The CrossPointe

Blog site moving

2010-08-26T15:35:00.003-05:00

Hi! For ease and functionality (on our end) we're moving this blog site to:

www.stjoecrosspointe.wordpress.com

Please bookmark this new page and stay with us! We pray that these posts are a blessing from God for you all!

Why Pray? Why Fast?

2010-08-24T08:15:00.003-05:00

Our church is devoting this week to prayer and fasting, to intercession for God's kingdom and work to advance through our labors.

Yesterday I found especially hard to fast, first, because my flesh loves food too much, and, second, because of unbelief. As the smells of Rebecca's cooking and the sight of food filled my senses, I found an inner fight taking place over this: "Is this REALLY helping anything? REALLY accomplishing anything?" How Satan would desire us to give in to such doubts.

And praise God who delivers us in weakness. I pulled out Valley of Vision and was found a lot of help and encouragement and assistance to pray some of those prayers; I was strengthened. And then this morning I found in 2 Cor 1:11, "You also must help us [Paul and his co-laborers] by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many."

Help our unbelief heavenly Father!
Strengthen our hands!
Let your blessing flow through us in answer to our prayers.

Fasting, Get to It!

2010-08-18T16:28:00.003-05:00

Here's a practical word on fasting for those who are engaging in the week of prayer and fasting with our church:

It is not the most common habit in our times and circles to fast. Extended fasts are especially rare. If fasting is new to some of you, let this be an opportunity to begin afresh, so that you can follow Christ’s instructions when he teaches his disciples “When you fast . . .” (Matt 6:16). Know that if you decide to fast for the entire week you will not surely die! When deciding if and how long you will fast, remember that we all are in different places in life; life circumstances will play a major factor in what is prudent and manageable for you (e.g., a man who primarily works an office job vs. a man who roofs houses all day). Please consult the elders if you have any questions or need some further guidance. If this is your first time or first in a long while, please consider and choose one of the following options. God will supply your every need; He will magnify Himself as great in your weakness.

A very helpful website for information on fasting is one from Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusades for Christ: www.ccci.org, “How to Fast”.

The average person (average build and metabolism) can go on liquids (juices and water) for over 3 weeks before the body begins to deteriorate; a fast of a few days is actually very healthy and helpful to your body. The fast we are suggesting is one abstaining from food, but taking in juices and water. Some reminders for an extended fast: you need salts, electrolytes, vitamins and sugars, so stock up on fruit and vegetable juices, plus water. By Day 3 or so, you will begin to feel much better as your digestive system goes into “hibernation” (hunger subsides, energy increases). Don’t drink milk (protein will restart your digestive tract). Get plenty of sleep. Don’t overtax your body physically. Taper meals off before the fast and restart eating slowly. Carbs and proteins should be first to go, last to be re-instated.

The New Perspective

2010-08-18T15:47:00.003-05:00

In studying Galatians, I came across 3 lectures by D. A. Carson that give a VERY helpful summary of the whole New Perspective issue.

If you're not familiar with the New Perspective, it is a wave of Bible scholars (albeit a rather fractured movement) that are reinterpreting Paul, moving away from the "traditional Protestant" understanding of justification, righteousness, and the Gospel.

CLICK HERE

Living Simply 6

2010-08-11T12:34:00.002-05:00

From Randy Alcorn's Money, Possessions, and Eternity:

We should live more simply--and give more generously--because of teh world's dire physical needs.

. . . even though earning just enough to meet the needs of my family may seem nonmaterialistic, it's actually selfish when I could earn enough to care for others as well [Eph 4:8]. The point of "living simply" is not so we can say no to money, but so that we can use money to say yes to God.

Living Simply 5

2010-08-11T12:29:00.002-05:00

From Randy Alcorn's Money, Possessions and Eternity:

We should live more simply--and give more generously--because of the dire spiritual need of the world.

[Quoting John Piper] Three billion people today are outside Jesus Christ. Two-thirds of them have no viable Christian witness in their culture. It they are to hear--and Christ commands that they hear--then cross-cultural missionaries will have to be sent and paide for. All the wealth needed to send this new army of good news ambassadors is already in the church. If we, like Paul, are content with the simple necessities of life, hundreds of millions of dollars in the church would be relaesed to take the gospel to the frontiers. The revolution of joy and freedom it would cause at home would be the best local witness imaginable.

Living Simply 4

2010-08-11T12:25:00.003-05:00

From Randy Alcorn's Money, Possessions, and Eternity:

We should live more simply--and give more generously--because of the reward we'll receive in heaven and the joy it will bring us.

Songs for August and September

2010-08-01T15:53:00.003-05:00

It's a little long for one post, but here's all the songs for August and September.
[Disclaimer: this is not the final draft and subject to change. There must be no stoning, egging, or otherwise distempered outbursts if you expected to sing a song and it got changed for the worship service! August 1 and 8 for example have some substantial changes.]

HYMNS – August and September, 2010
August 1

He is Exalted

Am I a Soldier of the Cross

Cling to the Crucified

O Worship the King

Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts (Red Mt.)

He’s Always Been Faithful

August 8

Let us Love and Sing and Wonder

Cast Your Burden on the Lord

A Debtor to Mercy

Give to the Lord Immortal Praise

Rock of Ages (When the Day Seems Long)

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

August 15

Beneath the Cross (RUF)

El Shaddai

His Forever

Let it Be Said of Us

You Never Change (NEW* Sov Grace – From “Sons and Daughters” CD)

It is Well

August 22

All People that On Earth Do Dwell

How Great Thou Art

I Will Glory in My Redeemer

The Glory of the Cross (NEW* Sov Grace – from “Songs for the Cross-Centered Life” CD)

I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

Lion of Judah

August 29

Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken

Here is Love

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

How Sweet the Day

Jesus, I am Resting, Resting

You are the Way

September 5

Beneath the Cross (Getty)

Hallelujah! Thine the Glory

On Jordan’s Stormy Banks

He’s Always Been Faithful

Jesus, Lover of My Soul (RUF)

Mercies Anew

September 12

As the Hart Longs

The Gospel Song

Holy, Holy, Holy

Jesus, Cast a Look on Me

You Never Change (NEW* Sov Grace)

Jesus, Thank You

September 19

Arise My Soul, Arise (RUF)

Forever

Lead Me to the Rock (Red Mt.)

Friend of Sinners

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

The Glory of the Cross (NEW* Sov Grace – from “Songs for the Cross-Centered Life” CD)

September 26

All Must Be Well

Endless Praises

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

O Wondrous Love

How Deep (Valley of Vision)

It is Not Death to Die

Missionary Biography

2010-07-30T09:20:00.004-05:00

I'm always encouraged by missionary biography. Here's a good interview, showing what God did with one sinner:

(There's also several other comments about revival in our own day about half way through.)

Living Simply 3

2010-07-28T07:44:00.004-05:00

From Randy Alcorn's Money, Possessions and Eternity (these posts are intended to whet your appetite to buy the book!):

We should live more simply--and give more generously--because we're God's pipeline.

Christians are God's delivery people, through whom he does his giving to a needy world. We are conduits of God's grace to others. Our eternal investment portfolios should be full of the most strategic kingdom-building projects to which we can disburse God's funds. If we forget that we're God's stewards--his delivery drivers--it's like FedEx or UPS forgetting that what they carry in their trucks doesn't belong to them. When that happens, deliveries grind to a halt and people don't get what they need.

God comes right out and tells why he gives us more money than we need. It's not so we can find more ways to spend it. It's not so we can indulge ourselves and spoil our children. It's not so we can insulate ourselves from needing god's provision. It's so we can give and give generously (2 Cor 8:14, 9:11)

Judging and Confronting :: The Danger of Playing God

2010-07-28T07:33:00.003-05:00

I've been reading some of Ken Sande's articles and papers this summer. He runs a ministry called "Peacemakers". Here's three great articles on confronting and (or versus) judging others. Part 2 especially gets to the nitty-gritty. When you think you can discern the heart motives of another (assuming you are even interpreting their actions correctly) you're trying to play God.

http://www.ccef.org/judging-others-danger-playing-god-part-1

part 2

part 3

Living Simply 2

2010-07-23T08:38:00.002-05:00

From Randy Alcorn's "Money, Possessions and Eternity":

We should live more simply--and give more generously--because it frees us up and shifts our center of gravity.

Giving will spark a Copernican revolution in the lives of Christians who understand that life doesn't revolve around the things of earth. In giving, we surrender our possessions to their proper center of gravity: God.

Giving and simpler living loosen the grip of materialism on our lives. Giving away what we don't need is the greatest cure for affluenza. How can we expect to embrace the Christian experience of Paul, Luther, Wesley, Muller, Carmichael, Taylor, and a host of others without also embracing their attitude toward possessions and the simpler lifestyle it fostered?

Pray for the Persecuted Church in Pakistan

2010-07-20T12:58:00.002-05:00

Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East: read here.

Living Simply 1

2010-07-15T13:34:00.004-05:00

From Randy Alcorn's excellent book "Money, Possessions, and Eternity".

We should live more simply--and give more generously--because heaven is our home . . .

Suppose your home were in France and you were visiting the US for 80 days, living in a hotel. Furthermore, suppose there's a rule that says you can't take anything back to France on your flight home, nor can you ship anything or carry back money with you. but while you're in America, you can earn money and send deposits to you bank in France. Question: Would you fill your hotel room with expensive furinshings and extravagant wall hangings? Of course not. Why? Because your time in America is so short, and you know you can't take it with you. It's just a hotel room! If you're wise, you'll send your treasures home, knowing they'll be waiting for you when you arrive.

We're only on earth for approximately 80 years--or 60 or 40 or less. In the big picture, that's not much more than 80 days. Scripture says, "Each man's life is but a breath" (Ps 39:5). Life here is like a vapor breathed out on a cold day. Here one moment, gone the next. We're here on a short-term visa. It's about to expire! Don't spend too much time and money and energy on your hotel room when instead you can send it on ahead.

Our Day is Now!!!

2010-07-09T08:53:00.001-05:00

Our Day is Now! - Tim Conway (Sermon Excerpt) from I'll Be Honest on Vimeo.

Notes on the kingdom

2010-07-06T10:38:00.001-05:00

Here's just a few very rough notes on the Kingdom of God from Paul's letters:

Kingdom in Paul’s letters:

ESV Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
• Not rules and regulations
• not material things
• not governed by anything worldly, but in the heart
• has outward fruit because the Spirit is at work in the heart
ESV 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
• In boldness; reality, not merely words
ESV 1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
• Does not include everyone on earth, but only the righteous; inheritance means a gift; inheritance means a family relationship with the Father
ESV 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
• Partially fulfilled
• Jesus is a warrior-king now, whose warfare at the moment is conquering hearts for blessing
• incomplete (therefore Paul says he is filling up what is lacking)
ESV Galatians 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
ESV Ephesians 5:5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
• See Corinithians comments
ESV Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
• Belongs to Jesus, ruled by Jesus
ESV Colossians 4:11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
• We can work and in the kingdom of God [extending the reign of it]
ESV 1 Thessalonians 2:12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
• God’s own kingdom, relates to his glory
ESV 2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering-
ESV 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Free Book by Tozer

2010-07-06T09:19:00.002-05:00

Christian Audio has a free audio book for download each month. This July it's A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God. I've turned to this book more than once to stir up my affections for God as Tozer has a very refreshing perspective to think about and pursue Christ. I even bought it for several of our graduating seniors this spring.

Just go this link: http://christianaudio.com/free
And when you check out, use the coupon code JUL2010.

Clip 10 from Adoniram Judson :: A Cost of Missions

2010-06-28T08:09:00.002-05:00

The Judsons landed in Burma in 1813. Their little Roger was born soon after. He grew, fat and happy. He was the joy of their hearts and would lie for hours beside his daddy's study table as long as he could see Adoniram's face. After study or business was finisehd for the day, "it was our exercise and amusement to carry him round the house or garden, and though we were alone, we felt not our solitude when he was with us."

But in the tropical climate, Roger contracted some kind of fever and a cough. After battling for several days, it looked like it had finally abated. But a day and half later returned with more force. Exhausted by the second night with no sleep, Nancy fell asleep while Adoniram--also sick--took the baby and fed him some milk. The baby calmed and Adoniram laid him in the cradle for sleep--"he slept with ease for half an hour, when his breath stopped without a struggle, and he was gone!"

"Our hearts were bound up in this child; we felt he was our earthly all, our only source of innocent recreation in this heathen land. But God saw it was necessary to remind of our error, and to strip us our only little all. O may it not be vain that he has done it. May we so improve it, that he will stay his hand and say, "It is enough.'"

The Happy Grudems

2010-06-23T21:22:00.003-05:00

This is a simple interview video with the Grudems (the Wayne Grudem who wrote the FANTASTIC Systematic Theology). What a happy couple! It'll breathe some life and joy in your soul just to see them together. Have you ever known a couple like that? I've got a few that come to mind.

Video:

HT: The Resurgence, JT

How to Choose a Wife

2010-06-13T23:38:00.004-05:00

This fits in with our reading in Proverbs (during our worship services).

Young men especially, listen up!

From Tim Conway, of Grace Community Church in San Antonio TX: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=5810048180

www.gccsatx.com

He Walks on Water

2010-06-11T11:07:00.003-05:00

In 2 Kings 19, Isaiah delivers a message from God to King Hezekiah and to the king of Assyria. Part of it states that God is "the one who dried up with the sole of his foot all the streams of Egypt."

In Mark (reading with the college students this summer), Christ is the one who walks on water. You think there's a connection? Do you get the point? This is God Himself walking about on the earth!

Missions Blog

2010-06-08T11:06:00.004-05:00

Here's a link to a helpful blog (of a missionary friend). You'll find resources that will both aid and propel you toward missions involvement:

http://sovereigngracemissiology.blogspot.com

The latest post:

How can I go overseas when there are so many needs here at home?

“Some retorted upon me, `There are heathen at home; let us seek and save, first of all, the lost ones perishing at our doors.”’ We must evangelize our home front first, before we worry about the rest of the world. Aren’t there millions of sinners living all around us? Isn’t it logical and right to preach to them first?...’

“This I felt to be most true, and an appalling fact; but I unfailingly observed that those who made this retort neglected those home heathen themselves. They would ungrudgingly spend more on a fashionable party at dinner or tea, on concert or ball or theatre, or on some ostentatious display, or worldly or selfish indulgence, ten times more, perhaps in a single day, than they would give in a year, or in half a lifetime, for the conversion of the whole heathen world, either at home or abroad.”

-John Paton, Missionary from Scotland to the South Sea Islands”

"It has been objected that there are multitudes in our own nation, and within our immediate spheres of action, who are as ignorant as the South-Sea savages, and that therefore we have work enough at home, without going into other countries.

...That there are thousands in our own land as far from God as possible, I readily grant, and that this ... See Moreought to excite us to ten-fold diligence in our work, And in attempts to spread divine knowledge amongst them is a certain fact; but that it ought to supersede all attempts to spread the gospel in foreign parts seems to want proof.

Our own countrymen have the means of grace, and may attend on the word preached if they choose it. They have the means of knowing the truth, and faithful ministers are placed in almost every part of the land, whose spheres of action might be much extended if their congregations were but more hearty and active in the cause: but with them the case is widely different, who have no Bible, no written language, (which many of them have not,) no ministers, no good civil government, nor any of those advantages which we have.

Pity therefore, humanity, and much more Christianity, call loudly for every possible exertion to introduce the gospel amongst them."

--William Carey, Section one of Enquiry into the Use of Means in the Propagation of the Gospel Among the Heathen.

Radical Sacrifice

2010-06-03T10:23:00.001-05:00

Stirring video from David Platt.

Radical by David Platt from Taylor Robinson on Vimeo.

HT: www.reformingmissionary.blogspot.com

Q & A with Paul Tripp

2010-06-01T07:25:00.002-05:00

If you haven't seen these, you should go check out the resources pages at the Desiring God website. These Q & A's have been a great help and enjoyment to me, giving me fresh perspectives on different issues as well life in general. DG has done a handful with John Piper and now there's this one with Paul Tripp.

Summer Reading

2010-05-28T08:13:00.003-05:00

Looking for some new friends? some summer reading?

Here's a list from prolific reader (and reviewer) Tim Challies of his top 10 biographies: Top 10.

I'm currently reading George Whitfield by Dallimore (one of Pastor Scott's favorites also).

I'd probably add The Shadow of the Almighty (Jim Elliot's bio) and To the Golden Shore (Adoniram Judson's bio) as having had a profound impact on me.

The Victory of Christ :: A Basketball Analogy

2010-05-26T10:54:00.002-05:00

There's got to be an analogy in here of Jesus' defeat of Satan, that in the seeming victory of Satan in killing the Son, Jesus wins.

Sunday Satire

2010-05-14T17:23:00.003-05:00

Too true. Too sad. Too funny.

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Reading Books About Missions

2010-05-08T09:54:00.002-05:00

Do you want to get involved in missions? Here's a good place to begin reading about what's going on in the world from a biblical perspective: http://iics.com/files/Booklist.pdf

IICS is a missions organization out of Kansas City. Their niche is placing people with advanced degrees into secular university settings.

International Institute for Christian Studies

Did Sacrifices Save from Sin? 2

2010-05-06T10:44:00.003-05:00

Here's the answer for the question about covenant sacrifices we raised the other day, "Did the Old Covenant sacrifical system actually save, actually atone for the sins of those participating?"

The Old Covenant sacrificial system did 3 things:
1) It offered a God-instituted means of approaching Him (it didn't establish the covenant, it maintained already established covenant relationships that got broken because of sin)
2) It offered forgiveness to those who rightly approached Him (with contrite, repentant hearts, through the sacrificial system)
3) It pointed to Christ's blood as the actual means of atoning for sin.

Thus it was educative, teaching about sin and the need for atonement for God's holy justice. And it was a type because it was a faint copy or picture of the one place where God will provide that atonement, the cross of Jesus. And by approaching God through these means, saints of old could find "peace of conscience" and "peace with God".

Did Sacrifices Save from Sin? 1

2010-05-06T10:28:00.006-05:00

Hebrews 10:4 tells us that the blood of bulls and goats does not atone for sin. So there's a sticky question for the Christian or Jew, "What in the world was God doing with the Old Covenant sacrificial system?" Why did he institute it if it couldn't save?! William Dumbrell has some very helpful comments:

"For the believing, repentant Old Testament Israelite, therefore, the system was a means of forgiveness which God, whose nature is always to have mercy, had given to maintain the covenant which he himself had initiated." (Covenant and Creation, p. 113)

Now before you get your New Covenant noose strung up for me, read this from Leviticus: "And the priest shall make atonement for him for the sin which he has committed, and he shall be forgiven." It seems that there was atonement available through the Old Covenant system, eh? So did it or did it not save? or offer forgiveness?

How Did We Get Our Bible?

2010-05-04T10:35:00.005-05:00

How did we get our Bible? Why do Catholic and Protestant Bibles differ, i.e., have different books? Can we trust our English-printed, 2000-years-later books as actually being "God's Word"?

The best book I've found for all these topics and more (e.g., what do we do with all these different translations?) is Paul Wegner's:
Click HERE to see inside.
It has lots of information, but you'll be able to follow it. And it has LOTS of useful and interesting pictures.

Improving Your Thought Life

2010-05-04T09:54:00.004-05:00

Wise counsel from Richard Baxter (Christian Directory, p99):

Satan's temptations are suited to our fore-received opinions and thoughts . . . [therefore] take heed what thoughts you first admit into your mind; and especially cherish and appronone but upon very good rial and examination. And if they prove corrupt, sweep clean your fantasy and memory of them, that they prove not inhabitants, and take no up their lodgins in you, or have not time to spawn and breed. And fill up the room with contrary thoughts, and useful truth and cherish them daily, that they may increase and multiply; and then your hearts will be like a well-peopled kingdom, able to keep their possession against all enemies.

Have You Seen Religulous?

2010-04-27T22:58:00.003-05:00

It's kind of like an atheist's version of Expelled. Only it doesn't really put forth an argument (unless you count straw men, ad hominems, and part-whole fallacies).

The footage is interesting and Bill Maher (yes the Politically Incorrect obnoxiousant--that's probably not a word) can be occasionally funny if you haven't been too irritated by his constant bullyish, mocking tactics. He lets no one answer questions, and if they do, he changes the subject.

Any intelligent person is going to note, no one "we" would have picked shows up there. It's like a high school kid playing basketball against a middle schooler. Sure you look like hot stuff when you run around the boy half your size, but take it to Division 1 and you're done for. For example, Maher does a big scene in a trucker chapel, going head to head with them intellectually regarding questions of faith, religion, and the historicity of the Christian faith, he tries to make Christianity look like an intellectual joke. Ask the expert in any field related to the questions! But that's not his point. He wants a comedy. He wants you to think religion is a comedy. And he wants to scatter that seed as broadly as possible.

He even states (why I don't know!) "I could be wrong." But you KNOW every religion is wrong, right Bill?

PS Don't watch this with little kids. Or medium kids. Bill Maher is a perverse man.

Want to Grow? (2)

2010-04-21T10:52:00.005-05:00

Maybe I'm wrong, but I have a feeling not everyone I've rubbed shoulders with in the Reformed world would be comfortable with how Thomas Watson discusses holiness, and the motivations the Christian should lay hold of. #5 and #10 especially I don't hear talked about much.

(5) The more we grow in grace, the more God will love us.
(10) The more we grow in grace, the more we will flourish in glory.

Now, he explains each of these much further (so please read them in context with his whole picture in mind!). Here's the rest:

(1) Growth is the end of the ordinances. . .

(2) The growth of grace is the best evidence of the truth of it. . .

(3) Growth in grace is the beauty of a Christian. . .

(4) The more we grow in grace, the more glory we bring to God. . .

(5) The more we grow in grace, the more will God love us. . .

(6) We need to grow in grace. . .

(7) The growth of grace will hinder the growth of corruption. . .

(8) We cannot grow too much in grace; there is no nimium, no excess there. . .

(9) Such as do not grow in grace, decay in grace. . .

(10) The more we grow in grace, the more we shall flourish in glory. . .

http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/watson/wsc_wa_036_d.html

Want to Grow?

2010-04-21T10:42:00.005-05:00

In preparation for our college Bible study this, I've come across multiple paragraphs and articles that have been quite a help and encouragement to me. Here's one of them, a very practical sermon by F. B. Meyer, "The Blessed Life":
http://www.gracegems.org/SERMONS/blessed_life.htm

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God

2010-04-14T10:00:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow our college crew is studying 1 Peter on the theme of suffering. In preparation I was reminded of the jewel of a book, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor.

Here's a crucial question [and a teaser for you to read the book], one of the sticky wickets of Christianity. You can read Pastor John Piper's sobering and edifying answer on page 231 in an interview with Justin Taylor that has been reprinted in an appendix. Read it here for free: http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_bssg/books_bssg.pdf

[Justin:] For this next question, I’ll tell you what the question is first
and then I’ll set it up. The question is: where is God? Everybody
asks, where is God? Tsunamis come, 9/11 comes, Hurricane
Katrina, etc. Personally—and perhaps it’s because those are
more abstract—I struggle less with the “where is God” question
in some big natural catastrophe than I do with the issues
like abuse, especially sexual abuse of children. And so I want
to ask the “where is God” question, but I want to frame it by
reading a quote from The Brothers Karamazov, which one person
at least has said contains the greatest argument against
God’s existence and the problem of evil. So if you’ll allow me
here, I just want to read this quote and then ask you: where is
God in this situation? This is from chapter 4, where Ivan is talking
to Alyosha about Russian children. He says:
There was a little girl of five who was hated by her
mother and father. . . .
This poor child of five was subjected to every possible
torture by those cultivated parents. They beat her,
thrashed her, kicked her for no reason till her body was
one bruise. Then, they went to greater refinements of cruelty—
shut her up all night in the cold and frost in a privy
[outhouse], and because she didn’t ask to be taken up at
night (as though a child of five sleeping its angelic, sound
sleep could be trained to wake and ask), they smeared her
face and filled her mouth with excrement, and it was her
mother, her mother did this. And that mother could sleep,
hearing the poor child’s groans!
Can you understand why a little creature, who can’t
even understand what’s done to her, should beat her little
aching heart with her tiny fist in the dark in the cold and
weep her meek, unresentful tears to dear, kind God to
protect her? Do you understand that, friend and brother,
you pious and humble novice? Do you understand why
this infamy must be and is permitted? Without it, I am
told, man could not have existed on earth, for he could
not have known good and evil. Why should he know that
diabolic good and evil when it costs so much? Why the
whole world of knowledge is not worth that child’s prayer
to dear, kind God!

So where is God in a situation of that kind of terrible torture of
children and rape of children? Can one maintain idea that God
is absolutely sovereign over all things with that kind of evil?

Frustrating Progress

2010-04-13T14:53:00.004-05:00

So often, progress in my walk with Christ comes in ways I don't plan. I would plan it more like weight-lifting. I lift weights, my muscles get bigger (and consequently I can boast about how regimented I am and my correspondingly bulging biceps). Instead, progress means I have to see greater needs in my heart, plumb the depths of my weakness, inadequacies, and wickedness to see what I didn't know was there.

John Newton penned these words along these lines:

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.

’Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Cast out my feelings, laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”

People Dying Without Jesus

2010-04-08T09:45:00.003-05:00

Today I opened an email from the Joshua Project. I get a daily email from them which always contains one people group from around the world who are without Jesus, and with no or very little means of hearing about Him. The numbers always astound me.

Today, I saw the subject line "Arab of Morocco" and thought, before I opened it, "Well, how many of these people are there?" A mere 15 million was the answer. 15 Million! That's Kansas City several times over. That's the whole state of Missouri nearly 3 times over.

O Christian! Let that sink in. May you and I never utter the words, "The needs here are so many, we can't be burdened about every little corner of the world." Let us pray instead, "God light these arrows, these spiritual children who have grown, and shoot us into the darkness that we might take the light of the knowledge of the glory of Jesus Christ to them."

Do "Open Doors" = God's Road Signs?

2010-04-06T09:28:00.006-05:00

So often, I hear Christians wanting to read "open doors" or "closed doors" as road signs. We want to make (or avoid making) decisions as kind of a divining rod--rather than through the proclamations and principles of Scripture + our Spirit-led thinking process.

We even pray (as Paul did) for "open doors". But listen to what Paul says in 2 Cor 2:12, "When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia."

At the very least we must conclude, open doors are NOT God's road signs . . . but they might be part of the equation!

A Great Savior for Good Friday

2010-04-02T14:23:00.005-05:00

A question many of us have pondered: How could 3 hours of suffering be enough to save millions, billions? How could the death of 1 man count for so many people?

Why We Love the Resurrection : : 4

2010-03-31T11:08:00.002-05:00

From Adrian Warnock's Raised with Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything.

John Piper explains:
"In historic Reformed exegesis, (1) a person is in union with Christ by faith alone. In this union, (2) the believer is identified with Christ in his (1) wrath-absorbing death, (b) his perfect obedience to the Father, and (c) his vindication -securing resurrection. All of these are reckoned--that is, imputed--to the believer in Christ. On this basis, (3) the "dead", "righteous", "raised" believer is accepted and assured of final vindication and eternal fellowship with God."

Jonathan Edwards says that Jesus' resurrection and glorification are part of his justification and that we too will share in that. To Edwards, justification consists of the declaration and the results of that declaration. What God proclaims becomes true in reality. When God says we are justified, by necessity he will grant us the reward of that justification. "The justification of a believer is no other than his being admitted to communion in or participation of the justification of [Christ]."

Why We Love the Resurrection : : 3

2010-03-31T10:59:00.005-05:00

From Adrian Warnock's Raised with Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything. The first 2 posts dealt with Christ's justification by God being demonstrated by the Resurrection. Here we turn to how our justification before God is sealed by the Resurrection.

Because of his right standing with God, his people are made righteous too. . .

The resurrection shows the positive delight of God in his Son, which is no shared by us. . .

The resurrection was necessary to allow the credit of Jesus' righteousness to be shared with us, for it demonstrated that the credit was greater than the debt. Jesus' favor still remained when sin was destroyed. God's hatred for sin was not greater than his love for his Son. Righteousness remained available to credit to our account.

Jesus was so full of merit that not only did he have enough righteousness to cancel out our sin and enough that he deserved to be raised from the dead, but he still had abundantly more credit remaining in his account. As a result, our justification consists not just of a canceling of our debt, but also of an imputing to us of the righteousness of Christ. It is not only "just as if I'd never sinned," but also, "just as if I'd already completed a perfect life." Jesus doesn't merely give us a clean slate and then sit back and watch whether we will mess it up again. . .

Why We Love the Resurrection : : 2

2010-03-31T10:52:00.003-05:00

From Adrian Warnock's Raised with Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything.

The resurrection was mroe than simply the evidence of Jesus' justification. It was an active demonstration and itself made it real. For example, a prisoner in the dock is only justified and vindicated when he is freed and released. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains:

"If the Lord Jesus Christ had no literally risen physically from the grave, we could never be certain that he had ever really finished the work . . . if he has died for our sins, we must not only be certain that he has died, but that he has finished dying, and that there is no longer death . . . when God raised his Son from the dead, he was proclaiming to the whole world . . . he has done everything. He has fulfilled every demand. Here he is risen--therefore I am satisfied with him . . .

"The devil cannot hold him; death and hell cannot hold him. He has mastered them all; he has emerged on the other side. He is the Son of God, and he has completed the work which the Father had sent him to do . . . It is only in the light of the Resurrection that I finally have an assurance of my sins forgiven. It is only in the light of the Resurrection that I ultimately know that I stand in the presence of God absolved from guilt and shame and every condemnation.

"If it is not a fact hat Christ literally rose from the grave, then you are still guilty before God Your punishment has not been borne, your sins have not been dealt with, you are yet in your sins. It matters that much: without the Resurrection you have no standing at all."

Why We Love the Resurrection : : 1

2010-03-31T10:45:00.005-05:00

It's Easter this week!

Why do Christians love and celebrate Jesus' resurrection? I've found several helpful lines in Adrian Warnock's new book, Raised with Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything.

He was declared to to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 1:4

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit . . . taken up in glory. 1 Tim 3:16

As one scholar said, "God's final verdict on his Son is not seen [demonstrated] in the cross, but in the resurrection. " If Jesus wasn't who he said he was, then how could he have saved us? Jesus' vindication convinces us that he is the Messiah, the Song of God, the Prince of Life, that he had fulfilled Scripture, that God was pleased with him, that the work of the cross was now complete, and that he had no need to remain dead.

Church Welcome Video (no, not our church)

2010-03-25T09:08:00.003-05:00

This is from the church that Rebecca and I were a part of in TX. About the same size as CrossPointe and living for Jesus in the inner city of San Antonio, TX. Be encouraged by their love for Christ and their appreciation for grace, and their passion for missions.

Grace Community Church of San Antonio, Texas from I'll Be Honest on Vimeo.

Free Audio Books!

2010-03-24T09:26:00.003-05:00

From Christian Audio, get 2 great books this month:

Just enter the following coupon code when you check out: MAR2010 for Dietrich Boenhoeffer's, and MAR2010B for John Piper's. I had to check out one time for each book to get them to utilize the coupons.
Click HERE.

Clip 9 from Adoniram Judson

2010-03-23T10:30:00.004-05:00

Missionary life was hard. It still is. But all things considered, it used to be much harder.

After the death of her dear, and only friend Harriet (which in the first months of the journey, Harriet not even reaching their destination), Nancy Judson wrote,

I am left behind, still to endure the trials of a missionary life. O that this severe dispensation may be sanctified to my soul and that I may be prepared to follow my dear departed sister.

Nancy was distraught, let alone Newell Rice who had tried to nurse his pregnant wife Harriet to health on shore for a few weeks, having taking the emergency respite from the ship travel. He boarded the ship once again, this time childless and wifeless.

Daniel: Resident Aliens

2010-03-04T11:28:00.001-06:00

[From the Sunday sermon, Feb. 28, 2010]
"Resident Aliens"
An introduction to the Daniel sermon series, Kingdoms in Conflict

There are several lessons we learn from the book of Daniel, and the conflict of the Kingdom of God with the kingdoms of this world:

1. Resist assimilation

2. Avoid isolation

3. Pursue transformation

You can listen to this sermon here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=228101552574

The Calling of the Navigators

2010-03-01T19:59:00.003-06:00

Our church has partnered with the Navigators for collegiate ministry, and this weekend, it was powerfully brought to my attention once again why.

We spent 2 days with student leaders from 12 regional universities and another day with Navigators staff from the same region. We think we have a handle on the calling (of God) to engage in "spiritual generations".

What's that mean? It means "discipleship" (learning to be Jesus' disciple) is fundamentally flawed unless a person's life includes the intentional pursuit of the lost to introduce them to Jesus and teaching them to follow him, which includes making disciples themselves. Somehow, so many churches have missed this, leaving such work to hired guns.

Sins Taste So Sweet

2010-02-23T09:36:00.006-06:00

The lure of sin is the sweetness of the bait
But from that sin what did you gain?
Did it profit you a year or 2, or 20?
In the end, it is death.

The lure of sin is the sweetness of the bait
But in the end, the reward is that taste,
For the hook tears your flesh and your soul.
In the end, it is death.

The lure of sin is the sweetness of the bait
A sweetness which to God's feast pales
The eater of that feast is struck by the light:
In the end, sin was death.

The lure of sin is the sweetness of the bait
But the sweetness of holiness displaced
The pleasure of sin for the pleasure of God for
In the end, God is life.

The lure of sin is the sweetness of the bait
But that very bait the soul starts to hate
When it tastes and sees that the Lord is good and
In the end, sin is death.

(A pitiable addendum)
The lure of sin is the sweetness of the bait
A truth that the Light-less are unable to gauge
So they mock at the holy, and Holy One for
To their tongue, sin is sweet.

Working for the Gospel

2010-02-17T07:09:00.004-06:00

Chew on these words that Paul uses to describe his manner of life while among the Thessalonians:

Bold
Approved by God
Seeking to please God, not man
Without flattery
Without greed
Seeking no glory from man
Foregoing his rights for their sake
Gentle
Like a nursing mother with her children
Affectionately desirous
Ready to share our very selves
Very dear
Laboring night and day
Holy
Righteous
Blameless
Like a father with his children, exhorting, encouraging, charging them to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory

Piper Preaching to Prisoners

2010-02-09T10:11:00.001-06:00

Jesus Came Not to Give Bread, But to Be Bread
A sermon preached to inmates at Angola prison.

Adrian Warnock on the Resurrection

2010-02-04T22:44:00.003-06:00

Adrian Warnock was in town tonight (thanks Jeff Gates and Micah Fries) speaking on the university campus about the resurrection. Here's one comment about we approach and preach the Gospel:

The apostles emphasized the resurrection, and assumed the cross. Fundamentalists, and evangelicals, emphasize the cross, and assume the resurrection.

Adrian has a new book titled "Raised With Christ" on this very subject.

Slow to Post

2010-02-03T22:49:00.002-06:00

I apologize to those who are checking in here to find . . . not much. It looks like we'll be in our renovated building by March. Until then, there probably won't be much else happening on the blog as extra time is going to that project. I've not had time to contribute here recently.

Snowflakes

2010-01-22T00:37:00.003-06:00

Just one more piece of nature to provoke your worship of God--intricate, unique beauty, 1000s of times over.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8473771.stm

Affection Breeds Affection

2010-01-17T22:10:00.000-06:00

So who needs a hug?!

It Will Cost You Everything

2010-01-13T10:54:00.007-06:00

Another great video from our brothers at www.illbehonest.com

The preacher is Steve Lawson.

Clip 7 from Adoniram Judson

2010-01-12T17:15:00.004-06:00

After a long hiatus, I finally have my book back To the Golden Shore (hope everyone enjoyed it who borrowed it; so I'm going to resume some posts from the book.

One of the famous, noteworthy moments for missions history, especially baptist missions history, is that of the Judson's change of theology of baptism. This might seem a trifle to some people, but when you single-handedly organize an entire missions society among paedo-baptists to advance missions (whose first and primary missionary is you), have no baptist supporters and change your views while crossing the ocean, you're up a creek without a paddle. Nancy [his wife] was horrified, "If he should renounce his former sentiments, he must offend his friends at home, hazard his reputation, and, what is still more trying, be separated from his missionary associates." Those he set out with he would very likely have to part company with! But there was no use arguing with him:

Mr. J. feels convinced from Scripture that he has never been baptized, and that he cannot conscientiously administer baptism to infants. This change of sentiment must necessarily produce a separation. As we are perfectly united with our brethren in every other respect, and are much attached to them, it is inexpressibly painful to leave them, and go alone to a separate station. [spending much time in study at Mr. Rolt's house on the issue herself now, in India] But I . . . must acknowledge that the face of Scripture does favor the Baptist sentiments. I inted to persevere in examining the subject, and hope that I shall be disposed to embrace the truth, whatever it may be. It is painfully mortifying to my natural feelings, to think seriously of renouncing a system which I have been taught from infancy to believe and respect, and embrace one which I have been taught to despise. O that the Spirit of God may enlighten and direct my mind -- may prevent my retaining of an old error, or embracing a new one!

Songs for Worship : : 1st quarter 2010

2010-01-06T22:56:00.001-06:00

Here's the lineup (subject to unannounced changes!):

JANUARY
3rd
Holy, Holy, Holy
You are My Anchor, the Father’s Embrace
We Declare Your Majesty
Romans Doxology
It is Finished
Let Your Kingdom Come
10th
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It
Rock of Ages
It is Well With my Soul
All I Have is Christ
Forever (Tomlin)
17th
Salvation Belongs to Our God
O Wondrous Love
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks
Jesus’ Precious Blood (NEW – Red Mt.)
I Know Whom I Have Believed
Always Forgiven
24th
Sovereign One
O Great God of Highest Praise
Praise Him, Praise Him
He is Exalted
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Friend of Sinners (NEW – Red Mt.)
31st
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
You are the Way
Pass Me Not
This is My Father’s World
All Must Be Well
The Gospel Song

FEBRUARY
7th
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
The Power of the Cross
Take My Life and Let it Be
Help My Unbelief
How Sweet the Day
The Wonderful Cross
14th
All People that On Earth Do Dwell
Receive the Glory
You are My Anchor, the Father’s Embrace
Thou Lovely Source of True Delight
How Deep the Father’s Love
A Debtor to Mercy Alone

21st
How Great Thou Art
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
Perfect Lamb of God
There is a Higher Throne
I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
Jesus’ Precious Blood (NEW – Red Mt.)
28th
O Worship the King
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
Poor Sinner Dejected with Fear
His Forever
Jesus, Cast a Look On Me
Friend of Sinners (NEW – Red Mt.)

MARCH
7th
The Precious Blood
There is a Redeemer
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
How Sweet and Awesome is the Place
As the Hart Longs for Flowing Streams
From the Breaking of the Dawn
14th
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
O Church, Arise
Here is Love
How Deep (Valley of Vision)
I Stand Amazed
All I Have is Christ
21st
My Jesus, I Love Thee
To God Be the Glory
Rejoice the Lord is King
Jesus’ Precious Blood (NEW – Red Mt.)
Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting
O Wondrous Love
28th Palm Sunday
Beneath the Cross (RUF)
It is Finished
Friend of Sinners (NEW – Red Mt.)
Man of Sorrows! What a Name
Beneath the Cross (Getty)
The Wonderful Cross

Pascal and Keller on the Gospel

2010-01-05T21:27:00.004-06:00

For those of you who have recently been reading Tim Keller's material about the Gospel in a postmodern world, listen to how similarly Blaise Pascal talks about engaging unbelievers. You may get a kick out of this, as Pascal was writing in the middle 17th century.

Men despise religion, they hate it and are afraid it may be true. The cure for this is to show that religion is not contrary to reason, but worthy of reverence and respect.
Next, make it attractive, make good men wish it were true, and then show that it is.
Worthy of reverence because it really understands human nature.
Attractive because it promises true good. (from Pascal's Pensees).

New Year's Resolutions : : Pt. 1, Take 2

2009-12-30T21:22:00.001-06:00

If you find "Bible reading plans" overwhelming, or discouraging, you've gotta read this: Bible Reading Plan for Shirkers and Slackers
A plan that combines what many lack: discipline and grace!

HT: Justin Taylor

New Year's Resolutions : : Pt. 2

2009-12-29T13:39:00.004-06:00

What does it mean to be devoted to prayer. Well, if you haven't been getting Tony's CPR (daily encouragements and directions to pray specifically for our church) that's a start.

I was very helped by this sermon recently: "Does your prayer life look like 'devotion to prayer'"? (From Romans 12) by my friend Tim from San Antonio, TX.

One thought that struck home was not only do I "have not because I ask not" (see James), but others around me "have not because I ask not". I've been greatly encouraged in my prayers for others.

Here's also a resource to support your prayer life: NT Prayers. Click on the link and download the Word file. I compiled all the New Testament prayers to use as a prayer book, just as the Psalms have been used for centuries.

So here's my [suggested] resolution for you this New Years.
a) Pick one meal that you will pray after, or a devotional time at which you can pray.
b) Pray each day for one at least one family in your church and others that you want to pray for consistently.
c) What do you pray for them? Use the NT Prayers and the Psalms. Let those shape your prayers (and transform your heart and mind!)
Read one of the prayers, and start using those thoughts and words to pray for others.

New Year's Resolutions : : Pt. 1

2009-12-28T06:08:00.005-06:00

Are you one for New Year's Resolutions? I find that when I resolve nothing, I do nothing. So while I don't bank much on the time of year to do it, I find I have to make specific, clear, tangible resolutions for godliness for myself.

Here are 2 broad, biblical goals for all us: (1) be devoted to God's Word, (2) be devoted to prayer.

Here are several reading plans to choose from:
http://www.esv.org/biblereadingplans

Two that I like to recommend are the Discipleship Journal plan and the Book-at-a-Time plan from NavPress. These both have readings for 25 days / month so that you have "catch-up" days, or extra time for meditation and reflection.

UPDATE: To make this post a little more personal, and offer a qualification, I don't myself use any "reading plan" at present. Rebecca and I read with the kids at 1 or 2 mealtimes--so we usually get 2 chapters a day from that. I spent a couple months reading Isaiah and John closely this fall, at least 2 chapters a day from those. I use the Psalms to help me pray, so I usually get 1-2 chapters there. Preparation for church Bible studies and such comes at a different time during the day.

Beautiful. Classical. Christmas. Music.

2009-12-23T21:13:00.003-06:00

I just bought this today
the 99 Most Essential Christmas Masterpieces
and have had it on in the background. It's wonderful. It's a LOT of music. And it's $5 from Amazon. (But remember to use the link from Biblical Training--read the post below!)

HT: Justin Taylor

Learn a New Habit : : Support a Worthy Ministry

2009-12-23T20:59:00.004-06:00

Here's a ministry I've benefited from much over the years, and you can too: BiblicalTraining.org

This organization, headed by New Testament / Greek scholar Bill Mounce, is dedicated to equipping Jesus' church. You'll find many free, professional quality recordings of seminary classes from several conservative, evangelical institutions.

All you need to support them is one new habit; you could even make this a New Year's resolution. Here's how it goes: if you have a purchase make on Amazon.com or CBD.com, you just go HERE and use their "Amazon" or "CBD" button to go the respective shopping website and proceed as normal. They get referral fees every time you use their link or make a purchase this way; it amounts to several hundred dollars a month for their ministry!

Be sure and make a bookmark for the website address.

Slippery Conditions: Don't Slide off the Road!

2009-12-18T16:08:00.003-06:00

As human beings we are reactors who often are prone to overreaction. Most of us learned very early in our driving experience to be cautious while driving in slippery conditions. The novice driver has a tendency to panic and overcorrect when they begin to feel their vehicle moving in an undesired direction. The consequence is that they over steer which causes problems when the sliding tire hits a dry spot and regains traction. In this example overcorrection may result in worsening the control of the vehicle with catastrophic results.

As Christians we tend to be reactors in areas of faith and practice. We encounter slippery conditions when we see or hear error or one truth emphasized without the mention of a contrasting truth. We tend to energize and respond with a strong contrasting position. Inadvertently we repeat the error that we see by overcorrecting in the other direction. It’s not the reaction that is the problem. It is the overreaction.

The solution to overcorrection is always found in community. We have loving conversation (talk and listen) on key issues of concern within community. We deepen our Biblical knowledge and context within community. We carefully apply Biblical truths to the “nitty-gritty” of our lives within community. We make and carry out plans, accomplish goals, and reflect on the goodness of God to us within community. We love (advise, warn, correct, pray for) each other openly within community. Outside community we are all prone to overreaction, self-deception, and ruin. Iron sharpens iron…but this proverb assumes at least two pieces of iron. Are you actively involved in creating community?

You Can Save A Life (and it's free!!!)

2009-12-17T06:58:00.002-06:00

From the blogspot of Kendra Neill (has a lot of great adoption material as well).

What an opportunity to GIVE!!! Please read!
And spread word on your blog or facebook, too!

My friend's sister in Chicago has been doing a lot for the cause of the bone marrow registry. Below is part of my friend's email. Like she said, we have one life on this earth and what an incredible opportunity to possibly save a life! And the registration is FREE until Dec 31st! Go sign up! I just did, it took less than 5 minutes. You can browse the Gift of Life website for information, and info on the actual donation process if that thought makes you nervous. Did you know that the majority of the time, all they need to do is draw blood?! And in some instances it's actual bone marrow extraction, minimal discomfort...you can read for yourself on the site....spend some time perusing all the info and stories and pics, too!

My sister has set up several bone marrow donor drives in Chicago this year. I just registered online to become a potential donor. 1/100 people who sign up will have the opportunity to save a life by being their donor! I think this is exciting.... And I hope that you do, too :) Usually it costs $54 to become a donor, because they have to test your cheek cells, purchase a donor kit, and other important steps in the donation process. However, through a grant my sister received, signing up to become a donor is FREE through December 31st. I know that the idea of being a bone marrow donor to some people is scary, but once you look at some of the pictures of those who lived because of the donation of a stranger.... I think your opinion may change. Especially when you look at the adorable little red head boy :)
Please look at the website below. Think it over! We have one life here on earth.... I think it's awesome that we have the chance to help others in this way.

Please go to this online registration page on the Gift of Life website: https://www.giftoflife.org/Public/Online/Donor/Guidelines.aspx
Because of a generous gift from the Schusterman Foundation, if you register before December 31, it’s free! Just enter the sponsorship code: SAVEALAN.

Once you’ve filled out the online registration form, your information will be reviewed by Gift of Life. If they determine you’re eligible to be a donor, they’ll send a sample kit to your house!

Go register, and go spread word of the free registration!

Wintry Wisdom and Worthless Pursuits

2009-12-15T16:39:00.005-06:00

For the winter break, the college students and I are reading through Proverbs, only we're doing it topically. Our small group is also. If anyone else wants to join in the fun, here's the link to a study to read on your own or with a group. (Part of the reason in doing this is because our church is reading through the Proverbs during our worship services.)
http://www.4shared.com/file/168613187/98ede36c/Learning_Wisdom_study.html
http://www.4shared.com/file/168612710/6b7ad651/Learning_Wisdom_study_cover.html

Some of them are zingers, like bumping into the electric fence. Here's one that stuck with me from Monday: "Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense." What "worthless pursuits" are detracting you from the better things? the best things? from Christ? What should you get rid of or simplify in your life? It amazes me how such pithy verses like that you can stick in your pocket and pull out again later, only to find more alive and active and piercing each time you mull it over.

Anybody want a fish tank?

Luther on Beer

2009-12-11T16:23:00.003-06:00

Many of the "Young, Restless, and Reformed" crowd seem to like to quote Luther on the subject of beer. The quotes are fairly selective though, because, amidst a handful of ones that seem to flaunt, "Hurrah, we Christians can have our beer and love it!", I've not heard this quote once. It's taken from Luther's Off the Record with Martin Luther, the scholarly compilation and translation of Luther's Table Talks, edited by Charles Daudert.

2716b. I have often cursed the first beer brewer. The brewing of beer consumes so much grain that it could nourish all of Germany, and instead it s perverted, and we so shamefully make dung water out of it, which we later piss on the wall. It takes for each fourth of a beer three shovelfuls of grain, and where a city brews good beer, there are hundreds who brew beer for sale. The love of beer will yet lead to the downfall of the universities. Although our water is anything but healthy, our beer brings death. Therefore, we must withdraw from it.

2719. Erfurt has become nothing better than a whorehouse and beerhouse. The students have been the most diligent in obedience to the study of those two subjects. Among them are no professors, no preachers.

Dr. Daniel Block on Handel's Messiah

2009-12-10T10:09:00.003-06:00

I had the privilege of sitting under Dr. Daniel Block while in seminary. He was past "retirement" age at that point already, yet had more fire in his eyes than most all my other professors. Here's a piece he wrote on Handel's Messiah from a biblical theology perspective. http://www.sbts.edu/documents/icw/messiah.pdf

Here's a Christmas challenge for all who read this: print out the lyrics or musical score for Handel's Messiah and then listen to the whole thing.

HT: Justin Taylor

Free Christmas Songs

2009-12-07T21:36:00.001-06:00

Here's a link to get some free Christmas music at Amazon (and look around Mark's website). http://markgumm.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/some-great-free-christmas-music-mp3-downloads-on-amazon/

Thanks Kendra for the link.

Holiday Traditions : : Advent Celebration

2009-11-23T23:16:00.005-06:00

Does your family have any meaningful traditions that you do to make the holidays special—engaging, memorable, and worshipful? If you’re looking for something, there are lots of ideas and wisdom in the church, so ask around, especially of the seasoned tradition-makers (no pun intended—OK yes it was, even though it was corny).

Our small group said they wanted a list of Scriptures that they could read from the Old Testament, and see how Jesus’ was God’s long-awaited fulfillment for those prophecies. So here’s an Advent schedule I put together that you can use with your family or in personal devotional readings to celebrate Jesus. For example, you could read and talk about these passages after supper each Saturday evening and sing the suggested Christmas songs; this would also prepare your hearts and minds to celebrate advent on Sunday morning with the whole church.

Advent Scripture Readings #1 : : Jesus’ Kingdom
Isa 9:6-7, 2 Sam 7:12-13 and 16-17 :: Luk 1:32-33
Gen 49:10 :: Rev 19:15-16
Ps 110:11 :: Heb 1:3, Acts 2:34-35
Zech 6:12, 9:9-10, Dan 7:14 :: Matt 2:1-2, Rev 11:15, 12:10
Suggested Hymns:
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
“Joy To the World! The Lord is Come”

Advent Scripture Readings #2 : : Jesus’ Birth
Mic 5:1-3 :: Matt 2:1-6, Luk 2:1-7 and 15, John 7:42
Dan 9:24-5, Gen 49:10, Num 24:17, Mal 3:1 :: Luk 2:1-5
Isa 7:14, 9:6-7 :: Luk 1:26-35, Luk 2:7-11, Matt 1:21-23
Ps 72:10-15, Isa 18:7, Isa 60:3 and 7 :: Matt 2:1-2 and 7-11
Suggested hymns:
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
“Away in a Manger”
“Go, Tell it on the Mountain”
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”

Advent Scripture Readings #3 : : Jesus’ Birth
Ps 2:7 :: Luk 1:35
Ps 91:1-11 :: Matt 2:12
Hos 11:1 :: Matt 2:13-15
Jer 31:15 :: Matt 2:16-18
Isa 9:1-2 :: Matt 2:19-23, 4:13-16
Suggested hymns:
“Once in Royal, David’s City”
“What Child Is This”
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

Advent Scripture Readings #4 : : Jesus’ Deity
Ps 24:7, 10 :: 1 Cor 2:8
Ps 97:9, Mic 4:1 and 7 :: John 3:31
Isa 44:6 :: Rev 1:17-18
Isa 48:12 and 16 :: Rev 22:13
Joel 2:32 :: 1 Cor 1:2, Rom 10:13
Suggested Hymns:
“Who is This, So Weak and Helpless?”
“Angels From the Realms of Glory”

Christmas Day Scripture Reading:
Isa 9:1-7
Mat 1-2, Luk 1-2
Suggested Hymns:
“To Us a Child of Hope is Born”
“Joy to the World”
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing!”

Here are a few other suggestions from our small group for worshipful holiday traditions:
• Wake up early on Thanksgiving Day and spend some special time with God in prayer with a journal or pen and paper, writing your thanks to God.
• Ask around the Thanksgiving table what every person is thankful for (a great and natural opportunity for you to acknowledge Christ and the Gospel also if unbelieving family members are with you).
• Find meaningful Christmas programs or services for your family to attend (live nativities, Christmas Eve services, etc.).
• Pray for each person that you give a gift to as you prepare and wrap the gift.
• Listen to parts of Handel’s Messiah leading up to Christmas
• Memorize a “Christmas-y” Scripture passage together—e.g., Luk 2, Isa 9:1-7; read it once a meal and you’ll have it by Christmas!
Some other things you might like to look at or use:
• A small bit of background about Advent (from a Catholic perspective) http://www.churchyear.net/adventwreath.html
• Advent Readings adapted from the Common Book of Prayer [Anglican] (has daily approx. 3 chapters of Scripture) http://www.crivoice.org/advent1.html OR http://www.crivoice.org/advent2.html

UPDATE: Share with everyone in the "Comments" section what traditions your family or church does.

Thanksgiving: Holiday Reflection #1

2009-11-23T19:23:00.004-06:00

From Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 10th edition:

thanksgiving: act of giving thanks; a prayer expressing gratitude; a public acknowledgement or celebration of divine goodness

gratitude: the state of being grateful; thankfulness

grateful: appreciative of benefits received; affording pleasure or contentment by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Romans 1:18,21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth...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.

Christmas Album : : Sovereign Grace

2009-11-20T20:45:00.004-06:00

During advent we're using several Sovereign Grace songs again this year for worship. Download one of them for free HERE.

The full album is only $8; it could be a great Christmas gift for someone you love! Listen to song samples HERE.

Missions

2009-11-18T08:44:00.001-06:00

A big thanks to Trevor J., who visited with our church on Monday and Tuesday regarding missions. He was a great blessing to us, challenging us and instructing us in missions generally, and our church’s endeavors and plans specifically. Here’s a couple of lines that have stuck between my ears:

If 10 men are carrying a log, one on the heavy end by himself and nine on the other end all together, which end would you immediately offer your hands to help? Why then does the church continue to spend OVER 90% of our resources on ourselves instead of helping the areas that have no gospel?

In the Western world, we’re dying of spiritual anorexia. “Anorexia” because the words of life are within reach of everyone, we just refuse. In many dark corners of the world, the people die of spiritual starvation. “Starvation” because the words of life are unattainable.

Readers Wanted

2009-11-15T16:15:00.004-06:00

There's a couple of us that are going to start reading Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. 1 chapter a week. We're aiming to be done around Jan 1.

Well, 2011 that is!

If you want to join in the fun, let me or Kyle Laporte know.

Decontructionism Part 2

2009-11-05T09:27:00.010-06:00

Cleaning debris after the ceiling was removed, a foot deep in the whole sanctuary.

Our gals came to the rescue.

Only one casualty, but the girls were able to work around it.

Not knowing what we'd find, we're thankful there was only body in the attic to take care of.

From Steve:
An update on the progress thus far:

--95% of the demolition has been completed including all non-supporting walls and the ceiling of the vaulted worship space.

-- A number of the high schoolers worked Wednesday and filled 80 leaf bags with debris, most of which was blown in insulation----great job guys!!!! (and gals)

-- The upstairs bath has been removed and essentially all electrical supply demo'd out

--two flat bed trailers have been filled with debris--MAKE THAT 3 now, plus the ceiling debris of probably 2 more trailer loads.

--we have salvaged many flourescent fixtures, electrical switches/boxes/gang lines, ceiling tiles, etc. which we intend to sell to the highest bidder.

--all of the labor so far has been in house so we have not incurred contractor fees

Deconstructionism

2009-11-04T08:26:00.005-06:00

Our church building has been haram, "under the ban", "devoted to destruction". Here's what's been going on for a couple days now.

The sanctuary view from the NW corner.

The last (massive!) light fixture to come down.

The sanctuary, void of Sunday School classrooms.

1 John : : A Summary of Enduring Truths

2009-10-29T09:19:00.005-05:00

Scott just wrapped up 1 John this last week in Sunday School. We've been soaking in the book for about a year and it's been very beneficial. Here's Scott's bottom line, a few nuggets he's mined for his soul during the months of digging in the book:

(1) Truth is much simpler than you might think (eternal life = attachment to Jesus)

(2) Life is more dangerous than you might think (world, Satan, sin)

(3) Safety is more accessible than you might think (the invicible Spirit within us

(4) Victory is more certain than you might think (Jesus the coming Conqueror)

(5) The Inheritance is more lavish than you might think (3:2-3)

The Annual Reformation Polka!

2009-10-27T11:46:00.002-05:00

It's that time again! The annual Reformation polka. Gird up your lederhosen and let's celebrate!

Luther's "Here I Stand" : : Max McLean

2009-10-27T11:38:00.003-05:00

Free audio download of Max McLean reading Luther's famous "Here I Stand" speech (didn't Tony mention that on Sunday?).

Free until November 1, so hurry!

CLICK HERE

HT: JT

Psalm 22

2009-10-26T09:27:00.001-05:00

From the WorshipGod 2008 conference. I've seen Ryan do Hebrews 10-11, but hadn't seen this one.

HT: JT

No Dilemma for Paul?

2009-10-23T13:07:00.004-05:00

It seems I would have had more of a dilemma to participate in the Old Covenant system than Paul did. At least til Tony preached on Acts 21. Obviously he had freedom of conscience, as did many other Jewish Christians.

Is N. T. Wright right here? What was Paul's view of the law such that he could participate in it? (And what's wrong with mine?) Here's some helpful thoughts from Tony:

1. First, NT Wright is discussing the views of 2nd Temple Judaism in which Saul of Tarsus was raised, not necessarily the OT presentation of the covenant. What I mean is that Wright may, in fact, think that Palestinian Judaism got it wrong in their interpretation of the Mosaic covenant. I'm not sure about that. However, if Carson et al are correct, then Sander's "Covenantal Nomism" is too simplistic. To be sure there is evidence that some believed that a Jew entered the covenant by grace and maintained their status by adherence to the law. Others, however, believed that they were "justified" through the keeping of the law. Carson calls this "variegated nomism" because of the diversity of views in the 1st century. But, I don't think there's a problem in any regard for the following reasons.

2. First of all, keep in mind that Paul views Christ as having been the telos of the whole law, not just the sacrificial system. All of it pointed to Jesus' coming and all of it has been fulfilled by him. In other words, if it is morally wrong for him to participate in purification rites, it is also an ethical problem to keep the Sabbath, circumcise Timothy and participate in festivals such as Pentecost. On the other hand, if those rites find their purpose in Jesus, then I think Paul can participate, albeit in a different fashion than he did before his conversion. Whether Saul saw them as "national identity markers" as Wright thinks, or as the means of his righteousness before God (as I think - Phil. 3:4-9), he sees them now in a new light and can worship Christ through them. The best example that I can think of is a modern-day converted Jew who continues to celebrate the Passover with his unbelieving family. When he sits down at the seder he sees Christ, even though they fail to. I don't think he's wrong to do so, unless he forgets that it is a type that points him to Christ. For Paul the glory of Christ and his covenant so far surpasses the glory of the old covenant (2 Cor. 3:10,11) that I'm certain that, as he enters the Temple, he is not tempted to leave Christ for the types and shadows of the law. Others may be so tempted, so they need the warnings of the book of Hebrews. (More on that below.)

3. The single most important text to my mind on the subject of Paul's attitude in this regard is 1 Cor. 9:19-23. In order to win Jews, he makes himself "a servant to all", "even though I am free from all". He says that his strategy in evangelism is, "To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law)." As I said on Sunday, Paul's freedom moves in both directions. He's free from the law but his freedom also stretches toward the law, if he deems that expedient.

What's Your Motto?

2009-10-22T13:50:00.005-05:00

"You catch 'em He'll clean 'em"?! That's a terrible slogan!

Much better this mindset (=reality!):

A. W. Tozer Sermons

2009-10-19T08:29:00.003-05:00

Many of us have benefited from some of Tozer's works, especially his writings on the attributes of God. Listen to his 2 sermons on that topic. Many other are also available here: Tozer Sermons

HT: Phil Johnson

A Definition of Legalism

2009-10-15T13:03:00.001-05:00

(from Steve, via Jeremy)

A Definition of Legalism

1. Using the Mosaic covenant as though it is the covenant between you and God.

2. Attempting to be justified by one's own works.

3. Attempting to be sanctified by one's own works

4. Suggesting that our worth or worthlessness, our self-esteem and self-satisfaction or lack thereof, rest on our own works.

5. Any attempt to please God judicially, or any supposition that our sin as believers has resulted in his judicial displeasure. [Any post-salvation attempt to maintain our judicial standing before God through good works, covenant faithfulness, merit etc..]

6. Teaching that we conform ourselves to our judicial standing in Christ (righteous and perfect) by our own works.

7. Attempting to attain godliness by a systematic change of behavior

8. Obedience that does not spring from a renewed heart 1. As of an unbeliever who has no renewed heart 2. As of a believer who has a renewed heart but whose righteous behavior does not spring therefrom.

9. Any supposition that externally righteous acts have any value on their own, even as conduct that prepares the way for either 1. A renewed heart (preparationism as regards justification), 2. The softening or further renewing of an already renewed heart (preparationism as regards sanctification. Note Romans 12:2-Transformation occurs through the renewing of the mind), or 3. Any other work of the Spirit.

10. Suggesting that faith is irrelevant in the accomplishment of some (or all) good works.

11. Trying to be justified by works that are created and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

12. Attempting to gain assurance of salvation solely or primarily on the basis of the sign of outward works

- Bill Baldwin

The Holy Spirit and Revival

2009-10-12T15:26:00.001-05:00

What does real revival mean? How does it come. Here's a short clip from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on "revival".LISTEN HERE.

Twilight Book Review : : Tim Challies

2009-10-12T11:04:00.004-05:00

Attention all wannabediscerning teenagers!!! (and parents and others)

Why all the hype about Twilight? Read Tim Challies book review for a discerning take on this popular book series, now made movie. http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review---twilight.php

By the way, do you ever cringe at family or friends' excitement over a new "Christian" book they've found that is SOOO good? Because you know it's probably a misleading book full of error that's not going to be of eternal, spiritual benefit. Then start using Tim Challies. He's an AVID reader who writes excellent, discerning book reviews from a Christian (reformed) perspective.

Eschatology Round Table

2009-10-07T08:45:00.003-05:00

A great session from Desiring God Ministries. Listen in on a (guided) conversation between some Christian brothers who want to help everyone understand more about the "end-times".

C. S. Lewis on the "New Man"

2009-10-06T13:19:00.004-05:00

Our high school Bible study is reading Mere Christianity together. This week we read the chapter "The New Man", where C. S. Lewis describes the new life and new creative that God is doing in His Son, and subsequently in the rest of humanity:

I have called Christ the "first instance" of the new man. But of course He is something much more than that. He is no merely a new man, one specimen of te species, but the new man. He is the origin and centre and life of al te new men. He came into the created universe, of His own will, brinign with Him the Zoe, the new life (I mean new to us, of course: in its own place Zoe has existed for ever and ever.) And he transmits it not by herdity but by what I have called "good infection". Everyone who gets it gets it by personal contact with Him. Other men become "new" by being "in Him".

John Piper on Spiritual Gifts

2009-10-02T12:11:00.006-05:00

I've been thinking about spiritual gifts for a couple weeks. I've even looked through some spiritual gift "inventories" and "tests" recently (for some of you this is akin online matchmaker services). I think there was some benefit in them.

During college, the inventory I took didn't benefit me at all, probably due to immaturity and lack of knowledge of the Scriptures in this area. I think it was of some help this time. At the very least, some of the questions were probing ones that the Spirit used to convict me of sin in some areas that I hadn't thought of before.

John Piper's not too excited about those kind of tests at all. Rather, he says, we discover our gifts in the context of loving people. We'll discover that people are really helped by certain things we do (which we also "happen" to really enjoy) and other things fall completely flat and don't seem to benefit (much anyway) the others we're seeking to serve.

So here's my recommendation. Everyone listen to Piper's sermons from Romans 12, especially this sermon: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2004/182_Faith_The_Root_and_Trait_of_All_Spiritual_Gifts/

Book Recommendation : : What Jesus Demands From the World

2009-09-24T13:00:00.003-05:00

I bought it when it came out, but am just now starting John Piper's book What Jesus Demands From the World. I've been reading a chapter (4-5 pages) every other morning or so. The book is arranged in 50 devotional, bite-size chunks, categorizing and summarizing what following Jesus entails. But "demand" does not mean burdensome, because He is glorious. Throughout the several chapters I've read Piper holds these demands together with His glory to at once push you to worship Jesus, and embrace His demands.

From Demand #3: "Come to Me"

Before the new birth happens and repentance occurs, a hundred other things seem more important and more attractive: health, family, job, friends, sports, music, food, sex, hobbies, retirement. But when God gives the radical change of new birth and repentance, Jesus himself becomes our supreme treasure.

Therefore, his demand that we come to him is not burdensome . . . [The burden] is hard because the world is a hard place to enjoy Jesus above all . . . But Jesus is not the burden. When we come to Him, He is the burden-lifter, the soul-satisfier, and the life-giver.

T4A

2009-09-23T19:36:00.001-05:00

The Together for Adoption Conference:

Oct. 2-3. See the conference website.

Bible Verse Filter for Facebook and MySpace Ads

2009-09-21T19:26:00.004-05:00

This is a great extension to add to your Mozilla Firefox internet browser (sorry Internet Explorer users). It covers up scandalous ads with Scripture verses. I've been using it a couple days and it works great!

http://illbehonest.com/matt530.php

A big thanks to the guys pursuing holiness at Grace Community Church, San Antonio, TX (www.gccsatx.com)

To Every Tribe

2009-09-18T14:10:00.004-05:00

Copied from a blog interview. Astounding. Read more at this link: http://toeverytribe.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=79223&articleId=7914

Regarding the Gospel 90% in the "told" world vs. the less than 10% amongst the "no-access, untold" world is true.

So if you look at the status of Global mission in the International Bulletin of Mission Research, you'll see "World A" or the "Unevangelized" world - these are people who have no access to the Gospel at all. They have never heard of Christ or Christianity. They represent nearly 25% of the world and are growing at some 12 million per year.

The Problem we face is that while the % unevangelized has fallen from some 50% in 1900 to 25% today, the absolute number of unevangelized people has risen from 870 million in 1900 to 1.6 billion today - while the total number of long-term missionaries amongst the unreached has for the fallen, bottomed out, and only barely begun to rise again. We need more workers! Pray that the Lord will send out workers into the harvest!

Awesome God

2009-09-11T15:35:00.002-05:00

Go to http://www.hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/ to see some new pictures recently shot by the Hubble telescope. Awesome.

The Joshua Project : : Missions

2009-09-07T05:37:00.000-05:00

From the Joshua Project : : Languages and the Gospel

2009-09-07T05:10:00.001-05:00

• There are approximately 6,900 total languages in the world, about 400 of which are considered "nearly-extinct" per the Ethnologue. Approximately 2,500 languages have some or all of the Bible.

• Of the world's approximately 6,900 languages, 4,563 have at least one of the following: Bible portions, the Jesus Film, Christian radio, or Gospel recordings. Total speakers of these languages is 6,200,000,000, or over 95% of the world's population.

• About 4,400 languages are without Scripture portions available, with some 634,000,000 speakers. Translation projects are in progress in an estimated 1,600 languages that currently are without adequate Scriptures. There are about 2,500 languages needing Bible translation work to begin.

• There are 1,019 languages with the Jesus film available, 323 with Gospel radio available, and 4,292 with Gospel recordings available (plus approximately 2000 language recordings that have not had Ethnologue codes assigned yet). 2,337 languages have none of these resources available, with about 195,000,000 speakers.

• 90% of the world's people, if they have an internet cafe and the funds, can hear the gospel in a language they understand.

• There is a 90% chance that a foreign Christian meeting a non-believer overseas could find a gospel recording on-line and give it as a gift to any non-believer they meet and it would be understood.

• Only 3% of the world's people speak a language that does not yet have a Gospel recording.

• About 40% of the world's language groups (divided by country) still do not have any Gospel recording in their language (approximately 4100 total language groups when divided by country.)

10 / 40 Window

2009-09-04T16:42:00.002-05:00

Missions 101: What is the "10/40 Window"?

www.1040window.org

The Goodness of God : : A Testimony

2009-08-27T09:08:00.003-05:00

This was a dear man whom Rebecca and I know from TX. After decades of living as a Christian (so he thought), the Lord converted him at 72. What an amazing God.
(HT: www.illbehonest.com)