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Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

How long have you been a Christian? Do these admonitions apply to you? What is the condition of your maturity? Do you need someone to go over the basics with you again? Or are you diligently applying the basics, and hungry for more? If you are hungry for more, do you see that holiness is at the centre? Do you study the priesthood of Christ, for example, in order to discern both good and evil? Or are you operating as some kind of doctrine computer? In Scripture, doctrine is practical, and high doctrine is highly practical. Those who neglect doctrine for practice become impractical. Those who neglect practice for the sake of doctrine are unskilled in righteousness. We are never to tear apart what God has joined together.

The same Holy Spirit which appeared at Pentecost is at work today. He has sustained and energized the Christian church through the ages, and He does so still. He provides the power to not be ashamed when the father of lies continues to bring false charges against God's elect. He stirs up the mutual self-giving love among believers. He gives a sound mind and self-control as we pursue our holy calling. As each one of us fans the flame of the gifts of the Spirit, remember that these gifts are always in service of the fruit of the Spirit. He has called us to good works from before the foundation of the world, so get to it in Pentecostal power. No fear. No shame. A holy calling. A sincere faith. Power, love, and self-control. All of it integrated together, knit together in love (Col. 2:2), as the Spirit completes the work He was sent into the world to do.

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

Ascension Day reminds us that Christ not only rose from the grave, but that having done this, He was exalted to a universal kingship far greater than His grandfather David's. Christ remains seated at the right hand of the Father until all His enemies have been made a footstool. The time between Christ's first coming and His second coming is the age of the conquest and victory of The Great Commission. Christ's most glorious way of subduing His enemies is by making them friends, as He does each time a sinner is converted. Baptism is a picture of this glorious turn of events; of Christ's kingdom being established on earth. Christian, as you leave here this morning, see to it that your efforts this week are consistent with God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Leave in Ascension power, Ascension confidence, and Ascension joy.

Baptism is a step of obedience for those that have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. It is a public sign that our allegiances have changed; that we are no longer slaves to sin but belong body and soul to Jesus Christ. In baptism we are confessing that we have died to sin and been made alive to the things of God. As we do this, Christ is also ministering to us, reminding us of what He has done on our behalf. Adoption into God's family and union with Christ are two of the sweetest gifts of grace that God gives. So the charge is to remember your baptism! Reflect on what this all means. Reflect on the sign that God has put on you. You have been baptized into Christ! Let us spur each other on as we pursue this new identity.

Resuming discussion on the possibility of establishing a Classical Christian School, supporting Christian homeschooling, and possible areas of overlap.

Our Great High Priest has secured our salvation by being superior in every way. He has been appointed by the Father, chosen from among men to mediate between God and man, and has offered the final gift and sacrifice of His life. We know that He is the Appointed One because the Father vindicated Him by raising Him back to life after receiving His atonement. His perfect and unshakable priesthood secures a perfect and unshakable salvation for those who come to Him in faith. Your security does not rest on the perfection of this faith, but on the perfection of the Priest's sacrifice. So come, and welcome to this Greater Priest. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind.

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

I could not say to you, "Pray," not even to you saints, unless it were a throne of grace, much less could I talk of prayer to you sinners; but now I will say this to every sinner here, though he should think himself to be the worst sinner that ever lived, cry unto the Lord and seek Him while He may be found. A throne of grace is a place fitted for you; go to your knees, by simple faith go to your Saviour, for He, He it is who is the throne of grace. (C.H. Spurgeon)