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!