iC Table Talk

Charles Spurgeon - The season to seek the Lord

2011-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

“It is time to seek the Lord.”
- Hosea 10:12

This month of April is said to derive its name from the Latin verb aperio, which signifies to open, because all the buds and blossoms are now opening, and we have arrived at the gates of the flowery year. Reader, if you are yet unsaved, may your heart, in accord with the universal awakening of nature, be opened to receive the Lord.

Every blossoming flower warns you that it is time to seek the Lord; be not out of tune with nature, but let your heart bud and bloom with holy desires. Do you tell me that the warm blood of youth leaps in your veins? then, I entreat you, give your vigour to the Lord. It was my unspeakable happiness to be called in early youth, and I could fain praise the Lord every day for it. Salvation is priceless, let it come when it may, but oh! an early salvation has a double value in it. Young men and maidens, since you may perish ere you reach your prime, “It is time to seek the Lord.”

Ye who feel the first signs of decay, quicken your pace: that hollow cough, that hectic flush, are warnings which you must not trifle with; with you it is indeed time to seek the Lord. Did I observe a little grey mingled with your once luxurious tresses? Years are stealing on apace, and death is drawing nearer by hasty marches, let each return of spring arouse you to set your house in order. Dear reader, if you are now advanced in life, let me entreat and implore you to delay no longer.

There is a day of grace for you now-be thankful for that, but it is a limited season and grows shorter every time that clock ticks. Here in this silent chamber, on this first night of another month, I speak to you as best I can by paper and ink, and from my inmost soul, as God’s servant, I lay before you this warning, “It is time to seek the Lord.” Slight not that work, it may be your last call from destruction, the final syllable from the lip of grace.

Broken cisterns

2010-12-27T23:27:00.000-08:00

"But the most obvious fact about praise—whether of God or anything —strangely escaped me. I thought of it in terms of compliment, approval, or the giving of honor. I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise... The world rings with praise—lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game...

My whole, more general difficulty, about the praise of God depended on my absurdly denying to us, as regards the supremely Valuable, what we delight to do, what indeed we can't help doing, about everything else we value.

I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are, the delight is incomplete till it is expressed." - C. S. Lewis (Reflections on the Psalms, pp. 93-95)

As Lewis observed, it does not seem strange for us to admire talent, beauty, or to cheer for our favorite sports team. In fact, we do these things spontaneously with hardly a thought. We have a great capacity to praise and admire things we deem worthy. We employ art, song and dance to honor things we rejoice in, and will expend ourselves with great effort to do so.

However, to many, it does indeed seem strange to see someone offer praise to God - the same God who gives us life and sustains it to this very hour. Our culture is embarrassed for anyone who is passionate about Christ. Yet, every other passion, no matter how trivial, is perfectly acceptable. What we desire to praise and admire, what causes us to rejoice, reveals the condition of our heart.

In Heaven God is worshiped because the holy creatures around His throne cannot contain themselves. They see the very face of God and they are filled with awe and joy. If we were not so spiritually dull, if our affections were not so often misplaced, we would joyfully praise God as well.

Something or someone must be preeminent in our heart; if not God, then who or what else? When we refuse to glorify God as God, to recognize Him as preeminent, we will, by default, recognize something or someone else as preeminent.

“for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” - Jeremiah 2:13

Luther's Prescription for Despondency - Desiring God

2010-12-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

by: Michael Johnson

Luther once said, “I have my worst temptations when I am by myself.”

Roland Bainton comments in Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, 285 (paragraphing mine):

Seek out some Christian brother, some wise counselor. Undergird yourself with the fellowship of the church. Then, too, seek convivial company, feminine company, dine, dance, joke, and sing. Make yourself eat and drink even though food may be very distasteful. Fasting is the very worst expedient.
Once Luther gave three rules for dispelling despondency: the first is faith in Christ; the second is to get downright angry; the third is the love of a woman.
Music was especially commended. The Devil hates it because he cannot endure gaiety. Luther’s physician relates that on one occasion he came with some friends for a musical soiree only to find Luther in a swoon; but when the others struck up the song, he was soon one of the party. Home life was a comfort and a diversion. So also was the presence of his wife when the Devil assaulted him in the night watches . . . Manual labor was a relief. A good way, counseled Luther, to exorcise the Devil is to harness the horse and spread manure on the fields.
In all this advice to flee the fray Luther was in a way prescribing faith as a cure for the lack of faith.

A wonderful trend

2010-12-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

The first Hallelujah flash mob was recorded on October 30th, then came another one on November 13th.

Now we have at least two more to report from December 18th:

Jerry Bridges’s Trusting God Even When Life Hurts: Free on Kindle – Justin Taylor

2010-12-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

Jerry Bridges’s book Trusting God Even When Life Hurts is a free eBook from Kindle. I’m not sure how long this will last—Tim Challies says “a few days.” But if you want it, don’t delay.

Desiring God recently asked Bridges, “If you could leave behind only one of the books you’ve written, which would it be?” His answer was Trusting God Even When Life Hurts.

Forgiven Souls Are Humble « J.C. Ryle Quotes

2010-12-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

Forgiven souls are HUMBLE. They cannot forget that they owe all they have and hope for to free grace, and this keeps them lowly. They are brands plucked from the fire—debtors who could not pay for themselves—captives who must have remained in prison forever—but for undeserved mercy—wandering sheep who were ready to perish when the Shepherd found them! What right then have they to be proud? I do not deny that there are proud saints. But this I do say—they are of all God’s creatures the most inconsistent, and of all God’s children the most likely to stumble and pierce themselves with many sorrows. We have nothing we can call our own–but sin and weakness. Surely there is no garment that befits us so well, as humility.

~ J.C. Ryle

God is our home

2010-11-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

“The eternal God is thy refuge.” - Deuteronomy 33:27

The word refuge may be translated “mansion,” or “abiding- place,” which gives the thought that God is our abode, our home. There is a fulness and sweetness in the metaphor, for dear to our hearts is our home, although it be the humblest cottage, or the scantiest garret; and dearer far is our blessed God, in whom we live, and move, and have our being.

It is at home that we feel safe: we shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So when we are with our God we “fear no evil.” He is our shelter and retreat, our abiding refuge. At home, we take our rest; it is there we find repose after the fatigue and toil of the day. And so our hearts find rest in God, when, wearied with life’s conflict, we turn to him, and our soul dwells at ease.

At home, also, we let our hearts loose; we are not afraid of being misunderstood, nor of our words being misconstrued. So when we are with God we can commune freely with him, laying open all our hidden desires; for if the “secret of the Lord is with them that fear him,” the secrets of them that fear him ought to be, and must be, with their Lord. Home, too, is the place of our truest and purest happiness: and it is in God that our hearts find their deepest delight. We have joy in him which far surpasses all other joy.

It is also for home that we work and labour. The thought of it gives strength to bear the daily burden, and quickens the fingers to perform the task; and in this sense we may also say that God is our home. Love to him strengthens us. We think of him in the person of his dear Son; and a glimpse of the suffering face of the Redeemer constrains us to labour in his cause. We feel that we must work, for we have brethren yet to be saved, and we have our Father’s heart to make glad by bringing home his wandering sons; we would fill with holy mirth the sacred family among whom we dwell. Happy are those who have thus the God of Jacob for their refuge!

-Charles Spurgeon

5 New clips from Narnia

2010-11-20T21:24:00.001-08:00

Clip 1: You'll know me by another name

Clip 2: Transition to Narnia

Clip 3: Dark Island

Clip 4: We have nothing if not belief

Clip 5: You'll see her again

Cat and gator face off, gator blinks

2010-11-19T23:17:00.000-08:00

Some things you have to see to believe. Here's a cat with the heart of a Lion.

HT: Biblical Christianity

More clips from Narnia

2010-11-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

Here is another brief clip from Narnia along with a preview of the theme song performed by Carrie Underwood.

A Person and a Place: Safely Home - Randy Alcorn

2010-11-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

Bertrand Russell has been called the greatest mind of the twentieth century. Anticipating his death he said, “There is darkness without, and when I die there will be darkness within. There is no splendor, no vastness anywhere; only triviality for a moment, and then nothing.”

Whether or not he repented and turned to Christ before he died, Russell now knows how terribly wrong he was in thinking human beings exist only temporarily. Death is not a hole; it’s a door. We don’t end; we relocate.

Russell failed to recognize what children intuitively know. Heaven is not a fairy tale. It’s not some baseless dream. Heaven is an objective reality that exists independently of anyone’s belief or disbelief in it. Heaven is real. So real that earth, in comparison, is but the Shadowlands.

C. S. Lewis said, “There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven, but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else.... Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand.”

We long for a perfect world not just because this one isn’t but because we sense there really is one. Whether or not we realize it, we’re homesick for heaven. Continue>>

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I have graven thee upon My hands

2010-11-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”
- Isaiah 49:16

No doubt a part of the wonder which is concentrated in the word “Behold,” is excited by the unbelieving lamentation of the preceding sentence. Zion said, “The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me.” How amazed the divine mind seems to be at this wicked unbelief! What can be more astounding than the unfounded doubts and fears of God’s favoured people?

The Lord’s loving word of rebuke should make us blush; he cries, “How can I have forgotten thee, when I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands? How darest thou doubt my constant remembrance, when the memorial is set upon my very flesh?” O unbelief, how strange a marvel thou art! We know not which most to wonder at, the faithfulness of God or the unbelief of his people. He keeps his promise a thousand times, and yet the next trial makes us doubt him. He never faileth; he is never a dry well; he is never as a setting sun, a passing meteor, or a melting vapour; and yet we are as continually vexed with anxieties, molested with suspicions, and disturbed with fears, as if our God were the mirage of the desert. “Behold,” is a word intended to excite admiration.

Here, indeed, we have a theme for marvelling. Heaven and earth may well be astonished that rebels should obtain so great a nearness to the heart of infinite love as to be written upon the palms of his hands. “I have graven thee.”It does not say, “Thy name.” The name is there, but that is not all: “I have graven thee.” See the fulness of this! I have graven thy person, thine image, thy case, thy circumstances, thy sins, thy temptations, thy weaknesses, thy wants, thy works; I have graven thee, everything about thee, all that concerns thee; I have put thee altogether there. Wilt thou ever say again that thy God hath forsaken thee when he has graven thee upon his own palms?

-Charles Spurgeon

Steve Martin: Atheists Don't Have No Songs

2010-11-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

History of Veterans Day

2010-11-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

Latest trailer from Narnia

2010-11-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Glimmers of heaven

2010-11-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

"Joy is the serious business of heaven."

- C. S. Lewis

More often than we realize, by God's grace, we experience glimmers of heaven. Even unbelievers, through God's common grace, experience heavenly moments. Whether it is a sense of awe and wonder at sunset, a burst of true joy in the heart, or loving relationships, they are all gifts from God that put His goodness and glory on display. Be on the lookout for those moments, and don't take them for granted.

Here is one of those moments. Imagine one day you're shopping at the mall, and suddenly everyone begins to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. That's what happened at one particular Macy's on October 30th.

Free audio book for November

2010-11-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

Christianaudio.com is offering John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life" as their free book of the month. No coupon code required.

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Notable quotables

2010-11-03T03:55:00.000-07:00

Peace is that moment in time when men stop to reload.

- John Macarthur

Grace in time of need

2010-10-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

“Help, Lord.” - Psalm 12:1

The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable, sententious, and suggestive. David mourned the fewness of faithful men, and therefore lifted up his heart in supplication-when the creature failed, he flew to the Creator. He evidently felt his own weakness, or he would not have cried for help; but at the same time he intended honestly to exert himself for the cause of truth, for the word “help” is inapplicable where we ourselves do nothing.

There is much of directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors. The Psalmist runs straight-forward to his God, with a well-considered prayer; he knows what he is seeking, and where to seek it. Lord, teach us to pray in the same blessed manner.

The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providential afflictions how suitable it is for tried believers who find all helpers failing them. Students, in doctrinal difficulties, may often obtain aid by lifting up this cry of “Help, Lord,” to the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher. Spiritual warriors in inward conflicts may send to the throne for reinforcements, and this will be a model for their request. Workers in heavenly labour may thus obtain grace in time of need. Seeking sinners, in doubts and alarms, may offer up the same weighty supplication; in fact, in all these cases, times, and places, this will serve the turn of needy souls. “Help, Lord,” will suit us living and dying, suffering or labouring, rejoicing or sorrowing. In him our help is found, let us not be slack to cry to him.

The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered through Jesus. The Lord’s character assures us that he will not leave his people; his relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us his aid; his gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and his sure promise stands, “Fear not, I WILL HELP THEE.”

- Charles Spurgeon

Do we care about the character and nature of God?

2010-10-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Does the average professing Christian truly understand the character and nature of God? Does the average professing Christian even care about the character and nature of God?

Why is it important to understand the character and nature of God?

Matt Chandler has some thoughts. Matt was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He has undergone surgery and continues to undergo chemotherapy for the cancer that remains.

Setting Your Affections Above - J.C. Ryle Quotes

2010-10-16T02:35:00.000-07:00

The true cure for a dull memory in religion, is to get deeper love toward Christ, and affections more thoroughly set on things above. We do not readily forget the things we love, and the objects which we keep continually under our eyes. The names of our parents and children are always remembered. The face of the husband or wife we love is engraved on the tablets of our hearts. The more our affections are engaged in Christ’s service, the more easy shall we find it to remember Christ’s words. The words of the apostle ought to be carefully pondered: “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” (Heb. 2:1.)

~ J.C. Ryle

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 2 , [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 494.

Eating is Believing - Desiring God

2010-10-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

(By Jon Bloom)

. . . Or What Jesus Meant When He Said, “Whoever Feeds on My Flesh and Drinks My Blood Has Eternal Life”

The previous day Jesus had fed 5,000 people with a few loaves and fish. Then that night hewalked miles across the Sea of Galilee before catching up with his disciples in their boat.

The crowd he had fed followed him to Capernaum. And they knew something amazing must have happened. Last evening they had seen Jesus send his disciples away in the only boat available. Now here he was! Only a miracle could have gotten him there that fast. Another reason he should be king!

But just as the momentum was building, Jesus squashed it. To his adoring fans he said,

Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal (John 6:26-27).

Confused, they asked him how they could work to please God. He replied, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (v. 29, emphasis mine).

(Note to self: God is not looking for workers, he’s looking for believers.)

Jesus was a hero to the crowd because he had fed them, just like Moses! But Jesus discerned something very wrong about their enthusiasm. They were excited about eating “bread from heaven.” And indeed, Jesus had come to give them bread from heaven. But not that kind of bread. Jesus had not come to give them perishable food for their perishable bodies. He had come to give them imperishable food for their imperishable souls.

So to reveal the food they were really after Jesus began to make statements that sounded very strange. He told them that he was the true bread from heaven that gives life to the world and whoever eats this bread would live forever. Then he said, “And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (v. 51).

This sounded weird. It sounded like cannibalism. The crowd balked. And he pressed it even further:

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink (John 6:53-55).

The “Jesus for King” campaign evaporated. The people walked away shaking their heads. The crazy man wants us to eat his flesh! They completely misunderstood what Jesus was saying.

So what did he mean? Here are the clues:

How do you labor for the food that endures to eternal life? Believe in Jesus (v. 27, 29).
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me [in faith] shall not hunger, and whoeverbelieves in me shall never thirst” (v. 35).
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believesin him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (v. 40).
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life” (v. 47).

For Jesus eating is believing; drinking is believing. He promises eternal life to those whobelieve in him.

Believe what? Well, believe everything he says. But, specifically here, believe that his death—the breaking of his body and spilling of his blood—pays in full the penalty for our sin and that his perfect righteousness is freely given to us in exchange for our unrighteousness. That is what John 3:16 means.

Believing this is how we “eat” Jesus’ flesh and “drink” his blood. This is precisely why he instituted the Lord’s Supper: he did not want us to forget the very core of what we believe about him.

When the crowd took offense at his hard words, Jesus said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe” (vv. 63-64). Some of the Lord’s hard words are designed expose unbelief.

Peter likely did not fully understand what Jesus meant at the time—just like there are plenty of things we don’t fully understand. But Peter didn’t walk away. Instead said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God” (vv. 68-69).

Let’s you and I imitate Peter.

Tale of two brothers: One an atheist, the other a believer

2010-10-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

**Repost and Update**

Christopher Hitchens (on the left) is an outspoken atheist and fierce critic of religion. He has written books such as God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. You can also see many of his debates on You Tube. As many of you already know, he has a quick wit and a sharp tongue, which is a good thing, because many of his arguments against theism are very poor.

Then there is his younger brother Peter Hitchens. Peter's latest book is titled, The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me to Faith. As you can tell by the titles of these two books, the Hitchens brothers see life through very different prisms.

UPDATE II:
The Hitchens brothers recently participated in a debate on Religions at the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion and Public life.

How Scientism Creates an Intellectually Unsophisticated Culture – Justin Taylor

2010-10-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

After refuting the claim by Hawking and Mlodinow (The Grand Design) that natural laws are consistent with creation appearing from nothing, J.P. Moreland explains why the influence of Hawking and Mlodinow’s claims are troubling:

In previous times when average people knew more philosophy, these claims would simply be laughable because they are philosophical assertions being made by scientists who have little or no philosophical training. Thus, however brilliant they are in their own field, Hawking and Mlodinow are laypersons when it comes to the relevant issue at hand.

But we live in a scientistic culture. When a scientist speaks, he is taken to be an authority irrespective of what the topic is. And that attitude reflects poorly on the educational level of the public.

Thus, the deeper issue for me in all this is not whether or not the universe could come into existence from nothing without a cause. It is, rather, the scientism that lies at the heart of Western culture. I have long believed that philosophical naturalism, with its unjustified scientism, has helped to create an intellectually unsophisticated culture, and this is one reason why I think this way.

(“Scientism” is a term roughly for the belief that only scientific truths can be rationally assessed and believed, or at at least that they are the most rational and objective.)

From grace to glory: The promise of a faithful God

2010-10-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

“He will give grace and glory.”
- Psalm 84:11

Bounteous is Jehovah in his nature; to give is his delight. His gifts are beyond measure precious, and are as freely given as the light of the sun. He gives grace to his elect because he wills it, to his redeemed because of his covenant, to the called because of his promise, to believers because they seek it, to sinners because they need it. He gives grace abundantly, seasonably, constantly, readily, sovereignly; doubly enhancing the value of the boon by the manner of its bestowal.

Grace in all its forms he freely renders to his people: comforting, preserving, sanctifying, directing, instructing, assisting grace, he generously pours into their souls without ceasing, and he always will do so, whatever may occur. Sickness may befall, but the Lord will give grace; poverty may happen to us, but grace will surely be afforded; death must come but grace will light a candle at the darkest hour. Reader, how blessed it is as years roll round, and the leaves begin again to fall, to enjoy such an unfading promise as this, “The Lord will give grace.”

The little conjunction “and” in this verse is a diamond rivet binding the present with the future: grace and glory always go together. God has married them, and none can divorce them. The Lord will never deny a soul glory to whom he has freely given to live upon his grace; indeed, glory is nothing more than grace in its Sabbath dress, grace in full bloom, grace like autumn fruit, mellow and perfected. How soon we may have glory none can tell! It may be before this month of October has run out we shall see the Holy City; but be the interval longer or shorter, we shall be glorified ere long. Glory, the glory of heaven, the glory of eternity, the glory of Jesus, the glory of the Father, the Lord will surely give to his chosen. Oh, rare promise of a faithful God!

Two golden links of one celestial chain:
Who owneth grace shall surely glory gain.

- Charles Spurgeon

The Excellencies of Christ Illustrated in Nature - Desiring God

2010-09-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

(by Tyler Kenny)

The triune God had a purpose when he set his final creation, man, in the midst of such a marvelous universe. He wanted every aspect of that universe to teach man something about him.

Psalm 19:1-4 and Romans 1:20 tell us this. "The heavens declare the glory of God"; that is, they show forth "his eternal power and divine nature," along with the rest of creation.

In this excerpt from Miscellanies #108, Jonathan Edwards lists a variety of scenes from nature and suggests which attributes of Christ they were made to picture.

[T]he Son of God created the world for his very end, to communicate himself in an image of his own excellency. . . .

So that when we are delighted with flowery meadows and gentle breezes of wind, we may consider that we only see the emanations of the sweet benevolence of Jesus Christ; when we behold the fragrant rose and lily, we see his love and purity.

So the green trees and fields, and singing of birds, are the emanations of his infinite joy and benignity; the easiness and naturalness of trees and vines [are] shadows of his infinite beauty and loveliness; the crystal rivers and murmuring streams have the footsteps of his sweet grace and bounty.

When we behold the light and brightness of the sun, the golden edges of an evening cloud, or the beauteous bow, we behold the adumbrations of his glory and goodness; and the blue skies, of his mildness and gentleness.

There are also many things wherein we may behold his awful majesty: in the sun in his strength, in comets, in thunder, in the towering thunder clouds, in ragged rocks and the brows of mountains. That beauteous light with which the world is filled in a clear day is a lively 1shadow of his spotless holiness and happiness, and delight in communicating himself.

(Paragraphing added.)

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Hitchens on "Hitchens Prayer Day"

2010-09-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

Although cancer and chemotherapy have clearly taken a toll on Hitchens, he still hopes to be remembered as one of those, “who are attempting to uphold reason and science against superstition.” But if life is just a cosmic accident, what does it matter?

God's outrageous love and the scandal of forgiveness

2010-09-08T00:14:00.000-07:00

*Repost*
There is an aspect of God's love and forgiveness that is simply offensive to our natural sensibilities. While we are not offended by His love and forgiveness for us, we quickly become offended when forgiveness is extended to “the worst kind of sinner”. Think about it, what is the worst thing someone has done to you, or to someone you love? What if that person truly repented and cried out to God for forgiveness. Does that thought bring you comfort?

Truth be told, we are probably more like Jonah than we would like to admit. When God told Jonah to preach to the Ninevites, his immediate response was to catch the first ship in the opposite direction. The Ninevites were a cruel and bloodthirsty people. They tortured, slaughtered, and enslaved those they conquered, including the Jewish people. After Jonah finally obeyed God (with a little encouragement) and warned Nineveh of pending judgement, the entire kingdom repented in sackcloth and ashes. This resulted in God's forgiveness of Nineveh, and Jonah's anger.

But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” - Jonah 4:1-3

Jonah was not happy about this sudden turn of events. He wanted God to finally judge Nineveh and pour out His wrath. He wanted justice for all the blood they had shed. Have you ever wanted to see someone get what they deserved? I know I have. Although, I must admit, I'm not nearly as eager to get what I deserve.
Next, consider the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-31). We all know the story. The younger son demanded his inheritance, which was a great insult by itself. To add insult to injury, he also squandered his inheritance on loose living.

After his money ran out, he eventually came to his senses and decided to go home. His heart contrite and broken, he would not dare ask to be restored as a son. His only hope was to work as a hired hand and, in some way, make restitution for what he had done. But his father would have none of it. As soon as he saw his son from a distance, he ran to hug him and smothered him with kisses. He immediately forgave his wayward son, restored him to full sonship, and had a lavish party to celebrate his return. All of this was very undignified behavior for a family patriarch. Like Jonah, the elder brother was greatly displeased.

The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' - Luke 15:28-30

There it is again, the scandal of forgiveness. It was a scandal that this father would so eagerly forgive a son who had lived so shamefully, and disgraced the family name.

Corrie ten Boom faced a similar dilemma as a WWII concentration camp survivor. Many years after her release, she was approached by a former camp guard who was also one of the cruelest. The last time Corrie had laid eyes on this man was in the living hell called Ravensbrück. In the years that followed the war, this cruel man would eventually come to repentance and faith in Christ. When he approached Corrie and extended his hand, for a moment, she hesitated. Then she reached out and took his hand and forgiveness flooded her heart.

She would later write about that incident saying, "For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then."

Once again, there it is, a scandal. How could anyone forgive a Nazi, a prodigal, or a Ninevite? To many, the very notion of doing so is absurd. That is certainly how Jonah must have felt. The Ninevites were every bit as cruel as the Nazis and something inside of Jonah wanted justice. Something inside of us demands justice. And yet, God is a God of mercy.

Lest we forget, all of these stories point to an even greater reality. We all were once prodigals and enemies of God. We do not deserve mercy, we deserve the just hand of God's wrath. Nevertheless, God had mercy on us, and forgave our sin debt at great cost to Himself. Christ bore our sins and drank the cup of God's wrath in our place, so that we might drink the cup of Communion and enjoy fellowship with God. Amazing love, How can it be, That You my King should die for me?

Bob Glenn of Redeemer Bible Church takes a look at the issue of forgiveness in a message called "The Outrageous Love of God". Glenn makes the point that we must understand the scandal of God's forgiveness to understand the greatness of God's forgiveness. You can listen at the link below.

The Outrageous Love of God

Turn My Heart From Vanity to an Eternal Interest in Christ! - New Demonstration

2010-09-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Thou great I Am,

Fill my mind with elevation and grandeur at the thought of a Being…
with whom one day is as a thousand years,
and a thousand years as one day,
A mighty God, who, amidst the lapse of worlds,
and the revolutions of empires,
feels no variableness,
but is glorious in immortality.

May I rejoice that, while men die, the Lord lives;
that, while all creatures are broken reeds…
empty cisterns,
fading flowers,
withering grass,
he is the Rock of Ages, the Fountain
of living waters.

Turn my heart from vanity…
from dissatisfactions,
from uncertainties of the present state,
to an eternal interest in Christ.

Let me remember that life is short and…
unforeseen,
and is only an opportunity for usefulness;

Give me a holy avarice to redeem the time…
to awake at every call to charity and piety,
so that I may feed the hungry,
clothe the naked,
instruct the ignorant,
reclaim the vicious,
forgive the offender,
diffuse the gospel,
show neighbourly love to all.

Let me live a life of self-distrust…
dependence on Thyself,
mortification,
crucifixion,
prayer.

Taken from The Valley of Vision—A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions.

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The Church, politics and ecumenism

2010-08-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Glenn Beck rally this weekend in Washington D.C. raises many issues for Evangelical Christians. While there has always been tension between Church and state, just how involved should the Church be in politics? Clearly the first mission of the Church is the preaching of the Gospel and the making of Disciples. Is there even a place for the Church in politics? The second issue raised by the Beck rally is ecumenism. Just how closely should Christians align with other faiths in pursuing social and political agendas?

Today on Wretched Radio, Phil Johnson (executive Director of Grace to You) tackled those issues in a conversation with Todd Friel. Also, for your consideration, are a few thoughts on the subject from John Piper.

False religion is a far greater evil than bad politics:

John Piper - Church and politics:

Charles Spurgeon - Cast your care upon Him

2010-08-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
- 1Peter 5:7

It is a happy way of soothing sorrow when we can feel-”HE careth for me.” Christian! do not dishonour religion by always wearing a brow of care; come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight which your Father would not feel. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as to
“Lie passive in God’s hands,
And know no will but his.”

O child of suffering, be thou patient; God has not passed thee over in his providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Sit not down in despair; hope on, hope ever. Take up the arms of faith against a sea of trouble, and your opposition shall yet end your distresses.

There is One who careth for you. His eye is fixed on you, his heart beats with pity for your woe, and his hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning. He, if thou art one of his family, will bind up thy wounds, and heal thy broken heart. Doubt not his grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that he loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness.

What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, he has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.

- Charles Spurgeon

Considering Culture - Do you glorify God in your movie watching

2010-08-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

There are many things that are acceptable to our culture that are, quite frankly, an abomination to God. As Christians, we need to think twice before we consume what the culture is feeding us. Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). The wonderful thing about the Gospel is that it has the power to transform our affections. The more we delight ourselves in Christ, the less we will desire these things.

In this short clip, John Piper discusses what Christians need to be mindful of before flocking to the theater for the latest blockbuster.

Notable quotables

2010-08-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

The more pride we have, the more other people’s pride irritates us.

- C. S. Lewis

The Best Safeguard Against False Teaching - J.C. Ryle Quotes

2010-08-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

What is the best safe-guard against false teaching? Beyond all doubt the regular study of the word of God, with prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The Bible was given to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm. 119:105.) The man who reads it aright will never be allowed greatly to err. It is neglect of the Bible which makes so many a prey to the first false teacher whom they hear. They would have us believe that “they are not learned, and do not pretend to have decided opinions.” The plain truth is that they are lazy and idle about reading the Bible, and do not like the trouble of thinking for themselves. Nothing supplies false prophets with followers so much as spiritual sloth under a cloak of humility.

~ J.C. Ryle

The Bible's not about you...

2010-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

It has been said that we are all the stars in our own life story. Everyone else is just a supporting actor. Without realizing it, we also begin to regard God in this way; we treat God as a supporting actor in OUR life story. Then it is no surprise that we have carried that sentiment over into the Church, and our reading of Scripture has become me-centered rather than Christ-centered. We have turned the Bible into a moral guide for self-improvement or a charm for self-empowerment.

Perhaps we read Scripture for tips on how to have Our Best Life Now, rather than to understand who Christ is and what He has accomplished. Maybe we read Scripture in an effort to add to our salvation. But, if we truly understand who Christ is and what He has done, we would find rest in Him. We would find that He is altogether glorious and "the things of earth would grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." We would find that we are transformed by seeking and beholding the face of Christ in Scripture.

In this short clip, Tim Keller explains what the true focus of Scripture is, and why it is more about Christ, and less about us.

The Manifold Mercy of God

2010-08-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

“The mercy of God.”
- Psalm 52:8

Meditate a little on this mercy of the Lord.

It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of his mercy as in the matter of it.

It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; his mercy is like himself-it is infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners, after great lengths of time, and then gives great favours and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God.

It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner’s part to the kind consideration of the Most High; had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire he would have richly merited the doom, and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself.

It is rich mercy. Some things are great, but have little efficacy in them, but this mercy is a cordial to your drooping spirits; a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds; a heavenly bandage to your broken bones; a royal chariot for your weary feet; a bosom of love for your trembling heart. It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, “All the flowers in God’s garden are double.” There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy, but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies. It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it, yet far from its being exhausted; it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever.

It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave thee. If mercy be thy friend, mercy will be with thee in temptation to keep thee from yielding; with thee in trouble to prevent thee from sinking; with thee living to be the light and life of thy countenance; and with thee dying to be the joy of thy soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast.

- Charles Spurgeon

Everyone We See Has a Story - Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries

2010-08-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Check out this video produced by a company I really respect, Chick-fil-A. I think it’s very moving. It reminds me of the divine appointments God gives us daily. It also encourages me to pray, even if briefly, for many people I see in passing and do not know. This I do know—God created them, and loves them, and desires them to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). God has appointed one or more of His children, within their sphere of influence, to reach out and touch the lives of these people. Full Post>>

Christian, do not turn aside

2010-08-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

This Scripture encouraged me today, and I just wanted to pass it along.

And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking a king for ourselves.”

Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.

-1 Samuel 12:19-22

The people of Israel had committed a grievous sin by rejecting God’s rule and demanding a king. After they acknowledged the evil they had done, Samuel’s response was, "Do not fear... and do not turn aside from following the Lord."

I am amazed by the Grace and Mercy of God. “His compassions fail not. They are new every morning...”

No sooner did Adam fall, God proclaimed Christ, the Second Adam and Redeemer.
No sooner did Peter deny and the rooster crow, Christ was atoning for his sin.
No sooner did the thief on the cross cry out , “Lord, remember me...”, Christ said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Hell condemns. It whispers in the ear that your sin is too great, turn aside and despair. But God says in His Word, Although you have done this wickedness, I do not condemn you. Do not turn aside from following Me, I will heal your backsliding and I will be faithful to complete the good work that I’ve started in you.

And one day, when our sanctification is finally complete, when heaven and earth are made new, God will rejoice over His people with singing:

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak.

The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

- Zephaniah 3:16-17

Oh my soul, rejoice and wonder. How Great and Wonderful is our God.

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Notable quotables

2010-08-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.

- C.S. Lewis

The last journey

2010-08-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

“Arise, and depart.”
- Micah 2:10

The hour is approaching when the message will come to us, as it comes to all-”Arise, and go forth from the home in which thou hast dwelt, from the city in which thou hast done thy business, from thy family, from thy friends. Arise, and take thy last journey.” And what know we of the journey? And what know we of the country to which we are bound? A little we have read thereof, and somewhat has been revealed to us by the Spirit; but how little do we know of the realms of the future!

We know that there is a black and stormy river called “Death.” God bids us cross it, promising to be with us. And, after death, what cometh? What wonder-world will open upon our astonished sight? What scene of glory will be unfolded to our view? No traveller has ever returned to tell. But we know enough of the heavenly land to make us welcome our summons thither with joy and gladness. The journey of death may be dark, but we may go forth on it fearlessly, knowing that God is with us as we walk through the gloomy valley, and therefore we need fear no evil.

We shall be departing from all we have known and loved here, but we shall be going to our Father’s house-to our Father’s home, where Jesus is-to that royal “city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” This shall be our last removal, to dwell forever with him we love, in the midst of his people, in the presence of God. Christian, meditate much on heaven, it will help thee to press on, and to forget the toil of the way. This vale of tears is but the pathway to the better country: this world of woe is but the stepping-stone to a world of bliss.

“Prepare us, Lord, by grace divine,
For thy bright courts on high;
Then bid our spirits rise, and join
The chorus of the sky.”

- Charles Spurgeon

Pictures: Huge Solar Storm Triggers Unusual Auroras

2010-08-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

The recent solar storm has produced unusually brilliant northern lights. You can see the slideshow at National Geographic: Huge Solar Storm Triggers Unusual Auroras>>

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To Serve Is to Suffer – Justin Taylor

2010-08-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Recommended read: To Serve Is to Suffer – Justin Taylor:

Pyromaniacs: MSB ESV

2010-08-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

The MacArthur Study Bible ESV will soon be available. You can catch more details at Pyromaniacs: MSB ESV>>

MacArthur ESV Study Bible from Crossway on Vimeo.

Anchored In Christ’s Hands - J.C. Ryle Quotes

2010-08-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

I want you to know the length and breadth of your portion in Christ. I want you to understand the full amount of the treasure to which faith in Jesus entitles you. You have found out that you are a great sinner. Thank God for that. You have fled to Christ for pardon and peace with God. Thank God for that. You have committed yourself to Jesus for time and eternity – you have no hope but in Christ’s blood, Christ’s righteousness, Christ’s mediation, Christ’s daily all-persevering intercession. Thank God for that. Your heart’s desire and prayer is to be holy in all manner of conversation. Thank God for that. But oh, lay hold upon the glorious truth – that believing on Jesus you shall never perish, you shall never be cast away, you shall never fall away! It is written for you as well as for the apostles, “My sheep shall never perish.”

~ J.C. Ryle

Practical Religion, “Perseverance”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 516.

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One of the Greatest Blockheads in the World - Desiring God

2010-08-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Seeing the devil is so cunning and subtile, it may seem a paradox, why he will endeavor to frustrate the designs of an omniscient being, or to pretend to counterwork him that is omnipotent, and will not suffer anything but what is for his own glory: seeing that God turns everything he does to the greater and more illustrious advancement of His own honor, and seeing he has experience of it, for so long a time, [that] all his deep laid contrivances have at last come out to his own overthrow, and the event has been directly contrary to his design.

To this I say, that although the devil be exceeding crafty and subtile, yet he is one of the greatest fools and blockheads in the world, as the subtilest of wicked men are. Sin is of such a nature that it strangely infatuates and bewitches persons: makes men deliberately choose eternal torments rather than miss of their pleasure of a few days, and to esteem a little silver and gold above eternal happiness; makes men choose a few minutes pleasure, though eternal flames be joined therewith, rather than not have it—thus do the cunningest of wicked men. Sin has the same effect on the devils, to make them act like fools, and so much the more as it is greater in them than in others.

"The devil acts not according to his deliberate judgment, but is driven on to his own inexpressible torment by the fury of sin, malice, revenge and pride; is so entirely under the government of malice, that although he never attempted anything against God but he was disappointed, yet he cannot bear to lie still, and refrain from exerting himself with all his might and subtilty against the interest of holiness; though he, if he considered, might know that it will turn to its advantage.

—Jonathan Edwards, Miscellanies #48 (paragraphing added)"

Monday music

2010-08-09T02:46:00.001-07:00

Christ will never, never cast out His own

2010-08-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
- John 6:37

No limit is set to the duration of this promise. It does not merely say, “I will not cast out a sinner at his first coming,” but, “I will in no wise cast out.” The original reads, “I will not, not cast out,” or “I will never, never cast out.” The text means, that Christ will not at first reject a believer; and that as he will not do it at first, so he will not to the last.

But suppose the believer sins after coming? “If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” But suppose that believers backslide? “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.” But believers may fall under temptation! “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” But the believer may fall into sin as David did! Yes, but he will “Purge them with hyssop, and they shall be clean; he will wash them and they shall be whiter than snow”; “From all their iniquities will I cleanse them.”

“Once in Christ, in Christ for ever,
Nothing from his love can sever.”

“I give unto my sheep,” saith he, “eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” What sayest thou to this, O trembling feeble mind? Is not this a precious mercy, that coming to Christ, thou dost not come to One who will treat thee well for a little while, and then send thee about thy business, but he will receive thee and make thee his bride, and thou shalt be his for ever? Receive no longer the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the spirit of adoption whereby thou shalt cry, Abba, Father! Oh! the grace of these words: “I will in no wise cast out.”

- Charles Spurgeon

Hitchens on cancer and people praying for him

2010-08-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that Christopher Hitchens is an irreverent and outspoken atheist. He has penned books like God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, and he has also invested a fair amount of time debating theists. In fact there is a long laundry list of his debates on You Tube.

While he appears to maintain a stiff upper lip regarding his cancer diagnosis, his reaction is interesting when he speaks about people praying for him. It is certainly my hope and prayer that his eyes are opened and he is spared a Christ-less eternity.

We Are Born Proud and Need Humility - J.C. Ryle Quotes

2010-08-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Humility like this is one of the strongest evidences of the indwelling of the Spirit of God. We know nothing of humility by nature, for we are all born proud. To convince us of sin, to show us our own vileness and corruption, to put us in our right place, to make us lowly and self-abased–these are among the principal works which the Holy Spirit works in the soul of man. Few of our Lord’s sayings are so often repeated as the one which closes the parable of the Pharisee and Tax-collector–“Every one that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14.) To have great gifts, and do great works for God, is not given to all believers. But all believers ought to strive to be clothed with humility.

~ J.C. Ryle

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Deepak Chopra: 'All belief is a cover up for insecurity'

2010-08-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a funny moment I had forgotten about. During a debate on ABC, Deepak Chopra got a lesson on self-refuting arguments. You can see the entire debate at the Nightline Face-off home page near the bottom of the page.

Free audio book

2010-08-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

This month Christianaudio.com is offering Tim Keller's Ministries of Mercy free of charge. Coupon code is AUG2010. Prepare to be challenged.

Tim Keller: The Gospel and the Poor: A Case for Compassion from Here's Life Inner City on Vimeo.

Speaking of Tim Keller, he also taught an excellent series from his recent book, The Prodigal God, in which he examined the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son.

You can download the series here, and they are also linked below (click to listen or right click to download). I can't recommend them enough. This is the kind of insightful teaching that stirs the faith and kindles the heart.

1. He Welcomes Sinners

2. Give Me Mine

3. He Came to Himself

4. To Be Called Your Son

5. And Kissed Him

6. We Had to Celebrate

7. The True Older Brother

Life meets art

2010-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Let your soul lose itself in Holy wonder

2010-08-01T00:35:00.000-07:00

“All they that heard it wondered at those things.”
- Luke 2:18

We must not cease to wonder at the great marvels of our God. It would be very difficult to draw a line between holy wonder and real worship; for when the soul is overwhelmed with the majesty of God’s glory, though it may not express itself in song, or even utter its voice with bowed head in humble prayer, yet it silently adores.

Our incarnate God is to be worshipped as “the Wonderful.” That God should consider his fallen creature, man, and instead of sweeping him away with the besom of destruction, should himself undertake to be man’s Redeemer, and to pay his ransom price, is, indeed marvellous! But to each believer redemption is most marvellous as he views it in relation to himself. It is a miracle of grace indeed, that Jesus should forsake the thrones and royalties above, to suffer ignominiously below for you.

Let your soul lose itself in wonder, for wonder is in this way a very practical emotion. Holy wonder will lead you to grateful worship and heartfelt thanksgiving. It will cause within you godly watchfulness; you will be afraid to sin against such a love as this. Feeling the presence of the mighty God in the gift of his dear Son, you will put off your shoes from off your feet, because the place whereon you stand is holy ground. You will be moved at the same time to glorious hope.

If Jesus has done such marvellous things on your behalf, you will feel that heaven itself is not too great for your expectation. Who can be astonished at anything, when he has once been astonished at the manger and the cross? What is there wonderful left after one has seen the Saviour? Dear reader, it may be that from the quietness and solitariness of your life, you are scarcely able to imitate the shepherds of Bethlehem, who told what they had seen and heard, but you can, at least, fill up the circle of the worshippers before the throne, by wondering at what God has done.

- Charles Spurgeon

All things Lord of the Rings

2010-07-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

"The value of myth is that it takes all the things you know and restores to them the rich significance which has been hidden by the veil of familiarity... By dipping them in myth we see them more clearly." - C.S. Lewis

The Lord of the Rings is a magnificent story rich with meaning. If you have spent even a minute pondering this grand tale by Tolkien, you recognize how he weaved elements of real life into this mythic tale. Themes of good, evil, loss, death and sacrifice. Nevertheless, it is still easy to miss some of the subtleties of the story. The following resources will give you a deeper appreciation for this trilogy and how the themes in The Lord of the Rings echoes a Christian world-view.

Tim Challies:

The Stone Chair

Tim Keller (audio):

Peter Kreeft (audio):

Tim Keller on prayer and devotion

2010-07-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

In this brief article, Tim Keller shares his thoughts on prayer and devotions and offers some great tips in the process.

Keith Green - Desiring God

2010-07-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Keith Green via last.fm

(Author: Jon Bloom)

Today, July 28th, marks the 28th anniversary of the plane crash that killed Christian singer/songwriter and evangelist, Keith Green. He was 28 years old. Also lost in that crash were two of Keith’s children (Josiah & Bethany), the pilot (Don Burmeister), and an entire family (John & Dede Smalley and their six children).

I clearly remember July 28, 1982. I had just turned 17 and only recently had discovered Keith’s music. He was unlike anyone I had ever heard. It wasn’t music that drew me to Keith. It was his heart.

Keith was in love with Jesus in a way that few seemed to be. His passion was the kind I read about in the New Testament. Keith was real. You could tell just by listening to him. And you could also tell that Keith wasn’t mainly about music, he was about a message. He didn’t care about his career; he cared whether or not people followed Jesus. Keith was all about spreading a passion for the supremacy of Jesus.

And because of that, I loved his music. Keith had quickly become a hero of mine. His sudden death was shock.

The main reason I pay tribute to Keith today is because his influence has shaped one significant aspect of Desiring God. When John and I launched this work in 1994, we both agreed that DG should adopt the same whatever-you-can-afford policy for our resources that Keith’s Last Days Ministries had for his music. This policy has served thousands of people. And I thank God for Keith’s example in this.

Keith certainly didn’t get everything right. He didn’t have great things to say about Reformed theology, although some of his song lyrics show that he was more reformed than he may have realized (see “You Put This Love in My Heart”). But he was only a Christian for about 7 years and did almost all of his growing in public ministry. And considering how long it’s taken me to learn things, I’m amazed at how well he did.

But in many ways Keith was a kindred spirit. He was passionate about Jesus, sought to spread that passion, loved the Bible, lived a war-time lifestyle, exhorted people not waste their lives, sought to mobilize people for missions, and lived out radical generosity. Keith’s life was short, but he lived well and did not compromise.

So it’s fitting that today we thank God for the life of Keith Gordon Green.

The Good-O-Meter

2010-07-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

This video has been around for awhile and for some reason it popped into my head today. It's a humorous video, but it's also a great illustration of Grace and Imputed Righteousness.

“To keep us humble” by Martin Luther - Tolle Lege

2010-07-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

“The ministers of the Gospel should be men who are not too easily affected by praise or criticism, but simply speak out the benefit and the glory of Christ and seek the salvation of souls. Whenever you are being praised, remember it is not you who is being praised but Christ, to whom all praise belongs.

When you preach the Word of God in its purity and also live accordingly, it is not your own doing, but God’s doing. And when people praise you, they really mean to praise God in you.

When you understand this–and you should because ‘What hast thou that thou didst not receive?’–you will not flatter yourself on the one hand and on the other hand you will not carry yourself with the thought of resigning from the ministry when you are insulted, reproached, or persecuted.

It is really kind of God to send so much infamy, reproach, hatred, and cursing our way to keep us from getting proud of the gifts of God in us. We need a millstone around our neck to keep us humble.”

–Martin Luther, A Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatians, Trans. Theodore Graebner (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1939), 230-231."

The Days of Darkness Will Be Many - Desiring God

2010-07-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

(Author: Jon Bloom)

One thing the Bible isn't is utopist about life in this world. It gets unfairly criticized for encouraging a pessimism that makes people passive about doing anything to improve things; people who are "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good."

Of course, that's a lot of hogwash. History has shown that those who have a hope of heaven are far more likely than their agnostic or atheist neighbors to willingly make the personal sacrifices necessary to seriously address the horrors and hopelessness in the world.

But the Bible doesn't gloss over horrors. Reading the whole Bible through, we wince a lot. And it is pretty frank about what we can expect during our sojourn on earth:

So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11:8)

When Jesus walked the earth he was not a bouncy, positive-thinker. He was "a man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3). And he promised his followers, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33).

Life is hard. The days of darkness will be many. And you know what? That's hopeful.

When we find ourselves experiencing "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities" (2 Corinthians 12:10), something strange isn't happening to us (1 Peter 4:12). It is what we must expect living in a creation subjected to futility (Romans 8:20).

But it was subjected to futility in hope—hope "that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Romans 8:21). And yes there is deep groaning as we wait for the completion of our redemption (Romans 8:22-23). But it is a hope-infused groaning, full of anticipation for what is coming.

And it's this Spirit-empowered dynamic in the soul that allows us to be both "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Corinthians 6:10). We expect sorrow from the world and redemption from our Savior, who will work even our sorrows for ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

So in your days of darkness, Jesus understands (Hebrews 4:15) and wants you to take heart:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

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Monday music smile - How Great is Our God

2010-07-26T12:51:00.001-07:00

Fully forgiven in Christ - past, present and future

2010-07-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
- 1 John 1:7

“Cleanseth,” says the text-not “shall cleanse.” There are multitudes who think that as a dying hope they may look forward to pardon. Oh! how infinitely better to have cleansing now than to depend on the bare possibility of forgiveness when I come to die. Some imagine that a sense of pardon is an attainment only obtainable after many years of Christian experience. But forgiveness of sin is a present thing-a privilege for this day, a joy for this very hour. The moment a sinner trusts Jesus he is fully forgiven.

The text, being written in the present tense, also indicates continuance; it was “cleanseth” yesterday, it is “cleanseth” to-day, it will be “cleanseth” tomorrow: it will be always so with you, Christian, until you cross the river; every hour you may come to this fountain, for it cleanseth still. Notice, likewise, the completeness of the cleansing, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”-not only from sin, but “from all sin.”

Reader, I cannot tell you the exceeding sweetness of this word, but I pray God the Holy Ghost to give you a taste of it. Manifold are our sins against God. Whether the bill be little or great, the same receipt can discharge one as the other. The blood of Jesus Christ is as blessed and divine a payment for the transgressions of blaspheming Peter as for the shortcomings of loving John; our iniquity is gone, all gone at once, and all gone for ever. Blessed completeness! What a sweet theme to dwell upon as one gives himself to sleep.

“Sins against a holy God;
Sins against his righteous laws;
Sins against his love, his blood;
Sins against his name and cause;
Sins immense as is the sea-
From them all he cleanseth me.”

- Charles Spurgeon

Quietude and Repose: select quotes - Kevin Stilley Dot Com

2010-07-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

A few thoughts for weeks end:

It is the space between the notes that makes the music.

~ Noah Benshea

To do great work a man must be very idle as well as very industrious.

~ Samuel Butler

Quietude, which some men cannot abide because it reveals their inward poverty, is as a palace of cedar to the wise, for along its hallowed courts the King in His beauty deigns to walk.

~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Quietude and Repose – select quotes : Kevin Stilley Dot Com

Faith and Science: A false dichotomy?

2010-07-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting interview. One reason is because Jon Stewart made it through a five-minute segment without using an expletive. The other, and main reason, is the topic of discussion. Stewart's guest, Marilynne Robinson, is a Pulitzer Prize winning author and was also interviewed by Michael Horton on the White Horse Inn last year. You can catch that interview at Justin Taylor's blog - definitely worth a listen.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Marilynne Robinson

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

30 minutes of lightning in 42 seconds

2010-07-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Super thunderstorm at Athens, Greece from Chris Kotsiopoulos on Vimeo.

Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity accompanied by thunder, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms. In the atmospheric electrical discharge, a leader of a bolt of lightning can travel at speeds of 60,000 m/s (130,000 mph), and can reach temperatures approaching 30,000 °C (54,000 °F), hot enough to fuse silica sand into glass channels known as fulgurites which are normally hollow and can extend some distance into the ground. There are some 16 million lightning storms in the world every year.

Lightning can also occur within the ash clouds from volcanic eruptions, or can be caused by violent forest fires which generate sufficient dust to create a static charge.

How lightning initially forms is still a matter of debate: - Wikipedia

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Praying for Pastors and Teachers – Justin Taylor

2010-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Praying for Pastors and Teachers – Justin Taylor: "Two items of prayer to mention:

(1) Pastor Rick Warren’s eyes were severely burned by toxic poison, and is praying for the restoration of sight.

(2) Dr. Gary Parrett—professor at Gordon-Conwell and co-author with J.I. Packer of a book on gospel catechesis—has been unconscious for weeks following a major bus accident in Seoul, Korea. You can find status updates and prayer request here.

May God graciously heal these brothers."

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You Must Learn From It As a Man Does - Kevin DeYoung

2010-07-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite scenes in one of my favorite movies (Gettysburg). Since I referenced it in a sermon just yesterday, I figured it was worth posting the scene again.

I love this scene for two reasons.

1. I love the way Lee gives a stern, yet measured and appropriate rebuke. Stuart has let him down. Lee cannot let the matter pass. Stuart must learn from it. More importantly, the whole army depends on Lee to get the best out of Stuart. Anything less than a rebuke would have been cowardly.

2. I love the way Lee builds Stuart back up after dressing him down. My tendency when I sin or screw up is to act like Stuart and try to hand in my sword. “Alright, Lord, if that’s how you feel. I’ll hang it up.” But Lee will have none of it. “There is no time!” (Great line, especially with the southern drawl). Stuart needs to stop groveling, learn from his mistake, and get back into the battle.

Lee gives rebuke like a soldier and teaches Stuart to take rebuke like a soldier. If only we could give and take it like they do in the movies.

There’s rebuke for sin. There are consequences for sin. If you come in the name of Christ there will always be grace for you sin. It’s a grace that forgives, a grace that transforms, and grace that sends you back into battle. The Lord doesn’t want you grounded in sin. But neither does he want you groveling for it either. He wants repentance. He wants you to change. He wants you to depend on him.

We’ve all failed him. We will fail him again. So when you fail your commanding officer, don’t grovel. Confess, repent, pick up your sword, make it right, and rejoin the fight.

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It Is Well With My Soul - J.C. Ryle Quotes

2010-07-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

A saved soul has many sorrows. He has a body like other men – weak and frail. He has a heart like other men – and often a more sensitive one too. He has trials and losses to bear like others – and often more. He has his share of bereavements, deaths, disappointments, crosses. He has the world to oppose, a place in life to fill blamelessly, unconverted relatives to bear with patiently, persecutions to endure and a death to die. And who is sufficient for these things? What shall enable a believer to bear all this? Nothing but “the consolation there is in Christ.” (Phil. 2:1)

~ J.C. Ryle

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Ryle’s phrase above “a saved soul has many sorrows” reminds me of the hymn written by Horatio Spafford in 1873, [during the time of Ryle's pastorate in England] entitled It is Well With My Soul.

For those of you not familiar with the background to the classic hymn, take the next three minutes to listen and view the severely traumatic events that led Spafford to pour out his heart in song, words which have stood the test of time and consoled many a Christian. May God bring this powerful hymn to your remembrance when difficult seasons in your Christian walk come your way, reminding you that He is your comfort.

Monday music smile - One more time

2010-07-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Virtual Sistine Chapel

2010-07-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is pretty cool, you can take a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel, swivel around and zoom in and out. This is probably as close as I'll ever get to it.
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Monday music smile - Eva Cassidy

2010-07-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

Look to Christ and away from self

2010-07-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

“Looking unto Jesus.”
- Hebrews 12:2

It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus.” All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that “Christ is all in all.”

Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument-it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith.

We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking unto Jesus.” Keep thine eye simply on him; let his death, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to him; when thou liest down at night look to him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail thee.

“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

- Charles Spurgeon

Pyromaniacs: Evangelical Bunko Artists

2010-07-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Over at Team Pyro, Phil Johnson recalls his days at Moody Press. Moody had published an autobiographical tale of a young lady who lived in utter poverty on a Kickapoo Indian reservation. She would eventually leave the reservation, find Christ, live through many trials, and suffer persecution. It is a wonderful story of hope in the midst of tragedy and God's providential hand in the direst of circumstances. The book would eventually become a best seller.

Oh, one more thing, it was completely untrue. After Moody Press conducted an investigation and found the story to be a complete fabrication, they quickly dropped the book. Unfortunately, that did not stop another "Christian" publishing house from giving the book a second life. Does that mean that some of our "Christian" book publishers have lower standards than Oprah? Apparently so. Those of us who claim to be Christian should not be so careless with the truth. It is a warning to exercise discernment and not immediately embrace all things that claim to be Christian.

Anyhow, it's a fascinating read. Johnson goes on to detail other scandals that Christians have been willing to turn a blind eye to, and that to our peril.
Read at: Pyromaniacs: Evangelical Bunko Artists

Cinematic Stories of the Modern Day Christian Journey - Desiring God

2010-07-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Deidox (Dei for "God" and Dox for "documentaries") is a growing series of videos made to document what God is doing in and through the lives of ordinary believers. Each video is narrated by one person who shares about the calling God has put on them and how they are striving to live it out in obedience to Christ.

In the production team's own words, these short films are "true stories of how everyday people are being used by God in the world today. ... Put simply, Deidox are cinematic stories of the modern day Christian journey."

At the moment there are 6 episodes, each one approximately 5 minutes long, and all available for full preview on their website. (I've watched all 6 and thought each one was very well made, engaging, and wonderfully encouraging.) The stories include

Robert, a doctor who has sacrificed his well-paying ER position to care for those who can't afford it otherwise.
Deon, an L. A. police officer whose faith in God drives him to love one of the nation's toughest neighborhoods.
Dawn, a mother of three who has learned to appreciate parenting as a high calling and opportunity to glorify God.
Li Yang, a Chinese believer whose confidence in God's power strengthens him to share the love of Christ despite the danger.
Alyssa, a worship leader whose blindness has taught her to trust in God and anticipate seeing her Savior face to face.
Lindsay, a schoolteacher in the Bronx who strives to show her students the love and acceptance she has received from God.

The Secret of Boldness in Prayer

2010-07-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Would you know the secret of the believer’s boldness in prayer? It is a marvel how a man that feels his sin so deeply as the believer does, can speak with the confidence the believer frequently does.

How one that acknowledges he is “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked,” ruined, undone—who often does what he ought not to do, and leaves undone what he ought to do, and finds no spiritual health in him—how such a one as this can go before God with confidence, pour out his heart before Him freely, ask from Him what he requires day after day and not feel afraid—this is wonderful indeed.

What is the secret of it? It is the intercession of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whereby the true Christian knows his prayers are made acceptable, and received in the court of heaven.

~ J.C. Ryle

Monday music smile - Rostropovich: Bach Cello Suite No.1 Prelude

2010-07-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

Freedom is never free. Independence from Great Britain came at great cost.

On that note, we have so much to be thankful for. No one sings America the Beautiful better than Ray Charles.

It's the dad's life

2010-07-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Free audio book

2010-07-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Chrisitanaudio.com is offering The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer as their free book of the month for July. Use coupon code JUL2010 here.

On that note, here is a chapter from another of Tozer's writings, Man - The Dwelling Place of God:

The Old Cross and the New
ALL UNANNOUNCED AND MOSTLY UNDETECTED there has come in modern times a new cross into popular evangelical circles. It is like the old cross, but different: the likenesses are superficial; the differences, fundamental.

From this new cross has sprung a new philosophy of the Christian life, and from that new philosophy has come a new evangelical technique-a new type of meeting and a new kind of preaching. This new evangelism employs the same language as the old, but its content is not the same and its emphasis not as before.

The old cross would have no truck with the world. For Adam's proud flesh it meant the end of the journey. It carried into effect the sentence imposed by the law of Sinai. The new cross is not opposed to the human race; rather, it is a friendly pal and, if understood aright, it is the source of oceans of good clean fun and innocent enjoyment. It lets Adam live without interference. His life motivation is unchanged; he still lives for his own pleasure, only now he takes delight in singing choruses and watching religious movies instead of singing bawdy songs and drinking hard liquor. The accent is still on enjoyment, though the fun is now on a higher plane morally if not intellectually.

The new cross encourages a new and entirely different evangelistic approach. The evangelist does not demand abnegation of the old life before a new life can be received. He preaches not contrasts but similarities. He seeks to key into public interest by showing that Christianity makes no unpleasant demands; rather, it offers the same thing the world does, only on a higher level. Whatever the sin-mad world happens to be clamoring after at the moment is cleverly shown to be the very thing the gospel offers, only the religious product is better.

The new cross does not slay the sinner, it redirects him. It gears him into a cleaner anal jollier way of living and saves his self-respect. To the self-assertive it says, "Come and assert yourself for Christ." To the egotist it says, "Come and do your boasting in the Lord." To the thrillseeker it says, "Come and enjoy the thrill of Christian fellowship." The Christian message is slanted in the direction of the current vogue in order to make it acceptable to the public.

The philosophy back of this kind of thing may be sincere but its sincerity does not save it from being false. It is false because it is blind. It misses completely the whole meaning of the cross.

The old cross is a symbol of death. It stands for the abrupt, violent end of a human being. The man in Roman times who took up his cross and started down the road had already said good-by to his friends. He was not coming back. He was going out to have it ended. The cross made no compromise, modified nothing, spared nothing; it slew all of the man, completely and for good. It did not try to keep on good terms with its victim. It struck cruel and hard, and when it had finished its work, the man was no more.

The race of Adam is under death sentence. There is no commutation and no escape. God cannot approve any of the fruits of sin, however innocent they may appear or beautiful to the eyes of men. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again to newness of life.

That evangelism which draws friendly parallels between the ways of God and the ways of men is false to the Bible and cruel to the souls of its hearers. The faith of Christ does not parallel the world, it intersects it. In coming to Christ we do not bring our old life up onto a higher plane; we leave it at the cross. The corn of wheat must fall into the ground and die.

We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum.

God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It stands always on the far side of the cross. Whoever would possess it must pass under the rod. He must repudiate himself and concur in God's just sentence against him.

What does this mean to the individual, the condemned man who would find life in Christ Jesus? How can this theology be translated into life? Simply, he must repent and believe. He must forsake his sins and then go on to forsake himself. Let him cover nothing, defend nothing, excuse nothing. Let him not seek to make terms with God, but let him bow his head before the stroke of God's stern displeasure and acknowledge himself worthy to die.

Having done this let him gaze with simple trust upon the risen Saviour, and from Him will come life and rebirth and cleansing and power. The cross that ended the earthly life of Jesus now puts an end to the sinner; and the power that raised Christ from the dead now raises him to a new life along with Christ.

To any who may object to this or count it merely a narrow and private view of truth, let me say God has set His hallmark of approval upon this message from Paul's day to the present. Whether stated in these exact words or not, this has been the content of all preaching that has brought life and power to the world through the centuries. The mystics, the reformers, the revivalists have put their emphasis here, and signs and wonders and mighty operations of the Holy Ghost gave witness to God's approval.

Dare we, the heirs of such a legacy of power, tamper with the truth? Dare we with our stubby pencils erase the lines of the blueprint or alter the pattern shown us in the Mount? May God forbid. Let us preach the old cross and we will know the old power.
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Is true Christianity collapsing in the West?

2010-06-30T12:27:00.001-07:00

A church in Spring Lake Michigan has removed the Cross from their church building because they have come to believe that the Cross, and the teachings of Christ, are simply too divisive. They have also decided to make their church more "inclusive" to all religions and changed their name from Christ Community to C3Exchange.

This news comes on the heals of a press conference announcing another development at the Claremont School of Theology in which the Board of Trustees has voted to transform the school to a multi-faith seminary. The stated goal of the school is to “set in motion the University Project as a means to rethink classical models of theological education in an effort to promote interreligious cooperation and ethical integrity in the training of religious leaders for a variety of religious traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others".

Initially The United Methodist Church, the schools affiliate denomination, moved to sanction the school. However, the sanction has since been lifted by the denomination.
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Blessing and cursing

2010-06-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

How do we treat our families during the week and before church on Sunday morning? How do we treat them at church? Are they consistent? Hang with this video, it packs a punch in the end.

James 3: A Story from Peter Ostebo on Vimeo.

... but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

- James 3:8-10

“Welcome and safe” by Sinclair B. Ferguson - Tolle Lege

2010-06-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

“Can we really be righteous in God’s sight? Yes, but the truth is even more remarkable—in Jesus Christ, I am as righteous in God’s sight as Jesus Christ Himself.

How can that be? The only righteousness with which I am righteous is Jesus Christ’s righteousness.

It is as if He has said to me: ‘Here is my righteousness. Wear it; it is yours. It fits your needs perfectly and completely.’

As I stand in God’s presence and He looks at me, I hear Him say: ‘Where have I seen that righteousness before? Come near. I recognize it now. That is My Son’s righteousness you are wearing. Enter! You are welcome—and safe—here.’”

–Sinclair B. Ferguson, By Grace Alone (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2010), 59.
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Monday music smile - 'Don't Know Why', the literal version

2010-06-28T13:45:00.001-07:00

A charming Norah Jones sings a more literal (and humorous) version of Don't Know Why.

The Backstreet Boy dropout

2010-06-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Burk Parson and Lou Pearlman

Ligonier Ministries just completed it's 2010 conference; keynote speakers included R. C. Sproul, John MacArthur, and Michael Horton, among others.

One of the 'others' is a man by the name of Burk Parsons. When Parsons was a teenager, he had the opportunity to become one of the Backstreet Boys, but he decided to take a pass. About a year ago he was interviewed by Tim Challies about the whole experience and the allure of wealth and fame. It's a fascinating story. What I find most interesting is that, as a teenager, he had the wisdom to forgo the world and answer God's call on his life. Secondly, as it turns out, some of his band-mates were professing Christians who thought that they could use their platform of fame to witness for Christ. Needless to say, that plan did not work out to well.

You can read the interview here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

On a final note, Lou Pearlman, the impresario behind the 90's boy band phenomenon, was later convicted of various fraud charges as his entire enterprise crumbled. Here is a clip of Pearlman as he appeared on ABC's Making the Band while putting together another boy band. What a vivid reminder of Mark 8:36.

Let nothing stand between you and Christ

2010-06-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

A true Christian will strive to do his duty in whatever station or position he finds himself, and to do it well. Whether statesman, or merchant, or banker, or lawyer, or doctor, or tradesman, or farmer, he will try to do his work so that no one can find occasion for fault in him. But he will not allow it to get between him and Christ.

If he finds his business beginning to eat up his Sundays, his Bible-reading, his private prayer time, and to bring clouds between him and heaven, he will say, “Stand back! There is a limit. This is as far as you can go, and no further. I cannot sell my soul for position, fame, or gold.” Like Daniel, he will make time for communion with God, whatever the cost may be. He will deny himself anything rather than lose his Bible-reading and his prayers.

In all this he will find he stands almost alone. Many will laugh at him, and tell him they get along just fine without being so strict and particular. He will not listen. He will resolutely hold the world at arms length, whatever present loss or sacrifice it may seem to entail. He will choose rather to be less rich and prosperous in this world, than not to prosper about his soul. To stand alone in this way, to run counter to the ways of others, requires immense self-denial. But this is genuine Scriptural separation.

~ J.C. Ryle

How Creation Speaks and Ministers – Justin Taylor

2010-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

How Creation Speaks and Ministers – Justin Taylor: "Someone put together some visuals with the background as John Piper’s 1987 sermon on The Pleasure of God in Creation from Psalm 104:31.

In that sermon Piper gives five reasons why God rejoices in the works of creation:

1. God rejoices in his works because his works are an expression of his glory.

2. God rejoices in the works of creation because they praise him.

3. God rejoices in the works of creation because they reveal his incomparable wisdom.

4. God rejoices in the works of creation because they reveal his incomparable power.

5. God rejoices in the works of creation because they point us beyond themselves to God himself.

Here’s a clip:"

Monday music smile

2010-06-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is an excellent song about the grace and mercy we find in Christ. A surprisingly good song.

Tell me I’m forgiven and loved
‘Cause I hear it from the street corner priests
On how God is love and how man can be clean
But my joy has been on holiday
And my peace has almost passed away
Tell me I’m forgiven and free

CHORUS
O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation
But I bought the lie I still have work to do
Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation
But there is no condemnation in You

O whisper to me now that it’s for real
‘Cause in the silence of these walls righteousness lost its appeal
Dirty deeds have done me in
O but that can’t stop the faithful friend
Giving mercy once again as You heal
Here it is I’m feeling it

(Chorus)

O He died, He died to rectify my hopeless situation
And His blood commands my guilt to leave
Now on Calvary I stand
Empty pockets, open hands
O there is no condemnation for me

(Chorus)

Child, you’re forgiven and loved
Child, you’re forgiven and loved
Child, you’re forgiven
And child, you are loved
Child, you’re forgiven and loved

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Narnia trailer due for Thursday release

2010-06-15T02:30:00.000-07:00

It's official, the new trailer for Voyage of the Dawn Treader will be released on the Internet this Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. You will be able to view it here and at narnia.com

UPDATE: It's here!!

The intercession of a Mighty Friend

2010-06-15T02:10:00.000-07:00

This is the life, history and experience of every true Christian: Though he falls, he rises again; though he is cast down, he is not destroyed. He goes on from one position to another, like the moon upon a stormy night, plunging from one cloud into another, yet by-and-by shining out again and walking in brightness.

What is the secret of it all? It is the continual intercession of a mighty Friend at the right hand of God—a Friend who never slumbers and never sleeps—a Friend who cares for the believer, morning, noon, and night. The intercession of Christ is the secret of the perseverance of the Christian.

~ J.C. Ryle

Monday music smile - Vintage Al Green

2010-06-14T12:04:00.001-07:00

Thought I would repost one of my favorite Al Green performances. Enjoy!

Mining the depth of Scripture

2010-06-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

“Search the Scriptures.”
- John 5:39

The Greek word here rendered search signifies a strict, close, diligent, curious search, such as men make when they are seeking gold, or hunters when they are in earnest after game. We must not rest content with having given a superficial reading to a chapter or two, but with the candle of the Spirit we must deliberately seek out the hidden meaning of the word. Holy Scripture requires searching-much of it can only be learned by careful study.

There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men. The rabbis wisely say that a mountain of matter hangs upon every word, yea, upon every title of Scripture. Tertullian exclaims, “I adore the fulness of the Scriptures.” No man who merely skims the book of God can profit thereby; we must dig and mine until we obtain the hid treasure. The door of the word only opens to the key of diligence. The Scriptures claim searching. They are the writings of God, bearing the divine stamp and imprimatur- who shall dare to treat them with levity? He who despises them despises the God who wrote them. God forbid that any of us should leave our Bibles to become swift witnesses against us in the great day of account.

The word of God will repay searching. God does not bid us sift a mountain of chaff with here and there a grain of wheat in it, but the Bible is winnowed corn-we have but to open the granary door and find it. Scripture grows upon the student. It is full of surprises. Under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to the searching eye it glows with splendour of revelation, like a vast temple paved with wrought gold, and roofed with rubies, emeralds, and all manner of gems. No merchandise like the merchandise of Scripture truth.

Lastly, the Scriptures reveal Jesus: “They are they which testify of me.” No more powerful motive can be urged upon Bible readers than this: he who finds Jesus finds life, heaven, all things. Happy he who, searching his Bible, discovers his Saviour.

- Charles Spurgeon

Help for memorizing Scripture

2010-06-10T02:36:00.000-07:00

When I think of all the commercial and sitcom jingles bouncing around in my head from childhood, it makes me cringe. Completely useless information taking up limited brain space that I didn't even try to memorize. To this day I find myself humming a tune or reciting the words from a song I heard thirty years ago that I didn't even like. Why is that?

Fast forward to today; when I try to memorize Scripture, the task often seems daunting. To that end, Seeds Family Worship has made it their goal to make Scripture memorization easier by paring Bible verses with memorable tunes. After all, didn't Martin Luther say that music is the handmaiden of theology (or something to that effect, I can't remember).

Take a look and a listen to the following three videos and you'll see what I mean. Then you can click on the link below for details on how to order, and get a discount code, at Justin Taylor's blog. For those of you who are parents just think, you can brand your kids brain with Scripture for life instead of some silly jingle for sugarless gum.

Scripture Set to Song: 20% Off CDs and Free Videos :: Justin Taylor

What does it mean to truly know God?

2010-06-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

Pastor Tullian Tchividjian speaks about three indicators that demonstrate whether or not we truly know God.

Monday music smile

2010-06-07T10:29:00.001-07:00

Jesus receives the most vile of sinners

2010-06-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

“Behold, I am vile.”- Job 40:4

One cheering word, poor lost sinner, for thee! You think you must not come to God because you are vile. Now, there is not a saint living on earth but has been made to feel that he is vile. If Job, and Isaiah, and Paul were all obliged to say “I am vile,” oh, poor sinner, wilt thou be ashamed to join in the same confession? If divine grace does not eradicate all sin from the believer, how dost thou hope to do it thyself? and if God loves his people while they are yet vile, dost thou think thy vileness will prevent his loving thee? Believe on Jesus, thou outcast of the world’s society! Jesus calls thee, and such as thou art.

“Not the righteous, not the righteous;
Sinners, Jesus came to call.”

Even now say, “Thou hast died for sinners; I am a sinner, Lord Jesus, sprinkle thy blood on me;” if thou wilt confess thy sin thou shalt find pardon. If, now, with all thy heart, thou wilt say, “I am vile, wash me,” thou shalt be washed now. If the Holy Spirit shall enable thee from thy heart to cry

“Just as I am, without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come!”

thou shalt rise from reading this morning’s portion with all thy sins pardoned; and though thou didst wake this morning with every sin that man hath ever committed on thy head, thou shalt rest to-night accepted in the Beloved; though once degraded with the rags of sin, thou shalt be adorned with a robe of righteousness, and appear white as the angels are. For “now,” mark it, “Now is the accepted time.” If thou “believest on him who justifieth the ungodly thou art saved.” Oh! may the Holy Spirit give thee saving faith in him who receives the vilest.

- Charles Spurgeon

Is Theology useless?

2010-06-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

“Theology is an excuse for grown men to spend their lives trying to convince themselves, and others, that ridiculous fairy tales are true... Theology is drivel.”

- Terry Sanderson - President, National Secular Society

I recently read this article by Al Mohler in which he chronicles the modern secular mindset regarding theology. As you can already surmise, the modern intellectual regards theology as a body of useless knowledge that contributes nothing to society. The study of theology is, in their view, a fool's errand and a waste of time. Of course this should not come as any surprise, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 :

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe."

So what's the surprise here? Am I shocked that a leading secularist believes that theology is a completely useless body of knowledge? No, that doesn't shock me. What does shock me is how many professing Christians don't care about theology or doctrine. Functionally, many professing Christians have the same mindset of the modern secularist. They give little thought to the subject and spend precious little time in Scripture.

Theology is the study of God, who He is and has revealed Himself to be. Although He has revealed Himself in creation, His primary revelation comes through Scripture. We are admonished in Scripture to pursue this knowledge:

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:17,18

This pursuit should not be burdensome to the Christian, it should be a joy. We see this in Scripture, the saints of God considered it a great joy and privilege to know God. In fact, it was their greatest joy and their greatest privilege. I pray that the same be might said about us.

I end with these two videos on the importance of theology and the joy of studying Scripture.

DugDownDeep_Carnahan.mov from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

“Preach to yourself” by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones :: Tolle Lege

2010-06-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

“Preach to yourself” by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones :: Tolle Lege

“Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc.

Somebody is talking. Who is talking? Your self is talking to you. Now this man’s treatment was this; instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself. ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul?’ he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. So he stands up and says: ‘Self, listen for a moment, I will speak to you.’…

The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself. You must say to your soul: ‘Why art thou cast down’– what business have you to be disquieted?

You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, condemn yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: ‘Hope thou in God’– instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way. And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, Who God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do.

Then having done that, end on this great note: defy yourself, and defy other people, and defy the devil and the whole world, and say with this man: ‘I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance, who is also the health of my countenance and my God.’”

Monday Memorial Day Tribute

2010-05-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Jesus cares about all of your concerns

2010-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

“The Lord taketh pleasure in his people.”
- Psalm 149:4

How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of his people’s interests which he does not consider, and there is nothing which concerns their welfare which is not important to him. Not merely does he think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a mortal being too. Do not deny it or doubt it: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”

It were a sad thing for us if this mantle of love did not cover all our concerns, for what mischief might be wrought to us in that part of our business which did not come under our gracious Lord’s inspection! Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your meaner affairs. The breadth of his tender love is such that you may resort to him in all matters; for in all your afflictions he is afflicted, and like as a father pitieth his children, so doth he pity you. The meanest interests of all his saints are all borne upon the broad bosom of the Son of God.

Oh, what a heart is his, that doth not merely comprehend the persons of his people, but comprehends also the diverse and innumerable concerns of all those persons! Dost thou think, O Christian, that thou canst measure the love of Christ? Think of what his love has brought thee-justification, adoption, sanctification, eternal life! The riches of his goodness are unsearchable; thou shalt never be able to tell them out or even conceive them. Oh, the breadth of the love of Christ! Shall such a love as this have half our hearts? Shall it have a cold love in return? Shall Jesus’ marvellous lovingkindness and tender care meet with but faint response and tardy acknowledgment? O my soul, tune thy harp to a glad song of thanksgiving! Go to thy rest rejoicing, for thou art no desolate wanderer, but a beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by thy Lord.

- Charles Spurgeon

Jesus, a friend who never changes

2010-05-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

The Lord Jesus is “a friend who never changes.” There is no fickleness about Him: those whom He loves, He loves to the end. Husbands have been known to forsake their wives; parents have been known to cast off their children; human vows and promises of faithfulness have often been forgotten. Thousands have been neglected in their poverty and old age, who were honored by all when they were rich and young. But Christ never changed his feelings towards one of His friends. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever.” [Hebrews 13:8]

~ J.C. Ryle

A Sweet and Bitter Providence

2010-05-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading A Sweet and Bitter Providence by John Piper and I highly recommend it. Piper explores the sovereignty of God in the lives of His people even when it seems that we have gone off-track.

Here is a one of my favorite passages from the book:

"... God’s purpose for his people is to connect us to something far greater than ourselves. God wants us to know that when we follow
him, our lives always mean more than we think they do... For the Christian there is always a connection between the ordinary events of life and the stupendous work of God in history.

Everything we do in obedience to God, no matter how small, is significant. It is part of a cosmic mosaic that God is painting to display the greatness of his power and wisdom to the world and to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10). A deep satisfaction of the Christian life is that we are not given over to trifles. Serving a widowed mother-in-law, gleaning in a field, falling in love, having a baby—for the Christian these things are all connected to eternity. They are part of something so much bigger than they seem."

The good folks at DesiringGod.org have made this book available for free online. Or, if you wish, you can also purchase it online, at Amazon, and at your local bookstore.

Here is a little more about the book:

iC Table Talk

Charles Spurgeon - The season to seek the Lord

Broken cisterns

Luther's Prescription for Despondency - Desiring God

A wonderful trend

Jerry Bridges’s Trusting God Even When Life Hurts: Free on Kindle – Justin Taylor

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UPDATE: Related articles:

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