The Making of a Martyr

Migration.

2011-03-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

I'm making the migration over to wordpress. I'll be staying over there this time.

You can find me over at: www.jonwinslow.wordpress.com/

Lenten Joy: Part 3 - Testimony

2011-03-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

This is Part 2 in a 3 Part series on Lent:

Part 1: Monday: What, Why, and How of Lent

Part 2: Tuesday: Resources for this season

Part 3: Wednesday: Reminder & Testimony

Today is Ash Wednesday, Lent begins today. If you haven't got around to considering it, this is the time. Of course you can start late, but why wait? As a final encouragement I asked my brother Nathan, who got me started on Lent to write his Lenten testimony. He graciously agreed to do so.

"Lent is a peculiar prospect to many Protestants. It is quite often derided, without any reverence or consideration, as a slavish bondage to those poor Catholics who think that if they beat themselves that God will hear them. It is equated with crawling for miles on ones stomach to the site of a relic to obtain favor and blessing. I have read, on a church's board outside "We love God enough not to have to give up sugar" and heard quotes such as "Why would you give up food? I don't need to give up good to love God," neither of which give any thought to the fact that there might be reasons to observe Lent besides trying to buy one's salvation from God.

(Nate & his wife Amanda) - Credit Steph Garvey

So why would one observe Lent? (Besides being a Catholic) I don't know, but this is why I observe Lent. One of the most lasting gifts that my time at Hillsdale gave me was a healthy exposure to and friendship with many practicing Catholics. I inquired into their observance of Lent and discovered that they observe Lent as a time to prepare themselves for Easter, to think upon why it is that God had to die and meditate upon their sin. Sounds pretty bad to me so far (and if you are Protestant and feel that I am mocking you, I am.)

We are victors in Christ, but as Paul attests to in Romans, though we long to serve God yet we find this principle at work in us, the good that we want to do we do not, and we do what we do not want to do. This means that there is a nature within us that must be constantly thwarted. We must take time to be introspective and meditate on the sin that so easily entangles us, even though we have already been freed from it's grasp.

I observe Lent to consider my sin, to practice humility and reverence, and to be sombered by the grave state that I my sin leaves me in. I read through all of the Gospel's during Lent to remember the life of our LORD and His death and resurrection.

And I have had the most fruitful meditations during Lent that I have ever had. God has allowed me to perceive the power of the Cross to free me from sin, to wash me and render me a vessel for His service in powerful ways during my observance of Lent.

And then comes Easter. If you haven't spent the 40 days prior to Easter anticipating it's hope, waiting for the glorious proclamation of Christ's victory over the grave, then you have something to look forward to in Lent. The Gospel is good news because it frees us from sin and restores our relationship to Christ, and observing Lent helps to remember, each year, that I am in desperate need of Christ's saving work to remove the boundary that my sin created. Victory over a vanquished foe is most sweet when you have faced your foe and contemplated his affect on your life. We are freed from sin, we are united with Christ, and observing Lent helps me to remember and appreciate that in a powerful way every year. It might be strange, you might be the only person in your family or among your friends observing it, but you will find that it is time and energy well spent.

Lenten Joy: Part 2 Resources

2011-03-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is Part 2 in a 3 Part series on Lent:

Part 1: Monday: What, Why, and How of Lent

Part 2: Tuesday: Resources for this season

Part 3: Wednesday: Reminder & Testimony

Part 2 is a trove of resources on the cross, easter, atonement... This post is sermons and books to listen to and read during this time. During Lent I try to saturate my reading and listening with all those sources which will deepen my knowledge and prepare my heart for the Celebration of Christ's resurrection. So enjoy...

Best Sermon Resources:

C.J. Maheney

Path to the Cross: (C.J. + the Cov Life Team)

1: Betrayed, 2. Gethsemane, 3. Seized, 4. A Denier Restored, A Betrayer Rejected, 5. Silent, Innocent, and Condemned, 6. Crucified, 7. Risen

Mark Driscoll:

Christ on the Cross
Doctrine Week 8 – God Dies
Vintage Jesus – What did Jesus Accomplish on the Cross?
Mars Hill Easter: 2008, 2009, 2010
Day of Atonement
Good Friday 08
Good Friday 09
Pray Like Jesus – Gethsemane

John Piper

What is the Gospel? A 32 Part Sermon Set By Dr. Timothy J. Keller.

Scripture Reference	Title
Luke 24:37-43	A Spirit Hath Not Flesh and Bones
Acts 17:16-34	A World of Idols
Luke 15:11-24	And Kissed Him
Luke 15:11-14	Give Me Mine
Matthew 19:16-25	Greed: The Case of the Rich Young Ruler
Luke 15:11-20	He Came to Himself
Luke 15:1-10	He Welcomes Sinners
Jeremiah 2:1-8; 23-32	How Sin Makes Us Addicts
Galatians 2:17-21	Justified Sinners
Genesis 3:7-24	Nakedness & the Holiness of God
Daniel 4:24-37	Pride: The Case of Nebuchadnezzar
Genesis 50: 12-21	Reconciliation
James 1:9-15	Sin and Temptation
Genesis 4:3-15	Sin as Predator
Numbers 11:4-6,10-20	Sin as Slavery
Jonah 1:4-16	The Church Before the Watching World
Matthew 27:45-56	The Final Hour
Mark 11:1-18	The Final Temple
Isaiah 53:4-11; 54:1-5,11-14	The Gospel
Proverbs 14:29-30; 15:1,18; 16:3	The Healing of Anger
Matthew 5:11-20	The Inside Out Kingdom
Jeremiah 31:10-17; 31-34	The Longing for Home
Luke 15:1-2, 11-32	The Prodigal Sons
Jeremiah 9:21-26	The Sickness unto Death
Genesis 29:15-35	The Struggle for Love
Luke 15:17-32	The True Older Brother
Proverbs 3:9-14; 10:16, 25; 24:1	The Two Great Tests
Luke 6:17-26	The Upside Down Kingdom
Luke 15:21-24	To Be Called Your Son
Matthew 5:9-12	War and Peace
Luke 15:17-32	We Had to Celebrate
	What is The Gospel

Matt Chandler

The Cross: Part 1, The Cross: Part 2, The Cross: Part 3, The Cross: Part 4, The Cross: Part 5, The Cross: Part 6
Good Friday 09
It is Finished

Sermon sources:

The Gospel Coalition has many sermons in their category The Death of Christ
Sermon Audio has a selection on The Crucifixion
Faith by Hearing has a good category on The Cross of Christ

Books on the Cross:

The Cross of Christ - John Stott
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross - Guthrie ed.
Discovering the Power of the Cross - Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Living the Cross Centered Life - C.J. Mahaney
It Is Well: Expositions on Substitutionary Atonement - Mark Dever & Michael Lawrence
Cries From the Cross - Erwin Lutzer
The Cross Centered Life - C.J. Mahaney
Pierced for Our Transgressions - Sach, Jeffery, & Overy
Scandalous: The Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus - D. A. Carson
Atonement - Edited by Fluhrer
In My Place Condemned He Stood: Celebrating the Glory of the Atonement - J.I. Packer & Mark Dever
The Truth of the Cross - R.C. Sproul
The Heart of the Cross - Philip Ryken
Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ - John Piper
Fifty Reasons Jesus Came to Die - John Piper
God is the Gospel - John Piper
The Nature of the Atonement: Four Views - Beilby Ed., Eddy Ed., Schreiner Contributor, Boyd Contributor, Green Contributor, & Reichenbach Contributor.
The Cross and Salvation - Bruce Demarest
The Glory of the Atonement: Biblical, Theological, & Practical Perspectives - Charles Hill & Frank James Editors
Enigma of the Cross - Alister McGrath
The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross - Leon Morris
The Cross in the New Testament - Leon Morris
Windows on the Cross - Tom Smail
The Message of the Cross: Wisdom Unsearchable, Love Indestructible - Derek Tidball
Cross Words: The Biblical Doctrine of Atonement - Paul Wells
The Atoning Death of Christ - Ronald Wallace
The Crucifixion in the Ancient World and the Folly of the Message of the Cross - Martin Hengel
Standing Forth - Roger Nicole
The Death of Christ: Its Place and Interpretation in the New Testament - James Denny
Apostles' Doctrine of Atonement - George Smeaton
Christ's Doctrines of Atonement - George Smeaton
New Testament Concept of Atonement: The Gospel of the Calvary Event - H.D. McDonald
Embraced by the Cross - L.E. Maxwell

Lenten Joy: Resurrecting a Treasured Tradition

2011-03-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a three part series on the Catholic tradition of Lent. Embracing Lent has led me to embrace a deep joy as I draw closer to Christ. It is longing to see others embrace this joy that I call you to join me in my Lenten Joy: Resurrecting a Treasured Tradition.

Part 1: Monday: What, Why, and How of Lent

Part 2: Tuesday: Resources for this season

Part 3: Wednesday: Reminder & Testimony

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40 day fast (excluding Sundays) before Easter beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday. Traditionally Lent is a season of prayer, penitence, fasting, and good works. It officially began in 313 AD at the Council of Nicaea. 40 days because that was the length of time Moses was on the Mountain, or also the time Jesus fasted in the desert before he began his public ministry. Pope Gregory (d. 604), wrote "We abstain from flesh, meat, and from all things that come from flesh, as milk, cheese and eggs." As time has progressed, so has the fasting, and what one abstains from.

Why Lent?

There is nothing Christians need to remember more than the gospel. Easter is the event which is our gospel as Christians. Easter should be bigger than Christmas. We do advent for Christmas, why not Lent for Easter? It’s a way I can follow Christ with even more zeal. Why not spend more time in prayer, fasting, and pursuit of God?

How does one practice Lent?

The way I’ve practiced Lent is to give up sugar for those 40 days and spending time daily in prayer. This prayer focus is on self-examination, meditating on the cross, and praying for grace.

The fruit is I’ve seen my heart be humbled, changed, and prepared for Easter. Lent builds anticipation for Easter to the degree that all that anticipation explodes into excitement on Easter itself as I rejoice in my risen Lord. Lent and Holy Week have made Easter my favorite holiday.

Ideas on how to celebrate of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter:

Choose something to fast. I suggest sugar.
During Lent read all four gospels.
During Holy week, the week before Easter read the gospels crucifixion stories, like you would read Luke 2 before Christmas.
Read a book on the cross.
Listen to at least 1 sermon a week on the cross, the atonement, or the death of Christ.
Open up your house for each weeknight of Holy Week. During that time read a section of Jesus' final hours and Psalms 22. Then just have an extended time of prayer and worship, and pray and more worship. I would encourage the time to be somewhat sober in feel. Low lighting…
Practicing a Passover Sedar.
Find and attend a Maundy Thursday service.
Attend a Good Friday service.
Watch the Passion of Christ.
Host or attend an all-night prayer time.
Get some friends together and sit down and a book of the Bible straight through. (It really is quite fun.)

Count of Monte Cristo Q4

2010-11-29T11:43:00.000-08:00

Again, this is two quotes near each other in the text. In these quotes the Franz rightly judges the Count... (I will note though that the Count at the end of the book has grown beyond this sentiment.)

"Listen," said the count, and deep hatred mounted to his face, as the blood would to the face of any other. "If a man had by unheard-of and excruciating tortures destroyed your father, your mother, your betrothed,—a being who, when torn from you, left a desolation, a wound that never closes, in your breast,—do you think the reparation that society gives you is sufficient when it interposes the knife of the guillotine between the base of the occiput and the trapezal muscles of the murderer, and allows him who has caused us years of moral sufferings to escape with a few moments of physical pain?"

"But," said Franz to the count, "with this theory, which renders you at once judge and executioner of your own cause, it would be difficult to adopt a course that would forever prevent your falling under the power of the law. Hatred is blind, rage carries you away; and he who pours out vengeance runs the risk of tasting a bitter draught."

Count of Monte Cristo Q3

2010-11-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite quotes from the Count of Monte Cristo, it is one of the significant turning points in the book. Edmond, now the Count of Monte Cristo has just repaid Morrel for all his kindness' and is turning to play the other hand. After rewarding the good, he now goes to play fortunes darker side... (Coincidentally, it is also the quote that people like to use against me the most too. But don't judge it too quickly.)

"And now," said the unknown, "farewell kindness, humanity, and gratitude! Farewell to all the feelings that expand the heart! I have been heaven's substitute to recompense the good—now the god of vengeance yields to me his power to punish the wicked!"

Count of Monte Cristo Q2

2010-11-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is two portions from a conversation between (Pierre) Morrel patron of the protagonist, Edmond Dantes, and owner of Morrel and Sons; and his son, Maximilian. In this scene Morrel is about to commit suicide and is having a last conversation with his son and is encouraging him to be steadfast.

"Morrel was about to cast himself on his knees before his son, but Maximilian caught him in his arms, and those two noble hearts were pressed against each other for a moment. "You know it is not my fault," said Morrel. Maximilian smiled. "I know, father, you are the most honorable man I have ever known." "Good, my son. And now there is no more to be said; go and rejoin your mother and sister."

...

"Then do your best to keep our name free from dishonor. Go to work, labor, young man, struggle ardently and courageously; live, yourself, your mother and sister, with the most rigid economy, so that from day to day the property of those whom I leave in your hands may augment and fructify. Reflect how glorious a day it will be, how grand, how solemn, that day of complete restoration, on which you will say in this very office, 'My father died because he could not do what I have this day done; but he died calmly and peaceably, because in dying he knew what I should do.'"

The pictures of honor and familial affection are strong and beautiful. So I thus share them with you.

Count of Monte Cristo Q1

2010-11-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

In this scene is one of the many comments about one of my favorite themes in the Count, the sovereignty of God. If you have read the book, this is an example of foreshadowing.

Caderousse conversing with the Abbe Busoni:

"I can boast with truth of being an honest man; and," continued he significantly, with a hand on his breast and shaking his head, "that is more than every one can say nowadays." "So much the better for you, if what you assert be true," said the abbe; "for I am firmly persuaded that, sooner or later, the good will be rewarded, and the wicked punished."

The Count of Monte Cristo

2010-11-16T14:26:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask me what my favorite book is at any given time you would get a different answer.

But always among the top options I would not fail to mention my favorite classic, the Count of Monte Cristo. It's 1300 pages have failed to daunt me as I have read it three different times. This last time I read most all of it on a Kindle. The Kindle has the ability to highlight.

I will now take those highlighted quotes (or a selection from them) and share them with you. I may take a moment to share why I love the quote or the book from here or there. I still have quite entertaining debates in my head about the message of the book.

I hope you enjoy.

Why I Blog.

2010-10-19T19:30:00.001-07:00

I blog because God gave me a mouth.

God is a missionary God, we are meant to show and tell of his glory. (For we neither could nor would never tell of him rightly if we did not show his glory.)

God gave us mouths to praise and show him as glorious. Thus, I blog. For this is one of my outlets to speak of his glory. Thus, in a small way this is fulfilling an element of the misseo dei.

Both for me, as I write and edify myself, and, hopefully, you, as well, as I seek to point to Christ.

2010-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Proud people cannot love others. Because they are too busy loving themselves.

Paul on loveless ministry.

If I speak with the tongues of an angel, but have not love, I am a clanging cymbal.

If I have prophetic powers, and understand everything and if I have perfect faith, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give away all I have, and surrender my body to be a martyr, but have not love, I gain nothing.

i don't know about you, but this hurts.

because it points at my heart.

2010-09-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Pakistani's are still in desperate need of aid (read Gospel)...

(Or the true cry of my heart - Lord would you rend the Heavens and return?)

Photo Credit (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)

Joy

2010-08-31T01:53:00.001-07:00

Joy diminished is joy demolished.

Meaning when you take joy out of its God honoring protection you lose joy.

You exchange the joy for sin's twisted trinkets of pleasure.

My Advice to this Generation

2010-08-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

Dear youth:

Wherever you are, be all there.

Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.

-- Jim Elliot

Introversion

2010-08-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished Adam McHugh's Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture. This book was balm to my soul. It helped me understand and value (my own) introversion. See how intro and extroversion impact culture, and the church. The strengths, weaknesses, and responses to the healthy and dangerous tendencies of introversion. If I had to pick the best advice he gave would be, introverts must rest to gather strength, but they also must recognize that their salvation still comes from without. Introverts need community.

This is just a shout out, and a recommendation to fellow introverts to find the book and give it a try.

Submission

2010-08-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

Submission is an act of lowing oneself. (Down to the level of those you're serving. So how could one mistake submission as a role of lesser value? - Example: An adult who plays with a kid is submitting himself to the level of intelligence of the kid. This not a weakening of the adult, but an act of strength and versatility.)

2010-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

...he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." (John 11:43)

The man who had died came out... (John 11:44)

When God who speaks, life appears.

God saves us by speaking life into us so that we will:

Recognize that we are dependent on God for grace. (Eph. 2:8)
Not boast in our ability. (Eph. 2:9)
Serve God in obedience. (Eph. 2:10)
All with the ultimate goal of unity with God. (by being a holy temple, a place for the Holy Spirit to dwell - Eph. 2:15-22)

2010-08-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

:this breaks my heart:

(AP Photo Credit)

Nearly three million Muslims attended to pray at the Grand Mosque in Macca and the Prophet Mosque in Medina.

2010-08-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Why did you tell me that?

Because you needed to hear it.

Refrain

2010-08-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

A common refrain around the school is "where did summer go?"

Parents say the same thing at weddings. Grandparents say it reflecting on 70 years.

In Heaven I know I'll say it mixed with sorrow and joy.

I resolve to die devoid regrets in light of Jesus Christ.

Trust Part Two

2010-08-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Trust is a choice.

a choice linked to love

a choice linked to goodwill

trust is grounded in faith.

an upward faith that is then extended horizontally

Trust

2010-08-14T21:01:00.001-07:00

Trust A: Hope, "I trust you'll get me through."

Trust B: Belief, "I trust you'll get me through, because I've seen you do it before."

Trust C: Reliance, "God help me."

THUNDER STORM

2010-08-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Three observations from tonight.

(As a preface, I'm in a happy mood, so enjoy...)

1. Todays 3 (that's right 3 amigo) Thunderstorms were awesome. Or should I say "that was totally wicked!" In fact the finale tonight was my favortist thunderstorm ever. Hands down. The lightning was amazing it was if God was a little kid in the sky switching the lights on and off with a speed that I couldn't match.

2. Oregonians may not know how to drive in snow, but hey it's slick. And it is actually hard to drive on. BUT. Minnesotan's don't know how to drive in rain. They slow down to 5 miles an hour and crawl around in their little cars, and they slow down while driving into puddles that may swallow their cars. It's simple people, it's water, of the non-frozen variety. Drive. It's okay. Don't drive into ponds, go around them, and if you are going to try to get through it, go fast, give yourself a chance. You guys can handle snow and tornado's but a rainstorm and ya'll freeze? I don't get it. At least snow can make you spin in circles. (On the other hand, it was fun flying past all you slow pokes, so I'm not really that mad, you made me feel like a racer at 30 mph.)

3. I got home, and promptly went dancing, sitting, lying, walking through rain, puddles, currents. and Yes. I was singing and laughing. Loudly. Unabashedly.

.rest.

2010-08-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

I respond to life's struggles with action.

I just hope my first action may become to submitting to God in prayer.

BP Oil Disaster + Corporate Sins

2010-07-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

John Dyer wrote a post on his blog Don't Eat the Fruit entitled Corporate Sin: We Wanted BP To Cut Corners. Read the post it's a good one, but be sure to also read Justin Taylor, and John Dyer's interchange in the comments. Then ponder, and if brave enough comment. They're both onto something, and Dyer touches on an issue that is much much larger. (I had to read the comments twice to really get them.)

My reaction to Comrade Duch's Early Release

2010-07-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

Comrade Duch just had his sentenced reduced today according to this article. I am saddened by this news, by conservative reports he was responsible for the death of 14,000 Cambodians in torture camps. But my story with him has been interesting.

Years ago I read The Lost Executioner: A Story of the Khmer Rouge by Nic Dunlop; which tells Comrade Duch's story as he searched throughout Cambodia seeking to find him. Visiting Toul Sleng where he was commander had a profound impact on me. I hated Comade Duch for killing 14,000 to 20,000 of the Khmer people; but a shock remained for me. As it turns out Nic Dunlop found Comrade Duch working as a Christian ministering to poor people.

I was shocked because I had grown to hate the man, and now as a Christian brother I had to forgive and love him. Yet, even in this forgiveness I still want Kang Kek Ieu (Comrade Duch's real name) to suffer the just punishment for his evil actions. So when his sentence was shortened part of me rejoiced that a brother of mine may live to see freedom; yet beyond that I agree with the victims, he ought to pay the price from the crimes he committed. So join me in praying for him, the victims and a nation that needs the hope of the gospel to flourish throughout it.

If you'd rather watch a video than read the article then here's this.

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Newsbits

2010-06-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Bin Laden Hunter to be released - Remember this guy? I bet he tries again.

Drug Kingpin Arrested in Jamaca - Hopefully this turns into a win for justice. He's captured, now extradition, trial, and sentencing.

Oil wars. First Obama outlaws future drilling. US Courts strike that down. Now Obama is appealing. Shocking, just let it die already, it's bad economics and policy.

The End of Men - The world is moving into an age where women should be the dominant force, so this article argues well. Thought provoking, my response, men step up to the plate. Here's Mohler's response.

Osborne's Anti-Keynesian Budget - If that makes no sense, than start with this introduction to basic economic theory. "Fear the Boom & Bust"

Persecution in Uzbekistan - Just another reminder to not forget my brothers and sisters everywhere.

New Post:

Giving Up Things you Cling To - J. C. Ryle is timeless, and this quote is poignant.

Newsbits

2010-06-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Kindle Prices Dropping - WOOT! Maybe someday... I really do hope. It's the toy I want the mostest. You macites can have your iphone 4 lust. I am awaiting the day when I can justify the Kindle.

Real Men Do Cry - Jesus cried (if you don't want to read the whole thing, that's the punch line.)

Boyscouts Help Orphans - I could have done that. Wait, I still can. Hey, Small group...

Muslim's Using FB to target Christians - Smart, sad, and painful. Brothers you will be free one day.

Apple Product Do have Glitches - Kinda a no brainer since they have Genius Bars everywhere - but there's still this sense/marketing pitch that Apples just work.... Well, most of the time.

Old Post:

Seeing Beyond the Horizon - Doug Nichols shares a short story about how a translator came across the word for hope.

New Post:

Happy 1st Father's Day - This is the type of post I hope to warrant by being this type of dad. This picture is what I want to live.

I ended up getting 5 audio books: Radical, Doctrine (Driscoll), Peacemaker, Humility, and The Praying Life. Excited to start each of them. I'm finishing Forgotten God first though...

Newsbits

2010-06-15T14:06:00.001-07:00

Colorado Man arrested on Quest to Kill Bin Laden - Oooookay. This guys been hunting him for 8 years armed with a sword, Bible, gun, and night vision equipment.

Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) - If you read nothing else this month. Read this report. Be educated. Be active. If not those, at least be informed. Ignorance is no excuse.

Anti-Trafficking Measures 'not fitting for purpose' - This is what happens when people care about having a pretty city, about appearances more than justice and rectitude. Here's another vote for integrity.

Jesus - This clip looks at people who claim to be Jesus. Tragic.

The Church is Family. - Mark Driscoll explains what that is about in this clip. (HT: Adrian Warnock)

Old Post: 13 Ways to Help Missionaries without using postage - A good list

New Post: 4 Years of... - I like seeing happily married couples. It seems as if everybody in the world is telling me marriage is going to be hard. I enjoyed this happy picture. I know there needs to be balance, but this rant belongs to its own post.

Audio Book: Christian Audio - is having their twice annual sale right now. This one is the $7.49 sale price. Over 3,000 audio books reduced to $7.49. Titles I'm consider at the moment:

A Praying Life - Paul Miller

Humility - CJ

Doctrine - Driscoll & Breshears

Divine Conspiracy - Dallas Willard

Newsbits

2010-06-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

How Obama Came to Plan for 'Surge' for Afghanistan - I actually liked this article and the strategy behind it all. I don't want another Vietnam, fight the war to win, get out. Good strategy in my book. doesn't mean it'll work or be easy, but it's better than perpetual fighting and occupation. Or so I say.

Free Wifi at ALL Starbucks - WOOT (Live July 1) Smart business, give us what we want. I now may study there more.

66% of People mad at Media - I'm not mad, I don't watch tv, (okay except Lie to Me) or read newspapers, or consume much typical "media." I don't blame them for bias, I blame the people for watching the bias. David Knopp has a good post on this article. (HT: Knopp)

U.S. Identifies vast Mineral Riches in Afghanistan - Hmm... New job. Miner. Gotta go stake my claim. Hope they use it to resurrect their economy and not fund Jihad.

Long Road to Adulthood Is Growing Even Longer - Myth of Adultessence anyone? Kidults? Short end - stop enjoying the freedom of the teens and grow up. Take responsibility and grow up. (HT: Chediak)

Hawking Says Science will Win over God - He's got it all wrong.

Good Posts:

Old: Paul Trip - Wanting what's right when you've been wronged.

Newer: Lauren Reavely - Would You die for Christ? (Piper quote - short)

Audio Rec: Holy War - By John Bunyan - Good book, challenged me to think. Hopefully others too.

Soul Care Principles

2010-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

by Tom Eckblad

1. Come alongside the person

Transparency: determine the appropriate level
Truthfulness: speak truth to each other
Trust: Holy Spirit for insight and powerful words

2. Ask Heart Focused Questions

Ask them to describe where they are right now
Ask them to give you a short story of their life
Ask them to describe 3-5 spiritual markers
Ask them 5 open-ended "soulcare" questions (I have these elsewhere)
Allow them to "talk in paradox"
Allow them to "groan"
Listen for the "murmurs of the heart"
Invite them to go to the "second floor"

3. Respond with Wisdom

Think through scripture regarding their heart and situation
Center on Christ as the fullness of God's wisdom
Avoid the ten negative ways the heart is handled (Don't respond too quickly, own agenda, quickly console, fix, hurry, prolong, dependence, restless w/silence, too quick to share Biblical principles/verses), Reflect on how being "in Christ" gives a different perspective
Encourage the discouraged
Confront those ruled by sin
Comfort those in grief and sorrow
Explore the options for those at a crossroad

4. Enjoy the person

Enjoy the person even if dealing with difficult issues
Enjoy God together

Newsbits

2010-06-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

Modest (or Meek) Men get Brushed off - I think this article may misinform. It could be modest/meek men don't get attention - but Jesus is described as meek. I'm thinking there may be

more to the reason they get brushed off than just meekness, possibly a lack of a backbone or masculinity. It's in open thought up for debate either way. (HT: Challies)

Mishandling Twenty Somethings - Interesting, (I may have read it b/c I'm a 20 something,) and somewhat true. Though I kinda wish he had offered more suggestions. (HT: Challies)

Sailor Could be Rescued within 12 Hours - Sister of Zach Sunderland who circumnavigated the globe a little while ago, Abby Sunderland had to activate her distress call and get help after 30 waves broke her mast.

Pro Gamers Have Reflexes of Fighter Pilots, Bodies of Chain Smokers - How can you not read an article with a title like that?

How Millennial are you? - Take the quiz. It pegged me well. (HT: Boundless)

3 Moments in my day.

2010-05-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

The first sweet, the second comedic, the third restorative.

1. Sweet - Finding a note in my car that read "I will pass on your kindness" after helping an elder lady out at the bank.

2. Comedic - After work at the library in the Religion section finding "How to Pray for Dummies, and How to Teach the Bible for Dummies." It made me laugh.

3. Playing a game of 21, then horse with a 9 year old boy in a nearby park. It felt amazing to do something other than work, dishes, and homework.

Thank you God for these graces in my day.

3 Institutions

2010-05-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

In his book Family, State and Church - God's Institutions Paul Woolley argues that there are essentially three institutions in God's economy.

He states:

"Other groups in human society are either variations of the members of this basic triad or they are temporary and impermanent groupings. ...There are many impermanent groups such as clubs for social purposes or societies directed to the accomplishment of specified objectives. It is notable that in every legitimate case these groups have in view an activity which might properly have been conducted by or under the auspices of, one of the three basic groups."

Hmm. Interesting. I don't expect every to read that paragraph, but I find it a provocative thought. I start thinking about denominations, agencies... etc.

I'm good.

2010-05-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

If I do it, it's groaning. If you do it, it's grumbling.

True story.

(To the point - I minimize the pain of others to promote myself. Often when others hurt I minimize their pain by: putting things into perspective, brush off, not responding... etc. I do not love you, my brother and sisters, when I do that. I am for not listening or loving. I'm sorry to each and every one of you I've done this to. In line with the meaning of sorry I will strive to show true love by always caring, loving and listening.)

Quotable Ravenhill

2010-05-04T13:24:00.001-07:00

"Are the things you are living for, worth Christ dying for?" - Leonard Ravenhill

oof.

(HT: Nick Jackson)

For You in Trials.

2010-05-01T22:20:00.001-07:00

All of us have been irritated by occurrences that seem to be demonically designed to disturb our peace of mind and upset our program of life. But we must remember that God is sovereign; nothing happens in our lives without this consent. Therefore we should look carefully at annoyances to see if we can discern God’s hand at work--Dennis Kinlaw

HT: Emily Mortvedt

Destroying Idols

2010-04-25T16:58:00.001-07:00

In the Old Testament you would destroy an idol by destroying it (Exodus 23:24; 34:13; Numbers33:52; Deuteronomy 7:5; 7:25-26; 12:1-4; Jdges 2:2; Jer. 50:2) , and maybe killing its priests (1Kings 18:40). A prophet of God would confront the idol and call the people to repentance.

What do I do with an idol of fear of man?

Blazers

2010-04-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

“When he (Oden) left, the Rose Garden crowd gave him a standing ovation,

with some bowing to him with outstretched arms.”

- Jason Quick (Behind the Beat Blog)

Blazer fans worship a team; worship belongs to God. Teenage Christians who passionately support the Blazers might as well be worshipping the devil. When appreciation becomes worship a good things becomes a God thing, and that, is an evil thing.

Instead of worshipping in a church, Blazer fans worship in the Rose Garden. Instead of a Sunday service, Blazer fans worship at every game. I worship with song, the Blazers with chants, dancers and music. Christian’s give tithes to God; fans buy merchandise and game tickets. God gave us the Bible. Blazermania has blogs, sports sections, and ESPN. Fans are like Church members, just as Christians view nominal believers with condescension, true fans disdain fair weather fans. Talking to a stranger about your god is evangelism, whether you call him Brandon Roy or Jesus Christ it’s still evangelism. Heaven for Blazer fans is a championship. The Blazers are a god.

The elevation of a good thing to a God thing is an evil thing. You tell me-do you sing at church with the same enthusiasm as you cheer at games? Which heaven seems more real to you, the eternal one, or a Championship? That last year which have you had more conversations about? Would you rather read ESPN or Ezekiel? Are you more excited to give money to tithe or to buy game tickets? Would you rather go to a playoff game against the L*kers, or Church on a Sunday Morning?

Stop for a second and consider this. Your appreciation of the Blazers is idolatry when you turn to them and rely on them for happiness. I contend that you love or worship what gives you the most pleasure. This can be determined by where your mind turns to when you are tired of doing homework, have time to kill, or are starting a conversation with a friend. Your mind naturally turns to what it finds joy in. Do you find yourself on Blazer fan sites, blogs, at games, conversing about the Blazers, or watching games online? Know this then, you worship the Blazers. They are your god. They became your functional saviors from your hell of unhappiness.

This is what I observe. You stand in the back of church with your drink with other youth. At the break you gather and you start stalking louder, faster, and with passion in your voice your eyes become animated as Blazer rumors, praises, and concerns proceed from your mouth. You do not seem to have as much to say when talking about God. You commit idolatry with the Blazers in the Church of God almighty. By not worshipping God, you are by default worshipping the devil. God gave the prophet Ezekiel a message in a similar situation. Israel had abandoned God, and the temple of YHWH was being used to worship the sun. In Ezekiel 8:12 God asks Ezekiel if he has seen what the elder are doing in the dark. The elders are secretly worshipping idols in their hearts, and this is the great abomination (8:6). For judgment in chapter nine God unleashes His wrath. God appoints one angel to put a mark on those who are godly, evidenced by their crying and groaning over the idolatry of the city; and then six angels to kill everyone else. But chapter 10 holds the worst turn of all. The evil is so strong that God decides to take His glory, the glory of God and leave the temple. Ever since Moses, God has been with man. Now He leaves and not until Christ returns would God again be on earth. God left Israel His chosen people because they had idols in their heart. God does not, and will not tolerate idolatry. I doubt any of you are expecting the Blazers to save you, but moving a good thing to a God thing is an evil thing. Do not provoke God to judge your idolatry.

I would rather the Blazers burn in Hell than for them to lead so many astray. Heed God’s call. Ezekiel is warning you to take seriously the idolatry in your life. The Blazers are a good thing, but in Portland they have become a God thing, and that is an evil thing. In Ezekiel God ordered the angels to kill the elders in the temple first (9:6). This is to remind us that judgment begins in the house of God, in the church. God is a jealous God (Exo. 34:14); He will not give His glory to another. He will not allow followers of Christ to follow idols. Repent before judgment is decreed.

A Day Off.

2010-04-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

As a full time college student and employee I'm busy. But no matter how much homework and pressure builds when I take a day off the world goes on. My grades may drop a little, my responsibilities grow a little larger, but life goes on.

Taking a few hours in the morning, or a day here and there has helped me step back and look at life in a healthier manner. Everything is still there when I get back. Jesus took times of prayer and solitude as well, and he had more responsibilities then I do.

Some of you are the diligent few who will burn yourself out. Follow Jesus example and take a day off sometime. Don't worry, the world will survive without you.

(For the majority lazy among humankind, get to work and earn a day off.)

Spafford like faith

2010-03-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

I doubt Horatio Spafford (author if It Is Well with My Soul) thought "I'm strong enough to loose all my earthly belongings, only son, and my daughters." Personally, I fear losing my family. But with God's immeasurable grace, what couldn't I endure? (That's rhetorical.)

Now the turn: If grace is immeasurable* , and we are 'far to easily satisfied'** have you considered how highly you can place your goals (aka faith)?

(I guess I write this because I've lost sight of my vision, hopes, plans, and dreams in life.)

*(Spafford - in enduring pain)

**(Lewis - in our fight to love God more than sin)

P.S. "Expect great things from God. Attempt great thing for God." - William Carey

P.S.S. "Faith has the genius of transforming the barely possible into actuality." Samuel Zwemer - The Glory of the Impossible

My worldview is wupped.

2010-02-18T07:47:00.001-08:00

At precisely 12 pm one of my coworkers cell phone alarm goes off to reminder her to go and take her day after pill. She explained this to me one day; I was more comfortable not knowing.

I work at a different store now. I speak now realizing my worldview is wupped. I believe many doctrines mentally, but very few practically.

Example: Inerrancy – the belief that the Bible is without error (in the simplest terms.)

Allow me to step back in time to September 09 when I heard Doug Wilson give his talk The Sacred Script in the Theater of God at the Desiring God National Conference. Half way through his talk Doug spoke on inerrancy, and his thoughts are now landing in part.

I give mental assent to Biblical inerrancy, but Wilson called me to believe it with my fingertips. Like when my co-workers alarm goes off. I dearly love my co-workers and if I had spoken out it would have been an anomaly. That is to say it would have been out of place with what they know of me. They would have felt judged by me.

Let’s step back and examine my heart now. My worldview has become so sensitive to those around me it hides in dormant. Theologically I believe the Bible is without error, but I’ve suppressed truth in my heart.

Here are reasons I see for this suppression:

I answer the question who am I, by finding my identity in man.
This means I get my sense of being loved, and purpose from the people and culture around me.
I fear man, thus I suppress my Biblical worldview.

I’m sure there are more steps, and reasons. Do you see any?

Let me unequivocally declare though, that God didn't send me into the world to make a few suggestions, or to tell the world that it's doing things right. He sent me into the world to stand in contrast. Wilson's thought on being a Biblical absolutist deeply challenge me. What good is shaping Biblical view of the world if I allow it to be wupped. I shouldn’t be hiding my Christianity behind thin statements and allusions to my faith.

Never apologize for God, the Bible, or your Biblical worldview.

I want to say this with Wilson: "I prefer to describe myself as a Biblical absolutist... how robust might you say, well crawl over broken glass inerrantists, jet fuel inerrantists, black coffee inerrantists, I believe it all. ...It's all true."

Lent is approaching.

2010-02-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

Easter is still far away, but lent is not. Lent is a Catholic tradition I have fond wonderfully helpful. Lent in a 40 day fast of some element in your life. Last year I fasted sugar. The intention is to focus on praying for grace. I specifically pray that I would see, be humbled by, and be changed by the cross in a new and fresh deeper way each year.

Lent is much like the month leading up to Christmas for me. I start singing more songs on the cross, I read the gospel accounts, I listen to sermons on the cross... etc. Lent and Holy Week have made Easter my favorite holiday.

My brother several years ago encouraged me to consider giving up sugar, it took me a few years, but I've been blessed richly by this tradition; I'd pass along my brothers encouragement to you, consider fasting for this Lenten season. This year (2010) lent begins in three days on Wednesday the 17th of February.

For further ideas about preparing for Easter visit this post: http://foreverchrists.blogspot.com/2009/04/holy-week.html

Strengths of Western Missions

2010-01-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

Over Coffee with Joseph Patrick today, discussion missions and I was reminded of this list from Ryan Griffith's Final Class of Insight "Finishing the Task" from last year.

Current Strengths of the West in Missions

1. English Language – lingua franca of the 21st Century, language of the internet, international commerce

2. Administration and Information Technology – much of world is not quite at the same developmental level

3. Business and Microenterprise

4. Theological Training / Resources / Church-based training

5. Mentoring

Haiti In Pictures

2010-01-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

There are some hard pictures in the link below. I don't believing in sheltering oneself from reality; so I encourage you to view them all. It's good for you, even if it's not pleasant.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/haiti_48_hours_later.html

My Reaction to the tragedy:

I believe God allows tragedies for his glory. They point us back to God. That he would allow a earthquake to draw attention to himself. Normally this would seem like an evil God. Unless God is so much bigger than my imagination. If he is that much bigger - than I need to heed his call to worship him. All people must heed it. God calls through beautiful days like we have right now. And every now and then he allows horrific events as just another way to call people to himself. Thus - I recognize my view of God is too small. And I cry to God to forgive my small view, and seek to see him for who he is.

Does that make sense? And further... can you/do you agree with it?

Christianaudio Annual Sale

2009-11-23T10:12:00.001-08:00

Christianaudio.com has just started their twice yearly sale. (The other is in February.) This sale is the better of the two. Almost every audio book (download format) is on sale for $7.49. I use this sale pretty regularly. I recommend it all to you.

10 Strategies for Good Bible Reading

2009-11-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

This stolen from Howard Hendrick's book Living By the Book. Paraphrased by me to help me remember. Please forgive the fragments, I tried to keep it short.

1. Thoughtfully: Read with eyes that look to answer life altering questions in every passage and verse. Like a journalist would look at a story.

2. Repeatedly: Read the passage again and again, in different versions, audio Bibles… ect.

3. Patiently: Read the passage slowly looking to glean from it, not quickly. But understanding that true learning takes time. So sit down and read. Sit down, read.

4. Selectively: Read asking the right questions, questions like, Who, What, Where, When, Why? Wherefor(So What).

5. Prayerfully: Read with humility and praying to God that He would open your eyes, and that He would be our teacher.

6. Imaginatively: Read imaginatively – read it out loud, have others read it dramatically, work to imagine what it would have been like. Read with your imagination.

7. Meditatively: Read throughout the day, and read with the mind to ponder a text throughout the day.

8. Purposefully: Read with an eye for structure. Read with an eye for genre.

9. Acquisitively: Read with all your senses. Eye, ear, and hand. Make a play, do the scripture, nothing forces you to work with the text more than having to do something.

10. Telescopically: Read the whole passage at a time. Not just a verse or two. This means at least the paragraph.

The Long Silence

2009-11-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

This is a playlet I first read in John Stott's The Cross of Christ, author unknown. You won't regret the time taken to read it.

At the end of time, billions of people were scattered on a great plain before God's throne. Most shrank back from the brilliant light before them. But some groups near the front talked heatedly-- not with cringing shame, but with belligerence. Can God judge us? "How can He know about suffering? " snapped a pert young brunette. She ripped open a sleeve to reveal a tattooed number from a Nazi concentration camp. "We endured terror---beatings---torture---death!" In another group an African American boy lowered his collar. "What about this?" he demanded showing an ugly rope burn. "Lynched--- for no crime but being black". In another crowd, a pregnant school girl with sullen eyes. "why should I suffer? "she murmured, "It wasn't my fault".

Far across the plain there were hundreds of such groups. Each had a complaint against God for the evil and suffering He permitted in His world. How lucky God was to live in heaven where all was sweetness and light, where there was no weeping or fear, no hunger or hatred. What did God know of all that man had been forced to endure in this world? For God lives a pretty sheltered life, they said.

So each of these groups sent forth their leader, chosen because he had suffered the most. A Jew, an African American, a person from Hiroshima, a horribly deformed arthritic, a thalidomide child. In the centre of the plain they consulted with each other. At last they were ready to present their case. It was rather clever.

Before God could be qualified to judge, he must endure what they had endured. Their decision was that God should be sentenced to live on earth-as a man! Let him be born a Jew. Let the legitimacy of his birth be doubted. Give him a work so difficult that even his family will think him out of his mind when he tries to do it. Let him be betrayed by his closest friends. Let him face false charges, be tried by a prejudiced jury and convicted by a cowardly judge.

Let him be tortured.-- At last let him see what it is like to be terribly alone. Then let him die. Let him die so that there can be no doubt that he died. Let there be a great host of witnesses to verify it. As each leader announced his portion of the sentence, there was a long silence. No-one uttered another word. No-one moved. For suddenly all knew that God had already served his sentence.

Missions - Art in the Great Comission

2009-11-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

For those interested, I am continue to explore more mediums in missions. This time, art.

Here's a general article on art in missions. Here. This one overstates itself a little, but most people writing persuasive papers do.

This second article speaks in particular about Thai Dance being used as a medium to reach their culture. Read here.

I do wonder what part art should play in our missiology. Art as an outreach tool, but usually with native Christians. So it's not an initial tool. At what point then do we bring it in? And how much does that change depend on the importance of art in a given culture?

Missions - Using Our Foreigner Status

2009-11-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

I'm always keeping tabs on developments in missions. One method of ministry that has interested me, is using our status as foreigners to reach out to the poor. This is an article on foreigners effectiveness in Cambodia.

Read here.

(I know this will interest only a couple of you, that's fine. Enjoy!)

Free Audio of Desiring God

2009-11-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

In the middle of spending my second year out here at Bethlehem Baptist Church I have come to love Christian hedonism. It's still sinking in, I had never really understood it at all at home. Thus, probably the best way to work it into ones heart and mind is to listen to it from as many angles as possible. The book Desiring God is the most thorough and hallmark introduction to the concept. Many of us have started the book, but have failed to finish it.

Well then in hopes that you'll actually finish the book, truly catch the concept, and live a life transformed by Christian hedonism

Don't Waste Your Life, and When I Don't Desire God are shorter but excellent books that have worked transformation in me. Hunger for God gave me an understand of why one should fast, and it inspired me to fasting. I fast much more now then I ever did before b/c of what God did through this book. And finally, Pleasures of God is not a book I have delved into deeply enough, for men of God whom I greatly respect often list this title as their favorite Piper book. I look forward to encountering its truths hopefully to my transformation later.

(This post previously pointed to a free download... I left the parts talking about Piper's books...)

Sibling Rivarly

2009-10-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

For those interested Doug Wilson here has a fairly short and insightful article on sibling rivalry's and what they do, and how parents should respond to them. I grew up fighting with two older brothers, this had some great insights for me to see myself in. Read and Think.

Sibling Rivalry: By Doug Wilson

My latest study: Affluenza.

2009-10-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

Josh Harris on Self-Control

2009-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

Oof.

Mac vs. PC

2009-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

First - for those reading - the first several comments were made before I drastically edited the post because it was too arrogant and condemning.

PC's against Macs it's an old battle. In 2007 I went to Cambodia on a missions trip when I developed a strong conviction about how I use money, this is how it applies to computers.

Comparison
A Lenovo G530 costs $486 (from buy.com.) A Mac laptop costs $999. This is a $500.00 difference. One could buy two PC's.

Sincere tought:
There are good reasons to buy a Mac. Professional web designers, photographers,graphic designers, audio technicians, or musicians probably should have Mac's as they are the best at that. I know of no Mac owners who have switched back to PC's or were unhappy with their Mac.

That being said, speaking to my younger audience I wonder at times if you need a Mac. I want to ask you if aesthetics and coolness have begun to cloud your vision. This post is to get you to pause and think.

Bottom Line:
Take a moment and examine are the superiorities of a Mac worth $500. Consider praying and asking God if He would have you place that money elsewhere in His service.

Value of Words.

2009-09-07T23:07:00.001-07:00

(O)ur words belong to the Lord. He is the Great Speaker.
The wonder, the significance, the glory of human communication
has its roots in his glory and in his decision to talk with us
and allow us to talk with him and others. God has unlocked the
doors of truth to us, using words as his key. The only reason
we understand anything is that he has spoken. Words belong
to God, but he has lent them to us so that we might know him
and be used by him.
This means that words do not belong to us. Every word we
speak must be up to God’s standard and according to his design.
They should echo the Great Speaker and reflect his
glory. When we lose sight of this, our words lose their only
shelter from difficulty. Talk was created by God for his purpose.
Our words belong to him.

Paul Tripp - War of Words Chapter 1 - pg. 15.

Bible Reading

2009-08-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

I was challenged by Leslie Reavely to read through the Bible in the month of August. This post will show my progress through the month. I may start out well, but we'll see if I can hold on. Each book will be marked out as I finish it. Feel free to check back. I'm cheating in two ways. One of which I'll tell you. I am cheating by listening to the Old Testament (except Psalms and maybe Proverbs) and reading the NT.

Here's the list:

~~Genesis~~
~~Exodus~~
~~Leviticus~~
~~Numbers~~
~~Deuteronomy~~
~~Joshua~~
~~Judges~~
~~Ruth~~
~~1 Samuel~~
~~2 Samuel~~
~~1 Kings~~
~~2 King~~
~~1 Chronicles~~
~~2 Chronicles~~
~~Ezra~~
~~Nehemiah~~
~~Esther~~
~~Job~~
~~Psalms~~
~~Proverbs~~
~~Ecclesiastes~~
~~Song of Solomon~~
~~Isaiah~~
~~Jeremiah~~
~~Lamentations~~
~~Ezekiel~~
~~Daniel~~
~~Hosea~~
~~Joel~~
~~Amos~~
~~Obadiah~~
~~Jonah~~
~~Micah~~
~~Nahum~~
~~Habakkuk~~
~~Zephaniah~~
~~Haggai~~
~~Zechariah~~
~~Malachi~~
~~Matthew~~
~~Mark~~
~~Luke~~
~~John~~
~~Acts~~
~~Romans~~
~~1 Corinthians~~
~~2 Corinthians~~
~~Galatians~~
~~Ephesians~~
~~Philippians~~
~~Colossians~~
~~1 Thessalonians~~
~~2 Thessalonians~~
~~1 Timothy~~
~~2 Timothy~~
~~Titus~~
~~Philemon~~
~~Hebrews~~
~~James~~
~~1 Peter~~
~~2 Peter~~
~~1 John~~
~~2 John~~
~~3 John~~
~~Jude~~
~~Revelation~~

Thank You Ladies.

2009-07-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank the ladies...

As a guy who has been blessed to grow up in such a modest community it is easy to forget the blessing of ladies who fight to be modest. Until I am reminded by the world around me. One weekend hiking along rivers and swimming holes was more than enough to remind me. Much is made of the females responsibility, so that it is easy for me to take as granted. I know it is not easy or cheap or often even fun. You make sacrifices standing up against culture to protect me.

Thank you.

For trying when your tired. For resisting when it's so easy. For trusting God while other girls got more attention. For being a gracious helper to all men around. For submitting to authority figures. Thank you for all the little things I do not even know about.

For showing forth the Gospel over the idol of (worldly) appearences.

I know we as guys don't appreciate it enough. Forgive us - and remember even if we don't recognize it now, your reward is from your true Father who sees all and never forgets.

Finally: Guys - I would encourage you to express your gratitude to your sisters and mother at least. But encouraging the ladies and remembering their efforts is similar to the Bible's penchant for remembering their past. David in the Psalms retells God's faithfulness. The Mosaic law has festivals to remember God's might deeds. Communion, Easter, Christmas... are remembrances of God's mercy to us. So too I encourage you to remember and express your gratitude for the graceful efforts of so many of the ladies around us.

Share the Gospel

2009-07-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

If we Christians don’t continue to share the gospel and push the envelope, the envelope will close in on us. If we maintain a “silent witness,” there will be no witness, and Christianity will die in America.
Ray Thorne — Missionary to the Persecuted Church

(Quick truth - The gospel can only be an overflow of your heart once your heart is full of the gospel.)

Giving Thanks After Dinner

2009-07-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

I like the Message Translation of this verse...

Dueteronomy 8:10: After a meal, satisfied, bless God, your God, for the good land he has given you.

I like the thought thanking God after the meal (as well as before). We can never be overly thankful to God.

Soberity in our Movie Diet

2009-05-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Although it has never been quiet intentional I've always collected serious movies; Hotel Rwanda, S-21 Toul Sleng, Killing Fields, Sophie Scholl: The Final Days among others. Now I've made a habit of mixing sobering movies into my diet. This is why.

Logic #1 on Movie Watching:

Movies effect us subliminally in ways we may not recognize.
Movies are a powerful medium - they at least have the potential to heavily influence us.
A diet of trite movies will make you more trite. Likewise for horror, inspirational, romance, etc.

Consider the admonition to be sober minded:

1Thessalonians 5:6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
2Timothy 4:5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
1Peter 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
1Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Timothy 3:2 - One of the qualifications for being an elder is being sober-minded.

Logic #2 on Movie Watching:

We are to be sober minded.
This should be reflected in our movie diet.
Thus, sober movies should be in our movie watching diet.

Watching movies like anything else is to be for God's glory (1 Cor. 10:31). Like other areas of life (entertaining, romance, drama, action, inspirational, war etc,) movies can give God glory.

Examine your diet. Think.

Gospel Coalition

2009-04-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

I just spent this last week serving as one of the blessed volunteers at the Gospel Coalitions first National Conference. It was amazing. The powerhouse of speakers outstrips anything I've seen anywhere at any conference. It felt like a who's who of my favorite pastors. But - this isn't a reflection post. This is a recommendation post. Or a command post. Look over the audio - download and listen to one or two.

Go here to download.

Tim Keller - John Piper - D.A. Carson - Mark Driscoll - C. J. Mahaney
(and many more... and one of those guys was regulated to a workshop)

Persecution + North Korea = Romans 1

2009-04-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from this article about persecution and conditions in a North Korean prison:

"While she (Kim Tae Jin) was in prison, she said, a fellow inmate known only as Park formed a small “fellowship” of seven Christians. Prison guards eventually caught Park, beat him severely and asked him, “Who told you about the existence of God?”
“Do we have to be told about the existence of the sun to know that it’s there?” Park replied. “We learn its existence by feeling its warmth.”

""For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." Romans 1

The article continues to reflect the passage though:
"Under North Korea’s policy of juche, or self-reliance, citizens may worship only President Kim Jong Il and his late father, former ruler Kim Il Sung."

Picking up where we left off... "So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." (Emphasis mine.)

Do you see the similarities? Park defends his worship of God because He sees the sun. Kim Jong II instead has created the policy where all must worship himself rather than God. He has exchanged the glory of the immortal God and become a fool.

Two notes:
First - Read carefully looking for scripture in the real world. I was just reading the article and Romans 1 jumped off the page.
Second - Pray for our brothers North Korea is the worst persecuted country in the world. The article tells of the 200,000 Christians incarcerated in horrific prisons, and 400,000 Christians nation wide who meet in hiding.

George Herbert -

2009-04-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is a powerful (lengthy) poem by the 17th Century English poet George Herbert. This is “The Sacrifice.” It is from the point of view of Christ on the Cross. (With modern spellings)

The Sacrifice

O all ye, who pass by, whose eyes and mind

To worldly things are sharp, but to me blind;
To me, who took eyes that I might you find:
Was ever grief like mine?

The Princes of my people make a head
Against their Maker: they do wish me dead,
Who cannot wish, except I give them bread:
Was ever grief like mine?

Without me each one, who doth now me brave,
Had to this day been an Egyptian slave.
They use that power against me, which I gave:
Was ever grief like mine?

Mine own Apostle, who the bag did bear,
Though he had all I had, did not forbear
To sell me also, and to put me there:
Was ever grief like mine?

For thirty pence he did my death devise,
Who at three hundred did the ointment prize,
Not half so sweet as my sweet sacrifice:
Was ever grief like mine?

Therefore my soul melts, and my heart's dear treasure
Drops blood (the only beads) my words to measure:
O let this cup pass, if it be thy pleasure:
Was ever grief like mine?

These drops being temper'd with a sinner's tears,
A balsam are for both the Hemispheres,
Curing all wounds, but mine; all, but my fears.
Was ever grief like mine?

Yet my Disciples sleep: I cannot gain
One hour of watching; but their drowsy brain
Comforts not me, and doth my doctrine stain:
Was ever grief like mine?

Arise, arise, they come! Look how they run!
Alas! what haste they make to be undone!
How with their lanterns do they seek the sun!
Was ever grief like mine?

With clubs and staves they seek me, as a thief,
Who am the way of truth, the true relief,
Most true to those who are my greatest grief:
Was ever grief like mine?

Judas, dost thou betray me with a kiss ?
Canst thou find hell about my lips? and miss
Of life, just at the gates of life and bliss ?
Was ever grief like mine?

See, they lay hold on me, not with the hands
Of faith, but fury; yet at their commands
I suffer binding, who have loosed their bands:
Was ever grief like mine?

All my Disciples fly; fear puts a bar
Betwixt my friends and me. They leave the star,
That brought the wise men of the East from far:
Was ever grief like mine?

Then from one ruler to another bound
They lead me: urging, that it was not sound
What I taught: Comments would the text confound.
Was ever grief like mine?

The Priests and Rulers all false witness seek
'Gainst him, who seeks not life, but is the meek
And ready Paschal Lamb of this great week:
Was ever grief like mine?

Then they accuse me of great blasphemy,
That I did thrust into the Deity,
Who never thought that any robbery:
Was ever grief like mine?

Some said, that I the Temple to the floor
In three days razed, and raised as before.
Why, he that built the world can do much more:
Was ever grief like mine?

Then they condemn me all with that same breath,
Which I do give them daily, unto death.
Thus Adam my first breathing rendereth:
Was ever grief like mine?

They bind, and lead me unto Herod: he
Sends me to Pilate. This makes them agree;
But yet their friendship is my enmity.
Was ever grief like mine?

Herod and all his bands do set me light,
Who teach all hands to war, fingers to fight,
And only am the Lord of hosts and might.
Was ever grief like mine?

Herod in judgment sits, while I do stand;
Examines me with a censorious hand:
I him obey, who all things else command:
Was ever grief like mine?

The Jews accuse me with despitefulness;
And vying malice with my gentleness,
Pick quarrels with their only happiness:
Was ever grief like mine?

I answer nothing, but with patience prove
If stony hearts will melt with gentle love.
But who does hawk at eagles with a dove?
Was ever grief like mine?

My silence rather doth augment their cry;
My dove doth back into my bosom fly,
Because the raging waters still are high:
Was ever grief like mine?

Hark how they cry aloud still, Crucify:
It is not fit He live a day, they cry,
Who cannot live less than eternally:
Was ever grief like mine?

Pilate a stranger holdeth off; but they,
Mine own dear people, cry, Away, away,
With noises confused frighting the day:
Was ever grief like mine?

Yet still they shout, and cry, and stop their ears,
Putting my life among their sins and fears,
therefore with my blood on them and theirs:
Was ever grief like mine?

See how spite cankers things. These words aright
Used, and wish'd, are the whole world's light:
But honey is their gall, brightness their night:
Was ever grief like mine?

They choose a murderer, and all agree
In him to do themselves a courtesy;
For it was their own cause who killed me:
Was ever grief like mine?

And a seditious murderer he was:
But I the Prince of Peace; peace that doth pass
All understanding, more than heaven doth glass:
Was ever grief like mine?

He clave the stony rock, when they were dry;
But surely not their hearts, as I well try:
Why, Caesar is their only King, not I:
Was ever grief like mine?

Ah, how they scourge me! yet my tenderness
Doubles each lash: and yet their bitterness
Winds up my grief to a mysteriousness:
Was ever grief like mine?

They buffet me, and box me as they list,
Who grasp the earth and heaven with my fist,
And never yet, whom I would punish, miss'd:
Was ever grief like mine?

Behold, they spit on me in scornful wise;
Who with my spittle gave the blind man eyes,
Leaving his blindness to mine enemies:
Was ever grief like mine?

My face they cover, though it be divine.
As Moses' face was veiled, so is mine,
Lest on their double-dark souls either shine:
Was ever grief like mine?

Servants and abjects flout me; they are witty:
Now prophesy who strikes thee, is their ditty.
So they in me deny themselves all pity:
Was ever grief like mine?

And now I am deliver'd unto death,
Which each one calls for so with utmost breath,
That he before me well-nigh suffereth:
Was ever grief like mine?

Weep not, dear friends, since I for both have wept,
When all my tears were blood, the while you slept:
Your tears for your own fortunes should be kept:
Was ever grief like mine?

The soldiers lead me to the common hall;
There they deride me, they abuse me all:
Yet for twelve heavenly legions I could call:
Was ever grief like mine?

Then with a scarlet robe they me array;
Which shows my blood to be the only way,
And cordial left to repair man's decay:
Was ever grief like mine?

Then on my head a crown of thorns I wear;
For these are all the grapes Sion doth bear,
Though I my vine planted and watered there:
Was ever grief like mine?

So sits the earth's great curse in Adam's fall
Upon my head; so I remove it all
From th' earth unto my brows, and bear the thrall:
Was ever grief like mine?

Then with the reed they gave to me before,
They strike my head, the rock from whence all store
Of heavenly blessings issue evermore:
Was ever grief like mine?

They bow their knees to me, and cry, Hail, King:
Whatever scoffs or scornfulness can bring,
I am the floor, the sink, where they it fling:
Was ever grief like mine?

Yet since man's sceptres are as frail as reeds,
And thorny all their crowns, bloody their weeds;
I, who am Truth, turn into truth their deeds:
Was ever grief like mine?

The soldiers also spit upon that face
Which Angels did desire to have the grace,
And Prophets once to see, but found no place:
Was ever grief like mine?

Thus trimmed, forth they bring me to the rout,
Who Crucify him, cry with one strong shout.
God holds his peace at man, and man cries out:
Was ever grief like mine?

They lead me in once more, and putting then
Mine own clothes on, they lead me out again.
Whom devils fly, thus is he toss'd of men:
Was ever grief like mine?

And now weary of sport, glad to engross
All spite in one, counting my life their loss,
They carry me to my most bitter cross:
Was ever grief like mine?

My cross I bear myself, until I faint:
Then Simon bears it for me by constraint,
The decreed burden of each mortal Saint:
Was ever grief like mine?

O all ye who pass by, behold and see:
Man stole the fruit, but I must climb the tree;
The tree of life to all, but only me:
Was ever grief like mine?

Lo, here I hang, charged with a world of sin,
The greater world o' the two; for that came in
By words, but this by sorrow I must win:
Was ever grief like mine?

Such sorrow, as if sinful man could feel,
Or feel his part, he would not cease to kneel,
Till all were melted, though he were all steel.
Was ever grief like mine?

But, O my God, my God! why leavest thou me,
The Son, in whom thou dost delight to be?
My God, my God—————
Never was grief like mine.

Shame tears my soul, my body many a wound;
Sharp nails pierce this, but sharper that confound;
Reproaches, which are free, while I am bound:
Was ever grief like mine?

Now heal thyself, Physician; now come down.
Alas! I do so, when I left my crown
And Father's smile for you, to feel his frown:
Was ever grief like mine?

In healing not myself, there doth consist
All that salvation, which ye now resist;
Your safety in my sickness doth subsist:
Was ever grief like mine?

Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath,
As he that for some robbery suffereth.
Alas! what have I stolen from you? death:
Was ever grief like mine?

A king my title is, prefix'd on high;
Yet by my subjects I'm condemn'd to die
A servile death in servile company:
Was ever grief like mine?

They gave me vinegar mingled with gall,
But more with malice: yet, when they did call,
With Manna, Angels' food, I fed them all:
Was ever grief like mine?

They part my garments, and by lot dispose
My coat, the type of love, which once cured those
Who sought for help, never malicious foes:
Was ever grief like mine?

Nay, after death their spite shall further go;
For they will pierce my side, I full well know;
That as sin came, so Sacraments might flow:
Was ever grief like mine?

But now I die; now all is finished.
My woe, man's weal: and now I bow my head:
Only let others say, when I am dead,
Never was grief like mine.

(HT: Gene Edward Veith via Vanessa Shuck)

April 17th - A Day to Remember

2009-04-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today is the 34 Year Anniversary of the fall of Phnom Penh to the Khmer Rouge.

As the Passover celebration one eats the bitter herbs to remember the suffering - so it is our duty to remember this sad day in Cambodian, US, and world history.

Quick recap of Khmer Rouge times:

Prior to the Khmer Rough takover Cambodia was ruled by King Sihanouk. Who led Cambodia through a period known as “Sihanouk time” a 17-year period of relative peace. During the Vietnam war King Sihanouk wanting to placate the Vietnamese allowed the Ho-Chi-Minh trail to run through Cambodian soil. The U.S. in response to that decided to run Operation Menu a series of bombing raids on the Ho-Chi-Minh trail within Cambodia. These bombing raids were so severe they reduced Cambodia's argrarian economy to a standstill by destroying 6 of their 7 million hectors of farming land. "the United States dropped far
more ordnance on Cambodia than was previously believed: 2,756,941 tons’ worth, dropped in 230,516 sorties on 113,716 sites. ... To put 2,756,941 tons into perspective, the Allies dropped just over 2 million tons of bombs during all of World War II. Cambodia may be the most heavily bombed country in history." This created much dispute in Cambodia. To make sure that they could continue bombing the U.S. backed coup which placed Lon Nol in power. Lon Nol was an abusive leaders loved by few. The Khmer Rouge grew in popularity and with the help of aid from China in the North Eastern parts of Cambodia. The Democratic Kampuchea (DK), or the Khmer Rouge continued to take over outlying provinces until on April 17th, 1975 the Khmer Rough captured Phnom Penh and thus Cambodia. They would hold this power through 1979, and through 1998 in other parts of the country.

If there is one stark mark of the rule of the KR it is their complete disregard for the value of human life, treating all civilized people as less than nothing. A saying that encapsulated this belief goes, “To leave them alive contributes nothing. By exterminating them, nothing is lost to the Revolution” (Pathay, 171). During the KR reign, Cambodian’s collectively could not believe they had committed any actions worth this much bad karma. The nation’s trust in Buddha was damaged and often broke as he failed to help them in their great suffering. The KR believed they had to purify Cambodia mainly from imperialistic and thus, individualistic tendencies. Thus, all educated and religious leaders were specifically targeted for extermination (Jones). The KR saw their rule as Cambodia’s rebirth and thus declared that history had been reset, that the people were now living in year zero. The population of Cambodia was estimated at somewhere around 7 million before the KR with 2-2.5 million estimated murdered during the genocide, this is approximately as high as 1/3rd of the total population. About 1/3 of the population formed the KR’s ranks; meaning 2/3rds of the population was imprisoned. Around ½ of those imprisoned died, thus after the war the population was approximately one-half murder’s one-half victim. This destroyed the foundation for trust within their society, this created a very lost, distrusting, hurting people. Only 3.6% of the current population are senior citizens, thus the current society is very youth oriented. (CIA factbook – https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/cb.html). The worst of all the brutality is found in Toul Sleng or S-21 the extermination camp of the KR where estimates of at least 16k people were tortured and murdered with a blunt brutality rarely seen in the worlds history. Cambodia has a deep historical history of extreme violence towards its enemies perceived or real (Jones, 185). All the infrastructure that the French had was systematically destroyed by the KR sending it from the most advanced to the most backward in four years. The Khmer Rouge drove cars into the ground, and either ignored all the technologies that ran the nation, or deliberately destroyed them, sewage systems, refrigeration, vehicles, communications etc. In short - Cambodia was destroyed from a human standpoint. Economically, politically, culturally, and religously they were destroyed. They lost all hope. In my eyes one of the darkest pages in history with no happy ending. (The Vietnamese who took over placed ex-Khmer Rouge commanders in power, the UN sponsered an election, and the ex-Khmer Rouge leaders tied two others parties for power. Han Sun, an ex-Khmer Rouge commander had opposing parties leaders isolated and or killed. He is the current Prime Minister of Cambodia. No happy ending - I won't even get started on current problems.

So read and remember. And pray to God.

Pray that:

Such horrors will never happen again
That the gospel will transform Cambodia.
That our eyes would be open to perceive such horrors today.

Books to read on Cambodia:

Killing Fields, Living Fields By: Don Cormack
The Lost Executioner By: Nic Dunlop

Stay Alive My Son By: Yin Pathay

First they Killed My Father By: Loung Ung

When Broken Glass Floats By: Chanrithy Him

(I have read each of those and they are in order of quality.)

To read about one rememberance go here.

Swing Dance

2009-04-17T00:17:00.001-07:00

52mm, f5.6 @ 1/60s ISO 400

18mm, f4.0 @ 1/60s ISO 400

27mm, f5.6 @ 1/60s ISO 400

Dwntwn Mpls at Night...

2009-04-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

48mm, f7.1 @ 4.0 ISO 100

Happy New Year! (Khmer)

2009-04-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Since this is my blog and the Khmer New Year is in full celebration I wanted to wish you all a Happy Khmer New Year!

Gospel Presentations.

2009-04-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

A couple more presentations of the cross as we wrap up this holy week with the greatest celebration of all!

Barabus didn't deserve mercy. Watch the gospel he heard.
(HT: Ashley Rogers)

Mars Hill Churches Presentation on Good Friday a dramatized reading of the Crucifixion. Download here.

Grudem Junkie?

2009-04-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

If you are a Wayne Grudem Junkie - then here's all you could ever want.

Follow this link and you can listen Wayne Grudem teach his way through Systematic Theology with outlines:

Systematic Theology in Audio

Enjoy.

Cup of Christ

2009-04-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

Time for another youtube clip, saved for such a day as this...

The Cup of Christ
C. J. Mahaney on the Cup in the Garden

Download the full sermon here.

O Death Where is Thou Sting

2009-04-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Pastor John has a very encouraging post on the victory begun by Jesus' death this Good Friday...

O Death Where is Thou Sting?

The has just begun and I already want to start dancing...

(HT: Bryan Dewire)

Holy Week

2009-04-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

This is Holy Week. Which is the most important week of the calendar year. Sadly, its uniqueness is often regulated to a special Sunday service. It should be bigger than Christmas. When my brother challenged me to practice lent (a 40 day long fast usually of sugar leading up to Easter) I took him up on it. I challenge you to reconsider how you celebrate Easter. Bellow are some tools to aid you in that end.

Options in celebration of Easter:

Reading all four of the gospels or their crucifixion stories, at least one of them like you would read Luke 2 before Christmas.
Here at Bethlehem Baptist Elder has opened his home and each weeknight where we read a section of Jesus' final hours and Psalms 22. After which is an extended time of prayer and worship, and pray and more worship.
Practicing a passover Sedar.
Find and attend a Maundy Thursday service.
Attend a Good Friday service.
Watch the Passion of Christ.
Host or attend an all-night prayer time.

That list isn't exhaustive just options I've seen or taken advantage of.

Books on the Cross: (My favorites)
The Cross of Christ - John Stott (one of my favorite books)
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
Discovering the Power of the Cross of Christ - Spurgeon

Book Lists from Driscoll:
Books on the Cross
Living in the light of the Cross

Best Sermon Resources:
C. J. Mahaney's Blog posts & Sermons on the Cross (the Cry from the Cross is linked to here.)
The Cup Mp3
The Cry from the Cross is the most amazing sermon on the cross. It is in my Top 5 sermons of all time. Please listen to it, I beg you.

Best Cross Related Sermon Resources:
Desiring God
Mars Hill
Matt Chandler

Generic Sermon sources:
Sermon Audio.com
Gospel Coalition
Faith By Hearing

These lists come too late and totally incomplete add in your recommendations I shall refine the post...

Believe and Think

2009-04-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ask the Christian and the eugenicist about taking care of the poor and you will have two very different ideas as to what is wise and strategic actions should be taken in their care.

Worldviews matter.

(Ideas have consequences)

Believe and think.

Cambodia - Unintended Consequences

2009-04-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

In a post stemming from my learning from Joe Rigney - is a post about unintended consequences. The US sought to bomb the Ho-Chi-Minh trail, the Vietnamese to avoid the bombing moved the trail into Cambodia. The US foolishly decided to run operation menu. In which that bombed Cambodia. Not just bombed but bombed it to the point where Cambodia's 7 million hectors of farming land was reduced to 1 million hectors of farming land. For a nation whose economy is 85% agrarian, this was unberable.

“The campaign climaxed in 1973, a year that saw a quarter of a million tons of bombs dropped on Cambodia in just six months. This was one-and-a-half times as much high explosives as the US had unleashed on Japan during the whole of the Second World War – a country with which it was at least formally at war. In total, between 1969 and 1973, more than half a million tons of munitions descended on rural Cambodia.”

(Jones, Genocide - Pg. 189.)

Proof that these bombing raids were crucial came through this quote I found today:

"Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, testified during his trial on charges that he oversaw the torture and execution of 17,000 victims at the S-21 prison camp that Pol Pot's communist Khmer Rouge movement would have died off in 1970 had not U.S. President Richard Nixon backed right wing military strongman Lon Nol, The Times of London reported."
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/06/Nixon-US-blamed-for-Cambodia-genocide/UPI-27711239037685/

Little did we know. Meddling where we weren't supposed to be, our actions had severe unintended consequences. Severe to the tune of 2.5 million. We didn't murder them, but we did break the camels back almost all by ourselves.

Slow Fade

2009-04-06T09:48:00.001-07:00

A great new clip from Casting Crowns. A blatant warning to all my brothers out there. Sin begins with a small step. Guard your heart closely. Please. Don't go there, please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-8SYA6rfbs

Schindler's List

2009-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is a scene that I connect with quite well. I understand the "I could have done more". May we never stop pushing ourselves. We only have one life to live. Let us make the absolute most of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPHvLtitxug

Reverend Martin Niemoller's Poem

2009-04-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Evil doesn't shrink on it's own. It takes action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qecv-At1fK 0

A Future to Ponder

2009-04-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

It's worth watching just to get you thinking about the future...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpEnFwiqdx8

Economics

2009-04-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Economic Conservatism in the UK. Get ready folks... give us a few years and this will be us if we don't start thinking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94lW6Y4tBXs

Prayer

2009-04-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for the Silva's. Tony was an athletic, tender, loving husband and father from everything I ever saw. Married to Rebbecca father of two little boys.

http://www.kptv.com/news/19106907/detail.html#-

Loving God.

2009-03-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Why did the sun rise this morning?

Answer: If you were about to give me a scientific answer - you're wrong. The sun rose today because God told it to. :)

Reason: As long as I attribute to science what is really God's then I start thanking and worshipping science more than God. I want to worship God thus, I'm beginning the battle to start thanking and loving God for everything.

(Bonus points - research Hiebert's excluded middle and figure how it relates.)

Sex worker demands rights and recognition

2009-02-18T21:14:00.001-08:00

This is not for young readers:

A member of the Sex Workers Union of Toul Kork, Dina Chan, gave this speech to the First National Conference on Gender and Development in Cambodia, held in Phnom Penh Sep 7-9.

I CAME here today as a woman, a Khmer woman. I came here today to tell you my story, in the hope that after you listen to me you can understand my situation and the situation of thousands of Khmer women and other women around the world.

It is very difficult for me to come here and speak to you; but I am doing this because I want you to listen, to me the real person; and I want you to remember me and what I say to you today when you are in your offices talking about policies and strategies that affect me and my sisters.

I want you to remember we are not "problems" we are not animals, we are not viruses, we are not garbage.

We are flesh, skin and bones, we have a heart, and we have feelings, we are a sister to someone, a daughter, a granddaughter. We are people, we are women and we want to be treated with respect, dignity and we want rights like the rest of you enjoy.

I was trafficked, I was raped, beaten, and forced to accept men. I was humiliated and forced to be an object so men, yes men, could take their pleasure, I brought profit to many and brought pleasure to others. And for myself I brought shame, pain and humiliation.

But worst of all I receive demeaning comments from you: you discriminate against me, you give yourselves a job because of me and you are busy thinking about the best way to protect the community from me.

The police come to Toul Kork almost every day. They always have a reason to come, but they come more frequently before festivals like Pchum Ben, because we are an easy target to extract money from.

In a public forum the chief of these police stands up and states "We do not arrest the girls": lies and more lies. They arrest us and take our money, our jewelry, sometimes even our few possessions we have in our room like our bed covers.

If we cannot pay then they detain us for a day or two, they give us no water. When they are convinced we simply have no money to pay they take us to another brothel and sell us to a new maebon (pimp), usually for US$100 for one girl. Then we become indebted once again and have to pay off that debt to the new maebon.

This is trafficking. The police, yes, the police sell us for another cycle of slavery. Do you think it is in their interests to see my occupation decriminalized? Of course not: then they lose their share of the money.

In one day we pay almost 15,000 riel in bribes to the district police, to the municipal authorities and the local authorities. Then another group of police come and arrest us. If we do not run and hide we are re-sold to slavery.

Your solution is to ask these people to protect us. Think again. They live off our blood. Money is too important to everyone, money and more money. It is not enough to eat: people demand more because they want nice things.

I come from a poor family; they sent me to study at a cultural school in Phnom Penh. I was living with a family but I could not contribute to my living, so they helped me find a job in a nearby hotel washing dishes.

This hotel had many sex workers. But I just washed dishes and went to school.

One night a man followed me when I was on my way home and raped me. I was only 17 years of age. You cannot imagine how I felt and what impact this had on me. But after that, I was lured to becoming a sex worker under false promises.

I was sent to Stung Treng; I was beaten when I refused to accept men. Shortly after I was taken to Stung Treng a man came to pay for me to go with him. He paid my maebon.

He took me to the pig slaughter house where he worked and locked me in a dirty smelly cell. Then he came back with six other men. They all, one by one, raped me; one man raped me twice. After a whole night of gang rape I was faint with pain.

When the morning came I heard the workers preparing to start their work. I heard the pigs being pushed into the pens, they were screaming. I knew what that feeling was like: I was no better than the pigs to these men; they could have killed me. Something inside me did die, and I will never be the same.

I am 24 years old and my life has been like this since 1993. I did not know the Khmer Rouge years but I have heard the stories of suffering. People say they were slaves.

Compared to my life for the last five years I think I and my sisters have suffered and are suffering more than you have. I know starvation, I know slavery, I know being forced to work all day. But I also know physical violation and torture every day, I know discrimination and hatred from my country-people, I know not being wanted and accepted from my society, the society that put me in this condition. I know fear, I feel it every day, even now that I dare speak my life is in danger.

This is a crime, but no one is punished. I fought the Khmer Rouge, I was a soldier in Phnom Pddei, fighting to protect you from the Khmer Rouge and risking my life.

I fought for the freedom of the Cambodian people, this is what the commander told us we were to do and I was proud I was fighting for freedom. I fought for your freedom - only to become enslaved and abused by you.

After all these years I now work as a sex worker. I also run a union to unite sex workers to fight for basic rights and for freedom. We bring our voices to forums like this to educate people like you, with the hope you can learn from us. Many of my sisters are scared to join our struggle because they live in constant fear of abuse and threats.

Some of you think that I am bad because I choose to remain a sex worker. My answer to those people is: I think your society, my society, my motherland Cambodia, is bad because it does not give girls like me choices; choices that I see are better for me.

I think it is bad that my country allows men to rape young women like me and my sisters and go unpunished. I think it is bad that my society lets men seek and demand the services of women like me. I think it is criminal that we are enslaved to make money for the powerful.

I think it is bad that my family are so poor and getting poorer because they can not survive as farmers with little resources which are getting smaller because more powerful people move them off their land.

I think it is bad the police treat me and my sisters like we are criminals but those who exploit us and take our dignity, our money and sometimes our lives live in freedom, enjoying their lives with their families. Because why? Because they have a powerful relative, because they have money.

Is this right? Is this justice? My sisters and I we do not create the demand, we are the objects; the demand comes from the men, the men come to us.

We are cheated, deceived, trafficked, humiliated and tortured. Why? Because men want us and we bring money to the powerful. But we are the powerless.

You give us AIDS; when we are no longer profitable you leave us to die, but we do not die in peace: you point your finger and you blame us.

You, the development organizations, give us condoms and teach us all the time about AIDS. We do not want your words, we do not want your judgment, we do not want you to tell us what is better for us. We know about AIDs; we watch our sisters die from the disease.

Ask us if we have the power to demand condom use from our clients. Look at me: you see a woman, but my boss sees dollars. An extra payment to my boss and the client does not wear a condom. If I protest I receive a beating. If I die tomorrow no one cares: there are many other girls who will be tricked and trafficked like me, because we feed many people.

I do not want to go to your shelter and learn to sew so you can get me work in a factory. This is not what I want. If I tell you that you will call me a srei koit (prostitute). But those words are easy for you because you have easy solutions to difficult problems you do not understand, and you do not understand because you do not listen.

My life has become this way now; for me there is no turning back, so let me continue to practice my occupation, but recognize my occupation and give me my rights, so I am protected and I can have power to demand justice.

Phnom Penh Post, Issue 8/19, September 17 - 30, 1999

Clyde Kilby's Resolutions

2009-02-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

These can be found in When I Don't Desire God page 197ff. Something to consider...

1. I shall sometimes look back at the freshness of vision I had in childhood and try, at least for a little while, to be, in the words of Lewis Caroll, the "child of the pure unclowded brow, and dreaming eyes of wonder."

2. At least once every day I shall look steadily up at the sky and remember that I, a consciousness with a conscience, am on a planet traveling in space with wonderfully mysterious things above and about me.

3. Instead of the accustomed idea of a mindless and endless evolutionary change to which we can neither add nor subtract, I shall suppose the universe guided by an Intelligence which, as Aristotle said of Greek drama, requires a beginning, a middle, and an end. I think this will save me from the cynicism expressed by Bertrand Russel before his death, when he said, "There is darkness without, and when I die there will be darkness within. There is no splendor, no vastness anywhere, only triviality for a moment, and then nothing."

4. I shall not fall into the falsehood that this day, or any day, is merely another ambiguous and plodding twenty-four hours, but rather a unique event, filled, if I so wish, with worthy potentialities. I shall not be fool enough to suppose that trouble and pain are wholly evil parentheses in my existence but, just as likely, ladders to be climbed toward moral and spiritual [humanity].

5. I shall not turn my life into a thin straight line which prefers abstractions to reality. I shall know what i am doing when I abstract, which of course I shall often have to do.

6. I shall not demean my own uniqueness by envy of others. I shall stop boring into myself to discover what psychological or social categories I might belong to. Mostly i shall simply forget about myself and do my work.

7. I shall open my eyes and ears. Once every day I shall simply stare at a tree, a flower, a cloud, or a person. I shall not then be concerned at all to ask what they are, but simply be glad that they are. I shall joyfully allow them the mystery of what Lewis calls their "divine, magical, terrifying, and ecstatic" existence.

8. I shall follow Darwin's advice and turn frequently to imaginative things such as good literature and good music, preferably, as Lewis suggests, an old book and timeless music.

9. I shall not allow the devilish onrush of this century to usurp all my energies but will instead, as Charles Williams suggested, "fulfill the moment as the moment." I shall try to live well just now because the only time that exists is now.

10. If for nothing more than the sake of a change of view, I shall assume my ancestry to be from the heavens rather than from the caves.

11. Even if I turn out to be wrong, I shall bet my life on the assumption that this world is not idiotic, neither run by an absentee landlord, but that today, this very day, some stroke is being added to the cosmic canvas that in due course I shall understand with joy as a stroke made by the Architect who calls Himself Alpha and Omega.

Importance of History

2009-01-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Fun little thought experiment:

What is history important.

Why is your view of the future important.

List 3 under each.

(Extra thought credit: Is one more important and why?)

The Danger of Balance

2008-12-10T16:36:00.001-08:00

I don't get strawberry ice cream. I'm not talking about the even weirder flavors of bright physchedlic greens or the multicolored monstrosities that some people actually eat.

No I'm talking about strawberry ice cream, for some reason it just doesn't grab me. It does grab one of my roommates though. Who bought some. I was glad he did. Simply because I don't want everyone to like what I like. What a boring world. He balances my tastes with his tastes. This balance provides variety and creativity, it is an incredible blessing.

I was pondering how this applies to life and doctrine though. My parents generation had issues they cared about, peace, love, drugs, Jesus, tie-die, horrible clothing and music, among other things. In the church my generation wants more of an outreach focus, meeting needs, less formal structure, more community, and more interaction with my community, a return to the cities and so on.

Similar to difference in tastes is the concept of balance. Walking is a perpetual state of unbalance. (The Forward Loo k describes this wonderfully in this post.) You place one foot in front of another to catch yourself from falling.

Where I want to emphasize is this though, in the process of catching yourself and having our own preferences we often over balance ourselves. Don't hold to closely to your reforms. They are probably an overstatement. A needed overstatement to throw the church/society/individuals off balance so that they will catch themselves and change. Understand that social justice is important, but be careful to not dogmatically overstate your case. The errors you're "correcting" probably have it right in more places then you want to admit. Walk in humility and wisdom. Make the gospel your passion not corrections to errors.

In short:

Do overstate to create a state of unbalance to instigate change.
Appreciate differences though and humbly and wisely hold to your reforms.
Evaluate your changes make sure they are Biblically founded and not just personal reactions.

Owen and I

2008-12-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

"Be killing sin or [sin] will be killing you." (Owen)

Kill sin, or sin will kill you. (JW)

Both are true.

Portland's Blazermania - Rip City Lives!

2008-11-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

I love the Blazers. Love to the point that I was watching parts of every game and reading everything I could. As a man of passions this was becoming an obsession.

Portland is Worshipping the Trailblazers.

Not worshipping God.

(as opposed to enjoying the Blazers as men made

in the image of God doing something incredible.)

Consider this quote:

"When he (Oden) left, the Rose Garden crowd gave him a standing ovation, with some bowing to him with outstretched arms."

This is not the first such description of a reaction. There's video of Oden bowing to the crowds, and the crowds dancing, singing, and bowing down to the players. Think in religious terms. The Rose Garden is a temple. The Trailblazers are our objects of worships, ie our gods. We respond to them the way we worship all things. With our wallets (buying tickets, gear, etc), with our time (games, reading, radio, watching), hearts and mouths. It is fan(atical) support/worship of men.

Reflections and Questions to ask:

How are you viewing the Blazers? Who are you worshipping?
What would our church look like if it was this fanatical?
Have you thought of how you can use the Blazers as a way to witness?
Do you weep for the idolatry of our city and yearn that they would worship YHWH? (Isa. 48:11, Isa. 6:1-12, esp. 5)

Source: http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2008/10/blazers_put_on_a_show_in_win_o.html

If you need more instances, I have more.

One Week--One Doctrine

2008-11-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

Consider it a fun little challenge:

Believe one doctrine for one week.

Fine print: Choose one doctrine, for example hell, omnipotence, holiness, your eschatology, if you don't know where to go try an attribute of God. Chose that doctrine, study it and think about the implications of believing it and live consistently with that doctrine. For example if you really believed in Hell and learned in your study that all people are condemned sinners you would share the gospel in every situation with everyone you could. You'd change your schedule to find more time to reach out to people. Go all out. Reserve nothing be radical for a week. Every doctrines teachings are far reaching. Keep learning. One week, one doctrine, study, think and act consistently for one week. Reflect on how it changes in your life. Here's my bet. You will all think it's an interesting idea, but nobody will do it. Not one single person. Including you. I'd also bet you're a little afraid of how differently you'd live. (Maybe that's the point. If we really believed God...) Christian afraid of being what you are? You're still not going to do it.

Gullibility

2008-11-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

Our twentieth century, far from being notable for scientific scepticism, is one of the most credulous eras in all history. It is not that people believe in nothing - which would be bad enough - but that they believe in anything - which is really terrible.

Malcolm Muggeridge

Fourfold History of Human Nature

2008-11-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Before fall

Able to Sin
Able to not sin

Fallen

Not able to not sin
Able to sin

Redeemed

Able to sin
Able to not sin

Glorified

Not able to sin
Able to not sin

Read it, think.

Missions Call...

2008-10-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

I consider myself called to the missions field.

This is not inflammatory language used to incite you to read further in hopes of showing some clever meaning.

As a youth I always read missionary biographies, I mean they are the ones who are even holier than pastors right? They’ve really gone all out for God. As time progressed this faulty legalistic excitement faded, until I went on my first international trip. In 2005 I went to Cambodia and that turned my world upside down. God used that trip to ignite within me an interest in missions. I loved the work done by Warm Blankets in Cambodia so I decided to take another look at them, so last year, 2007, I went again. The first time I left part of my heart there, the second time I left with a conviction. It happened while praying at the Ou Kon Trom orphan home for two orphans. During the prayer, the Holy Spirit simply overwhelmed me with love for these kids, and the larger Cambodia. I hardly know if I’ve ever prayed with more fervor or intensity. I felt that God opened up just for a moment a glimpse of His love for the Khmer people of Cambodia. It was so overwhelming I knew I would do anything for those people. I still hold to that. No demand would be to high.

From then on missions was what I decided to follow, but I wasn’t sure how. In many way saying you’re pursuing missions is like saying you’re going to get a job or live life. How? By encouraging Americans? Fighting for social justice via fighting against slavery? Going to an unreached people? Translating the Bible? Being a business man and supporting missions that way? Taking a business overseas? As the list of options grew so did my anxiety. I had heard about the INSIGHT program at Bethlehem Baptist, and I looked into it. 1 year, not too much commitment. History of the world, I like history. It looked perfect, and after much prayer I really felt God leading me to go. Fast forward, so here I am, at INSIGHT and while fasting over a different issue God gives me an increasing urge to be a missionary by saying, GO. It was too clear, every prayer time it returned louder then before.

This is where things got interesting, I didn’t know how to respond, make plans for when I got out of school to go overseas? In what area? God, I feel, sent multiple advisors who all told me the same thing, don’t worry about the what, obey God, follow your passions and always follow where He leads you. Then 10.12 happened.

I was at church Sunday morning and Pastor John was preaching (http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2008/3308_John_Was_Not_the_Light_But_a_Witness_to_the_Light/) a sermon entitled John Was Not the Light, But a Witness to the Light. It is a two point sermon. The first is what concerns this writing. That is that John was a witness to the light, and Pastor John preached that God has chosen to use men to spread His witness, not that He needs man, but has chosen to use man. Throughout this whole section his words were resonating in my heart. Specifically when he read Romans 10:14-15a which reads, “But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” These words then did, and continue now to break my heart and bring me to tears.

At the end of this section he stopped and said that God had blown him away with the thought of how much God was doing in the world. But also that God wanted Pastor John to pray over those in the service that God was doing a work in. He said that during the service God had been working in certain hearts calling them to be sent. I had and have no doubts that I was one of those he was talking about. So Pastor John prayed and simply declared that this was our calling and sending out.

I hardly knew how to react. The only thought that stood out clearly was that I needed to publically recognize the calling. Thus after the sermon I determined to go up for pray and to before God, and myself to declare my recognition of my calling. This changes ones perspective on life.

Now that I have a calling I have a focus. More than ever it is now a matter of obedience or disobedience. I can choose to waste my time, but that waste feels more evil now then it did before. Movies lose their value. I’m trying to focus on developing skills. Learning appropriate knowledge. My desire for holiness even seems that much sharper. It isn’t easy, and so I plead for prayer. Fighting for the mercy for forgiveness, and the grace to continue fighting almost seems beyond a constant battle. But God’s grace is so beyond sufficient.

I write this for one reason. Obedience, it is my continuing part in recognizing, proclaiming, and acting in obedience to where God is leading me. So in this last section I want to ask for prayer. First for satisfaction in God, peace you could call it. At times I’m fearful of the responsibility that this carries with it; other times I replace with myself and seek just to please myself and show myself worthy and great. If I’m finding my contentment in God, then pride and sin will have a hard time find any place to plant its roots. Second, for faith and diligence in prayer and obedience as I’m seeking what the next step in this plan is. (Sorry no third, I know a very anti-conventional list.) For all who have taken the time to read this far thank you. If you have any response, or desire more details, please email me. Hofccsaint@gmail.com

5 Warnings to society...

2008-09-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

D. A. Carson in a luncheon at Bethlehem Baptist identified 5 areas in the church that are flying under the radar. Areas that are not sufficiently being addressed by the church, and if this remains true will be a danger to the church now and in the future.

5 Areas of Danger

Area 1: Biblical inerrancy. (He said a new wave of criticisms are coming, and the church needs to be ready to defend the Bible again.)

Area 2: The Pornographic nature of society. About how although the church has addressed issues of modesty to some extent the problem is much larger then we are admitting. More is spent yearly on porn, than hard drugs (weed, meth...), alcohol, and cigarettes combined.

Area 3: DINKS - Double Income No Kids, the church needs to address the younger culture's dilemma over fulfillment as they seek wealth and pleasure instead of God's created purpose.

Area 4: No cessation of stimulus. The fact that especially under 30's live with constant stimulation. iPods, radio, cell phones, blackberries, laptops, television... This chokes the Bible study our of these generations. This will soon gravely endanger the church.

Area 5: Race. Although we are somewhat better than our past; there are many areas that we have to grow. Integrated churches, more connection, for if we are dived in peace, what will happen in trial?

The Danger of Laughter

2008-09-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Ever seen this...

(This is an altered chat conversation...)

Setting: Jack has just been pranked, but he doesn't know who did it, and is determined to get revenge. Has his status as "I will get you back, just you wait, you will regret it"

me: "That's kinda arrogant to say"

Jack: "that's not arrogance, it's reality..."

me: "What you said though, "I will get you back, just you wait, you will regret it," it may be playful banter, but it's also kinda arrogant to say."

Jack: "it's not arrogance, I'm going to get revenge, I'm determined"

me: "it's more than that... "I will" is confidence, such confidence, to the point it is boarding on arrogance."

Jack: "it isn't arrogant if I accept correction, and I never said I wasn't accepting the correction. In fact, you're arrogant, because you're not accepting correction right now. :)"

me: "okay, whatever... What correction do I need to accept? (What sin did I commit? Or are you referring to defending my point?)"

Jack: "exactly. I'm proving the error of your argument by accusing you of the same thing; when my accusation was just as untrue. :)"

me: "2 thoughts, first, I am human so sin is intricately woven into every heart, so first and foremost this is true. I am arrogant, and I do need to change. Second, it was also out of concern not arrogance that I noted my first comment, (along with Driscoll like sarcasm)"

Jack: ":D I did notice the sarcasm. ;) and of course, I'm just giving you a hard time :P"

This isn't a perfect example, but daily I find myself laughing off faults. I will do something mean, hurtful, prideful, arrogant, or selfish at least. And when someone notices my fault I simply find a way to laugh it off. I'll even acknowledge it, then make a joke of my sin.

Sin is no joking matter.

Yet, I laugh and move on. Their faults, my faults, doesn't matter same treatment sin is funny. Paul Tripp said in the DG 2008 conference, "instead of saying, “I didn’t mean that”, we should say, “Please forgive me for saying what I meant." What if we treated sins the same way? How often do we laugh off sins, especially with our friends?

What service do you believe youself to be doing to your friend, when you laugh at his sin? Helping? You are helping them serve Satan? Your action is complicit in helping them fight against God. By not confronting them with their sin. Your omission of your responsibility to help them fight sin can be sin. If you know your brother has just sinned, and he just laughs it off, and you knowingly allow him to, you are guilty of watching him hate God and doing nothing to stop him.

Repent.

Stop laughing when you sin, repent right there.

When a friend laughs off his sin, stop him, and offer to pray for him.

Pray for humility to recognize this.

Paul David Tipp Notes...

2008-09-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

I'm about to break blogging rule number 1.... this post is long. It's my total notes on the DG National Conference on Words session given by Paul David Tripp. Try reading at your own risk... I was a little rushed.

Paul David Tripp, September 27, 2008, Power of Words

The very first words were not spoken by human beings, but by God. The first similarity between God and man.

First thing I know about you: You Talk

Words belong to the Lord.
Whenever we take words from God into our own hands we lose our shelter.
Words are belittled as worthless, they are not.
We only make 3 to 4 big decision in life.
People will have a hard time remembering you in a couple generations.
We must allow God to rule our mundane.
Words give life, words bring death, you choose. (Thesis)
You have never spoken a neutral word in your life
Words have a direction, love, unity, direction, hope, or anger, jealousy, derision, racism, hated…
Talk is high and holy. MAY we never look at it as something that doesn’t matter

Second thing, the saddest moments of your life have all included talk

We are made of the corporate collection of the words who are behind us.
May we never underestimate the value of talk.
He’s worked with 50 year old people who cry over words spoken to them decades ago, words have this tragic power. To cut deep.
We so value the first words our kids speak.
When a human being goes silent… the saddest part of life. The end.

Third thing I know about you, and this one in certain, your world of talk is a world of trouble.

“I stand as no expert” I need the moment by moment rescuing grace of my redeemer.
Who would feel comfortable if he publically replayed everything I said over the last month? Didn’t think so.
Takes a perfect man to be willing to do that.
Time struggle… His Cuban wife’s perspective of time, vs. His time perspective (Soul litmus test of a man is punctuality… on time? You can live.)
‘Helping’ wife to learn punctuality. Easter breakfast story, family was late, wife was making them later. Children in car, Paul reminding Luella, that it was a breakfast not a dinner… and so on… then his 9 year old asked “do you really think a Christian man should be talking to his wife? And again asked…. “it doesn’t matter what we thin, what does God think?” And his final question, “what I mean dad is, what does the Bible say?”
Paul was and is amazed at how God could care about that single event in the bathroom, that God would go such an amazing extent to raise up a nine year old boy to redeem his sinful heart. Love of this magnitude tells how amazing God is. How far He will go with His love to redeem us.
Paul, like us, isn’t perfect, but we don’t have to worry because Jesus is so great, and He is our Savior.

Biblical Tour, what is the trouble/difficulty of our talk. Why doe we wish there are words we’d never said? Why do we all have words that we regret?

The Bible isn’t arranged topically. (This irritates some…. Topical with tabs would be great…) The Bible is intentionally God grand annotated story of redemption. If you just run to the passage on communication you would miss the vast amount of information about the world of talk. The nature of sin, life redemption all help us understand the world of talk. Because the whole Bible communicates to us of God’s grace, and who He is, those all influence us and influence our hearts and hence how we talk.

Turn to…

Luk 6:43 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,

Luk 6:44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.

Luk 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

This is a significant and important truth, that challenges our perspective; we live out of our hearts.

We don’t want to admit this.
The Bible divides us into two parts, the outer man, body, shell, earth suit.
The other half, is the inner man, mind emotional, will, spirit, soul, or heart for us.
One of the most well developed themes of the Bible, that part that directs us, where we go.
Our behavior isn’t caused by situations outside of us, but internal reflections on what is going on around us.

Look at Jesus’ example, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Instead of saying, “I didn’t mean that”, we should say, “Please forgive me for saying what I mean.”
“There’s nothing that comes out of the mouth of a drunk that wasn’t there in the first place.” We all think the thoughts that come out of us when we are drunk(/angry?)
We think the thoughts before, alcohol just loosen the lips.

Word problems are heart problems. (I don’t want to believe this! (Personal note.))
You will never plant peach pits, and get apples. (The principle of organic consistency.)
We want to believe our greatest problem is outside of us.
When you are able to convince yourself that your greatest problems are outside of you, you stop seeking grace.
Confess this with full honesty: I am my greatest communication problem. (Again.) The problems are me. They are mine. They are all inside of me.
Going back the tree… (Nailed on apple example.) We must change at the root. Or we will continue to grow bad apples.
Almost every attempt we make to correct our communication problems are simply apple nailing.
We will blame anything but our heart. (Situations, locations, people…) (I’m feeling very convicted about now.)
Only before our redeemer, can we humbly say, ‘I am my greatest communication problem’ At that point we begin a fundamental change.

Preface… turn to…

2Co 5:15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

· This verse opens a door to a universe of explanations of what the problem is. Myself.

· “those who live might no longer live for… themselves. (Our selfish desires are the problem.)

· Sin does something terrible to us, it turns us on ourselves. Shrinks our lives to our personal feelings, needs, and wants.

· “Sin is primarily anti-social, it causes me to love me more then anything else, to care for me more than anything else, to be obsessed by what I want, how I want it, when I want it, why I want it, and where I want it, and who I want to deliver to me. My life is nothing buy I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want.” (Quoted)

· My heart is a vat of want and self entitlement. Why are we irritated when children don’t obey us perfectly? When others don’t give us everything all the time? An agreeing wife.

· I am so full of a self focused agenda that you can’t even serve me.

· Eye problem, wife driving story…. A helicopter isn’t what he needs.. “I can’t leave that alone. (x5) I want (x5)

· I don’t deserve the love or service of anything, but I think I do.

· I live in the claustrophobic confines of my own world. I was not meant to live that way. I was created to live in the big sky country with expansive borders of the glory of the kingdom of God which is beyond imagination. But I not only choose my kingdom, but I want others to serve me in my little kingdom. Just eat it.

· 10:30 at night, kids in bed at 9… story. (“Their dead…” “do you know what my day’s been like…” “I don’t ask for much, just children from earth…” (Children) “this is a man of distinct wisdom…” “I think I’m seeing my heart…” No parenting after 10…

· We are not angry that people have broken the laws of God, we are angry that they have broken our kingdom’s rules.

· This is not the anger of gracious correction, we are angry because they broke the rules of my kingdom.

· How much of my anger has to do with the kingdom of God?

· Words have power, so when you use anger, you destroy them, deeply. You will destroy people for life. Destroy their hope, identity, you can a legacy of darkness, because of the evil of communication that marked that communication.

Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

We have freedom in loving others.
WE must never say selfish condemning communication… is never okay. Period.
We can never use “but they know I love them” as an excuse to destroy another person.
Self indulgent desire drive our hearts, this kills everything around us, it is anti-social, people are no longer see others as people, but either an obstacle or vehicle to get what I want.
If they give me what I want it is not because of love that I speak kindly, but b/c I appreciate their service to my kingdom.
And if they don’t serve me I judge, scorn and condescend upon them because I love me.
Be honest, if Paul David Tripp sat with me and listened to my words over the last month, what kingdom would he conclude that kingdom was spoken to serve?
The kingdom of self? (Entitlement, judgmental, slamming, condemning… and response to an offense to my kingdom. I strike out at you because you have offended my kingdom.
Or the kingdom of God, to serve others fully and from a pure conscious.
The whole law summed up in: loving your neighbor? Would we have written that?
Because if you love God above all else, it is only then that we will abandon loving yourself and love your neighbor.
God must be above all to fix language problem.
We don’t fix communication problems, horizontally, with others. But vertically, with God and our hearts.
God’s kingdom is a kingdom of powerful, boundless, glorious, personal, transforming love. It’s central theme is redeeming love.
You don’t understand anything about the kingdom if you don’t know it’s a kingdom of love.
It is when we are filled with the glory of God’s love, when our hearts are taken up to the kingdom of God in love, when we see that we are loved by God first and foremost; then and only then can we reach out in any form of love. To recognize that I am loved, counters with gratitude against self love. Words of love, peace, encouragement…
1 John… True love is not propelled by duty. It is propelled by gratitude.
Duty is dry. It is dead in and of itself. We love because God first loved us, love is propelled by the love God first poured out on us.
Much of what we call love, is not love. (Marriage example.)
Look at dating, people never show who we are, we are selling ourselves. (Guys will go shopping, girls will watch sports…)
Six months into marriage… “this isn’t who I married.” When it’s actually it’s the other way around, this is who you married, the guy you dated was the fake.
Wasn’t that her fault though because she was shopping around for a guy who acted perfectly. And in actuality she wasn’t in love with the man, but instead the image she thought this man fulfilled as her ‘perfect guy’. This is really loving herself. Not the man at all. Her little kingdom is collapsing. (And of course the guy is doing the same thing.)
This isn’t love. This is self love. A collision is inevitable. When they realize that they really just loved themselves.
Do I love someone else because they fit my thoughts of who I selfishly desire would be perfect for me?

1Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1Jn 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1Jn 4:9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

1Jn 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1Jn 4:12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Live in that passage.
Love isn’t defined by concepts, but by an event, the cross.
To cruciform love. To love as the Lord Jesus Christ.
Willing self sacrifice for the redemptive good of another that does not demand reciprocation or that the person is deserving.
“Why we were yet enemies, Christ was willing…” “I lay my life down by my own accord”
When love becomes our most powerful motivation… then we can’t help but want to be an agent of that love, to serve.
If for just once we could truly love then every breath we’ve taken would be worth it.
I need to be saved first, from myself.
Because otherwise I will always look to myself first and foremost.

2Pe 1:3-4 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

This is past perfect, the promise to grant us all things for life and godliness, is already accomplished and will remain perfectly whole.
The redemption is ours to live in godliness.
From I want to He has given me everything I need. Every situation.
Let us not be identity amnesiacs, for Christ has enabled us to live in Him at all times.
Forgiveness, we can now stand before God’s kingdom righteous.
Again and again I resort to my tiny little kingdom… but God is gracious.
He will not relent until every element of sin is dead.
Roast story…

Three prayers:

I need help God
Send help God
Give me humility to accept help, guard my heart from pride and sin.

The war of words is the war of kingdoms. (Sing Amazing Grace…)

Holiness...

2008-09-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

"If Christians were as serious about moral distinctiveness as Israel was about ritual cleanness, then our 'salt' and 'light' might have greater power in the world" ~ C. J. W. 'Leviticus' p. 139.

Start with a simple premise: One of the essential definitions of holiness is separateness. God is holy, because He is separate from us. He is holy, we are sinful. If we are to be holy we must be separate from the world.

Second premise: The OT law (especially Leviticus 17-26) in large part was to make Israel stand out as a holy nation unto God.

Reflection: Not essential but an interesting element of this premise is that some laws appear to have no more purpose in their existence but to test and serve as elements that made Israel stand out among the nations. (I'm not making that up, I'm reading and talking to authors and professors who have pointed out specific commandments that they believe this to be true about.)

Third premise: If the New Covenant is an intensification of the principles found in the law, than we the modern church ought to stand out even more. Look to the sermon on the mount; there in Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law, but instead whoever relaxes on the least commandment will be the least in the kingdom of God. Then Jesus states we must be more righteous then the scribes and pharisees. Jesus then proceeds to go through, anger, lust, divorce, oaths... In those areas Jesus was showing how we must exceed the requirements of the OT law and be more holy, more separate.

Another reflection: "Israel believed that this covenantal relationship to the Lord was their very raison d'etre; that is, they existed as a nation only because of that relationship, so that their survival and security was bound up with maintaining it. Therefor any act that was a fundamental violation of that covenant relationship was a threat to the very security of the whole nation. An offense against God was an offense against the state that depended upon God. An offense against God an the covenant relationship threatened to bring the wrath of the Lord upon the whole community (and several narratives record the notable instances of such calamities.) (Christopher Wright, Old Testament Ethics for the People of God, 290)

That all said to say that this explains also in some part why Israel understood the 'harsh' death penalties that we see in the law. The law seems to hand out death penalties for "trivial" things. But maybe that's a fault in our perspective of the law rather than an over harsh legal stance.

Conclusion: Considering that you could be stoned for rebellion against parents. And that Christians are to live lives more righteous, how ought we view sin? How separate ought we to be? Using the excuse that we have to relate to the culture only works if you are using it/need it to witness. Otherwise we are to be more holy, more separate. We should shine out as a people different separate from everyone else. (Not separate as in distancing ourselves from people, but separate as holy, set apart in our actions, far from sin.) I recommend you pray and write out a list of things that need to change in your life. Allow me to stress here that most 'things' or activities are not inherently evil, however that doesn't mean they are holy either. I do not mean to make legalistic finger pointers who shun all things and don black clothes and join the Amish. I intend to encourage and push all, starting with myself, to run to God. To live holy lives. Find your joy in Him. Forget the fleeting pleasures of this world so that we may know instead the joys of God.

Don't go into lock down mode here where you just file this under all the other words telling you to give up movies. You have a higher calling, a greater reward... do not forsake it. I watch movies, I still will, but over time my hope is that God will begin to replace many of the movies I would have watched with time spent with Him.

Final word: May God be glorified through my life, and the consideration of these questions. May my faith grow as I pursue God in all things. Amen.

A snippet from Pastor John's introductory sermon for the book of John...

2008-09-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

Addressing Muslim's or Jehovah's witness claim that Jesus is God from John 1. (For a funny anecdote not in his sermon text, listen to the sermon.):

Now, suppose a Muslim or a Jehovah’s Witness or someone from any brand of Arianism (the ancient heresy from the fourth century) says, “Jesus was not God, was not eternal—not eternally begotten—but rather Jesus was created. He was the first of creation. The highest of the high angels.” Or as the Arians said it, “There was when he was not.” John has written verse 3 precisely in a way that makes that impossible.

He did not just say, “All things were made through him.” You might think that is enough to settle it. He is not a creature; he created creatures. But someone could conceivably say, “Yes, but ‘all things’ does not include himself.” It includes everything but himself. So he was created by the Father, but then with the Father created all other things.

But John did not leave it at that. He said, in addition (the last part of verse 3), “. . . and without him was not any thing made that was made.” What do the final words “that was made” add to the meaning of “without him was not any thing made”? “Without him was not any thing madethat was made.” They add this: They make explicit and emphatic and crystal clear that anything in the category of made, Christ made it. Therefore, Christ was not made. Because before you exist, you can’t bring yourself into being.

Christ was not made. That is what it means to be God. And the Word was God.

(Background: Pastor John Piper is beginning his largest sermon series ever (quite likely, at least his largest book) and this was the first sermon he's preached in that series.)

‘Religion’ and the Gospel

2008-09-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest paper, the topic was: "What is the difference between gospel and religion?"

Here is my response... all who desire... enjoy.

Religion is the response to the gospel that people use to try and earn salvation through works. True faith comes from a gospel mindset which seeks the grace God alone for salvation. Though related, they are in reality diametric opposites within Christianity.

Religion is the Christian’s response to the gospel that attempts to justify himself through good works. The religious person sees his need for the gospel, to be saved, but once saved, he ‘grows’ through religious obedience. This obedience tries to leverage works righteousness against the gospel of grace. Religion says “I did A, so you must do B for me.” For example, “God, I served you on Wednesday and Sunday, so you must love me this week.” Accordingly, religion is about rules, which lead it to condemn those who do not follow its rules. Thus religion can have two effects; the first of which is pride. This is displayed in the Pharisee’s boast that his works are better then the gospel. “I did A so I get B, you do not do A, so you do not get B, therefore I am better then you.” Second, the religious person becomes a judgmental hypocrite because he recognizes he can’t even attain his own standards, which flows into depression for he cannot even save himself.

The gospel likewise sees sin and recognizes that Jesus’ death is the only way to salvation. However, the gospel mindset recognizes that forgiveness cannot be bought, but must be accepted. A gospel motivated heart obeys because it is loved. Like a father son relationship, the son does not obey so that his father will love him, but rather, he obeys because his father loves him. Gospel sees and accepts Jesus’ sacrifice instead of trying to earn the gift of grace. In humility a gospel perspective recognizes that the grace found in the good news is the basis for all spiritual growth, hence it submits itself to the gospel so that it may continue to grow. This humility causes rejoicing because it finds satisfaction in Christ through the gospel.

Religion and gospel are opposites because the former seeks salvation by its own hand, while the latter recognizes that salvation can only come from God. Dr. Tim Keller critiques religion like this,

“A Christian comes to say: "though I have often failed to obey the moral law, the deeper problem was why I was trying to obey it! Even my efforts to obey it has been just a way of seeking to be my own savior. …even if I obey or ask for forgiveness, I am really resisting the gospel and setting myself up as Savior."” (Centrality of the Gospel, pg. 4)

Whereas gospel oriented believers recognize with Paul that the good news is the power of God unto salvation, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...” (Romans 1:16, ESV) Ultimately though the largest difference is this, religious people whose whole faith is placed in their works are not saved and are going to Hell. Conversely, the gospel believing Christian lives and dies by the blood of Christ and will be welcomed into Heaven with much joy. The contrasts drawn here are stark, though in reality the line may be much harder to find. Someone may be saved by the gospel, but not really understand their faith as fully as they ought, and accordingly live like the religious person trying get to Heaven through their works. The failure to recognize this profound difference has the sobering effect of sending millions of “nominal Christians” to Hell; let us endeavor with all our might, through God’s grace, to cling to the gospel.

(I may start posting picture again... but my camera battery is dead, I have another one coming...)