Amazing Love

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (NIV)(1 John 3:1-2)

When I read these verses my mind immediately thinks of the praise song "You Are My King" which some people call "Amazing Love". If you recall the song, it reads:

I'm forgiven because You were forsaken

I'm accepted, You were condemned

I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me

because You died and rose again

Amazing Love, how can it be

that You, my King would die for me

Amazing Love, I know it's true

It's my joy to honor You

In all I do I honor You

Here's another devotional from Dr. Robert M. McMillan from the book of 1 John that expounds on this amazing love that brings us into the family of God and makes us God's children.

Amazing Love

John exclaims "See what love the Father has given to us in order that we should be called the born ones of God." Te scriptures find a healthy area of comparison between the procedures leading to natural birth and those leading to spiritual birth. The production of children bears a direct relationship to love. Our new birth in Christ is the product of God's love exclusively. To become the born ones of God implies the impartation of part of God's own self into our being. The apostle Paul declared that the impartation of natural birth is part of Adam himself and that thus, by natural generation, I am bent toward sin. However, the apostle further declares that to be a child of God I must lose this Adamic impartation and receive a direct seed from God Himself. This is accomplished for me by the miracle of Christ's death and resurrection. Thus we read, "If any man be IN CHRIST he is a new creation..."

John goes on to declare that since Jesus, in the flesh, was rejected as the Son of God so we too, who are born of God, will be rejected in the minds of unbelievers. The rejection is not as to our person or our work but to our claim that we are of God. Too often this idea of rejection has been equated with being unpopular in society because we are Christians. Nothing is further from the truth. Jesus was wanted for His work but He was rejected for His claim to be God. It is doubtless true that Jesus, If He had dropped this statement, would have had no earthly difficulty. So it is with believers. We are acceptable for what we are but the world rejects our claim that what we are is because we are the children of God by the miracle of regeneration.

We do not know what we shall be but because of our relationship to God in Christ and by this Divine impartation to our nature we shall be similar to Christ. This is a purifying thought.

Singing His Praises,

Joey Culpepper

He Is Born Child Divine

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. (HCSB)(Romans 8:28)

Last Sunday night we had our Christmas musical and drama, "He is Born, Child Divine", here at Ridge Ave. Baptist Church. We had a good attendance, and I thought the performance went well. I want to say a special word of thanks to the Worship Ensemble for all their hard work including some long rehearsals in preparation for the musical. You did good, and I'm proud of you!

I also want to thank our set design and construction crew who did an awesome job, our audio/visual/light crew who kept us on cue, and our drama team and narrator who put the story together for us. I'm thankful and proud of our youth that stepped up and made this drama happen. We couldn't have done it without them and their dedication. We even had a real baby for Baby Jesus, little Easton. He was well behaved and so cute!

As we saw in the drama, sometimes our dreams and plans don't turn out the way we imagine. But God can take all of our hopes and make them into something far more beautiful and rewarding if we just trust in Him and follow Him with our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Joey Culpepper

The Advocate

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (KJV)(1 John 2:1)

Here's another devotional by Dr. Robert M. McMillan about our friend, defender and advocate, Jesus:

The Advocate

John continues in this chapter to deal with the believer and his sin. This is John's counterpart to Paul's declaration in Romans 6:1 which reads, "What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" Again, we state that the provision for the sin of the believer is no excuse for the believer sinning. John continues, "If any one should sin we have a Paraclete with the Father." This word Paraclete is a transliteration of the Greek word for which our Authorized Version translates "Advocate." The word means "One called alongside to help." This office of Paraclete is exclusively in relationship to believers. It carries the suggestion of the family attorney who is permanently retained in order to plead our cause in any circumstance that may arise. This same word is used of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel bearing John's name. (Jn. 14:16)

What a blessed thought that Jesus not only has saved us from the guilt of sin but is perpetually active on our behalf to break the power of sin. How often we believers slip and fall but how blessed the thought that immediately Jesus is alongside to help. Jesus knew full well the content of His own statement, "...no man shall pluck them out of my hand." And this means that we cannot even pluck ourselves out of His hand for we come under the category of the words, "no man."

Singing His Praises,

Joey Culpepper

Light And Darkness

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all...(1 John 1:5)

At this time of year, when we see the pretty Christmas lights, we think of the star that led the wise men to worship the King. Let's also remember that Jesus is the Light of the World as Isaiah prophesied--"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned." (Isa. 9:2)(HCSB) The following devotional, by Dr. Robert M. McMillan, speaks of how we can also reflect that light to those still in the dark around us.

Light and Darkness

We have noted that the major heresy being refuted by the apostle John is Gnosticism, which was an eclectic religion. By this we mean that it claimed that all religions were good, and took the best of them all and sought to mold them together into one higher religion. As with all, even in this day, who become involved in this philosophy, confusion is the result. Compromise also is necessary with this type of thinking. Perhaps these heretics had acquired the Parsee concept of the god of light and god of darkness. Certainly this concept would give them a compromise on the Deity of Jesus Christ, for the Parsees also recognized that there was a middle being between the god of  light and the god of darkness who was able to work on behalf of men. The Gnostics granted that Jesus was more than human but contended that He was less than divine.

Having identified Jesus with God, John now declares that God is absolute light with not even the remotest possibility of darkness in His person. Light, of course, represents purity, and darkness, evil.

Jesus claims for Himself that He is the light of the world. He also imparts this light to believers so that they, in turn, are the light of the world but only in a reflective sense as the moon is reflective of the glory of the sun. John, in the next two verses, indicates that believers only have this reflective ability as they walk with the Lord.   Moreover, we only have the fellowship with Jesus as we thus walk. It is, however, possible for a believer to take himself out of fellowship by walking in the darkness of carnality.

Jesus is absolutely holy and if we are to walk with Him it must be in the pathway of holiness.

Singing His Praises,

Joey Culpepper

Moses

There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. (Deut. 34:10)(HCSB)

The following worship profile is taken from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers. It is a fantastic resource for those who want to study more about worship. I highly recommend this study bible! Let's see what we can learn from how Moses worshiped God.

Moses

Imagine for a moment what it must have been like to have been Moses. By any standard, he led a very interesting and unusual life. He was raised in the household of Pharoah and received all the privileges that came with such an upbringing. He was commissioned to lead the Israelites out of Egypt after God miraculously liberated Israel from slavery. Moses had regular face-to-face meetings with the Lord on the top of Mount Sinai. In addition to all this, Moses seems to have held a great deal of influence regarding the Lord's decisions. With influence like that, what would you do? What would you ask for?

Moses the Worshiper

Consider how Moses did respond when given such power and influence. In Exodus 33, Moses had a very candid conversation with the Lord. Here we see the deep longings of Moses' heart, not for ease or comfort or affluence, but for a deeper experience with God. We see a man with a long history of miraculous experiences and encounters with God, and yet he seems spiritually unsatisfied. Relentlessly--perhaps even desperately--Moses approached the Lord with requests, both overt and implied: "Show me your intentions...If you don't go with us personally, don't let us move a step from this place. If you don't go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with you?...Please let me see your glorious presence" (Ex. 33:13,15-16,18).

Learning From Moses

God is pleased with our desire to know him better and responds favorably to us. God granted Moses' request for a glimpse of his presence, and he revealed his character to him as well. Moses responded to this encounter with his Creator in the only way he could: He worshiped him (Ex. 34:8).

True contentment is found in wholehearted pursuit of God. In our "been-there-done-that" world, it is easy (and all too common) for believers to grow numb to experiences with God. We complacently talk about God, but seldom do we actually pray to him. When we do pray, often we mumble safe petitions that keep God at a comfortable distance. In the end, we settle for an anemic assent to some basic truths about Christianity. Is it any wonder that our worship often seems empty or incomplete? Instead, like Moses, we must wholeheartedly pursue God and his character in order to find true fulfillment.

Following the Example

If we desire to experience meaningful worship, we must first desire to know God. If we hunger and thirst for him, the Bible promises that he will provide for us and satisfy our needs. Would you like your worship to be completely transformed? Confess any sins that might be hindering your fellowship with God. Then ask the Lord to stir your heart, to instill within you an unquenchable hunger to know him. Meditate upon how God has revealed himself to us in the Bible, and ask him to reveal himself again. When you do see God in a new way, worship will be your only fitting response.

Singing His Praises,

Joey Culpepper

The Thanksgiving of the Rich in Faith

I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing Your praise before the heavenly beings. I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your constant love and faithfulness. You have exalted Your name and Your promise above everything else. On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me. (Ps. 138:1-3)(HCSB)

Happy Thanksgiving! I pray that you and your family have had a great Thanksgiving week. During this holiday season, let's be thankful for God's constant love and faithfulness just as David was when he penned the above scripture. Let's remember that it is with thanksgiving in our hearts that we can enter His gates. It is with praise that we enter His courts where we can truly worship Him in His presence. (Ps. 100:4) 


Let us be thankful for God's Word and the examples of faith we have to encourage us to put our faith in God as well. Here is another devotional from "Beside the Still Waters" by Dr. Douglas B. MacCorkle:


"The heirs with him of the same promise" (Heb. 11:9b)(ASV)


The Thanksgiving of the Rich in Faith


In this thanksgiving season our minds should be on more than turkey and its "fixings." The spiritual provisions of the Lord make rich and add no sorrow. How rich and full are our lives if we have lived by faith, like Abel, Enoch, Noah and Abraham, not to mention the others in the hall of faith. Meditate upon the privileges of these believers as the brief outline-suggestions unfold.


Abel worshipping God (Heb. 11:4). Worship is not atmosphere but activity of the soul. Abel's worship was: (1) done in a potent way--by faith; (2) done in a prescribed way--in God's way; (3) done in a propitious way--satisfying God by sacrifice of a substitute.


Enoch walking with God (Heb. 11:5). Walking with God is a tremendous thing. Enoch's walk was: (1) pleasing to God--so much so that God would not let it be interrupted; (2) preserved by God--so that Enoch should not see death (compare John 11:25,26). Life from God issues in a walk with God--a walk all the way into glory.


Noah working with God (Heb. 11:7). Working with God involves eternal details. Noah's work was: (1) invited by God--in the midst of great apostasy; (2) identified with the grace of God--in view of faith-righteousness; (3) inheriting the riches of God--in spite of a disobedient world.


Abraham waiting for God (Heb. 11:8-12, 17-19). Not just waiting, but waiting for God's big moments--God's perfect timing. Abraham, and let's not forget his princess of the faith, Sarah, waited for God because: (1) a promise had been given; (2) a pilgrimage had been started; (3) a prospect had been made vivid. God is never late. He comes through every time He makes a promise to His own-- and always on time (4:16). Like many of us, they were heirs together of the Grace of life in Christ.


Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper

Power, Permanence and Perfection

The power of an endless life...his priesthood unchangeable...perfected forevermore...(Hebrews 7:16b, 24b, 28b)(ASV)


Here's another devotional by Dr. Douglas B. MacCorkle from the book, Beside the Still Waters. Dr. MacCorkle speaks of the power, permanence and perfection of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus.


Power, Permanence and Perfection


These are factors which cannot be found even in the only God-given religion of Israel: (1) the power of an endless life, (2) the permanence of an unchangeable priesthood, (3) the perfection of an unequaled priest.


The power of an endless life (Heb. 7:1-17). This is the subject to which the author of Hebrews has been continually desiring to address himself (see 5:11). It is set forth here against the background of two Old Testament orders of priesthood: (1) Melchizedek (7:1-10), (2) Aaronic (7:11-28). The Aaronic priesthood naturally loomed largest to the Hebrew. Fifteen hundred years under Aaron eclipsed any knowledge of the other priesthood. During these years Israelites saw that their many Aaronic priests failed to live long. The situation cried for one who had the power that derives from an endless life. Men need a priest who will not be interrupted by death (see 7:23).


The permanence of an unchangeable priesthood. The Aaronic priesthood was not the first priesthood. It was a temporary arrangement at best. Because (7:24) Jesus had the power of an endless life, His priesthood will not and need not be changed. Thus (7:25) He is able to save to the full consummation all who draw near to God through Him. This means also that He performs a sustaining priestly ministry to believers, called "intercession", while we are walking here below.


The perfection of an unequaled priest (7:28). We have seen the importance of the endless life which He has, and the unchangeable priesthood which He holds. Now we are asked to note that He stands as the perfect or complete priest. There has never been another like Him. This is the kind of high priest that fits our need (7:26). No wonder that He is the surety (7:22) of a better convenant (i.e., better than the Mosaic covenant). This is especially wonderful when we recognize that this power, permanence and perfection are for our profit.


Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper

The Irresistible Word of God

The word of God is living, and active...(Hebrews 4:12a)(ASV)

Here is another devotional from Dr. Douglas B. MacCorkle from Hebrews which speaks about the nature of the living Word of God:

The Irresistible Word of God

Faith gives the believer a tremendous advantage. Think of the wide expanse you have in God's Word. The exercise of your faith on this Word will bring you great profit (see 4:1,2 in contrast).

Now the Word of God is by nature good news. It is on a Divine mission. It will accomplish its mission (Isa. 55:11). It is irresistible. Here's why:

It is living. The Word of God is saturated in reality. It is not only an account composed of facts, but also a full quota of truth on the point of which it speaks. You can put your finger on the pulse of this Word and feel it throbbing with life. It is throbbing with a life which is not corruptible (1 Pet. 1:23).

It produces and promotes life wherever it is mixed with faith (4:1-2). This Word is not dead or dying; neither is it dull. Many are dead who have heard the Word, but the Word still lives actively. In this Word is all the wisdom of eternity. This Word spells out the will of God so that you may do the work of God in God's way.

It works best in the heart of man. Like a seed it germinates in the soil of the heart (Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23). Because it is a living seed, the Word of God goes to work in a directed way (the term "active" means "in-work").

The Word of God is keener (sharper) at getting to its objective than even a two-edged sword. It penetrates even through the soul and spirit (the joints and marrow of the inner man). Thus, it is able to judge or discern (discriminate) the inner feelings and thinking process of the heart. In giving us God's Word (account of things), it demands of us and accounting (4:13c). Later, before Him with Whom we have to do, we must give our account of the work of the Word of God in our heart.

Singing His Praises,

Joey Culpepper

Seriousness About Salvation

For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? (Hebrews 2: 2-3a)(HCSB)


Here's a devotional by Dr. Douglas B. MacCorkle from the daily devotional book Beside the Still Waters. It speaks of warnings about salvation and how we can successfully heed one of those warnings.


Seriousness About Salvation


There are seven large and serious warnings about salvation in the epistle to the Hebrews (2:14; 3:7-19; 4:11-13; 5:11-6:20; 10:26-31; 12:25-29; 13:9-15). Our text of the day is central to the first warning. This is a warning against being drifted past the steadfast word which Christ came all the way from heaven to plant in our hearts.


There are two excellent ways to heed this warning successfully.


1.  Let the Word of Christ dominate your thinking process. It will give you permanent stability. Tie your mind tightly (consider) to the Word of Christ. Read it. Memorize it. Study it. Recite it. Review it. Constantly pass it on to others. Only by use will you come to know its real value. We must all be Bible students. Then, 2:2 speaks negatively to the same point--do not take life lightly in view of the Word of Christ. The word of Moses, the Mosaic Law, was severe on the transgressor. The Word of Grace contains far more advantages for the believer and far more severity for the one who takes it lightly.


2.   Let the wealth of Christ delight your thinking process. The greatness of this salvation dawns as we add up the assets and advantages found in this salvation. While we must respect and avoid the severity-side of this salvation, we must see how attractive and great is its value. This means that we are delighted to get into the treasure house of this salvation and explore it for our own spiritual profit. God's salvation intends that we grow in Grace (2 Peter 3:18).

We only see a little of the ocean,

a few miles distance from the rocky shore;

But, oh, out there beyond the eye's horizon,

There's more---there's more!

----Author Unknown

Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper

Aaron

No one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He has to be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. (Heb. 5:4)(NLT)

The following is a worship profile of Aaron from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers. I highly recommend this study bible for anyone who wishes to learn more about worship.

Aaron

Some people have greatness thrusted upon them, as William Shakespeare once reminded us. This might have been the case with Aaron, Moses' older brother. When we consider the responsibility that was placed upon Aaron, it is easy to imagine that he felt singled out for a task that was beyond his abilities. God chose Aaron to address Pharoah, since Moses felt incapable of speaking publicly. Despite the difficulty of the task, however, Aaron obeyed God. After the Israelites left Egypt, God chose Aaron again for the immense responsibility of mediator and worship leader of the Israelite community. Aaron fulfilled this role faithfully until his death.

Aaron the Worshiper

Aaron's divine calling did not prevent him from committing serious errors. He led Israel in its first act of idolatry, making a gold calf for the Israelites to worship. Later he joined his sister, Miriam, in a serious challenge to Moses' authority. Eventually Aaron recognized his sin, however, and repented, and God showed him forgiveness.

Once each year on the Day of Atonement, Aaron was appointed to enter the Most Holy Place--into the very presence of God--and make atonement for the sins of all the people. He represented the Israelites in a sacred meeting with God.

Learning from Aaron

Worship that is done according to the Lord's design is pleasing to him. Regarding the sacrifices offered by Aaron and the priests, there are at least seventeen instances in the book of Leviticus where an offering is described as  "pleasing to the Lord." In the same way, our acts of obedience and service today are acceptable sacrifices to God (Phillipians 4:18).

As mediator between God and his people, Aaron was the forerunner of a greater High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, our High Priest and Mediator, is the perfect representative of humanity in the presence of God. We may now come before God because of Christ's atoning work.

Following the Example

When we worship, we should recognize, as Aaron did, that we do not come before God on our own merits, for we are completely unworthy to do so. Yet at the same time we should worship with complete confidence that God has called us to be there and that he has made us holy by the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ. Since God has so graciously made it possible for us to come before him, we should consciously strive to offer worship that is pleasing to God.

Singing His Praises,

Joey Culpepper