The Deep End

Sound Doctrine: An Introduction

2010-01-15T10:49:00.002-06:00

I have five convictions (Wayne Grudem, "An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine") about what systematic theology is and how it should be taught:

(1) A Clear Biblical Basis for Doctrines. Theology should flow out of the teachings of the Scripture, so in each of the doctrines that we will look at I will show where the Bible gives support for the doctrine under consideration.

(2) Clarity in the Explanation of Doctrines. The study of theology should NOT result in confusion and frustration. Therefore, my aim is to be clear and understandable, so that you will be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also refute those who contradict it.

(3) Application of Life. The study of theology should NOT be dry and boring. The study of theology is the study of God and all his works! Theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung! Theology when studies rightly leads to growth in the Christian life and worship.

(4) Hope for Progress in Doctrinal Unity in the Church. The study of theology should give hope for us to attain deeper and purer doctrinal understanding .

(5) A Sense of the Urgent Need for Greater Doctrinal Understanding in the Whole Church. I am convinced that there is an urgent need in the church today for much greater understanding of Christian doctrine, or systematic theology. It is not that Christians lack the ability to understand doctrine.

Definition of Systematic Theology (This definition is taken from Professor John Frame)
Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” about any given topic.

Initial Assumptions In this Study
Two:
(1) The Bible is true and that it is, in fact, our only absolute standard of truth;
(2) That the God who is spoken of in the Bible exists, and that he is who the Bible says he is: the Creator of heaven and earth and all things in them.

Why Should Christians Study Theology?
(1) The Basic Reason—it will help you carry out the great commission. One of the tasks in the Great Commission is to evangelize, but the most important task of the great commission is teaching (we say everyone should be an evangelist, but why not a teacher; I believe one of the reasons why many do not evangelize is because they don’t know and therefore can’t teach). For example, if someone asks, “What does the Bible teach about Christ’s return?” I could say, “Just keep reading the Bible and you’ll find out.” If they start in Gen. 1:1 it will be a long time before he or she finds the answer.

(2) It Benefits Our Lives. It helps us overcome our wrong ideas. There are some things that most Christians would rather not learn about the Bible. Studying the Bible systematically helps you overcome that tendency. It helps us make better decisions later. New questions or new controversies that arise in the church will be better tackled by students of theology. What does the Bible say about husband-wife relationships? What does the Bible say about raising children? About witnessing to a friend? Certain theological principles will come to bare on all areas of life. It will help us grow as Christians. The more you know about God the greater you are to serve Him and worship Him.

How Should We Study Systematic Theology?
(1) We Should Study With Prayer (Psalm 119:18). If we as students of God’s Word do not pray for understanding we study in vain because we need spiritual eyes to see and spiritual hearts to feel the weight of each thought and each principle and each doctrine as it brings to bear on my life.

(2) We Should Study With Humility. Adopting an attitude of pride or superiority through the study of Scripture is never Christlike or biblical (1 Peter 5:5; James 1:19-20).

(3) We Should Study With Reason. It is never wrong to use human understanding, human logic, and human reason to draw conclusions from statements of Scripture.

(4) We Should Study With Rejoicing and Praise. You are about to embark a journey about the living God, and of the wonders of all his works in creation and redemption. This is no mere theoretical exercise of the intellect. We cannot study this subject dispassionately! We must love all that God is, all that he says and all that he does.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
Psalm 139:17 “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!”

New Movie Coming From the Makers of "Fireproof"

2009-11-20T12:02:00.002-06:00

The makers of the surprise hit Fireproof (Provident Films/Provident-Integrity Distribution) will produce a film about fatherhood as their follow-up to the top independent movie release of 2008.

Officials for Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga.--where Fireproof and their earlier films were created--made the announcement during last night's church service, which drew Christian media members who were flown in for the event.

"The title is one word: Courageous," said Fireproof Director Alex Kendrick, who will also direct the new film. "(It's about) four fathers who are all in law enforcement--who protect and serve together--(and) go through a terrible tragedy. They begin looking at their role as fathers ... and they begin challenging one another to fulfill God's intention for fathers."

Read the rest here!

Need to Spice Up Your Date Nights?

2009-11-20T11:54:00.002-06:00

Are you a husband that finds it hard to be creative when it comes to taking your bride out for a date night? Tired of the old dinner and movie? Wives are your husbands not bloggers and need to pass something graciously on to them? Ginger Kolbaba wrote a great article entitled, "Eight Great Date Nights"!! Enjoy

Desire More Effective Elders' Meetings??

2009-11-12T16:17:00.002-06:00

A couple of good places to go and read that will make your Elders' meetings more effective:

(1) Jim Elliff: Elders' Meetings that Do Something

(2) Pastor Lee Dyck passed along this summary sheet on 16 Keys to Effective Elders’ Meetings, by Alexander Strauch summarizing his book, Meetings That Work: A Guide to Effective Elders’ Meetings.

Thanks Justin Taylor for these two posts at his blog: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/

Matt Chandler at Southern Seminary

2009-11-12T16:10:00.002-06:00

Great message for many young pastors (including myself) brought by Matt Chandler at Southern Seminary this morning on Hebrews 11:29-40. You can watch the whole thing here!

A little trick with the video: play it, then pause it for a few minutes to let your computer download it and get ahead or it will begin to buffer every five seconds . . . irritating!!

HT: JT

Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World

2009-11-09T21:38:00.002-06:00

Audio from Carolyn McCulley at the Northbrook Conference:

1 . Men Aren’t the Problem

2. The Importance of Home

3. The Mommy Wars

You can get her book here.

HT: JT

A Conversation on Starting an Adoption Fund

2009-11-09T21:27:00.002-06:00

Here’s a quick “micropoint” conversation on Moore to the Point audio about starting an adoption fund in your church. Right after he finished speaking to the Naomi’s Fund group at Southeast Christian Church here in Louisville, he stepped into the hall for a quick conversation with the founders Andy and Julie Gould.

After Andy and Julie lost their daughter at birth, they were led to start a fund to empower adoption. Hear from them some recommendations on how to use a fund like this.

You can listen at the here.

The Case for Modesty

2009-11-06T13:25:00.001-06:00

Very good article in TIME magazine that a lot of fathers with daughters might enjoy. The article starts:

"Virtues, like viruses, have their seasons of contagion. When catastrophe strikes, generosity spikes like a fever. Courage spreads in the face of tyranny. But some virtues go dormant for generations, as we've seen with thrift, making its comeback after 40 years in cold storage. I'm hoping for a sudden outbreak of modesty, a virtue whose time has surely come."

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1933209,00.html#ixzz0W6p54LWE

Coference: Adopting for Life

2009-11-05T22:08:00.004-06:00

Louiville, Kentucky is hosting a conference on adoption entitled, "Adopting for Life," to take place February 26-27, 2010. For more information about the conference click on the banner above!

Happy 40th Sesame Street

2009-11-04T11:02:00.005-06:00

I Just Had to Post This!

2009-11-04T11:02:00.001-06:00

Gay Marriage Law Rejected Again

2009-11-04T08:13:00.002-06:00

This time it was the people of Maine that rose up to defeat lawmakers, repealing a law that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed.

This means that gay marriage has been lost in every single state (31 in all) in which the bill has been put to popular vote! You can read more here!

Adopted For Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches

2009-11-03T22:30:00.003-06:00

A manifesto calling Christians to adopt children and to equip Christian families going through the process, this popular-level book offers biblical foundations for adoption and identifies adoption as a Great Commission priority in Christian churches.

Noel Piper: Lord Change One Heart, and Let It Be His

2009-11-03T22:13:00.003-06:00

Noel writes of her and John's adoption process. Very good, very moving, click here to read! (note you will have to backup to part 1)

Orphan Sunday / November 8, 2009

2009-11-03T21:47:00.003-06:00

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Visit http://www.orphansunday.org/

Adoption at Grace Community Church of Overbrook Kansas

2009-11-03T21:40:00.003-06:00

I wanted to show my support, both as their pastor and as a good friend, to Rose and Sean Donnelly on taking steps to adopt their first child. But my support does not end there--many in my church have adopted, will adopt, and are adopting and it is a glorious thing.

So, tonight I wanted to post some things that would encourage and bless those that have been through the process and are in the midst of. May God bless you because adoption clearly reflects the heart of God.

New Logos iPhone App

2009-11-02T13:33:00.003-06:00

Those of us that have joined the revolution as iPhone and Logos users can now have our libraries in the palm of our hands. Click here for more information about the iPhone app.

New 9Marks eJournal / Church Discipline

2009-11-02T13:28:00.002-06:00

The latest issue is online!
Church discipline is one place where everything in a church's life collides. Theory and practice collide. The doctrines of God, sin, judgment, redemption, and eschatology collide. Sometimes personalities collide. And, hopefully, sin and grace collide.

This means that practicing discipline well requires good pastoral and theological sensibilities. So we're devoting a second eJournal in a row to the topic, both to exercise our own sensibilities and yours. Mark Dever and Greg Gilbert provide counsel on what to do beforeyou practice discipline. Matt Schmucker, both in his new article and in the one from the archives, offers advice on dealing with the non-attenders. Stephen Matteucci considers the importance of the one or two witnesses in Matthew 18. And I tackle the question of whether a member can resign his or her membership in order to avoid discipline altogether.

Finally, several pastors recall lessons they've learned the hard way in the forum, where Bob Johnson states the conclusion of the matter well: discipline in a church should be as normal and regular as preaching, teaching, and evangelism. That's a tough idea to accept, and one more reason we think it's worth coming back to this issue yet again. May Christ's bride be made ready.

—Jonathan Leeman

What Science Can't Account For

2009-10-30T11:02:00.001-05:00

HT: JT

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Deluxe Edition

2009-10-30T10:57:00.003-05:00

Zondervan has now made available a deluxe edition of The Jesus Storybook Bible. The audio CDs in this edition are read by the award-winning British actor, David Suchet. Below are some samples from the reading and from the book itself.

MP3s:
The Young Hero and the Horrible Giant
A Little Girl and a Poor Frail Lady

PDFs:
Heaven Breaks Through
The Teenie, Weenie…True King
The Beginning: A Perfect Home

HT: JT

Here I Stand

2009-10-30T10:48:00.001-05:00

Hurry!! Until November 1 you can download for free Max McLean’s reading of Martin Luther’s speech, “Here I Stand” (24 minutes).

HT: Andy Naselli & JT

A New Look For 2010

2009-10-29T15:30:00.003-05:00

I am rapidly approaching my first anniversary for this blog: The Deep End! It really is hard to believe that I have been doing this now for a year. I certainly want to thank any straggler, or avid follower of this blog for even approaching to watch, see, or read what I post let alone what I write. So, without furthur ado, I give you the new look for "The Deep End" for 2010. If you are out there thank you for reading and coming to this blog . . . comments are always welcome.

The Marriage You've Always Wanted

2009-10-20T21:24:00.003-05:00

My apologies for not posting as much as I usually do in the past weeks. I have taken a little hiatus because of a conference I have taken the lead on bringing to Grace.

The Conference: "The Marriage You've Always Wanted" with Dr. Gary Chapman.

When: This Saturday, October 24th

Where: Grace Community Church of Overbrook, Kansas

Cost: $35 if pre-registered online or by phone by Friday, October 23rd

Cost at Door: $50

More information: www.gccinoverbrook.com

My prayer is that after Saturday my blogging pace will be back to normal.

Fool Moon Rising

2009-10-14T14:08:00.001-05:00

As soon as you possibly can you need to buy this children's book.

C.J. Mahaney writes of the book:

"As a grandpa, I treasure books I can share with my grandchildren, books that are both theologically informed and beautifully illustrated. Unfortunately, these can be scarce. Fool Moon Rising is a rare find: a children’s book that describes how understanding the greatness of God transforms proud hearts into humble ones–something that can happen only in the shadow of the cross. I’m looking forward to reading it with my grandkids."

You can go to the official website to learn more about the book, and to see sketches and paintings from it. The book can be ordered from Amazon.

Why You Should Read the Puritans

2009-10-13T21:47:00.002-05:00

Joel Beeke at "Meet the Puritans" blog writes:

Let me offer you nine reasons why it will help you spiritually to read Puritan literature still today:

1. Puritan writings help shape life by Scripture. The Puritans loved, lived, and breathed Holy Scripture. They relished the power of the Spirit that accompanied the Word. Their books are all Word-centered; more than 90 percent of their writings are repackaged sermons that are rich with scriptural exposition. The Puritan writers truly believed in the sufficiency of Scripture for life and godliness.
If you read the Puritans regularly, their Bible-centeredness will become contagious. These writings will show you how to yield wholehearted allegiance to the Bible’s message. Like the Puritans, you will become a believer of the living Book, echoing the truth of John Flavel, who said, “The Scriptures teach us the best way of living, the noblest way of suffering, and the most comfortable way of dying.”
Do you want to read books that put you into the Scriptures and keep you there, shaping your life by sola Scriptura? Read the Puritans. Read the Soli Deo Gloria Puritan Pulpit Series. As you read, enhance your understanding by looking up and
studying all the referenced Scriptures.
Read the other eight here>

Meet the Ministries: Desiring God

2009-10-12T14:39:00.003-05:00

Tim Challies has been doing a series of interviews called, "Meet the Ministries." They have been so interesting to me. I hope you enjoy them. They are as Tim says,

. . . an opportunity for us to meet some of the Christian ministries available to serve us. The first interview featured Grace to You. This week I’m glad to share an interview with Matt Perman, Director of Strategy for Desiring God.

Here is Challies interview with Matt concerning Desiring God Ministries,

How and when did Desiring God begin?Desiring God as an organization began in 1994. An elderly couple had been in charge of the weekly sermon tape ministry since John Piper began preaching in 1980. But in 1994, they suddenly decided to retire. So John Piper went to his ministry assistant at the time, Jon Bloom, and said “I’d like you to take over the tape ministry.”

As Jon Bloom gave this some thought, it stood out to him that more and more people were contacting the church requesting John Piper’s books, sermon tapes, articles, and other resources. These requests were all being handled by different staff members.

So after a few days of praying and pondering these things, he went to John Piper and suggested that they create a coordinated, proactive strategy for using resources to spread the vision of God that so many of us have come to love through John’s preaching and writing.

John Piper said, “That’s a great idea! We could call it Desiring God Ministries.” The name of the ministry comes from John’s foundational 1986 book Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, which basically articulates the core concepts that we are about.

Jon Bloom became the first person on staff and things continued to develop from there. Jon remains the executive director today. He is the best at telling this story, and was recently interviewed by Tim Smith of Mars Hill church in Seattle on how DG started.
READ THE REST HERE>

A New Blog: Young Married Life

2009-10-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

A new blog for young married couples that will be very helpful (from the folks at Focus on the Family who started Boundless):

http://www.youngmarriedlife.com/

From a press release:

The site is intended to function as a virtual small group for married couples, featuring a group blog, a forum and regular featured articles about the early years of marriage, career, finances, culture, and calling. A key topic on the site is preparing for parenting. Gen X and Gen Y couples are reporting a sharper drop in marital satisfaction when they become parents. Young Married Life will offer candid thoughts on the joys and challenges of starting a family with the hope of providing couples a smoother transition.

“We want to offer a supportive community to couples who might feel a little lost in their transition into marriage,” said Steve Watters, director of Marriage and Parenting Preparation for Focus on the Family. “We especially want to help them realize that they aren’t the only people who have fights about in-laws or how to load
the dishwasher the right way.”
As a bonus, Young Married Life also features a new movie review video called Reel Discernment. Featuring Plugged In’s Bob Waliszewski and Cheryl Wilhelmi, Reel Discernment gives couples a quick sense for what to expect at the movies to help them better plan their date nights, girls’ nights and guys’ nights.

An Evening of Eschatology

2009-10-08T15:52:00.010-05:00

This event happened on September 27, 2009 . . . subsequently I was there in Minneapolis that day and would of loved to stay but had to get back to Kansas. The debate or talks centered around three men with three different views of the millennium as found in Scripture. John Piper was the moderator for the evening. The three men are Doug Wilson, Sam Storms, and Jim Hamilton.

Let me say I respect all four of these men tremendously. I have known (and when I say I have known what I mean is read and learned under these men) John Piper for sometime, but just recently have gotten to know Sam, Doug, and Jim. I believe this to be a wonderful discussion and obviously come down on a position myself as it pertains to the millennium and eschatological events found in Scripture (go Jim). So enjoy what is to come. Much more will with forethcoming as this event is talked about through the blogosphere, along with my position (my church's position) and conclusion of the event. But please be patient as I myself am a pastor with a family and have much to do.

If you would like to download the video or audio of this event or would like to read Piper's review of the event go to www.desiringgod.org.

Real Humility vs. False Humility

2009-10-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

Ken Sande:

Many leaders conceal a proud attitude under a demeanor of humility, which is not the same as actual humility. One of the many evidences of actual humility is the inclination to “consider others better than yourself,” which results in valuing their thoughts and interests as highly as your own (Phil. 2:3-4). A closely related evidence of humility is to sincerely welcome critique and correction, no matter who brings the “observation” (Prov. 13:10, 17:10). Therefore, wise leaders regularly meditate and pray about the “pride and humility” passages in Scripture (see Prov. 11:2, 19:20; Isa. 66:3; 1 Pet. 5:5-6), asking God to help them put off self-confidence, pride, and every hint of arrogance, and to put on a humility that genuinely welcomes questions, suggestions, criticism, and anything else that might aid us in the process of resenting ourselves before God as empty vessels, so that we might be utterly dependent on and fulfilled in him, which is the essence of true humility.

From Approachability: The Passport to Real Ministry and Leadership.

HT: JT

C.J. Mahaney: Expository Faithfulness

2009-10-03T18:08:00.000-05:00

Expository Faithfulness from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

Interview With Author of "Gospel-Powered Parenting"

2009-10-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

Challies interviews author Bill Farley of the new book, Gospel-Powered Parenting. He says,

I recommended it highly, saying it had “just the right combination of affirmation (your struggles are universal struggles, your joys are universal joys) and exhortation to both encourage and challenge me in all the right ways.” After I reviewed it, I found there were a few things I wanted to ask the author. I went ahead and asked if he would be willing to do a brief interview about the book and he was kind enough to do so. I trust you’ll enjoy his answers as I did.

Read the rest of the interview here!

"God Exposed" Conference

2009-10-01T17:33:00.004-05:00

Looks like another great conference I had to miss. Here are the MP3s of the talks at SEBTS (Sept 25-26, 2009):

Mark Dever, “The Power of God’s Word” (Mark 4:26-34)
Daniel L. Akin, “The Preacher on Preaching” (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)
Michael McKinley, “The Centrality of the Word” (Luke 10:38-42)
C.J. Mahaney, “Expository Faithfulness” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
Thabiti Anyabwile, “Will It Preach? Exposition in Non-White Contexts” (Nehemiah 8)
Mark Dever, “Expositional Preaching: A Defense and Charge”

HT: JT

Desiring God 2009 National Conference

2009-09-29T15:23:00.002-05:00

With Calvin In the Theater of God

I feel like I just arrived back from this amazing conference. It never dissapoints! The cooparate worship alone is the worth the price of admission. Include the fellowship, the speakers, and the field of books (that's what I call it) or the book store--it is a touch of heaven.

The Speakers
Julius Kim Friday 7:00PM

Doug Wilson Saturday 8:30AM

Marvin Olasky Saturday 10:30AM

Mark Talbot Saturday 1:45PM

Panel Q & A Saturday 3:15PM (very comical and good)

Sam Storms Saturday 7:00PM (by the way will be the keynote for the Pastor's Conference this winter)

John Piper Sunday 9:30AM

The Conference Website
http://theaterofgod.com/

Intergenerational Youth Ministry

2009-09-23T23:47:00.003-05:00

I am certainly not advocating what is found in this interview, but it is one of the most fascinating reads I have had in quite some time.

This interview is very interesting. Kara Powell is a researcher that "argues that the future of youth ministry will require bringing the generations together."

The statistics are grim. Rainer Research estimates that 70 percent of young people leave the church by age 22. Barna Group argues that the figure increases to 80 percent by age 30. The Southern Baptist Convention, America's largest denomination, recently observed that growth in their churches is failing to keep up with the birth rate. Taken together, these findings suggest a startling fact: not only are we failing to attract younger worshipers, we're not holding on to the ones we have.

As executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary and a former youth pastor, Kara Powell has her eyes on the youth drop out trend. She is currently in the midst of a three-year College Transition Project, a study that involves over 400 youth group graduates and is focused on understanding how parents, churches, and youth ministries can set students on a trajectory of lifelong faith and service. Though research is ongoing, it is already revealing a promising pattern: youth involved in intergenerational relationships in church are showing promise for stronger faith in high school and beyond.

Leadership editors Marshall Shelley and Brandon O'Brien spoke with Kara about her research and what it means for the local church.
Read the rest here!

A Couple of Books Worth Checking Out

2009-09-23T23:21:00.004-05:00

Here are a couple of books that I have become interested in recently:

William Farley’s new book, Gospel-Powered Parenting: How the Gospel Shapes and Transforms Parenting (P&R, 2009).

The second is Ted Kluck's new book, "The Reason For Sports".

Both books were reviewed by Challies here:

Gospel-Powered Parenting

The Reason For Sports

The World Is a Changing

2009-09-22T18:19:00.007-05:00

Give Me Jesus

2009-09-18T10:22:00.001-05:00

Moving video for our marriages!

Fernando Ortega - "Give Me Jesus" from Adamson.TV on Vimeo.

Revival: "Redeem the Time" Night 3

2009-09-17T16:09:00.002-05:00

Saturday, September 12, 2009

"Christ: Cooled Relationship or the Center of It All?" Part 1

"Christ: Cooled Relationship or the Center of It All?" Part 2

Audio for Trinity and Gender Panel Discussion

2009-09-17T15:09:00.001-05:00

The audio for the Trinity and Gender panel discussion, held Wednesday on the campus of Southern Seminary, is available for download here.

The panel discussion is a helpful dialogue between Drs. Randy Stinson, Bruce A. Ware, and Gregg Allison. If you are unfamiliar with the debate concerning the Trinity and gender issues, this discussion would be a good place to start. The participants are clear with their position, as well as fair to those with whom they disagree.

Check out more by clicking here

HT: Challies

Be Like David Not Like Mike

2009-09-17T14:51:00.002-05:00

We have had Voddie Baucham at our church (Grace Community Church of Overbrook, KS.), so I though I would give a shout out to a post he had on his blog concerning two recent Basketball Hall of Fame induction speeches: that of Michael Jordan and David Robinson. Great post!!

One does not have to be a sports fan to know that induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor. Whatever your field, there is nothing like being recognized as one of the best ever to do it. Recently, several legendary basketball players received this honor. Among them were David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, and Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls (full disclosure: I grew up in Los Angeles loving the Lakers and despising both the Bulls and the Spurs... and I’m still getting over it).

There was a stark difference between the two acceptance speeches. As I listened to the two speeches, all I could think of was the old commercial catchphrase, “Like Mike... If I could be like Mike.” Unfortunately, in this instance, Mike was the last person anyone should aspire to be like. This was definitely not a Michael Jordan highlight. Jordan’s Speech was self-centered, indulgent, arrogant, and at times embarrassing. In contrast, David Robinson rose to the occasion and made a brief, inspiring, encouraging speech (see his speech here) that made his family, his team, and his friends proud.

Let me say up front that I did not expect Michael Jordan, the known philanderer/adulterer (see here), to be a paragon of virtue. He is a basketball player (and Nike/Gatorade/Haynes pitchman), and has never portrayed himself as anything else. I did, however, expect some class from the man many believe to be
the best to ever lace ‘em up. Instead, Jordan put on a disappointing display that looked even worse when compared to Robinson’s speech.
Read the rest here!

HT: JT

Revival: "Redeem the Time" Night 2

2009-09-13T15:49:00.002-05:00

Friday, September 11, 2009

What in the World Are You Doing? Part 1

What in the World Are You Doing? Part 2

Revival: "Redeem the Time"

2009-09-12T00:09:00.003-05:00

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Time: It's in Your Heart Not Your Hands Part 1

Time: It's in Your Heart Not Your Hands Part 2

Open Invitation

2009-09-11T11:44:00.002-05:00

I am currently preaching a revival at Lawrence Heights Christian Church in Lawrence, Kansas. The revival theme is: "Redeeming the Time". Tonight and tomorrow night services begin at 7:00PM.

Next week I should have some video and/or audio on my website: www.koreykincaid.com and this blog.

Sisters Share in Joys and Challenges of Parenting

2009-09-11T11:38:00.002-05:00

A great post for families. This one comes from one of my favorite blogs, "Start Your Family":

Trips to see our families this summer were made sweeter with announcements from Steve's brother and sister-in-law and Candice's sister and brother-in-law that new babies would be arriving next year. Every time this happens, and it's been happening a lot lately, we're reminded of the joys babies bring to extended families.
Here to tell us what that looks like from the inside are three sisters: authors and GirlTalk bloggers Janelle, Kristin and Nicole. They discussed our questions along with their husbands (while their kids hunted groundhogs with flashlights nearby.)
Read the rest of the post here!

These You Have to See

2009-09-11T10:37:00.003-05:00

I spent some time contemplating God's transcendence this morning by looking at some photos. They are unbelievable in my mind.

I love what the Psalmist says, "The heavens are declaring the glory of God, the handiwork of God, and the righteousness of God (Ps. 19:1; Ps. 50:6).

"NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is back in action following a much-needed upgrade after astronauts repaired its intricate machinery from space in a daring mission in May. NASA has provided an array of marvelous images showing off the telescope's new capabilities."

Here is a Slideshow of 10 images.

HT: JT

What's His is Hers

2009-09-08T15:40:00.003-05:00

The Chicago Tribune had a interesting story on how some Christian couples are preventing infidelity.

Read the whole story here.

HT: Challies

The Obama School Speech Controversy

2009-09-08T15:21:00.003-05:00

Two well respected men weigh in with their views on this issue:

Albert Mohler's view

John Piper's view

Christ-Centered Kingdom Building: Part II

2009-09-04T22:42:00.002-05:00

We have never met, but there are two things I know about you:

You are alive . . . that is if your breathing.

You are a kingdom builder. Either you are taking the 86,400 seconds a day and building a kingdom on earth or we are kingdom builders of heaven.

Matthew 6:19-34, explains three things that we struggle with as human beings and kingdom building.

The first is we tend to store up treasures on earth. The reason why this is bad is because the treasures won't last. Secondly, we tend to worry about life. What will I eat? What will I wear? The reason why this is bad is because God is faithful. In other words, there are two things that characterize "little kindgom living": earth-bound treasure and anxiety-bound needs. So what happens is we turn life into an endless search for treasures on earth and a life foci on personal need.

What we must understand is little kingdom living is a destroyer of a deep transcendent life focused upon God. Furthurmore, the problem is compounded because most of us don't ever think in kingdom terms. We live as if were carefree with no intentions or allegiances, which is precisely what gets us into trouble. Our hope is in Christ fulfilling or commencing our little kingdoms instead of the Bible inviting us into active participation in a bigger and better kingdom.

Some questions may be helpful here to drive home the point:

What kingdom are you actually living for?
What is it that gets you up in the morning?
Who or what is at the center of your life?

New 9Marks Journal on Church Discipline

2009-09-04T22:35:00.002-05:00

The latest issue is online: available in PDF or in html at the 9Marks site.

Meet the Puritans Blog

2009-09-04T22:31:00.002-05:00

Could be confused by Meet the Parents, but much better. Check out the new blog here.

Mohler's Statement on the NIV2011

2009-09-04T22:28:00.003-05:00

Here.

HT: JT

Christ-Centered Kingdom Building: Your Marriage Depends Upon It"

2009-09-01T09:43:00.002-05:00

What is the one thing that every marriage needs to be successful?

What is the one thing that you strive for everyday to make your marriage successful?

What is the one ingredient that makes your marriage the marriage you've always wanted?

What is the first step in making our marriages heaven bound?

These questions seem so simple, but yet profoundly complex. When asked, you normally see blank stairs, but yet the wheels are turning. All of these questions have a commonality in a roman numeral, namely ONE! Which, is why the questions become so difficult and complex. Is there one thing that will make a marriage successful, fulfilling, heaven bound? How you answer these questions depends. These questions at face value will at least answer what your true value of a relationship is, and what makes them go around. These questions in my view will really reflect upon what you are building in your life.

We must all understand that we are building something in life. We are all kingdom builders. Or, in other words, there is a center to your life. There is a sun in your solar system. Don't be naive to think you live for nothing. You are in a great pursuit in this life. So, what or whose kingdom are you building? Or put another way, what is the center of your life? Is it family? Children? Your job? Sporting events? Cars? Houses? Money? Perhaps church or your spouse? Or, perhaps it is you!

Everything we do down to the walking of the dog to the reading of the newspaper is done in pursuit of the success of either God's kingdom or our kingdoms. And oh, by the way, it is a commitment of the heart. Secondly, it is a pursuit that we are all on.

I will show you how this is true biblically . . . next time.

Vintage Jesus Meets Crystal Cathedral??

2009-08-26T22:55:00.003-05:00

I really don't know what to do with this one. I certainly don't know if you know Mark Driscoll like I do . . . now I don't know him personally, but I have seen him in person twice. Both times he struck me as a man of God and at the same time a true Seattlelite (not to be confused with satellite). What I mean by that is passionate about God's Word, but blue jeans, boots, and tee shirt won the day. Mark recently preached at the Crystal Cathedral in a suit. Yes, a shirt, a tie, and a dress coat. I could hardly recognize him.

It aired on the Hour of Power show this weekend. You can watch the video online here and read the message transcript here.

New Blog: Family Worship Guide

2009-08-26T22:43:00.002-05:00

Set to launch on Sunday, August 30, 2009 . . . this blog by all looks will be part of my blogger list. If you are a family sniffing around looking for more leads on family worship, look no furthur. This blog will be a must see!

Family Worship Guide

DeYoung Part II: On Mission, Changing the World, and Not Being Able to Do It All

2009-08-25T16:22:00.003-05:00

Another great post from Kevin. If he keeps it up he may become part of my blog list.

He starts,

This is a topic I’ve thought about a lot. It is sort of a personal issue as well as theological, so this post gets a tad lengthy. I thought about posting this over several days, but I think people tune out over a week. Plus I want you to be able to read the whole thing at once, so that you don’t wonder where I’m going with this thread.So basically, I’m posting several days worth of blogging today. I probably won’t post again for a few days, so if this is more than you want to read in one sitting, come back tomorrow and the next day and finish up. I hope something here will be helpful for you and give you freedom as you love and follow Christ.

Read the whole post here!

DeYoung: Tears and the Table

2009-08-21T13:21:00.002-05:00

Kevin DeYoung says,

A few days ago I talked about the Heidelberg Catechism’s assessment of the Mass. Not surprisingly, Heidelberg’s words (and mine!) generated a lot of heat...and hopefully some light. But there’s a lot more Heidelberg has to say about the Lord’s Supper.For example, Question 75 asks, “How does the Lord’s Supper remind you and assure you that you share in Christ’s one sacrifice on the cross and in all his gifts?” Here’s the answer:

In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken break and to drink this cup. With this command he gave this promise: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup given to me, so surely his body was offered and broken for me and his blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the one who serves, and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, given me as sure signs of Christ’s body and blood, so surely he nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with his crucified body and poured-out blood.

Read the rest here!

Reformation Study Bible iPhone App

2009-08-20T17:06:00.001-05:00

The Reformation Study Bible is now available as an iPhone app. Ligonier’s blog has the details.

Pray the Bible

2009-08-19T23:37:00.001-05:00

Be sure to take a look at this new site.

“The aim of the online publication of this ‘old-made-new’ monograph is to assist and encourage modern Christians in both public and private prayer.”

HT: Challies

Something Godly About Laughing

2009-08-18T11:30:00.002-05:00

My family loves to laugh together, but mainly at me. Videos like this really get us going. Enjoy!

The Mars Hill iPhone App

2009-08-18T11:24:00.000-05:00

The official Mars Hill Church iPhone app has just been released. The free app provides easy access to the Mars Hill media library and blog from your iPhone or iPod Touch. You can get sermons in audio or video format, listen to music from Mars Hill bands, and share sermons with friends. We're excited about the potential of this groundbreaking app to reach many more people for Jesus.

Click here for more info, screenshots, and download link.

Piper Interview on Bible Reading

2009-08-14T10:37:00.002-05:00

John Piper answers the following questions in the latest Bible Study Magazine:

How do you keep from growing indifferent to the Bible when you're so familiar with it?
How do you approach the Bible?
How can we make time for the Bible?
How do you memorize Scripture?
Is the Bible easier for you to understand than for other people?
What would you say to someone who hasn't read their Bible in a long time?

They are also giving away free copies of Finally Alive for Logos Bible Software, for one month only.

HT: DesiringGod

C.J. Mahaney Interviews David Powlison

2009-08-13T16:46:00.002-05:00

Mahaney says,

No one has taught me more about applying the gospel to my heart in the midst of daily life than my friend David Powlison. I have benefited from dozens of outstanding journal articles he has written, from the books he has authored, and from the courses he has taught.

Read the rest of the post and hear the interview here.

I Need Help!

2009-08-11T11:49:00.002-05:00

This is priceless! I had to put it on here! There are many days I feel the same way . . . I just have to do it.

HT: JT

The Kitty Did It

2009-08-08T14:34:00.002-05:00

Who hasn't heard the story of the little boy who explains to his teacher that his dog ate his homework? Or, better yet, who hasn't the story of Adam and Eve? God created them male and female, made to worship and commune with Him forever in the garden, until the crafty serpent (Gen. 3:1) deceived the woman into eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and invited her husband into the eating as well (Gen. 3:6). Their eyes were opened to their nakedness and they hid from God (Gen. 3:7-8). Then the finger pointing began. The dog did it, or in this case, “The woman whom you gave to be with me”, she did it (Gen. 3:12)!

There was a story this week that was reported by the Associated Press reminiscent of both of these stories. Authorities found a Martin County, Florida, man who had downloaded child porn on his computer. Oh, it doesn’t just stop there. According to a sheriff’s report, Jensen Beach resident Keith Griffin told investigators that the pornographic images downloaded, get this, when his cat jumped on his computer keyboard while he was downloading music. The dog ate my homework, it was the woman you gave to be with me, it was the kitty cat.

Two things have not changed since the fall of man:

(1) The total depravity of man is still clearly visible. The human heart is desperately wicked (Ps. 36:1). The total depravity of man is total in a number of ways: (1) it totally effects every human, (2) our rebellion and hardness against God is total, (3) total in that everything we do in rebellion is sin, (4) total in that we cannot submit to God and do good, and (5) our rebellion is totally deserving of eternal punishment. We are totally depraved!

(2) We need God! Or in other words, we need his wonderful life changing grace. This post is not making fun of Keith Griffin at all. Granted his excuse is priceless and somewhat comical, but hey haven’t we all been there in that we have made some lame excuse for our total and complete rebellion against God. When all along we hear the Word’s of the Bible screaming, “Give up already”! We need God’s grace. We need to come clean with our wickedness. We need to say I didn’t complete my homework. We need to say it had nothing to do with the woman you gave me. Keith needed to say I downloaded the porn and it was wrong. We need to say I am completely and totally WRONG!

By the way, Griffin was charged with 10 counts of possession of child porn. The cat is being cared for by a family friend.

The Case for (Early) Marriage

2009-08-07T08:43:00.003-05:00

Al Mohler says,

Shifts in a culture are often signaled by unexpected developments that represent far more than may first meet the eye. The cover story in the August 2009 edition of Christianity Today may signal such a shift among American evangelicals. In this case the cultural shift is nothing less than an awakening to the priority of marriage. At the very least, it represents a public airing of the question of the delay of marriage among evangelical young people. In that sense, it is a bombshell.

Read the rest of the article . . .

Piper: Questions to Ask When Preparing for Marriage

2009-08-06T18:48:00.002-05:00

In each of these sections one item could be added that I have not listed, namely, How do you handle and live with differences? How do you decide what can remain differences without jeopardizing the relationship? So as you deal with each subheading, include that in the discussion.

Theology
· What do you believe about...everything?
· Perhaps read through the Desiring God Affirmation of Faith to see where each other is on various biblical doctrines.
· Discover how you form your views. What is the reasoning-believing process? How do you handle the Bible?

Worship and Devotion
· How important is corporate worship? Other participation in church life?
· How important is it to be part of a small accountability/support group?
· What is the importance of music in life and worship?
· What are your daily personal devotional practices? Prayer, reading, meditation, memorization.
· What would our family devotions look like? Who leads out in this?
· Are we doing this now in an appropriate way: praying together about our lives and future, reading the Bible together?

Husband and Wife
· What is the meaning of headship and submission in the Bible and in our marriage?
· What are expectations about situations where one of you might be alone with someone of the opposite sex?
· How are tasks shared in the home: cleaning, cooking, washing dishes, yard work, car upkeep, repairs, shopping for food, and household stuff?
· What are the expectations for togetherness?
· What is an ideal non-special evening?
· How do you understand who and how often sex is initiated?
· Who does the checkbook—or are there two?

Children
· If and when, should we have children? Why?
· How many?
· How far apart?
· Would we consider adoption?
· What are the standards of behavior?
· What are the appropriate ways to discipline them? How many strikes before they’re...whatever?
· What are the expectations of time spent with them and when they go to bed?
· What signs of affection will you show them?
· What about school? Home school? Christian school? Public school?

Lifestyle
· Own a home or not? Why?
· What kind of neighborhood? Why?
· How many cars? New? Used?
· View of money in general. How much to the church?
· How do you make money decisions?
· Where will you buy clothes: Department store? Thrift store? In between? Why?

Entertainment
· How much money should we spend on entertainment?
· How often should we eat out? Where?
· What kind of vacations are appropriate and helpful for us?
· How many toys? Snowmobile, boat, cabin?
· Should we have a television? Where? What is fitting to watch? How much?
· What are the criteria for movies and theater? What will our guidelines be for the kids?

Conflict
· What makes you angry?
· How do you handle your frustration or anger?
· Who should bring up an issue that is bothersome?
· What if we disagree both about what should be done, and whether it is serious?
· Will we go to bed angry at each other?
· What is our view of getting help from friends or counselors?

Work
· Who is the main breadwinner?
· Should the wife work outside the home? Before kids? With kids at home? After kids?
· What are your views of daycare for children?
· What determines where you will locate? Job? Whose job? Church? Family?

Friends
· Is it good to do things with friends but without spouse?
· What will you do if one of you really likes to hang out with so and so and the other doesn’t?

Health and Sickness
· Do you have, or have you had any, sicknesses or physical problems that could affect our relationship? (Allergies, cancer, eating disorders, venereal disease, etc.)
· Do you believe in divine healing and how would prayer relate to medical attention?
· How do you think about exercise and healthy eating?
· Do you have any habits that adversely affect health?

HT: Desiringgod

Themelios August Edition

2009-08-05T09:33:00.002-05:00

Themelios was released last week. Themelios is the theological journal published by the Gospel Coalition and edited by D.A. Carson. It is available free online in HTML and PDF. A few recommendations would be Ortlund's & Gatiss' articles!

Contents:
Editorial – D.A. Carson

Minority Report: A Question of Accountability – Carl Trueman

The Relationship Between Justification and Spiritual Fruit in Romans 5–8 – Jonathan R. Pratt

Sola Fide Compromised? Martin Luther and the Doctrine of Baptism – D. Patrick Ramsey

The Inexhaustible Fountain of All Good Things: Union with Christ in Calvin on Ephesians – Lee Gatiss

Pastoral Pensées: Power in Preaching: Desire (1 Thessalonians 1:2–5), Part 2 of 3 – Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.

Book Reviews

HT: Resurgence

Piper: What Is Surprising About Calvin?

2009-08-03T15:44:00.002-05:00

Boundless: Girl's Guide To Marrying Well

2009-07-30T17:05:00.003-05:00

Boundless.org is now making available their free, attractive booklet: A Girl's Guide to Marrying Well.

Based on the counter-cultural, biblical concepts of intentionality, purity, community and Christian compatibility it's designed to encourage and equip you for marriage. Not marriage at all costs, but marrying well for your good and God's glory.

May God bless the time you spend reading this, align your desires with His, and help you become a godly woman for a godly man.

This complements their earlier resource, A Guy's Guide to Marrying Well.

HT: JT

Piper On Biopsy Blows and the Helmet of Hope

2009-07-29T16:15:00.002-05:00

He says,

The helmets referred to in the Bible are for protection in mortal battle. A blow to the head with a mace or a bludgeon would crush your skull and kill you.

So when Paul says that we should put on “for a helmet the hope of salvation” he means that there are blows that come to our spiritual life that could destroy us, if we were not protected by the hope of salvation.

The hope of salvation—that we will not perish but obtain eternal life in the presence of Christ—absorbs the blow and keeps it from killing us. Blows still come in war and in life. Helmets don’t prevent blows. They just prevent them from destroying us.

One of my clearest experiences of how this works was in December, 2005. The urologist said there was an irregularity in the prostate. He would like to do a biopsy. When? Right now. I’ll be back in a few minutes with the instrument. You can wait on that table.

Read the rest here.

Sam Storms: Would You Change Anything About Calvin?

2009-07-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

Great Parenting Seminar

2009-07-23T22:52:00.002-05:00

MP3 files and PDFs below from various parenting seminars hosted at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD:

Parenting Ages Infant to 5 (by Brian Chesemore)
Training, Discipline, and the Rod Outline (PDF)
Biblical Principles of Parenting Outline (PDF)

Parenting Ages 6 to 10 (by Kenneth Maresco)
Overall Outline (PDF)
Biblical Principles of Parenting
Shepherding Toward Conversion
Shepherding Your Child’s Heart

Additional Resources:
“Sowing Plan” (PDF)
Plan to Overcome Complaining (PDF)

Parenting Ages 11 to 14 (by Greg Somerville)
Overall Outline (PDF)
Changing Relationships
Emerging Convictions in a Changing World
Changing Bodies and Minds

Parenting Ages 15 to 18 (by Kenneth Maresco)
Overall Outline (PDF)
God’s Role and Our Role
A Teen’s Relationship with God
The Importance of Relationships in a Teen’s Life
Question and Answer Session

Parenting Ages 19 to 22 (by Bob Kauflin)
Overall Outline (PDF)
Hopes and Goals
Rules and Relationships
College and Careers
Question and Answer Session

HT: JT

Young Men: Learn Self-Control

2009-07-23T22:44:00.001-05:00

Jeff Robinson writes,

"Two sports events this weekend, one seen across the globe, the other far more mundane, provided me with an opportunity to teach my six-year-old son a crucial lesson in biblical manhood."

Read the rest here.

Why is Calvin Controversial?

2009-07-21T22:18:00.001-05:00

Mark Dever: Making Silence Together

2009-07-20T16:14:00.002-05:00

It is really a neat thing reading this post because the author is Mark Dever the Senior Pastor of Captital Baptist Church. So why is that so neat? Because I have some friends that have started attending his church just yesterday, making silence with him.

Dever believes that silence in a church service is a good thing. He writes,

"One of the most frequently commented upon aspects of the morning Lord's Day service here at Capitol Hill Baptist Church is nothing we do. Or rather, it is the nothing we do. It is our moments of silence.

There's silence between various aspects of the service. I encourage service leaders to NOT do the "no-dead-airspace" TV standard of busy-ness. We LIKE "dead air space." "Dead air space" gives us time to reflect. To collect our thoughts. To consider what we've just heard or read or sung. The silence amplifies the words or music we've just heard. It allows us time to take it all in, and to pray. We have silence to prepare ourselves. We have silence between the announcements and the scriptural call to worship. We even have a moment of silence AFTER the service! I pronounce the benediction from the end of II Corinthians, invite the congregation to be seated. And then, after about a minute of silence, the pianist begins quietly playing the last hymn that we had just sung. During those few moments, we reflect and prepare to speak to others and depart. We do business with God. We prepare ourselves for the week ahead."

Read the rest here.

This Is Awesome!

2009-07-20T16:10:00.002-05:00

Check out this ant that you can zoom in on! What a Creator!

HT: JT

Am I Weird?

2009-07-17T22:39:00.002-05:00

The other night my family had the rare opportunity to go camping. I say rare because we have four children under six years old 1 being the youngest. We usually keep these extravaganzas to moms and dads far more powerful in the area of patience and long-suffering (like the couple we were with), but in light of our great God we decided to join him on the raging sea to see if we really could walk on water.

I always thought that quality family time was the result of camping. My vision of camping is Clark W. Griswold played by Chevy Chase not Bob Munro (RV) played by Robin Williams. I envision tents, the family wagon, sleeping bags, a good ol’ fashion breakfast over the campfire, but, oh, how camping has changed. Two things caught my eye. One was a teenager alone texting on his cell phone and the other was a RV with a satellite dish sitting beside it. Now I am certainly not being self-righteous. In fact I had my cell phone with me. In fact I made a call at the park my children were at . . . man that cursed device. In fact I envied the man who had the RV with the dish because I was missing my beloved Open Championship. So, I am not throwing stones, but my vision of camping has not changed. I still envision myself as Clark W. Griswold! I still envision quality time with the family where memories are made to last a life time. My prayer is that my girls will never forget the morning they had with their father by the lake exploring, finding, talking, and holding hands.

After this week I must ask the question: Am I weird? By the way, we walked on water, but sunk a few times. God is still great!

Facebook Users Beware

2009-07-17T22:32:00.003-05:00

Perusing the web I usually do not land anywhere near the NY Times, but I did find this little tidbit very very interesting. Interesting enought to have far reaching effects.

"One of the most anticipated days in the history of social networking site Facebook has finally come: the company announced today that it has begun making status messages, photos and videos visible to the public at large by default instead of being visible only to a user's approved friends."

Read more.

HT: Challies

Julius Kim at the 2009 Desiring God Conference

2009-07-15T16:06:00.001-05:00

Paul Tripp: Broken Down House

2009-07-14T10:47:00.002-05:00

Great book, a must read!!

You can also read a great review by Mark Tubbs, over at Discerning Reader.

Happy 500th Birthday John Calvin

2009-07-10T22:14:00.002-05:00

John Calvin was born this day, July 10th, 1509, in Noyon, France. An interesting tidbit, Martin Luther was 25 years old and had just began teach the Bible in Wittenberg.

How We Honor God Through Appreciating Calvin

2009-07-10T22:08:00.002-05:00

John Piper explains,

"I am eager for people to know Calvin...because he took the Bible so seriously, and because what he saw on every page was the majesty of God and the glory of Christ. Calvin continues to inspire me because of his relentless focus on the greatness of God....
In the end, Calvin’s manifold ways of inspiring us have the effect they do century after century because he saw the gospel so clearly and made Christ so central....
If Jesus Christ, in all his majesty and excellence, is kept in clear view, the church will be kept from many errors. Therefore, Calvin continues to inspire and serve the church five hundred years after his birth.... "

Death is Not Dying

2009-07-08T17:02:00.003-05:00

If you have not heard about the story of Rachel Barkey she became quite popular with her message titlted "Death is Not Dying". I have listened to the message and found out yesterday that she went home to her Lord on July 2, 2009 at 37 years of age.

I would highly recommend the message. You can listen to it here!

Ancient Bible Texts Online

2009-07-07T16:02:00.003-05:00

Now, you can read some of the earliest texts of the Bible ever recovered, online. Well, actually you may not be able to read them, but this site is facinating and interesting enough for your visit.

HT: Challies

Darrin Patrick Interviews Ed Stetzer

2009-07-07T15:51:00.003-05:00

Very welcoming interview here diving into some of the issues of modern evangelicalism. I would highly recommend you take a peek here!

HT: JT

Marvin Olasky at the 2009 Desiring God National Conference

2009-07-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

James McDonald's Preaching Notes

2009-07-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

Great preacher, but I don't think I will imitate his preaching notes. Check them out here!

Wannabe a Pastor's Wife?

2009-07-03T10:00:00.002-05:00

Some very good words of wisdom for a wannabe pastor's wife or a pastor's wife . . . from the True Woman Blog. Read the post here!

Mark Talbot at the 2009 Desiring God National Conference

2009-07-02T22:40:00.000-05:00

Easily Distracted and Not Distracted Enough

2009-07-01T17:16:00.002-05:00

One of my leisure loves when I am not busy pastorally is watching animated films with my girls. One of our favorites is Madagascar. My girls love it for the simplicity of four fun loving animals trying to make it on a deserted island (they have no idea where Madagascar is). I love it because you have a lion named Alex and a zebra named Marty who have two very different perspectives of the world in which they live in. On the one hand you have Alex who likes being in a zoo. There he is the star, he ‘s comfortable, he’s fed steak. Anything outside the confines of his world as he knows it is horrifyingly bad. On the other hand you have Marty who can live in the confines of the zoo, but who also runs on a treadmill dreaming of a world that is “wild” and beautiful and free. A world like Madagascar! In the end, Alex finds out that the “wild” is not so bad. He learns to eat sushi! As for Marty, he learns that the “wild”, well, is the “wild”. The world he once thought was beautiful and free is really broken.

So why the hubbub about this movie? I give you my take because Marty and Alex beautifully illustrate many Christians today. Many who’s main goal is to point out the brokenness of their world, especially the world outside their own. And then, there are those who can’t see the brokenness for all the flowers. The Bible declares both! Paul declares in Romans 8:22-23, that creation groans to be renewed and restored to how it once was. But yet, Psalm 19:1 proclaims that “the heavens declare the glory of God”! So what are we to do with this dilemma? Do I constantly live a life that points out the brokenness of this world, or do I become blind to the brokenness and worship the God of creation who is glorified?

Now, some of us have taken this dilemma to a whole new level. There are those of us who are so easily distracted that we can’t worship the God of creation because our glasses are too muddied. We can’t see God’s glory in our world because were too worried about the fog. We are far more worried about God’s broken creatures or creation than His glory in creation. And, there are some of us that are not distracted enough. Our glasses are too rose colored. There is no room for correction or rebuke in our world. Things aren’t nearly as bad as they seem. But, they are! We live in a fallen world.

So, back to the question. What are we to do with this dilemma? We biblically live in a fallen world where creation and creatures are filled with faults and frailties. Do we allow this to dominate our view of all things? On the other hand, “the heavens declare the glory of God”. God is glorified through his creation! There must be a middle ground. We clearly as Christians must not lean too far to the right or the left.

May we not be too easily distracted by the things of this world. We who lean to far too the left know that the world is broken, but we must not allow this to dominate our whole view. It will kill us spiritually! Our hearts and eyes will not be perceptive to the great things that God is doing through His creatures and His creation (Acts 10). We may need to learn to eat sushi? On the other hand, some of us need to be distracted by the things of this world. We who lean to far too the right know that God is glorified through His creation, but we must not allow this to dominate our whole view. We must be like Christ and lament over our Jerusalem's. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). We live in a broken down world.

So, where are you? On the left or the right or in between?

Sam Storms at the 2009 Desiring God National Conference

2009-06-30T16:08:00.001-05:00

The King of "Pop" is Dead

2009-06-26T09:17:00.002-05:00

Being part of the "X" generation I guess I should be a part of the hoopla in the passing of Michael Jackson, but I am not. Honestly, I believe he was one of the greatest entertainers since Elvis Presley, but I was not a fan. I never had the red thriller jacket or the glove, which I still don't know what that was all about. But, there was more to his life than music, which is why I am pointing you to Challies blog which has thoughts on this man's "Tortured Existence".

Read the post here!

Doug Wilson At the Desiring God National Conference

2009-06-26T09:05:00.001-05:00

All Political Power Is Inherant in the People

2009-06-24T17:10:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday May 26th, 2009, the California State Court ruled that the people of California, by passing the now-famous Proposition 8 in last November’s election, now have the right to determine that a marriage is a union between a man and a woman. The Courts explanation: “All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require.” Kind of sounds like a statement found on the principles of the Republic in which we were founded on, but that’s a subject for another day.

Did you hear the first line of the explanation? Let me write it again in case you missed it: “All political power is inherent in the people.” I don’t know about you, but that statement sends chills up my spine. Let me give you two reasons why:

(1) Even though I should be elated that this was the ruling of the Court I am not, because the Proposition only passed by 4%. Thus, the will of the people is a rather fluid concept. The battle for the votes of people who can tip the majority the other way is already underway—rest assured.

(2) This statement taken to the extreme means that the will of the people, not the will of God, is the standard. Now, that is scary!

Our forefathers knew this. Take John Adams for example who said 200 years ago, the United States Constitution is only effective if the people that it governs are a moral and religious people. So, here we stand in 2009 where sex is not restricted to marriage, where marriage is not restricted to one man and one woman, where Scripture is not referenced in the making of laws that deal with moral conduct. It is the human spirit, unfettered by our ideological past, that must guide the structure of our social institutions and interactions. All political power is inherent in the people.

Where do we go from here? How do we respond as Christians? How does Grace Community Church respond? How do I respond? How should you and your family respond? Two ways I believe:

(1) Respond with the gospel! We need not so much to change the laws of the people, but the hearts of the people. Instead of moping, groaning, and worrying about the direction of our country remember that “all political power is inherent in the people.” It is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks. Laws cannot change hearts but the gospel does! Remember the Bible teaches the heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. We need, with the power of the gospel which saves, to change hearts through Christ Jesus our Lord. When Christ becomes the Lord of our lives, then stability, namely political stability will win the day. But, when men and women are left to lean on their own understanding the house of cards falls.

(2) God, not man, is the one who holds power. Let us keep this in mind. There are consequences of ignoring the marriage parameters taught in the Bible, and they are huge. Nonetheless, God has the power to change our country one heart at a time. Our hope is in God. God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). The Psalmist asks, why are we downcast, why so disturbed? Put your hope in God who is our Savior and God (Ps. 42:5). Broken lives have led to a broken country, but our hope to restore what is broken is in God and God alone.

All power, whether political or otherwise, is inherent in God and God alone. Lives that appear to be in shambles can be made new and whole. Let’s clean up the rubble where power is really found.

Why a Conference on Calvin?

2009-06-23T14:39:00.001-05:00

Jonathan Edwards Firing, and Why How He Left Is Important For Us Today

2009-06-22T06:30:00.002-05:00

One of the most difficult things in ministry is leaving a church. The second most difficult thing is how you leave it. I have seen some pastors’ posture in ways that split churches, or leave and take parishioners with them. I also know that no one talks about this subject. I received seven years of education and never once can remember talking about how to leave a local church. So, does it really matter how you leave? Is there a way in which to leave churches that glorify and honor Christ?

I remember vividly the day my wife and I stood before a small congregation in northern Illinois and told them we were leaving. After funerals, baptisms, successful years of ministry, and relationships that were kindled and deepened it was suddenly over. And regardless of right or wrongs, agreements or disagreements over the years, we were leaving and it was hard. Think about it, what other job in the world do you resign and leave? I mean pack up your belongings and relocate to another part of the world.

As my wife and I struggled with this, we knew above and beyond all else we wanted to glorify God in leaving. You and I both know glorifying God in all things is what the Bible says, but did Paul really mean in leaving a congregation as well? The short answer is yes, and there was one man who spent his whole life making sure that I Corinthians 12:31 was his vision. He could see God’s glory by looking at a tree, but in my estimation God would be glorified most through his gracious leaving in a church he was fired at after twenty-three years. That’s right fired! On this date 259 years ago Jonathan Edwards was dismissed as the pastor of Northampton Church after twenty-three years of faithful service. Much can happen in a few years, but twenty-three years. He first came to Northampton to assist the aging Solomon Stoddard, the “Pope of the Connecticut Valley” and his maternal-grandfather. The church gave him a salary, money to build a house, and fifty acres of land. He was ordained at Northampton. He was married while at Northampton, his children were inflicted with the measles, his wife almost died, he preached with Whitefield, he preached Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God; all done or seen at Northampton. Then it was suddenly over!

His firing was primarily over church discipline and the question of who was to be admitted to the Lord’s Table. I stand with Mark Dever who says, “The answer to ‘why’ questions is almost always beyond human capacity to answer fully. Many of the particulars would be of interest only to academic historians . . .”

Only 10 percent of the church’s members voted to keep Edwards as their pastor, and with that the ministerial council voted to dissolve the relationship between Northampton Church and their pastor. The matter came to its consummation on July 1, 1750, when Edwards preached his farewell sermon from 2 Corinthians 1:14. He rather awkwardly stayed around until October of 1751, then moved to Stockbridge, and from there spending the last few months of his life in Princeton, New Jersey dying on March 22, 1758. If there was any consolation in his death, it was that his ideas from the controversy of his dismissal eventually won out.

So I like Dever am out on quite a different quest (a much shorter one than that of his in A God Entranced Vision of All Things) to not answer, “What lessons are we to learn from Edward’s stand”, but to answer what lesson can we learn from Edward’s leaving. After all he was booted. I love what Dever wrote pertaining to the lessons we learn from the stand that he took and agree with them all, but in the end Edwards was fired. All his labors of preaching, teaching, and standing vigorously on truth ended with one vote! This is why I love the last two paragraphs of his chapter because it is here that the answer is found to the lesson that we can learn today about Edward’s leaving. Dever writes,

"I love the statement of David Hall about Edward’s conduct during the ministerial council’s investigation of him, when they delivered the news that his relation with the Northampton congregation should be dissolved. This witness of Edward’s reaction at the time recorded, ‘that faithful witness received the shock, unshaken. I never saw the least symptoms of displeasure in his countenance the whole week but he appeared like a man of God, whose happiness was out of the reach of his enemies.’"

Edward’s leaving could be a picture that is painted much differently, but it wasn’t. Instead of a cheap paint by number it was a Michael Angelo. Instead of the brush strokes being guided by human hands it was guided by the hand of God. He labored intensely while ministering to the flock at Northampton, and yet when the news was delivered that he was fired his reaction was “unshaken.” He never had the “least symptoms of displeasure in his countenance” and “he appeared like a man of God, whose happiness was out of the reach of his enemies’”. Being candid with you I don’t think this would be the picture of most pastors in America today, which would be one reason why we need Edward’s 300 years later and need to think more deeply about him today, June 22, 2009.

The Parable of the Dandelions

2009-06-20T19:02:00.003-05:00

This spring I wrote this story for my three daughters. They love dandelions!

There once was a father, named Christian, who had three daughters who loved dandelions. In fact their father loved dandelions as much as they did. They all looked forward every spring to when the rains would come and the dandelions would spring forth and cover their yard. The dandelions were always a bright beautiful yellow. They looked like yummy lollipops that you could pick and eat. The tops were soft, and when rubbed on anything it would coat it with a dazzling yellow.

“A yellow blanket is covering the yard”, said Anna the youngest daughter.

“It is so beautiful daddy, can I run through them”, said Trinity his other daughter.

“No me first, I am the oldest”, said Grace his oldest daughter.

Their father replied, “Why don’t you all hold hands and run through them together.”

“Yiiiiiiiipppppppppeeeeeeeeeee” cried the girls as they ran across the yard covered in dandelions.

They loved dandelions, but not all loved dandelions. The town in which they lived in loathed, detested, and disliked dandelions. One neighbor in particular named, Mr. Ulrich, disliked dandelions most of all. He sprayed them, he cut them, he burned them, he hit them, he bonked them, he would blow them, and he would mow them. He did everything he could to rid dandelions from his lawn. He loathed, detested, and disliked dandelions.

One day Grace asked her father, “Daddy why does Mr. Ulrich not like dandelions. I love dandelions!” “Gracie why do you love dandelions so much?,” replied her father. “God made them didn’t he daddy . . . they are so beautiful, and he gives them water and makes them grow.” “That’s good Gracie, you are so right”, her father replied.

The next day Trinity asked her father the same question, “Daddy why does Mr. Ulrich not like dandelions. I love dandelions!” “Trinity why do you love dandelions so much?,” replied her father. “They leave a beautiful yellow color on my skin when I rub them on me . . . see daddy they turn you yellow. Trinity continued, “This reminds me that I being a follower of Jesus need to rub off on those I am around . . . right daddy?” “That’s good Trinity, you are so right”, her father replied.

The next day Anna asked her father the same question, “Daddy why does Mr. Ulrich not like dandelions. I love dandelions!” As he did with his other two daughters he asked, “Anna why do you love dandelions so much?” “I love them when they are yellow, but I love them even more when they dry up. I can blow on them and little parachutes go flying off . . . see daddy” as she blew on one. “What happens to the dandelion then Anna?” Her father asked. “It dies!” Anna said with a downcast face. “You know Anna there is a great lesson to be learned about that even though it is sad” her father explained. His other daughters had now gathered around and all looked intently, but puzzled about this new lesson. “Jesus died as well like the dandelion.” “Ohhhhh, I know this story!” shouted Grace. Their father continued, “But Jesus came back to life, and lives and can be your Savior, if you believe in Him as your personal Savior . . . and you know what else girls; these dandelions die every year, but they come back again don’t they?”

Anna replied, “You know daddy that makes me love dandelions even more than I did before.”
Then his daughters got an idea. “Maybe we could have Mr. Ulrich over for dinner and explain to him why we love dandelions . . . then maybe he would love them too!”, they all shouted with enthusiasm.

So the next day Mr. Ulrich came over to dinner and they ate, and one by one the girls explained why they loved dandelions, and as he heard each one his heart began to soften, and his eyes were opened to the lessons of the dandelions. As he left that evening with a bouquet of dandelions from the girls, he told them, that he would never see a dandelion the same way again.

Q&A for Parents On the Sacraments

2009-06-19T12:29:00.002-05:00

Good post for parents too take a look at on Justin Taylor's blog: Between Two Worlds.

T.H.L. Parker's 'Portrait of Calvin'

2009-06-18T16:47:00.002-05:00

With the Desiring God 2009 National Conference only months around the corner the video snipits have begun to set the tone. The first is Piper giving his thoughts about this book by Parker. Take a look! By the way the conference is entitled, With Calvin in the Theater of God. I will no doubt every other couple of days, put a new snipit on the blog for your viewing.

Piper's Second Message At Resolved

2009-06-18T16:44:00.001-05:00

You can now listen to John Piper's second message from Monday at Resolved: "Spectacular Sins, Part 2."