a cake not flipped

Ok, first things first -

the photo is in no way a political statement, at least not one by me.

I simply googled "flippin pancakes" and this picture came up. It was just too good to pass up.

Now that I have your attention....

take a listen to the sermon from 08/08/08
"A cake not turned"

I was recently reading Spurgeon's Morning and Evening (get it, the modern language version and read it...every day) my heart was deeply moved by Spurgeon's simple yet powerful insight into this text. It was his insight into this text that caused me to share my heart with you this past Sunday.

The prophet Hosea refers to Ephraim as a "cake not turned". Ephraim was the largest tribe in Israel and sometimes the whole nation was referred to as Ephraim.

For background information on the book of Hosea, take a look at the writings of John Darby. Darby is one of a long list of theologians who have left this mortal coil and are now immersed in the unspeakable joy of being in the very presence of God.

For some pretty good insight to scripture you can check out long gone theologians such as Boyce, Gill, Henry and many others. Check out http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments for some pretty good online commentaries on scripture.

Darby's introduction to the book of Hosea is:

"The prophet Hosea prophesied during the same period of time as Isaiah; but he is more occupied with the existing condition of the people, and especially of Israel, although he often speaks of Judah likewise. (At this time the kingdom was divided with Judah in the south and Isreal in the north). His prophecy is more simple in its character than that of Isaiah. His style on the contrary, is extremely energetic, and full of abrupt transitions. The reign of that king of Israel, which is given as a date to the prophecy, was outwardly a moment of prosperity to that portion of the land. The prophecy itself will inform us of its moral condition.

Hosea prophesied over fifty years, and perhaps longer; being a witness, during those long years, to Israel's rebellion against Jehovah, his heart grieved and broken by the iniquity of a people whom he loved, and whose happiness, as being the people of Jehovah, he had at heart.

He speaks of Ephraim, but not to Ephraim. Moreover, this is the general character of his prophecy—a kind of prolonged lamentation, expressing his anguish at the people's condition, while unfolding all the dealings of God towards them, except chapter 14, in which he calls Israel to such a repentance as shall take place in the last days."

The theologian Matthew Henry comments on the first 16 verses of Hosea 7 in the following manor:

First, the manifold sins of Israel. (1-7) and second their senselessness and hypocrisy. (8-16)

Verses 1-7 A practical disbelief of God's government was at the bottom of all Israel's wickedness; as if God could not see it or did not heed it. Their sins appear on every side of them. Their hearts were inflamed by evil desires, like a heated oven. In the midst of their troubles as a nation, the people never thought of seeking help from God.

The actual wickedness of men's lives bears a very small proportion to what is in their hearts. But when lust is inwardly cherished, it will break forth into outward sin.

Those are not only heated with sin, but hardened in sin, who continue to live without prayer, even when in trouble and distress. Verses 8-16 Israel was as a cake not turned, half burnt and half dough, none of it fit for use; a mixture of idolatry and of the worship of Jehovah.

Ok, so we read Darby and Henry to get the background, context and doctrine...so now take a look at Charles Spurgeon for application. Once you read Spurgeon you really don't need to listen to my message...he says it much better (and more briefly) than I ever could.

From Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon:

Hosea 7:8 Ephraim is a cake not turned.

"A cake not turned is uncooked on one side; and so Ephraim was, in many respects, untouched by divine grace: though there was some partial obedience, there was very much rebellion left.

See whether this be your case. Are you thorough in the things of God? Has grace gone through the very center of your being so as to be felt in its divine operations in all your powers, actions, words, and your thoughts?

To be sanctified, spirit, soul, and body, should be your aim and prayer; and although sanctification may not be perfect in you anywhere in degree, yet it must be universal in its action; there must not be the appearance of holiness in one place and reigning sin in another, or you, too, wilt be a cake not turned

A cake not turned is soon burnt on the side nearest the fire, and although no man can have too much religion, there are some who seem burnt black with bigoted zeal for that part of truth which they have received, or are charred to a cinder with a vainglorious Pharisaic ostentation of those religious performances which suit their humour. The assumed appearance of superior sanctity frequently accompanies a total absence of all vital godliness.

The saint in public is a devil in private. He deals in flour by day and in soot by night. The cake which is burned on one side, is dough on the other.

If it be so with me, O Lord, turn me! Turn my unsanctified nature to the fire of Your love and let it feel the sacred glow, and let my burnt side cool a little while I learn my own weakness and want of heat when I am removed from Your heavenly flame.

Let me not be found a double-minded man, but one entirely under the powerful influence of reigning grace; for well I know if I am left like a cake unturned, and am not on both sides the subject of Your grace, I must be consumed for ever amid everlasting burnings.

- Charles Spurgeon

As you read this text and let these words soak into your heart this week, ask God to reveal those areas of your life that need to feel the heat of God's touch...turn those cold areas (you know what they are) toward Him.

Also, examine to be sure you have not become "over done" in the since that you have become burned and crusted, not tender and gentle. You will recall that Sunday we looked at the prodigal son's older brother as one who was a cake not turned. He had the law, the work ethic and the honor for his parents down...but he had no concept of grace, forgiveness and mercy.

Daily, through prayer and reading God's Word strive to be sure that every area of your life reflects Jesus as your Saviour and King.

By the way....it was so cool to baptize Peter this past Sunday....and we did it old school....no Baptismal waders and no change of clothes....Thrilled to have you with us Peter!

Angels...and not the kind from Anaheim

This is a Vladimir Guerrero signed baseball. When my family and I were planting churches in Montreal, Guerrero played for the Expos. While in Montreal went to lots of Expos games, I won't say the crowds were small at the Expos but...instead of announcing the game attendance they just listed all our names on the score board,when I called to ask what time the game started they ask what time we could be there, the only way not to be on the jumbo screen was to hide behind your seat..OK somebody stop me...

At any rate, my son Trenton who traveled with the Minn. Twins for a summer or two (as a bat boy and club house kid, not a player or I would have retired by now) collected some 30 or more signed baseballs, including Ken Griffey Jr. and Eddie Murray just to drop a few names. I have in my home proudly displayed all of these balls, including the now Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim number 27 in right field Valdimir Guerrero, whose signed ball is proudly displayed in my "man cave".

My son who graduated from KState this past May and works at the Missouri Baptist Children's home is about ready to move into his new apartment here in KC. He foolishly thinks these baseball are going with him, but I have decided to keep them safe for him until all student loans and college expenses are repaid...so as you can see they will be in my possession until I die or Christ returns, which ever comes first.

My point in all of this is to show off this cool baseball, and to demonstrate that a baseball signed by an "Angel" has no more to do with the real angels than do all the little angel statues, precious moments angles (sorry mom I know you love all 47 you have in your house) or the angels in movies, pictures and cultural images.

Angels are real...and powerful...and nothing like the image that most people have concerning them.

The first Sunday night of each month at 6PM I have an awesome time sharing some of the deeper things of God with our Church@Brookside family. This past Sunday Night we took an in depth look at Angels, and what God's word tells us about Angels.

If you have the time (OK it is a little long...but hey the Bible says a lot about Angels!)

Listen to All About Angels

Here are a few of the basic and foundational Biblical facts concerning angels gleaned from Billy Graham's classic book "Angels, God's Secret Agents" published back in the 1970's. Great little book, pretty lame title...some how I doubt the title was Graham's idea. Anyway, you can find it on Amazon (click here)

The Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:16, says, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.” Angels indeed are among the invisible things made by God, for “all things were created by him, and for him.” This Creator, Jesus, “is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17), so that even angels would cease to exist if Jesus, who is Almighty God, did not sustain them by His power.

It seems that angels have the ability to change their appearance and shuttle in a flash from the capital glory of heaven to earth and back again. Although some interpreters have said that the phrase “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2 refers to angels, the Bible frequently makes it clear that angels are non-material; Hebrews 1:14 calls them ministering “spirits.” Intrinsically, they do not possess physical bodies, although they may take on physical bodies when God appoints them to special tasks. Further, God has given them no ability to reproduce, and they neither marry nor are given in marriage (Mark 12:25).

The empire of angels is as vast as God’s creation. If you believe the Bible, you will believe in their ministry. They crisscross the Old and New Testaments, being mentioned directly or indirectly nearly three hundred times. As to their number, David recorded 20,000 coursing through the skyways of the stars.

“The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels” (Psalm 68:17). Matthew Henry says of this passage, “angels are ‘the chariots of God,’ his chariots of war, which he makes use of against his enemies, his chariots of conveyance, which he sends for his friends, as he did for Elijah..., his chariots of state, in the midst of which he shows his glory and power. They are vastly numerous: “Twenty thousands,” even thousands multiplied.”

Ten thousand angels came down on Mount Sinai to confirm the holy presence of God as He gave the Law to Moses (Deuteronomy 33:2). An earthquake shook the mountain. New Testament John tells us of having seen ten thousand times ten thousand angels ministering to the Lamb of God in the throne room of the universe (Revelation 5:11). The book of Revelation also says that armies of angles will appear with Jesus at the Battle of Armageddon when God’s foes gather for their final defeat. Paul in II Thessalonians says, “the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels” (1:7)

Hebrews 12:22 speaks of “an innumerable [myriads-a great but indefinite number] company of angels.” More amazingly, even one angel is indescribably might, as though an extension of the arm of God.

The Bible is clear that we are not to pray to angels in any fashion. (Colossians 2:18) Nor are we to engage in “a voluntary humility and worshiping” of them. Only the Triune God is the object of our worship and of our prayers.

Angels are aware of what is taking place in this world. One of the single most amazing Biblical statements about angels Jesus revealing that “there is joy in the presence of the angles of God when one sinner repents” (Luke 15:10 Living Bible).

Not angels, but the Holy Spirit convicts men of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:7). He reveals and interprets Jesus Christ to men, while angles remain messengers of God who serve men as ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14).

The Biblical record is clear that angels have played an important role in history. In Daniel 6:22 we read, “My God hath sent his angel and hath shut the lions’ mouths.” In the den, Daniel’s sight evidently perceived the angelic presence, and the lions’ strength more than met its match in the power of the angel. In most instances, angels, when appearing visibly, are so glorious and impressively beautiful as to stun and amaze men who witness their presence.

Who can measure the brilliance of the lightning flash that illuminates the countryside for miles around? The angel who rolled away the stone from the tomb of Jesus was not only dressed in white, but shone as a flash of lightning with dazzling brilliance (Matthew 28:3). The keepers of the tomb shook and became as dead men. Incidentally, that stone weighted several times more than a single man could move, yet the physical power of the angel was not taxed in rolling it aside.

Abraham, Lot, Jacob and others had no difficulty recognizing angels when God allowed them to manifest themselves in physical form. Note, for example, Jacob’s instant recognition of angels in Genesis 32:1, 2. “And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.”

Further, both Daniel and John described the glories of the angels (Daniel 10:6 and Revelation 10:1) visibly descending from heaven with unmeasurable beauty and brilliance, shining like the sun.

“I see four men...in the midst of the fire” (Daniel 3:25).

On the other hand, the Bible indicates angels are more often invisible to human eyes.

Angles are sexless. Jesus said that in heaven men “neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30)

The Bible shares a great deal of information about the types of angles and the task they preform.

The Bible tells us that God has made man “a little lower than the angles.” Yet it also says angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 2:5-7; 1:13, 14). This sounds like a contradiction: man lower-but eventually higher through redemption. How can we explain this?

First we must remember that this Scripture is speaking both of Jesus Christ and men. Jesus did “stoop” when He became man. And as man He was a little lower than the angles in His humanity. But it also speaks about men other than Jesus. God has made men head over all the creatures of our earth world; but they are lower than angles with respect to their bodies and to their place while here on earth. Yet God commands angels to help men since they will be made higher than the angels at the resurrection. So says Jesus in Luke 20:36. God will alter the temporary lower position of man when the kingdom of God has come in its fullness.

Although angels are glorious beings, the Scriptures make it clear that they differ from regenerated men in significant ways. How can the angels who have never sinned fully understand what it means to be delivered from sin? How can they understand how precious Jesus is to those for who His death on Calvary brings light, life, and immortality? Is it not stranger still that angels themselves will be judged by believers who were once sinners? Such judgment, however, apparently applies only to those fallen angels who followed Lucifer. Thus Paul writes in I Corinthians 6:3, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” But even the holy angels have limitations, though the Bible speaks of them as being superior to men in many ways.

God is not called “Father” by the holy angels because, not having sinned, they need not be redeemed. And the fallen angels cannot call God “Father” because they cannot be redeemed. The latter case is one of the mysteries of Scripture:
Christians are joint heirs with Jesus Christ through redemption (Romans 8:17), which is made theirs by faith in Him based on His death as Calvary. The holy angels, however, who are ministering spirits, have never lost their original glory and spiritual relationship with God.

Paul in II Thessalonians 1:7 refers to the “mighty angels of God.” From the word translated “mighty,” here we get the English word “dynamite!
In Peter we read, “angels who are greater in might and power [than men] do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord” (II Peter 2:11 NASB). Peter’s testimony here reinforces Paul’s/ We should also note that it took only one angel to slay the first born of Egypt in Moses’ day, and one to shut the lions’ mouths for Daniel

Archangel

While Scripture designates only Michael as an archangel (Jude9), we have biblical grounds for believing that before his fall Lucifer was also an archangel, equal or perhaps superior to Michael. The prefix “arch” suggests a chief, principal or great angel. Thus, Michael is now the angel above all angels, recognized in rank to be the first prince of heaven. He is, as it were, the Prime Minister in God’s administration of the universe.

Gabriel, God’s Messenger

“Gabriel,” in Hebrew means “God’s hero,” or the mighty one,” or “god is great.” Scripture frequently refers to him as “the messenger of Jehovah” or “the Lord’s messenger.” However, contrary to popular opinion and to the poet John Milton, it never calls him an archangel. Yet it refers to his work more often than to Michael’s.

Gabriel is primarily God’s messenger of mercy and promise. He appears four times in the Bible, always bearing good news (Daniel 8:16, 9:21; Luke 1:9, 26). We may question whether he blows a silver trumpet, since this idea arises from folk music and finds only indirect support in Scripture. But the announcements of Gabriel in unfolding the plans, purposes and verdicts of God are of monumental importance.

In Scripture we gain our first glimpse of Gabriel in Daniel 8:15, 16. There he announces the vision of God for the “end time.” God has charged him to convey the message from the “situation room” of heaven that reveals God’s plan in history. In verse 17 Gabriel says,” Understand

Gabriel in the New Testament

Gabriel first appears in the New Testament in Luke 1. He identifies himself to Zacharias (verse 19), announces the birth of John the Baptist, and describes his life and ministry as the forerunner of Jesus.

But in his most important appearance, Gabriel informs the Virgin Mary about Jesus, the incarnate God. What a message to deliver to the world through a teen-age girl! What a wonderfully holy girl she must have been, to be visited by the mighty Gabriel. He declares:

Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus...And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:30-33).

Throughout all time, this divine declaration of Gabriel shall be the Magna Charta of the incarnation and the foundation stone of the world to come: God became flesh to redeem us.

Seraphim

It would appear from the Bible that celestial and extraterrestrial beings differ in rank and authority. The seraphim and cherubim follow in order after the archangel and angels. These may possibly define the angelic authority to which Peter refers when he speaks of Jesus, “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him” (I Peter 3:22)

The word “seraphim” may come from the Hebrew root meaning “love” (though some think the word means “burning ones” or “nobles”). We find the seraphim only in Isaiah 6:1-6. It is an awe-inspiring sight as the worshiping prophet beholds the sic-winged seraphim above the throne of the Lord. We can assume that there were several seraphim since Isaiah speaks about “each one” and “one cried unto another.”

Cherubim

The cherubim have to do with the glory of God. This chapter is one of the most mysterious and yet descriptive passages of the glory of God to be found in the Bible.

They constantly glorify God. “He sitteth between the cherubim” (Psalm 99:1). God’s glory will not be denied, and every heavenly being gives silent or vocal testimony to the splendor of God.

Those who had no right of access to God. They also assured the right of the high priest to enter the holy place with blood as the mediator with God on behalf of the people. He, and he alone, was permitted to enter into the inner sanctuary of the Lord.

Few people realize the profound part angelic forces play in human events. It is Daniel who most dramatically reveals the constant and bitter conflict between the holy angles faithful to God and the angels of darkness allied with Satan (Daniel 10:11-14). This Satan, or the devil, was once called “Lucifer, the son of the morning.” Along with Michael he may have been one of the two archangels, but he was cast from heaven with his rebel forces, and continues to fight. Satan may appear to be winning the war because sometimes he wins important battles, but the final outcome is certain. One day he will be defeated and stripped of his powers eternally. God will shatter the powers of darkness.

Perhaps the most mind blowing truth about angels is the angel of darkness, and the truth of his existance.

The Apostle Paul understood and spoke of the war of rebellion in the heavens when he referred to the former Lucifer, no Satan, as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). He also says that in fighting the organized kingdom of satanic darkness, we struggle against “the world-forces of this darkness... the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 NASB).

We can describe all unrighteousness and transgression against God as “self-will” against the will of God. This definition applies to human beings today as well as to angels.

Lucifer’s Five “I Wills”

Lucifer, the son of the morning, was created, as were all angels, for the purpose of glorifying God. However, instead of serving God and praising Him forever, Satan desired to rule over heaven and creation in the place of God. He wanted supreme authority! Lucifer said (Isaiah 14), I will ascend into heaven.” I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.” I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.” “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.” “I will be like the most high.” I...I...I...I...I...I.

Lucifer was not satisfied with being subordinated to his creator. He wanted to usurp God’s throne.

Lucifer became Satan, the devil, the author of sin; and it is sin that has always deceived, disturbed, betrayed, depraved and destroyed all that it has touched.

Will there never be an end to this Battle of the Ages, this war against God lustfully conceived in Lucifer and perpetrated on earth?

Not only does the battle rage on earth, but it rages in heaven. “And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels...and the great dragon was cast out” (Revelation 12:7, 9).

Satan and his demons are known by the discord they promote, the wars they start, the hatred they engender, the murders they initiate, the opposition to God and His commandments. They are dedicated to the spirit of destruction. On the other hand the holy angels obey their Creator. No discordant note sounds among the angels of heaven. They are committed to fulfill the purpose for which al true children of God pry, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done...as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10)

The Bible refers to Lucifer and the fallen angels as those who sinned and did not keep their first position (Jude 6). They committed the sins of consummate pride and covetousness. The sin of pride particularly has caused the downfall of many men. If pride could bring about the downfall of Lucifer in heaven, most certainly it can bring mortal man down too. We must be on guard against pride, or we are headed for a fall patterned after the fall of Lucifer and his angels, who turned into demons.

Revelation 12:10 speaks of Satan as “the accuser of the brethren” and Ephesians 6:12 (RSB) describes the “principalitieis...powers...thedarkness of this world...the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Although Satan and his evil followers press their warfare in the heavens, it seems that their primary endeavor is to destroy faith in the world.

Isaiah 13:12-14 clearly points up Satan’s objectives: he works to bring about the downfall of nations, to corrupt moral standards and to waste human resources. Corrupting society’s order, he wants to prevent the attainment of order, and to shake the kingdoms of our God. He uses his destructive power to create havoc, fire, flood, earthquake, storm, pestilence, disease, and devastation of people and nations. The description of Satan’s great power ends with the words, “who opened not the house of his prisoners” (Isaiah 13:17), This undoubtedly refers to the prison house of Satan, Hades or the abode of the dead so clearly pictured in Luke 16:19-31. Satan has great power. He is cunning and clever, having set himself against God and His people. He will do everything in his power to hold people captive in sin and to drag them down to the prison of eternal separation from God.

God’s angels often protect His servants from potential enemies. Consider II kings 6:14-17. The king of Syria

Find another outstanding illustration of this in Acts 27:23-25. Paul on his way to Rome faced shipwreck with more than two hundred others on board. Speaking to the fear-ridden crew he said, “there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought before Caesar; and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee”

The most important characteristic of angels is not that they have power to exercise control over our lives, or that they are beautiful, but that they work on our behalf. They are motivated by an inexhaustible love for God and are jealous to see that the will of God in Jesus Christ is fulfilled in us.

Angels Will Gather God’s Elect

Linked to this idea Jesus says that “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory” (Matthew 25:31). In other words, when Jesus returns, He will be accompanied by the hosts of heaven. The holy angels will be with Him! As He says in Matthew 13:41-42, “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

Earlier in this same chapter, Jesus has related a significant little story commonly called the Parable of the Tares and Wheat (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). Both had been allowed to grow together until the harvest but the reapers were to gather them up in bundles. The tares were to be burned; the wheat gathered. We often wonder why God permits so much sin in the world, why He withholds His right arm of judgment. Whey doesn’t God put an end to sin now? We can give an answer from this text where Jesus said, “Let both grow together, “the evil with the good (verse30). If we were to try to wipe all evil form the face of the earth, who could count on justice? Pure justice does not exist here. They are guilty of sin. Man must do his best in meting out justice, but his best is not complete justice. To angels will be delegated the ministry of separating the good from the bad, discerning even attitudes. God’s judgment will be so pure that even hose that are condemned will bow their knee and confess, “Thou art just.” As someone has said,” When I die I do not want justice- I want mercy!” That mercy has been provided by the Lord Jesus Christ.

So angels will not only accompany Christ when He returns, but will be assigned the responsibility of gathering out of His kingdom all things that offend and work iniquity, that they might be judged (Matthew 13:47-50).

In telling the story in Luke 16 Jesus says that the beggar was “carried by the angels.” He was not only escorted; he was carried. What an experience that must have been for Lazarus! He had lain begging at the gate of the rich man until his death, but then suddenly he found himself carried by the mighty angels of God!

Pretty cool to think that when I close my eyes in death I will feel the strong arms of God's angel carry in me to my Lord and King....wow....I mean really wow!

Now if you are still with me (I think this maybe the longest blog post in history) but if you are still with me you must really be interested in Angels...so this week as you read some of the above text, think about the power of God and the mighty power He has given to angels. Be reminded of the awesome greatness of God and how the angels reflect His glory. Consider your sinful condition and the holiness of God...this will make your salvation even more amazing!

For application try this, listen for ways to bring up the topic of angles to co workers, family or friends who are not converted. Many of them would love to talk about angels, after all angels are everywhere in our culture, movies, books ,TV etc...You can use this topic as an entry point to express the true nature of angels and the awesome power of God.

I will be praying for you this week that God would blow you away with thoughts of His power, might and glory. I will also pray that you discover ways to enteract with your network concerning the true nature of Angels and the true nature of God.



Be sure to check out the audio from Jerry's message today as well as some tools to help you apply the message to your life this week, you can find it along with other Sunday sermons and notes in the archives of this blog.

What do you hear on the street?

Listen to Jerry's message


One of the many great things about Wornall Road, thechurch@brookside is that we have a plurality of leaders. Any serious reading of the New Testament will reveal that the early church had a plurality of leaders with Jesus as the "head" of the church. This is our goal at Wornall, we seek to stay focused on Christ as the head of our church and work with a number of pastors/leaders who serve together for the cause of the Gospel. Our pastoral team includes Jerry Skyes, who serves as our Executive pastor. In his role Jerry manages most of the daily operations of our church and provides extensive pastoral care to our group. This past Sunday Jerry brought a great message from Matthew 16:13, sharing with us several key factors found in that text.

As you listen to Jerry's message pay close attention to the many responses that the disciples give to the first question, "who do men say that I am?" Clearly, there are a lot of people saying a lot of things about Jesus, and clearly the disciples are listening to what people are saying. The bottom line, as John Piper says "God is not honored by our ignorance".

There was no shortage of opinions in Jesus day about His nature and purpose, and there is certainly no shortage of opinion today about Jesus. Bottom line - the world did not know who Jesus was then and the world today still does not know the true nature of Jesus. The world is never a source of truth and insight about the things of God.


In fact when Peter answers that Jesus is the "Christ the Son of the Living God" Jesus quickly attributes that response to His Father in heaven, and specifically states that "flesh and blood" did not reveal this to you. The term "flesh and blood" is used four other times in the New Testament:

1 Corinthians 15:50 (speaking of the resurrection body), "I tell you this, brethren: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."

Galatians 1:15–17 (Paul speaking of his own conversion), "When he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem."

Ephesians 6:12, "We are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Piper remarks concerning this passage)
"So flesh and blood is the merely human non-supernatural forces in the world. These are not our real enemies: the real ones are supernatural"

Hebrews 2:14 (concerning Jesus' incarnation), "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature."

Concerning the use of the term "flesh and blood" in Matthew 16, Piper, rightly I believe concludes the following:

"So my conclusion from all these uses of the phrase "flesh and blood" is that it is simply a way of referring to ordinary humanity, finite, limited, natural. So when Jesus denies that "flesh and blood" has revealed his true identity to Peter, he is saying that mere human powers by themselves cannot recognize the true glory of Christ. Neither your humanity nor anyone else's has opened the eyes of your heart to recognize the truth and beauty of Christ."

Piper continues: "The inevitable reflex of our natural antipathy toward this truth is blindness. Why can't flesh and blood see the light of the glory of God in Jesus Christ? Jesus said in John 3:19, "Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." We inevitably love darkness; that's why we can't see the light. No one is blind against his will. The blindness of fallen flesh and blood is simply this: fallen flesh and blood hates the light.

And so Peter did not own up to the truth of Jesus by means of his own powers. Flesh and blood could never reveal such a wonderful thing as the true Messiahship and Sonship of Jesus. Something more than flesh and blood would be required in order to recognize Christ for what he really is.

If any of us in this room has recognized in Jesus the glory of the Son of God and acknowledged him as the fulfiller of all God's promises—the Messiah, then something more has been at work on us than flesh and blood."

WOW! As a Christian you can have the great assurance that none other than God Himself has made Himself known to you!

This week as you read this passage over a few times, recall the moment or time in your life when you first realized Jesus was in fact the Son of God, and that you wanted Him to be your Lord, Savior and King. Recall the passion with which you were drawn to Him. Remember that it was not your wisdom or the wisdom of the world that revealed this to you, but God Himself. Real truth, real wisdom, real peace, is found not in the "flesh and blood" of this world, but in the truth that comes from God Himself. That truth is known to us through the person of His Son Jesus and through the scripture, God's holy word.

If you do not see Jesus for who He really is, the eternal Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life and took upon Himself the wrath of the Father and bore our sin, died, buried and raised on the third day, now at the right hand of the Father and promised to return again as King....if Jesus is not your saviour, your King and your Lord - ask today for this truth to be revealed to you by God Himself.

Take from this passage the truth that truth can be known, and that truth is Jesus, the son of God as revealed to us by God Himself.

In another sermon we will follow up with the promise of Jesus that upon this confession of Peter, Jesus will build His church! What a powerful and empowering promise!