Tag: gospel

Through Peril Shall Ye Find Your Salvation

James HoganLeave a comment

Just two more this night!

20. The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur. Well been a while since I read this one! I have a long relationship with this book, having first read it I believe in either late high school or early college. Probably early college. And God mightily used it to work in my life and convict me of sin and show me what it meant to follow Jesus. So for that reason alone, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this book, ever so grateful how God used it to draw me closer to him. I read it now and it hits a little different, surely. I am in a much different place and recognize it a bit more for the polemical work it is. It is a bit of an intra-camp discussion with MacArthur gently (and sometimes not so gently!) chiding the so called “free grace” movement and the attacks on what became known as “lordship salvation” with these attacks at time accusing MacArthur and his adherents of preaching another gospel, a gospel of works. MacArthur is very much pointed in this book, addressing one theologian in particular in his attacks on lordship salvation. We are a bit removed from this controversy now and even reading this book reminded me of how Christian history (and even evangelicalism) has very much moved on. Not to say that this book isn’t still needed though! Just be aware that this is a book written in a very particular period of American evangelicalism (even more specifically – American evangelical dispensationalism) and addresses a visible church that faced different issues and sins that it faces now.

Looking past all that, I still think this is a useful read for two reasons. Firstly, as a polemical work, it does demonstrate how it is useful and even necessary at times to confront others in the faith who may be leading others astray away from the true gospel. MacArthur is clear at the end that he is not fond of controversy and there are many more minor issues that he will not engage in debates because of the fact that they are issues far afield from the gospel of Jesus Christ. But MacArthur does feel that this “lordship salvation” issue directly bears on what it means to be a Christian and feels called to confront those who are giving ones false assurance of salvation. Secondly, this book is helpful to me even now as I consider my Christian faith and meditate on what the gospel is. What does it mean that Christ came to earth and called men to follow Him? What does it mean that Christ lived and died and rose again and that a message of death and rebirth has been proclaimed to all who would hear? What does it mean that even now Jesus knocks at the door and calls us to come to him that we may have rest for our souls? And what does the gospel lived out look like? What does it mean for one to be “saved”? Can we be saved to eternal life and our lives then proceed in this world as if nothing has really changed? This book was at times challenging but at times comforting as I considered Jesus. At the end of the day, I am counted as a child of God for nothing that I have done. I confess Christ and my life is reborn in dazzlingly glorious colour and nothing will ever be the same. I am saved to life eternal because of the righteousness of Christ. And in that joy and as I abide in Christ, I cannot help but walk this pilgrim way delighting in the law of God and seeking to be holy before my God. Oh the riches of God’s grace! All glory be to Christ.

21. The Man on the Middle Cross by Alistair Begg. A wonderful little gospel tract. This booklet seems to be doing the rounds this Easter season, with at least two churches that I know of using it in the lead-up to Resurrection Sunday. I grabbed one a few weeks back from the table at the back of church and just this morning read it through. It is short and a quick read and to one who has been a Christian for a while, there is nothing new. Still yet. It is wonderfully encouraging to consider the gospel anew and to read these three stories that Begg retells. He does a beautiful job of re-telling the stories of the Samaritan woman, the forgiven paralytic, and the thief on the cross. This is certainly a book aimed at one that does not know Christ, but one that is possibly (hopefully?) seeking to understand who this Jesus is. I wonder how a non-Christian would find this. I can certainly state that it encouraged me to read it this day. The last story brought tears to my eyes, as I considered the thief at the gates of heaven and pleading naught but the words of Jesus. What a joy it would be to hear those words from Jesus, that promise that I might be WITH HIM in paradise that day. Oh my heart melted considering such. I cannot wait for the day when I too walk through heaven’s gates. I don’t care for any golden streets or harps or such. I simply want to be with my Lord.

Meanderings

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Monday, all!! I have a couple minutes to write and thought I’d just share a few thoughts. Right now, enjoying my peppermint mocha – and realizing how blessed I truly am. Sometimes it’s easy to feel alone(a la Elijah in 1 Kings 19)…and then God reminds us how false that presumption is!! “I have reserved yet 7000 that have not bowed the knee to Baal”…and I’m comforted by that. Even today, as I’m waking up and preparing for another day and another week of work and not feeling entirely joyful about the prospect, I had a good chat with barista Katie at Starbucks…spent a few minutes talking about our respective churches and fellowships and struggles and joys…and how good it is to have close friends that worship the same God, even if we don’t get as much time with those friends as we would like! So even a chance encounter with a fellow sister in Christ at Starbucks encourages me so – as God knew it would and as God knew I needed!! I have been continually reminded of how many reasons I have to praise God and thank Him for His abundant lovingkindnesses!

Now…just a few thoughts on a few various verses I read this morning…

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkidness
in the morning, for You have been my stronghold
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me
lovingkindness.
-Psalm 59:16-17
I do love these verses – how easy is it in the “day of our distress” to sink into ourselves and moan and complain and feel that “woe is me”. But no, our response – even in the morning when we are sleepy and not entirely coherent – should be to sing of our Lord’s lovingkindness. For He truly is our stronghold and our refuge and the only One in whom we can put our trust. He showers love upon us and so even when we feel that is not the case, remember that the Lord’s lovingkindness is everlasting nonetheless and sing.

He who gives attention to the word will find good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
-Proverbs 16:20
A reminder to trust the Lord…which is oft so needed(at least by me!) – when all else fails and withers on the vine, we are told to heed the word which has been given to us…and trust in God. In God and in God only is our trust, our hope, our song.

When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and strong,
he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the Lord.
-2 Chronicles 12:1
A chilling verse. This is how the chapter begins – it comes after a chapter in which the kingdom was prosperous and Rehoboam was building fortified cities and all was well. And then we see something that should give us pause. We think that in times of peace and prosperity – surely that means God is blessing us and we can relax! And yes, we can and must thank God for all He has given us, but we must be vigilant and not lean on a staff of our own uprightness. How scary is this – a king and his whole kingdom were happy and prosperous and safe. And what did they do? They…forsook the law of the Lord. May it never be. Long to obey God in all things as His beloved children. May we beware of complacency and laxness in the things of the Lord. Keep yourselves from idols.

And there will no longer be any night; and they will not
have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun,
because the Lord God will illumine them;
and they will reign forever and ever.
-Revelation 22:5
Not much commentary on this verse, other than I really like it a lot. “And there will no longer be any night…” Oh what a glorious thought – no darkness or foulness or bleakness or night. Never again will the curse of sin blight the land and darken our souls on that glorious day when returns the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed come quickly, Lord Jesus. (Note the last part of that verse…*we* will reign forever and ever under the authority of our God!! Most thrilling and most humbling indeed)

Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand
and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
-Mark 1:41
Lastly but not leastly…how does Jesus feel toward those who are desperate for Him? He here is moved with compassion. Oh to know that Jesus is not just all-seeing and all-knowing and all-powerful…he is all-loving. Who would ever even want to be in the same room with a disgusting leprous person? And what does Jesus do? He reaches out. He touches him. He heals him. Because he wants to. So is it with us…Jesus has compassion upon us – we who are foul and unclean and impure and utterly hostile to Him – and He reaches out to us and heals our hearts and purifies our souls and makes us His. Oh what compassion – oh what love!! The worst that we have done…He has forgiven us. Think on that, this morning – if you will. And if you do not know Jesus and wonder if this is truly for you…well, I just ask you this. Do you know that you are a sinner? Do you understand your filth and the darkness in your heart has sunk you utterly and separated you from the God of the universe? Do you realize there is nothing in you that is any good? Oh how that should horrify you. Oh how that should frighten you. Oh how that should make you tremble. But fear not – because despite the yawning gap between you and God – there is a Way to Him. Jesus reaches out to you – He longs for you to be with Him forever. Indeed He does more than reach out – He died a horrific death over two thousand years ago…so that He might bring people into communion with Him – so He might save their souls. He died yes. And then three days later He rose again – proving that He is indeed the Son of God and the One who has power over death! So this Jesus is full of compassion…for you. Yes, you may be lost and drowning in a pit of despair. But fear not – there is hope. Repent of all the evil deeds you have done and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And you shall be saved to life eternal with God on High. There will be no more night, ever again.

That was far too many words…but sometimes it is good to write. And even if my words are all too feeble – as they truly are – my heart whispers continually of longings to be with my God and I cannot help but scribble down these cries.

Love Song

James HoganLeave a comment

Hey friends!!! It has indeed been far too long since I’ve posted anything here…And I can promise this will be short, since I’m using my unwieldy phone to write this. But I just wanted to say hi this beautiful Sunday evening!! I’m just about to have a yummy dinner of leftover pizza and a tomato salad…after having enjoyed a wonderful Palm Sunday concert at church!! Hearing lovely voices being lifted up to our God in praise – oh what rapturous delight filled my soul. And as I think about what Jesus did on this wounded weary earth over two thousand years ago…He gave of Himself and emptied all that we might live. He bled and suffered and died. For us. Think on that, my friends. And rejoice. We who have done nothing but scorn the God of all things. Jesus weeps over us as He wept over Jerusalem…He longs to gather us all to Himself…but we are unwilling. Oh how foolish are we!! So now before I say more, just think on Jesus and who He is. God Himself who died. For us. That we might be called children of God. And such we are. Is that not wonderful my friends?? Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Rejoice in our salvation – sing a song of love and hope and wonder!!

Peace, my friends – peace and love. Now…dinner time for me.

In Memoriam

James HoganLeave a comment

This has been a rich morning. And can I describe it all to you here, dear readers? Well, maybe not sufficiently, and most likely no one will care to read this quite as much as I am enjoying remembering it, but it is my journal and so I will make full use of those inherent rights and privileges as I ramble a bit this morn…about small and sundry things that won’t mean as much to you, but have been gifts to my soul this morning.

As I sat on my couch this morning, with my honey-sweetened coffee in hand(always a good way to start the morning, no?), I got to read so many sweet sections of scripture. Starting with Psalms 115 and 116(two of my favorites, bliss! Not to us, oh Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth”) and then after reading Proverbs 29(also containing some sweet wisdom which I will not delve into further here) I continued in my journey through Ezekiel. Ezekiel is a very strange and wonderful and dangerously sobering book. And today I read what I still maintain is one of the most chillingly frightening chapters in all of scripture – Ezekiel 22. “‘…and they have forgotten Me,’ declares the Lord GOD.” So after reading in graphic detail the sins of the people of God and of the grave seriousness with which the Lord took the affront to His name, I then turned to Romans, which I’ve just started. Romans is always a perfectly delightful book to read and I’ve really enjoyed the first couple chapters already. So today read chapters 3 and 4, with a very little bit of 5(because really – the first few verses of 5 are just marvelous!! I can’t remember them off-hand, which means you get to look them up). But my reading today(which I seldom describe, but again, I will indulge myself today!) took me from from the depths of despair that is our sin against God…to the heights of glory upon realizing the grand plan of God which encompasses both Jew and Greek – salvation for all who have faith in Him. Faith alone – naught of what we’ve done! This salvation through Jesus Christ, because of His propitiation for our sins – oh beautiful thought! And so I really can’t think of a more perfect combination of chapters than Ezekiel 22 and Romans 3-4…and God granted me such a gift by allowing me to read them this day. And so as my heart was lifted and my spirit enlivened and my soul strengthened from above, I drove off to work…and fortuitously enough, my current CD ended and I popped the next one in – which happened to be the Oh Hellos “Through the Deep Dark Valley”…very possibly my current favorite album and a masterpiece of emotion and grace and joy and light. And I had no doubt as I continued to be encouraged by their music as I drove through the slowly lightening Houston morning that God had given me yet another gift…listening to such sweet music that encourages me so. And now this rambling paragraph must draw to a close, I know this. And all these thoughts that I write – they are for my memory and for me to look back on in times of darkness and doubt…so that I will remember the things the Lord has done for me. So that I will see the many beautiful blessings of God that I have been given. I have been given much and thus do I love much. Be deeply encouraged this day, every one of you – rejoice in the knowledge of your salvation and dance in the light of the gospel of God. Peace and love.

Sweet Chariot

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends!! Posting a quick pre-work entry here before everything gets hectic busy. Of course, things aren’t that busy of late here…mostly with the oil industry being semi-catatonic and all. Layoffs are still happening(two more engineers got let go from my office yesterday..) and everyone is in a bit of a grim mood. Anyways! Cheery intro, eh? I’m enjoying my cup of coffee this Wednesday morning and slowly waking up. I’ve felt like I’ve been on the verge of getting sick for the past week or so…and I’m a bit tired of being tired all the time. Oh so weary! I would like to have my proper energy back, please! Alas. Tonight should be a restful night at home and then tomorrow night going out to hang with Chase and Sarah! That will be good times, no doubt. Last night was a beautiful small group meeting…despite my tiredness, God indeed gave grace(as always!) and we had a pretty sweet discussion of the gospel of God. What is the beauty of the gospel?? That was my ending question last night, and as I begin to dive into work this morning, I want to be pondering and meditating on the everlasting mercies of my God. Peace and love, dear friends.

Bondservant

James HoganLeave a comment

…the gospel of God,
which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,
concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,
who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead,
according to the Spirit of holiness,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
through whom we have received grace and apostleship
to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles
for His name’s sake,
among whom you also
are the called
of Jesus Christ.
-Romans 1:1-6

Violetta

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Saturday!! I’m here at Beans Cafe – already had my breakfast an hour ago or so, and now I have my Earl Grey sitting in front of me and I thought – no better time to write a bit! I wanted to begin this morning by something I’ve been reading – thought it was simply wonderful and I couldn’t not share. I’ve been reading in Acts lately. This is such a fantastic book, one that I always enjoy reading, because the power and Spirit of God is working mightily in the early church – and seeing how God works through His people is something to behold. So encouraging. And so I come to Acts chapter ten today. This is one of the first recorded instances of a Jew preaching to a Gentile audience. Shocking!! So God calls Peter to go and share His gospel with Cornelius. Peter obeys God. Peter goes to the house of a non-Jew, and there – he preaches the Word of God. This is truly remarkable. It’s a bit hard to convey how earth-shattering this moment is. But for a Jew who had considered Gentiles to be implacable enemies of God and totally undeserving of any grace, the fact that Peter would share the gospel of God with ones such as these…this account is stunning. Let me just share Peter’s words, because I think they are far better than any words I could say! From Acts 10, verse 34 on –

Opening his mouth, Peter said:
“I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,
but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is
welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching
peace through Jesus Christ(He is Lord of all) – you yourselves know
the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the
baptism which John proclaimed. You know of Jesus of Nazareth,
how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for
God was with Him. We are witnesses of all the things He did both
in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by
hanging Him up on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day and granted
that He become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were
chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He
arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and
solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as
Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that
through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

And this is the gospel of God. Love it. And just the fact that this inaugurates the preaching of the gospel of God to all peoples makes it even more awesome. Right after Peter says the above words, the Spirit falls upon all who were listening to His message and they believed and were baptised and were rejoicing and praising God. Hallelujah!

And now that I’ve written the above, I’m not sure what else I can write, but I suppose I can let you know that yes – I’m still settling in to Houston life! Me and Alex hit up the opera last night and well…it was quite good. Just because I don’t want to plagiarise myself – I’ll excerpt a review I wrote on another forum:

La Traviata dir. Enrique Carreon-Robledo. So, my first few weeks back in Houston, and I was able to get a ticket to see my very first opera! Background info – I’ve always said I never like opera, mostly because my only exposure to it has been random video clips or music on my iTunes that I’ve just..never found enjoyable. So I said yes to my friend’s invite, but went in expecting not to like this. Instead…the only word I could think of to describe it at the time – magnificent.

I didn’t know the story ahead of time, and so watched it with my heart in my mouth, wondering what was going to happen – and how it would end. The venue was a small theatre(probably less than 200 people, but we were at full capacity), and somehow me and my friend had scored front row tickets. Not quite ideal, since the translation screen was a bit hard to see from our angle, but in actuality, this was perfect. Being front row(touching the stage with my feet!!), I felt part of the performance – totally enthralled by it. I didn’t always know the exact words they were saying, but it didn’t even matter. All of the talent was simply top-notch. I was stunned by how good the performance was – Violetta was simply amazing – and I was in love with the way her voice spiraled and dueled with the orchestra. Magnificent.

I really shouldn’t make this review any longer, but just know that my opinion of the opera has been changed. I think I’m going to have to see more. I also really loved the intimate nature of the venue – afterwards, some of the cast came down to greet us – I really should have gone up and thanked them for their performance, but was too shy! As Americans are wont to do, we gave a standing ovation as well. I thought it was deserved.

So there you go – magnificent. Beautiful. I really should make a point to go to more fine art performances, whether it be music or theater. My problem is, I never like to go to things like this alone, but I simply will have to find people to come with me!! Anyways, it was great fun being with Alex again, and enjoying a fine performance…I can’t complain, even if it was a late Friday night!

And I don’t think I wrote about last weekend – I spent Saturday night last week at Abby and Claire and Charlotte’s house! It was grand – they threw a “Welcome back to America” party – slash game night. Really, just a good excuse for a party. I actually didn’t know half the people there, but that wasn’t a bad thing. I also saw again some people I haven’t seen in over three years! So we played lots of games(Signs, Balderdash, etc…) and laughed heaps, and enjoyed quality time together. I have good friends, what can I say? God is good to me. Always.

And tonight I’ll be going to the Jacobs for dinner! Will be awesome – was so great seeing them this past Sunday – and I’ve not been to their house in over three years! So looking forward to a good evening there(I’m quite positive there will be some ping-pong played, definitely ready for that!).

I could definitely write more, but I have suspicions this post is quite long enough as it is. Enjoy and God bless you all, my friends. Just know that despite my sometimes sighs as I think back on my time in Scotland and my dear friends there, I have no doubt that God is with me and leading me in every step I take. His Word is indeed a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. He takes me by the hand when I stumble and leads me in paths everlasting. So I have no fear, no worries. Well actually, I do at times when my flesh is weak and feeble, but then my Lord reminds me that He is the one who holds my hand. Even youths may grow tired and weary, but those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength and will mount up on wings like eagles…y’all, like eagles! So let us – like eagles – soar on the wings of the dawn and look to the heavens, where Jesus sits at the right hand of God Himself. When we fret and sigh at the miseries of this world, look to Jesus and remember that He is Lord and He is God. Worship Him, and all else fades away like the early-morning fog into the grey of the sea with the rising of the sun…

Peace, my friends.