Christ Church (Moscow, ID)

The Text: Isaiah 14:1-11

The Holy Spirit has been active in the world since the creation of the world. He appears in the second verse of the Bible, for example, hovering over the face of the waters (Gen. 1:2). In every era, God is always God. The Son of God is always the visible image of the invisible Father, and the Spirit is always the one who empowers and equips. Nevertheless, we do see a difference between the Old Testament and the New in this regard. The Spirit has always been the one ministering forgiveness, and cleansing, and power. This has always been his work. But in the Old Testament, His operations were much more surgical and precise. In the New Testament era, His operations are much more torrential. Water is always water, and while it would rain in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, the dam has burst.

Joe Rigney, a dynamic speaker at Christ Church, dives into the remarkable life of William Carey, the father of modern missions. He traces Carey’s journey from England to India during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting his diverse roles as a linguist, botanist, and advocate for women's rights. Rigney unpacks Carey's transformative contributions in agriculture and education, while also discussing the deep theological foundations that fueled his mission work. The conversation underscores the importance of proactive faith and community involvement in carrying out the Great Commission.

There are some things in scripture that are very easy to understand. There are some things that are very difficult. Some passages qualify as milk for the baby Christian. But God also provides meat for the mature. For those who came to know the Lord later in life, you can attest to the fact that when you first started to read God’s Word on a daily basis not everything was clear. Some things were disturbing, some things were confusing. But there also was a sense that there was more to be discovered. Many of us have benefitted from a study-Bible, where the commentator explained the historical context or brought to life a connection from the old testament. And even for those who have read through the Bible multiple times we understand that there are many biblical treasures yet to be discovered, insights that are not readily apparent on the surface. How can we truly understand the Lord's supper, if we know nothing about the passover? If we don’t know about Zechariah’s prophecy, how can we fully appreciate the triumphal entry? How can we venerate Jesus as High Priest, if we know nothing about the priesthood. But scripture will often drop us hints that the passage conceals deeper truths waiting to be uncovered. And I believe that is what John does in our text this morning when He says, “Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification.”

In our message last Lord’s Day, we defined what we mean by the word discipline. Our subject this week is “discipline as genuine love,” and so it is important to begin with a definition of love. What does it mean to love God, and what does it mean to love our neighbor? These are the two great commandments, and so we should know what they summon us to.To love someone is to treat someone lawfully from the heart. To love God is to do what He calls us to do, and to do it from the heart. Nowhere does Scripture identify love with our emotional “feels,” that approach being an error that is currently destroying millions. At the same time, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Dt. 6:4-9; Mark 12:30), and this would certainly include our “feels.” But this simply means that our emotions must be obedient, along with the rest of our being. But obeying commands is not the same thing as issuing commands. So loving God means doing what He says to do, from the heart. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And His commandments include bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition, applying physical correction when necessary, and providing loving instruction all the time.