The Christian's Reasonable Service

R.C. Sproul Discusses the Issue of Abortion

2011-01-14T15:49:00.001-06:00

R.C. Sproul Discusses the Issue of Abortion from Ligonier on Vimeo.

What is the New Calvinism?

2010-10-19T08:52:00.003-05:00

DeYoung, Duncan, Mohler: What's New About the New Calvinism from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Evangelism: Are We All Involved

2009-12-30T11:17:00.002-06:00

Phillip Jensen & Kel Richards - Evangelism: are we all involved? from Audio Advice on Vimeo.

Life Song - Orphan Care

2009-09-29T09:43:00.004-05:00

The God the Holy Spirit through the pen of James instructs us that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." (James 1:27) May you be moved to prayer and action as you watch what God is doing in Zambia and around the world through the Body of Christ globally. Amen.

When Hurting Helps

2009-09-14T10:52:00.003-05:00

Publisher's Description: Churches and individual Christians typically have faulty assumptions about the causes of poverty, resulting in the use of strategies that do considerable harm to poor people and themselves. When Helping Hurts provides foundational concepts, clearly articulated general principles and relevant applications. The result is an effective and holistic ministry to the poor, not a truncated gospel.

A situation is assessed for whether relief, rehabilitation, or development is the best response to a situation. Efforts are characterized by an "asset based" approach rather than a "needs based" approach. Short term mission efforts are addressed and microenterprise development (MED) is explored.

Thinking Theologically About Adoption

2009-08-31T11:20:00.002-05:00

Over the Next several weeks I plan to post several video's highlighting orphans and the need for adoption. My hope is that you will be stirred by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God presented through video agreeing that "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27) Here is the second video by Russell Moore speaking on the adoption of his two sons.

The Gospel and the Poor

2009-08-22T10:36:00.003-05:00

I came upon this video, The Gospel and the Poor by Timothy Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City on the Blog Between Two World. Keller thesis of The Gospel and the Poor "is that all Christians are to minister in both word and deed especially to those in the
world lacking material goods, ‘social capital’, and power." My hope is it will cause us to think seriously about what true Christian social action actually is. I have attached Keller's notes.

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

An Adoption Story

2009-08-20T11:01:00.003-05:00

All I Need is CHRIST

2009-08-18T17:44:00.002-05:00

All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

Adoption Awareness in the Church

2009-08-13T10:39:00.003-05:00

Over the Next several weeks I plan to post several video's highlighting orphans and the need for adoption. My hope is that you will be stirred by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God presented through video agreeing that "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27) Here is the first video by Russell Moore speaking on Adoption Awareness in the Church.

“Nothing You Can Do to Harm Me”

2009-08-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) is considered to be one of the great saints of the Church. When John was brought before the empress Eudoxia, she threatened him with banishment if he insisted on his Christian independence as a preacher.

"You cannot banish me, for this world is my Father's house."

"But I will kill you," said the empress.

"No, you cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God," said John.

"I will take away your treasures."

"No, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there."

"But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left."

"No, you cannot, for I have a Friend in heaven from whom you cannot separate me.

I defy you, for there is nothing you can do to harm me."
– Between Two World Blog

Do you have John Chrysostom’s ardent faith in the face of what will befall us all? Is Christ, your sovereign comfort, life, treasure and friend as you face death? He is all that and infinitely more. Praise your sovereign King JESUS! Lift high His NAME in all the Earth for no lasting and eternal harm can come to you for all of God’s promises are assured in Christ Jesus our LORD. Amen!

Your Pilgrim Brother,

Pastor John

Together for Adoption

2009-08-02T22:36:00.003-05:00

Weep with God.

The Apostle's Creed - Rich Mullins

2009-07-30T09:23:00.001-05:00

The Apostle's Creed: Speak it with Your Children

2009-07-30T08:24:00.009-05:00

I have made it a discipline with my children just before bed to recite the Apostle's Creed. The discipline has come to bear fruit in various situations as I interact with my children daily. God presence in conversation and kid outbursts have reflected the very words and truths of the Gospel summarized in the Apostle's Creed. I have found my own faith in the Triune God and the beauty of his Gospel grow. I found a quote on the web by J.I. Packer where he says:

"Each worshiper . . . has come into the hands of the Christian God where he is glad to be, and when he says, 'I believe,' it is an act of praise and thanksgiving on his part. It is in truth a great thing to be able to say the Creed."

J I Packer, Affirming the Apostle's Creed (Crossway, 2008) 29.

Truly it is a Great Thing to say with my children the treasure of the Gospel found in the Apostle's Creed.

Depression: A Stubborn Darkness

2009-07-28T16:39:00.004-05:00

In this video Ed Welch share the story of his own father's struggle with depression, and give a few thoughts on how to think biblically about depression.

If you have been touch by depression through a friend or family member or you have struggle with stubborn darkness of depression, you may be help by Ed Welch's book Depression - A Stubborn Darkness: Light for the Path. If you would like to read chapter 1 just click.

Catechism Challenge -L.D. 16

2009-06-18T17:01:00.003-05:00

Study Questions – L.D. 16

Q. 40 Why did Christ have to go all the way to death?

A. Because God's justice and truth demand it: only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.

Q. 41 Why was he "buried"?

A. His burial testifies that he really died.

Q. 42 Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?

A. Our death does not pay the debt of our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.

Q. 43 What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
A. Through Christ's death our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to him.

Q. 44 Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell"?

A. To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, especially on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.

1. What is the consequence for your disobeying God’s Word? (Gen. 2:17)

2. Why did Christ have to die? (Rom. 8:3-4; Heb. 2:9, 14, 15)

3. Why did Jesus Christ have to be buried? (Isa. 53:9; 1 Cor. 15:3-4)

4. Can our death pay the debt of another or our own? (Psalm 49:7-8)

5. If Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die? (Phil. 1:21-23)

6. What benefit do we receive Christ’s crucifixion and death? (Rom 6:5-14)

7. How does Christ death on the cross change you? (Rom 12:1; Eph. 5:1-2)

8. Why does the Apostles Creed add, “He descended to hell”? (Is. 53; Matt 26: 36-46; 27:45-36; Heb. 5:7-10)

9. What comfort does Christ descent into hell bring you? (Rom. 8:1)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism L.D. 16

Catechism Challenge - L.D. 15

2009-06-18T16:50:00.004-05:00

Study Questions – L.D. 15

Q. 37 What do you understand by the word "suffered"?
A. That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might set us free, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
Q. 38 Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge?
A. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by a civil judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
Q. 39 Is it significant that he was "crucified" instead of dying some other way?
A. Yes. This death convinces me that he shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.
1. What do you understand by the words, “He suffered”? (Isa. 53; I Pet. 2:24)
2. What does it mean that Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on the cross was atoning or propitiatory? (Rom. 3:25; I John 2:2)
3. What did Jesus set our souls and bodies free from? (Rom 8:1-4; Gal 3:13)
4. What did Christ’s atoning sacrifice gain for us? (Rom. 3:24-26; 5:15-17; John 3:16)
5. Why was it important that Jesus be declared innocent before Pilate? (John 18:28-19:15; 2 Cor. 5:21)
6. Is it significant that Jesus Christ was crucified instead of dying some other way? Why? (Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:10-13)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism L.D. 15

Catechism Challenge - L.D. 14

2009-06-12T10:12:00.003-05:00

Study Questions – Lord’s Day 14

Q. 35 What does it mean that he "was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary"?
A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that he might become David's true descendant, like his brothers in every way except for sin.
Q. 36 How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?
A. He is our mediator, and with his innocence and perfect holiness he removes from God's sight my sin—mine since I was conceived.

1. What do we mean when we confess: “He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary”? (Luke 1: 34, 35; John 1:14; Heb. 2:14)
2. What does it mean that the Son of God took upon Him the flesh and blood of Mary? (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20; Gal. 4:4; John 1:14; Heb. 2:14)
3. How could Jesus be called David’s true descendant?
(2 Sam. 7:12-16; Luke 1:26-33)
4. How is Jesus Christ our “brother in every way”? (Heb. 2:14-18; Phil. 2:7)
5. How is Jesus Christ fundamentally different then us in his humanity? (Hebrews 4:15)
6. What does it mean that Christ had no sin? (2 Cor. 5:21; I Peter 2:22)
7. What profit then do you receive by Jesus Christ holy conception and birth? (Heb. 9:13-15; Heb. 2:14-18; Rom 8:3-4)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism - L.D. 14

Catechism Challenge - L.D. 13

2009-06-12T09:56:00.006-05:00

Lord’s Day 13 – Study Notes

Q. 33 Why is he called God's "only Son" when we also are God's children?

A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God—adopted by grace through Christ.

Q. 34 Why do you call him "our Lord"?

A. Because—not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood—he has set us free from sin and from the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be his very own.

1. Why is Christ called the only begotten Son of God? (John 1:14, 18; Heb 1:1-2)

2. Why are we called the children of God? (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7)

3. How are we adopted by God to be His children? (Jn 1:12; Rom. 5:9-10; Eph. 1:5-6)

4. Why do we call Christ our Lord? (1 Pet. 1:18-19)

5. With what did Christ redeem us from all our sins? (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Acts 20:28)

6. Who and what did Christ set us free from? (Col. 1:13-14; Heb. 2:14-15)

7. What is Christ “Lord” over? (Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:9-11; Rev. 17:14; 19:16)

8. When did our Lord become the great Ruler of heaven and earth? (Rom. 8:34; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism L.D. 13

Catechism Challenge - L.D. 12

2009-05-22T11:38:00.004-05:00

Lord’s Day 12 – Study Notes

Q. 31 Why is he called "Christ”, meaning "anointed"?
A. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who perfectly reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance; our only high priest who has set us free by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the freedom he has won for us.

1. What three major offices among the people of Israel in the OT? (2 Sam. 7:2; 1 Sam. 30:7; 2 Sam. 5:3)
2. What are Christ’s three offices? (Acts 3:22; Heb. 7:17, 21; Matt. 21:5)
3. What was Jesus Christ anointed by the Holy Spirit to do? (Isa. 61:1)
4. How is Christ the chief prophet? (Acts 3:22-24; Deut. 18:15; John 1:18)
5. How is Christ the only high priest? (Heb. 2:17; 3:1; 7:17, 21; 9:12; 10:11-14)
6. How is Christ the only eternal king? (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:34-26)

Q. 32 But why are you called a Christian?
A. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.

1. How did you come to be called a Christian? (Eph. 2:8-9)
2. In what way do you share in Christ anointing? (Acts 2:17; 2 Cor 1:18-22; 1 John 2:19-21, 27)
3. How does are being called Christian inform our purpose? What are they?
4. What is our first purpose? (Mat. 10:32; 1 John 2:23)
5. What is our second purpose? (Rom 12:1; Phil 4:18; Heb. 13:15)
6. What is our third purpose? (Rom. 6:12, 14; Gal 5:16-17; Eph. 6:11; 1 Tim. 1:18-19; 2 Tim 2:12)

Audio - Heidelberg Catechism L.D. 12

Reason for Preaching the Gospel from an Atheist

2009-05-22T11:21:00.002-05:00

When Peace Like a River - The Story

2009-03-20T09:10:00.002-05:00

When Peace Like a River - The Song

2009-03-20T09:08:00.001-05:00

How Can Jesus Be Both God and Man

2009-03-16T08:29:00.003-05:00

The Gospel Coalition is a group of pastors from around the country and even the world from various denominations, who are committed to the Centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church and the world. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ saturate your knowing, being and doing for your good and God's Glory.

The video posted below answers the question: How can Jesus be both God and Man? I hope to post two videos/week from Gospel Coalition pastors which address import theological truths for your growth in the Gospel and Godliness. Amen.

CATHECHISM CHALLENGE - L.D. 7

2009-03-14T08:11:00.003-05:00

Lord’s Day 7 – Study Notes

Q. 20 Are all saved through Christ just as all were lost through Adam?

A. No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all his blessings.

Q. 21 What is true faith?

A. True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in his Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation.

Q. 22 What then must a Christian believe?

A. Everything God promises us in the gospel. That gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith—a creed beyond doubt, and confessed throughout the world.

Q. 23 What are these articles?

A. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

1. Will everyone be saved? Who will be saved? (Matt. 7:13-14; John 3:16-18, 36)

2. How are you kept grafted into Christ? (Rom 11:17-21; Eph 2:8-9)

3. What is true faith? (Heb. 11:1-3)

4. What are the causes of true faith? (Eph 2:8-9; Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21; John 3:3-7; 1 Pet. 1:12; 2 Pet. 1:21)

5. How do you experience true faith? (Rom. 4:18-5:1; 10:10; 12:1-2)

6. What must a Christian believe to live well? (Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:30-31; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

7. What is “the articles of our Christian faith” called? (Q&A 23)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism - L.D. 7

Is Jesus the Only Way?

2009-03-12T11:43:00.003-05:00

Lee Strobel in his book The Case for Christ demonstrates that Jesus is the only way. This video is an excellent summary answering the question "is Jesus the only way to salvation".

ESV Study Bible - Part 2

2009-03-10T09:25:00.003-05:00

What Does it Mean to Give Thanks at All Times with Sincerity?

2009-03-10T09:07:00.003-05:00

The Gospel Coalition is a group of pastors from around the country and even the world from various denominations, who are committed to the Centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church and the world. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ saturate your knowing, being and doing for your good and God's Glory.

The video posted below answers the question: What does it mean to give thanks at all times with sincerity? I hope to post two videos/week from Gospel Coalition pastors which address import theological truths for your growth in the Gospel and Godliness. Amen.

CATHECHISM CHALLENGE - L.D. 6

2009-03-06T13:55:00.004-06:00

Lord’s Day 6 – Study Questions

Q. 16 Why must he be truly human and truly righteous?

A. God's justice demands that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.

Q. 17 Why must he also be true God?

A. So that, by the power of his divinity, he might bear the weight of God's anger in his humanity and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.

Q. 18 And who is this mediator—true God and at the same time truly human and truly righteous?

A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given us to set us completely free and to make us right with God.

Q. 19 How do you come to know this?

A. The holy gospel tells me. God himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, he proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets, and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; finally, he fulfilled it through his own dear Son.

1. What kind of Deliver should we look for? (Q&A 16, 17)

2. Why must Jesus be truly human and truly righteous? (Rom. 5:12-21; Heb. 7:26-27)

3. Why must Jesus be also true God? (Col. 1:15-20; Isa. 53; 2 Cor. 5:21) Who alone could take upon himself the wrath of God for ALL Sin?

4. Who is your Mediator? (1 Tim. 2:5) What did your Mediator do? (1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Pet. 3:18) How does this truth give you comfort?

5. How can I learn about my Mediator Jesus Christ? (Q&A 19) When did God begin to tell that he would send a Mediator? (Gen. 3:15)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism - Lord's Day 6

What Do Un-Believers Think of Christians

2009-03-05T09:07:00.002-06:00

CATECHISM CHALLENGE - L.D. 5

2009-02-27T13:30:00.003-06:00

Lord’s Day 5 – Study Questions

Q. 12 According to God's righteous judgment we deserve punishment both in this world and forever after: how then can we escape this punishment and return to God's favor?

A. God requires that his justice be satisfied. Therefore the claims of his justice must be paid in full, either by ourselves or another.

Q. 13 Can we pay this debt ourselves?

A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our guilt every day.

Q. 14 Can another creature—any at all—pay this debt for us?

A. No. To begin with, God will not punish another creature for what a human is guilty of. Besides, no mere creature can bear the weight of God's eternal anger against sin and release others from it.

Q. 15 What kind of mediator and deliverer should we look for then?

A. One who is truly human and truly righteous, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.

1. What do I deserve? (Rom 6:23) How can I be saved? (Acts 16:30-31)

2. Can you pay your own debt? (Read Matt. 18:21-35 – how big is the guys debt?) Do we accrue more or less debt? (Rom. 2:1-5)

3. Who is responsible for sin? (Ezekiel 18:4, 20)

4. Could the sacrifice of a goat, sheep, bull or your next door neighbor pay for my debt? (Heb. 10:1-4)

5. What kind of Deliver should we be on the lookout for? (Heb. 2:17; 1 Cor. 15:21-22; Isa. 53:9-11; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26; Isa. 9:6-7; John 1:1-4)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism - Lord's Day 5

Weeping Over My Father

2009-02-27T06:56:00.006-06:00

Weeping...I am weeping over my father. It has been 12 years since my father's death. 12 years without his voice. 12 years without his sweet embrace. I miss him. I hurt for him. I do not know where my Jesus has set his soul in eternity. Where is his home? Where has God in all his justice and mercy eternally placed his soul. I do not know. I can not say.

I can only wonder and weep as I remember the tragedy of his life. A life I loved and still love. A life that fills my memory, my thinking, my speech and even my face. Where has he gone? Will I see his sweet face, and peer into those piercing blue eyes once again at the resurrection? I do not know. I can not say.

My heart yearns for the eternal happiness of his soul. My desire is to plead with God to have mercy, even though judgment day for my father was 12 years ago. The last chapter of my father's life did not end happily ever after, but in a horrible moral tragedy that still wanders down the hall of my haunted memory. Always replaying in my mind like a broken record skipping back, again and again. If only that moment could be played back once again, and my father could have turned back to God when the door of this life slammed shut. What hall did my father walk into eternity down? Was it the hall to heaven and everlasting happiness or the hall of hell and everlasting hurt. I do not know. I can not say.

How many lives are like that of my father? If only they could clearly reflect upon their lives before death rips us from life, how different the end of many would be. Johnny Cash was a man who was tormented by his own rebellion and who seemed at the same time to have it all. He was able at the end of his life to clearly reflect upon his life through the redemption he has in Jesus Christ, and call his empire of success and fame...DIRT. May you view all of your earthly goods and accomplishments as dirt, so that you may embrace what is of greatest importance...to love GOD and love OTHERS. Amen.

When Lancelot Comes Riding

2009-02-25T10:53:00.005-06:00

Brett Harris of The Rebelution writes his second helpful post in a series called Modern Day Chivalry. I hope this post called When Lancelot Comes Riding will a blessing to young ladies. This is the second post of a fives part series that I hope will lead you in living for a greater glory than your own...God's Glory.

Link: When Lancelot Comes Riding

Great Sportsmanship

2009-02-24T09:18:00.001-06:00

Here is a great video by ESPN on the essence of sportsmanship, and how the game of life should be played. Enjoy! (Logan)

Fasting: A Humbling of Ourselves

2009-02-24T08:24:00.005-06:00

In my reading on fasting, Wilhelmus a Brakel in his magnum opus "The Christian's Reasonable Service" instructs his readers about fastings main purpose. He says:

"Fasting serves but one purpose: to facilitate the humbling of the soul; it has no significance beyond that."

He goes to explain what the humbling of ourselves consist of.

The confessioin of sin, accompanied with grief and shame...
Declaring ourselves to be worthy of judgment...
A supplicating for grace, frequently accompanied with weeping...
A renewal of the covenant with the wholehearted intent to forsake former sins and live a godly life...
The giving of alms

Father Brakel, as he was known in his day (1635-1711) also instructs the members of his congregation and the church about how long should a fast be and in what manner should it be preformed.

The duration of the fast is limited to a twenty four hour period - from evening to evening...Everyone has personal freedom in doing this...In so doing we will acquaint ourselves with the Lord; we will become more modest and holy, and the Lord generally grants more spiritual grace to such. In setting such a day apart, every one is free as the the extent to which he wishes to do so...It can be that he will desist from his labors if he is self-employed and if it is not to the disadvantage of his family; he can do this without anyone noticing this. Or it can be that he sets this day apart while nevertheless intending to do this work...and to eat a limited amount of food, so as to conceal form others the fact that he is fasting that day. The latter must very much be his objective according to the instruction of Christ in Matthew 6:16-18.

(The Christian's Reasonable Service - Fasting - Vol. 4, p. 3-10)

Operation World Country of the Week

2009-02-23T17:01:00.004-06:00

The Church has been called to make disciples of all nations or peoples (Matt. 28:19-20). Because we have been called to such a glorious task for the fame of King Jesus, I hope to highlight one country each week from Operation World for your prayer support. Not only will we be praying that the mission of God will be accomplished throughout the globe (Matt 24:14), but in the process we grow in our understanding of the people of the world and God's work among the nations (Ps. 46:10; Ps. 47:8-9). Please pray for the peace of the nations, which can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ (Isa. 66:12; Jer. 33:9).

What Does It Mean to Fast?

2009-02-22T16:01:00.002-06:00

The Gospel Coalition is a group of pastors from around the country and even the world from various denominations, who are committed to the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church and the world. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ saturate your knowing, being and doing for your good and God's Glory.

The video posted below answers the question: What Does It Mean to Fast? I posted as another voice on fasting, which I believe is helpful of thinking about fasting in broader context. I hope to post two videos/week from Gospel Coalition pastors which address import theological truths for your growth in the Gospel and godliness. Amen.

CATECHISM CHALLENGE - L.D. 4

2009-02-20T13:09:00.003-06:00

Lord’s Day 4 – Study Questions

Q. 9 But doesn't God do us an injustice by requiring in his law what we are unable to do?

A. No, God created humans with the ability to keep the law. They, however, tempted by the devil, in reckless disobedience, robbed themselves and all their descendants of these gifts.

Q. 10 Will God permit such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?

A. Certainly not. He is terribly angry about the sin we are born with as well as the sins we personally commit. As a just judge he punishes them now and in eternity. He has declared: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.

Q. 11 But isn't God also merciful?

A. God is certainly merciful, but he is also just. His justice demands that sin, committed against his supreme majesty, be punished with the supreme penalty—eternal punishment of body and soul.

1. God asked Job if he was just. (Job 40:2) If Job in all his suffering and seeming injustices against him could not accuse God of being unjust, can you? (Read: Job 40:1-42:6)

2. In what state did the LORD God create mankind? (Gen. 1:26-27, 31) Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were able to obey the law because God had created them in his image and very good. Was God then just in condemning our first parents unto death? (Q&A 9; Gen 2:17)

3. If God is just and must punish sin, how well have you done in obeying everything in the law? (Galatians 3:10) If you haven’t, what are you without trusting in Jesus finished work on the cross?

4. We know God is just, but isn’t God also merciful? (Ex 34:6-7; Heb 10:30-31) Can God be merciful without being just?

5. How then does God punish sin? (Matt. 25:31-46) Jesus’ parable of the Final Judgment chillingly portrays the eternity of those who lived for their own kingdom and did not want God’s rule. Are you a sheep or a goat?

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism - Lord's Day 4

YOUNG PEOPLE: Do Great Things for GOD

2009-02-19T15:35:00.005-06:00

World Magazine writer Micky McLean reported the tenacity of Lia, a 12 year old girl who against all opposition was not deterred to speak out against abortion. Lia was told that her Persuasive Speech would not be allowed in the school wide competition, but she was determined to speak out against the horror of abortion. When I see stories like Lia's, I am hopeful about the untapped potential of young people to do great things for God. Not because they in themselves are so great, but rather because the truth they proclaim is so right. Righteous is Lia's cause to defend the unborn against the disapproval of adults because it is God's cause for all of us to walk justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Psalm 8:2 shouts, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger". Young people how are you praising God? First, I hope you are honoring your parents because all greatness in God's eyes begins with honoring our parents for God's glory. Second, I desire that all of you will dream big dreams of what God can do through you and others like you to impact the world for Jesus Christ. What is God calling you to do? Do Great Things for GOD. Amen.

Post: Persuasive Argument (Link)

ANGER: The Image of Satan

2009-02-19T10:04:00.006-06:00

Niki and I read a really helpful article on the biblical diagnosis and solutions for anger written by Jonathan Dobson at Boundless.org called Anger: The Image of Satan (Link).

4 Practical Way for Building Up the Church

2009-02-19T09:21:00.006-06:00

The 4 practical ways Christians should build up the church come not from my own observation, but from the notes of the Introduction to 1 Corinthians in the ESV Study Bible.

Be sensitive to those of fragile faith (1 Cor. 8:1-9:18; 10:28, 33)
Win unbelievers through culturally sensitive evangelism. (1 Cor. 9:19-23; 10:27, 32-33)
Conduct worship services in such a way that unbelievers present might come to faith. (1 Cor. 14:16, 23-25)
Corporate worship should use the gifts not for personal display, or evaluating who has a better gift, but to build up the church. (1 Cor. 11:2-16; 12:12-30; 14:1-25)

As a pastor, I am found needy when I reflect honestly about myself and the ministry God has given me. I see myself needing to be in a constant state of conforming to the Word of God both in me and ministry. May God grant me and you the strength to be a people who desire to be constantly conforming to the Word and God, and through our submission to God's Word be vessels who build up the Body of Christ. Amen.

I Think My Wife's a Calvinist

2009-02-19T09:08:00.003-06:00

This post is meant for humor ALONE. I post this in honor of my wife Niki, and her love for reading Charles Spurgeon and John Piper. Enjoy.

The Modern Day Gentleman

2009-02-18T16:17:00.007-06:00

Brett Harris of The Rebelution writes a helpful post on what it means to be a Modern Day Gentleman. I hope it will be help in redefining what it means to be a young man in a confused culture, and that even the ladies will redefine for themselves what a true man ought to be. This is the first post of a fives part series that hope will lead you in living for a greater glory than your own...God's Glory.

Link: The Modern Day Gentleman

WORLD MISSSION - Steve Timmis

2009-02-18T08:56:00.005-06:00

Is your church doing mission for its own glory or God’s? Want a cunning test to help you answer? Check out how much energy and passion (evidenced by money, prayer, interest) is invested in situations in other parts of the world for which you will get no credit. If it is not proportional to what is invested at home, then serious questions should be asked. If our passion is God’s honor and the fame of the Lord Jesus then we won’t be satisfied until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Hab.2:14; Is. 11:9).

This will mean we get involved in planting churches all over the place and supporting other churches to plant churches, even when we don’t get a mention. It will mean sacrificially giving away our best people so that unreached areas of the world will be reached for Christ. World mission isn’t the preserve of the mission agencies; it’s the privilege and responsibility of every local congregation of believers (a.k.a. church).

from: Resurgence

ESV STUDY BIBLE

2009-02-17T09:13:00.005-06:00

The ESV Study Bible is simply the best study bible I have ever used. If you are seeking to dig deeper into God's Word and desire the tools to do it well, get the ESV Study Bible. I hope to do a series on the features of the ESV Study Bible with downloads, so that you may see for yourself this excellent resource for studying God's Word. Here are what others are saying:

“The ESV is a dream come true for me. The rightful heir to a great line of historic translations, it provides the continuity and modern accuracy I longed for. Now the scope and theological faithfulness of the ESV Study Bible study notes is breathtaking. Oh how precious is the written Word of God.”
John Piper, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN

“The definitive clarity and beauty of the ESV Study Bible is extraordinary. In a world where words are distorted to mean anything, it is wonderful to have complete confidence in the reliability and truth of the Bible—so clearly and persuasively demonstrated by this world-class team of Bible scholars and teachers. For everyone who wants to understand God’s Word in a deeper way, the ESV Study Bible is an outstanding resource. I will be an avid user!”
Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder, JAF International Disability Center, Agoura Hills, CA

“I was privileged to act as General Editor of the English Standard Version, and now that I look back on what we did in producing that version, I find myself suspecting very strongly that this was the most important thing that I have ever done for the Kingdom, and that the product of our labors is perhaps the biggest milestone in Bible translation in certainly the last half century at least, and perhaps more. And now, as Theological Editor of the ESV Study Bible, I believe that the work we have done together on this project has set an altogether new standard in study Bibles.”
J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada

“The ESV Study Bible is the most important resource that has been given to the emerging generation of Bible students and teachers. The ESV Study Bible is the best. Period.”
Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network

What Are the Non-Negotiable For the Gospel?

2009-02-17T05:47:00.003-06:00

The Gospel Coalition is a group of pastors from around the country and even the world from various denominations, who are committed to the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church and the world. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ saturate your knowing, being and doing for your good and God's Glory.

The video posted below answers the question: What Are the Non-Negotiables For the Gospel? I hope to post two videos/week from Gospel Coalition pastors which address import theological truths for your growth in the Gospel and godliness. Amen.

Operation World Country of the Week

2009-02-16T14:40:00.003-06:00

What is the Gospel?

2009-02-15T21:05:00.004-06:00

The Gospel Coalition is a group of pastors from around the country and even the world from various denominations, who are committed to the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church and the world.

The video posted below answers the question: What is the Gospel? by John Piper. I hope to post 2 videos/week from Gospel Coalition pastors which address import theological truths for your growth in the Gospel and godliness. Amen.

Thank You Lord for the Church

2009-02-15T20:06:00.004-06:00

The day is setting, and I am thankful. Thankful to God for His Church. Thankful for parents who train up their children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Thankful for young people who study the Scriptures soaking (Psalm 1:2-3) up Jesus' soul satisfying truth (John 14:6; Matt 13:44-46). Thankful for Sunday school teachers who come alongside parents to train up the next generation (Psalm 78:4-7). Thankful for GEMS and Cadet leaders who give of their time, talent and more importantly the Gospel lived into the lives of boys and girls. Thankful for members of the body of Christ who visit the sick and the shut-in and by doing that demonstrate the power of Gospel community (James 1:26-27; 5:14-15). Thankful that member of Christ's church are growing in the Gospel and Godliness on step at a time. Thankful for leaders who shepherd the flock of Christ faithfully (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Thankful that great sinners are caused to flee to Christ's atoning love through the regenerating power of God the Holy Spirit and find rest and comfort eternally. Thankful that the sovereignty God upholds history, the world and my fragile life in the palm of his hands. That nothing can happen to me apart from the will of my Father in heaven, in fact all things must work together for my salvation(Matt. 10:29; Rom. 8:28). Thankful that I belong both body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior and Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 14:7; 1 Cor. 3:23; 6:19-20; Gal. 2:20). Amen...Amen. Good Night.

Algerians Convert to Christianity

2009-02-13T09:17:00.003-06:00

As I praying for the peoples of Algeria this week, I came across this video from CBN about Algerians coming to Christ. Please pray that people of Algeria will respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

CATECHISM CHALLENGE - L.D. 3

2009-02-13T08:18:00.008-06:00

What Went Wrong? – L.D. 3

Q. 6 Did God create people so wicked and perverse?

A. No. God created them good and in his own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that they might truly know God their creator, love him with all their heart, and live with him in eternal happiness for his praise and glory.

Q. 7 Then where does this corrupt human nature come from?

A. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise. This fall has so poisoned our nature that we are born sinners—corrupt from conception on.

Q. 8 But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined toward all evil?

A. Yes, unless we are born again, by the Spirit of God.

1. What state did God originally created people? (Gen. 1:26-27, 31) Was sin part of our first parent’s original state? (Gen. 2)

2. For what end to did God create people? (Gen. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 10:31)

3. What was the sin of our first parents? (Gen 2:17; 3:1-6) What were the causes or reasons of Adam and Eve’s First sin. (Gen3:1-4, 9-13) What were the consequences of sin? (Gen. 3:14-24; 4:1-12)

4. How did I get my sin conditions? (Rom 5:12, 18-19) What is the extent of my sin? (Gen. 6:5; Psalm 51:5)

5. What must God do to change my bent towards evil? (John 3:3-5)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism-Lord's Day 3

John Piper - What is the Recession For?

2009-02-12T19:48:00.003-06:00

Today, I came across a sermon by John Piper entitled "What is the Recession For?". Piper list 5 reasons for God's purposes specifically that I hope you will find helpful as you struggle with economic difficulties. Here is the exert:

Now what are some of God’s purposes in this recession? I will mention five:

He intends for this recession to expose hidden sin and so bring us to repentance and cleansing.
He intends to wake us up to the constant and desperate condition of the developing world where there is always and only recession of the worst kind.
He intends to relocate the roots of our joy in his grace rather than in our goods, in his mercy rather than our money, in his worth rather than our wealth.
He intends to advance his saving mission in the world—the spread of the gospel and the growth of his church—precisely at a time when human resources are least able to support it. This is how he guards his glory.
He intends for the church to care for its hurting members and to grow in the gift of love.

...God sends recessions to his people to pull up the roots of our joy from the pleasures of the world and sink those roots into the pleasures of the glory of his grace. Here’s he clearest recessionary text about this in the Bible—2 Corinthians 8:1-2. It describes the roots of the joy of the Macedonian believers in their “recession.”
...But vastly more important than that is where your treasure is—where your heart is. Are you like the Macedonians whose joy—in times of “recession”—was invincible because it was rooted in the grace of God? May God open our eyes to glory of his grace. When he does, the last purpose for the recession that I will mention will come true.

"What is the Recession For?" (Audio)

"What is the Recession For?" (Video)

Sovereign Grace - Music & Book Sale

2009-02-12T15:16:00.005-06:00

Sovereign Grace Ministries is a an association of churches across America and the world who are committed to the Centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in everything they do. I have been encourage in my walk with Jesus both through their music and books. My hope is that you will take advantage of the February Sale and more importantly be changed in heart and mind to live God honoring lives.

What is the GOSPEL COALITION?

2009-02-11T15:25:00.003-06:00

The Gospel Coalition is a group of pastors from around the country and even the world from various denominations, who are committed to the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church and the world. I will be attending The Gospel Coalition 2009 National Conference: Entrusted with the Gospel in April, and hope to encouraged and equipped to preach and live the Gospel in all of life. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ saturate your knowing, being and doing for your good and God's Glory.

The video posted below answers the question: What is The Gospel Coalition? I hope to post one video from Gospel Coalition pastors which address import theological truths for your growth in the Gospel and godliness. Amen.

Tactics: A Game Plan for Sharing Your Christian Conviction

2009-02-11T14:35:00.005-06:00

Here is a book that sounds like a winner, if you are stuck in how to discuss your Christian faith with others. I am planning to put Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions on my 2009 Reading List. I hope you will put it on yours.

Here are some blurbs on the book:

In this wise and compelling book, Greg Koukl—who has thought long and hard about not only what to say but how to say it—provides a game plan for equipping believers through an artful method of careful thinking and winsome conversation. If you struggle with how to talk about your faith and respond to questions and objections in a meaningful and effective way—and most of us do—there is no better book to buy, read, and put into practice. I could not recommend it more highly!
- Justin Taylor from Between Two Worlds

"Just as a course on tactics is a requirement at all military academies, so too Greg Koukl’s Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions should be required training for all Christians and churches. Koukl has made a worthwhile contribution to the literature on apologetics by teaching us how to say what we say. Witty and winsome, this resource is as fun to read as it is to put into practice."
— Hank Hanegraaff, host of the Bible Answer Man, author of Christianity in Crisis

You can also sign up for a free weekly email called Tactics from Stand to Reason (STR).

Operation World Country of the Week

2009-02-10T09:49:00.006-06:00

The Church has been called to make disciples of all nations or peoples (Matt. 28:19-20). Because we have been called to such a glorious task for the fame of King Jesus, I hope to highlight one country each week from Operation World for your prayer support. Not only will we be praying that the mission of God will be accomplished throughout the globe (Matt 24:14), but in the process we grow in our understanding of the people of the world and God's work among the nations (Ps. 46:10; Ps. 47:8-9). Please pray for the peace of the nations that can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ (Isa. 66:12; Jer. 33:9).

Prayer for Algeria (link)

Persecution of Christians Across the World

2009-02-10T08:44:00.009-06:00

Where Christians Are Persecuted? The new Open Doors’ World Watch List has been updated and some countries who violate the rights of Christians. At the top of the list we still see North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen. Please pray for our brothers and sister who are threatened by unbelieving world because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Hebrews 13:3

Personally Conducted Tours to Heaven

2009-02-08T22:03:00.006-06:00

The pastor's week is done, so I reflect upon His week given to me. Apart from the preaching of God's Word and listening to young people recite the heart exalting rythem of Scripture, I was blessed to worship with 1,500 pastor praising our Faithful Savior Jesus Christ at the Desiring God Pastor's Conference. The last message given by Mark Dever reverberated in my soul that I am always to be about the business of proclaim the true Gospel promisciously with as many as the Lord would put along my path. To see every soul apart from Christ as forever dying in torments of hell. To live my life with an eternal of urgency while I still breath. God refreshed my soul and my cup runs over. The last words Dever spoke to us were from well know 19th century preacher C.H. Spurgeon. What hit me was that I should be engaged in personally conducting tours to Heaven, which is a far more eloquent way of saying telling the sinner the Gospel. Here is the quote:

I am occupied in my small way, as Mr. Great-heart was employed in Bunyan’s day. I do not compare myself with that champion, but I am in the same line of business. I am engaged in personally-conducted tours to Heaven; and I have with me, at the present time, dear Old Father Honest: I am glad he is still alive and active. And there is Christiana, and there are her children. It is my business, as best I can, to kill dragons, and cut off giants’ heads, and lead on the timid and trembling. I am often afraid of losing some of the weaklings. I have the heart-ache for them; but, by God’s grace, and your kind and generous help in looking after one another, I hope we shall all travel safely to the river’s edge. Oh, how many have I had to part with there! I have stood on the brink, and I have heard them singing in the midst of the stream, and I have almost seen the shining ones lead them up the hill, and through the gates, into the Celestial City.

Oh, that I would lead many to behold of the glories of Heaven and so fulfill my calling to preach the Gospel to as many as the Lord would put along my path.

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9:22-23

How Do You KNOW You Believe?

2009-02-06T13:13:00.004-06:00

Paul Washer asks the questions every believer, "how do you know that you believe?"

CATECHISM CHALLENGE - L.D. 2

2009-02-06T12:30:00.008-06:00

What is My Sorry State? – L.D. 2
Q. 3 How do you come to know your misery?
A. The law of God tells me.

Q. 4 What does God's law require of us?
A. Christ teaches us this in summary in Matthew 22—
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. This is
the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it:
Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the
Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Q. 5 Can you live up to all this perfectly?
A. No. I have a natural tendency to hate God and my neighbor.

1. How do you come to know your misery? (Rom. 3:20)

2. What does God’s law require of you towards God? Heart? Will (Soul)? Mind? (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37) What does God’s law require towards people? (Matt. 22:38-39)

3. What does the Bible say about your goodness? (Rom. 3:9-20, 23)

4. If you are trying to be good enough for God by obeying the law, what are you under? (Gal 3:10; Deut 27:26)

5. What does the Bible say about your heart condition? (Eph. 2:1-3)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism-Lord's Day 2

OUR DAILY CONFESSION

2009-02-05T10:01:00.004-06:00

The Canons of Dort
5th Point - Perseverance of the Saints
Article 8: The Certainty of This Preservation
So it is not by their own merits or strength but by God's undeserved mercy that they neither forfeit faith and grace totally nor remain in their downfalls to the end and are lost. With respect to themselves this not only easily could happen, but also undoubtedly would happen; but with respect to God it cannot possibly happen, since his plan cannot be changed, his promise cannot fail, the calling according to his purpose cannot be revoked, the merit of Christ as well as his interceding and preserving cannot be nullified, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit can neither be invalidated nor wiped out.

Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation
Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Canons of Dordt: Head 3/4

MISSIONS as FASTING

2009-02-05T09:37:00.003-06:00

I'm Back. I have return from the Desiring God 2009 Conference for Pastors. What a blessing it was to hear godly men proclaim the Gospel and to share the burden for lost people with other pastors from around the world. One particular blessing was hearing Micheal Oh, a missionary to Japan, speak on Missions as Fasting - the forsaking things present for the Global Exultation of Christ. Although the talk is primarily focused on pastor's role in missions, I believe it will be a blessing to you and spur you on to sacrifice for the spreading of the Gospel to the 6,600 people groups or 2.6 billion people who have little to no opportunity to hear the Gospel.

Missions as Fasting (Audio)

Missions as Fasting (Video)

OUR DAILY CONFESSION

2009-01-30T13:29:00.007-06:00

Westminster Short Catechism

WSC: Questions 1-3Question 1: What is the chief end of man?

Answer 1: Man's chief end is to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31), and to enjoy Him for ever (Ps. 73:25-26).

CATECHISM CHALLENGE - L.D. 1

2009-01-30T11:51:00.011-06:00

What is Your Only Comfort? – L.D. 1

Q. #1 - What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong--body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Q. #2 - What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?
A. Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are;
second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery;
third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.

1. What is meant by comfort? (Psalm 73:25-26)

2. To belong to someone is at the heart of being human. Who do you belong to? (Rom 14:7-8; 1 Cor. 6:19-20) How does the parable of the Prodigal Son help you understand that you belong to your faithful Savior Jesus Christ? (Luke 15:11-32)

3. Who gives you the assurance that you belong to God forever, and make you ready and willing to live for Jesus? (2 Cor. 1:20-22)

4. How do you come to understand and experience the assurance that you belong to Jesus? (Q&A 2; Eph 2:1-4; Eph 2:8-10; Gal 2:19-21; 1 Pt 2:9-10; Matt 13:44-46)

Audio: Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 1

Our Daily Confession

2009-01-29T08:07:00.005-06:00

Sufficiency of Scripture

Belgic Confession - Article 7

We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein (1 Cor. 15:1-2; 2 Tim 3:16-17). For since the whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures: nay, though it were an angel from heaven (Gal. 1:8-9), as the apostle Paul says. For since it is forbidden to add unto or take away anything from the Word of God (Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19), it does thereby evidently appear that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.

Neither may we consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with those divine Scriptures (Psa. 1:2-3), nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars, and more vain than vanity itself (Psa. 62:9). Therefore we reject with all our hearts whatsoever does not agree with this infallible rule, as the apostles have taught us, saying, Prove the spirits, whether they are of God (1John 4:1). Likewise: If any one comes to you, and brings not this teaching, receive him not into your house (2 John 1:10).

The Ten Most Redeeming Films of 2008

2009-01-28T18:06:00.002-06:00

From Christianity Today Movies.

Our Daily Confession

2009-01-28T08:11:00.003-06:00

The Written Word of God

Belgic Confession - Article 3

We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered by the will of man, but that men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit, as the apostle Peter says; and that afterwards God, from a special care which He has for us and our salvation, commanded His servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit His revealed word to writing; and He Himself wrote with His own finger the two tables of the law. Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.

2 Pet 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psa. 102:18; Ex. 17:14; Ex. 34:27; Deut. 5:22; Ex. 31:18

Our Daily Confession

2009-01-27T11:12:00.010-06:00

How Do We Know God?
Belgic Confession Article 2
We know Him by two means: First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe; which is before our eyes as a most elegant book, wherein all creatures, great and small, are as so many characters leading us to see clearly the invisible things of God, even his everlasting power and divinity, as the apostle Paul says (Rom 1:20). All which things are sufficient to convince men and leave them without excuse. Second, He makes Himself more clearly and fully known to us by His holy and divine Word, that is to say, as far as is necessary for us to know in this life, to His glory and our salvation.

Psa 19:1-14; Eph 4:6; 1 Tim 2:5; Deut 6:4; Mal 2:10; 1 Cor 8:4, 6; 1 Cor 12:1

John Piper's Response to Obama on Abortion

2009-01-27T08:27:00.004-06:00

Last Sunday, John Piper preached a sermon entitled "The Baby in my Womb Leaped for Joy". The video is a short clip of that sermon directed at President Obama support of legalized abortion.

The Anniversary of America's Greatest SIN

2009-01-22T15:44:00.005-06:00

It was 36 years ago today, January 22, that the Supreme Court legalized abortion in the United States. The results of their decision and the decisions of countless others has led to the deaths of almost 50 million unborn babies in the United States. I am numbed by those, created in God's image, that celebrate the right of a woman to kill her own child. We celebrate individual freedom and equality, yet the weakest of all members are robbed of freedom being destroyed in the comfort and security of mother's womb. Can God bless America? Can God's favor rest on this nation when we allow innocence to be murder in the safe harbor of mommy's belly? Defenseless voices silenced by the horror of legalized murder for the benefit of promiscuity and profit. Ezekiel prophesied, "For when they had slaughtered their children in sacrifice to their idols, on the same day they came into my sanctuary to profane it. And behold, this is what they did in my house." (Ezekiel 23:39) Have we not, as a nation been doing the same thing wanting the blessing of God, yet with all the pleasures that are an abomination to God.

As we remember the Anniversary of America's Greatest SIN...Legalization of Abortion, let us celebrate life! Let us lift high the Divinely declared worth of every human life. Let us defend the weakest members of our society with TRUTH, PRAYER and ACTION. When Christ Jesus comes will he find us FAITHFUL?

My Prayer for the Church:
Oh Father, forgive us our sin of trusting in the power of men, instead of believing and living in the power of the Gospel to change the hearts of Americans. Forgive us of our complacency toward the right to life of the unborn, and the lips service we pay without the life service required to fight the sin of abortion. Grant your Church strength to endure by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that Christ would dwell in the hearts of your people. Give us the perseverance to continue the struggle against the sin of abortion by being a people perpetually turning to you for strength, guidance and righteousness. May we finish the race to live justly and love righteousness and walk humbly with you our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Below are several resources that you can watch to inform and edify you in your struggle against America's Greatest SIN...Abortion.

R.C. Spoul, Video series on abortion (free on the web)

Rethinking Retirement for the Next Generation

2009-01-22T09:07:00.005-06:00

As I ponder what it means for all to train up the Next Generation (Psalm 78:3-7), I can't help but think that retirement as we know it has to be redefined. Retirement needs to be understood in light of making disciples for the Glory of God and the joy of children yet unborn. (Psalm 78:6) I do not propose that I am qualified to redefine retirement, but I believe that John Piper's booklet, "Rethinking Retirement" and conference message "Getting Old for the Glory of God" may be made useful to this end. May God use these resources to shape your understanding of retirement for the advancement of the Gospel and the Next Generation. Amen.

2009-01-21T19:44:00.010-06:00

Tedd Tripp author of "Shepherding a Child's Heart" and "Instructing a Child's Heart" gave these seminar's at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. I have been convicted, challenged and caused to change (and changing) my own parenting by listening to the audio listed below and the his book. He desires that we live out the Gospel explicitly in our parenting. I hope these resources will be helpful to you, in raising up the Next Generation for the Glory of Christ and the joy of God's people.

Session 1: The Call to Formative Instruction (MP3)
Tedd Tripp - Resurgence
Session 2: Giving Kids a Vision for God's Glory (MP3)
Tedd Tripp - Resurgence
Session 3: Helping Kids Understand Authority (MP3)
Tedd Tripp - Resurgence
Session 4: Helping Kids Understand the Heart (MP3)
Tedd Tripp - Resurgence
Session 5: Overview of Corrective Discipline (MP3)
Tedd Tripp - Resurgence

Rick Warren's Inauguration Prayer

2009-01-21T15:54:00.005-06:00

I praise God for Rick Warren's faithfulness to pray in the name of Jesus before a watching world that believes there are many ways to God. Rick obyed what 1 Timothy 2:1-3 commands: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior." May it be said of you and me that we would be found faithful to respresent our Lord Jesus so well. Here is the prayer:

Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes form you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one’ and you are the compassionate and merciful one and you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 43rd time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the united states. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a a son of an African Immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans. United not by race or religion or by blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us.
When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. when we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations, all people will stand accountable before You. We now commit our new president and his wife Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, Esa, Jesus, Jesus—who taught us to pray:
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name. They kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
From: Justin Taylor's Blog - Between Two Worlds

How Can YOU Pray for the NEXT Generation

2009-01-16T10:25:00.003-06:00

Things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Psalm 78:3-4

1. Pray that YOU Would LOVE and LIVE the GOSPEL. The Greatest witness to the power of the Gospel, outside of Scripture, is a Life transformed by the Gospel. A soul gripped by the soul satisfying Truth about God and his story to SAVE the World. Pray that God would continue to grab hold of your heart by his Infinite Gift of Grace in His Crucified Son that He eternally LOVES. That He LOVES YOU and has given you a hope without end or spot or stain or wrinkle. It is only when you are in the grip of God’s GRACE that you are most usable for the Next Generation. Generation NEXT Needs to SEE you on fire for Christ. That is a powerful tool in the hands of the Almighty to wield his Victory for the Next Generations eternal good.

2. Pray that the CHURCH would LOVE and LIVE the GOSPEL. The next generation must taste and see that the Body of Christ is radically different then the surrounding alternative communities in the world. Jesus said, “all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” What better way to love each other in the church than to pray for each other privately and publically before our children and grandchildren. Instead of talking about your brother or sister, prayer for the saints. Pray that leaders would resolve to diligently study the Scriptures and pray.

3. Pray that PARENTS would Love and Live the GOSPEL. The tyranny of the urgent in the modern world develops in the life of many families a hyper-business that often squeezes out any Need for God. Pray that parents may resist the temptation of living busy lives by setting Christ-centered priorities of eternal significance. Pray that parents will be faithful to raise their children for Christ and His Kingdom.

4. Pray that the Next Generation would Love and Live the GOSPEL. The urgency for the next generation to love and live the Gospel is a blaring loudly. Our Children are leaving the church. They are seeking Good News in other things beside Christ, which are not Good News at all. Pray that God would work in every covenant child’s heart to embrace the Good News of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. O Holy Spirit rescue hearts. Amen.

Take Up and Read the WORD

2009-01-16T07:49:00.004-06:00

This year I am resolved to read through the Bible carefully using Robert Murray McCheyne's Bible Reading Plan. His plan takes you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. My hope is that members of Raymond CRC would also resolve themselves to take up and Read God's Word prayerfully in its entirety this year. You can use the blog reading plan or click on the attachment of McCheyne's Bible Reading Plan.

Shocking Message @ Youth Mission Conference

2009-01-15T10:54:00.003-06:00

I got the link to this video from Renea. I hope you will be challenge into further obedience to Christ.

I Have No Idea What I'm Doing

2009-01-13T13:32:00.000-06:00

I begin the adventure of blogging today. I have only visited blogs in the past, but have never given myself over to commenting or blogging. My intent is to Glorify God and encourage His people unto godliness. I hope to do this through linking from time to time on works both past and present, and to reflect weekly upon the glorious truth about God as summarized in the Heidelberg Catechism. I hope that the post will be of benefit to you as you seek to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.