I've never really been into Penn and Teller, though I have been aware of them and their Vegas show. I found this video on another blog, The Contemporary Calvinist, and thought you would all enjoy it. Interesting and convicting!!
December 20, 2008
December 17, 2008
The Picture As It Becomes
But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me I shall come forth like gold.
Job 23:10
It's like translating: like learning, only less me.
The unsettling urge to rescue
What falls away. Because all I know-
I am unlearning. Seeing is closer to it
(closer to being able to breath as ) I
Understand the cracks, the holes,
And gaps ARE the picture
as it becomes. And as I surrender.
Seeing is closer to it.
See, I keep piling up
The broken pieces around me thinking
That's what will protect, will defend me.
But the garbage is not
keeping me from sinking.
I cry for what's taken away.
Blind to what you are revealing.
The promise that "you know" means more than
My pretty garbage. Its stronger than my hands,
Wrapped around what used to make sense.
Its right, not familiar.
Clean, not common.
If You know - then, this is worth everything.
So. What's lower than weak?
What's higher than calm?
It is not what's left, Its what
is being revealed.
Letting go of my pretty garbage -
and trusting
( in ways, with means)
by forgetting what I call control.
November 16, 2008
It is better to be preserved in brine—than to rot in honey!
William Secker, "The Consistent Christian" 1660
Above every evil, we should consider sin as the greatest evil—as it is the fountainorigin of all evils. Sin is the only target—at which all the arrows of divine vengeance are shot! Sinners are those spiders which weave their own webs—and are afterwards entangled in them! Our own destruction—is but the fruit of our own transgression. There is more real evil in a particle of corruption—than in an ocean of tribulation!
The evil of suffering is transient—but the evil of sin is permanent. The consistent Christian will always choose the worst of sorrows—before he will commit the least of sins!
The wicked entirely reverse this—for they prefer the greatest sin—to the least sufferings! This is to leap out of the hot pan—into the consuming fire! By seeking to shun an external calamity—they rush into eternal misery! and This is as if a man should lose his head—to preserve his hat!
As the works of sin are dishonorable; so the wages of sin are deadly! "The wages of sin—is death." The corruption of nature is the cause of the dissolution of nature. The candle of our lives—is blown out by the wind of our lusts! Were it not for sin—death would never have had a beginning! Were it not for death—sin would never have an ending!
What is so sweet a good as Christ? And what is so great an evil as lust? Sin has brought many a believer into suffering—and suffering has instrumentally kept many a believer out of sin! It is better to be preserved in brine—than to rot in honey! The bitterest medicine is to be preferred—before the sweetest poison!worst of sorrows—before he will commit the least of sins! The consistent Christian will always choose the
November 10, 2008
The Love of God and the Non-Elect
Does God love only the elect and hate the non-elect?
John MacArthur
It must be acknowledged, however, that explaining God's love toward the reprobate is not as simple as most modern evangelicals want to make it. Clearly there is a sense in which the psalmist's expression, "I hate the assembly of evildoers" (Ps. 26:5) is a reflection of the mind of God. "Do I not hate those who hate Thee, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against Thee? I hate them with the utmost hatred; they have become my enemies" (Ps. 139:21-22). Such hatred as the psalmist expressed is a virtue, and we have every reason to conclude that it is a hatred God Himself shares. After all, He did say, "I have hated Esau" (Mal. 1:3; Rom. 9:13). The context reveals God was speaking of a whole race of wicked people. So there is a true and real sense in which Scripture teaches that God hates the wicked.
So an important distinction must be made. God loves believers with a particular love. It is a family love, the ultimate love of an eternal Father for His children. It is the consummate love of a Bridegroom for His bride. It is an eternal love that guarantees their salvation from sin and its ghastly penalty. That special love is reserved for believers alone.
However, limiting this saving, everlasting love to His chosen ones does not render God's compassion, mercy, goodness, and love for the rest of mankind insincere or meaningless. When God invites sinners to repent and receive forgiveness (Isa. 1:18; Matt. 11:28-30), His pleading is from a sincere heart of genuine love. "'As I live!' declares the Lord God, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?'" (Ezek. 33:11). Clearly God does love even those who spurn His tender mercy, but it is a different quality of love, and different in degree from His love for His own.
(Today's post was adapted from John's book, The God Who Loves, pp. 14, 16).
November 7, 2008
Drive By Post
Question: What can the body of Christ learn from those who seek to be gods?
Check out this news release about the Mormons in California.November 6, 2008
The Influence of Scripture
As mentioned in a previous post, I have begun memorizing Scripture. This was an activity, a spiritual discipline, that I knew was lacking in my life and sorely needed. I had purchased the Fighter Verses pack from Desiring God Ministries and started them once before but stalled out when The Queen didn't participate as planned. Nevertheless, as the spiritual leader of my home, I started them back up, roughly at the same time as the bi-monthly men's group, which also encouraged us to memorize passages.Happily, I can say that the memorization is going well and that I am truly seeing changes in the way I am thinking (Romans 12:2) and even in the way I pray. I'm simply writing this to encourage all to do some type of memorization program. A verse, a passage, a book, whatever it takes, HIDE GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART.
You'll be glad you did, when our Bible's are ripped out of our hands.
Ok, that last was a little dramatic. . .
Time To Live a Little
Today was a tough day for many Americans, or at least it was around here. The day after this historic election found me very somber. I would not go so far as to say depressed, but downcast, for sure. A kind of short-tempered feeling, with a dash of irritation, and a boatload of exasperation. I walked by faculty who I know supported the man who today is our President, and did not move out of the cordial greeting phase with them at all. I heard things that tempted my blood to boil. And I knew the day would get harder.
For those who do not know I am a pastor and a junior high History and Civics teacher, and between talking to a few teachers and fielding questions from students (which I did all day), I am exhausted. I had to do my very best to live Romans 13:1-7 and Titus 3:1. It was difficult. However, I was encouraged by a few things I read at The Founders Blog, and some other sites I frequent. I began to remember that I am commanded to pray for my leaders, to honor them, and to keep in mind that God is in control as the One who orders all things to the pleasure of His good will.
However, I did not come straight home after work. During my planning period I decided to do something that I pray will bear fruit and glorify my Savior.
I made a few appointments.
At 3:30 today I met with the mayor of the little town I live in. We spoke a little about the new town council. She related that they always prayed before conducting any town business. She shared some of her concerns: the homeless, veterans, the hungry and poor. I really do not think there is a truly homeless person in the little town limits. But she told me about a group living under a bridge in a bigger city, not 30 miles from here. She spoke about a woman's self-defense program that she found out about from some volunteers at the annual Founders Day who were not even living within the town limits. And about how she wrote some letters of appreciation to the persons responsible for the program. These letters really encouraged a few people. (Maybe enough to continue the program..) I then confessed to her that I did not pray for my elected officials as I should. I read her the opening verses of Romans 13. With her permission, I prayed with her and for her, then I left.with an invitation to open a future Founders Day in prayer.
I am not going to pretend that I am not cringing when I hear about all the things that naturally follow an election, But I do believe that this is a really good chance to live the love that I preach about, to give the respect that I should offer to those who God says deserves it, to not render myself unapproachable to those who voted differently than I did , and to trust the sovereignty of God.
I plan to try to pray with (and for) as many of my elected officials as I can. I do not pretend to be reconciled to all of what has happened in my country. I just do not want to miss such an opportunity to obey God, and maybe to even grow a little spiritually (Lord willing). Please join me in praying for our country and its elected officials.
October 31, 2008
POLITICS - What's Missing?
Proverbs 14
1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
10The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
As I knew it would, the POLITICS post left open many subjects. Among many of the topics skirted was that of Godly leadership. I am by no means an expert on that subject and don't plan on holding a seminar anytime soon. However, there are places in Scripture that I find clues on how to recognize a Godly man who has been placed in a position of leadership.
As I began to read through Proverbs 14 in preparation for this post, it became evident that I better just post the entire text and highlight those portions that seem to speak directly to the inseparable issues of Godly leadership and righteousness. My belief is that our Founding Fathers understood the link between these two and endeavored to write our charter documents according to these principles. It is also evident from their writings that they believed that the prosperity and longevity of a nation was directly linked to the morality of the nations citizenry.
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity."
George Washington spoke these words as part of his Farewell Address. They show his clear understanding and belief that all men, whether servants of the public or not should understand the importance of religion and morality to the strength of this nation.
Abraham Lincoln -- "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
George Washington -- "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God or the Bible."
Patrick Henry -- "The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."
Andrew Jackson -- "That book, sir, is the rock on what our republic rests."
Sir Isaac Newton -- "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."
Immanuel Kant -- "The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to be little it is a crime against humanity."
Thomas Huxley -- "The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with it."
Theodore Roosevelt -- "If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered a loss which he has better make all possible haste to correct."
Woodrow Wilson -- "When you have read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God, because you will have found the key to your own heart, your own happiness, your own duty."
I include the quotes above only as evidence that through centuries, leaders of our nation as well as others accepted the necessity of the Word of God in the lives of people. Where are those men today?
As I look on the modern political scene there is no question of the greed and corruption that drives our world. "In God We Trust" is belabored at every turn by panic and uncertainty over markets and unemployment numbers. Instability throughout the Middle East and uneasy friendships in Europe and Asia have caused us worry and fear over the future. How can we claim God as our refuge yet worry about our 401k's?
June 6, 1944, Franklin Roosevelt led our nation in prayer. Heard across the nation on public radio, our President demonstrated his understanding of the "separation of Church and State." He knew it did not apply to the simple admission of God's existence and his almighty power over the affairs of men. When did his example become a "moment of silence"? How can we have a nation that cries out to God via a moment of silence?
I suppose this is a true blog post. Thoughts, sometimes rambling but all related regarding what we may never see again. Our politicians are expected to lie to us. We expect them to speak of their private faith. We expect them to keep it private enough that it's not even visible in their public policy. Contrast that with Proverbs 14 and with the example set by our Founding Fathers.
I'm frequently convicted on these things in my own home. MP's posts on wisdom made good reading and food for thought as well. After all, Godly men are not just needed in our governmental offices, but in our homes as well. Looking after the spiritual training of their families so that the next generation understands what their leaders should look like. Judging from the statistics given to us regarding divorce, marital infidelity, unwed mothers, juvenile delinquency, perhaps it's no surprise that there are few Godly leaders in public office. There don't seem to be many in our homes either.
May we pray that God raises up leaders who know Him and His Word. May we then look in the mirror and realize He's called us.
1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
10The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
As I knew it would, the POLITICS post left open many subjects. Among many of the topics skirted was that of Godly leadership. I am by no means an expert on that subject and don't plan on holding a seminar anytime soon. However, there are places in Scripture that I find clues on how to recognize a Godly man who has been placed in a position of leadership.
As I began to read through Proverbs 14 in preparation for this post, it became evident that I better just post the entire text and highlight those portions that seem to speak directly to the inseparable issues of Godly leadership and righteousness. My belief is that our Founding Fathers understood the link between these two and endeavored to write our charter documents according to these principles. It is also evident from their writings that they believed that the prosperity and longevity of a nation was directly linked to the morality of the nations citizenry.
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity."
George Washington spoke these words as part of his Farewell Address. They show his clear understanding and belief that all men, whether servants of the public or not should understand the importance of religion and morality to the strength of this nation.
Abraham Lincoln -- "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
George Washington -- "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God or the Bible."
Patrick Henry -- "The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."
Andrew Jackson -- "That book, sir, is the rock on what our republic rests."
Sir Isaac Newton -- "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."
Immanuel Kant -- "The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to be little it is a crime against humanity."
Thomas Huxley -- "The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with it."
Theodore Roosevelt -- "If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered a loss which he has better make all possible haste to correct."
Woodrow Wilson -- "When you have read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God, because you will have found the key to your own heart, your own happiness, your own duty."
I include the quotes above only as evidence that through centuries, leaders of our nation as well as others accepted the necessity of the Word of God in the lives of people. Where are those men today?
As I look on the modern political scene there is no question of the greed and corruption that drives our world. "In God We Trust" is belabored at every turn by panic and uncertainty over markets and unemployment numbers. Instability throughout the Middle East and uneasy friendships in Europe and Asia have caused us worry and fear over the future. How can we claim God as our refuge yet worry about our 401k's?
June 6, 1944, Franklin Roosevelt led our nation in prayer. Heard across the nation on public radio, our President demonstrated his understanding of the "separation of Church and State." He knew it did not apply to the simple admission of God's existence and his almighty power over the affairs of men. When did his example become a "moment of silence"? How can we have a nation that cries out to God via a moment of silence?
I suppose this is a true blog post. Thoughts, sometimes rambling but all related regarding what we may never see again. Our politicians are expected to lie to us. We expect them to speak of their private faith. We expect them to keep it private enough that it's not even visible in their public policy. Contrast that with Proverbs 14 and with the example set by our Founding Fathers.
I'm frequently convicted on these things in my own home. MP's posts on wisdom made good reading and food for thought as well. After all, Godly men are not just needed in our governmental offices, but in our homes as well. Looking after the spiritual training of their families so that the next generation understands what their leaders should look like. Judging from the statistics given to us regarding divorce, marital infidelity, unwed mothers, juvenile delinquency, perhaps it's no surprise that there are few Godly leaders in public office. There don't seem to be many in our homes either.
May we pray that God raises up leaders who know Him and His Word. May we then look in the mirror and realize He's called us.
Reformation Day 2008
"Out of love and concern for the truth, and with the object of eliciting it..."
Opening words of the 95 Thesis
Martin Luther, 15 October 1517
With these words, which were actually written in Latin not German, the event commonly know as the Reformation was set in motion. The document itself is aimed primarily at exposing the practice of the sale of Indulgences to the light of what the New Testament teaches about the forgiveness of sin solely by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. A clear case is made that God, and not the Pope, is the only one who can "remit guilt" of sin. And at the time the hammer struck the nails, fixing it to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, I can imagine little notice being taken. This would soon change.
In a nutshell, buying an Indulgence (certified by a slip of paper) was literally buying a lesser (or in some cases, completely erased) punishment for sins. In this case, it was supposedly a special Indulgence being pushed on the faithful, most of which could neither read or write, neither German or Latin. They simply believed what they were told.
Much of the receipts would go to a massive building project, Saint Peter's Cathedral in Rome. But, the points that Luther sought to discuss were aimed at a corrupt and blasphemous practice, not a building. And the result was astounding: the Light of the gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus tore through the darkness of superstition and outright lies of Rome. It ripped the Christian world in two. It birthed the grounds on which martyrs died, wars were fought, kingdoms were lost and gained. It also corresponded the advent of mass printing, and to widespread distribution of the Word of God in Dr. Luther's German and other languages very soon.
So my reflection on this first annual Reformation Day post is simple: "Love and concern for the truth, with the object of eliciting it" is not a one-time call, but a standard the body would do well to keep close to us today. This is not far at all from the admonition we find in 1 Timothy 4:16, "Keep a close watch on yourself and your teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers." There were and are many enemies of God's truth. These enemies lie both within our own wicked hearts and in the enticements of the world which threaten to draw is into sin and error.
If we have any love for the truth of the gospel within us it is the work of the God of the universe. I pray that this day would find us willing to make the stands in our own lives that we must. We have a great Helper and the greatest truth ever revealed to man if we are united to Christ by faith. Lets display love and concern for the truth even if it costs, and it certainly does and will.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
Opening words of the 95 Thesis
Martin Luther, 15 October 1517
With these words, which were actually written in Latin not German, the event commonly know as the Reformation was set in motion. The document itself is aimed primarily at exposing the practice of the sale of Indulgences to the light of what the New Testament teaches about the forgiveness of sin solely by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. A clear case is made that God, and not the Pope, is the only one who can "remit guilt" of sin. And at the time the hammer struck the nails, fixing it to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, I can imagine little notice being taken. This would soon change.
In a nutshell, buying an Indulgence (certified by a slip of paper) was literally buying a lesser (or in some cases, completely erased) punishment for sins. In this case, it was supposedly a special Indulgence being pushed on the faithful, most of which could neither read or write, neither German or Latin. They simply believed what they were told.
Much of the receipts would go to a massive building project, Saint Peter's Cathedral in Rome. But, the points that Luther sought to discuss were aimed at a corrupt and blasphemous practice, not a building. And the result was astounding: the Light of the gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus tore through the darkness of superstition and outright lies of Rome. It ripped the Christian world in two. It birthed the grounds on which martyrs died, wars were fought, kingdoms were lost and gained. It also corresponded the advent of mass printing, and to widespread distribution of the Word of God in Dr. Luther's German and other languages very soon.
So my reflection on this first annual Reformation Day post is simple: "Love and concern for the truth, with the object of eliciting it" is not a one-time call, but a standard the body would do well to keep close to us today. This is not far at all from the admonition we find in 1 Timothy 4:16, "Keep a close watch on yourself and your teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers." There were and are many enemies of God's truth. These enemies lie both within our own wicked hearts and in the enticements of the world which threaten to draw is into sin and error.
If we have any love for the truth of the gospel within us it is the work of the God of the universe. I pray that this day would find us willing to make the stands in our own lives that we must. We have a great Helper and the greatest truth ever revealed to man if we are united to Christ by faith. Lets display love and concern for the truth even if it costs, and it certainly does and will.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
October 28, 2008
Tim Challies
I have added a new blog to our blog roll, Challies Dot Com. It is chock full of book reviews, most of them as good as the books that they are reviewing (if they are good books, anyway)! Someone had mentioned the book Christless Christianity to me and I found a review of it on his site. I am very much looking forward to getting the book but the review was an excellent preview of what I hope to be in the book.
He has reviews of a wide variety of books, to many to mention here. You can often find his reviews on Amazon.com and the comments can be encouraging and wildly critical at times. I was very amused by the comments that he got after writing a scathing review of the popular book, The Shack. You'd just have to hunt it down yourself but it was interesting and somewhat indicitive of the exact things Challies was trying to say about the book!
He has reviews of a wide variety of books, to many to mention here. You can often find his reviews on Amazon.com and the comments can be encouraging and wildly critical at times. I was very amused by the comments that he got after writing a scathing review of the popular book, The Shack. You'd just have to hunt it down yourself but it was interesting and somewhat indicitive of the exact things Challies was trying to say about the book!
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