongue reveals your spiritual temperature or the condition of your heart. As was said to Peter by those in the courtyard, “Your speech betrays you”, so one’s speech reveals a person’s true character since the issue of the tongue is ultimately an issue of the heart. As the Puritans were fond of saying, “The heart of the matter is always the matter of the heart.”
Therefore, the question for each of us is this, are the words we speak consistent with the faith we confess? Don’t be deceived … a faith that doesn’t transform the tongue is no saving faith. James tells us, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). How are you doing with the control of your tongue? Do you say whatever pops into your head, or are you careful with the words you speak? Paul wrote in Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.” Jesus is the greatest example regarding the use of the tongue: “So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth…” (Luke 4:22).
Begin each day by praying the words found in Job 6:24: “Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have erred.” And remember, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). May the Lord bless His people as we strive to bridle our tongue by the power of the Holy Spirit in order that “…no corrupt word proceeds out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). All to the glory, honor, and praise of Jesus Christ!
by HARVEYOPP | May 18, 2015 | Scott Henry
“…be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility…” (1 Peter 5:5).
The word humility in Scripture means “humbleness of mind.” It’s a character quality that can best be summarized by Romans 12:3: “…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly…” An excellent example of humility is found in the words of the prophet Samuel when he addressed King Saul: “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel?” (1 Sam. 15:17). “Little in your own eyes” is a wonderful description of a humble person, but humility is not popular in our world because humility only thrives in a society that honors God. When God is dishonored then humility is despised and belittled, and man’s sinful pride is exalted. And because our world is hostile to God, humility is ridiculed by our society. Nevertheless, Scripture calls every believer to “be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
This text is completely foreign to our culture, but it’s absolutely essential in the Christian life if we are going to glorify Christ and live as salt of the earth and light for a perishing world. Notice what Peter says: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another…” One key element to a life of humility is submission. A person who is unwilling to submit to others is a person filled with pride, and this is contrary to the virtue of humility. You see, an attitude of submission is produced by an attitude of humility, and true humility is demonstrated in two particular ways: obedience to God’s Word and esteeming others better than yourself.
On the other hand, a non-submissive, rebellious attitude is produced by pride, and pride is manifested by a person who rebels against God’s Word and views other people as lower than himself. The word “clothed” in our text literally means to tie something on with a knot. What Peter has in mind is the work apron of a slave, which was put on over the outer clothes to keep them clean. It became the word for putting on humble service. So Peter is saying, ‘Clothe yourself in a garment of humble service by putting on the apron of a slave and serving others.’ To clothe yourself with humility is to put on the attitude of lowly-mindedness, which is best exemplified by Jesus in John 13:3-5: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” And Scripture says to every believer: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5). Remember also the words of Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Christian, how are you doing with your walk of humility? Are you endeavoring to keep on continually being clothed with humility, which is nothing other than Christ-likeness? Pray the Holy Spirit strengthens you every day for a walk of faith that glorifies Christ … a simple walk of humble service towards God and your neighbor.
by HARVEYOPP | May 12, 2015 | Scott Henry
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).
Jesus is with His people at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances. He is “Immanuel, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is with every believer to comfort us in the hour of sorrow, to enlighten us in the hour of darkness, to guide us in the hour of doubt, to deliver us in the time of conflict, to strengthen us in the time of weakness, to protect us in the day of trouble, and to support us in the hour of death. Every believer must realize this wondrous truth that Jesus faithfully and continually dwells with the sheep of His pasture, the people of His hand. For this reason, David wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
Jesus was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace; He was with Daniel in the lions’ den; He was with the Apostle Paul in the hour of conflict in Corinth; and Jesus was with the Apostle John on the Island of Patmos during his exile. Jesus is, at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances with His people. We read in Matthew 28:20, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And in Hebrews 13:5 it is written, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” The English word “forsake” is translated from the Greek word “egkataleipo” which can also be translated “to leave behind or to desert.” In other words, the Lord Jesus will never abandon His sheep no matter what the situation, and He will never desert His redeemed no matter what the circumstances. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:16-17: “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” We also read in Isaiah 43:1-3: “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”
What about you? Are you passing through the fiery furnace of affliction? Is your health failing? Is your faith weak? Do not be cast down! This furnace is only designed to burn the dross, to work your inward good, to draw you nearer to Jesus, and conform you more and more into Christ’s image. As the hymn writer declared,
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie…
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply…
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design…
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.”
Be of good cheer, dear Christian, for Jesus has promised never to leave you nor forsake you, even in your darkest days. “So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).
Take time to listen to this song by Fernando Ortega … it will edify your soul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvM1Cl4t1ZE
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