thirsting soul.

 

You may read your Bible, and pray over it till you die; you may wait on the preached Word every Sabbath-day, … [But] if you are not brought to cleave to him, to look to him, to believe in him, to cry out with inward adoration: “My Lord, and my God”—”How great is his goodness! How great is his beauty!”—then the outward observance of the ordinances is all in vain to you.

-Robert Murray McCheyne 

While in Bible college I heard a number of discussions/arguments over an over. One that I heard on several occasions goes something like this: ‘Too many people focus too much on theology and doctrine and not enough on love’ and of course the vice versa: ‘Too many people focus too much on love and not enough on theology and doctrine.’ 

so which is it? Love or doctrine? the answer is simple: Yes. 

Philippians 1:9- And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment… 

Do you seek to love God more? You will grow in knowledge of Him. You will be a student of His word and prayer. You should even venture to read good books.

Do you study His word and read good books? If so, you should be growing more in your love for God Himself. 

If these things aren’t true of the Christian there is a disconnect between your mind and heart.

‘For Your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt for it is great’ -Psalm 25:11

1. Your guilt is great
2. God alone provides pardon (through Christ)
3. The primary purpose for the pardon of sins is not to ease a wrecked conscience, nor is it to provide comfort for the pardoned (though these things are accomplished)… the primary purpose for the pardon of sins is the glory of God; the fame of His name… 

Beware of the temptation to elevate yourself above God, even in the gospel.

[2:1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 

(Ephesians 2:1-5 ESV)

Some are amazed (and offended) that God would pour out wrath, execute judgement, consider man guilty, etc..

I’m amazed that He would intervene. I’m amazed that He is merciful, loving, and full of grace. I’m amazed that He raises the dead who place their faith in Christ. I’m amazed. Astonished. that I am seated with Christ in heaven. 

I was an angry, bitter teenager in 1999… but God

I sought the world and ran from my creator… but God

I had scars from the past too deep to fathom… but God

I don’t always treat my wife like I should… but God

I don’t always love Christ in His word… but God

I am still a piece of work… but God

“…when our hearts were far away your love when deeper still.” 

-Matt Redman, You Alone Can Rescue

Don’t underestimate the mercy, love and grace of God in your life. You are not out of His reach.