odomspeak

I've Moved!

2009-06-19T08:51:00.003-04:00

My blog can now be found at odomspeak.wordpress.com
A few more options were available in what I would like to pursue in the future so I finally made the jump.

Stand Fast

2009-06-18T05:00:00.002-04:00

In honor of Father's Day coming up I though it wise to post some helpful resources regarding being a Godly father and dad.

Publisher's Description: Stand Fast in the Way of Truth is the first book of a two-volume set containing 48 readings. These books allow over a year of close fellowship between father and son, with the goal of leading sons toward Christian manhood. Taking serious issues seriously, yet promoting a joyful life of enjoying the pleasures of God, these books show how, when a young man makes decisions about the direction his life will take, the stakes are high. It strengthens the faith and love of fathers and sons and promotes Christian leadership and maturity in young men. Table of Contents.

Publisher's Description: Douglas Bond's latest book Hold Fast In a Broken World is a ramped-up call for young men to prepare for stalwart leadership in the family, church, and culture. Hold Fast is a frank discussion of the cultural topics that a young man must biblically master if he is to be the winsome, servant leader of the rising generation. From stem-cell research to abortion, feminism to gay marriage, multiculturalism to death art, Hold Fast will help fathers prepare their sons to live with courage and wisdom in a hostile world, to be strong men who live and die to the glory of God.

Fathers & Sons is a two-volume set containing 48 readings. These books allow over a year of close fellowship between father and son, with the goal of leading sons toward Christian manhood. Taking serious issues seriously, yet promoting a joyful life of enjoying the pleasures of God, these books show how, when a young man makes decisions about the direction his life will take, the stakes are high.

Strengthens the faith and love of fathers and sons. Promotes Christian leadership and maturity in young men.

Acts 20:24

2009-06-17T09:20:00.001-04:00

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

English standard version.

Divine and Moral Songs

2009-06-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

A sober Reminder!

Song 18.
Against scoffing and calling names.

Our tongues were made to bless the Lord,
And not speak ill of men:
When others give a railing word,
We must not rail again.

Cross words and angry names require
To be chastised at school;
And he’s in danger of hell–fire
That calls his brother fool.

But lips that dare be so profane
To mock, and jeer, and scoff
At holy things, or holy men,
The Lord shall cut them off.

When children, in their wanton play,
Served old Elisha so,
And bade the prophet go his way,
‘Go up, thou bald head, go!’

God quickly stopp’d their wicked breath;
And sent two raging bears,
That tore them limb from limb to death,
With blood, and groans, and tears.

Great God! how terrible art thou
To sinners e’er so young:
Grant me thy grace, and teach me how
To tame and rule my tongue.

-Isaac Watts

Not just for Pastors... But I'm Listening!

2009-06-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

Jesus Loves Me

2009-06-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

Today is Children's Day in our church, so I thought the appropriate hymn should be as simple as a child:

Jesus loves me! This I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
they are weak, but He is strong.
(Refrain)

Jesus loves me! This I know,
as He loved so long ago,
taking children on His knee,
saying, "Let them come to me."
(Refrain)

Jesus loves me still today,
walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give
light and love to all who live.
(Refrain)

Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Book Review: Holiness

2009-06-13T05:30:00.000-04:00

Periodically a book comes around that when you read it has life-changing effects. J.C. Ryle’s, Holiness, was such a book for me. It just so happened, this book came around in 1879. Typically seen as a Christian classic, this book is often the book other books on “holiness” are measured by, and rightly so. Honestly, it deserves the rank of being read by every Christian.

Holiness, is a series or collection of Ryle’s sermons on the subject. John Charles Ryle served for almost forty years as a minister of the gospel before being appointed as the first Bishop of Liverpool in 1880. His writing style is blunt yet amazingly pastoral and tender. Ryle has a God-given ability to convey life-changing truth in such a compassionate way that leads the reader to want to change verses feeling defensive and attacked. Ryle’s primary point is that every Christian who calls himself a follower of Christ must pursue holiness. Ryle then spends twenty one chapters on what this looks like.

Take for example the following quote from the introduction,

“The older I grow the more I am convinced that real practical Holiness does not receive the attention it deserves, and that there is a most painfully low standard of living among many high professors of religion in the land. But, at the same time, I am increasingly convinced that the zealous efforts of some well-meaning persons to promote a higher standard of spiritual life are often not ‘according to knowledge,’ and are really calculated to do more harm than good.”

Chapters include:
I. Sin
II. Sanctification
III. Holiness
IV. The Fight
V. The Cost
VI. Growth
VII. Assurance
VIII. Moses — An Example
IX. Lot
X. A Woman to Be Remembered
XI. Christ’s Greatest Trophy
XII. The Ruler of the Waves
XIII. The Church Which Christ Builds
XIV. Visible Churches Warned
XV. “Lovest Thou Me?”
XVI. Without Christ
XVII. Thirst Relieved
XVIII. “Unsearchable Riches”
XIX. Wants of the Times
XX. “Christ is All”
XXI. Extracts from Old Writers

My only regret in reading this volume was that I read an older publishing of the book. J.I. Packer has done us all a favor by adding a new publication which includes the original book but adds nearly a ninety page biographical sketch of the man. Trust me when I say, that after reading Holiness, you will want to know more about this Godly man. The newer edition of Ryle’s book is entitled, Faithfulness and Holiness: The Witness of J. C. Ryle is published by Crossway Books.

Ryle’s message is both challenging and refreshing. This book should be read slowly and repeatedly, for the message within is as timely for us as it was for the original readers. I cannot recommend this book high enough for the truths within are timeless and life changing.

Tolle, lege – take it and read it!

BibleWorks 8 give away

2009-06-12T18:11:00.001-04:00

Cal.vini.st is giving away an amazing offer! Check out this great blog and enter to win a tremendous resource!

Newton on Healing

2009-06-12T05:00:00.003-04:00

When was the last time you heard someone say that they wanted to stay sick. When was the last time you heard someone say, "I hope my cancer gets worse." Of course no one talks like that nor should they... it would almost be inhuman. It is in our very makeup to want to be free from disease and pain. I suppose you could say it is our "inner Adam" wanting back into the Garden of Eden. But we can't get back in!

Thinking on this of late, I also would argue that most people would rather be healed physically than spiritually. The spiritual is too easy to put off and it is the physical that we often are far more worried about when it comes to health. Why is this? Perhaps it is because we dont know how sick we actually are.

I recently read John Newton's take on this and I think it well worth the "print":

"I, John Newton, have long labored under a multitude of grievous disorders:
a fever of ungoverned passions,
a cancer of pride,
a frenzy of wild imaginations,
a severe lethargy, and
a deadly stroke!

In this deplorable situation, I suffered many things from many physicians, spent every penny I had--yet only grew worse and worse!

In this condition, Jesus, the Physician of souls, found me when I sought Him not. He undertook my recovery freely, without money and without price--these are His terms with all His patients! My fever is now abated, my senses are restored, my faculties are enlivened! In a word, I am a new man! And from His ability, His promise, and the experience of what He has already done--I have the fullest assurance that He will infallibly and perfectly heal me--and that I shall live forever as a monument of His power and grace!"

Newton understood that the spiritual healing is far more important than the physical. If you suffer, as I do, from the symptoms that Newton did, then let us turn to the Great Healer and join Newton as being monuments of His grace and power.

A Christ-Centered Lending Library

2009-06-11T06:49:00.001-04:00

If you like services like NetFlix then check this new service out for Christian resources and films.

Nothing Holy About Sweat

2009-06-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

Reading through the Book of Acts is a wonderful thing. To see how God orchestrated the birth and growth of His bride is really amazing. If you haven't sat down and just read the entire book do so. Try to read it in one sitting if you can. As you see the glorious history unfold and the miraculous intervention of Christ you quickly realize you are a part of something far greater than yourself.

Chapter Thirteen is a major turning point in the book and in the history of the early church. Saul and Barnabas are sent off and sail to Cyprus as they begin their first major missionary journey. Saul and Barnabas made it a habit of preaching the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews first (Acts 13:5). The small band of missionaries eventually made their way through the entire island of Cyprus and ran into a satanic hindrance in the form of a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus (son of Jesus). Interesting this false prophet was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus (The proconsul was the highest-ranking official in a Roman senatorial province) who actually solicited Saul and Barnabas so that he could hear the word of God (Acts 13:7).

This false prophet, also known as Elymas the magician opposed Saul and Barnabas trying to keep the proconsul away from the truth of God's Word, and the result of hearing the truth... salvation. But Saul who for the first time in Scripture is now called Paul (Acts 13:9) who was filled with the Holy Spirit looked this demonic in the eyes and rebuked him and blinded him (Acts 13:9-11).

Many commentators believe that Paul took the name of his first gentile convert, Sergius Paulus, and therefore the name change from Saul to Paul as an ever presence reminder of God's grace to the gentiles. Major turning point in the book of Acts.

But to the point of today's thought. Right off the heels of this wonderful episode and conversion of the highest ranking official perhaps on Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas now meet a defense perhaps even more formidable than a demonic magician... familiarity.

Paul begins preaching in the synagogue (this time in Antioch) again with the Jewish permission but little did they know what they were getting into! After Paul reminds them of their history he builds up to verses 26 and 27 (Acts 13:26-27). Paul says he has been given this message of salvation (which Paul's argument was that all the OT reveals this salvation message in Christ) but the Jerusalem Jews and leaders would not believe it even though they read every Sabbath these very words!

How absolutely frightening this verse is! These Jews were not ignorant of Scripture. Let me say it again, these Jews knew intimately the Word of God! They were bathed and versed in the Law, History, and Prophets... the exact same ones you and I have! They had the power of the Holy Spirit in their laps and in their ears. Taught weekly, every Sabbath. And yet the conclusion of verse 27 is, "fulfilled them by condemning him."

How could anyone condemn the very Messiah they read about every single Sabbath (and Sunday, and Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Thursday, and Friday)! Right there in their own hearing and in their own eye sight they condemned and were misled. Oh the danger of knowing God's Word but never grasping what it says! Guard your hearts and your religious devotions lest they become only that... empty discipline bearing no water, only sweat.

What happens to these new hearers in Perga? Well they were so enthralled with this new kind of communication and this amazing message from these boys from Jerusalem they begged them to come back! Acts 13:44 says, that the next Sabbath the whole city gathered! Wow... every preachers dream! The Jews got jealous of the crowds (reveals selfish and greedy motives), reviled publicly Paul and Barnabas thus prompting the two to speak with even more boldness thereby announcing that the Jews had judged themselves unworthy of eternal life and therefore they were turning to the Gentiles to proclaim the life changing message of the gospel.

What did the Jews contradict Paul and Barnabas with? Scripture! It had to have been since that is what Paul and Barnabas was preaching. These enemies of the message were actually using their knowledge of the message to contradict the truth of the message! Oh the pitfall of being so entrenched in a way of thinking that we can't be open to the Holy Spirit's power to convict. It is good to be in God's Word every day... even better to be committing it to memory and meditation. But be aware of perhaps one of Satan's ultimate devices and that is with familiarity contempt often follows. Quick, right now name the pictures on the wall without looking. What color is your bathroom towel? What exit do you take off the highway? Sometimes we just go through the motions because its what we do... but that doesn't mean its really benefiting you. Nothing holy about sweat in and of itself.

Holiness: Chapter 20... The End

2009-06-10T05:00:00.003-04:00

Today marks the end of our third round of reading Christian Classics together. This book, Holiness, by J.C. Ryle, has been a long but deeply rewarding journey.

Today we will discuss the final chapters entitled, Christ is All and Extracts From Old Writers.

Summary:
Ryle summarizes his last chapter in four primary points:
1. Christ is all, in all the counsels of God concerning man.
2. “Christ is all” in the inspired books which make up the Bible.
3. “Christ is all” in the religion of all true Christians on earth.
4. Christ will be all in heaven.

Discussion:
Wow! I honestly thought that the best was behind us. What a powerful chapter, chapter twenty was. Perhaps the single most important chapter in the book in my estimation. Ryle concluded this deeply profound book with the whole topic appropriately summarized in Christ. Without Christ what is the purpose of Holiness? Without Christ how could anyone be holy, and without Christ, who could ever hope to get to Heaven to be with Christ if it weren't for Christ?! Sounds repetitive I know, but I think that is the point!

I loved how Ryle worked us through the Scriptures to see that Christ is the theme of the Bible, and how every portion of the Bible points to Christ. I appreciated his time spent on emphasizing that from Adam till now everyone has had to hope to Christ for eternal life and the grasp of salvation. Ryle further drives this point home by saying Christ is the very reason for reading the Bible! He says, "Is it a Bible in which you have found nothing more than good moral precepts and sound advice? Or is it a Bible in which you have found Christ? Is it a Bible in which “Christ is all “? If not, I tell you plainly, you have hitherto used your Bible to very little purpose. You are like a man who studies the solar system and leaves out in his studies the sun, which is the centre of all. It is no wonder if you find your Bible a dull book!"

Then Ryle shows us more of that pastoral side as he shows us the practical implications of how Christ is our greatest comfort.

Do you fear wrath? Christ can deliver you from the wrath to come.
Do you feel the curse of a broken law? Christ can redeem you from the curse of the law.
Do you feel far away? Christ has suffered, to bring you nigh to God.
Do you feel unclean? Christ’s blood can cleanse all sin away.
Do you feel imperfect? You shall be complete in Christ.
Do you feel as if you were nothing? Christ shall be “all in all” to your soul.

What precious truth this is. This chapter reminded me to look less at myself and more fully upon Christ. It also solidified what I have seen as the most coherent and consistent theme among Godly men and women over the centuries, that Christ is to be treasured in our lives above all else. How I wonder, how off center our modern version of Christianity has gotten. When I read Edwards, Calvin, Newton, Watson, Whitefield, Spurgeon, Ryle, Piper, the theme is always getting back to seeing and treasuring Christ as infinitely more valuable than. And then I evaluate my life and look around me and I just don't see this same kind of abandonment or pleasure seeking. I see most of the church adding Jesus like an ornament to a tree, and though most of us put that ornament on the top like a Christmas star or angel it is nonetheless, an ornament. Maybe this is the single greatest truth principle I have gleaned from this book personally, that Christ is not an ornament. He is holy and because He is holy, and I am His, I am to be holy. Just that simple and just that basic.

The last chapter was somewhat of an appendix and though a hearty article on the distinction of justification and sanctification, I see no reason to comment further than what I have done previously on Ryle's thoughts on the same.

Next Week:
Enjoy the Summer and we'll look at revisiting this in the fall!

Your Turn:
I hope you have been as blessed in this book as I have been. Please feel free to share any final thoughts you may have regarding this reading. May God bless us with Himself through a clearer grasp of Christ as we seek to be His holy offspring!

Speaking The Bible

2009-06-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

Names of Christ

2009-06-08T12:27:00.003-04:00

Cool visual of the names of Christ...

Great Sin Draws Out Great Grace

2009-06-08T05:00:00.000-04:00

Great God,

In public and private, in sanctuary and home,
may my life be steeped in prayer,
filled with the spirit of grace and supplication,
each prayer perfumed with the incense of atoning blood.
Help me, defend me,
until from praying ground I pass to the realm of unceasing praise.
Urged by my need, invited by thy promises,
called by thy Spirit, I enter thy presence,
worshipping thee with godly fear,
awed by thy majesty, greatness, glory,
but encouraged by thy love.
I am all poverty as well as all guilt,
having nothing of my own with which to repay thee,
But I bring Jesus to thee in the arms of faith,
pleading his righteousness to offset my iniquities,
rejoicing that he will weigh down the scales for me,
and satisfy thy justice.
I bless thee that great sin draws out great grace,
that,
although the least sin deserves infinite punishment because done against an infinite God,
yet there is mercy for me,
for where guilt is most terrible,
there thy mercy in Christ is most free and deep.
Bless me by revealing to me more of his saving merits,
by causing thy goodness to pass before me,
by speaking peace to my contrite heart;
Strengthen me to give thee no rest until Christ shall reign supreme within me,
in every thought, word, and deed,
in a faith that purifies the heart,
overcomes the world, works by love,
fastens me to thee, and ever clings to the cross.
- a puritan prayer

God Moves In Mysterious Ways

2009-06-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

William Cowper (1731–1800)

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

Still Can't Touch This!

2009-06-06T05:00:00.001-04:00

Here is the last point from J.C. Ryle's three truths that can't be explained away by skeptics and doubters:

The third fact is the effect which Christianity has produced on the world. If Christianity is a mere invention of man, and not a supernatural, Divine revelation, how is it that it has wrought such a complete alteration in the state of mankind? Any well-read man knows that the moral difference between the condition of the world, before Christianity was planted and since Christianity took root, is the difference between night and day, the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of the devil. At this very moment, I defy anyone to look at the map of the world, and compare the countries where men are Christians with those where men are not Christians, and to deny that these countries are as different as light and darkness, black and white. How can any infidel explain this on his principles? He cannot do it. We only can who believe that Christianity came down from God, and is the only Divine religion in the world.

Nope, Can't Touch This Either

2009-06-05T05:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I started a short three-part post sharing J.C. Ryle's three facts that skeptics can't explain away. Here is the second:

The second fact is the Bible itself. If Christianity is a mere invention of man, and the Bible is of no more authority than any other uninspired volume, how is it that the Book is what it is? How is it that a Book written by a few Jews in a remote corner of 295the earth—written at distant periods without consort or collusion among the writers—written by members of a nation which, compared to Greeks and Romans, did nothing for literature—how is it that this Book stands entirely alone, and there is nothing that even approaches it, for high views of God, for true views of man, for solemnity of thought, for grandeur of doctrine, and for purity of morality? What account can the infidel give of this Book, so deep, so simple, so wise, so free from defects? He cannot explain its existence and nature on his principles. We only can do that who hold that the Book is Supernatural and of God.

Ode to a modern day Pilate

2009-06-04T06:27:00.004-04:00

Gov. Lynch you have blood on your hands.

No, not real blood but symbolic blood and your hands are indeed quilty.

Yesterday, New Hampshire, the state I live, approved in both the Senate and House an amendment proposed by Gov. Lynch to "protect" religious establishments from being bound to marry homosexuals. In a pathetic attempt to please the masses, Gov. Lynch did exactly what Pilate did on the fateful day when he looked out across the wicked rally and capitulated to the popular vote. He then symbolically washed his hands in an effort to say Christ's blood isn't on my hands. Oh, yes it was Pilate, and though what Gov. Lynch has done in no way compares in gravity to what Pilate did, the symbolism remains.

New Hampshire is now the sixth state in the Union to "sanctify" homosexual marriage. How sad and how weak. Nothing more than a weak political crowd pleasing here. So woe to you Gov. Lynch and woe to you Senate and House. You cannot wash the blood of ruin off your hands. The deed is done and God's perfect model and covenant of marriage once more gets ridiculed and violated by men who think they are wiser and more savvy and culturally sensitive than The Almighty. Do not be deceived however, God is not mocked. There is still time to repent of your rebellious decision and there is still time to listen to the voice of God's Word which speaks louder and more clear than any ravenous mob. God is slow regarding His anger and not wishing any to perish. Repent like Pilate should have. Swallow your pride like Pilate should have. Release the proper order like Pilate should have!

Can't Touch This...

2009-06-04T05:00:00.002-04:00

J.C. Ryle in his excellent book, Holiness, in chapter nineteen shares three key truths that skeptics of Christianity have never been able to ultimately assail. I share them with you in a little three-parter:

When skeptics and infidels have said all they can, we must not forget that there are three great broad facts which they have never explained away; and I am convinced they never can, and never will. Let me tell you briefly what they are. They are very simple facts, and any plain man can understand them.

The first fact is Jesus Christ Himself. If Christianity is a mere invention of man, and the Bible is not from God, how can infidels explain Jesus Christ? His existence in history, they cannot deny. How is it that without force or bribery, without arms or money, He has made such an immensely deep mark on the world, as He certainly has? Who was He? What was He? Where did He come from? How is it that there never has been one like Him, neither before nor after, since the beginning of historical times? They cannot explain it. Nothing can explain it but the great foundation principle of revealed religion, that Jesus Christ is God, and His Gospel is all true.

Holiness: Chapter Nineteen

2009-06-03T05:00:00.002-04:00

First and foremost, the times require of us a bold and unflinching maintenance of the entire truth of Christianity, and the Divine authority of the Bible.
In the second place, the times require at our hands distinct and decided views of Christian doctrine.
In the third place, the times require of us an awakened and livelier sense of the unscriptural and soul-ruining character of Romanism.
In the fourth place, the times require of us a higher standard of personal holiness, and an increased attention to practical religion in daily life.
In the fifth and last place, the times require of us more regular and steady perseverance in the old ways of getting good for our souls.

Discussion:
Another deeply moving chapter for me. I was moved in particular with points 1 and 5. I will keep my comments mainly to those points.

As I read this chapter I kept checking when it was written! well over a hundred years ago and it was as if he was preaching today. Much of this book we could say this rings true with I realize, but this chapter in particular. The following quote is as relevant today (if not more so!) than when Ryle wrote:

"In reviews, magazines, newspapers, lectures, essays, and sometimes even in sermons, scores of clever writers are incessantly waging war against the very foundations of Christianity. Reason, science, geology, anthropology, modern discoveries, free thought, are all boldly asserted to be on their side. No educated person, we are constantly told nowadays, can really believe supernatural religion, or the plenary inspiration of the Bible, or the possibility of miracles."

I loved the conclusion he came to in regards to this current trouble:

"When you cannot answer a sceptic, be content to wait for more light; but never forsake a great principle. In religion, as in many scientific questions, said Faraday, “the highest philosophy is often a judicious suspense of judgment.”

Ryle encourages us who do not have all the skeptic and doubter's answers with the reminder to focus on these three facts: 1) Focus on Jesus Christ Himself; 2) Focus on Scripture and the miracle it truly is; and 3) the effect which Christianity has produced in the world. Three grand principles that the greatest of skeptics can't throw away or deny.

I have much to say about point three but I will save for a later post!

Regarding the fifth point, on how the times require us a more regular and steady perseverance in the old ways of getting good for our souls, I will focus.

What a massively important point. As Ryle points out, outward religion is NOT Christianity, and outward demonstrations do not and will not produce fruit or worthwhile produce. Unless our outward religion is accompanied with an inward or private "religion" it is of no real benefit. I might even argue it is far worse than sheer paganism. I have often argued for this in regards to "Christian" schools. So many times, far more often than not, a "Christian" school simply reinforces outward religion without ever developing the inward "religion" and therefore produces far more hypocrites and white-washed tombs than Christ-treasuring youth. Unfortunately, the lessons learned from these schools easily continue with the students so that the Christian "game" can continue to be played their whole life long. And in Jesus' words, unfortunately, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves" (Mt 23:15).

I in no way want to throw all Christian schools under the bus, and it isn't my intention to do so. I have simply seen this more often than not and the results are often lifelong religion not Christ-loving.

The illustration of the root of a flower and it's ugliness compared to the beauty of the flower the root produces was vivid for me. Though private devotion is rarely ever glamorous or pretty, what it produces is! If I stay preoccupied with the flower, I will stop focusing on the source of the flower. How subtle and deceptive this can be in the ministry! Everyone talking about the gifts and talents of others, so that we are tempted to be drawn away from the hard, long farming process. If you're still reading this with me, let me encourage you don't forsake your root... no matter how pretty your flower is!!!

Next Week:
We will finish the book by reading chapters 20 and 21.

Your Turn:
I realize this book has been longer than previous books and I think we have lost some "travelers" nevertheless, if you are still reading with us please feel free to share what has blessed you regarding this chapter.

Book Review: What Jesus Demands from the World

2009-06-02T05:00:00.001-04:00

The word demand is not a very popular word today. However, Jesus built his entire ministry around this word. John Piper in his book, What Jesus Demands From The World, explores this very principle and leaves us with an excellent volume that challenges “every day” Christianity.

John Piper’s intentional definition of the word demand is explained this way:

“I am aware the word ‘demand’ is jarring to many modern ears. It feels harsh, severe, strict, stark, austere, abrasive. The reason I choose that word is to confront some of the underlying reasons for why it would feel offensive to portray Jesus as demanding.”

In this 400-page book, 50 demands of Jesus are explored using only the gospel accounts. The demands cover a wide variety of topics starting with “You must be born again” and ending with “Make disciples of all nations, for the mission cannot fail.” Within these bookends, we are exposed to Jesus’ demands on: marriage, divorce, communion, anger, anxiety, worship, discipleship, in many other topics. Many of these topics have been divided into two or even three chapters to fully develop the demand. For example, “Do not be angry” is examined from two different angles: trust God’s providence and embrace mercy and forgiveness.

In typical Piper fashion, the overwhelming theme of the book is to exalt and exult Christ in every area of our life. Unfortunately, I found the book to be somewhat cumbersome and drawn out. One feels guilty for ever saying this about John Piper!! However, I honestly felt that I should have liked this book more than I did. This in no way should taint the quality of this book, for within the pages are true golden nugget’s for any Christian to benefit from. Due to the emphasis of staying within the four gospels, Piper simply did not develop certain themes as fully as Scripture portrays them.

For example, divorce. Piper stays within the gospel accounts regarding the theme of divorce. Though clearly this includes key Biblical texts, it eliminates the critical passage in First Corinthians seven, a lens in which divorce must be seen. Therefore, I found some of the topics not as helpful as I had hoped. With that being said, Piper offers an excellent introduction to the book including a section entitled, “Suggestions For How To Read This Book”. I highly recommend reading this before you read the book. With this as a roadmap, there is no doubt you will benefit from the book.

In summary, What Jesus Demands From The World, is an essential tool that will challenge the reader to focus not only on their knowledge of Christ, but also on the lordship of Christ and what indeed he demands. Due to the fact that Piper designed this book so that it doesn’t need to be read in order, chapters can be enjoyed and “savored” at the reader’s discretion, making it highly recommendable.

If you’re a fan of John Piper or Desiring God Ministries, you won’t want to miss this book. In fact you can download the book here, including a free study guide.

Listen to John Piper discuss the book here.

I'd Fly

2009-06-01T05:40:00.002-04:00

PSALM 55
Support for the afflicted and tempted soul. A poem by Isaac Watts

O God, my refuge, hear my cries,
"Behold my flowing tears;
For earth and hell my hurt devise,
And triumph in my fears.

Their rage is leveled at my life,
My soul with guilt they load,
And fill my thoughts with inward strife,
To shake my hope in God.

With inward pain my heart-strings sound,
I groan with ev'ry breath;
Horror and fear beset me round
Amongst the shades of death.

O were I like a feathered dove,
And innocence had wings,
I'd fly, and make a long remove
From all these restless things.

Let me to some wild desert go,
And find a peaceful home;
Where storms of malice never blow,
Temptations never come.

Vain hopes, and vain inventions all
To 'scape the rage of hell!
The mighty God on whom I call,
Can save me here as well.

By morning light I'll seek his face,
At noon repeat my cry;
The night shall hear me ask his grace,
Nor will he long deny.

God shall preserve my soul from fear,
Or shield me when afraid;
Ten thousand angels must appear,
If he command their aid.

I cast my burdens on the Lord,
The Lord sustains them all;
My courage rests upon his word,
That saints shall never fall.

My highest hopes shall not be vain,
My lips shall spread his praise;
While cruel and deceitful men
Scarce live out half their days.

Amazing Grace

2009-05-31T05:00:00.000-04:00

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

The Hunt For Gollum

2009-05-30T05:00:00.003-04:00

For any Lord of the Rings fans out there, if you don't already know about this, you really need to check this out!

The Hunt For Gollum Movie

Liberated Women = Unhappiness

2009-05-29T05:00:00.001-04:00

Ran across an interesting article the other day and the more I have thought about it the more I wanted to post it. Read it here and a good article on it here.

Isn't it interesting that the more "liberated" women seek to be, the more unhappy they seem to get. The fundamental cause and reason is due to the denial and rejection of God's perfect plan. We have tried so desperately to blur and erase gender boundaries and guidelines without ever stopping to ponder the ultimate consequences.

Perhaps no conversation is as heated or debated as this one is. I suppose, however, definitions are needed here. Happiness is a result of things that come into my life that satisfy me temporarily. As long as they are in my life I am happy. They tend to be physical: things or people. However, to contrast happiness with joy we see joy not based upon my circumstances. Joy transcends things or even people. How is it one can have joy in the darkest of situations when happiness can't even be found? Joy isn't based on things, that's why! It is based on the indwelling Holy Spirit. That is why in all honesty an unbeliever cannot have true joy. All they can hope to aspire to is stockpiling enough idols around them that they can effectively insulate themselves from the pain of this world.

Unfortunately, feminism, is an empty idol.

Seeds Family Worship

2009-05-28T05:00:00.001-04:00

My friend Tom clued me in to Seeds Family Worship and I have to say I'm impressed. Not much impresses me in the area of Children's worship. having owned and run a Christian Bookstore for a few years I had pretty much given up on the majority of what is out there. However, so far so good with this group... check them out here.

Emergent Hitler

2009-05-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

WARNING: The following Video may be offensive. If you have an overly sensitive view of Hitler then please do not watch the below clip. If I didn't have such a disdain for the emergent movement, or whatever it is being called today, I wouldn't post this. However, due to the fact that I actually thought this was funny... I post...

Holiness: Chapter Eighteen

2009-05-27T05:00:00.003-04:00

Functional Idols

2009-05-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

If you have not already determined or discovered who or what your "functional" idols are in your life, answering these questions will help!

I am preoccupied with _________.
If only _________, then I would be happy.
I get my sense of significance from _____________.
I would protect and preserve _____________ at any cost.
I fear losing ___________.
The thing that gives me greatest pleasure is ____________.
When I lose ____________ I get angry, resentful, frustrated, anxious, or depressed.
For me, life depends on __________.
The thing I value more than anything in the world is __________.
When I daydream, my mind goes to ___________.
The best thing I can think of is ____________.
The thing that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning is __________.
If ___________ were to be taken away from me I would be devastated.

Jeremiah 2:11-13

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

To all those who fought for this country and gave even their own lives...

THANK YOU.

Book Review: The Bookends of the Christian Life

2009-05-24T13:30:00.003-04:00

Throughout the years certain authors seem to resonate with each of us. Jerry Bridges is one of those authors for me. Ever since reading his Pursuit of Holiness in the late eighties, book after book has been “money in the bank”. His latest book, The Bookends of the Christian Life, he has teamed up with author Bob Bevington to produce yet more gold.

Bridges and Bevington have done for us what very few authors seem to be able to achieve, depth with brevity. At only 154 pages, I will guarantee you that this will be one of the most profoundly moving books you read this year, if you follow in action what the book encourages to do.

The Bookends of the Christian Life, uses a metaphor of “bookends” and this theme is consistent in every single chapter. Bridges and Bevington faithfully keep bringing the topics of each chapter back to this, and thereby leaving the reader with a very memorable book. The two bookends are identified as The Righteousness of Christ and The Power of the Holy Spirit. With each of these bookends, the Christian has in place the supports that all the books of our life can lean against.

The book is divided in half essentially on these two bookends. The first five chapters are about The Righteousness of Christ and include the following chapters:

The Righteousness of Christ
The Motivation of the Gospel
Gospel Enemy #1: Self- Righteousness
Gospel Enemy #2: Persistent Guilt
Leaning on the First Bookend

The last five chapters are devoted to the second bookend, The Power of the Holy Spirit and include:

The Power of the Holy Spirit
Dependent Responsibility
The Help of the Divine Encourager
Gospel Enemy #3: Self-Reliance
Leaning on the Second Bookend

A helpful conclusion chapter wraps up the book with a succinct summary of the book in review.

Though both sections were full of deep yet practical writing, I found the second section on the Holy Spirit to be of special importance. So often we have a misguided or skewed view of the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives. Very few people I know of are willing to read a tome or large volume on this subject as well. So perhaps one of the best results of this book is the useful tool it is and I hope becomes for giving people a short and succinct practical theology of the Holy Spirit and the transforming work the Holy Spirit has in our lives. The ninth chapter, Gospel Enemy #3: Self-Reliance was the highlight of the book for me and is a chapter I think every Christian should read.

In summary, The Bookends of the Christian Life, tackles the struggles of the self-righteous Pharisee in his smugness and the guilt-laden person in his desperation and reveals what they both have in common: their life’s bookshelf has no bookends. The solution is laid out for both and the answer is the same. When we become one with Christ in faith, God places at the ends of our lives a pair of immovable bookends that are to be leaned against over and over again. The righteousness of God and the Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit, and though they are provided by God, it is our responsibility to lean our “books” on them, relying on them to support, stabilize, and secure all our “other books” - everything we do.

How do we lean on them? This book answers that question wonderfully as well as these:
How can I overcome persistent guilt?
How can I deal with the pressure to measure up?
Where can I find the motivation to grow?
How can I live the Christian life with my heart and not just my head?
How can I be sure God loves me and accepts me?
Where do I draw the line between God’s grace and my works?
Where can I find the strength to change in an authentic and lasting way?

I cannot recommend this book high enough and encourage all to read it. You can find a very helpful summary and questions for small group study at www.TheBookendsBook.com

The Battle Hymn of the Republic

2009-05-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

Mine eyes have seen the glory
of the coming of the Lord;
he is trampling out the vintage
where the grapes of wrath are stored;
he hath loosed the fateful lightning
of his terrible swift sword;
his truth is marching on.

Refrain:
 Glory, glory, hallelujah!
 Glory, glory, hallelujah!
 Glory, glory, hallelujah!
 His truth is marching on.

I have seen him in the watchfires
of a hundred circling camps,
they have builded him an altar
in the evening dews and damps;
I can read his righteous sentence
by the dim and flaring lamps;
his day is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet
that shall never call retreat;
he is sifting out the hearts of men
before his judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer him;
be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies
Christ was born across the sea,
with a glory in his bosom
that transfigures you and me;
as he died to make men holy,
let us die to make men free,
while God is marching on.

He is coming like the glory
of the morning on the wave,
he is wisdom to the mighty,
he is honor to the brave;
so the world shall be his footstool,
and the soul of wrong his slave.
Our God is marching on.

Every Day Questions

2009-05-23T05:00:00.002-04:00

Reading through the little book, The Bookends of the Christian Life, I came across just an excellent recommendation that I wanted to share here.

Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington share that each day they preach the gospel to themselves by meditating on the gospel message. They supplement this with a list of Bible promises that encourages them and gets them started on the right track. This is worthy to be emulated and I hope you choose to do so!

Every Day: God, be merciful to me, the sinner! (Luke 18:13)

Sunday: But he was wounded for my transgressions of _______; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Is 53:5-6)

Monday: He will again have compassion on me; he will tread my iniquities of _________ underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Mic 7:19)

Tuesday: Blessed am I , whose lawless deeds of ________ are forgiven, and my sins are covered; blessed am I against whom the Lord will not count my sin. (Rom 4:7-8)

Wednesday: There is therefore now no condemnation for ________ for me, as one who is in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1)

Thursday: And I, who was dead in my trespasses of _______ and the uncircumcision of my flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven me all my trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against me with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (Col 2:13-14)

Friday: As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove my transgressions of _______ from me. (Ps 103:12)

Saturday: Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though my sins of ______ are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Is 1:18)

Every Day: Christ's work for me is finished! (John 19:30)

How Great Is Our God!

2009-05-22T13:28:00.001-04:00

This is just cool! How great is our God!

Carrie Pejean

2009-05-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

Here is an interesting article on the woman, that can I be honest... (yes, Dan it is your blog) I am tired of hearing about. Is this how weak and pathetic we have become in "evangelical" circles that we have to elevate a woman as a hero and "christian" simply because she speaks her opinion on heterosexual marriage? Whatever happened to displaying a life of holiness?! Uhhh... news flash... lots and lots of people believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, this certainly in no way makes them Christian, nor any kind of a role model or God forbid a spokesman for "Evangelicalism".

Full article here.

Psalm 51

2009-05-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

PSALM 51
A poem by Isaac Watts

Lord, I would spread my sore distress
And guilt before thine eyes;
Against thy laws, against thy grace,
How high my crimes arise!

Shouldst thou condemn my soul to hell,
And crush my flesh to dust,
Heav'n would approve thy vengeance well,
And earth must own it just.

I from the stock of Adam came,
Unholy and unclean;
All my original is shame,
And all my nature sin.

Born in a world of guilt,
I drew Contagion with my breath;
And as my days advanced,
I grew A juster prey for death.

Cleanse me, O Lord, and cheer my soul
With thy forgiving love;
O make my broken spirit whole,
And bid my pains remove.

Let not thy Spirit quite depart,
Nor drive me from thy face;
Create anew my vicious heart,
And fill it with thy grace.

Then will I make thy mercy known
Before the sons of men;
Backsliders shall address thy throne,
And turn to God again.

O God of mercy, hear my call,
My loads of guilt remove;
Break down this separating wall,
That bars me from my love.

Give me the presence of thy grace,
Then my rejoicing tongue
Shall speak aloud thy righteousness,
And make thy praise my song.

No blood of goats nor heifers slain,
For sin could e'er atone;
The death of Christ shall still remain
Sufficient and alone.

A soul oppressed with sin's desert,
My God will ne'er despise;
A humble groan, a broken heart,
Is our best sacrifice.

Holiness: Chapter Seventeen

2009-05-20T05:00:00.004-04:00

I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
I am the Door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man comes unto the Father but by me.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.
If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.

(John 6:35; John 8:12; John 10:9; John 14:6; Matt. 11:28; John 6:37; John 7:37)
We would all do well to follow Ryle's advice!

One final thought, I loved the point Ryle made regarding, "No man lives unto himself". By this he means that no man is simply converted to or for himself, and that the conversion of one always leads on in God's wonderful providence, to the conversion of others. This is a magnificent truth that when we dwell on it, how humbling it truly is that God would save me to be an instrument in the salvation of others! It reminds me of Paul's teaching in 2 Cor. 5:11-15.

Next Week:
We will be reading Chapter eighteen, entitled, "The Church that Christ Builds".

Your Turn:
I realize this book has been longer than previous books and I think we have lost some "travelers" nevertheless, if you are still reading with us please feel free to share what has blessed you regarding this chapter.

Which Are You?

2009-05-19T05:00:00.001-04:00

The word "Fundamentalist" or "Fundamental" is making somewhat of a resurgence in theological corners today. I ran across this definition recently over at Theological Word for the Day. It seems as though we should reevaluate the stigma that is attached to the word and revive the original meaning of the term! Perhaps we need this definition now more than ever.

"Originally fundamentalism referred to the early 20th century movement that opposed liberalism and took a decisive stand for the essentials or “fundamentals” of the Christian faith (e.g. virgin birth, miracles, deity of Christ, etc.). Later the term “fundamentalism” became associated with Christian legalism and radical conservatism. In this sense, it has become a derogatory term with implications of anti-intellectualism. Also, in this later sense, it is to be distinguished from Evangelicalism."

The Grammar of the Gospel

2009-05-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

Sinclair Ferguson provides a helpful distinction between the indicative and the imperative when it comes to the Gospel message. Both are critical to our understanding of the Gospel.

A Great Exchange!

2009-05-17T05:00:00.000-04:00

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Where Are You From?

2009-05-16T10:07:00.001-04:00

A Candle To The Sun

2009-05-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

On April 12, 1885 Charles Spurgeon preached an eloquent sermon on the man Christ Jesus. The sermon called for a consideration of all the truth about our Lord, particularly that about his humanity. He said this,

"It will not be enough for you to hear or read of Christ, you must do your own thinking and consider your Lord for yourselves. The wine is not made by gathering the clusters, but by treading the grapes in the wine vat, under the pressure the red juice leaves forth. Not the truth as you read it, but the truth as you meditate it upon it will be a blessing to you. Shut yourself up with Jesus if you would know him." However, in the very same sermon he said this, "I am never more vexed with myself than when I have done my very best to extol His dear name. What is it but holding a candle to the sun? Beloved I cannot speak as I would of Him; the blaze of the sun blinds me."

As I prepare my heart for the giving of God's Word tomorrow, I understand what Spurgeon was saying. He wanted to grasp the depth of Christ and pass it on and when he had done his best he knew it fell far short.

Death and Immediate Glory

2009-05-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

From the Psalms and Hymns of Issac Watts

HYMN 110
2 Cor. 5:1,5-8.

There is a house not made with hands,
Eternal and on high;
And here my spirit waiting stands,
Till God shall bid it fly.

Shortly this prison of my clay
Must be dissolved and fall;
Then, O my soul! with joy obey
Thy heav'nly Father's call.

'Tis he, by his almighty grace,
That forms thee fit for heav'n;
And, as an earnest of the place,
Has his own Spirit giv'n.

We walk by faith of joys to come,
Faith lives upon his word;
But while the body is our home,
We're absent from the Lord.

'Tis pleasant to believe thy grace,
But we had rather see;
We would be absent from the flesh,
And present, Lord, with thee.

No, Mr. President

2009-05-14T09:33:00.002-04:00

Just ran across this video over at Desiring God Blog. It is well worth posting again! (and again and again and again)

"A Bank Note in Every Syllable"

2009-05-14T05:00:00.002-04:00

As I continue to ruminate on 2 Corinthians I ran across this quote from Charles Spurgeon regarding 5:17,

This text is exceedingly full of matter, and might require many treatises, and even multitudes of folios, to bring forth all its meaning. Holy Scripture is notably sententious. Human teachers are given to verbiage; we multiply words to express our meaning, but the Lord is wondrously laconic; he writeth as it were in shorthand, and gives us much in little. One single grain of the precious gold of Scripture may be beaten out into acres of human gold leaf, and spread far and wide. A few books are precious as silver, fewer still are golden; but God’s Book hath a bank note in every syllable, and the worth of its sentences it were not possible for mortal intellect to calculate."

How good is our God?! How deep are His wells. May we learn to linger long before His inexhaustible supply of life-giving water found in His Word.

Holiness: Chapter Sixteen

2009-05-13T05:00:00.003-04:00

"An unknown Christ is no Savior." This just jumped out at me as I was reading. It is so simple yet so profoundly important. Unless I know Christ, how can He be my Savior? I cannot be saved "virtually". Jesus Christ is a very personal Savior, and one who forces us to look Him right in the eyes as He pulls us out of our misery. Simply going through motions is not enough, and actually, I was struck yet again with how miserable it makes us. How burdensome and unattractive to go through this life trying to just do things in a hope that it will be enough. You lose out on both ends! I live a tension and restrictive life here on earth void of passion and joy and as a result, I never even get to heaven but end up in the very place I was working to avoid! Not a good scenario!

"Who art thou that talkest of God’s mercy and God’s love separate from and independent of Christ? There is no such love and mercy recorded in Scripture. Know this day that God out of Christ is 'a consuming fire.'" (Heb 12:29) This is an amazing truth! One that should silence all this neo-universalist talk that is bedeviling the church today. God simply cannot be a God of "love" and "compassion" outside of His gift of Christ. Does this ever put into perspective the treasuring of Christ that Ryle has made so very clear in chapters previous. But, Oh the mercy that is found in Christ!!! He is precious beyond words! He is my mercy gift, He is grace incarnate! Blessed be His name!

I look forward to hearing if this chapter struck any of you who are reading any different than it did me!

Next Week:
We will be reading Chapter seventeen, entitled, "Thirst Relieved". Only five more chapters!

Your Turn:
I realize this book has been longer than previous books and I think we have lost some "travelers" nevertheless, if you are still reading with us please feel free to share what has blessed you regarding this chapter.

Book Review: Just Do Something

2009-05-12T10:16:00.001-04:00

Sometimes books come along that you had no intention on reading but then you hear a positive review… or get a free copy… and you think, “I probably should read that sometime.” Well, may I share with you Kevin DeYoung’s latest book, Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will, published by Moody Press, 128 pages.

First let me say what you’re probably already thinking, “Why in the world do we need yet another book on God’s will?” Great Question. This is why I wasn’t planning on reading this book! However, I am so grateful that I did. Not too often does a book come around where after reading it you file it under the, “First book I will recommend for such and such a topic.” This is such a book. With that said, let me introduce it briefly and then I would encourage you that if you happen to read this and are in any way struggling to know and understand God’s will for your life, stop reading this immediately and just order it now here, here, or here!

If you’re still reading then let me outline the book briefly. DeYoung in his warm and personal way, sets the stage for why the book will be of some value in your life by describing and defining what may very well be the issue of our generation. A massive lack of production and focus from so many who are all tied up and unmotivated to act because they are afraid of “going against God’s will”, or being “out of God’s will.”

Here is the book in a nutshell, “Does God have a secret will of direction that He expects us to figure out before we do anything? And the answer is no.” (pg. 24) From there DeYoung sets out to establish why. He does so in a Biblical and gracious way. According to DeYoung, God's will for us is this: "Live for God. Obey the Scriptures. Think of others before yourself. Be holy. Love Jesus. And as you do these things, do whatever you like, with whomever you like, wherever you like, and you'll be walking in the will of God." (p. 122) These points are true and the way they are expressed will resonant with just about anyone. Though DeYoung is a young pastor, the wisdom in this book is straight from Scripture and will be a liberating read to anyone caught in the “Christianese” of God’s Will.

Years ago, John MacArthur wrote a small little pamphlet entitled, “Found: God’s Will”, it might even have been his first published writing. DeYoung’s book is simply muscle on the skeleton that MacArthur provide many years ago. In essence, the two books are nearly identical it is just that DeYoung’s work gives more “meat” to the areas of the revealed will of God found in Scripture. Either one is liberating and either one should be read by any Christian wanting to know “God’s Will”. Due to the current language and the warm and engaging style, Just Do Something, is written in, I warmly recommend it to anyone who is interested in this topic. It will go as an automatic graduation gift for anyone moving into the next phase of their life.

What is the Gospel?

2009-05-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

I will be preaching this Sunday and my theme or message will be centered around the Gospel. I ran across this and thought what a beneficial way to start priming the pump!

Especially the Parchments

2009-05-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

2 Timothy 4:13

"Now, it must be 'Especially the parchments' with all our reading; let it be especially the Bible. Do you attach no weight to this advice? This advice is more needed in England [America] now than almost at any other time, for the number of persons who read the Bible, I believe, is becoming smaller every day. Persons read the views of their denominations as set forth in the periodicals; they read the views of their leader as set forth in his sermons or his works, but the Book, the good old Book, the divine fountain-head from which all revelation wells up—this is too often left. You may go to human puddles, until you forsake the clear crystal stream which flows from the throne of God. Read the books, by all manner of means, but especially the parchments. Search human literature, if you will, but especially stand fast by that Book which is infallible, the revelation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
-Charles Spurgeon

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

W. L. Caldwell wrote back in 1928 about Mother's:

Well may we pause to pay honor to her who after Jesus Christ is God's best gift to men, mother. It was she who shared her life with us when as yet our members were unformed, into the valley of the shadow of death she walked that we might have the light of life. In her arms was the garner of our food and the soft couch for our repose. There we nestled in the hour of pain; there was the playground of our infant glee.Those same arms later became our refuge and stronghold. It was she who taught our baby feet to go and lifted us up over the rough places. Her blessed hands plied the needle by day and by night to make our clothes. She put the book under our arm and started us off for school. But best of all, she taught our baby lips to lisp the name of Jesus and told us first the wondrous story of a Savior's love.

I am grateful for both my Mom and my wife today. Both of which have displayed amazing gifts of love and sacrifice. I owe a debt I could never repay to my mom because it was her whom God used to expose me to the gospel of Jesus Christ and for that I will be eternally grateful.

I owe a debt I could never repay to my beloved wife, Lauren as well. She has shown me more grace than any other individual alive. She constantly, daily, exhibits to me what it means to be a Christian and lover of what is good. Her care, sincerity, and nurturing love makes her a model of mothering, and I simply stand back and watch in awe.

Happy Mother's day to all those who are endeavoring to "Mother as unto Christ".

If we love a person: part four

2009-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

f we love a person, we like to please him.

We are glad to consult his tastes and opinions, to act upon his advice, and do the things which he approves. We even deny ourselves to meet his wishes, abstain from things which we know he dislikes, and learn things to do which we are not naturally inclined, because we think it will give him pleasure.

Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ! The true Christian studies to please Him, by being holy both in body and spirit. Show him anything in his daily practice that Christ hates, and he will give it up. Show him anything that Christ delights in, and he will follow after it. He does not murmur at Christ’s requirements as being too strict and severe, as the children of the world do. To him Christ’s commandments are not grievous and Christ’s burden is light. And why is all this? Simply because he loves Him.
- J.C. Ryle, Holiness

If we love a person: part three

2009-05-08T05:00:00.000-04:00

f we love a person, we like to read about him.

What intense pleasure a letter from an absent husband gives to a wife, or a letter from an absent son to his mother. Others may see little worth notice in the letter. They can scarcely take the trouble to read it through. But those who love the writer see something in the letter which no one else can. They carry it about with them as a treasure. They read it over and over again.

Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ! The true Christian delights to read the Scriptures, because they tell him about his beloved Savior. It is no wearisome task with him to read them. He rarely needs reminding to take his Bible with him when he goes a journey. He cannot be happy without it. And why is all this? It is because the Scriptures testify of Him whom his soul loves, even Christ.
-J.C.Ryle, Holiness

Crazy Bike Guy

2009-05-07T19:41:00.003-04:00

I realize this has nothing to do with theology or really has any edifying aspect other than shear amazement that someone could actually do these things. But since this is my blog and this is just cool... I post!

If we love a person: part 2

2009-05-07T05:00:00.001-04:00

f we love a person, we like to bear about him. We find a pleasure in listening to those who speak of him. We feel an interest in any report which others make of him. We are all attention when others talk about him and describe his ways, his sayings, his doings, and his plans. Some may hear him mentioned with utter indifference, but our own hearts bound within us at the very sound of his name. Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ! The true Christian delights to hear something about his Master. He likes those sermons best which are full of Christ. He enjoys that society most in which people talk of the things which are Christ’s.

I have read of an old Welsh believer who used to walk several miles every Sunday to hear an English clergyman preach, though she did not understand a word of English. She was asked why she did so. She replied that this clergyman named the name of Christ so often in his sermons that it did her good. She loved even the name of her Savior.
-J.C. Ryle, Holiness

Holiness: Chapter Fifteen

2009-05-06T05:00:00.005-04:00

The true Christian is one whose religion is in his heart and life. It is felt by himself in his heart. It is seen by others in his conduct and life. He feels his sinfulness, guilt and badness, and repents. He sees Jesus Christ to be that Divine Saviour whom his soul needs, and commits himself to Him. He puts off the old man with his 242corrupt and carnal habits and puts on the new man. He lives a new and holy life, fighting habitually against the world, the flesh and the devil. Christ Himself is the corner-stone of his Christianity. Ask him in what he trusts for the forgiveness of his many sins, and he will tell you in the death of Christ.—Ask him in what righteousness he hopes to stand innocent at the judgment day, and he will tell you it is the righteousness of Christ.—Ask him by what pattern he tries to frame his life, and he will tell you that it is the example of Christ."

These are the marks of a Christian. We simply cannot believe or buy into the modern message that a Christian is anything less than this.

I read his subpoint "b" and couldn't help but think that this was John Piper a hundred years before Piper had ever been born! Same message: Love is not Duty! Love is sincere genuine desire to follow and delight in the one in which you adore. The illustration of the difference between a nurse and a loving wife was excellent in helping to show the difference.

I was haunted by the statement he makes in conclusion,

He that lives without love to Christ can be sensible of no obligation to Him."

Is this not true? Isn't this true of every single relationship you and I are involved with... even down to our pets?! If I do not have love then my obligation to you is simply that, obligation. A meaningless cold act of duty done only because I have to. Where is the love? No this is not what Christ meant when He said, "Do not say you love me if you do not do the things I have asked you to do." (John 14:15, 21, 23-24) Jesus never dismissed the "why" from the "what", nor should we. When I sense I there is no obligation (or only obligation) towards Christ, it is unmistakably accurate it is because my love has grown cold... (i.e. Laodicea Rev. 3:14-22)

Next Week:
We will be reading Chapter sixteen, entitled, "Without Christ". Only six more chapters!

Your Turn:
I realize this book has been longer than previous books and I think we have lost some "travelers" nevertheless, if you are still reading with us please feel free to share what has blessed you regarding this chapter.

If we love a person...

2009-05-05T09:43:00.005-04:00

If we love a person, we like to think about him.

We do not need to be reminded of him. We do not forget his name, or his appearance, or his character, or his opinions, or his tastes, or his position, or his occupation. He comes up before our mind’s eye many a time in the day. Though perhaps far distant, he is often present in our thoughts. Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ! Christ “dwells in his heart,” and is thought of more or less every day. (Eph. 3:17) The true Christian does not need to be reminded that he has a crucified Master. He often thinks of Him. He never forgets that He has a day, a cause, and a people, and that of His people he is one. Affection is the real secret of a good memory in religion. No worldly man can think much about Christ, unless Christ is pressed upon his notice, because he has no affection for Him. The true Christian has thoughts about Christ every day that he lives, for this one simple reason, that he loves Him.
-J.C. Ryle, Holiness, chapter sixteen.

Free Audio Book

2009-05-05T05:00:00.000-04:00

May's free audio book is available over at christianaudio.

He Tried?

2009-05-04T18:17:00.003-04:00

I don't like rap.. I normally can't understand rap... I don't even fake that I might like rap.
But I like this! Listen to the lyrics... Awe yeahhh.

I might just go buy this!

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?

2009-05-04T13:05:00.005-04:00

Not normally a proponent of this kind of argumentation with cults, however, this is worth your watching. File this under, "Remember when JW or Mormon Elder rings my doorbell."

Calvin on Faith

2009-05-04T05:00:00.001-04:00

John Calvin defended himself vigorously against those who would “throw odium” on the doctrine of justification by faith by saying those who teach it “destroy good works, and give encouragement to sin.” He wrote, “We acknowledge that faith and works are necessarily connected.” Calvin debated a Catholic cardinal on this very issue:

If you would duly understand how inseparable faith and works are, look to Christ.…
Where zeal for integrity and holiness is not vigor, there neither is the Spirit of Christ nor Christ Himself; and wherever Christ is not, there is no righteousness, nay, there is no faith; for faith cannot apprehend Christ for righteousness without the Spirit of sanctification.

Adapted from: MacArthur, J. The gospel according to the Apostles : The role of works in the life of faith.

We Are Called To Be God's People

2009-05-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

We are called to be God's people,
showing by our lives His grace,
one in heart and one in spirit,
sign of hope for all the race.
Let us show how He has changed us,
and remade us as His own,
let us share our life together
as we shall around His throne.

We are called to be God's servants,
working in His world today;
taking His own task upon us,
all His sacred words obey.
Let us rise, then, to His summons,
dedicate to Him our all,
that we may be faithful servants,
quick to answer now His call.

We are called to be God's prophets,
speaking for the truth and right,
standing firm for godly justice,
bringing evil things to light.
Let us seek the courage needed,
our high calling to fulfill,
that the world may know the blessing
of the doing of God's will.

TEXT: Thomas A. Jackson, 1973
MUSIC: Franz Joseph Haydn, 1797

A Proverbs Driven Life

2009-05-02T05:00:00.002-04:00

Having always been a fan of the book of Proverbs and having for a very long time a “closet” dream to write a book on the inspired book of Proverbs, Anthony Selvaggio’s, A Proverbs Driven Life caught my eye.

Then I read this endorsement from Derek Thomas, Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary: "This is a sign of springtime in what is largely a neglected section of the Scriptures - with a promise, for those who reads this volume, of a great harvest to come in practical Christian living. With advice on such topics as work and wealth, courtship and children, Selvaggio has given us a valuable treasure of practical wisdom. Just what Solomon intended." and I knew it would be a worthwhile read... and it was.

A Proverbs Driven Life is indeed a treasure of practical wisdom. Before Selvaggio gets into the various topics that Proverbs covers, he helps us understand what Proverbs are, and aren’t.

Since Proverbs is a book about wisdom, it automatically is about everyday life. It is not about laws & precepts (he hits that again in a later section) but rather they are more like signposts constantly pointing to the theme of wisdom. Proverbs are generalisms that help us to make good choices by cluing us in to the typical outcomes. Selvaggio would argue we need this book because, as he says, “people make a lot of short-sighted, self-centered decisions.” And those decisions bring lots of misery to them and others. We are a people who profoundly lack wisdom, and I couldn’t agree more.

The book provides some guidance in reading Proverbs correctly: use basic logic, refrain from cherry picking and don’t read any in isolation, don’t put God on your timetable, make God the goal of your obedience. But the most important thing to remember is the introduction to Proverbs- the call to faith without which we cannot receive and apply true wisdom.

The book itself is divided into six sections respectively; Foundations, Work, Wealth, Friends, Marriage, and Children. Each section goes about discussing the focus by examining particular proverbs that speak to it. This proves most helpful in seeing the whole of Proverbs as well as highlighting the key theme of the book. I highly recommend chapters six, seven and ten. These alone are worth the read and purchase.

I’m not sure my itch is completely scratched in wanting to someday tackle my dream, but truth be told I couldn’t imagine doing a better job than Selvaggio. This book is easy to commend to you and no doubt will bless you as you seek to apply God’s wisdom to your everyday life.

The Fool, The Atheist, The Corrupt

2009-05-01T05:00:00.002-04:00

Psalm 14:1

I know it isn't April 1st, "Fool's Day", but truthfully, every day is fool's day if one doesn't know Christ. The Psalmist first declares this in the above verse. "The fool hath said in his heart there is no God". Corruption begins first in the soul... or heart.

Then it trickles into a second point: the streams issuing from this one, the fool, are polluted. So hang on, don't stop "worrying" just yet.

A fool is governed by atheistical principles, who only produce unworthy practice. They lay all the evil, tyranny, lust, and persecutions by men, (as if the earth was alone for their consumption) upon the neglects of God.

The fool, a term in scripture signifying a wicked man, used also by the heathen philosophers to signify a vicious person, signifies the extinction of life in men, animals, and plants. So a fool is one that has lost his wisdom, and right notion of God and divine things which were communicated to man by creation; one dead in sin, not one that wants reason, but abuses his reason.

Stephen Charnock, the great Puritan scholar, shares this regarding this verse:

"They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. He speaks of the atheist in the singular, “the fool;” of the corruption issuing in the life in the plural; intimating that though some few may choke in their hearts the sentiments of God and his providence, and positively deny them, yet there is something of a secret atheism in all, which is the fountain of the evil practices in their lives, not an utter disowning of the being of a God, but a denial or doubting of some of the rights of his nature. When men deny the God of purity, they must needs be polluted in soul and body, and in their actions. When the sense of religion is shaken off, all kinds of wickedness is eagerly rushed into, whereby they become as loathsome to God as putrefied carcases are to men. Not one or two evil actions is the product of such a principle, but the whole scene of a man’s life is corrupted and becomes execrable. Atheism absolute is not in all men’s judgments, but practical is in all men’s actions. " (Charnock, S. The existence and attributes of God.)

Not one of us is exempted from some stain of atheism by the very depravity of our nature, which the psalmist indicates, “there is none that does good," Ps. 14:3 though there are innumerable convictions and evidences of God, that they cannot absolutely deny; yet there are some "atheistical fizz" in the hearts of men, which evidence themselves in their actions.

This Psalm then is a description of man’s corruption by nature and through sins of commission and omission:
1. Of his mind. "The fool hath said in his heart." No better title than that of a fool can be given to the atheist.
2. Of his other faculties. First, in sins of commission, expressed by the pollution of his deeds. Second, in sins of omission (there is none that does good) he lays down the corruption of the mind as the cause, and the corruption of the deeds (or lack of) as the effect.

A Vicious Storm

2009-04-30T05:00:00.001-04:00

After Christ, and during its first three centuries, the Church met persecution in sporadic intervals around the empire. But nothing compared with the storm that beat it during the days of Roman emperor Diocletian.

Diocletian, seizing power in a coup, appointed fellow-soldier Maximian as co-emperor and two other men as assistants, Constantius and Galerius. The four ruled the empire, east and west, conservatively and with a philosophy of “traditional values.” “Traditional values” for ancient Rome excluded Christianity.

Though Diocletian himself seemed tolerant at first of Christians (his wife and daughter were believers), Galerius was strongly anti-Christian. His military prowess and battlefield victories gave him increasing influence. Slowly and methodically he painted Christians as enemies. He pushed through a series of persecutions against Christians, beginning with the destruction of a church in Nicomedia on February 23, 303. In rapid fire, several edicts were issued against the Church, the last and worst being published on April 30, 304. No one can describe the carnage.

Christians were dismissed from their positions, their civil rights suspended. Church buildings were set afire. Copies of the Scriptures were burned in the marketplaces. Pastors and church leaders were caught and executed, many by lions in the coliseums. In Phrygia (modern day central Turkey) one whole community was wiped out. Other Christians were thrown into squalid prisons or sent to dreaded mines. All former persecutions were forgotten in the horror of this last and greatest storm.

But the empire gradually grew sick of the killings. Executioners were exhausted, and even the lions, it is said, grew tired of Christian flesh. Galerius, meanwhile, found he was dying of a disease commonly known as “being eaten with worms.” On April 30, 311, anniversary of the earlier edict, he issued another in which he suspended persecution against Christians if they would pray for his recovery!

From a thousand prisons, mines, and labor camps, the scarred warriors of Christ streamed home. Many of them no doubt prayed for Galerius, but he didn’t recover. Some five days after he signed the edict the worms finished their work.

Morgan, R. J. (2000, c1997). On this day : 265 amazing and inspiring stories about saints, martyrs & heroes. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

A Word for the Day

2009-04-29T16:12:00.001-04:00

It is difficult to give a book review on a book meant for daily devotions, and typically this would be done the first of the year and not early spring. However, this is just not any devotional!

I have been enjoying this “devotional” now for nearly three years and I realized this really should be exposed for what it is…a fabulous word study reference book that just happens to be written in a devotional way. Each day is a new word study from the Scriptures that does so much more than just give you a heart-warming thought but literally teaches you what the Bible says.

J.D. Watson’s addition to the ocean of devotionals is an excellent choice. If you’re hungry for more than just a warm fuzzy that wears off in 15 minutes, Watson provides the depth or should I say Scripture provides the depth Watson just does a wonderful job of mining and stacking for us! I tried to think of any other devotional which compares to this style of taking a Biblical word and then expounding it so one fully understands what it means and how it applies to my life, and I could think of none.

If you have grown weary of the same kind of devotions year in and year out, May I highly recommend this book. Even if you don’t use it as a devotion get it for the wealth of insight you will gain by the rich word studies found here!

Holiness: Chapter Fourteen

2009-04-29T05:30:00.001-04:00

Wanting to read some books of value, a few members of our church and I set out to read and comment together on some classic Christian reads. Having gained this idea from Tim Challies and after getting his permission to copy his "format", last year we set out to start reading together. We have read some great books.

Currently we are reading J.C. Ryle's classic book, Holiness. This week the chapter we will be discussing is chapter fourteen, "Visible Churches Warned". The idea has been to read along together a book that has stood the test of time and then come together on Wednesday's here at this blog, to share our thoughts about the chapter we were to read. Please feel free to join at any time.

Summary:
This week Ryle summarizes his arguments in three main points, they are:

I. That the Lord Jesus, in all the seven Epistles, speaks of nothing but matters of doctrine, practice, warning, and promise.
II. To observe that in every epistle the Lord Jesus says, I know thy works.
III. That in every epistle the Lord Jesus makes a promise to the man that overcomes.

Discussion:
Each week I have benefited from the pastoral tone of Ryle's writing. Though he is often hard he rarely has been harsh. Though often blunt never bruising. I have grown very accustomed to his style and find his words a clear prescription in a world of muddled opinions.

As he began this chapter I must confess I thought for the first time I was going to have to take exception with him regarding his statement, "But I want you to observe that you will not find the Lord in any of the epistles dwelling upon Church government or ceremonies. He says nothing about sacraments or ordinances. He makes no mention of liturgies or forms. He does not instruct John to write one word about baptism, or the Lord’s Supper, or the apostolical succession of ministers. In short, the leading principles of what may be called “the sacramental system” are not brought forward in any one of the seven epistles from first to last."

However, as I kept reading I realized his point. If he is relating this to the "7 postcards" in Revelations 2-3 then, yes he is right! (I find the term "epistles" to be too much of a stretch when we understand what epistle stands for. I know it means "letter", and indeed these 7 are "letters" to the church, but they are not intended to be didactic as much as they are intended to be prophetic warnings. This is just my bias here.) Therefore, my problem was more in what perhaps Ryle is trying to "expect" from these "epistles". Of course they don't hold teaching regarding sacraments or government because these are already very clearly defined and taught in Paul's, John's, James', and Peter's epistles. But perhaps I might be making Ryle's point that it isn't that these topics are not important they are just not in regards to our salvation.

Anyways, I got off to a confused start. However, Ryle's pastoral graces quickly emerged and once more I was saying, "Amen" subconsciously after each page. Let me share a few of the "Amens" at least from my view:

"The works of a professing Christian are of great importance. 233They cannot save your soul. They cannot justify you. They cannot wipe out your sins. They cannot deliver you from the wrath of God. But it does not follow because they cannot save you, that they are of no importance. Take heed and beware of such a notion. The man who thinks so is fearfully deceived."

"Alas! not a few things are done by believers which seem very good to you and me, but are rated very low by Christ." I think I said "Ouch" on this rather than "Amen"!

"The Lord says, “I know thy works.” It ought to humble you. But it ought not to make you afraid." (PTL! I thought of 1 John 4:18)

Ryle stated, "Victory is the only satisfactory evidence that you have a saving religion." I know what Ryle is saying and because of how he further defines this argument I can concurr. However, once again, I am not initially comfortable with that blanket statement. This could easily by misunderstood as saying a Christian will always and only experience victory... thus, if you are easily defeated you are not a Christian. This makes me uneasy! I know Ryle means we will have more victory than defeat and even in our defeat as we learn to surrender we gain victory over sin... this is an Amen! But we should be careful to throw around that a Christian's
only satisfactory evidence is victory! I cant help but think how we handle defeat and sin also shows we are truly different and indeed saved! But I actually, once again, am making Ryle's greater point so it isn't that I disagree as much as I think this statement needs to be "conditioned". And Ryle does do that.

Well, no doubt that is enough of my thoughts!! How did you relate to this chapter?

Next Week:
We will be reading Chapter fifteen, entitled, "Lovest Thou Me?".

Your Turn:
Please share what blessed you or what you benefited from in this chapter. Please remember, we are reading this together and it is much more beneficial to all of us to share in your thoughts! May the Lord richly bless you with Himself this week and may we together strive to live a holy life, a courageous life and a joyful life!

The Consequences of Sin

2009-04-28T05:00:00.001-04:00

The Consequences of Sin

A. Sin Results in Alienation from God: Gen. 3:22–24; Deut. 25:16; Deut. 31:16–18; 2 Chron. 24:20; Job 35:12; Ps. 5:4–6; Ps. 11:5; Ps. 66:18; Ps. 78:58–61; Prov. 1:28–29; Prov. 10:29–30; Prov. 15:8–9, 29; Isa. 1:15; Isa. 43:24; Isa. 59:1–2; Isa. 64:7; Hos. 9:10, 12; Amos 3:2; Mic. 3:4; Hab. 1:13; Zech. 8:17; Matt. 7:23; Luke 16:15; John 9:31; Rom. 8:7; 1 Cor. 6:9–10; Eph. 2:1, 3–5, 12; Eph. 4:18; Eph. 5:5; Heb. 12:14; James 4:3–4; Rev. 21:23, 27

B. Sin Results in an Aversion to Righteousness: 2 Chron. 36:15–16; Job 15:25–26; Job 15:35; Job 24:13–17; Ps. 10:2–10; Ps. 50:16–17; Ps. 52:7; Ps. 58:3–5; Ps. 64:5; Ps. 73:1–17; Prov. 10:23; Isa. 3:9; Isa. 32:6–7; Isa. 48:4, 8; Isa. 65:11–12; Jer. 16:12; Jer. 18:12; Jer. 44:16–18; Dan. 9:13; Hos. 5:4; Zech. 7:11–12; Matt. 5:11–12; Matt. 13:14–15; Acts 7:51; Rom. 2:4–5

C. Sin Results in Enslavement to Evil: Jer. 2:25; Jer. 13:23; John 8:34–36; Rom. 6:16–18; Rom. 7:14–20; 2 Pet. 2:13–14, 17–19

D. Sin Results in Eternal Damnation: Ezek. 18:4, 20; Dan. 12:2; Mal. 4:1; Matt. 10:28; Matt. 18:8–9; Matt. 25:41; Mark 3:29; Luke 3:17; 2 Thess. 1:8–9; Heb. 10:28–31; Rev. 14:9–11; Rev. 20:10–15

E. Sin Results in Injustice and Innocent Suffering: Job 24:2–4; Ps. 10:2; Prov. 30:11, 14; Eccles. 3:16; Eccles. 4:1; Eccles. 5:8–9; Jer. 22:13; Ezek. 22:29; Amos 5:11–12; Amos 8:4–6; Mic. 2:1–2; Matt. 23:2–4; James 5:4

F. Sin Results in Judgment on Future Generations: Exod. 20:5; Exod. 34:6–7; Lev. 26:39; Num. 14:33; Job 5:3–4; Job 18:19, 21; Job 21:19; Ps. 21:10–11; Ps. 37:28; Ps. 109:9–15; Prov. 14:11; Isa. 14:20–22; Jer. 32:18; Lam. 5:7; Rom. 5:12

G. Sin Results in Moral and Spiritual Blindness: Job 21:14; Ps. 82:5; Prov. 4:19; Prov. 14:12; Prov. 30:20; Isa. 6:9–10; Isa. 44:18–20; Jer. 9:3–6; Ezek. 12:2; Dan. 12:10; Amos 9:10; Mic. 4:12; Zeph. 3:5; Matt. 13:22; John 1:5, 10; John 8:12; Acts 26:17–18; Rom. 1:21–32; 2 Cor. 3:14–15; Eph. 4:18–19; 2 Thess. 2:9–10; 1 Tim. 4:2; 2 Tim. 3:13; Titus 1:15; Heb. 11:25; 2 Pet. 1:5, 8–9; 2 Pet. 2:19; 1 John 1:6, 8; 1 John 2:11; 1 John 3:6–7

H. Sin Results in Moral Guilt: Exod. 32:33–34; Lev. 5:17; Num. 32:23; Ps. 5:10; Ps. 19:12; Ps. 38:4; Prov. 10:9; Jer. 14:16; Ezek. 11:21; Ezek. 21:24; Hos. 12:14; Matt. 5:21–22; Matt. 5:27–30; Matt. 11:20–24; Matt. 23:33; Luke 12:47–48; Luke 20:46–47; John 19:11; 1 Cor. 11:27; James 2:10; 1 John 3:19–20

I. Sin Results in National Destruction: Exod. 32:9–10; Deut. 9:8, 13–14, 22; 2 Chron. 30:8; Neh. 9:36–37; Ps. 9:17; Isa. 28:18–22; Isa. 32:9–14; Isa. 43:27–28; Isa. 60:12; Jer. 5:28–29; Jer. 6:6–8; Jer. 8:14; Jer. 12:17; Jer. 15:13; Jer. 25:15–29; Jer. 36:31; Jer. 50:29, 45–46; Lam. 1:8–9; Ezek. 29:8–12; Hos. 5:5, 7; Amos 1:3; Amos 1:6; Amos 1:9; Amos 1:13; Amos 2:1; Amos 2:4; Amos 2:6; Amos 3:13–15; Amos 6:8; Amos 9:1–4 Zeph. 2:13–15; Rev. 18:2, 4–8

J. Sin Results in Personal Distress and Anxiety: Job 4:8; Job 5:2; Job 15:20–25; Job 18:5, 7–14; Ps. 38:3–4; Ps. 141:10; Prov. 1:29–32; Prov. 5:22–23; Prov. 8:35–36; Prov. 11:5–6, 27; Prov. 12:13; Prov. 12:21; Prov. 13:6; Prov. 13:15; Prov. 22:8; Prov. 28:1; Isa. 3:11; Isa. 57:20–21; Jer. 2:19; Rom. 2:8–9

K. Sin Results in Physical Death: Gen. 3:19; Gen. 6:5–7; Num. 27:3; Job 14:1–6; Ps. 90:7–10; Ps. 94:23; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 8:10; 1 Cor. 15:22; 2 Cor. 5:1; 2 Tim. 1:10

L. Sin Results in the Pollution of Creation: Gen. 3:17–19; Rom. 8:19–22

M. Sin Results in Spiritual Condemnation: Prov. 11:19; John 3:36; John 5:28–29; Rom. 2:5–8; Rom. 5:12, 16–21; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 7:11; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 8:5–8; Rom. 11:21–22; Eph. 2:1; 2 Thess. 2:9–12; James 1:15; James 5:19–20; 1 John 3:14

N. Sin Results in Temporal Calamity: Lev. 26:23–25; Deut. 28:15; 1 Sam. 12:25; Job 5:12–13; Job 15:20, 27–29; Job 27:13, 16–17; Ps. 9:15–16; Ps. 73:18–19; Ps. 107:10–12, 39–40; Prov. 1:16, 18–19; Prov. 1:24–27; Prov. 3:33; Prov. 10:6; Prov. 10:7; Prov. 11:3; Prov. 11:5; Prov. 13:25; Prov. 23:21; Eccles. 2:26; Isa. 1:28–31; Isa. 5:18–24; Isa. 9:16–17; Jer. 14:15–16; Jer. 18:16–17; Rom. 2:9; Phil. 3:19

O. Sin Results in Tempting Others to Sin: Gen. 3:1–6; 1 Kings 16:2; 1 Kings 21:25; Prov. 1:10–14; Prov. 16:29; Prov. 28:10; Eccles. 7:26; Matt. 5:19; Matt. 18:6–7; Mark 13:21–22; Luke 4:1–13; Rom. 14:13; 1 Cor. 8:9–13; Eph. 6:11; 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Tim. 3:6–9; James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8–9; 2 Pet. 2:18; 2 Pet. 3:17; 1 John 2:16, 26

Adapted from: Elwell, W. A., & Buckwalter, D. Baker reference library. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

Sign me up!

2009-04-27T20:24:00.003-04:00

Anything like this in your neighborhood? I'm still looking!

Common Grounds

The Universality of Sin

2009-04-27T05:00:00.001-04:00

Not because I am morbid but because we really do need to know how sin effects our lives I am going to continue my study and overview of sin. Having preached on it yesterday there was no way I could communicate all I needed to so allow me to keep looking at aspects of that which we need to be aware of.

The Universality of Sin

A. Universal Depravity
1. Corrupt in Nature: Job 14:4; Job 15:14–16; Job 25:4–6; Ps. 19:12; Ps. 51:5–7; Ps. 58:3; Jer. 13:23; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 12:34; Luke 6:43–45; Luke 11:13; Rom. 5:12–19; Rom. 7:24; Eph. 2:3
2. Evil in Desire: Gen. 6:5; Job 20:12–13; Ps. 36:1–4; Prov. 4:16–17; Jer. 16:12; John 3:19–20
3. Sinful in Deed: 1 Kings 8:46; Ps. 14:1–3; Ps. 143:2; Prov. 20:9; Eccles. 7:20; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:9–20, 23; Gal. 3:22; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8, 10

B. There is Universal Guilt: Lev. 5:17; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:19–20, 23; Rom. 5:12

C. There is a Universal Need for Repentance: 1 Kings 8:46–48; Ezek. 14:6–8; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47; John 3:3–5; Acts 17:30; 2 Cor. 5:14–15, 20–21

D. There is Universal Punishment for Rejection of God: John 3:18; John 3:36; 1 John 5:18–19; Rev. 9:15–16, 20–21

Elwell, W. A., & Buckwalter, D. Vol. 5: Topical analysis of the Bible. Baker reference library. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

What Sin?

2009-04-26T05:00:00.001-04:00

The glorious conclusion of 1 John 1:9...

The Origin of Sin

2009-04-25T05:30:00.001-04:00

In continuation from yesterday...

II. The Origin of Sin

A. Sin Originated in Heaven with Satan and His Angels
Isa. 14:12–15; Ezek. 28:15–17; John 8:44; 2 Pet. 2:4; 1 John 3:8; Jude 6

B. Sin Originated on Earth with Adam and Eve

1. The Test of Adam and Eve
Gen. 2:16–17

2. The Temptation of Adam and Eve
Gen. 3:1–5; James 1:13–15

3. The Disobedience of Adam and Eve
Gen. 3:6; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:14

4. The Consequences of Adam’s and Eve’s Disobedience

a) Shame and Guilt: Gen. 3:7–13

b) Judgment: Gen. 3:14–19; Rom. 8:19–21

c) Gracious Discipline: Gen. 3:21–24

III. The Universality of Sin

A. Universal Depravity

1. Corrupt in Nature
Job 14:4; Job 15:14–16; Job 25:4–6; Ps. 19:12; Ps. 51:5–7; Ps. 58:3; Jer. 13:23; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 12:34; Luke 6:43–45; Luke 11:13; Rom. 5:12–19; Rom. 7:24; Eph. 2:3

2. Evil in Desire
Gen. 6:5; Job 20:12–13; Ps. 36:1–4; Prov. 4:16–17; Jer. 16:12; John 3:19–20

3. Sinful in Deed
1 Kings 8:46; Ps. 14:1–3; Ps. 143:2; Prov. 20:9; Eccles. 7:20; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:9–20, 23; Gal. 3:22; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8, 10

B. Universal Guilt
Lev. 5:17; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:19–20, 23; Rom. 5:12

C. Universal Need for Repentance
1 Kings 8:46–48; Ezek. 14:6–8; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47; John 3:3–5; Acts 17:30; 2 Cor. 5:14–15, 20–21

D. Universal Punishment for Rejection of God
John 3:18; John 3:36; 1 John 5:18–19; Rev. 9:15–16, 20–21

Scriptures adapted from Elwell, W. A., & Buckwalter, D. Vol. 5: Topical analysis of the Bible, Baker reference library. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

The Nature of Sin

2009-04-24T05:00:00.001-04:00

I will be preaching in a couple days on Sin. Sin is never a fun topic to address nor is it popular today. Focus too much on it and you are a negative "fundamentalist". Focus on it too little and you are equated with Joel Osteen (Try searching for "sin" on his web site... seriously... try it!).

Sin must be preached and sin must be discussed because it is the very reason why Jesus came. Since in my limited time from the pulpit, I will never get to share all the material that is important regarding this critical topic, I thought I would devote the rest of the week to what Scripture says about sin.

Today the Nature of Sin:

I. The Nature of Sin

A. Sin Contradicts God
Gen. 39:9; Lev. 19:2; Deut. 32:4; Job 25:4–6; Job 34:10; Job 42:1–6; Ps. 18:30; Ps. 33:4; Ps. 47:8; Ps. 48:10; Ps. 51:4; Ps. 92:15; Ps. 145:17; Isa. 6:1–6; Isa. 57:15; Isa. 59:1–2; Isa. 64:5, 7, 9; Jer. 2:5; Jer. 2:29; Ezek. 39:7; Hos. 11:9; Amos 3:2–3; Mic. 3:4; Hab 1:12–13; Matt. 5:48; Mark 10:18; Luke 5:8; Luke 13:27; Rom. 1:22–23; Rom. 9:14; Heb. 1:8; Heb. 12:14; James 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:15–16; 1 John 1:5; Rev. 4:8; Rev. 15:4

B. Sin Involves a Moral Inclination to Evil
Gen. 6:5; Gen. 8:21; Job 14:4; Job 15:14–16; Ps. 5:9; Ps. 14:1–3; Ps. 51:5, 7–8, 10; Ps. 94:11; Ps. 143:2; Eccles. 7:20, 29; Eccles. 9:3; Isa. 1:5–6; Isa. 64:6; Jer. 13:23; Jer. 17:9; Ezek. 36:25–27; Mic. 7:2–4; Matt. 7:17–19; Matt. 15:17–19; Luke 6:45; John 3:19; Rom. 1:21–32; Rom. 5:12–14; Rom. 6:12–14; Rom. 7:14–25; Rom. 8:5–8; 1 Cor. 2:14; Gal. 3:10; Eph. 2:1–2; Eph. 4:17–23; Eph. 5:8; Col. 2:13; Titus 1:15–16; James 1:14–15; James 2:10; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 5:19

C. Sin Is a Willful Violation of God’s Law

1. Being Ignorant of the Law:
Ezek. 45:20; Acts 3:17; Rom. 5:14; Eph. 4:18; 1 Tim. 1:13; Heb. 9:7; 1 Pet. 1:14

2. Disobeying or Rejecting the Law:
Exod. 23:21; Lev. 26:40; Num. 14:41–42; Deut. 21:18; Ps. 78:8, 57; Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:29; Ezek. 2:3; Ezek. 15:8; Mal. 2:11; Matt. 18:17; Luke 1:17; John 3:36; Acts 14:2; Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 10:6; Eph. 5:6; 2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 2:2–3 Heb. 3:18; Heb. 11:31; 1 Pet. 2:8; 1 Pet. 4:17

3. Failing to Live Up to the Law:
Gen. 18:20; Lev. 16:30; 1 Sam. 12:23; Neh. 9:2; Ps. 25:7; Ps. 51:2–3; Prov. 13:6; Isa. 59:12; Lam. 5:7; Dan. 9:20; Mic. 6:7; Matt. 27:4; John 9:2; Acts 25:8; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12; Gal. 3:22; Heb. 12:1; James 5:15; 1 John 1:8–10; 1 John 2:1–2; Rev. 1:5

4. Misunderstanding the Law, Intentionally or Unintentionally:
Lev. 4:13; Lev. 22:14; Job 6:24; Job 12:16; Job 19:4; Ps. 119:67; Isa. 29:24; Ezek. 44:10; Mark 13:5–6; 1 Cor. 6:9–10; Gal. 6:7; 2 Thess. 2:9–12; 1 Tim. 2:14; Heb. 3:10; 1 John 3:7; 2 John 7

5. Offending God:
Rom. 1:18; Rom. 6:13; 1 Cor. 6:9–10; Col. 3:25; 1 Tim. 1:9; 2 Tim. 2:16; Titus 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:18; 2 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 1:9; Jude 14–15

6. Perverting the Law:
Job 33:27; Prov. 12:8; Jer. 3:21; Ezek. 18:24

7. Transgressing or Violating the Law:
Deut. 17:2; Josh. 23:16; 2 Chron. 24:20; Jer. 34:18; Dan. 9:11; Hos. 6:7; Hos. 8:1; Rom. 3:20; Rom. 4:15; Rom. 7:7–13; Gal. 3:10, 12; 1 Tim. 2:14; James 2:8–11

D. Sin Is Selfishness
Isa. 53:6; Jer. 16:12; Luke 6:32–34; 2 Thess. 2:3–4; 2 Tim. 3:1–4; 1 John 3:17

Tomorrow, the Origin of Sin.

Scriptures adapted from: Elwell, W. A., & Buckwalter, D. Vol. 5: Topical analysis of the Bible. Baker reference library. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

Gospel Coalition: Day Three

2009-04-23T06:00:00.001-04:00


Another great day yesterday hearing from Godly men and the call to be a worthy shepherd of His people.  Just a few highlights:

Bryan Chappell: Spoke on 2 Tim 3:10-4:5.  One of the best messages on that text I have ever heard.  When we speak the word of God we offer the voice of Jesus to our people.  Watch here.

Out of time on to Ligon Duncan!

Gospel Coalition: Day Two

2009-04-22T08:00:00.001-04:00



Just a few thoughts and reflections from yesterday:

Tim Keller:
What an exhortation to Discern, Expose and then Destroy the idols in our lives and when we preach.  Watch here.

John Piper:
All I can say is Praise God for John Piper.  A gifted and anointed prophet of God.  His exhortation was from 2 Timothy 1:1-12 and could be summarized by his primary point, "Keep on fanning the white hot flame of God's gift in you, namely, the unashamed courage to speak of Christ and to suffer for Him."  Watch here.

Phil Ryken:
What a wonderful surprise.  I am not near as familiar with Phil as I am the other speakers but was blessed by his careful exegesis of each verse of his passage, 2 Timothy 1:14-2:13.  Watch here.

Mark Driscoll:
Say what you want about the man and that is either you love him or really don't like him, but it can't be denied that God is using this man.  He shared that this would not be a yelling sermon but more of a priestly one.  It went an hour and a half but worth every minute.  2 Timothy 2:14-26 was his text and how convicting it was.  The premise was 40 points and he made them all!  People are either negatives, positives, or neutral.  The message was on the negatives and how to stop being one while still standing for truth.  Watch here.

On to Day Two!

Holiness: Chapter Thirteen

2009-04-22T05:30:00.002-04:00

"What did the Lord Jesus Christ mean when He spoke of this foundation? Did He mean the Apostle Peter, to whom He was speaking? I think assuredly not. I can see no reason, if He meant Peter, why He did not say, “Upon thee” will I build my Church. If He had meant Peter, He would surely have said, I will build my Church on thee, as plainly as He said, “to thee will I give the keys.”—No, it was not the person of the Apostle Peter, but the good confession which the Apostle had just made! It was not Peter, the erring, unstable man, but the mighty truth which the Father had revealed to Peter. It was the truth concerning Jesus Christ Himself which was the rock. It was Christ’s Mediatorship, and Christ’s Messiahship. It was the blessed truth that Jesus was the promised Saviour, the true Surety, the real Intercessor between God and man. This was the rock, and this the foundation, upon which the Church of Christ was to be built.

The foundation of the true Church was laid at a mighty cost. It needed that the Son of God should take our nature upon Him, and in that nature live, suffer, and die, not for His own sins, but for ours. It needed that in that nature Christ should go to the grave, and rise again. It needed that in that nature Christ should go up to heaven, to sit at the right hand of God, having obtained eternal redemption for all His people. No other foundation could have met the necessities of lost, guilty, corrupt, weak, helpless sinners.

That foundation, once obtained, is very strong. It can bear the weight of the sins of all the world. It has borne the weight of all the sins of all the believers who have built on it. Sins of thought, sins of the imagination, sins of the heart, sins of the head, sins which everyone has seen, and sins which no man knows, sins against God, and sins against man, sins of all kinds and descriptions—that mighty rock can bear the weight of all these sins, and not give way. The mediatorial office of Christ is a remedy sufficient for all the sins of all the world.

To this one foundation every member of Christ’s true Church is joined. In many things believers are disunited and disagreed. In the matter of their soul’s foundation they are all of one mind. Whether Episcopalians or Presbyterians, Baptists or Methodists, believers all meet at one point. They are all built on the rock. Ask where they get their peace, and hope, and joyful expectation of good things to come. You will find that all flows from that one mighty source, Christ the Mediator between God and man, and the office that Christ holds, as the High Priest and Surety of sinners.

Look to your foundation, if you would know whether or not you are a member of the one true Church. It is a point that may be known to yourself. Your public worship we can see; but we cannot see whether you are personally built upon the rock. Your attendance at the Lord’s table we can see; but we cannot see whether you are joined to Christ, and one with Christ, and Christ in you. Take heed that you make no mistake about your own personal salvation. See that your own soul is upon the rock. Without this, all else is nothing. Without this, you will never stand in the day of judgment. Better a thousand times in that day to be found in a cottage “upon the rock,” than in a palace upon the sand!"

Lastly, let me just say, what a reminder in point four, to be on guard and have a soldiers mindset while the true church is in perpetual war with Satan. Thank God we are his for surely the battle seems too strong sometimes! This point was thankfully followed up with our security under a perfect shepherd.

Next Week:
We will be reading Chapter fourteen, entitled, "Visible Churches Warned".

Your Turn:
Please share what blessed you or what you benefited from in this chapter. Please remember, we are reading this together and it is much more beneficial to all of us to share in your thoughts! May the Lord richly bless you with Himself this week and may we together strive to live a holy life, a courageous life and a joyful life!

Gospel Coalition: Day One

2009-04-21T04:00:00.003-04:00



For the next three days I will be attending the Gospel Coalition National Conference in Chicago.   I owe this in large part to a dear friend, Tim (and Deanna!) Railing, who graciously provided for my airfare to Chicago. Without their generosity, I would not have been able to attend this conference.  It is my hope, though I make no promises, to periodically share what is happening and what I have been blessed with.  I will try to provide some kind of summary by days end on how the day went and topics discussed.

Gospel Coalition
Live Web Cast
Schedule
Speakers

10 Fast Facts on Backsliding

2009-04-20T13:47:00.000-04:00

10 Fast Facts on Backsliding from Puritan Reformed on Vimeo.

Psalm 32

2009-04-20T05:00:00.001-04:00

Forgiveness of sin upon confession.

O Blessed souls are they
Whose sins are covered o'er!
Divinely blest, to whom the Lord
Imputes their guilt no more.

They mourn their follies past,
And keep their hearts with care;
Their lips and lives, without deceit,
Shall prove their faith sincere.

While I concealed my guilt,
I felt the fest'ring wound;
Till I confessed my sins to thee,
And ready pardon found.

Let sinners learn to pray,
Let saints keep near the throne;
Our help, in times of deep distress,
Is found in God alone.

-Isaac Watts, From Psalms and Hymns

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

2009-04-19T05:00:00.001-04:00

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

The Human Body in Scripture

2009-04-18T05:00:00.001-04:00

Ever wonder what the Bible says about our body? Which parts of the body mentioned and focused on. Here are some helpful verses to get you started on a great study!

1. Human Facial Features
a) The Ears 1 Sam. 3:11; Job 12:11; Job 13:1; Job 34:3; Prov. 18:15; Prov. 23:12; Isa. 32:3; Matt. 13:15; Acts 7:51; Acts 17:20; 2 Tim. 4:3–4

b) The Eyes Gen. 3:6; Num. 15:39; Deut. 28:65; 2 Chron. 20:12; Ezra 9:8; Job 11:20; Job 31:16; Ps. 25:15; Ps. 31:9; Ps. 54:7; Ps. 69:3; Ps. 88:9; Ps. 101:5–6; Ps. 123:1–2; Prov. 21:4; Eccles. 2:10; Isa. 2:11; Jer. 22:17; Lam. 4:17; Ezek. 24:16; Matt. 18:9; Luke 11:34; Acts 26:17–18; Acts 28:27; Eph. 1:18; 2 Pet. 2:14; 1 John 2:16

c) The Forehead Isa. 48:4; Jer. 3:3; Ezek. 3:7–9

d) The Lips Job 13:6; Job 15:6; Job 33:3; Ps. 12:2–3; Ps. 31:18; Ps. 63:3; Ps. 119:171; Ps. 140:9; Prov. 5:1–4; Prov. 10:13; Prov. 10:21; Prov. 12:19; Prov. 14:3; Prov. 15:7; Prov. 16:13; Prov. 16:23; Prov. 17:4; Prov. 20:15; Prov. 23:16; Prov. 26:23; Isa. 59:3; Mal. 2:7; Matt. 15:8; Rom. 3:13; Col. 3:8; Heb. 13:15

e) The Mouth 2 Sam. 1:16; Job 6:30; Job 9:20; Job 31:30; Ps. 17:3; Ps. 37:30; Ps. 49:3; Ps. 59:12; Ps. 119:103; Ps. 144:11; Prov. 4:24; Prov. 8:7; Prov. 10:31; Prov. 15:2; Prov. 16:23; Prov. 18:6; Prov. 26:28; Prov. 27:2; Eccles. 5:6; Zeph. 3:13; Mal. 2:6; Matt. 12:34; Matt. 15:11; Rom. 10:8–10; James 3:10

f) The Tongue Job 27:4; Ps. 50:19; Ps. 52:2; Ps. 73:9; Ps. 120:2–4; Prov. 6:24; Prov. 15:2, 4; Prov. 21:6; Prov. 25:23; Isa. 54:17; Jer. 9:5, 8; Mic. 6:12; Acts 2:26; James 1:26; James 3:2–9; 1 Pet. 3:10; 1 John 3:18

2. Human Extremities
a) The Arm 2 Chron. 32:8; Job 35:9; Ps. 1:15; Prov. 31:17; Jer. 48:25; Ezek. 17:9; Ezek. 30:21–22, 24–25

b) The Fingers Prov. 6:12–14

c) The Foot
(1) The Foot as Ill Will Prov. 6:12–13; Ezek. 6:11; Ezek. 25:6; Heb. 10:29
(2) The Foot as Triumph and Sovereignty Josh. 10:24; 2 Sam. 22:39; 1 Kings 5:3; Ps. 8:6; Ps. 47:3; Ps. 110:1; Lam. 3:34; Mal. 4:3; Rom. 16:20

d) The Hand
(1) The Hand as Aggression Num. 20:10–11; Deut. 32:27; 2 Sam. 18:28; 2 Sam. 20:21; Job 31:21; Isa. 10:32; Jer. 6:9; Ezek. 38:12
(2) The Hand as Ethical Stature 1 Sam. 24:11; 2 Sam. 22:21; 1 Chron. 12:17; Job 11:14; Job 16:17; Job 17:9; Job 31:7; Ps. 7:3; Ps. 18:24; Ps. 26:10; Isa. 1:15; Isa. 31:7; Ezek. 18:8; Ezek. 23:37, 45; Mic. 7:3; Matt. 18:8; 1 Tim. 2:8; James 4:8
(3) The Hand as an Expression of a State of Mind Num. 24:10; 2 Sam. 13:19; Neh. 8:6; Ps. 28:2; Ps. 77:2; Ps. 134:2; Prov. 1:24; Jer. 2:37; Lam. 1:17; Ezek. 25:6; Nah. 3:19; Zeph. 2:15
(4) The Hand as Honor 1 Kings 2:19; Ps. 45:9; Gal. 2:9
(5) The Hand as Intention Deut. 15:8, 11; Josh. 8:26; 1 Kings 13:4; Neh. 6:9; Job 4:3; Isa. 13:7; Jer. 6:24; Jer. 23:14; Jer. 47:3; Jer. 50:43; Ezek. 7:17; Ezek. 18:8, 17; Zeph. 3:16; Matt. 6:3; Luke 22:21
(6) The Hand as Judgment Deut. 17:7; 1 Sam. 18:17; 1 Sam. 24:12–13; Job 9:33; Ps. 89:25
(7) The Hand as Power Deut. 8:17; Deut. 28:32; Judg. 3:10; Judg. 4:24; Job 30:2; Ps. 76:5; Isa. 10:13; Isa. 45:9; Lam. 3:3
(8) The Hand as Protection Ps. 16:8; Ps. 73:23; Ps. 109:31; Ps. 110:5; Ps. 121:5; Isa. 41:13; Isa. 45:1; 2 Cor. 6:7

e) The Knee Job 4:4; Isa. 35:3; Ezek. 7:17; Ezek. 21:7; Nah. 2:10; Heb. 12:12

f) The Neck Exod. 32:9; Exod. 34:9; Deut. 9:6; Deut. 31:27; 2 Kings 17:14; 2 Chron. 30:8; Neh. 9:16–17, 29; Ps. 75:5; Prov. 29:1; Isa. 3:16; Jer. 19:15; Acts 7:51

g) The Shoulder Zeph. 3:9

3. Human Internal Organs
a) Human Blood as the Life Principle Gen. 9:4–6; Lev. 17:10–14; Ps. 72:14; Prov. 1:18

b) Human Bones Job 4:14; Ps. 31:10; Ps. 32:3; Ps. 38:3; Ps. 42:10; Ps. 51:8; Ps. 102:3, 5; Ps. 109:18; Prov. 14:30; Prov. 15:30; Prov. 16:24; Prov. 17:22; Prov. 25:15; Jer. 20:9; Jer. 23:9; Lam. 1:13; Ezek. 37:11; Hab. 3:16

c) Human Bowels (ET: affection, compassion, heart, inmost being) Job 30:27; Ps. 22:14; Ps. 40:8; Song of Songs 5:4; Isa. 16:11; Jer. 4:19; Lam. 1:20; Lam. 2:11; 2 Cor. 7:15; Phil. 1:8; Col. 3:12; Philem. 7; Philem. 12; Philem. 20; 1 John 3:17

d) The Human Heart (ET: inmost thoughts, mind, thoughts, understanding)
(1) The Heart as the Seat of Emotion Lev. 19:17; Deut. 20:3; Deut. 28:67; Josh. 7:5; 1 Sam. 2:1; 1 Sam. 4:13; Job 15:12; Ps. 25:17; Ps. 27:3; Ps. 28:7; Ps. 31:24; Ps. 39:3; Ps. 84:2; Ps. 102:4; Prov. 12:25; Prov. 14:10; Prov. 15:13; Prov. 23:17; Eccles. 2:20; Eccles. 11:10; Isa. 66:14; Jer. 8:18; Lam. 1:20; John 14:1, 27; Acts 2:46; Rom. 9:2; 2 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:3; Phil. 1:7
(2) The Heart as the Seat of Ethical Decision Exod. 14:5; Deut. 30:17; Josh. 24:23; 2 Sam. 15:6; 1 Kings 8:58; 1 Kings 18:37; 2 Chron 29:31; Neh. 4:6; Job 31:7, 9; Job 31:27; Ps. 44:18; Ps. 58:2; Ps. 105:25; Ps. 141:4; Prov. 5:12; Prov. 7:25; Prov. 21:1; Isa. 44:20; Jer. 17:5; Ezek. 6:9; Ezek. 33:31; Mal. 4:6; Matt. 5:8; Matt. 5:28; Matt. 6:21; Rom. 1:24; James 3:14
(3) The Heart as the Seat of Intelligence Deut. 30:14; Judg. 5:15–16; 1 Kings 3:9; Neh. 5:7; Job 8:10; Job 17:11; Ps. 27:8; Ps. 41:6; Ps. 66:18; Prov. 4:4, 20–21; Prov. 15:32; Prov. 16:1; Prov. 23:33; Eccles. 2:1, 3; Eccles. 3:11; Song of Songs 5:2; Isa. 51:7; Lam. 3:41; Matt. 12:34; Mark 7:21–23; Mark 11:23; Luke 1:51; Luke 9:47; Luke 24:38; Acts 8:22; Rom. 1:21; Rom. 10:6
(4) The Heart as the Seat of Religious Life Deut. 6:5; 1 Chron. 28:9; Prov. 7:1–3; Jer. 31:33; Matt. 11:29; Matt. 13:19; Luke 6:45; Luke 8:15; Luke 16:15; Acts 16:14; Rom. 2:15; Rom. 5:5; Rom. 8:27; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 3:17; Eph. 6:5; Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 2:4; 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 3:5; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 13:9; James 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Pet. 1:19
(5) The Heart as the Seat of Volition Deut. 8:2; 2 Sam. 7:3; 1 Kings 8:39, 47; 2 Chron. 32:31; Ps. 20:4; Ps. 55:21; Ps. 139:23; Prov. 10:20; Eccles. 7:2; Isa. 65:17; Lam. 2:19; Ezek. 14:5; Dan. 11:27–28; Mal. 2:2; Luke 21:14; Acts 11:23; Rom. 10:1; 1 Cor. 4:4–5; 2 Cor. 9:7; Eph. 6:22; Col. 4:8

e) Human Kidneys (ET: heart, mind) Job 19:27; Ps. 7:9; Ps. 16:7; Ps. 26:2; Ps. 73:21; Prov. 23:15–16; Jer. 11:20; Jer. 17:10; Jer. 20:12; Rev. 2:23

f) The Human Stomach (ET: inmost being, inmost parts) Job 20:15, 20, 23; Ps. 103:1; Prov. 18:8; Prov. 20:27, 30; Isa. 16:11; Phil. 3:19

g) The Human Womb Job 15:35

Elwell, W. A., & Buckwalter, D. (1996, c1991). Vol. 5: Topical analysis of the Bible : With the New International Version. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

Mad Science?!

2009-04-17T05:30:00.001-04:00

I have to confess that being a bit of a "closet-pyro" myself this book looks like a lot of fun and a wealth of learning. If you have kids and are a parent who is "involved" then I think I'm going to recommend it!

Preview it here.

Read more about it here.

Choose for yourself but I know how I'm going to make my next batch of popcorn!

Christian Parenting

2009-04-16T15:47:00.000-04:00

If you are a parent this is a great read and reminder of our task!

Christ's garden

2009-04-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

How nice it was to read this by Charles Spurgeon in light of the ever increasing sexually graphic portrayals of the Song of Solomon. Spurgeon as normal gets it right and leaves you exalting Christ, the gift giver rather than exalting the gift itself.

"I have come into My garden--My sister, My bride!" Song of Solomon 5:1

The heart of the believer is Christ's garden. He bought it with His precious blood, and He enters it and claims it as His own.

A garden implies separation. It is not the open common; it is not a wilderness; it is walled around, or hedged in. Would that we could see the wall of separation between the Christian and the world made broader and stronger. It makes one sad to hear professors saying, "Well, there is no harm in this; there is no harm in that," thus getting as near to the world as possible! Grace is at a low ebb in that soul, which can even raise the question of how far it may go in worldly conformity.

A garden is a place of beauty, it far surpasses the wild uncultivated fields. The genuine Christian must seek to be more excellent in his life than the best moralist, because Christ's garden ought to produce the best flowers in all the world. Even the best is poor--compared with Christ's deservings; let us not put Him off with withered and dwarf plants. The rarest, richest, choicest lilies and roses--ought to bloom in Christ's own garden!

The garden is a place of growth. The saints are not to remain undeveloped, always mere buds and blossoms. We should grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Growth should be rapid where Jesus is the Gardener, and the Holy Spirit the dew from above.

A garden is a place of retirement. So the Lord Jesus Christ would have us reserve our hearts as a place in which He can manifest Himself, as He does not unto the world. O that Christians were more retired, that they kept their hearts more closely locked up for Christ! We often worry and trouble ourselves, like Martha, with much serving--so that we have not the room for Christ that Mary had, and do not sit at His feet as we should.

May the Lord grant the sweet showers of His grace to water His garden this day!

Holiness: Chapter Twelve

2009-04-15T05:30:00.002-04:00

Wanting to read some books of value, a few members of our church and I set out to read and comment together on some classic Christian reads. Having gained this idea from Tim Challies and after getting his permission to copy his "format", last year we set out to start reading together. We have read some great books.

Currently we are reading J.C. Ryle's classic book, Holiness. This week the chapter we will be discussing is chapter twelve, "The Ruler of the Waves". The idea has been to read along together a book that has stood the test of time and then come together on Wednesday's here at this blog, to share our thoughts about the chapter we were to read. Please feel free to join at any time.

Summary:
Based upon the Verses of Mark 4: 37-40, Ryle brings home five key truths from this chapter. They are:

I. That following Christ will not prevent our having earthly sorrows and troubles.
II. That the Lord Jesus Christ is truly and really Man.
III. That there may be much weakness and infirmity, even in a true Christian.
IV. The power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
V. How tenderly and patiently the Lord Jesus deals with weak believers.

Discussion:
This was a wonderful chapter of grace. A much needed chapter in the middle of this book that really has shot straight and hard in many areas that could easily leave us feeling almost defeated and depressed. Though Ryle's gentleness is found in every chapter I found this one especially so.

I loved the way he began the chapter with, "It is well to be acquainted with all the doctrines and principles of Christianity. It is better to be acquainted with Christ Himself...This is one secret of eminent holiness. " Well said and absolutely true. We need to know our shepherd intimately and where better than in the Gospels.

It was the third point however, that really blessed me personally. Ryle made the clear distinction of though we are redeemed we have weakness. "You must not hastily conclude that a man has no grace merely because you see in him some corruption-There are spots on the face of the sun; and yet the sun shines brightly and enlightens the whole world." This is so important to remember. In our pursuit of holiness how easy is it for us to want everyone to be "sacrificing" like we think we are! When we find someone who confesses Christ and yet not living up to the level we fell they should be at oh, how easy to smack on them! I could only imagine what would happen to me should Christ choose to act the same way towards me! This was a healthy and needed reminder for me since I know I have been guilty of such gross sin.

Ryle goes on to say, "Let us be more quick to see grace and more slow to see imperfections! Let us know that, if we cannot allow there is grace where there is corruption, we shall find no grace in the world. " So very true!

Lastly, let me just comment on the closing comments of Ryle:

"Their talk is more about salvation than about the Saviour—more about redemption than about the Redeemer—more about justification than about Jesus—more about Christ’s work than about Christ’s person. This a great fault, and one that fully accounts for the dry and sapless character of the religion of many professors."

This was almost a light bulb moment for me in this book. We are to worship all of Jesus not just our thoughts about him or not just the things he has done, or what he has left behind for us to study. Jesus is truly the only person we are to really worship his every move and step. I wonder how many of us are only attached to Jesus in somewhat of a "Two-Dimensional-kind-of-way". Until we worship him in 3-D, our worship I fear is incomplete. It isn't just about what Jesus has done... it is truly about who he is! Massive, Massive statement in this book.

I have been left with wanting more of Jesus after this chapter.

Next Week:
We will be reading Chapter thirteen, entitled, "The Church which Christ Builds".

Your Turn:
Please share what blessed you or what you benefited from in this chapter. Please remember, we are reading this together and it is much more beneficial to all of us to share in your thoughts! May the Lord richly bless you with Himself this week as we remember our weaknesses are made strong in Christ.

Animal Rights and Imago Dei?

2009-04-14T15:17:00.002-04:00

Over at Koinonia, Walter Kaiser Jr. has written a wonderful short article on the extreme views of animal rights activists and how he warns us that we need to keep our eyes on this!

He's right!

Remember the Titanic

2009-04-14T05:00:00.002-04:00

It was on this day in 1912 the unsinkable Titanic hit an iceberg and everyone knows the result. How can one keep from spiritualizing that infamous event?

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." Sage and inspired wisdom for all of us.

Solomon tells us in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Inspired wisdom yet again.

Do not fall victim of the mindset that you are above disaster. Though our salvation is eternally secure and immovable, still due to our own arrogance and sin we can bring great shame to our Creator and Redeemer.

Remember Paul's words to us, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Let's finish our course and arrive safely to our destination! Watch out for icebergs!

It is now well with my soul

2009-04-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

Oh that the cross and resurrection of our Savior and Lord would move us to this kind of security and assurance and peace. Only with Christ can we have this kind of hope in the midst of this kind of pain.

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today!

2009-04-12T04:00:00.000-04:00

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

What Are You Inspired By?

2009-04-11T05:00:00.001-04:00

I saw this and even in its humor I think makes a strong point for our focus this week. What influences or should I say inspires you? Paul was influenced and inspired by the Cross and Resurrection. It is was caused him to do the things he did. Truly what we do in this life will echo in all eternity!

Philippians 3:10-11

Good Wednesday?

2009-04-10T14:28:00.002-04:00

Great article, short and to the point, regarding why today isn't called Good Wednesday or Good Thursday.

That's Easter

2009-04-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

A couple of videos meant for Easter.

THAT'S EASTER Life to Death from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

THAT'S EASTER Death to Life from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

Jesus is King!

2009-04-09T07:53:00.004-04:00

This is preaching! Sometimes we need to gain the emotion of what this message means! And if we think this is too emotional... imagine how he's praising now!

That's My King Too!

Crucifragium, Crucifixion, and Confirmation

2009-04-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

In 1968, an ancient burial site was uncovered in Jerusalem containing about thirty-five bodies. It was determined that most of these had suffered violent deaths in the Jewish uprising against Rome in a.d. 70.

One of these was a man named Yohanan Ben Ha’galgol. He was about 24 to 28 years old, had a cleft palate, and a seven-inch nail was still driven through both his feet. The feet had been turned outward so that the square nail could be hammered through at the heel, just inside the Achilles tendon. This would have bowed the legs outward as well so that they could not have been used for support on the cross. The nail had gone through a wedge of acacia wood, then through the heels, then into an olive wood beam.

There was also evidence that similar spikes had been put between the two bones of each lower arm. These had caused the upper bones to be worn smooth as the victim repeatedly raised and lowered himself to breathe (breathing is restricted with the arms raised). Crucifixion victims had to lift themselves to free the chest muscles and, when they grew too weak to do so, died by suffocation.

Yohanan’s legs were crushed by a blow, consistent with the common use of the Roman crucifragium (John 19:31–32). Unmistakable details confirming the New Testament description of crucifixion.

Just another archaeological evidence that supports the accuracy of the New Testament. Each example reveals the extent to which archaeology has confirmed the truth of the Scriptures. Archaeologist Nelson Glueck has boldly asserted that “it may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible” (Glueck, Rivers in the Desert 31).

Adapted from, Baker encyclopedia of Christian apologetics.

Holiness: Chapter Eleven

2009-04-08T05:30:00.003-04:00

Wanting to read some books of value, a few members of my church and I set out to read and comment together, not wanting to commit to another night out for a "book club". Having gained this idea from Tim Challies and after getting his permission to copy his "format", last year we set out to start reading together. We have read some great books. Currently we are reading J.C. Ryle's classic book, Holiness. This week the chapter we will be discussing was on Christ's Greatest Trophy. The idea has been to read along together a book that has stood the test of time and then come together on Wednesday's here at this blog, to share our thoughts about the chapter we were to read. Please feel free to join at any time.

Summary:
Based upon the Verses of Luke 23:39-43, Ryle brings home five key truths from this chapter. They are:

I. Christ’s power and willingness to save sinners.
II. If some are saved in the very hour of death, others are not.
III. The Spirit always leads saved souls in one way.
IV. Believers in Christ when they die are with the Lord.
V. The eternal portion of every man’s soul is close to him.

Discussion:
How timely was this chapter as we move into Maundy Thursday and Good Friday this week. The focus on the repentant thief was helpful as well as encouraging to me. Due to time restraints this week with all that is going on my comments will be very brief.

First, the thought of that dieing man hanging there one step away from death being "snatched" away from Satan's domain by the mercy of Christ was an awesome picture! It made me stop and ponder that even Satan has no idea of who God's Elect are. And at the height of Satan's arrogance and rebellion against God, where he thought he had defeated Christ, Jesus mercifully saves one of the men. How marvelous are God's ways and how absolutely gracious and complete. What a display of His power. This thief had truly done nothing... except repent of course.

This is where I really appreciated Ryle's chapter. I can't say how many times I have heard the example given of the thief on the cross as insurnace to death bed conversions. Ryle sets the record straight with such a wonderful pastoral tenderness. Can they happen, Yes, are they often, No. The three "proofs" of his salvation were excellent in my opinion as he shows that even in his minimal words, the Holy Spirit makes it clear the defining marks of a transformed life were evident, and to Ryle's point always will be. I concur. It is my belief that this third point, The Spirit always leads saved souls in one way, is Ryle's most important point. As one who has been entrusted with souls, I do not think this can be overstated as we are dealing with everlasting life and death. Ryle says it best, "Let no man therefore think, because the penitent thief was saved, that men can be saved without leaving any evidence of the Spirit’s work. Let such an one consider well what evidences this man left behind, and take care."

Finally, what a glorious reminder that paradise is so close! Did anyone else get a shiver when they read that? Heaven is such a mystery and yet literally we are never more than a second away from it. This really did encourage me! Great truth as we head into Easter!

Next Week:
We will be reading Chapter twelve, entitled, "The Ruler of the Waves".

Your Turn:
Please share what blessed you or what you benefited from in this chapter. Please remember, we are reading this together and it is much more beneficial to all of us to share in your thoughts! May the Lord richly bless you with Himself this week as we remember the cross on which He died and the cross upon which He in His dieing hours saved even the most unworthy!

Clinging to the Cross

2009-04-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

"The vine which trails along the ground, and twines its tendrils around any rubbish which it may come upon is sure to be trodden under foot. If it secures its clasping rings around the shaft of the Cross, its stem will not be bruised, and its clusters will be heavier and sweeter. The tendrils which anchor it to the rubbish heap are the same as those which clasp it to the Cross."

Have no idea where this illustration came from or to whom to give credit. The imagery is vivid however, and worth considering what are we clinging to.

The Death of Christ

2009-04-06T05:00:00.003-04:00

Foretold: Is 53:8; Dan 9:26; Zech 13:7.
Appointed by God: Is 53:6,10; Acts 2:23.
Necessary for the redemption of man: Luke 24:46; Acts 17:3.
Acceptable, as a sacrifice to God: Matt 20:28; Eph 5:2; 1 Thess 5:10.
Was voluntary: Is 53:12; Matt 26:53; John 10:17,18.
Was undeserved: Is 53:9.
Mode of death foretold by Christ: Matt 20:18,19; John 12:32,33.
Prefigured: Num 21:8; John 3:14.
Ignominious: Heb 12:2.
Accursed: Gal 3:13.
Exhibited His humility: Phil 2:8.
A stumbling block to Jews: 1 Cor 1:23.
Foolishness to Gentiles: 1 Cor 1:18,23.
Demanded by the Jews: Matt 27:22,23.
Inflicted by the Gentiles: Matt 27:26–35.
In the company of enemies: Is 53:12; Matt 27:38.
Accompanied by supernatural signs: Matt 27:45,51–53.
Symbolic of the death to sin: Rom 6:3–8; Gal 2:20.
Remembered in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper: Luke 22:19,20; 1 Cor 11:26–29.

Ride on, Ride on, in Majesty!

2009-04-05T05:10:00.001-04:00

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Hark! all the tribes Hosanna cry;
O Savior meek, pursue Thy road
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die!
O Christ! Thy triumph now begin
Over captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
The wingèd squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh;
The Father, on His sapphire throne,
Expects His own anointed Son.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, Thy power, and reign.