That's my King!

My King was born King. He’s the King of the Jews - that’s an Ethnic King. He’s the King of Israel - that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King.

There are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.

He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s saviour. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. He’s the grandest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. That’s my King.

He’s the miracle of the age. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.

He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.

His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He’s indescribable. That’s my King. He’s incomprehensible, He’s invincible, and He is irresistible.

The heavens of heavens can’t contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.

He always has been and He always will be. He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King!

(Preached by Rev S.M. Lockridge 1976) 

The Good News

Man is evil. Man doesn't want God. Man cannot save himself. God loves man. Only God can save man. God becomes man and enters into man's world. God lives as a man. God dies as a man. God takes all of man's sin upon himself. God pays the penalty and is punished for man's evil. God reconciles man back to himself. Through God dying for man He displays his love for man. Some men turn to God and trust him to save them. Even the faith that man had in God to appropriate this salvation was a gift given by God. Through that trust, man's sins are forgiven, man's relationship to His creator is set right and he is given right standing with God forever. Forever saved, forever secure, forever kept. God has given this to man as a gift. Saved men did nothing to earn this. Saved men can do nothing to dis-earn it.

Election. Predestination. Let's talk...

There's a Christian doctrine held by the Calvinists, the Reformed, that preaches that before the creation of the world, before the creation of this age and dispensation of human history, God chose a specific group of people that would be His. They would be born during the course of history and time. They would have faith given to them as a gift, given so that they would be able to turn to God, believe in His existence and follow him. They would live their lives on earth, accomplish what they desired, whether for God or not, and upon their death they'd go to heaven. That's God's plan for these chosen people. And not even they could "not chose" God. He had chosen them, He would keep them, He would save them. Scripture is full of references that have been interpreted to back up this very popular belief. Read John 10. Theological scholars throughout the ages and even ones today hold onto this particular belief (John Calvin, John Edwards, John Piper, Mark Driscoll).

Let's assume for a moment that this is right. Let's assume this is the case. My question would be?? What about the unchosen?? Like.....what the hell is the point for them actually being born, existing, living...?? Why?? Just so that they can spend an eternity in hell?? Were they just props on earth, bobbing along and around the 'frozen chosen'?? If I were an 'unchosen' I'd rather not be born thank you!! Destined for hell....and I had no choice in the matter?? I didn't even have a right to chose?! A loving God's plan?! Give me a break!

Then there is the other view in scripture, in the same pages of the Bible, that says "whosoever" would believe....In other parts of scripture, it says that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This now propagates that the opportunity is open. Anyone and everyone has the option, the CHOICE, to choose God! No one has preference. No one has a "one up" on anyone else. We are all equal and everyone gets to choose for themselves to follow God or not. I like that. I like it better than what the Calvinists believe.

The only problem is....well....man is inherently evil. Our hearts are wicked. Our propensity is towards satisfying our desires....sexual, greedy, jealous hearts! Who in their right mind would choose a holy, righteous, moral living God? The Bible goes as far to say that all hate God, no one seeks Him or wants Him, no one desires Him or longs to walk in his holy ways. Well, just turn on MTV or Jerry Springer. Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry in USA alone and growing year on year. Human trafficking, drug smuggling and human violence is on the annual increase. Every thing in our world screams at the fact that yes, the Bible is quite right, about the human heart and its intent NOT to desire Jesus. So free will, hoping people would choose God.....? Who will?? No one. Without God's help....no one would choose God. God, out of his mercy, chooses us. But then, we right back to Calvinism.

I'd be interested to hear what you think.