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Saturday, December 6, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
BOOK REVIEW!!
When I Don’t Desire Christ: How To Fight For Joy! John Piper
(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2004),
Reviewed by Casey Kirkman
The topic, How to Fight For Joy, is, or should be, one of the most pursued blessings in the Christian life. This book is a book about fighting, or more precisely, fighting in a Christian way. This book is not for the fainthearted per say but, in the end, it is the fainthearted whom Piper is trying to encourage. How to Fight For Joy is hard hitting, because at the end of the day this will prove to be the hardest work in our Christian experience - the work of sustaining and pursuing real biblical joy in Christ. Piper tries to engage the readers to ask the question, what is my greatest treasure? John Piper’s book is a marvelous stimulant to all who seek to make Jesus Christ preeminent. We could say it is the same as having Jesus Christ the most breathtakingly precious object of our hope!
The book consists of twelve chapters. Each chapter is designed to promote heartfelt adoration for Christ. This would facilitate a real cordial response to God and generate genuine gospel joy, or in Piper’s words “superior pleasure in God”. John Piper relies heavily upon the verse found in 2 Corinthians 4.
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (vv. 3-4)
The reader’s attention will be drawn throughout the book to this wonderful phrase which is the essence of the gospel message - “The light of the gospel of the glory of Christ”. Piper’s burden is that we may truly begin to recognize, more than we ever have before, what is the light of the gospel, that glorious hope, which is to be seen in the glory of Christ who is the image of God. This is unbelievably important for Piper. He notes that evangelicalism at large is dumfounded when it comes to what it truly means to born again, to have real joy in the Living God of the scriptures.
Piper notes,
“The last two hundred years has seen an almost incredible devaluation of the fight for joy. We have moved a hundred miles from Pilgrim’s Progress where Christian labors and struggles and fights all his life “for the joy that was set before him” (Heb. 12:2) in the Celestial City. Oh, how different is the biblical view of the Christian life than the one prevalent in the Western church. It is an earnest warfare from beginning to end, and the war is to defend and strengthen the fruit-bearing fields of joy in God.” (How to Fight For Joy: p.37)
Overall this book is well written and convicting. The subject matter is not a John Piper anomaly. Throughout the book there is a conspicuous amount of quotes from our forefathers concerning gospel joy and how to fight for joy. Piper quotes’ the well known John Calvin.
“If human happiness, whose perfection it is to be united with God, were hidden from man, he would in fact be bereft of the principal use of his understanding. Thus, also the chief activity of the soul is to aspire thither. Hence the more anyone endeavors to approach to God, the more he proves himself endowed with reason.” (How to Fight For Joy: p.16)
John Piper unashamedly promotes God’s Word. He devotes two chapters on the Word. One is entitled, “The Worth of God’s Word in the Fight For Joy” and another chapter is titled, “How to Yield the Word in the Fight For Joy.” This book is saturated with scripture. All the way through the book Piper wields the word of God from Genesis to Revelation to encourage God’s children to fight for joy. Piper remarks on this solid foundation,
“The fundamental reason that the Word of God is essential to joy in God is that God reveals himself mainly by his Word. And seeing this revelation of God is the foundation of our joy.” (How to Fight For Joy: p. 95)
Dr. Piper has brought before us a great book that will be used by many Christians in their fight for joy until the true joy of all our hearts descends from God’s right hand. At a time when so-called Christian joy is based upon our material wealth and a plethora of worldly ambitions and gratifications, Piper brings us back to face the truth of God’s Word concerning biblical Joy! Piper lays out this definition:
“To be a Christian means: I aim to pursue joy in God so that the infinitely valuable objective reality of the universe, God, will get all the glory possible from my life. “I want to be happy” may be Christian shorthand for “I want to know the One, and the only One, who is in himself all I have ever longed for in all my desires to be happy”. (How to Fight For Joy: p. 29)
I delightfully recommend this book to not only pastors but to every one who has pledged allegiance to the Lord of Glory. The exegetical arguments are waterlogged with a tremendous amount of practical application to apply in every aspect of our joyous walk with the King of Glory.
(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2004),
Reviewed by Casey Kirkman
The topic, How to Fight For Joy, is, or should be, one of the most pursued blessings in the Christian life. This book is a book about fighting, or more precisely, fighting in a Christian way. This book is not for the fainthearted per say but, in the end, it is the fainthearted whom Piper is trying to encourage. How to Fight For Joy is hard hitting, because at the end of the day this will prove to be the hardest work in our Christian experience - the work of sustaining and pursuing real biblical joy in Christ. Piper tries to engage the readers to ask the question, what is my greatest treasure? John Piper’s book is a marvelous stimulant to all who seek to make Jesus Christ preeminent. We could say it is the same as having Jesus Christ the most breathtakingly precious object of our hope!
The book consists of twelve chapters. Each chapter is designed to promote heartfelt adoration for Christ. This would facilitate a real cordial response to God and generate genuine gospel joy, or in Piper’s words “superior pleasure in God”. John Piper relies heavily upon the verse found in 2 Corinthians 4.
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (vv. 3-4)
The reader’s attention will be drawn throughout the book to this wonderful phrase which is the essence of the gospel message - “The light of the gospel of the glory of Christ”. Piper’s burden is that we may truly begin to recognize, more than we ever have before, what is the light of the gospel, that glorious hope, which is to be seen in the glory of Christ who is the image of God. This is unbelievably important for Piper. He notes that evangelicalism at large is dumfounded when it comes to what it truly means to born again, to have real joy in the Living God of the scriptures.
Piper notes,
“The last two hundred years has seen an almost incredible devaluation of the fight for joy. We have moved a hundred miles from Pilgrim’s Progress where Christian labors and struggles and fights all his life “for the joy that was set before him” (Heb. 12:2) in the Celestial City. Oh, how different is the biblical view of the Christian life than the one prevalent in the Western church. It is an earnest warfare from beginning to end, and the war is to defend and strengthen the fruit-bearing fields of joy in God.” (How to Fight For Joy: p.37)
Overall this book is well written and convicting. The subject matter is not a John Piper anomaly. Throughout the book there is a conspicuous amount of quotes from our forefathers concerning gospel joy and how to fight for joy. Piper quotes’ the well known John Calvin.
“If human happiness, whose perfection it is to be united with God, were hidden from man, he would in fact be bereft of the principal use of his understanding. Thus, also the chief activity of the soul is to aspire thither. Hence the more anyone endeavors to approach to God, the more he proves himself endowed with reason.” (How to Fight For Joy: p.16)
John Piper unashamedly promotes God’s Word. He devotes two chapters on the Word. One is entitled, “The Worth of God’s Word in the Fight For Joy” and another chapter is titled, “How to Yield the Word in the Fight For Joy.” This book is saturated with scripture. All the way through the book Piper wields the word of God from Genesis to Revelation to encourage God’s children to fight for joy. Piper remarks on this solid foundation,
“The fundamental reason that the Word of God is essential to joy in God is that God reveals himself mainly by his Word. And seeing this revelation of God is the foundation of our joy.” (How to Fight For Joy: p. 95)
Dr. Piper has brought before us a great book that will be used by many Christians in their fight for joy until the true joy of all our hearts descends from God’s right hand. At a time when so-called Christian joy is based upon our material wealth and a plethora of worldly ambitions and gratifications, Piper brings us back to face the truth of God’s Word concerning biblical Joy! Piper lays out this definition:
“To be a Christian means: I aim to pursue joy in God so that the infinitely valuable objective reality of the universe, God, will get all the glory possible from my life. “I want to be happy” may be Christian shorthand for “I want to know the One, and the only One, who is in himself all I have ever longed for in all my desires to be happy”. (How to Fight For Joy: p. 29)
I delightfully recommend this book to not only pastors but to every one who has pledged allegiance to the Lord of Glory. The exegetical arguments are waterlogged with a tremendous amount of practical application to apply in every aspect of our joyous walk with the King of Glory.
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Response to vote for a Pro-Choice candidate for president!
Dear Pro-Choice voter,
Just wanted to respond to your e-mail to vote, specifically for Barrack Obama. I do not like to argue politics and therefore I will not engage in any policy that any candidate endorses or doesn't endorse (except-right to life). What america needs most of all is the gospel of the lord Jesus Christ. Man by nature seeks to find peace and happiness in what this perishing world has to offer. But there is only one thing that can satisfy and truly fill the heart of unconverted man and that is the life saving gospel of Him (Jesus) who shed His precious blood to reconciled us to God even when where yet still his ardent enemies!!
Moreover, there is one thing that I cannot support (abortion). Anyone who professes to be a real genuine follower of Jesus Christ cannot support, if he or she believes the scriptures to be the inerrant, infallible word of the one True and living God!
John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."
Abortion is the greatest and most horrific thing that takes place upon this earth. And I will not vote for any one who would allow and even promote abortion, that is (image bearers- babies!) to be ripped from there mothers womb and murdered in cold blood! We live in a day when this is called good and sadly because of the darkness and depravity of mans heart this is not even and issue. Hear the word of God upon this reality,
Isaiah 5:20 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
One predominate characteristic of a christian is the reality that a christian is one who lives and breaths the word of God, for it is the only book that is able to make one to understand what the whole of life is about!
2 Timothy 3:15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
God's word is inherently sufficient to meet our every need and specifically any matter of judgment. God's word speaks very cleary upon what God thinks of abortion (murder). Here are a few verses.
Proverbs 24:11-12 11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. 12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?
Proverbs 6:16-17 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
This verse alone is enough to break our hearts when we consider the heinous murder of abortion!
Psalm 139:13-17 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
May Him who is the author of all life be merciful to a generation who calls good evil and evil good. May God be pleased to work in the heart this nation, for we do not deserve His mercy, we whole heartedly deserve His wrath, May God send forth His gospel to save the depraved hearts of these United States and any who would call upon His precious son for the good of there never dying soul.
It will be my earnest prayer that God through the power of the gospel will open your eyes to see what is the real issues this nation faces and it isn't political it's Spiritual!!! For the glory of His Holy name!!!!!
NKJ Psalm 107:8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Made Willing In The Day Of His Power!
Casey Kirkman
Please read this article by John Piper!! Investigating dog life in Minnesota has solidified my decision to vote against those who endorse the right to abortion. So then what is my response to the charge of being a one-issue voter? No endorsement of any single issue qualifies a person to hold public office. Being pro-life does not make a person a good governor, mayor, or president. But there are numerous single issues that disqualify a person from public office. For example, any candidate who endorsed bribery as a form of government efficiency would be disqualified, no matter what his party or platform was. Or a person who endorsed corporate fraud (say under $50 million) would be disqualified no matter what else he endorsed. Or a person who said that no black people could hold office—on that single issue alone he would be unfit for office. Or a person who said that rape is only a misdemeanor—that single issue would end his political career. These examples could go on and on. Everybody knows a single issue that for them would disqualify a candidate for office.
It's the same with marriage. No one quality makes a good wife or husband, but some qualities would make a person unacceptable. For example, back when I was thinking about getting married, not liking cats would not have disqualified a woman as my wife, but not liking people would. Drinking coffee would not, but drinking whiskey would. Kissing dogs wouldn't, but kissing the mailman would. And so on. Being a single-issue fiancé does not mean that only one issue matters. It means that some issues may matter enough to break off the relationship. So it is with politics. You have to decide what those issues are for you. What do you think disqualifies a person from holding public office? I believe that the endorsement of the right to kill unborn children disqualifies a person from any position of public office. It's simply the same as saying that the endorsement of racism, fraud, or bribery would disqualify him—except that child-killing is more serious than those.
When we bought our dog at the Humane Society, I picked up a brochure on the laws of Minnesota concerning animals. Statute 343.2, subdivision 1 says, "No person shall . . . unjustifiably injure, maim, mutilate or kill any animal." Subdivision 7 says, "No person shall willfully instigate or in any way further any act of cruelty to any animal." The penalty: "A person who fails to comply with any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor."
Now this set me to pondering the rights of the unborn. An eight-week-old human fetus has a beating heart, an EKG, brain waves, thumb-sucking, pain sensitivity, finger-grasping, and genetic humanity, but under our present laws is not a human person with rights under the 14th Amendment, which says that "no state shall deprive any person of life . . . without due process of law." Well, I wondered, if the unborn do not qualify as persons, it seems that they could at least qualify as animals, say a dog, or at least a cat. Could we not at least charge abortion clinics with cruelty to animals under Statute 343.2, subdivision 7? Why is it legal to "maim, mutilate and kill" a pain-sensitive unborn human being but not an animal?
These reflections have confirmed my conviction never to vote for a person who endorses such an evil—even if he could balance the budget tomorrow and end all taxation.
* * * This article is from A Godward Life, Book I: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life by John Piper (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 1997), pp. 279-280. Used with permission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© Desiring God
Just wanted to respond to your e-mail to vote, specifically for Barrack Obama. I do not like to argue politics and therefore I will not engage in any policy that any candidate endorses or doesn't endorse (except-right to life). What america needs most of all is the gospel of the lord Jesus Christ. Man by nature seeks to find peace and happiness in what this perishing world has to offer. But there is only one thing that can satisfy and truly fill the heart of unconverted man and that is the life saving gospel of Him (Jesus) who shed His precious blood to reconciled us to God even when where yet still his ardent enemies!!
Moreover, there is one thing that I cannot support (abortion). Anyone who professes to be a real genuine follower of Jesus Christ cannot support, if he or she believes the scriptures to be the inerrant, infallible word of the one True and living God!
John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."
Abortion is the greatest and most horrific thing that takes place upon this earth. And I will not vote for any one who would allow and even promote abortion, that is (image bearers- babies!) to be ripped from there mothers womb and murdered in cold blood! We live in a day when this is called good and sadly because of the darkness and depravity of mans heart this is not even and issue. Hear the word of God upon this reality,
Isaiah 5:20 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
One predominate characteristic of a christian is the reality that a christian is one who lives and breaths the word of God, for it is the only book that is able to make one to understand what the whole of life is about!
2 Timothy 3:15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
God's word is inherently sufficient to meet our every need and specifically any matter of judgment. God's word speaks very cleary upon what God thinks of abortion (murder). Here are a few verses.
Proverbs 24:11-12 11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. 12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?
Proverbs 6:16-17 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
This verse alone is enough to break our hearts when we consider the heinous murder of abortion!
Psalm 139:13-17 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
May Him who is the author of all life be merciful to a generation who calls good evil and evil good. May God be pleased to work in the heart this nation, for we do not deserve His mercy, we whole heartedly deserve His wrath, May God send forth His gospel to save the depraved hearts of these United States and any who would call upon His precious son for the good of there never dying soul.
It will be my earnest prayer that God through the power of the gospel will open your eyes to see what is the real issues this nation faces and it isn't political it's Spiritual!!! For the glory of His Holy name!!!!!
NKJ Psalm 107:8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Made Willing In The Day Of His Power!
Casey Kirkman
Please read this article by John Piper!! Investigating dog life in Minnesota has solidified my decision to vote against those who endorse the right to abortion. So then what is my response to the charge of being a one-issue voter? No endorsement of any single issue qualifies a person to hold public office. Being pro-life does not make a person a good governor, mayor, or president. But there are numerous single issues that disqualify a person from public office. For example, any candidate who endorsed bribery as a form of government efficiency would be disqualified, no matter what his party or platform was. Or a person who endorsed corporate fraud (say under $50 million) would be disqualified no matter what else he endorsed. Or a person who said that no black people could hold office—on that single issue alone he would be unfit for office. Or a person who said that rape is only a misdemeanor—that single issue would end his political career. These examples could go on and on. Everybody knows a single issue that for them would disqualify a candidate for office.
It's the same with marriage. No one quality makes a good wife or husband, but some qualities would make a person unacceptable. For example, back when I was thinking about getting married, not liking cats would not have disqualified a woman as my wife, but not liking people would. Drinking coffee would not, but drinking whiskey would. Kissing dogs wouldn't, but kissing the mailman would. And so on. Being a single-issue fiancé does not mean that only one issue matters. It means that some issues may matter enough to break off the relationship. So it is with politics. You have to decide what those issues are for you. What do you think disqualifies a person from holding public office? I believe that the endorsement of the right to kill unborn children disqualifies a person from any position of public office. It's simply the same as saying that the endorsement of racism, fraud, or bribery would disqualify him—except that child-killing is more serious than those.
When we bought our dog at the Humane Society, I picked up a brochure on the laws of Minnesota concerning animals. Statute 343.2, subdivision 1 says, "No person shall . . . unjustifiably injure, maim, mutilate or kill any animal." Subdivision 7 says, "No person shall willfully instigate or in any way further any act of cruelty to any animal." The penalty: "A person who fails to comply with any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor."
Now this set me to pondering the rights of the unborn. An eight-week-old human fetus has a beating heart, an EKG, brain waves, thumb-sucking, pain sensitivity, finger-grasping, and genetic humanity, but under our present laws is not a human person with rights under the 14th Amendment, which says that "no state shall deprive any person of life . . . without due process of law." Well, I wondered, if the unborn do not qualify as persons, it seems that they could at least qualify as animals, say a dog, or at least a cat. Could we not at least charge abortion clinics with cruelty to animals under Statute 343.2, subdivision 7? Why is it legal to "maim, mutilate and kill" a pain-sensitive unborn human being but not an animal?
These reflections have confirmed my conviction never to vote for a person who endorses such an evil—even if he could balance the budget tomorrow and end all taxation.
* * * This article is from A Godward Life, Book I: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life by John Piper (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 1997), pp. 279-280. Used with permission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© Desiring God
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom!!!!!
Psalm 90:10-12, 10 The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
The man of God (Moses) gives us a daily exercise! September the 16th was placed in my life as one of the scariest moments to date. My son Devin was involved in a Horrible fall at the Wer'e Board skate park! Without giving all the details, I truly though that I had lost my first Born son. I Was unable to do anything (physically) yet, I had the most powerful weapon known to man, PRAYER, And that's what I did! God was merciful, we don't deserve any blessings in this life, yet our Heavenly Fathers mercy extends to the Heavens. Psalm 108:4 4 For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds. This accident was a reminder to me that indeed each second of the DAY we are at the ABSOLUTE MERCY OF GOD!
PAUL WAS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT IN Acts 17:28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being. Each day we live should be in the light of the return of Christ! Moses ask the question in verse 11, "Who knows the power of your anger?" If we die outside of Christ we will embrace the wrath of Him who will consume all sin with a Holy fervor!The apostle Paul felt the weight of this and he pleaded with the people with these words found in 2 Corinthians 5:11 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.
May Our great Triune God work in our hearts to live each day for Christ's glory and holy anticipation of our coming King!!!
The man of God (Moses) gives us a daily exercise! September the 16th was placed in my life as one of the scariest moments to date. My son Devin was involved in a Horrible fall at the Wer'e Board skate park! Without giving all the details, I truly though that I had lost my first Born son. I Was unable to do anything (physically) yet, I had the most powerful weapon known to man, PRAYER, And that's what I did! God was merciful, we don't deserve any blessings in this life, yet our Heavenly Fathers mercy extends to the Heavens. Psalm 108:4 4 For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds. This accident was a reminder to me that indeed each second of the DAY we are at the ABSOLUTE MERCY OF GOD!
PAUL WAS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT IN Acts 17:28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being. Each day we live should be in the light of the return of Christ! Moses ask the question in verse 11, "Who knows the power of your anger?" If we die outside of Christ we will embrace the wrath of Him who will consume all sin with a Holy fervor!The apostle Paul felt the weight of this and he pleaded with the people with these words found in 2 Corinthians 5:11 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.
May Our great Triune God work in our hearts to live each day for Christ's glory and holy anticipation of our coming King!!!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Daddy's Little Girl! "Kaira Jean Kirkman" Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Today at 2:49pm our Heavenly Father blessed us with Kaira jean Kirkman. Here are a few pics!
Daddy's Little Girl!
KAYLA'S WISH HAS BEEN GRANTED! A SISTER!
GRANDMOTHERS ARE HAPPY AS WELL!
AND GRANDDAD'S TOO!
ESPECIALLY MOM!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Red Butt Baboon's
We went to the zoo on Monday. One of our favorite animals to see are the baboons. The dominant male has the ultimate life of luxury! The females comb and pick off any blemishes that he may have in his fur. This seems to be an all day event. I'm so jealous!! Not because he has a big red butt, but he is the ultimate ladies man. I don't think these guys are ever in the dog house:0. Here are a few pics!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
MY HEART OVER FLOWS WITH A GOOD THEME!
Psalm 45:1 My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
This morning my dear wife brought to me a poem written by my precious daughter Kayla. After reading my mind was quickly brought to the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 45:1 My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
What joy filled my heart to have a daughter who could recite such truth concerning Him who is the very essence of all life! The Psalmist heart overflowed with immense joy when his mind was brought to contemplation of the coming Messiah!
How much more should our hearts be overjoyed, our cups filled to the top running over, for to us the contemplation of the Messiah should be more than a theme He is a present reality!!!
Listen to how John responded to such a marvelous theme!
1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life -- 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us -- 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
Here is Kayla’s poem!
I KNOW
I know you had to die for people,
who hated you, I know.
I know you had to choose to die for mockers,
But I also know that you rose from the dead,
and many was amazed.
You said judgment will come any day,
Yes, that is what you said.
You will raise people from the dead,
Yes, the dead shall be raised,
And all who had faith, you will take to your place on high.
Not just any place, My God’s place.
And I will bow before my God of Grace,
For A King who took on death,
For a King who took my place!
This morning my dear wife brought to me a poem written by my precious daughter Kayla. After reading my mind was quickly brought to the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 45:1 My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
What joy filled my heart to have a daughter who could recite such truth concerning Him who is the very essence of all life! The Psalmist heart overflowed with immense joy when his mind was brought to contemplation of the coming Messiah!
How much more should our hearts be overjoyed, our cups filled to the top running over, for to us the contemplation of the Messiah should be more than a theme He is a present reality!!!
Listen to how John responded to such a marvelous theme!
1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life -- 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us -- 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
Here is Kayla’s poem!
I KNOW
I know you had to die for people,
who hated you, I know.
I know you had to choose to die for mockers,
But I also know that you rose from the dead,
and many was amazed.
You said judgment will come any day,
Yes, that is what you said.
You will raise people from the dead,
Yes, the dead shall be raised,
And all who had faith, you will take to your place on high.
Not just any place, My God’s place.
And I will bow before my God of Grace,
For A King who took on death,
For a King who took my place!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A WOMAN PRESIDENT! BIBLICAL OR UNBIBLICAL
It's sad to say but the majority of professed Christians will probably vote without even considering this subject with a Berean spirit! It would seem so archaic in our culture to do so! Regardless of the nominalism that abounds in modern professed Christendom, first and foremost a Christian is a man or women of the book, bottom line, no if and or buts!!
Acts 17:11 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
I will not be your champ or chump on this issue. Pastor Mark Chanski speaks upon this issiue in his new book "Womanly Dominion".
Here is and excerpt from his book.
Womanly Dominion: More than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit by Mark Chanski
Mark Chanski is a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Holland, Michigan, and the professor of hermeneutics for Reformed Baptist Seminary. Below is an excerpt from his soon-to-be published Womanly Dominion: More than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit. The book is due to be available on September 12, by Calvary Press. Chapter 13 is entitled “Womanly Dominion in the Public Square.” The subheadings are: 1. A Woman President? 2. A Woman Warrior? 3. A Woman Athlete? 4. A Woman Worker?
A Woman President?
Right now, it’s January, 2008. The polls indicate that Hillary Clinton is the frontrunner for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Past polls have shown that in a general election, pitted against any Republican candidate, Hillary would win. There’s also been talk on the Republican side of the nominee possibly choosing the present Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, as his running mate, placing a woman a “heartbeat away” from the oval office. Setting aside for the moment specific personalities and liberal vs. conservative ideology, would this be a good thing in general, for a woman to become our President? [Ed. Although Hillary and Condolezza are out of the picture at this point, John McCain has just announced Sarah Palin to be his running mate as VP. So the scenario of a woman president is still within the scope of possibility!]
Important Considerations
1. The Bible views it as a judgment and calamity upon a nation for it to be ruled by women. Isaiah 3:12 reads: “O My people! Their oppressors are children, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths.” Surely here, God views women and children as less than ideal rulers. This probably refers to an inherent constitutional weakness in womanhood (1 Peter 3:7, 1 Timothy 2:14), which generally hinders them in high-pressured leadership challenges.
2. Esther was a wise queen, but she did not rule as a monarch. Persian authority rested with her husband, King Ahasuerus. Her influence on national policy was profound, but as a bold and advising helpmeet behind the scenes (Esther 5:1-4; 7:2-6), not as a political ruler. In her we find a noble pattern for our daughters. If George W. Bush is the most powerful man in the world, his wife Laura may arguably be the second most powerful man in the world (Esther 4:14).
3. Deborah was indeed God’s appointed leader for Israel during the period of the Judges (Judges 4:1-5:31). But this was a morally dark and bleak era for Israel, and Deborah’s rise to power was actually an indictment against shameful male dereliction. (See chapter 4 of this book in explaining Deborah.) The accomplished Puritan Poet, Anne Bradstreet, (whose husband Simon Bradstreet and father Thomas Dudley served as governors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1600’s) understood that in trying times God could use a Deborah. In a poem commending the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Bradstreet penned:
She hath wiped off th’ aspersion of her sex,
That Women wisdom lack to play the rex . . .
Was ever people better ruled than hers?”[i]
4. The Bible looks favorably on the competence of the Queen of Sheba and the legitimacy of her secular rule over her gentile nation (1 Kings 10:1-10). Such national leaders as Elizabeth I in England, Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom, and Golda Meir in Israel are examples of competent women who have admirably led their respective nations. It’s interesting how the latter two were both given the nickname “Iron Lady,” indicating that their mettle was uncharacteristically strong for their gender. Steely firm toughness, an essential trait for effective ruling, is typically more pronounced in men (1 Corinthians 16:13). It’s interesting how David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, called Mrs. Meir “the only man in his cabinet.” [ii]
5. It is difficult to imagine a high-ranking female politician’s being able to conscientiously fulfill her priority obligations as a helpmeet to her husband and a mother to her children. Golda Meir broke off her political responsibilities for four years to stay at home and raise her two children. However, upon returning to public life, her enormous workload contributed to the collapse of her marriage in 1945.[iii]
Summary Opinion
Though I would never vote for a woman as my pastor, I could, under the right circumstances, be persuaded to vote for a woman as my president.
Acts 17:11 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
I will not be your champ or chump on this issue. Pastor Mark Chanski speaks upon this issiue in his new book "Womanly Dominion".
Here is and excerpt from his book.
Womanly Dominion: More than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit by Mark Chanski
Mark Chanski is a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Holland, Michigan, and the professor of hermeneutics for Reformed Baptist Seminary. Below is an excerpt from his soon-to-be published Womanly Dominion: More than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit. The book is due to be available on September 12, by Calvary Press. Chapter 13 is entitled “Womanly Dominion in the Public Square.” The subheadings are: 1. A Woman President? 2. A Woman Warrior? 3. A Woman Athlete? 4. A Woman Worker?
A Woman President?
Right now, it’s January, 2008. The polls indicate that Hillary Clinton is the frontrunner for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Past polls have shown that in a general election, pitted against any Republican candidate, Hillary would win. There’s also been talk on the Republican side of the nominee possibly choosing the present Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, as his running mate, placing a woman a “heartbeat away” from the oval office. Setting aside for the moment specific personalities and liberal vs. conservative ideology, would this be a good thing in general, for a woman to become our President? [Ed. Although Hillary and Condolezza are out of the picture at this point, John McCain has just announced Sarah Palin to be his running mate as VP. So the scenario of a woman president is still within the scope of possibility!]
Important Considerations
1. The Bible views it as a judgment and calamity upon a nation for it to be ruled by women. Isaiah 3:12 reads: “O My people! Their oppressors are children, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths.” Surely here, God views women and children as less than ideal rulers. This probably refers to an inherent constitutional weakness in womanhood (1 Peter 3:7, 1 Timothy 2:14), which generally hinders them in high-pressured leadership challenges.
2. Esther was a wise queen, but she did not rule as a monarch. Persian authority rested with her husband, King Ahasuerus. Her influence on national policy was profound, but as a bold and advising helpmeet behind the scenes (Esther 5:1-4; 7:2-6), not as a political ruler. In her we find a noble pattern for our daughters. If George W. Bush is the most powerful man in the world, his wife Laura may arguably be the second most powerful man in the world (Esther 4:14).
3. Deborah was indeed God’s appointed leader for Israel during the period of the Judges (Judges 4:1-5:31). But this was a morally dark and bleak era for Israel, and Deborah’s rise to power was actually an indictment against shameful male dereliction. (See chapter 4 of this book in explaining Deborah.) The accomplished Puritan Poet, Anne Bradstreet, (whose husband Simon Bradstreet and father Thomas Dudley served as governors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1600’s) understood that in trying times God could use a Deborah. In a poem commending the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Bradstreet penned:
She hath wiped off th’ aspersion of her sex,
That Women wisdom lack to play the rex . . .
Was ever people better ruled than hers?”[i]
4. The Bible looks favorably on the competence of the Queen of Sheba and the legitimacy of her secular rule over her gentile nation (1 Kings 10:1-10). Such national leaders as Elizabeth I in England, Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom, and Golda Meir in Israel are examples of competent women who have admirably led their respective nations. It’s interesting how the latter two were both given the nickname “Iron Lady,” indicating that their mettle was uncharacteristically strong for their gender. Steely firm toughness, an essential trait for effective ruling, is typically more pronounced in men (1 Corinthians 16:13). It’s interesting how David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, called Mrs. Meir “the only man in his cabinet.” [ii]
5. It is difficult to imagine a high-ranking female politician’s being able to conscientiously fulfill her priority obligations as a helpmeet to her husband and a mother to her children. Golda Meir broke off her political responsibilities for four years to stay at home and raise her two children. However, upon returning to public life, her enormous workload contributed to the collapse of her marriage in 1945.[iii]
Summary Opinion
Though I would never vote for a woman as my pastor, I could, under the right circumstances, be persuaded to vote for a woman as my president.
Monday, September 1, 2008
THE WONDER OF REALLY BEING A CHILD OF GOD!
1 John 3:1-2
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
1 JOHN 3:1-2, IS SOME OF THE MOST ENCOURAGING WORDS FOUND IN OUR BELOVED BIBLE. JOHN THE SON OF THUNDER BRINGS BEFORE OUR MIND THE AWESOME THEME THAT IS OURS IN OUR SAVIOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
BEING CALLED A CHILD OF THE ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD IS MORE THAN JUST A LABEL! IT IS WAY MORE THAN SUBJECTIVE TRUTH, IT IS OBJECTIVE REALTY! WE ARE SONS OF GOD AND JOHN IS DETERMINED FOR BELIEVERS TO MIGHTILY GRASP THIS AWE INSPIRING REALITY. BELOVED, WE ARE GOD'S CHILDREN NOW. THIS IS NOT WHAT WE MIGHT BE OR WHAT WE MIGHT BECOME BUT BLESSED BE OUR GOD WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD RIGHT NOW.
WHO ARE THE ONES WHO CAN LAY CLAIM TO THIS MIGHTY TRUTH? THE APOSTLE PAUL EXPALINS, Galatians 3:7-9, 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Knowing God as our Father is the greatest blessing in the world! In the words of one commentator, “My Brothers and Sisters, if we realized the truth of our own adoption into the family of God, we would never leave off marveling at it” This great provision that our Heavenly Father has lavished upon us should shape and frame how we think and how we walk in this present world!
J.I. Packer in his book entitled knowing God speaks upon the subject with great clarity, “If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he or she makes of the thoughts of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thoughts that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all”
AS WE PONDER SUCH LOVE AND MERCY MAY OUR HEARTS SING WITH
GEORGE W.ROBINSON in his beloved hymn,
Loved with everlasting love,.
Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
1 JOHN 3:1-2, IS SOME OF THE MOST ENCOURAGING WORDS FOUND IN OUR BELOVED BIBLE. JOHN THE SON OF THUNDER BRINGS BEFORE OUR MIND THE AWESOME THEME THAT IS OURS IN OUR SAVIOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
BEING CALLED A CHILD OF THE ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD IS MORE THAN JUST A LABEL! IT IS WAY MORE THAN SUBJECTIVE TRUTH, IT IS OBJECTIVE REALTY! WE ARE SONS OF GOD AND JOHN IS DETERMINED FOR BELIEVERS TO MIGHTILY GRASP THIS AWE INSPIRING REALITY. BELOVED, WE ARE GOD'S CHILDREN NOW. THIS IS NOT WHAT WE MIGHT BE OR WHAT WE MIGHT BECOME BUT BLESSED BE OUR GOD WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD RIGHT NOW.
WHO ARE THE ONES WHO CAN LAY CLAIM TO THIS MIGHTY TRUTH? THE APOSTLE PAUL EXPALINS, Galatians 3:7-9, 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Knowing God as our Father is the greatest blessing in the world! In the words of one commentator, “My Brothers and Sisters, if we realized the truth of our own adoption into the family of God, we would never leave off marveling at it” This great provision that our Heavenly Father has lavished upon us should shape and frame how we think and how we walk in this present world!
J.I. Packer in his book entitled knowing God speaks upon the subject with great clarity, “If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he or she makes of the thoughts of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thoughts that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all”
AS WE PONDER SUCH LOVE AND MERCY MAY OUR HEARTS SING WITH
GEORGE W.ROBINSON in his beloved hymn,
Loved with everlasting love,.
Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
MY FAVORITE SONG OF ALL TIME!!
This song is taken from the very familiar awesome story of the prodigal son in Luke's gospel.
Luke 15:10 -35 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." 11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. 12 "And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 "Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 "And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." ' 20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. 25 "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 "So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' 28 "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 "So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' 31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.' "
The theme of this song picks up on the greatest act of mercy ever to have taken place. The very God who created this world, who is the great I Am would come down to earth and Literally give his life, so that rotten Hell deserving sinners could have everlasting life! Not only was God found in appearance as a man, the narrative that Luke paints for us is a profound picture of God's love and mercy, that completely boggles the human mind. This is the definition of what true grace is! Not only does God delight in saving sinners but, when one who repents and turns to God trusting solely in the merits of His beloved Son "GOD RUNS TO THEM".
This has to be what the apostle was thinking when he broke out in joy in
Romans 10:12-13, For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." This is the only mentioning of God running in the scriptures and we find Him running to those who are is very enemies.
May portions of the scriptures like these break our hearts, especially from the fleeting pleasures of this world, and work within us a deeper love and longing to be truly known of Him. Wow! what love and mercy!!
Luke 15:10 -35 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." 11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. 12 "And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 "Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 "And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." ' 20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. 25 "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 "So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' 28 "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 "So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' 31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.' "
The theme of this song picks up on the greatest act of mercy ever to have taken place. The very God who created this world, who is the great I Am would come down to earth and Literally give his life, so that rotten Hell deserving sinners could have everlasting life! Not only was God found in appearance as a man, the narrative that Luke paints for us is a profound picture of God's love and mercy, that completely boggles the human mind. This is the definition of what true grace is! Not only does God delight in saving sinners but, when one who repents and turns to God trusting solely in the merits of His beloved Son "GOD RUNS TO THEM".
This has to be what the apostle was thinking when he broke out in joy in
Romans 10:12-13, For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." This is the only mentioning of God running in the scriptures and we find Him running to those who are is very enemies.
May portions of the scriptures like these break our hearts, especially from the fleeting pleasures of this world, and work within us a deeper love and longing to be truly known of Him. Wow! what love and mercy!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
HOMESCHOOL-- PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILDREN OR NOT?
We live in a day when compromise and ignorance abounds! On what foundation do parents make there decisions when it comes to the education of their children? I’m afraid to many of us including myself are sucked into culturally accepting the norm because this is the way it always been.
C.S. LEWIS ONCE OBSERVED- “That God is not so much offended that we want too much as by the fact that we are satisfied with so little. Though He offers us the highest of adventures in our Christian life, we settle for the stale mediocrity of our lukewarm religious routines. The parental counterpart to this idea is that most mothers and fathers actually want too little for their children - they settle for success in this world's terms. But God would have us aim higher, not like an ambitious stage mother pushing her mildly talented children into the spotlight, but like a fine jeweler making the best possible use of each bit of gold, silver, and precious stone he has. My children are priceless treasures, and I want God's highest and best for them”.
Check out this article by Greg Harris, http://www.hofcc.org/content/view/13/30/
C.S. LEWIS ONCE OBSERVED- “That God is not so much offended that we want too much as by the fact that we are satisfied with so little. Though He offers us the highest of adventures in our Christian life, we settle for the stale mediocrity of our lukewarm religious routines. The parental counterpart to this idea is that most mothers and fathers actually want too little for their children - they settle for success in this world's terms. But God would have us aim higher, not like an ambitious stage mother pushing her mildly talented children into the spotlight, but like a fine jeweler making the best possible use of each bit of gold, silver, and precious stone he has. My children are priceless treasures, and I want God's highest and best for them”.
Check out this article by Greg Harris, http://www.hofcc.org/content/view/13/30/
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
May this fire which burned in the heart of Charles Haddon Spurgeon run through modern evangelicalism with unrelenting force!
I do not come into this pulpit hoping that perhaps somebody will of his own free will return to Christ. My hope lies in another quarter. I hope that my Master will lay hold of some of them and say, "You are mine, and you shall be mine. I claim you for myself." My hope arises from the freeness of grace, and not from the freedom of the will. "Charles Haddon Spurgeon"
CHECK OUT THIS SERMON BY MR. SPURGEON! http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0060.htm
CHECK OUT THIS SERMON BY MR. SPURGEON! http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0060.htm
O.T. Exam # 2
Wow! What a great course. What a blessing to be under such solid biblical theology! The Reformed Baptist Seminary is a tremondous blessing to those with familes! Here is the website to RBS. http://www.rbseminary.org/index.php
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