FROM THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 19, 2011

Tom Elliff Elected President of SBC International Mission Board (IMB)

By a unanimous vote, Thomas (Tom) D. Elliff was elected International Mission Board president March 16 by IMB trustees meeting in Dallas.

Elliff, 67, a longtime pastor, Southern Baptist Convention leader and former missionary, will lead one of the largest evangelical missions agencies in an era of rapid change at home and around the globe.

The greatest mission challenges, he said, are the world’s overwhelming spiritual lostness and the urgency of mobilizing churches to take the Gospel of Christ to all peoples.  CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.

The Will of God and The Word of God by Tom Elliff


St. Patrick: One of the Greatest Missionaries Who Ever Lived by Mark Driscoll

I am a servant of Christ to a foreign nation for the unspeakable glory of life everlasting which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Patrick

My family name was originally O’Driscoll until it was changed a few generations ago by relatives hoping to more fully assimilate into American culture after immigrating from Ireland. Though I was raised Irish Catholic, I knew virtually nothing about Saint Patrick other than the green beer, parades, shamrocks, leprechauns, and drunken Red Sox fans that celebrated in his honor every March 17th. Technically, Saint Patrick is not even a saint, as he was never canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. Additionally, Patrick was not even Irish. Rather, he was a Roman-Britain who spoke Latin and a bit of Welsh. Patrick was born around 390 A.D. When he was roughly 16 years of age he was captured by pirates and taken to Ireland on a ship where he was sold into slavery. He spent the next six years alone in the wilderness as a shepherd for his masters’ cattle and sheep. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.

A Story of Rescue in Japan by Randy Alcorn

As I’m sure many of you are, Nanci and I have been burdened for the people of Japan. We’ve been praying for people there, especially the believers, that the gospel could be spread in the midst of devastation.
With so many heartbreaking reports of death and loss, this news story telling the rescue of a baby girl is a wonderful glimpse of God’s mercy and saving grace: CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.

Come People of the Risen King by Keith & Kristen Getty

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 12, 2011

What Bob Dylan Got Right by John Piper

In 1979 Bob Dylan recorded the song "Gotta Serve Somebody." For those who listen with biblically informed ears the refrain echoes Paul and Jesus:

Paul: "You are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness" (Romans 6:16).
Jesus: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24).

Dylan's refrain:

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed,
You're gonna have to serve somebody.
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord,
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

This is one of the truest songs Dylan has written. John Lennon was so angry with it that he wrote an obscene counter-song, "Serve Yourself," which was so bad, Yoko Ono published an apologetic explanation of it in 1998.
To celebrate Dylan's getting this truth so right, I have written new lyrics, not because they are better, but because they are updated for my religious world.  Click here to continue reading.


Secret Church: How To Study The Bible by David Platt

TREASURE IN OUR HANDS
By David Platt

I want us to read Psalm 19: 7 through 11 together. You have got it listed there on the front page of your notes. Let’s read this out loud together.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;

the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;

the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward. (ESV)

We have a treasure in our hands with the Bible. The Word is Perfect. It is Perfect. This book and the words contained herein is Perfect. The Word is Relevant. We are going to see all these things unfold tonight. The Word is Good. It is very, very good. The Word is Clear. The clear is not hard to understand. I hope that we see that tonight. The Word is Eternal. It lasts forever. Heaven and earth pass away. My Words will never pass away. The Word is True. And here is the deal. The Word is Available. It is available.

And I want us to pause for a second here and remember that we are indebted to a guy named Jerome. I don’t know if you realize it or not, but Jerome has had a pretty big impact on your life. Jerome back around 400 AD took the Bible and he translated it into Latin. It is a huge moment where the Bible was being translated into another language and being made available to more people, then came along a guy named John Wycliffe. John Wycliffe took that Latin translation and he began to translate it into English. He was accused of being a heretic. He suffered persecution for his willingness to take the Bible and put it into the language of the common people. Those who got it were threatened for even pulling it out. Then came a guy named William Tyndale. Tyndale took Wycliffe’s translation of the Latin and made the first translation of the English from the Greek and the Hebrew and the Latin, pulling them altogether. He intended to complete the whole Old Testament and the New Testament, but he didn’t finish the Old Testament. He died in 1536. He was executed and his body was burned because of his commitment to translate the Bible. His associate John Rogers completed his work of the Old Testament. His associate John Rogers was martyred. The point is this. The Bible we hold in our hands is a result of men and women who have laid their lives down to give it to us. Far be it from us today to take this Word and leave it on our door steps or on our chest by our beds at night and not dive into it and see what it means for our lives. We have a treasure that is in our hands called the Bible. It is worth giving our lives to study it. This is the Bible that we have.


Newt Gingrich And A Lesson From King David by Michael Youssef

While I am not in the business of endorsing candidates, this blog is designed to help people see events and situations not so much from a personal standpoint, but a biblical one….this one is no exception.

A number of years ago, I gave a series of messages on the life of King David of old. I entitled the series, “A Portrait of a Champion.” One of the messages in that series was called, “Champions Know How to Repent.” Even a great champion for God such as King David messed up “royally” and had to repent. ...

This brings me to Newt Gingrich. While many people have, and will continue to throw stones at the former Speaker’s past marriage failures, I am glad that Newt is a man who knows how to repent. After all, isn’t that all that each of us can do? ... Click here to continue reading.


11 Reasons To Worship With Your Family By Jason Helopoulos

Most evangelical Christians are aware of the importance of secret and corporate worship, but fewer have even heard of family worship. What is family worship? It is pretty simple. Tonight, sit down with your family on the couch or at the dinner table. And then . . . pray together, read the Bible together, and sing a great hymn of the faith together. There are many reasons for doing family worship, but let us just mention a handful.  Click here to continue reading.

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 5, 2011

HELL, NEIGHBORS, PUBERTY, MARRIAGE, LIFE & PRAYER

• HELL: A REAL PLACE!

"Rob Bell’s forthcoming book Love Wins has already raised perennial questions about universalism, exclusivism, the love of God, and heaven and hell. Every day more voices lend their opinions on the growing controversy—most recently Brian McLaren, Albert Mohler, Scot McKnight, and Mark Galli of Christianity Today among them. The mainstream media, including The New York Times and CNN, have even taken notice.
The book, then, affords Christians the opportunity to revisit the biblical teaching on these weighty matters. Actually, the controversy demands that we seek together how to understand and fit together the Scriptural testimony of God’s character. What did Jesus himself say about God’s wrath and hell? Why did Jesus go to the Cross? And what’s the best way to relate this teaching to a skeptical culture? How do we love our neighbors by relating this news to them?" Justin Taylor

Rob Bell - Universalist? by Justin Taylor

 Two Thoughts on the Rob Bell Brouhaha by Kevin DeYoung

 

Universalism As A Lure - The Emerging Case of Rob Bell by Albert Mohler

Heaven, Hell and Rob Bell: Putting the Pastor In Context by Mark Galli

Pastor Stirs Wrath With His Views on Old Questions - New York Times

"If there no eternal punishment, then WHY IN THE WORLD....did Jesus INTENTIONALLY walk to the cross to suffer and die?"  Matt Carter

THE BIBLE SAYS:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. ...
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels... 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Matt 25:31-33;41;46 (ESV)

13  "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matt 7:13-14 (ESV)

• WHO ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS?

Charlie Sheen Is My Neighbor by Jim Daly

Admittedly, we don't have much in common. We were born years apart, he to parents of great means and me to parents grasping to make ends meet and an alcoholic father in search of meaning itself. We've been going our separate ways ever since. I'm happily married. He's not. I enjoy a warm and loving relationship with my boys; the courts dictate when he sees his. I attend church. He doesn't. It's not that he doesn't believe in God. I think he's like a lot of people today. He probably believes in Him, but doesn't really know who He is.  Click here to continue reading.

THE BIBLE SAYS:
And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."
Matt 22:37-40 (ESV)

See also The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-38 (ESV)

• PUBERTY & DISCIPLESHIP

What The Puberty Talk Can Teach Us About Discipleship by Russell Moore

A friend of mine is about to take his son on a road trip, to talk about the birds and the bees. His son, just a bit older than my boys, is within the horizon of hitting puberty. The father is going to get away with him on a retreat and talk about what’s going to be happening to him in a year or two, and how to handle these changes as a Christian. As I talked with my friend about his plans for the retreat, I wondered why this paradigm doesn’t continue in our churches throughout the Christian life.  Click here to continue reading.

THE BIBLE SAYS:
19  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matt 28:19-20 (ESV)

• MARRIAGE: One Man, One Woman, For Life

Evolutionary Law by Cal Thomas

President Obama has said his view of same-sex marriage is “evolving.” Apparently he thinks that the law should be based on a kind of Darwinian jurisprudence that allows it to “evolve” and become whatever the ruling politicians at a given moment say it is (or isn’t). Click here to continue reading.

THE BIBLE SAYS:
4 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Matt 19:4-6 (ESV)

• CHOOSE LIFE

Top 10 Reasons To Be An Optimistic Pro-Lifer by Trevin Wax
Those of us who believe unborn children deserve human rights can be encouraged. Though we still have many hurdles to overcome before we arrive at the place where all human life is legally protected in the United States, we can be optimistic about the end result. Here are 10 reasons why:  Click here to continue reading.

THE BIBLE SAYS:
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalms 139:13-17 (ESV)

• PRAYER

Seven Specific Prayers by Tom Elliff

Over the last few weeks, many of our friends have asked how they could pray for us in a specific fashion. You cannot imagine how such a request blesses our heart, especially since all things come by prayer. So I thought it might help to share with you seven specific prayers we pray each day. Thanks, so much, for praying with us.  Click here to continue reading. 

NOTE: Tom Elliff has been nominated to serve as the next president of the International Mission Board (IMB).

THE BIBLE SAYS:
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Col 1:9-14 (ESV)

_____
Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 26, 2011

The Over Sexualization of Little Girls by Diane Montgomery

Some say the times are more evil and that’s why they’re this way but when I see these over-sexualized little girls I can’t help but wonder: “Where’s the mother that’s supposed to be teaching her daughter that physical beauty isn’t what’s important and her sassy attitude isn’t acceptable behavior? When little girls’ outfits show everything and they wear makeup, making them look like teenagers, where are the fathers saying no and protecting their little girls from the lustful eyes of men and boys? What can parents do to prevent the over-sexualization of their daughters?

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

Polling Evangelicals: Cut Aid To World's Poor, Unemployed

A Pew Research Center survey suggests evangelicals prefer the government spend on schools, the military, and police.

 

The moral test of any society is how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens. And that is exactly what the Bible says, over and over again," said Sojourner's president, Jim Wallis

 

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

CLICK HERE to read Budget Cuts and Bad Faith by Jim Wallis

A Milestone in the Betrayal of Marriage by Albert Mohler

The President has made his decision. The Attorney General has now made his announcement. Mark your calendars for yesterday. That day now represents a tragic milestone in the betrayal of marriage.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.




Should We Baptize Small Children? by Trevin Wax

Should We Baptize Small Children? Yes by John Starke

Thoughts on the Baptism of Children by Nathan Finn

Tom Eliff nominated as Next IMB President

Thomas (Tom) D. Elliff, longtime Oklahoma pastor, Southern Baptist Convention leader and former missionary, is the unanimous recommendation of a 15-member trustee search committee to be the next president of International Mission Board.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2011

The Myth of Teenage Rebellion by Ed Stetzer

When I spoke at the D6 Conference, I made an off-handed statement that has generated a lot of questions. In that talk, I said something to the effect that teen rebellion is not found in all cultures. Thus, it is not a universal cultural experience. In other words, it is a myth that teens consistently rebel in every culture and context.

I probably mentioned teen rebellion is more common in Western industrialized societies with formalized educational systems. Since that time, people keep asking me, "where can I find more about that?" (Which teaches me not to make an off-handed comment in front of thousands of people.)

CLICK HERE to continue reading.


Honk If You Love Anti-Christian Bumper Stickers by Russell Moore

To get to my favorite coffee shop here in Louisville, I pass a lot of bumper stickers intended to make people like me angry. One of them says “Born Okay the First Time.” Another says “If You Don’t Like Abortion, Don’t Have One.” And, of course, there are several of the Darwin fish, those metallic signs with the early Christian symbol sprouting legs.

These bumper stickers have spawned an entire industry in American evangelicalism, countering these arguments, with “right back at you” ridicule. I understand the temptation, because some of those bumper stickers used to rile me up too. I would roll my eyes and think how stupid the argument was in front of me. Why does the Wicca devotee really need to tell us, “My Other Car Is a Broom”? Why does the anti-procreation guy have to announce, “My Labradoodle Is Smarter Than Your Honors Student”?

CLICK HERE to continue reading.


Billy Ray Cyrus' Regret by Jim Daly

Even if you don’t follow pop culture, you’ve inevitably read or heard of the teen actress Miley Cyrus.  Playing the wholesome character “Hannah Montana” on her popular Disney television show of the same name several years ago, Miss Cyrus was catapulted into entertainment’s stratosphere. She quickly became a marketer’s dream and was earning millions of dollars in TV, music and feature films. In the midst of her rapid ascent, though, she also found herself wrapped up in controversy, from being caught posing for provocative photographs to smoking a bong and taking hallucinogenic drugs.

Just another child actress given too much too soon?

Miss Cyrus, now 18, is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, perhaps best known for his hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.”

Ironically, and sadly, that’s exactly what Billy Ray is suffering from these days.  He told GQ Magazine that he now wishes his daughter never went to Hollywood and found fame and fortune.

"The [expletive] show destroyed my family," he told the reporter. "I'd take it back in a second. For my family to be here and just everybody be okay, safe and sound and happy and normal would have been fantastic. Heck, yeah. I'd erase it all in a second if I could."

CLICK HERE to contiunue reading.

CLICK HERE to read the GQ article.



How Shall We Pray About the Upheavals in the Middle East? by John Piper

There are two goals in praying for kings and leaders—that is, for political structures that exist, or might exist, in the Middle East.

1. We pray for political leaders and structures . . . “that we [the followers of Jesus] may lead a peaceful and quiet life godly and dignified in every way.”

2. We pray for this politically sustained freedom and peace so that more and more people would be saved.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.


Pray For Egyptian Believers by Anne Graham Lotz

As a Christian, I am not only praying for the Egyptian people in general, but I am praying for the followers of Jesus Christ in particular who are living in a nation during a time of upheaval and uncertainty. I am deeply convinced that what Egyptians are looking for is ultimately found in a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am praying for Christians who have the Answer to speak up and speak out.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

Captivated, animated and motivated

This story that runs from Genesis to Revelation, centering on Christ, not only richly informs our mind; it captivates the heart and the imagination, animating and motivating our action in the world. When history seems to come to a standstill in sin, guilt, and death, the prophets direct God’s people to God’s fulfillment of his promise in the new covenant.

— Michael Horton
The Christian Faith
(Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 2011), 19

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 12, 2011

One of My Favorite Descriptions of the Christian Life by Justin Taylor

I am not what I ought to be.
Ah! how imperfect and deficient.
Not what I might be,
considering my privileges and opportunities.
Not what I wish to be.
God, who knows my heart, knows I wish to be like him.
I am not what I hope to be;
ere long to drop this clay tabernacle, to be like him and see him as He is.
Not what I once was,
a child of sin, and slave of the devil.
Thought not all these,

not what I ought to be,
not what I might be,
not what I wish or hope to be, and
not what once was,

I think I can truly say with the apostle,

“By the grace of God I am what I am.”

—Cited in Letters of John Newton, p. 400.

Get Beyond the Talk of Election by J.C. Ryle

To talk of anyone being Elect when they are living in sin, is nothing better than blasphemous folly. The Bible knows of no Election except through “sanctification;” no eternal choosing except that we should be “holy;” no predestination except to be “conformed to the image of God’s Son.” When these things are lacking, it is mere waste of time to talk of Election. (1 Pet. 1:2; Eph. 1:4; Rom. 8:29)

~ J.C. Ryle

Old Paths, “Election”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1999], 470.

Followers of JESUS or of ME? Thoughts on Disciplemaking by Alvin Reid

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”  Jesus

“Christ is not valued at all, unless He is valued above all.” Augustine

“Be followers of me as I follow Christ.” Paul

“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus

Those of us who take seriously the Great Commission recognize how Christ’s charge compels us not to make converts on a superficial level but Christ-followers in all of life. 

Click the link above to continue reading.

What the Bible Says About Sex ... Really? by Albert Mohler

The Bible is brutally honest about human sinfulness in all its forms, including sexuality. Nevertheless, the Bible presents a consistent and clear sexual ethic. The issue is not a lack of clarity. 
Click the link about to continue reading.

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2011

Click on the title to read the full article:


Creation vs. Evolution - The New Shape of the Debate by Albert Mohler

This is the new shape of the debate over evolution. We now face the undeniable truth that the most basic and fundamental questions of biblical authority and gospel integrity are at stake. Are you ready for this debate?

Three Ways With Families by Tim Keller
 In Japan, in Western Europe, and in Russia, the birth-rate has fallen precipitously, to below replacement levels. If this does not change, the economic and cultural impact will be very great on those nations. Many have pointed out that interest in child-bearing is lowest in the most secular countries and sectors of society, while it is the highest in the most religious countries. Why is this? One explanation is that more educated people put off child-rearing until later in life and that means fewer children. However, educated religious people have more children than educated secular people, and therefore the socio-economic answer isn't the most basic answer. I don't think anyone can be completely sure that they have a handle on this complex phenomenon, but I think it creates an interesting backdrop for the consideration of the unique Christian view of the family.


Something We Can All Agree On Even If It Divides Us by Kevin DeYoung
Why can’t all the professing Christians in the world look past their differences and just get along?
Because some of those differences are irreconcilable. Most significantly and most foundationally, the three main branches of Christianity in this country–Roman Catholic, Liberal Protestant, and Evangelical Protestant–do not agree on the locus of authority. We don’t answer the question, “What is our final authority?” in the same way.



Where Have All The Presbyterians Gone? by Russell Moore
Are we witnessing the death of America's Christian denominations? Studies conducted by secular and Christian organizations indicate that we are. Fewer and fewer American Christians, especially Protestants, strongly identify with a particular religious communion—Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc. According to the Baylor Survey on Religion, nondenominational churches now represent the second largest group of Protestant churches in America, and they are also the fastest growing.


How To Pray For Egypt Today - An Insiders Report

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 29, 2011

Immunized Against The Gospel by Ed Stetzer

When asked, 8 in 10 Americans will identify themselves as Christians.  I think it’s pretty obvious, however, that by taking a brief look around our nation, 80 percent of people are not living like followers of Christ.

It’s like “the god of the Grammys” who pops up every year during award season. Some singer or actor whose daily ungodliness is chronicled in every tabloid and entertainment website wins the statue and immediately, upon taking the microphone, begins to “thank God for this.” God gets a hat tip at the Grammys but not a holy life day by day.

There is little similarity between the Americanized version of Christianity and what most of us know the real deal is supposed to look like.

I think that many people have received this “Christianity vaccine,” casually or regularly attending churches each week that are presenting a weakened, broken down faith.  It’s the kind of religion that Mark Twain explained when he said, “Church is where good people stand in front of good people and tell them how to be good people.”

CLICK HERE TO READ: Immunized Against The Gospel

The Osteen Moment - Your Own Moment Will Come Soon Enough by Albert Mohler

Joel Osteen found himself forced to answer a question that every Christian — and certainly every Christian leader — will be forced to answer. When that moment comes, and come it will, those who express confidence in the Bible’s teaching that homosexuality is a sin will find themselves facing the same shock and censure from the very same quarters.

CLICK HERE TO READ: The Osteen Moment - Your Own Moment Will Come Soon Enough


How Should You Respond When Another Christian Disagrees With You?  An example from last week:

In an interview on January 16, 2011, John MacArthur made a comment about a book by Darrin Patrick. You can listen to the interview here: “Theology and Ministry: An Interview with John MacArthur.” His comment created quite a bit of buzz over the follwing days. 

Here’s what Dr. MacArthur had to say about his comments after the buzz started.

Radical Individualism - A Good Trait for Young Pastors? by Dr. John MacArthur

And here is a very mature and I think Christ honoring response from Darrin Patrick. I don't know Darrin Patrick but I respect how he responded to this matter. 

Not Radical Individualism - A Reply To Dr. John MacArthur by Darrin Patrick

Marks of a Family-Equipping Congregation by Jay Strother

The goal of equipping families is a church-wide emphasis, owned by all church ministries and leadership. Even though the emphasis is quite visible in the events and activities, family-equipping ministry must move beyond events and activities to become an integral part of a church’s culture.

CLICK TO READ: Marks of a Family-Equipping Congregation

The Turmoil In The Middle East by Michael Youssef

The Muslim Brotherhood has been thirsting for power in Egypt for many, many years. Founded back in the 1920s, the aim of the Muslim Brotherhood was to topple the British rule and its puppet Egyptian government. Their goal then was to draw Egypt back into their militant-Islam, Sharia-following, anti-western, anti-Christian fold.

CLICK TO READ: The Turmoil In The Middle East

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 22, 2011

Remember the sanctity of life:

Today is the 38th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision that opened the floodgates for abortion in America. The U.S. Supreme Court handed down the decision, declaring that women have a constitutional right to an abortion on January 22, 1973.

Don't give up on the unborn. Support support crisis pregnancy centers, adoption  ministries, etc. and help end the slaughter of innocent babies!  Get involved!

You shall not murder.

Exodus 20:13 ESV

"For you formed my inward parts;
   you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
   my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
   intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for me,
   when as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 139:13-16 ESV

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3 ESV

Powerful speech from Representative James Lankford: "The Right To Life Is Self Evident"

Click on the following links to read more:  (WARNING - some of the videos are graphic but true!)

It's Time To Stop Pretending Abortion Is Anything But The Ruthless Killing Of An Innocent Human Being by Randy Alcorn

This Is Abortion by Justin Taylor

What About The Twins: The Deadly Logic Of Abortion by Albert Mohler

Remember our only hope if found in Christ alone!  Below is a video of my favorite modern hymn.

In Christ Alone - 10th Anniversary Arrangement by Keith and Kristen Getty

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 15, 2011

Can We See Jesus Better Than The Saints In The Bible?

Jesus speaks of three ways of seeing himself, each better than the one before.

CLICK HERE TO READ: Can We See Jesus Better Than The Saints In The Bible? by John Piper

Revival: Ways and Means

How do seasons of revival come?

CLICK HERE TO READ: Revival: Ways & Means by Tim Kellar

Cracks In The Crystal Cathedral

Why we a better off letting God make the gospel relevant.

CLICK HERE TO READ: Cracks In The Crystal Cathedral

Pray for Asia Bibi:

Asia Bibi is a Christian woman and mother of five, that has been sentenced to death for "blasphemy" in Pakistan.

Asia Bibi Facing Threat Of Suicide Attack


Muslim Million Man March In Support Of Executing A Christian Mom

New Podcast from Dr. Russell Moore:

      Introducing The Cross And The Jukebox

First episode discusses "I Saw The Light" by Hank Williams. It is worth taking the time to listen to.


____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 8, 2011

Remember the Duck

"Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:19, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” The good news of the gospel is that, for all of us who trust in the finished work of Jesus, God does not count our sins against us–he counts our sins against Christ!
Our own failure to grasp the gospel shows itself when we demand penance from those who have wronged us. Whatever offense I’ve received is infinitely smaller than the offense God has received from me. And since God has freely, fully, and unconditionally forgiven us in Christ (counting our sins against him) we should be quick and desirous to freely, fully, and unconditionally forgive." Tullian Tchividjian

CLICK HERE TO READ: Remember the Duck

No Buzzing Little Fly - Why the Creation-Evolution Debate is so Important

"A buzzing little fly is only a nuisance. The theory of evolution is no mere nuisance — it represents one of the greatest challenges to Christian faith and faithfulness in our times." Albert Mohler

CLCIK HERE TO READ: No Buzzing Little Fly

A Prayer From The First Continental Congress

 "... here is the prayer that opened the First Continental Congress on September 7, 1774.  May we be encouraged to pray that our leaders will have the same dependence upon God as these men did during very difficult times." Randy Alcorn

CLICK HERE TO READ: A Prayer from the 1st Continental Congress

An Open Letter To Steve Jobs

"I know that Apple has a policy prohibiting apps that contain “references or commentary about a religious, cultural or ethnic group that are defamatory, offensive, mean-spirited or likely to expose the targeted group to harm or violence.”
But I am shocked that Apple would consider the Manhattan Declaration “defamatory” or “mean-spirited.” Even a cursory reading of the declaration reveals numerous references to the fact that all people – including those adopt behaviors Christians consider immoral – are made in the image of God and deserve respect and care." Trevin Wax

CLICK HERE TO READ: An Open Letter To Steve Jobs

CLICK HERE TO READ THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION

Worth Loosing Everything

This is the picture of Jesus in the gospel. He is something — someone — worth losing everything for. And if we walk away from the Jesus of the gospel, we walk away from eternal riches. The cost of nondiscipleship is profoundly greater for us than the cost of discipleship. For when we abandon the trinkets of this world and respond to the radical invitation of Jesus, we discover the infinite treasure of knowing and experiencing him.

— David Platt
Radical
(Colorado Springs, Co.: Multnomah Books, 2010), 18

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEKENDING JANUARY 1, 2011 (HAPPY NEW YEAR!)

Where We Should Find Our Joy

"God wants us to find our primary joy in our objectively declared justification, not in our subjectively perceived sanctification. "

— Jerry Bridges
"The Discomfort of the Justified Life" in Justified: Essays on the Doctrine of Justification, ed. Ryan Glomsrud & Michael Horton
(Modern Reformation, 2010), 94

Repentance and the Real Gospel

Let no man ever persuade you that any religion deserves to be called the Gospel, in which repentance toward God has not a most prominent place. That is no Gospel in which repentance is not a principal thing. It is the Gospel of man – not of God. It comes from earth – not from heaven. It is not the Gospel at all – it is rank antinomianism and nothing else. So long as you hug your sins, and cleave to your sins, and will have your sins – your sins are not forgiven.
So long as you do not repent of sin, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is no Gospel to your soul. Christ is a Savior from sin – not a Savior for man in sin. If a man will have his sins, the day will come when that merciful Savior will say to him, “Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity! Depart into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matt. 25:41.)

~ J.C. Ryle

Old Paths, “Repentance”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1999], 415, 416.

Mallard Fillmore Remembers the Persecuted Church

One Thing We Need In 2011

"What do we need to stay strong in 2011? I can summarize it in three words. We need . . . 
Tenacious winsome courage." 

Click on the link below to read the complete article from Ray Pritchard:

CLICK HERE TO READ: One Thing We Need In 2011

Trading One Dramatic Resoluion For 10,000 Little Ones

"Yes, you and I need to be committed to change, but not in a way that hopes for a big event of transformation, but in a way that finds joy in and is faithful to a day-by-day, step-by-step process of insight, confession, repentance and faith. And in those little moments we commit ourselves to remember the words of Paul in Romans 8:32—

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us, how will he not also with him freely give us all things.

So, we wake up each day committed to live in the small moments of our daily lives with open eyes and humbly expectant hearts." 

Click the link below to read the complete article from Paul David Tripp:

CLICK HERE TO READ: Trading One Dramatic Resolution For 10,000 Little Ones

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING: DECEMBER 25, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

How Critical Thinking Saves Faith

"Scripture itself encourages humans to use their minds to examine truth claims.  As Paul writes, “Test everything, hold on to the good” (1 Thess. 5:21).  It turns out that you have to practice the first part of the verse -- testing and questioning -- in order to build the wisdom to recognize, choose, and hold on to what is good.
To adapt a line from Wordsworth, the questioning child is father to the truly committed man." Nancy Pearcey 

CLICK HERE TO READ: How Critical Thinking Saves Faith

A Brief Theology of Desire

"A couple of days ago I received an email from a young man who reads this site and he asked a rather simple question: How am I to react to sexual desire? As a teenager, unmarried and with marriage in the distant future rather than the near future, he wanted to know how God would have him understand sexual arousal.

That took me a little bit of thought, but here is how I think a young man can understand sexual arousal."  Tim Challies

CLICK HERE TO READ: A Brief Theology of Desire

Why Share At Christmas?

"Research has borne out the fact that Christmas is a great time to share Christ. Christmas marketing campaigns and advertising are good support, but the most effective approach remains the personal relationship. Let’s not miss it by being distracted by Christmas trappings ourselves"  Ed Stetzer

CLICK HERE TO READ: Why Share At Christmas?

Reckless Abandon

A friend shared this with me this week:
"I truly believe with all my heart there are no more needy than an orphaned child. Please join me in prayer with your families this Christmas for these who desperately need parents to hold them and to show them the love of Christ.  This blog was written a few weeks ago and I pray the Lord will give all of us a little more reckless abandonment.

My God use you as a Blessing to others in 2011"

CLICK HERE TO READ: Reckless Abandon blogpost

"There is nothing that tells the truth about us as Christians so much as our prayer life." — D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

WINTER SNOW
Verse 1
Could’ve come like a mighty storm
with all the strength of a hurricane
You could’ve come like a forrest fire
with the power of heaven in your flame

Chorus
But you came like a winter snow
quiet and soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
to the earth below

Verse 2
Could’ve swept in like a tidal wave
or an ocean to ravish our hearts
You could have come through like a roaring flood
to wipe away the things we’ve scarred

Bridge
No, your voice wasn’t in a bush burning
No, your voice wasn’t in a rushing wind
It was still, it was small, it was hidden

Words by Audrey Assad
__
Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING: DECEMBER 18, 2010

Six Megathemes Emerge From Barna Group Research in 2010

1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate.
2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented.
3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life.
4. Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating.
5. The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian Church.
6. The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible.Click on the link below to read the complete article by George Barna:

CLICK HERE TO READ: Six Megathemes From 2010

Did Jesus Ever Get A Stomach Virus?

I hope you don’t get a stomach virus this year, or the flu or the fever or a cold. But, if you do, I hope you remember, just for a minute, in your discomfort that Jesus has passed through everything you’ll ever face. He might have been racked with nausea or chills or aches, just as you are. And then he faced far, far worse.

But, as you lie there, remember the gospel of incarnation and substitution, a gospel that comes, as the old song says, to make his blessings known “far as the curse is found.”
Click the link below to read the complete article by Dr. Russell Moore:

CLICK HERE TO READ: Did Jesus Ever Get A Stomach Virus?

So Why Is Incest Wrong?

There are certain questions now pressed upon us that previous generations would never believe could be asked. One of these is thrust upon us by events in New York City, where a well-known Ivy League professor has been arrested for the crime of incest. What makes the question urgent is not so much the arrest, but the controversy surrounding it.
Click the link below to read the complete article by Albert Mohler:

CLICK HERE TO READ: So Why Is Incest Wrong?

How We View Our Children Determines How We Disciple Them

How we view our children determines how we disciple our children.

Whether or not your children ever profess Christ, whether or not they ever get better grades than Theo, our kids always need the same message: the hope of the gospel. That is their greatest need. 
Click on ther link below to read the complete article:

CLICK HERE TO READ: How We View Our Children Determines How We Disciple Them

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING: DECEMBER 11, 2010

Humbled and Assured

"The fact that Jesus had to die for me humbled me out of my pride. The fact that Jesus was glad to die for me assured me out of my fear."
— Timothy Keller
The Reason for God
(New York, NY: Dutton, 2008), 200

The Cradle and the Cross

"The crucial significance of the cradle at Bethlehem lies in its place in the sequence of steps that led the Son of God to the cross of Calvary, and we do not understand it till we see it in this context."

— J. I. Packer
Knowing God
(Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1973), 58

Why Christians Go Postal Over Facebook, Jay-Z, Yoga, Avatar and Culture in General

What I’ve found over the years is that whenever I speak about something culturally related from a Christian perspective, a debate rages. This has been the case since the earliest days of my ministry. This is because I consider myself a missionary in culture. When we started our church we did so in what was among the least churched cities in the nation, seeking to reach the least churched demographic—young, educated, single, urban men. The truth is, these kinds of young men are generally missing from the American church. 
Click on the link below to read the complete article by Mark Driscoll:

CLICK HERE TO READ: Why Christians Go Postal ...

No Accident

No, it was part of a plan. It was a calculated choice. “It was the LORD’s will to crush him.” (Isaiah 53:10) The cross was drawn into the original blueprint. It was written into the script. The moment the forbidden fruit touched the lips of Eve, the shadow of a cross appeared on the horizon. And between that moment and the moment the man with the mallet placed the spike against the wrist of God, a master plan was fulfilled.
Click on the link below to read the complete article by Max Lucado:

CLICK HERE TO READ: No Accident

What You Celebrate As a Church is Just As Important As What You Believe

What your congregation celebrates corporately is just as important as what your church affirms doctrinally. Celebrate the gospel, and cross-cultural ministry will bubble up in surprising ways. Celebrate your church’s preferential distinctions, and your congregation will become an insular group of like-minded individuals.
Click on the link below to read the complete article by Trevin Wax:

CLICK HERE TO READ: What You Celebrate As a Church ...

Advice to Worship Leaders

Just sing the song, Don't sing the la-la-la's, Don't sing in the "key of Tomlin" and six other items. 
Click on the link below to read the complete article by Philip Nation:


CLICK HERE TO READ: Advice to Worship Leaders

__
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK ENDING: DECEMBER 4, 2010

The Sacredness of Time: Understanding the Christian Calendar

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

"Rather than on Jan. 1, the Christian new year begins on the Sunday that falls nearest Nov. 30, which this year is on Nov. 28."  Click on the link below to read the complete article by John Shore:

CLICK HERE TO READ: The Sacredness of Time

The Bulldog and the Skunk

“A bulldog can beat a skunk, but is it worth the fight?” If  we’re laying down bets, I’ll put my money on the bulldog every time.  But he’ll end up smelling like a skunk even if he wins.

Sometimes we fight over things that don’t really matter and end up wasting lots of time and emotional energy with very little to show for it. Every great general knows that you have to pick your battles carefully. You can’t fight over every hill or you’ll end up winning the battle but losing the war. Click on the link below to read the complete article by Ray Pritchard:

CLICK HERE TO READ: The Bulldog and the Skunk

Thoughts On World Aids Day

Jesus has AIDS.

Just reading that in the type in front of you probably has some of you angry. Let me help you see why that is, and, in so doing, why caring for those with AIDS is part of the gospel mandate given to us in the Great Commission. Click on the link below to read the complete article by Dr. Russell Moore:

CLICK HERE TO READ: Thoughts On World Aids Day

Our God-Given Conscience

There is a conscience in all men by nature. Let this never be forgotten. Fallen, lost, desperately wicked as we all are born into the world, God has taken care to leave Himself a witness in our bosoms. It is a poor blind guide and without the Holy Spirit, it can save no one. It leads no one to Christ. It may be ‘seared’ and trampled under foot. But there is such a thing as conscience in every man, accusing or excusing him, and Scripture and experience alike declare it. (Romans 2:15)

~ J.C. Ryle

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Matthew, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1986], 159.

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

It's the time we celebrate God coming to earth as a babe in a manger.  The "first Christmas" was a simple time of beauty and wonder. Don't let all the commercialization of Christmas steal your joy and take away from the real meaning of the season we are celebrating. Keep Christ as the focal point of the season for you and your family.  Here is a great video:
 CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO: Where's The Line To See Jesus?
Using an Advent Calendar is one way to help keep the focus on Christ.
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO ACCESS FREE ON-LINE ADVENT CALENDARS/ACTIVITIES:

2010 ADVENT CALENDAR FOR FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

2010 ADVENT CALENDAR FROM MY FAMILY TALK (Dr. James Dobson)

2010 ADVENT CALENDAR FROM TURNING POINT MINISTRIES (Dr. David Jeremiah)

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah