Showing posts with label the church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the church. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Word of God

I wrote this poem with the intentions of encapsulating all the main points that the first article of the "1689 Baptist Confession of Faith" makes. I wanted to exhibit the rich doctrine in the article in a beautiful and poetic way. I hope this blesses you!

The word of God is  complete.
No other book can compete.
The Holy Scriptures do suffice
For salvation, doctrine, and daily life.

God's existence is proved by nature,
But nature is quite a limited teacher.
God's plan of salvation and will for man,
Aren't understood by the works of His hand.

Before He spoke in many ways,
But scripture is His method today.
Sixty six books do compose
The entire cannon that is now closed.

Scripture needs not explanation,
Nor man's approval or recommendation.
God's Word makes the simple prudent.
Every believer should be it's student.

It doesn't matter what churches say. 
It's God's word we're bound to obey.
If any man's teachings contradict,
We must follow scripture, holding fast to it.

The Bible is God breathed.
It's contents to pure to be man conceived.
Nature is in one accord
With the testimony of God's word.

The proofs without and proofs within,
Can't convince minds darkened by sin.
Unless a man be born again,
God's kingdom he can not enter in.

Not all things are equally plain,
But essential things need not be explained.
Whenever things are hard to grasp,
We must read scripture in light of the rest.

When controversies o'er doctrines arise
Scripture is to be our guide.
While others turn to their opinions,
We will trust in God's declarations.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Ashamed of the Gospel

I finished reading "Ashamed of the Gospel (When the Church Becomes Like the World)" by John MacArthur! It is an amazing book that I would recommend to anyone! I came away wishing there was more to read, and with a greater wealth of knowledge and passion for the purity of the Church and the gospel! This book deals with the pragmatism that has infected many churches. Many churches are so consumed with entertaining the goats, that they forget to feed the sheep. Not only this, but many pastors will dance around others feelings trying not to offend them. However, their job is not to make others feel comfortable but let them know the danger they are in and the hope that we have in Christ! If we do not tell others the danger they are in, they will not see their need for Christ. The gospel is offensive often, but that is what we are called to preach. This book is not only helpful for pastors, but all Christians. We are all called to share the gospel. The question is are we ashamed of it?