Spring 2012 Vol. 19:1 - The Master's Seminary

More documents

Recommendations

Info

4renounced the things hidden because of shame”(4:2). How can anyone possibly affirm the gloryof the gospel and then live like a hypocrite? If weunderstand the glory of the gospel, then we arecompelled like Paul to the purity that is consistentwith the gospel. When you really believe in theglory of the gospel, you want your life to be purebecause you want to be a vessel of honor to theLord, fit for the Master’s use.Fourth, the glorious gospel compels a commitmentto preach the Scripture accurately. If we believe inthe glory of the gospel, we do not contaminate itin any way. Rather, we are to manifest the truth(4:2). This manifestation of the truth has a selfevidencingpower. Even if the truth is rejected, itcommends itself to the conscience. In Jesus’parable of the sower, Jesus says absolutely nothingabout the sower, whether he spread the seed withhis left or right hand, or anything about thesower’s bag. This is a parable about the state of thesoil in which the seed is thrown. We do not dosoil work; that is the job of the Holy Spirit. Weare not in charge of results. We are simply tomanifest the truth of the glorious gospel. Even ifthe gospel “is veiled, it is veiled to those who areperishing” (4:3). That is the default position ofthe entire human race. The solution to this issimply that “we do not preach ourselves, butChrist Jesus as Lord” (4:5).Fifth, the glorious gospel enables us to embrace thebenefits of suffering. In verses 8–12, Paul gives anemotional account of his suffering for the gospel.His comment that “death works in us” is the key:the greater your sacrifice, the stronger youbecome. In 2 Corinthians 12, he explains that hewas given a “thorn in the flesh, a messenger ofSatan to torment me—to keep me from exaltingmyself ” (12:7). The word “thorn” is actually aspear, a lance, rammed through his otherwiseproud flesh. This messenger of Satan is bestdescribed as the demon leader of the false teacherswho were blasting away at the church in Corinth,which Paul loved and consequently felt as thougha stake were being driven through his own heart.The glory of the gospel lets us understand thebenefits of suffering, so that we can join Paul inaffirming that “I will rather boast about my weaknesses,so that the power of Christ may dwell inme” (12:9).Sixth, the glorious gospel obliges us to grasp thenecessity of conviction. Showing his convictionconcerning the gospel, he quotes from Psalm 116:“having the same spirit in faith, according to whatis written, ‘I BELIEVE, THEREFORE ISPOKE,’ we also believe, therefore we speak”(4:13). When we proclaim the truth, the truthcreates its own enemies. This is the essence ofintegrity in the proclamation of the gospel. If thegospel is true, then we have a mandate toproclaim it. We believe; therefore, we speak. Thisis spiritual manhood, to speak with conviction.Finally, the glorious gospel places future rewardover present difficulty. After declaring his intentionto continue preaching with conviction, Paulasserts his heavenly perspective of the gospel. Heknows that “He who raised the Lord Jesus willraise us also with Jesus and present us with you”(4:14). The ministry of the gospel will result inthe “giving of thanks to abound to the glory ofGod” (4:15). Just as “we do not lose heart” (4:1)because of the mercy of the gospel ministry, Paulconcludes with a declaration of his future reward:“Therefore, we do not lose heart…for momentary,light affliction is producing for us an eternalweight of glory far beyond all comparison”(4:16–17). Paul is looking ahead to that which isas yet unseen, that which is eternal.The gospel is the message, the good news of the gloryof Christ. And we can never compromise thismessage. The glorious gospel is a unique, magnificentmessage that thrills and encourages ourhearts, causing us to exclaim that “God, who said,‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One whohas shone in our hearts to give the Light of theknowledge of the glory of God in the face ofChrist” (4:6). ■We Train Men as if Lives Depended on It.
5Alumni Ministry“Go into all the world and preach thegospel to all creation.” —Mark 16:15JOSIAH GRAUMANChrist’s Prophetic Plansfor the FutureChrist’s Prophetic Plans provides a clearbiblical explanation for the interpretiveapproach to Scripture that results in aknowable futuristic view of Christ’s millennialreign on earth. It shows the certaintyof God’s promises to future Israel andthe crucial differences between Israel (asa people and a nation) and the NewTestament church. Edited by TMSPresident John MacArthur and TMSSenior Vice President and Dean RichardMayhue, this primer on FuturisticPremillenialism will greatly deepen yourunderstanding of Scripture. You will beblessed by God as you learn and obey thethings of biblical prophecy (Rev 1:3; 22:7).Christ’s Prophetic Plans will be released inMarch 2012 and is available through GraceBooks International at www.gbibooks.comor by calling 1-800-472-2315. ■When Josiah Grauman (M.Div. ’07) arrived atTMS, he had been blown about by every wind ofdoctrine. “It wasn’t until I was trained to fall inlove with the thought that God is magnificentlygreater than my capacity to understand Him thatI began to experience peace.” Now, looking back,Josiah is tremendously grateful to TMS for thedeep understanding of Scripture that he wasgiven. And he immediately put it to good use.While at TMS, he was a Chaplain with theLos Angeles County University of SouthernCalifornia Healthcare Network. The year beforegraduating, Josiah married his wife, Crystal.Following graduation, Josiah and Crystal spent2½ years as missionaries in Mexico City, andhave now returned to minister with the Institutode Expositores of Grace Community Church,where Josiah serves as dean and instructor,training local Spanish-speaking pastors and layleaders in all areas of pastoral ministry. Josiah andCrystal have one child in heaven and threechildren with them, Abigail, Noah Jay, and Silas. ■We Train Men as if Lives Depended on It.
Page 1 and 2: Spring 2012 Vol. 19:1The Glorious G
Page 3: 3I Never WouldHave ThoughtJohn MacA
Page 8 and 9: 8For the past 20 years, David Wisme
Page 10 and 11: 10Alumni Ministry“For I am not as
Page 12: The Master’s College and Seminary

Spring 2012 Vol. 19:1 - The Master's Seminary

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?