His Perfect, Precious Blood

Posted on September 22, 2018 by PastorDave

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HIS PERFECT, PRECIOUS BLOOD!

A Simple Song of Experience

“For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious Blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb” 1 Peter 1.18-19 CSB

When I stand before the bar of the Holy God,

and the books are opened that Day –

will I claim as my salvation some good work that I’ve done

or some service I have rendered to pay

for all the sins that I’ve committed and for coming short

of the law and the Glory of God?

Oh, no, I won’t! I’ll have one plea, and He is Jesus Christ

and HIS PERFECT, PRECIOUS BLOOD!

For His Blood has saved me, and ever will – even at that Judgment Day!

For His Blood has cleansed me and made me whole, and has taken my sins away!

By His Blood I’m redeemed, and I’m justified –

Christ perfected my record for me!

God has charged Him with my sin,

and charged me with His righteousness.

I’m a child of God, adopted and free!

And now the law cannot condemn me – it’s demands were met

by the Spotless Lamb of God!

He’s forgiven my transgressions, washed away my stain

by HIS PERFECT, PRECIOUS BLOOD!

For His Blood has saved me, and ever will – even at that Judgment Day!

For His Blood has cleansed me and made me whole, and has taken my sins away!

~dsp

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THE GOD WHO CAN

Posted on August 16, 2018 by PastorDave

THE GOD WHO CAN! [a simple Song of Experience by Dave Parks]

Mark 9.22-24 [ESV] ~ “…But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

“Difficult…to impossible!” are the words that come to mind

when I try to describe this problem that plagues me all the time.

It saps my strength, and robs my sleep, and keeps my nerves on edge –

I keep thinking it will go away – but it simply will not budge.

I’ve tried all that I know to do, but still it’s all in vain;

the answer dances off…then turns to laugh and mock my pain!

So, I bring it all to Jesus – why had I not before?

He is the same…both yesterday, today, and evermore.

He calls: “Come to Me, you weary, you trauma-ridden soul,

bring Me your sins and sorrows, and I will make you whole!”

But I stagger at the promise, I stumble in my grief:

“LORD, I know that I should believe, but help my unbelief!

I know that I should trust You, and I would, LORD, if I could…

but can You heal this trauma, and work it out for good?

I would gladly bring my burden, and the failure of my plans;

LORD, it is quite beyond me – so, please help me…if You can!”

He roars with indignation: “You ask ME ‘if I can’?

I made the earth and heavens, and rule by My command.

Who do you think I AM, My child – I’M God…and not a man –

I do whatever I desire, and who can stay My hand?

I calm the storms and the raging seas by saying: ‘Peace – be still!’

and every spirit in the world is subject to My will!

How dare you doubt Omnipotence, provoking Me again –

I AM the God of miracles, and you ask ME ‘if I can’!”

I melted in repentance…my doubt had turned to faith –

I saw the wretched folly and my sin of unbelief –

for to doubt that God can do it…is to doubt that He is God,

and to say that He has lied in all the promises He’s made!

For He says that though my problem like a towering mountain be,

with the prayer of supplication can be cast into the sea!

So I cried, “O, LORD, I do believe, I take You at Your Word,

that ‘Everything is possible to those who trust the LORD!’”

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO TRUST THE LORD,

SO CAST YOUR CARE AND BURDEN ON THE PROMISE OF HIS WORD!

HE SITS UPON A THRONE OF GRACE – HE IS “THE GREAT I AM”!

HE IS THE GOD OF MIRACLES!

HE IS “THE GOD WHO CAN”!

dsp

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We pray because God is where we can’t be – and does what we can’t do!

Posted on July 5, 2018 by PastorDave

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I still remember that time in my life when I so powerfully learned this lesson. It was early 70s, and my younger brother was in the Air Force and stationed in Thailand.

He was going through some severe life trials during that time, and being in Thailand, he was being confronted by numerous strong temptations.

He was, at that time, still a relatively new believer. He had grown up in the same family we had all been reared in, but only recently had repented of his sins and personally believed and trusted in Jesus Christ.

I have vivid memories of picturing him way over there in Thailand – literally half-way around the world. And, there were no simple, easy ways to correspond with him. Of course, back then, we had no Skype, no Facetime, no email, no texting – and it was next to impossible to even place a long-distance phone call with any hopes of connecting with him.

So, he was way over there, and I was here. My heart broke for him, and in my prayers to God, I really reached out to him – and for him.  But, even when I prayed, I still had nagging doubts whether I was helping him as much as I really wanted to – whether I was being any real benefit, doing any real good.

Then, God convicted me about what praying really is.

Did I want to be there where he was? Yes, I did, in the strongest way.

“Well,” the Father in Heaven said to me, “I AM THERE!”

Did I want to touch him in some helping, healing way? Yes, I did, with all my being.

“Well,” the Father said, “Don’t you believe that I can do what you ask Me to do? I CAN DO WHAT YOU COULDN’T DO EVEN IF YOU WERE THERE!”

It was in that context that God struck me with why we pray, to begin with – and the efficacy of our prayers to The God Who is there – and who can do what we want Him to do, what needs to be done, and what we can’t do!

“Yes, Father – I do believe! I can’t be there – but YOU ARE! I will ask You to do what I want to do – and can’t! I can’t really even do what I would like to do. I would like to touch his heart, where it hurts. I would like to administer healing – but really, I can’t do any of those things. BUT YOU CAN!”

I constructed these images in my mind of beams being sent up to a communications satellite, and then sent back down to earth where they had been directed – even like a conversation or message that can be sent anywhere on the face of the earth.  

 COORDINATES

You know that every specific location on earth has “coordinates” so that any spot can be targeted. That’s how our GPS devices work – they can identify and locate any spot on the earth and lead us to it. There are Global Positioning Satellites that can target in on any spot on the face of our planet. GOD CAN DO THAT, TOO! That’s what we are doing when we pray: we are asking God in His Omnipresence and Omniscience to BE WHERE I CAN’T BE! God’s Presence and knowledge is everywhere.

And – not only does God know and have access to the “coordinates” of every human being, but God also has access to and sovereignty over the “coordinates” to every human being’s conscience and heart!

  • Read Psalm 139, where the Psalmist confesses that God knows when we stand up, sit down, and even every word we say before we say it!
  • Read 2 Chronicles 6.30, where Solomon stands in awe of God’s knowledge of our hearts: “…since You know each heart, for You alone know the human heart!”
  • Read Hebrews 4.12: “For the Word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.”

Do you see that? God KNOWS not only our physical whereabouts…and is THERE – but He also has authority and access to get into every human being’s heart and change whatever He wills to change.

God can change our circumstances and whatever is going on in our “outside” world just by willing it DONE – and He can also change our thoughts, our ways of thinking, our values, and our hearts! God can take away the heart of rebellion, darkness, and unbelief – and give instead a living heart of sweet surrender, the Light of Life, and the faith to believe!

“ONLY SAY THE WORD!”

I go back so often to that striking request made to Jesus by the Gentile Roman centurion for his beloved servant.

“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And He said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” ~ Matthew 8.6-8 [emphasis added]

Jesus was not physically there [in His incarnate human body], where the centurion’s servant was – but HE WAS THERE BY THE POWER OF HIS OWN WORD! So, Jesus sent His Word – and it was done!

And, Jesus did what the poor impotent centurion could not do – just like He DOES for us what our poor, impotent human abilities can’t do!

That is what we are doing when we pray to our Sovereign God – we are calling on Him to “only say the word” and it will be done!

That is what prayer does – and that is why we pray. So, let’s quit saying, “Well, the least I can do is pray for you.” NO – the best you can do is PRAY TO THE GOD WHO CAN!

WE PRAY BECAUSE…

GOD IS WHERE WE CAN’T BE & GOD DOES WHAT WE CAN’T DO!

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What You Want For Me…

Posted on June 24, 2018 by PastorDave

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O, Lord of earth and Heaven above,

O, Ruler of all history –

reveal to me your will of love,

and show me WHAT YOU WANT FOR ME!

 

I may not be a giant tall

or very influential be –

but I am willing to be small

if that is WHAT YOU WANT FOR ME!

 

I may not sit upon a throne

and shape the world by my decree –

what if I live unseen, unknown?…

if that is WHAT YOU WANT FOR ME!

 

I may not lay a lot in store

or have an earthly treasury –

but, like my Savior, I’ll be poor

if that is WHAT YOU WANT FOR ME!

 

There is a work for me to do –

there is a place for me to be…

and so, until my life is through,

just show me WHAT YOU WANT FOR ME!

 

~ dsp

23 January 1980

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You’re the Dawn of My New Day [Song of Solomon 2.17 & 4.6]

Posted on June 19, 2018 by PastorDave

You’re the dawn of my new day!
You have chased my night away!
You have taught my heart to love
by your simple giving way!
You have set this prisoner free
from living only just for me!
So, you shall have my love always –
You’re the dawn of my new day!

Since you’ve dawned upon my view,
My horizons rest on you!
You’re the other part of me –
my ‘life’ now means ‘my life with you’!
I have found true love at last –
and though I don’t regret the past –
I thank the Lord I now can say
“You’re the dawn of my new day!”

I cannot be satisfied
without you walking by my side –
You’re my ‘sun’ to be my light,
and You’re my ‘star’ to be my guide!
Hold my hand, and go with me –
we’ll share our love and company –
and light will shine upon our way
from Love’s forever dawning day!

~dsp (1975)

In the Song of Solomon, the awakening of love in the hearts of the lovers is likened to the ‘breaking’ or ‘dawning’ of the day [Song of Solomon 2.17 & 4.6]. I wrote this song for Debbie kind of early on in our relationship – or, more exactly, early on after I had the sense to recognize that she had awakened love in my heart. We had known each other, and even corresponded, for some time; but for a long while there, she had just reconciled herself that we might be only “buddies forever”! But, then, ‘the dawn of my new day’ began to break! And, this song began to sing!

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“WOW! That’s my wife!”

Posted on August 26, 2017 by PastorDave

a.pic.DSP-DHP.Anniv.side-by-sideDearest Debbie, My Dove! August 20 is your birthday. You and I know how many-th this one is. But, what it means to me is that it is another year I have had the privilege and pleasure of sharing and enjoying with you!

So, when I went to look for a card to give you, I did what I always do: I just began pulling and reading the cards to myself, and when I find the one that moves me and makes me start to tear up with emotion, I buy it. That’s what I did with the one I gave you.

I welled up with tears because the card says what I say so often. Here is the text of the card:

“There are moments when I catch myself saying, ‘WOW! That’s my wife!’ They seem to come in the most ordinary times – when you’re laughing with our family, when we’re having dinner with friends, when you and I are together doing nothing at all. I’m still amazed that out of all the men in the world, I’m the one who gets to share life with you. After all this time, I still don’t know all the reasons why God trusted me with one of His most amazing gifts…but I’ll be grateful every day for the rest of my life that He did!  Happy Birthday! I love you!”

And then I wrote some other little personal notes and signed it the way I always do: “Forever and a day – Dave!”

But, what so attracted and bonded me to the card was that line

“There are moments when I catch myself saying, ‘WOW! That’s my wife!’ ”

Because I do. I think that to myself. I say that to myself. I catch myself saying to you, “WOW! You’re my wife! I haven’t gotten used to being married to you – and enjoy being with you and living with you!”

a.dsp.pic.Debbie-sitting-portrait-2400You have been “WOWing” me and making me say “WOW!” even from the first time I laid my eyes on you and met you. Your Dad invited me to preach in the church’s Youth Conference that February of 1972. He picked me up at Bluegrass Airport and took me to your-all’s home. We stepped inside the front door, and you walked through the living room. I said to myself, “WOW!” It would still be a few months before we even began corresponding with one another. But I was impressed from that first sight! It may not have been the proverbial “love at first sight,” but I was very impressed! To quote William Wordsworth: “She was a Phantom of delight when first she gleamed upon my sight; A lovely Apparition, sent to be a moment’s ornament; Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair; Like Twilight’s, too, her dusky hair…” and so forth. I was like “WOW!” even that “first time ever I saw your face”!

While I was staying with you all and preaching for those few days, your Dad and I drove around town running errands. One of those errands took us to the old Turfland Mall. There was a Kodak kiosk out in the parking lot, and we picked up your Senior class pictures. He laid them down on the front seat of the car between us, and there you were again! “WOW!” I really wanted one of those pictures. But I wouldn’t have thought about asking your Dad for one since I had known you all for only a couple days! That would not have been appropriate! It would be a few short years later before I actually got one to carry.

Then, we were married! And we have shared the last 41 years of our lives together! We have been together everywhere we have been…and everything we have been through. Much of it has been difficult…some of it has been painful…often it has required you to make huge sacrifices. But, I think about all the times you have taken my hand, and looked into my eyes, and said: “Go where you think we need to go. Do what you think we need to do. I am with you…and we are following Christ together.” I think about all those experiences, and I say, “WOW! She’s my wife!”

And much of that time and shared experiences has also been joyful. Yes, so much of what we have done together has been in the contexts and activities of our shared ministry. But that is where we have invested our lives – that is where we looked for our joy, and that is where we have found our joy. And still do! And for that, I just say, “WOW! She’s my wife!”   

Time after time after time, I have either admired you from distant places during times of temporary travel separation, or from across the room, or as I observed you ministering and serving others in and out of the church, or working your creative gifts, or as I gazed into your eyes – and have said to myself, and to you: “WOW! She’s my wife!” or “WOW! You’re my wife!”

To think that out of all the billions [I guess] of other men who are in the world, God gave you to me! And gave me to you!

So, here’s to you, my Sweet Dove! “WOW! You’re MY wife!”

And to anyone else who may see and read this – “WOW! That’s my wife!”  

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What must I pray for every day…without fail?

Posted on August 19, 2017 by PastorDave

a.pic.praying-hands-long-shirt-open-bibleWHAT MUST I PRAY FOR EVERY DAY – WITHOUT FAIL?

One of the great difficulties I struggle with in praying is just the vast immensity of what I can pray for – and what I think I should pray for. I mean – there is a whole world out there to pray for! How much of it should I pray for daily?

We know that our Lord Jesus gave us a model to follow in what we call “The Lord’s Prayer,” or “The Disciple’s Prayer/Model Prayer.”  In that prayer, Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is done in Heaven.”  But, in that single request, Jesus taught us to ask comprehensively that God’s will shall be fulfilled on earth as it is done in Heaven.

While we may not be able to express every one of these requests every day, there are some essential requests I must make every day without fail. Here are 10 of them. I will first list them without commentary; then I will add a few comments to explain the significance of each one.

  1. I must pray every day…without fail to delight in God
  2. I must pray every day…without fail with confession of my sins
  3. I must pray every day…without fail for the grace of God to forgive those who have offended and violated me in any way
  4. I must pray every day…without fail for the salvation of those who are lost
  5. I must pray every day…without fail for my church’s ministry – for the pastors, elders, and leaders of my church
  6. I must pray every day…without fail interceding for pressing needs I know of that are afflicting those I know
  7. I must pray every day…without fail for my personal growth in grace and in knowing Jesus Christ – Christlikeness
  8. I must pray every day…without fail for God’s will to be fulfilled and accomplished in my day’s activities
  9. I must pray every day…without fail that God will improve my preaching, teaching, and witnessing to make me more effective in ministering His Word
  10. I must pray every day…without fail that God’s Word will run throughout the whole earth and that Christ will be proclaimed, glorified, and believed on…here, there, and every where

EXPANSION AND COMMENTARY

Every one of these essential daily prayer requests is inspired by Jesus’ own words, example, and prayers.

  1. I must pray every day…without fail to delight in God. “Our Father in Heaven, Your Name be honored as holy!” I must do this in conjunction with my reading of God’s Word. As I learn more about God’s perfections, Glory, excellencies, attributes, etc, I must reiterate and, if possible, voice them back to God in adoration, praise, and thanksgivings. Also, as I read about God either expressing or demonstrating His own perfections in His interactions in our human conditions, experiences, and situations, I must recognize His greatness and delight in Him.
  2. I must pray every day…without fail with confession of my sins and for Christ’s mind, life, and power to be dynamic in my thinking and will to turn away from and forsake my sins. “…forgive us our sins…” I must pray with self-examination of my heart’s desires, my conduct, my temptations that I know about – and also that God will search my heart for hidden sins and blind spots that I am too willing to either accept, excuse, or self-justify. I must diligently seek a pure heart, clean hands, and an ever-growing and increasing love for Christ which purify my heart and conduct.
  3. I must pray every day…without fail for the grace of God to forgive those who have offended and violated me in any way – and do this without self-pity or self-defense. “…for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us.” Jesus has repeatedly commanded that if we do not forgive others, our Heavenly Father will not forgive us. Matthew 6.14-15
  4. I must pray every day…without fail for the salvation of those who are lost. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is done in Heaven.” These names will begin with my children and immediate family. Then expand out to include those who are in my acquaintances, contacts, and neighbors. Jesus Himself is always seeking and saving those who are lost. Jesus Himself prayed in Gethsemane for all of others who would in time believe on His Name. John 17, especially verse 20. I am praying with Jesus when I pray for those who are without Christ.
  5. I must pray every day…without fail for my church’s ministry – for the pastors, elders, and leaders of my church. “Your Kingdom come…” My church is my family in Christ and my field of His assigned service. I must fulfill my own service and ministry Christ has given me to do. I must pray for Christ to receive Glory through His church body and ministry.
  6. I must pray every day…without fail for pressing needs I know of that are afflicting those I know: sickness, distress, and trials. “Give us each day our daily bread.” This will necessarily include not only those I like and who like me – but also those who don’t particularly like me. Jesus commanded us to pray also for our enemies and for those who mistreat us and use us for spite. Matthew 5.43-48. I must pray that God will make Himself known to all, and that He will get glory to Himself through all our trials and afflictions.
  7. I must pray every day…without fail for my personal growth in grace and in knowing Jesus Christ – Christlikeness. “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” One of the purposes for praying is to bring our wills and lives into conformity to Jesus Christ in every aspect.
  8. I must pray every day…without fail for God’s will to be fulfilled and accomplished in my day’s activities. “And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” I want God Himself to lay out my day’s path and order my steps into whatever He has planned for me. God will work out His own sovereign purposes and pleasures for me on a daily basis by leading into the activities that will bring His will into practical fruition.
  9. I must pray every day…without fail that God will improve my preaching, teaching, and witnessing to make me more effective in ministering His Word. And that He will speak and work through me as I make my daily contacts and witness for Him. “Your Kingdom come…”
  10. I must pray every day…without fail that God’s Word will run throughout the whole earth and that Christ will be proclaimed, glorified, and believed on…here, there, and every where. “Your Kingdom come…”
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Happy “New Birth”Day to Me!

Posted on August 12, 2017 by PastorDave

Yes! Happy “New Birth” Day to Me! Today is August 12th.

The Lord saved me on this day!

It was Thursday night, August 12, 1965. I remember it was Thursday night because the next day would have been “Friday the 13th” with all the mythological “unluckiness” that may befall us on that day. But, since I don’t believe in “luck” at all, but rather in the good Providences of our Sovereign God, I don’t have any fear at all of random unlucky Karma.

But, as I say, it was a Thursday night, August 12, 1965. My Dad and I were ‘batching it’ during those few days. Mom and my other siblings were visiting with relatives out of state, so Dad and I were alone.

We were having revival services that week in the church Dad was pastoring, Little Sewell Baptist Church, in Rainelle [Greenbrier County] West Virginia. O. P. Lilly was preaching that week, and that night all I remember about the message is that it was from 1 John, and he was preaching on The Evidences of the New Birth. 

As he preached, the Holy Spirit convicted me that I was lost without God, still dead in my trespasses and sins.

That was a shocking revelation to me – because I had prided myself in being the model ‘good boy.’ I was born into the Baptist pastor’s family. Dad and Mom taught us the Gospel. Dad was a faithful preacher of the Gospel. I had heard the truth of the Gospel literally all my life. And, I was the compliant child. I had always wanted to please my parents and do everything in such a way that they would be pleased with me.

A couple of years before, I had made a public profession of faith, was baptized, and joined the church.

But, that night, the Lord convicted me that I was lost – and not just lost, but that I was guilty of what may be the most wicked sin of all – the sin of self-righteousness. For the first time in my religious life, I saw myself as a sinner before God and deserving of His wrath.

After the service, I was so heavily burdened, that I immediately went to our car and sat in the darkness waiting for Dad to finish his conversations with the others after the service. I thought he would never be ready to finally go home.
But, he did. We made our way down the short crushed-rock driveway and across the little bridge over the creek, turned down the one-lane winding road to make our way home.

I was silent until we had started down the Crag Road, and then I said: “Dad, Preacher Lilly said tonight that if we couldn’t recall ever confessing to God that we are sinners and trusting in Christ alone for righteousness, then we are probably not saved.”

Dad just replied, “Well, Son, I guess that’s right.”

To which I said, “I can’t say that I have done that.”

Dad was kind of taken aback. “Son, do you think you are just doubting – or maybe you are just troubled over some sin?”

“No, Dad – I am lost!”

More driving – more quiet exchanges – “Well, Son, you know that all you have to do is confess to God that you are lost without Christ, and trust in Jesus’ death on the Cross and resurrection from the dead to pay for your sins, and forgive you, and give you eternal life.”

“Yes, Dad, I know all that! But, how do you do that?” I did know all that. I could have told anyone else what they needed to do to believe on Christ and be saved by faith in Christ alone. But, how to do that…I did not know! Because that believing in Christ is not a work of our human effort or ability. It is the gift of God. It comes only by the new birth that is given by the Holy Spirit.

So, Dad finally said, “Son, I can’t tell you how to believe on Christ. You’ll just have to call on God to save you, and He promises to save every one who calls upon Him because of what Jesus Christ has done for us on the Cross.”

So, I called out to God: “Oh, God, I am a sinner, and I want to be saved from my sins because Jesus Christ died on His Cross to bear my punishment on Himself! I know I can’t trust any good I have been or done. I am trusting in Jesus Christ! Please save me!”

And, God shone the light of faith and understanding into my young 14-year-old believing heart (2 Corinthians 4.6).

By this time, we were still on that dark country road right in front of the gate that opened up to the long driveway that went back to the old Doc Tincher homeplace [pictured here].

I came alive! God revealed to me that Christ was indeed my Savior; and that, because I was trusting in the finished work of Christ on His Cross, He, the Father, was crediting to me the perfect obedience and righteousness of Jesus Christ. I was justified, declared to be righteous, forgiven of all my sins! God had given me the new birth by the Holy Spirit because of the resurrection of Christ from the dead. I was born again…for the very first time of my religious life.

And, that is why I am praising God – who alone deserves all the credit and thanks for my salvation – and why I am wishing myself this Happy New-Birth Day!

I just want to share this with you!

“Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together!” ~Psalm 34.3

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By His Stripes We Are Healed! A poetic parable of substitution

Posted on June 27, 2017 by PastorDave

By His Stripes We Are Healed | from Isaiah 53.5 and 1 Peter 2.24

A Simple Song of Experience

Isaiah 53.5: …and by His stripes we are healed.

1 Peter 2.24: …by whose stripes you were healed.

A prisoner sits in darkness, in the silence of his cell

just waiting for the summons that he only knows too well –

when the warden comes to give the call he’s often heard before:

“Come on, my man, it’s time to die”…and they go behind that Door.

Each time a cell is emptied, he moves on up Death Row;

his cell is right beside the Door – it’s his time next to go.

The Door will open just one way – it’s thick, secure, and black –

and once the convict takes the trip, there is no coming back.

He wears the stripes that prisoners wear; his face is sad and grim.

For all he knows, today’s the day – there’s no hope left for him.

But one day just before the dreaded final summons came,

another Man walked down the Row and called him by his name.

He’s dressed in robes of Royalty – His face is known to all –

this is the King, His Majesty, the Giver of the Law.

He beckons to the warden: “Come, release this man for Me!

Come, let him out, and let him go! I’ve pardoned him! He’s free!”

The warden can’t quite understand: “But You Yourself have said

that ‘No transgressor can go free until the debt is paid!’

How can I honor what You’ve said, and what I’ve sworn to do?

How can I both discharge the Law – and let this man go, too?

The Law demands that he must die – and that’s Your Law, my Lord!

And if You don’t require his death, you’ve broken Your own Word!”

The King just smiles and nods His head, for well He understands

the seeming contradiction of the justice of the plan –

how, with one word, He says that one must pay the penalty,

and then, with yet another word, He says to set him free!

But, still without an answer, He began to show us why

His Justice can be satisfied, while sinners do not die!

He lifted up from off of him the stripes the convict wore,

and dressed him in the Robe that He Himself had worn before.

He wrapped the stripes around Himself, and says with Lamb-like Grace,

“Yes, you are right – the convict dies! – but I will take his place!

See, now I wear the sinner’s stripes, and he’s condemned no more!

So, let the sinner go his way, and TAKE ME TO THE DOOR!”

And so, without another word, the warden led the King

into the chamber of my death – and HE DIED THERE FOR MY SIN!

And so He put away my sins, my pardon there He sealed –

my stripes were all laid on the King – AND BY HIS STRIPES I’M HEALED!

~ dsp

Posted in dsp poems/songs, Simple Songs of Experience | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“Today…you will be with Me in Paradise!”

Posted on June 26, 2017 by PastorDave

Luke 23.39-43  |  “Today – you will be with Me in Paradise!”

Jesus said to this repentant criminal,

“TODAY – YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE!”

In so doing, He made two promises to him – and for him…in his predicament…these two promises are good news & Good News:

  1. You are going to die today – before this day is over!
  2. When you do die, you and I will be together in Paradise!

So, let me ask you: “If you knew for sure you were going to die today – do you also know for certain that you would go to be with God in Heaven?”

You may not die today. It may still be some time before you. And, no one of us knows when we will die.

But, one thing is for sure – YOU WILL DIE. The survival rate for human life – from the beginning of the human race right down to this very day and hour – the survival rate for any human being getting out of this life without dying is EXACTLY TWO! That’s right – TWO! Out of all of the billions of people who have lived in the human race since the creation of Adam and Eve – exactly two have gone to Heaven without dying: Enoch and Elijah.

And so, the exceptions prove the rule. All the rest of the human beings have DIED. It is certain, inescapable, sure – you will die.

On the other hand, THE SURVIVAL RATE FOR CRUCIFIXION WAS ZERO. No one survived crucifixion. You always died on the cross. No criminal was ever taken down from the cross alive. That’s what crosses were for: killing those who were hanged on them. And, crosses were 100% effective!

So, this criminal knew when he was impaled to the cross that he wouldn’t survive – he wouldn’t come down alive.

But, after his change of heart – and after his appeal to Jesus to have mercy on him – he was promised that when he died on his cross that day, he would wake up in Paradise with this same Jesus!

-______________________________-

And so, I ask you again, “If you knew for sure that you were going to die today, do you know for certain that you would go to be with God in Heaven?”

Would you like to know for sure – with certain assurance – that if you were to die today, that you would go to be with Christ in Heaven?

-______________________________-

So, let’s go back to the Cross and see what’s going on there – and receive the message Jesus Christ has for us from His Cross.

PILING ON JESUS

Every single person around Jesus’ Cross that day was piling on Jesus – venting and spewing their hatred, disdain, and spleen against Jesus.

1 – The Jewish leaders and elders led the way

Luke 23.35 – The people stood watching, and even the leaders were scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One! ”

Matthew 27.41-43 – In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him and said, 42 “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now ​— ​if He takes pleasure in Him! For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”

You can see them in your mind’s eye, as they strut around among the crowd that was gathering around the Cross, hyping them up, working them up – inciting them against Jesus, just like they had done earlier that morning when Pilate was trying to release Jesus back to them.

[And, Jesus was praying to the Father: “Father, forgive them…!”]

2 – Then, the passers-by, bystanders, gawkers, rubber-neckers – all took their cue and followed their lead

Luke 23.35 – And the people stood by watching…

Matthew 27.39-40 – Those who passed by were yelling insults at Him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! if you are the Son of God, come down from the cross! ”

[And, Jesus was praying to the Father: “Father, forgive them…!”]

3 – Even the soldiers entertained themselves by joining in the mockery

Luke 23.36-37 – The soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine 37 and said, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! ”

They may have jabbed and poked one another and high-fived one another: “We have crucified a lot of low-lifes before, but this is the first King we have crucified!”

[And, Jesus was praying to the Father: “Father, forgive them…!”]

4 – But – what may have been most remarkable about all of those who mocked and jeered at Jesus as He was hanging and dying on His Cross – is that even the two criminals who were being executed along with Him that day also turned on Him and blasphemed Him – cursed Him!

Matthew 27.44 – In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him taunted Him.

This word “taunted” or “reviled” is the word “blasphemed” – they mocked and cursed at Jesus in every disdainful expression they could think of.

Mainly, they were just picking it up from the religious leaders and the people who were surrounding them on their crosses.

Everyone around Jesus’ Cross were turning all their attention toward Jesus – to mock and jeer Him – to celebrate their victory that day by finally getting rid of Him in this violent, despicable, and heinous way!

CHANGE OF HEART!

But, all of a sudden, something remarkable happened in the thought processes and heart of one of the criminals!

And, this took place rather quickly. All of these first events before the darkness descended on Golgotha took place in the first 3 hours – from 9am-noon.

Both of these criminals began their own execution experiences by joining in on the blasphemies that were being hurled toward Jesus.

But, suddenly – one of them is cursing Jesus by himself – and the other one is noticeably silent!

Luke picks up this part of the story in Luke 23.39 – Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us! ”

The other criminal is NOT joining in with him. The silence from the other criminal is deafening. He is thinking in his own conscience. He is taking all this in – everything that is going on around the center Cross:

  • Why is all this hateful attention being directed at this so-called King of the Jews?
  • They are being crucified also – but no one is barely paying any attention to them! Who is He?
  • He keeps hearing Jesus pray to the Father: “Father, FORGIVE THEM! … FORGIVE THEM … FORGIVE THEM!” – Who can pray like that under this abuse, injustice, and pain?
  • They keep jeering and mocking – calling Him “The Son of God”
  • Could He really be The Son of God?
  • What is all this “He saved others” all about?
  • Did He really save others?
  • How did He save others?
  • What did He save others from?”

He painfully twisted his body to look at the placard nailed over Jesus’ head. “Jesus of Nazareth – King of the Jews”

The elders and chief priests keep mocking Him as “The King of Israel.”

  • “Well,” he thought, “I am a Jew.”
  • “Is this Jesus my King?”
  • “What kind of Kingdom does this Jesus have?”
  • “What does He rule over?”

He knew what was on his own placard. Probably something like: “Felony Grand Theft” / “Murder” / “Anarchy-Insurrection-inciting riots” – whatever.

Finally – he thinks differently about Jesus! …and even about himself! He can’t take all the blasphemy any more!

He screams out to the other criminal! “STOP IT!”

Luke 23.39-41 – Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us! ” 40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

THAT’S IT! – “But this Man has done nothing wrong!”

It flashes into his mind like a bolt of lightning!

It pierces his conscience like a light-saber!

It floods his soul with light and charges his heart with life-energy!

It grips him with the conviction of truth!

Even dying there himself like he was – on his own cross – it thrills his soul with courage and hope!

He saw that Jesus was dying the way He was…

  • with calmness and confidence
  • with courage
  • with Grace
  • even joy and sovereignty

because Jesus knew who He was! and Jesus knew what He was doing! and He knew where He was going!

HE WAS THE KING! AND HE WAS GOING TO HIS KINGDOM!

And so, he speaks up to the other criminal in Jesus’ defense – and he prepares to appeal to Jesus for his own mercy!

WHAT IS GOING ON IN HIS MIND – AND CONSCIENCE?

What is going on in his mind and conscience is, first of all, REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD! REPENTANCE FROM HIS SINS!

He screams out to the other criminal…

“Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Do you hear what he is doing? He is taking his honest place as a sinner against God! He is confessing his own personal sins against God, and he is repenting from them.

WHERE IS THIS CONVICTION & CONFESSION COMING FROM?

It is coming from [1] this personal encounter with Jesus Himself – and also from [2] the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit Himself is convicting this sinner of his own sins against God.

The word ‘repentance’ literally means: ‘a change / turning of mind’

  • not just a change in your whim or opinion
  • but a change in your very ways of thinking about things
  • you see everything differently – you see like God sees
  • you think about everything differently – you think like God thinks

Before now, this criminal had looked at all his misdeeds as misconduct maybe – but something to try to get away with.

But, now, he realizes that his sin is against God! ALL of his sins are against God! He is about to die – and he will answer to God for his crimes and his sins! And, HE IS TERRIFIED!

“Do you not even fear God?!” The state is fearful enough. Caesar is fearful enough – but all Caesar can do is kill your body. God has power to kill both your body and then kill your soul in Hell forever!

-______________________________-

SOMETHING ELSE IS GOING ON IN HIS MIND, SOUL, AND CONSCIENCE! 

What is going on in his mind and conscience is FAITH TOWARD JESUS CHRIST!

He now sees Jesus Christ differently than just a short while ago when they were first nailed to their crosses.

NOW – He sees Jesus Christ

  • as the true Son of God
  • as the true Savior of sinners
  • as the One who somehow is being punished for the sins he himself is afraid to die under

This same Jesus – who Himself is dying in weakness on the Cross beside Him –is actually King over His Kingdom of Grace!

He really doesn’t believe that this crucifixion and death is the end of Jesus!

And he said, “Jesus…Lord – remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!”

That is, “extend mercy to me,” “save me to Your Kingdom,” “bring me to Your Kingdom!”

He believed that Jesus was going to live beyond this Cross! He believed that Jesus was going to enter into His Kingdom – victorious! And – he wanted Jesus to take him with Him!

And – that is precisely what Jesus did THAT DAY!

And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you,

TODAY you will BE WITH ME…IN PARADISE!”

-______________________________-

That is what you must do to be saved!

Romans 10.9…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved!

He confessed with his mouth that Jesus is Lord! And, he believed in his heart that God would raise Him from the dead!

-______________________________-

And, later that afternoon, when Jesus exclaimed “Father, into Your hands I entrust my spirit!” – He may have also added something like: “Oh, and by the way, I’m bringing a new brother Home to Paradise with Me! He has believed on Me! I’m sure that’ll be OK!” And the Father would have replied, “My Son! Of course, that’s OK! That’s what I sent You to earth to die for! Bring him on!”

-______________________________-

Here is what we may learn for ourselves today from this repentant criminal:

  • You are never too bad or too sinful to be saved from your sins! And – none of your neighbors and friends are too bad or too sinful to be saved from their sins!
  • You are never too late or too far gone to believe on Christ and be saved from your sins!
    • OK – so you haven’t cared a whit up until now…today but, TODAY, right now – YOU CARE DEEPLY!
    • So, you have lived carelessly and never gave Jesus a thought but TODAY, right now – YOU WANT TO KNOW THIS JESUS!
    • So, you have ignored and squandered all the previous opportunities to repent of your sins and trust Jesus to die the death of punishment for your sins that you should have to die – but TODAY, RIGHT NOW – you are willing to come to Jesus Christ by the faith of your heart – and believe that He died there on His Cross in your place – SO YOU CAN LIVE FORGIVEN!

Here you are now! Here is Jesus now!

“Come, every soul by sin oppressed, there’s mercy with the Lord!

And He will surely give you rest by trusting in His Word!”

  • Don’t ever give up hope on anyone you are praying for and want to see saved! No sinner is hopelessly lost until that sinner has died without trusting in Jesus Christ to forgive him/her of their sins.
  • Don’t ever underestimate the power of a printed word – or a spoken word – that God may use to bring someone to faith in Christ! There will be scores of Grace Encounters & Divine Appointments that God will arrange and set up for you…when all we will have time and opportunity to do is speak the Name of Jesus or say a word about Jesus – or maybe leave a printed message of some kind in someone’s hand.

Be prepared – and don’t be ashamed to do what God gives you opportunity to do – as small or insignificant or weak as it may seem!

From all indications, all this dying criminal had to learn from as witnesses to Christ were

  • watching Christ Himself
  • looking at the printed placard and accusation that hung over Christ’s head
  • and hearing the jeering snide mockeries being hurled at Christ!

But, he did hear that! He did see that!

And that is what Jesus Himself used to bring this long-term, hardened sinner to faith in Himself.

God used all these means to shine the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ into this sinner’s darkened conscience – and brought him to see Christ as He is!

Live the Word of Christ!

Speak the Word of Christ!

Share the Word of Christ!

Posted in Crucifixion, Messages | Leave a comment