Introducing Dave Harvey

I am very jazzed to see that Dave Harvey will start contributing to CJ Mahaney's blog, "view from the cheap seats & other stuff."

Dave is the author of When Sinners Say “I Do”: Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage (Shepherd, 2007). This is one of the best books on marriage I have seen!

Dave is a good friend of mine and a wise and Godly pastor. He is in charge of church planting for Sovereign Grace Ministries. He is also very funny.

He recently wrote his first post. Check out this excerpt:

Because we love proclaiming the gospel, Sovereign Grace Ministries created a new role and asked me to fill it. We’re not big on titles around here so I’m the “person-responsible-for-church-planting, international-expansion-and-church-care-in-Sovereign-Grace.” People typically start yawning about halfway through my title, so I often grab attention by also throwing in “bomb disposal.”

I live in Philadelphia, home of the world champion Phillies and some pretty awesome cheesesteaks. If you don’t know what a cheesesteak is, then eating one someday should immediately go on your prayer list. Many young men feel called to plant churches in Philly after eating one.

But I digress. .....

Sovereign Grace Ministries defines success partly by planting gospel-centered churches. It is so important to us that we dedicate an enormous amount of time, training, resources, and personnel to it. We’ve been doing it for 25 years…it’s in our DNA, our genes, our blood, it’s…well, you get the picture. But here’s the neat thing: It still feels like we are just getting started. There’s still so much to do, so much to learn. And then we’ve got to effectively transfer the whole thing to the next generation so that they can continue the mission in strength.

I hope this is important to you as well. But sheer enthusiasm is not enough. We need to understand from God’s Word why we as a ministry are called to plant and build gospel-centered local churches around the world.

Wow, I get excited just writing about this stuff. And I hope my blog contribution will encourage those of you with the same burden for church planting.

Next time we’ll get started by answering the obvious and foundational question: Why plant churches in the first place?

So log on, grab a cheesesteak and join me next time.

If you have a couple minutes check out his full post here.

Looking forward to more!

Domesticating God

Preparing to preach on 1 Cor. 1:18-25 in relationship to trusting God. DA Carson has been very helpful in this regard. Here is a notable quote..

"Our self-centeredness is deep. It is so brutally idolatrous that it tries to domesticate God himself. In our desperate folly we act as if we can outsmart God, as if he owes us explanations, as if we are wise and self-determining while he exists only to meet our needs."

DA Carson, The Cross and Christian Ministry, p. 15

And from the word of God:

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (ESV)

What Is A Secular Education?

Something I've been pondering for a while. Let me know what you think.....

There is an idea that is commonly held and even vehemently defended in our culture. People might even scoff if you disagree. They will perhaps quote supreme court rulings and excerpts from the constitution as well. The idea is this, that the only legal and proper education for public schools is a "secular" education.

Now this whole idea of "secular" living not only influences our view of education but really our view of everything in the public sphere - politics, community, neighborly talk, relationships at work etc.. "Keep your religion to yourself - that's a private thing." We all assume that life in the public sphere must be secular if we are to get along and coexist as good citizens. While I'm all for getting along and coexisting as good citizens I think that the idea of a "secular" realm is inherently contradictory. I believe a secular view is inherently religious and therefore the idea of a "secular" education violates the first amendment clause that prohibits government sanction of any particular religious view.

Webster defines "secular" as 1 a : of or relating to the worldly or temporal b: not overtly or specifically religious c : not ecclesiastical or clerical .

In order to assume that there are ideas and actions that are secular, not overtly religious, you must assume that there is the ability to divorce ideas and actions from a greater reality than that which is immediately and apparently at hand. So at the core of the secular perspective is the assumption that there is a realm that can somehow be limited to merely the immediate and pragmatic experience of the individual or community. In this place, functionally and hypothetically, there is no God, there is no transcendent truth, there is really nothing more than the individual's or group's experience.

But how do we evaluate that experience? What is it? What constitutes the difference between a "spiritual" experience and a "secular"? What is a group? What is an individual? What is right and wrong? How do we determine it? If secular is the realm with no God, what is God? Where and how is there no God? How do I determine how to interact in such a realm? What are my rights? What are the groups rights? What is a "right" anyhow? How do we get that concept? What is "is"?

Do you see what sort of trouble we get into when we try to carve out a place called "secular"?

I would submit that there is no such thing as a "secular" realm. Instead, we have used this as camouflage to cover what functionally is a state-sponsored religion derived from an increasingly abandoned Enlightenment view of the world that is more-or-less bound to the assumption that the self (whatever that may be) is the ultimate determiner of reality and thus the spiritual center of the universe.

And if this view is the central commitment of our education system aren't we proselytizing our children when we base their education on a "secular" worldview? Is not this a violation of the establishment and free exercise clause of the First Amendment?

Is there a way forward? I think so- so did Abraham Kuyper - that's for another blog.

Creativity and Congregational Worship

Watch this interview of CJ Mahaney and Bob Kauflin on the use of creativity in corporate worship- some very helpful cautions and instruction.

Four Views on Christianity and Culture

I came across an excellent discussion by Ray Pennings on four contemporary views of how Christians are to interact with the world. Here are some excerpts:

..... In my mind, there are at least four distinct approaches evident in Reformed circles today, each of which brings some perspective to the tension that this symposium seeks to address.

Neocalvinism focuses on the comprehensiveness of the gospel claim. "Every square inch" belongs to Christ, and the full effects of the cross—as fully conquering sin, including its effects in the groaning creation—are emphasized. .... That means challenging the presuppositions of secular reasoning and working carefully with both the books of creation and revelation.

The "two kingdom perspective" .. brings at least two valuable insights to the conversation. Negatively, it warns against the hubris that sometimes can accompany an attempt to define "the" Christian position on various contemporary issues. ... Positively, it brings a very strong ecclesiology into the conversation, emphasizing the calling of believers to focus on their place in the church and the bride of Christ, and to emphasize the transcendence of the gospel.

Neopuritans (which I prefer as a term to describe that group which Time magazine described as New Calvinists) focus on the sovereignty of God and the glory of God.... this perspective results in an approach that is more individualistic than corporate, focuses more extensively on responding to the needs of our neighbours through the diaconal ministry of the church, and relies on being an example, resisting cultural trends and intentionally working towards a Christian counter-culture.

"Old Calvinism".... One example of this approach is John MacArthur, who has essentially come to the conclusion that engaging the city inevitably leads the church to worldliness and that when the church attempts to engage the culture, the culture is usually more effective at influencing the church.... Promoting godly living and the fruits of the Spirit is a mission "far more good and profitable to men than any amount of social and political activism . . . [Christians] are content very much to let the worldly people deal with the worldly things of this world."

So to summarize the discussion within Reformed circles today: The neocalvinist says the fundamental presuppositions underlying the debate need to be changed if we are to have meaningful engagement. The two kingdom perspective responds that it won't happen; when we try to engage in discussion, we end up calling things Christian that really aren't, resulting in pride and a misrepresentation of the gospel. The neopuritans say that that is why we should avoid a systemic approach; we should focus more on the individual needs of our neighbors and show them, both in ministries of mercy as well as by positive examples, that faith makes a difference. The Old Calvinists say that in all of this activity, we are losing our focus and getting dirty as we dig around in the garbage cans of culture to retrieve a penny or two of value from the bottom. We and our culture need heart-surgery, not band-aids.

Framing the camps in this way can emphasize the gaps and overlook the significant overlap that in practice one finds as people seek to balance their response to the practical tension that can emerge between gospel proclamation and seeking the peace of the city. I think more work needs to be done in developing a coherent public theology. I believe such a theology needs to be rooted in orthodox doctrine (truth matters, and cultural engagement that focuses on activity without core content inevitably leads astray); have a robust worldview that answers the questions our neighbours are asking (in other words, is less concerned about an agenda than responding to the needs and questions of those around us); has an ethic of integrity (our example is an important part of our witness and the institutional church with her offices must be as a bright light and example); and is lived with a pilgrimage spirit (which probably means more emphasis on the doctrines of providence and eschatology as everyday realities in the life of the believer.)

You can check out the whole discussion here.

HT: Kevin DeYoung

CJ Mahaney Sermons on Video

Check out this excellent resource - CJ Mahaney Sermons on video from Vimeo.

Enjoy!

Thoughts on Two Kingdom Theology vs. Neo-Kuyperism

I have been reading a biography of Abraham Kuyper and digging deeper into his theology and philosophy. The more I read the more I like what he has to say and what he did.

Recently, Kevin DeYoung and some of the guys at the White Horse Inn debated the appeal of the Two Kingdom world view versus the Neo-Kuperian world view. Both views have value and biblical merit. See Justin Taylor's discussion for a good exchange among commentators.

I can't promise to add anything to their discussion. But, with the hope of helping us think a little more through these important ideas....my thoughts.

While I like aspects of the Two Kingdom approach I believe it has some serious drawbacks. Here are some thoughts on the advantages and drawbacks of the Two Kingdom view:

Advantages:

1. It is a good understanding in wrestling with the reality that the elect are also exiles living in a world largely opposed to the reign of God.
   
2. It helps protect the church from forgetting its chief priority of proclaiming Christ and displaying the fruit of the gospel first and foremost.
   
3. It allows for participation in the realm of the world, where we often see the work of common grace that is distinct from true kingdom work (it lacks true acknowledgment of Christ as King ie. good government, friendly neighbors, public charities etc.).
   
4. It keeps a healthy tension between the already and the not yet in our eschatology.
   

Drawbacks:

1. It can lend itself to a neo-Gnosticism where our spirituality can be disconnected with the nitty-gritty of life lived in a body that dwells in a world that has cultural, economic, social, civic and relational realities that are intimately related to the spiritual.
2. It can lend itself to an apathetic view of the world and the isolation of the Church from society. Christianity is a comprehensive worldview that is centered on Christ but finds application in every nook and cranny of life, both in a fallen world and in the future re-created world.
3. It can seem to excuse Christians and Christian leaders from thinking through the particulars of how a Christian is to live in the world because of the inherent difficulty in applying gospel truth to the complexities of life and culture. While there are inherent dangers with any church advocating how to shop or how to invest in stocks or which political party to support or what art forms to promote, this is no reason for separating the realm of the church and the world in this way. We do not wash our hands of the application of the reign of Christ to the nitty-gritty because the issues can become too complicated. We must think biblically about every arena of life. Certainly we must be humble and admit we are culturally biased in our applications, but this is no reason for neglect. "There is a lion in the streets" is the excuse of the sluggard. The reign of Christ extends to all things. We must humbly and diligently seek to apply His truth in all arenas of life even if it means coming up with some messy answers at times.
4. It seems where it has been embraced it has evidenced, to some degree, the negative effects of the previous three tendencies (ie. Lutheran & Mennonite vs. much of English, Dutch and American evangelicalism). Certainly Neo-Kuyperism has its drawbacks (a subject of a future post) but humble truthful comprehensive Gospel-centered activism, even with its misapplications and messiness seems to have a healthier legacy than the Two Kingdoms approach.

I am eager to think more through this more and hear your perspectives. What do you think?

Guaranteed by God - Romans 8:18-39

I have been studying Romans 8:18-39 in preparation for Sunday. Check out this wordle of this passage from the ESV.















Go to Wordle to see more.

The Sluggard

Check out this poem by Isaac Watts entitled "The Sluggard" drawn from the book of Proverbs. God grant us wisdom to avoid the way of the sluggard!

'Tis the voice of the sluggard; I heard him complain,
"You have waked me too soon, I must slumber again."
As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed,
Turns his sides and his shoulders and his heavy head.

"A little more sleep, and a little more slumber;"
Thus he wastes half his days, and his hours without number,
And when he gets up, he sits folding his hands,
Or walks about sauntering, or trifling he stands.

I pass'd by his garden, and saw the wild brier,
The thorn and the thistle grow broader and higher;
The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags;
And his money still wastes till he starves or he begs.

I made him a visit, still hoping to find
That he took better care for improving his mind:
He told me his dreams, talked of eating and drinking;
But scarce reads his Bible, and never loves thinking.

Said I then to my heart, "Here's a lesson for me,"
This man's but a picture of what I might be:
But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding,
Who taught me betimes to love working and reading.

by Isaac Watts

HT: Josh Harris

Parenting Resources

I recently heard a message by Dave Harvey that I would put on my list of the top 25 messages I've ever heard. It was entitled, "Parenting in Weakness" and it was an analysis and application of 2 Cor. 12 to parenting. You don't want to miss this one.

Go to Monergism to download an MP3: "Parenting in Weakness", 2 Cor 11:30-12:10, Dave Harvey.

You might want to check out some of the other excellent teaching on parenting on Monergism. Go to Monergism's Section on Parenting here.

Enjoy!

The Shack II

Two recommendations for alternatives to The Shack:

1. 
   
   Trusting God by Jerry Bridges





2. 
   How Long, O Lord by D.A. Carson.

Enjoy!

The Shack

Sorry for the summer respite from blogging.....

Something I've wanted to do for a while is write a review of The Shack by William Young. I read it this summer and enjoyed many aspects of it.

1. It is a gripping story that forces us to address some heart-wrenching issues that are very real for many folks.
   
2. It warmly portrays the compassion and tenderness of God.
3. It communicates the nearness of God to us amidst our struggles.
   
4. It does a good job of making us wrestle with the mystery of evil.
5. It attempts to show how God might resolve our questions in a way that is partially faithful to scripture.
   

But there are some significant problems...

1. It neglects to adequately portray the unfathomable glory and wisdom of God that is the ultimate answer for our questions about evil and suffering (see the book of Job).
2. It downplays or even eliminates God's sovereignty over all of creation, even evil. (It is a scary thing if God is not in control - there are no guarantees in such a world.)
   
3. It messes a bit too much with clear scriptural revelations of God for a 21st century version of God. (God as a woman, God as a cool older dude etc.)
   
4. It does not emphasize the awesome holiness of God and our obvious and complete unworthiness before him. (see Is. 6 for a biblical encounter between God and a man.)
   
5. It does not sufficiently highlight the ultimate resolution of evil in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Hope that helps. Read it if you are able to sift the good from the bad, otherwise, stay away from it's ultimately unhelpful portrayal of God and the problem of evil. Also, Check out Trevin Waxes review for a fuller analysis.

Two Ways to Live

My friend Jeff sent me this quote this morning. Check it out:

"Two men may have the same affliction; to one it shall be as gall and wormwood, yet it shall be wine and honey and delightfulness and joy and advantage and riches to the other. This is the mystery of contentment, not so much by removing the evil, as by metamorphosing the evil, by changing the evil into good."

Taken from the book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment By Jeremiah Burroughs 1648

Isn't it true that two people can face the same circumstance and based on their relationship with God either experience that circumstance as a curse or as a great blessing?

Thank God that the promise for the child of God is to use "all things" for our good and his glory!

That changes everything.

Little Children, Keep Yourself from Idols!

I spent time reading this post from John Piper out loud this morning. It so helped me! Last night we spent time looking at some home videos of some precious memories. It tempted me to love the gifts more than the Giver and pine for old times. This helped so much!

Take some time to read it out loud and let these truths lead you today. Enjoy. (I recommend reading through Dr. Piper's blog - he has a gift for getting to the core of things - see http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/. )

12 Ways to Recognize the Rise of Covetousness
By John Piper
June 17, 2009

Most of us realize that enjoying anything other than God, from the best gift to the basest pleasure, can become idolatry. Paul says in Colossians 3:5, “Covetousness is idolatry.”

“Covetousness” means desiring something other than God in the wrong way. But what does that mean—“in the wrong way”?

The reason this matters is both vertical and horizontal. Idolatry will destroy our relationship with God. And it will destroy our relationships with people.

All human relational problems—from marriage and family to friendship to neighbors to classmates to colleagues—all of them are rooted in various forms of idolatry, that is, wanting things other than God in wrong ways.

So here is my effort to think biblically about what those wrong ways are. What makes an enjoyment idolatrous? What turns a desire into covetousness, which is idolatry?

1. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it is forbidden by God. For example, adultery and fornication and stealing and lying are forbidden by God. Some people at some times feel that these are pleasurable, or else we would not do them. No one sins out of duty. But such pleasure is a sign of idolatry.

2. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it is disproportionate to the worth of what is desired. Great desire for non-great things is a sign that we are beginning to make those things idols.

3. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it is not permeated with gratitude. When our enjoyment of something tends to make us not think of God, it is moving toward idolatry. But if the enjoyment gives rise to the feeling of gratefulness to God, we are being protected from idolatry. The grateful feeling that we don’t deserve this gift or this enjoyment, but have it freely from God’s grace, is evidence that idolatry is being checked.

4. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it does not see in God’s gift that God himself is more to be desired than the gift. If the gift is not awakening a sense that God, the Giver, is better than the gift, it is becoming an idol.

5. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it is starting to feel like a right, and our delight is becoming a demand. It may be that the delight is right. It may be that another person ought to give you this delight. It may be right to tell them this. But when all this rises to the level of angry demands, idolatry is rising.

6. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it draws us away from our duties. When we find ourselves spending time pursuing an enjoyment, knowing that other things, or people, should be getting our attention, we are moving into idolatry.

7. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it awakens a sense of pride that we can experience this delight while others can’t. This is especially true of delights in religious things, like prayer and Bible reading and ministry. It is wonderful to enjoy holy things. It idolatrous to feel proud that we can.

8. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it is oblivious or callous to the needs and desires of others. Holy enjoyment is aware of others’ needs and may temporarily leave a good pleasure to help another person have it. One might leave private prayer to be the answer to someone else’s.

9. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it does not desire that Christ be magnified as supremely desirable through the enjoyment. Enjoying anything but Christ (like his good gifts) runs the inevitable risk of magnifying the gift over the Giver. One evidence that idolatry is not happening is the earnest desire that this not happen.

10. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it is not working a deeper capacity for holy delight. We are sinners still. It is idolatrous to be content with sin. So we desire transformation. Some enjoyments shrink our capacities of holy joy. Others enlarge them. Some go either way, depending on how we think about them. When we don’t care if an enjoyment is making us more holy, we are moving into idolatry.

11. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when its loss ruins our trust in the goodness of God. There can be sorrow at loss without being idolatrous. But when the sorrow threatens our confidence in God, it signals that the thing lost was becoming an idol.

12. Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when its loss paralyzes us emotionally so that we can’t relate lovingly to other people. This is the horizontal effect of losing confidence in God.

Again: Great sorrow is no sure sign of idolatry. Jesus had great sorrow. But when desire is denied, and the effect is the emotional inability to do what God calls us to do, the warning signs of idolatry are flashing.
For myself and for you, I pray the admonition of 1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

© Desiring God

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Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

Why All The Rain?

Well, we can answer that on many fronts - from God's providence to the water cycle etc. But, in terms of meteorology - the strength of the Bermuda High and the Icelandic low seem to control whether we have a stormy or sunny pattern. Usually in the winter we have a weak Bermuda high and a weak Icelandic low and thus lots of storms and in the summer we get a strong Bermuda high and Icelandic low leading to sunny weather. (Check out the graphic.)


Currently, we are in a more winter-like part of the North Atlantic Oscillation so we have lots of cold, wet weather. Lord willing we will break into the summer pattern as the summer sun does it work.

A few things to do amidst the two months of cloudy rainy days:

1. Remember the sun has shone and the sun will shine according to God's kind providence to us - so we can wait for the coming sunny days.
2. Don't allow the current weather to define our sense of well-being - there is something far more glorious than the weather to do that - God's glory in Christ revealed to and in us!
   
3. Thank God that he is the source of all good things and don't take his blessings (including sunny days) for granted.
4. Fill our days with thanksgiving for these untold blessings instead of complaining about the weather.
5. Share with others why you are thankful.
   

Hope that helps!

A Last Letter Written

This letter from Ray Ortlund to his family before he died reminds me of my dear friend Jon Mark.

Letter from Ray Ortlund to his family, written in 2000.

Dear Family,

"The time has come for my departure" (2 Tim. 4:6). It's strange to write this when I'm feeling well and vigorous, but unless Christ returns first that departure time will come. When you read this it will have happened.

I have had a great journey with Jesus Christ. From childhood I have known about God and revered Him. The name of Jesus has always been precious to me. I thank my dear parents for this heritage. Now, life on earth is over and I go to meet the Lord face to face. I trust in Him as my sure Savior and rest in His grace at this momentous time of my death. I do not fear death. (I don’t like the pain, blood, and guts of it all!)

Actually I have been anticipating this new adventure and at the time you read this I will be with Christ in heaven. So it’s happened and I’m now in God’s presence, probably shocked at all I’m seeing for the first time.

I am sorry for my sin and failures which have been many, but I know Christ has forgiven them. “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Some of those sins have been against you, my dear family, and I am sorry. You probably know my sins better than I. Some you don’t know, I know all too well. But "where sin abounds grace does much more abound."

My dear Anne has been my most treasured friend. If she is still living as you read this I know you will treat her well. When she goes to heaven God will give her blue ribbons and gold medals. What a great woman and wife! She has loved and stood loyally by me all our life together. And our last years have been our best. May God reward her for hard work, a forgiving spirit, relentless faith and enthusiastic acceptance of life as it came. She is a woman of God... my Cadillac. We shall meet on the other side and sing a duet of praise to God. As you know, Psalm 34:3 has been our verse. We trust you’ve seen that we did magnify the Lord.

Each of you children and spouses have been the joy of my life, as have been the grandchildren. I include Melinda and John in this because they are family to us, too. I have never doubted your love for me and you have been too kind. I will see you in heaven and we'll bless God together.

I urge you to remain true to your Savior. I have no doubt that you will. Love each other deeply in your marriages. Keep your family ties strong. Lay up treasure in heaven because the stuff of earth is empty. Bank accounts, houses and furniture mean nothing to me now. Actually they never did. Beware of sin, and confess it as soon as you discover it in your life. And let the Spirit's gift of joy color all your life. As you mature remain a happy person in Christ. Get even sweeter as you get older. Sour old people are a pain.

In my death be sure God is glorified. Jesus glorified the Father most in His death. John 17:1-5 tells us He faced impending death with that prayer for the Father to be glorified. So at my memorial service glorify God. Have a holy party. I was saying to Anne recently that this world has become less attractive lately and I feel a bit out of place. So it's good to go "home" now. I 'd like to make my burial simple. Cremation is fine with me. Bury my remains in a simple container to wait for the resurrection of my new glorified body. If cremation upsets you then don't do it, of course. I want you to be comfortable with it all.

Heb. 13: 20,21: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

I love you all and each one. I’ll see you sooner than you think!
Dad

HT: Josh Harris

The Two Sides of Thomas Kinkade

As those made in God's image we are naturally interested in multidimensional communication that speaks to the deeper things of life. Art, in it's various forms is a wonderful way to do this. This is an arena of life well worth thinking about and enjoying.

I like most of Thomas Kinkade's art. (Sorry if that offends you.) But I also know it has it's limits. I wouldn't compare it to a Rembrandt but I am more likely to have a Kinkade piece hanging in my house than a Rembrandt.

Joe Carter of First Thoughts has an intriguing discussion of Thomas Kinkade's artwork. Here is an excerpt:

Consider two works of on similar themes. Both are images of the Water Tower in Chicago. Both have similar elements—a carriage, trees, people with umbrellas. Indeed, paintings are almost identical in theme and content, if not in style.















And yet the first is unquestionably technically superior. The use of texture and shadow puts the viewer within the picture. You can almost feel the cold Chicago air and hear the sounds of the serene yet bustling city.

The second painting, however, distances the viewer from the scene. Light is overused (notice the light coming from every window and the background lights that resemble a brushfire), presenting a faux golden glow that is unrealistic and dull. And the carriage, though more sharply drawn than in the first painting, is two-dimensional and distracting. While the first work is worthy of gracing a museum wall, the second is only worthy of garnishing a cheap greeting card.

As you could probably guess, the second painting is by Thomas Kinkade, circa 2004.

But what about the first painting, the more aesthetically superior rendition of the Water Tower? It too is by Thomas Kinkade; he painted it in 1998.

This is what is so distressing about Thomas Kinkade: He is both a creator of some of the most inspiring paintings of the past two decades and a producer of some of the worst schlock ever manufactured by a talented artist.

What do you think?

HT: Justin Taylor

Jonathan Mark's Memorial Service

Here are the arrangements for Jonathan’s memorial service:

Memorial Service – Thursday, June 25th, 2 pm at King of Grace Church, 28 Chadwick St., Haverhill, MA 01835. All family, friends & acquaintances are warmly invited to join us for a time to remember and honor this dear man, brother and friend in song, scripture reading, worship and sharing. Please come ready to perhaps share a memory, story or aspect of Jon’s life that will help us celebrate and remember him. A reception with refreshments will follow in the King of Grace church fellowship hall. Please bring any heavy hors d’oeuvres or desserts you are able to prepare.

Graveside Service – Friday, June 26th, 10:30 AM, New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03303. Family members and close friends are invited for a graveside service to say goodbye to our friend, commit him to God and anticipate his resurrection upon the Lord’s return.

Please feel free to contact the church if you have any questions.

God Bless,
Pastor Paul

Jonathan Mark's Passing

Friends & Family,

Jonathan passed peacefully on to be with the Lord this morning around 12:45 AM. His last day was full of love and peace with many family and friends. Worship music was playing per his request and we were able to read scripture and pray with him. Thank God for these precious days we had with Jonathan over the past week.

We will dearly miss this precious man. We are so thankful for the blessing of his life as a gift from God.

We will let you know as soon as possible what arrangements will be made for his funeral/memorial service.

In His love,
Paul

Jonathan Mark's Life Insurance

Jonathan’s employer, GES, called this afternoon to assure Jon & Julianne that Jonathan’s life insurance policy is still active. Thank God for their kindness! And thank you all who responded to Jonathan & Julianne’s apparent need. We will still take any donations if you would like to give a gift for Julianne as she seeks to get on her feet. But, the need is not as severe as we perceived it. Thanks so much for your care.

We will update you some more as we can.

Jonathan Mark Update June 18th

Jonathan is laboring to breath this morning. We are not sure how long it will be before God takes him. Thanks for praying and caring for Jonathan and Julianne. We know Jonathan is ready to meet his Savior and King. The loss will be ours, the gain will be Jonathan's.

Yesterday Chris & Kendra Knowles came to visit and Julianne asked if Jonathan wanted to sing some worship songs. Jon said yes. Julianne asked which song. Jonathan replied, "Isn't He Good". It was a holy moment as we all sang with this amazing man. His faith in God's goodness is shining like gold at this moment as he trusts Christ with his whole life and his future. I trust we will shine like Jonathan when our day comes.

With love, Paul

Jonathan Mark Update

Jonathan was moved to Merrimack Valley Hospice House today. It was the first hospice house available and very much a blessing. We see God’s kindness and care in this transition.

The house is located at 360 North Ave. in Haverhill around the corner from a number of King of Grace Church members. You can read more about it here. The facilities resemble a resort/retreat house and should really serve Jonathan & Julianne and those who wish to visit and spend time with Jonathan. There is ample space in the café and family reception area to relax and spend time together with one another without overwhelming Jonathan or Julianne. The room itself is spacious and comfortable with a queen size open-up for Julianne.

Thanks so much for all your care and prayers for our dear friend. He is doing relatively well as the effects of cancer seem to increase. He is still very weak and thin and only speaking a few words or so at a time. His mind is still pretty sharp – he seems to be able to keep track of what’s going on and has often asked about phone conversations and comments he has overheard as he lies in bed.

Please pray for Jonathan’s likely transition to his true eternal home. He has communicated that he feels the peace of God. Please pray he can continue to trust and rest in his Savior and King. Please also pray for Julianne as she faces this difficult loss. Julianne is doing very well considering all that is happening. Jonathan and Julianne’s extended family has been a wonderful support. Please pray for them as they seek to cope with all this.

Thanks for all your help. Please feel free to reply via email or phone if you have any questions or thoughts. I know they would love to see many of their beloved family members and dear friends so we will have to try manage the flow of folks and keep it somewhat quiet in the room.

With gratitude, for Jonathan and Julianne,

Paul

Free Worship Music - Rain City Hymnal

An Appeal for Our Friends, Jonathan & Julianne Mark

Hi everybody,

Thank you all for caring for Jon and Julianne during these difficult months. They both are doing amazingly well even as Jon dramatically declines physically and faces perhaps his last days. We are hoping to transfer Jon to hospice today. Please pray!

Jon & Julianne have a particular need which you might be able to help. Jon’s life insurance was mistakenly canceled when he was transferred to long-term disability. As a result, they don’t have money for Jon’s funeral costs. It appears he will be able to be buried for free in a veteran’s cemetery in NH because of his veteran status. However, the other costs still add up. Some estimates run as high as $10,000. We are hoping to need less than this - perhaps $3,000.

Would you be able to help by contributing toward Jon’s funeral costs?

You can contribute by writing a check to King of Grace Church Attn: Jonathan Mark and sending it to 28 Chadwick St., Haverhill, MA 01835 or going on line to the King of Grace PayPal site here.

Thanks so much for considering this and for your love & prayers for these guys!

With gratitude,
Paul


Paul F. Buckley - Pastor
King of Grace Church
Sundays 10:00 AM
28 Chadwick St., Haverhill, MA 01835-7305
(978) 374-6562
www.KingofGrace.org

Got Angry Teens?

Got angry teens? Lost hope for a peaceful family? Concerned for the well-being of your son or daughter?

There are two resources that top my list for dealing with angry teens.

1. Bob Kauflin's message on parenting older teens from the Sovereign Grace Leaders Conference, "The Pastor and His Older Children" (for non-pastors too!) with PDF too, and

2. Rick Horne's very helpful book, "Get Outta My Face," (click here for a review and link to buy.)

BTW: If you haven't read "Age of Opportunity" and "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Shepherd Press, I would recommend you get a copy - you will be greatly blessed and helped - in your parenting and in your own life! And if you are still looking for more input, I gave a teaching last year that seemed to help folks: download "Parenting Teens: An Epic Adventure in Gospel-Centered Parenting".

Hope this blesses you!

Understanding God's Word

I have been using a tool my friend Alex Kirk told me about a ways back. It is called "bible arcing". It is a method for studying God's word by diagramming the flow of thought in a passage. I believe it is something John Piper uses having learned it from Dr. Fuller. It has been a huge help for me. Check out one of my arcs below. (I'm still learning.)



Go to http://www.biblearc.com/ for more info. Enjoy!

Piper on Twitter

John Piper comments on why and how he is tweeting. A couple of excerpts:

"... instead of boycotting, try to fill these media with as much provocative, reasonable, Bible-saturated, prayerful, relational, Christ-exalting, truth-driven, serious, creative pointers to true greatness as you can...."

".... Now what about Twitter? I find Twitter to be a kind of taunt: “Okay, truth-lover, see what you can do with 140 characters! You say your mission is to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things! Well, this is one of those ‘all things.’ Can you magnify Christ with this thimble-full of letters?”

To which I respond:

The sovereign Lord of the earth and sky
Puts camels through a needle’s eye.
And if his wisdom see it mete,
He will put worlds inside a tweet."

Read the full article here.

HT: Josh Harris

We Love the Beach

Among the many things to enjoy in God's creation, my family and I love the beach. We are so thankful to be within 20 minutes to some really good beaches. Seabrook, Salisbury, Hampton and Plum Island are all nearby.

My most favorite is Sandy Point State Beach on the very southern end of Plum Island. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Plum Island and then probably another 15-20 to get to the end of the Island. But, it is worth it.

I am looking forward to some more time at Sandy Point!

The Foundation of Philosophy

There are so many ideas and philosophies around us - some very deep and impressive. Whatever philosophical approach may interest us one biblical truth must control our pursuit of understanding - without God we can ultimately know nothing. John Calvin summed up the biblical understanding of the pursuit of knowledge:

"Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. .... man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he has previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself."

Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 1.

That is the starting point for all knowledge and understanding - God himself. Without an infinite all-knowing all-powerful all-Sovereign being there is no true knowing for nothing is fixed and therefore nothing can be truly known. By definition God must possess these expansive qualities or there is something greater than he in the universe and that greater thing would be greater than God and thus truly God. But God must be God and therefore is the source of all truth and only from Him can we know truth definitively.

As one great philosopher said (much more simply):

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."

Solomon,Proverbs 9:10, ~950 B.C
(~600 years before Plato and all those guys that followed !)

Want Wisdom? Fear God.

Spiritual Formation

I am preparing for a Retreat in June with my buddy Bauer Evans. We will spend time praying and planning as pastors and find some time for fellowship and fun as well (I believe I beat Bauer last year in our annual 9-hole golf outing.)

One of the things I am doing on this retreat and before is reading through Kenneth Boa's book on Spiritual Formation entitled, "Conformed to His Image". He builds the book on the idea that there are many facets of Christian Spiritual Formation and each one has a place in our walk with God. Here are the 12 facets:

Facet 1–Relational Spirituality: Loving God Completely, Ourselves Correctly, and Others Compassionately
Facet 2–Paradigm Spirituality: Cultivating an Eternal versus a Temporal Perspective
Facet 3–Disciplined Spirituality: Engaging in Historical Disciplines
Facet 4–Exchanged Life Spirituality: Grasping Our True Identity in Christ
Facet 5–Motivated Spirituality: A Set of Biblical Incentives
Facet 6–Devotional Spirituality: Falling in Love with God
Facet 7–Holistic Spirituality: Every Component of Life Under the Lordship of Christ
Facet 8–Process Spirituality: Process versus Product, Being versus Doing
Facet 9–Spirit-Filled Spirituality: Walking in the Power of the Spirit
Facet 10–Warfare Spirituality: The World, the Flesh, the Devil
Facet 11–Nurturing Spirituality: A Lifestyle of Evangelism and Discipleship
Facet 12–Corporate Spirituality: Encouragement, Accountability, and Worship

I look forward to learning from this book so I can grow as a Christian and a pastor in wisely and fruitfully walking with God for a lifetime and beyond.

Gossip

Ray Ortlund has an excellent post on the sin of gossip. This is a serious sin we all dabble in. I think we need to take it more seriously for the sake of Christ's reputation and the good of our churches and friends. Check out these excerpts and read the whole article here.

The Bible itself is so clear against gossip, probably because we are so inclined toward gossip:

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
He who does not take up a reproach against his friend. Psalm 15:1, 3

There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him: . . .
one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16, 19

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people. Leviticus 19:16, AV

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. James 4:11

Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
and do not reveal another’s secret. Proverbs 25:9

God gave them up to a debased mind . . . . They are gossips. Romans 1:28-29

There are many biblical passages confronting gossip. The witness of God against this sin is overwhelming.

Gossip is our dark moral fervor eagerly seeking gratification. Gossip makes us feel important and needed as we declare our judgments. It makes us feel included to know the inside scoop. It makes us feel powerful to cut someone else down to size, especially someone we are jealous of. It makes us feel righteous, even responsible, to pronounce someone else guilty. Gossip can feel good in multiple ways. But it is of the flesh, not of the Spirit.

Adultery too is a serious sin, and one likely to be disciplined in a church. But I have never seen a church split over the sin of adultery. Gossip is a sin rarely disciplined but often more socially destructive than the sensational sins.

Gossip leaves a wide trail of devastation wherever and however it goes – word of mouth, email, blogging, YouTube. It erodes trust and destroys morale. It creates a social environment of suspicion where everyone must wonder what is being said behind their backs and whether appearances of friendship are sincere. It ruins hard-won reputations with cowardly but effective weapons of misrepresentation. It manipulates people into taking sides when no such action is necessary or beneficial. It unleashes the dark powers of psychological transference, doing violence to the gossiper, to the one receiving the gossip and to the person being spoken against. It makes the Body of Christ look like the Body of Antichrist – destroyers rather than healers. It exhausts the energies we would otherwise devote to positive witness. It robs our Lord of the Church he deserves. It exposes the hostility in our hearts and discredits the gospel in the eyes of the world. Then we wonder why we don’t see more conversions, why “the ground is so hard.”

King of Grace Church has developed an understanding on how to navigate this issue biblically in the church. You can check it out here (p. 95). May God grant us repentance from the sin of gossip! May the power of the gospel transform how we speak in every way!

God Bless, Paul


HT: Justin Taylor

Collision

Justin Taylor at "Between Two Worlds" recently posted this preview of "Collision" (based on the book). This looks excellent! I would recommend you check it out and perhaps invite your friends.

COLLISION - 13 min VIMEO Exclusive Sneak Peak from Collision Movie on Vimeo.

Out of the Depths

Here is a "Drabble" from my friend, Nicole McLernon. I think you will find this touching and encouraging.

Out of the depths

“I’m sorry.” The doctor looks into my eyes then back down to the floor. “It’s cancer. Your daughter has lymphoma.”

My world reels.

“But you can treat it, can’t you?” My daughter, my 14-year-old princess? Cancer?

“I’m sorry,” he says again.

This is not happening. I am an oncology nurse. I administer chemotherapy; I hold the patient’s hand when they are too weak to even speak; I call the doctor when the patient does not respond; I am silent with the family after they’ve said their last goodbyes.

“It’s progressed too far.”

“How long?”

“2 months.”

I cannot even cry.

Oh Lord, I cry to You

I stumble out of the room. There is my daughter, sitting there. Her eyes lock with mine. I try desperately to fill my eyes with hope, try to give some strength even in my gaze.

I fail.

Her eyes question me. Oh, God. How am I supposed to answer that question? How am I supposed to deliver my daughter’s death sentence? Nothing in my life had prepared me for the rush of love I felt when she was born, when I first heard her cry, when she was placed in my arms for the first time, when her life began.

When I am tempted to despair

Now, nothing in my life has prepared me for this. For the rush of love I feel for her as I search for words that speak of the end, of the grave, of the long goodbye.

I must sit down.

I walk slowly, haltingly. I lower myself into the seat next to my precious little girl. Her eyes have not left my face.

I take her hand.

Silence.

Was it a minute? Ten seconds? An eternity?

She speaks.

“Mom?”

A deep sigh wells up from within me. I strangle the urge to let it out.

“Piper?” I must do this.

Though I might fail to trust Your promises

“Piper. The doctor said it’s too late. We didn’t catch the cancer in time.”

I am calm. Or perhaps I am dreaming and I shall wake up momentarily.

“What does that mean?”

“It means we…” Oh, God. “We only have a little time left.”

“How long?”

“He said two months.”

Am I really having this conversation?

Only now does she look away. But just because she has flung herself into my arms. I wait for tears to start. For her heart-wrenching sobs that will surely shatter mine.

Here they come.

I stroke her hair, silently. There is nothing to say.

You never fail to hear my prayer

We start radiation, hoping not for a cure but just some comfort. Piper is the bravest of us all. She endures. Still, I do not cry.

I hold her hand, like I’ve held so many patients’ hands before. But this time, I am the weary family member. This time, it is my heart breaking.

I bring in chocolate fudge swirl ice cream one day. Piper smiles at me, her eyes alight with joy. She takes a bite. Her face twists in displeasure and shock. The radiation has changed her taste buds so that she cannot even enjoy her favorite treat.

In every trial and loss

“Mom?” She tries to cover up her disappointment in a brave effort to encourage me. “Thanks for bringing it in.”

She looks so small, sitting there in that hospital bed, wearing that ridiculous gown. We’ve laughed about the gown. We call it her “simply telling us people interesting dragons” or “stupid” for short. Piper has always loved words. She’s always learning new ones, sprinkling her conversation with vocabulary that she’s picked up over the years. She gets that from her dad.

Her dad. My husband. The man is exhausted. I finally sent him home last night to get some sleep.

My hope is in the Cross

We bring Piper home when it is clear that there is nothing more to be done. She said she didn’t want to remember her last days being in the sterile hospital environment. Her words, not mine.

The clouds are rolling in as we pull up the driveway. They are dark. Angry. Threatening.

Piper walks up to her bedroom, possibly for the last time. Weariness shrouds her body. Her shoulders stoop forward and she stumbles on the stairs. She makes no protest when Jack picks her up and carries her.

I cannot follow. I turn and run out of the house.

Where Your compassions never fail

“Are you listening?” I scream to the heavens.

As if in reply, thunder booms in the distance.

“How dare you do this? Are you truly all-powerful? All-knowing? Good or kind? What kind of sadistic monster does this to a child?”

Lightening illuminates the sky, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. The wind swirls around me, whipping my hair around my face, into my eyes and open mouth. Thunder crashes, as if it is trying to frighten me. I am not afraid. I am furious.

“Can you hear me?” I shout again, expecting no answer.

So more than watchmen for the morning

The rain is pouring now. The trees and clouds perform a wild dance in front of me, driven by a relentless wind. I consider going back inside but I am too angry.

“Do you have any idea what it’s like to watch your child suffer and die?” I can still be heard, despite the thunder.

There is a brilliant flash of lightening. The thunder rumbles, far in the distance and suddenly, the tempest is over.

The rain is falling gently now. It looks like heaven itself is crying.

Then I hear it, not with my ears, but in my heart.

I will wait for You, my God

“I killed my Son for you.”

That is all. I hear nothing else.

That is all I need to hear.

Tears begin to well up in my eyes. Tears that have not been shed since Piper was diagnosed. Healing tears for my parched soul.

He killed His Son. For me.

I turn, slowly, and walk back into the house. Up to the second floor. Into my daughter’s room.

She sleeps the exhausted sleep of the very ill. I sit down next to my beautiful, dying daughter and take her hand in mine, gently, softly.

“I love you, Piper.”

I wait.

© Nicole McLernon 2009


HT: Bob Kauflin

How Long, O Lord?!

"All we have to do is live long enough, and we will be bereaved.

All we have to do is live long enough, and we will die"

So writes D.A. Carson in his book, "How Long, O Lord." This is an outstanding book addressing the reality of suffering. I have been thinking a lot about this topic. Although incomplete, here are some "pensees".

• Suffering is unavoidable - whether loss of health, wealth, friends, favor, comfort. It will happen to us all.
  
• Suffering tests our foundations. When all else is removed from our lives what remains?
• Faulty thinking, faulty being, faulty doing will not long endure suffering.
• It is best to prepare your foundations before you suffer, you may be too troubled in suffering to repair them.
• The fundamental problem is that our foundations are based on or corrupted by self-reference and relativism. If our foundation is not built on something absolute and enduring then it will fail us.
• Only God is absolute and enduring and therefore offers a foundation that will endure suffering.
• The biblical view of God answers us at the most fundamental levels in regards to suffering and offers us an unshakable and verifiable foundation.

Among these biblical answers:

1. The nature and character of God: all-powerful, sovereign, absolutely good, fully compassionate, all-wise, infinite, eternal, all-glorious.
   
2. He himself has suffered the most of any and all in Christ's death on the cross for sin.
   
3. He has risen victorious over sin, suffering and death.
   
4. He invites us to entrust our lives, our hopes, our sufferings to Him in Christ.
5. He promises to use our sufferings for good in Christ.
6. He uses our sufferings to refine our faith, hope, love and joy in Him, purging us of faulty foundations.
7. One day soon, suffering and sorrow will be resolved and ended in Christ's return.

Hope this helps.

Thoughts?

One of My Heroes

My good friend Jonathan Mark has been struggling with cancer. Last summer they found a tumor in his intestinal track and removed it. They then started chemotherapy for two different types of cancer - stomach and small cell cancer. This past Monday night they performed an intestinal bypass operation at Mass General to allow Jon to eat. They found a large tumor in his abdomen. The doctors don't seem to think Jon has too long to live.

I have known Jon since early 2002. He was a faithful member of Covenant Fellowship Church but decided to leave his wonderful church home and family to serve us as we planted King of Grace Church in fall, 2002. Jon has worked hard to serve the church faithfully as our sound tech guy and just as a good brother. It was my joy to see him meet and later marry his lovely wife Julianne in April 2007.

I have many great memories of Jon but what comes to mind more than anything is how faithful he has been. Jon has been faithful to serve our church amidst a life-disrupting relocation to Massachusetts. He has been faithful to support and pray for our church through the many trials of church planting. He has been faithful to care for his wife as she dealt with some serious health challenges. Faithfulness characterizes my friend.

And now - he has been faithful to keep his eyes on Christ and His glory through a life-threatening disease. Monday night as they wheeled Jon into his room after surgery and as he experienced some serious post-operative pain his words were not about his pain nor did they contain any hint of complaint. He was focused on others. He was trusting in Christ. It was actually pretty funny as he lay half asleep and interjected technical advice for us as we discussed how to get an internet connection in order to find a hotel. We had some sweet time together in prayer.

Jon and Julianne are my heroes. They have continued to pray and look to the Lord, asking for healing and receiving whatever God deems right for them. They have made the most of many opportunities to tell family, friends and chance acquaintances of God's goodness and their hope in Christ.

We are asking God to heal Jon. We have seen Him do this sort of miraculous healing before, we know He will do it again. Please pray with us for healing and for strength to continue to trust Christ and shine for Him. But whether God chooses to heal Jon or take him home we will trust God in his wisdom and bless His name together.

And I know, by God's grace, my friend will continue to shine for Christ and will remain one of my heroes.

Read Good Books II

Here are some recommended books to start reading. First, 7 books that are fairly easy to read:

1. The Cross-Centered Life - CJ Mahaney
2. The Dangerous Duty of Delight - John Piper
3. The Enemy Within - Kris Lungard
4. When Sinners Say "I Do" - Dave Harvey
   
5. Christian Beliefs - Wayne Grudem
   
6. Knowing Scripture - R.C. Sproul
7. Stop Dating the Church - Josh Harris
   

Next, expand your library. Monergism Books is a great place to read about good books and order good books. They have an excellent recommended reading list - check it out.

A Monergism Books READER’S GUIDE for the Christian Life:

INTRODUCTORY READING
Christianity is not about knowing a lot of things. It is about deeply knowing the one true God in order that your whole person may be conformed into His image:
· Basic Christianity | John Stott
· Bible Overview | Steve Levy
· Christian Beliefs | Wayne Grudem
· Christian Life | Sinclair Ferguson
· Concise Theology | J. I. Packer
· God’s Big Picture | Vaughan Roberts
· Truth for All Time | John Calvin

INTERMEDIATE READING
Grow deeper in the knowledge of God by studying how the Gospel trains us in every area of life:
· Attributes of God | Arthur Pink
· Church History in Plain Language | Bruce Shelley
· Finally Alive | John Piper
· Holiness of God | R. C. Sproul
· In Christ Alone | Sinclair Ferguson
· Just Do Something | Kevin DeYoung
· Knowing God | J. I. Packer
· Knowing Scripture | R. C. Sproul
· Living the Cross Centered Life | C. J. Mahaney
· Prayer and the Knowledge of God | Goldsworthy
· Putting Amazing Back Into Grace | Michael Horton
· Seeing with New Eyes | David Powlison
· Today’s Gospel | Walter Chantry
· Whatever Happened to The Gospel of Grace? | James M. Boice
· When Grace Comes Home | Terry L. Johnson

ADVANCED READING
Some things God has revealed about himself are difficult to understand. Careful study of these works will be greatly rewarding:
· Chosen for Life | Sam Storms
· Christless Christianity | Michael Horton
· Courage to Be Protestant | David Wells
· Desiring God | John Piper
· Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God | D. A. Carson
· Doctrine of the Knowledge of God | John Frame
· Systematic Theology | Wayne Grudem

CLASSICS
Following Christ’s example, believers have always labored to bless the generations which would come after them. These are some of the finest fruits of that labor:
· Bondage of the Will | Martin Luther
· Bruised Reed | Richard Sibbes
· Christian in Complete Armor | William Gurnall
· Confessions | St. Augustine
· Crook in the Lot | Thomas Boston
· Freedom of the Will | Jonathan Edwards
· Institutes of the Christian Religion | John Calvin
· Mortification of Sin | John Owen
· Religious Affections | Jonathan Edwards

CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Strengthen the young minds under your care early with gospel-centered resources:
· Big Truths for Little Kids | Susan & Richie Hunt
· Jesus Storybook Bible | Sally Lloyd-Jones
· Training Hearts, Teaching Minds | Starr Meade

EVANGELISM
Not a secondary matter, sharing the good news is a necessary part of believing the good news:
· Always Ready | Greg Bahnsen
· Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God | J.I. Packer
· Gospel and Personal Evangelism | Mark Dever
· Let the Nations Be Glad | John Piper
· Reason for God | Tim Keller
· Tell the Truth | Will Metzger

STUDY BI B L E S
Like having a scholar read the Bible with you, study Bibles provide insightful notes and clarifying articles along the way:
· ESV Study Bible | Crossway
· NIV Spirit of the Reformation | Zondervan
· Reformation Study Bible (ESV) | P & R

REFERENCE WORKS
Easy to find answers to all your Bible-related questions. These reference tools put historical and literal-grammatical details at your fingertips and make topical studies a breeze:
· Commentary on the N.T. use of the O.T. | G. K. Beale & D. A. Carson
· Introduction to the Old Testament | Tremper Longman & Raymond Dillard
· Introduction to the New Testament | D. A. Carson & Douglas Moo
· New Dictionary of Biblical Theology | T. Desmond Alexander & Brian Rosner

Hope this helps!

Read Good Books!

Recently I have realized I am not reading enough good books. I have also become concerned that others I love are not reading enough good books. I believe that our spiritual vitality, our love for God, our faith in His person and promises, our fruitfulness for Him and our joy in Him are very much tied to the enjoyment and study of good books. Listen to an excerpt from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon and let us with him and thousands of other Godly successful Christians - READ GOOD BOOKS!

Paul—his Cloak and His Books
A Sermon (No. 542) Delivered on Sunday Morning, November 29th, 1863, by the
Rev. C. H. SPURGEON, At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington

"The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments."—2 Timothy 4:13.

We do not know what the books were about, and we can only form some guess as to what the parchments were. Paul had a few books which were left, perhaps wrapped up in the cloak, and Timothy was to be careful to bring them. Even an apostle must read. . . . A man who comes up into the pulpit, professes to take his text on the spot, and talks any quantity of nonsense, is the idol of many. If he will speak without premeditation, or pretend to do so, and never produce what they call a dish of dead men's brains—oh! that is the preacher. How rebuked are they by the apostle!

He is inspired, and yet he wants books!

He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books!

He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books!

He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books!

He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a men to utter, yet he wants books!

He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!

The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "Give thyself unto reading." The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.

Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master's service. Paul cries, "Bring the books"—join in the cry.

Wondering what books to read? Check out the next post.

HT: Justin Taylor

Parenting Teens

I don't know about you but Peg and I continue to learn and be stretched by God as we seek to parent our teens.

The teen years are often a struggle for parents as they find themselves overwhelmed with the struggles of their teens and their own hearts. Our teens say and act in ways that disappoint and shock us. They disrupt our plans for a blissful harmonious home life. They question their faith. They bicker with one another. They complain. We try gentle counsel, we try scolding, we try lecturing, we pray like crazy - we agonize, we cry, we plead, we despair. Sometimes we wish they were little still and we could just discipline them and be done with it. But it isn't that simple....

You see, God has other plans in mind for our children and for us!

Paul Tripp opens up this truth in his excellent book, "Age of Opportunity" . He lifts us up out of the slough of despond and gives us a God's-eye view of parenting teens. This book will transform how you understand and practice parenting of teens. This book will transform how you understand and practice life! We need the fresh biblical perspective brought by Paul Tripp if we and our children are to survive and thrive through and beyond the teen years. Read this book and reread this book!

Check out the video below as a sample of what you will get from Dr. Tripp and then get a copy of the book in your hands and prayerfully read it. It will change your life!

The Life of Grace

"Grace teaches us in the midst of life's greatest comforts, to be willing to die, and in the midst of its greatest crosses, to be willing to live."

Matthew Henry, Commentary on Job 3:20-26

HT: Jeff Haavisto

The Theology of John's Gospels and Letters

This week I am attending a class at the Sovereign Grace Ministries Pastors College. I just finished the first day with about 50 pastors and students from around the country. The class is entitled "The Theology of John's Gospels and Letters" and is being given by Andreas Köstenberger (pronounced like Kerstenberger.)

I have read a few things by Dr. Köstenberger including, Salvation to the Ends of the Earth and the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel of John. Everything I have read by Dr. Köstenberger has been fantastic and this class is no dissapointment.

This material is based on Dr. Köstenberger's work for a new book coming out in the next year on the biblical theology of the gospel and letters of John.

Day 1 has been very rewarding! Some things that have struck me so far:
1. Dr. Köstenberger's thoughtful work in probing the historical, literary and theological aspects of John is producing another great work that will serve believers and deepen our wonder and worship of our amazing God revealed through the glorious second person of the Trinity as portrayed in the Gospel of John!
2. Dr. Köstenberger's love for his Savior.
3. His commitment to a very high view of God's word.
4. His respect and appreciation for his wife.
5. Dr. Köstenberger's genuine humility. He is gracious when reviewing contrary opinions and very open to input. It is kinda funny when he actually invites our comments. (Don't worry, I know enough to keep my mouth shut.)

I'll try to take some time at the end of the week to summarize all that I am receiving in this class.

Free ESV Study Bible - Calfskin Edition.

Over at "Boomer in the Pew" Dave Porter is giving away a free calfskin leather ESV Study Bible (Retail $239)

This is probably the best study bible I have ever seen. And to get one in calfskin would be amazing.

You can check out other ESV Study Bibles at Crossway Books.

HT: Justin Taylor

How to Preach and How Not to Preach

Justin Taylor has an excellent post featuring Matt Chandler on how to wisely approach preaching about key topics as a pastor. Check out the video clip.





HT: Justin Taylor

Meet My Friend, Cotton Mather

I finished Richard Lovelace's book on Cotton Mather. I found Cotton Mather very intriguing and very inviting. In the end I found much to relate to and admire even though he lived in a very different time and culture.

Lovelace has many helpful thoughts in the interpretation of Mather in the Epilogue. Here are a few quotes:

"Mather's work 'unknowingly was fanning the spark in New England that eight yearrs later would burst into flames in Jonathan Edwards' Northampton church.' "

"The vitality of the Evangelical movement ebbed during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as its center declined into Fundamentalism, relinquishing the ecumenical and social initiatives cherished by Mather and Franck, and magnifying their tendencies toward confessionalism and legalism."

"Most of his reputed inconsistencies are the result of either the uncritical attempts by later critics to fuse together the testimonies of his friends and his enemies, or of the attempt to judge him without a thorough acquaintance with Puritan spirituality in the context of the history of the Christian experience."

Here are a few lessons I learned from my friend, Cotton Mather:

1. Cotton Mather was way better than portrayed in popular thought.
2. Cotton Mather was a vibrant example of a wholistic life lived in light of the gospel or grace and glory.
3. Cotton Mather was a charismatic.
4. Cotton Mather was an excellent pastor.
5. Cotton Mather thought too much about himself and his own spirituality and not enough about the sufficiency of Christ.
6. Cotton Mather learned from others and was very ecumenical for a 18th century Puritan.

Hope you can read this great book and learn from this Godly man!

An Amazing Appeal

Check out this eloquent appeal to change our practices of abortion. Would that our lawmakers would make such an ardent and well-informed appeal until this national tragedy is stopped.

To My Wife on Valentine's Day

Happy Valentines Day my love! You are such a blessing and the love of my life. I am so grateful to have you as my wife, friend, counselor, lover and the mother of our children! Our relationship gets better, richer and deeper with time!

How beautiful and pleasant you are,
O loved one, with all your delights!
Song of Solomon 7:6 (ESV)

With much love, Paul

Piper on Leadership

CJ Mahaney asked John Piper this question in his blog: What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership? This is Dr. Piper's response:

"Lead by helping people see the same truth in the Bible you do so that commonly perceived truth is the fabric that binds together. When truth is not the bond, power moves are inevitable."

Great advice for church leaders - we must lead by the authority and persuasion of God's word or we are left only with 'power moves'.

Cotton Mather on Extraordinary Spiritual Gifts

I have just finished Lovelace's biography of Cotton Mather. I am still digesting it and will post a few more quotes and thoughts. For today, just a brief post on Cotton Mather's continuationist view of the Holy Spirit. Mather operated prophetically and recognized many others who did as well. Lovelace says the following on p. 184 of his book:

"Mather records in the Magnalia instances of actual prophecy (in the sense of premonitions of coming events) in the ministries of Thomas Hooker, and John Eliot; serveral instances of supernatural guidance by means of "sudden impressions" of "impulses"; and even a case of a vision given in a dream. Mather also records a number of instances in the Diary when he felt himself directly guided under the Spirit's impulse. He also had premonitions concerning the future fate of an Indian slave, the emergence of scandals in his congregation, and certain additions to his library. "¹

And Mather seemed to, for the most part, keep the operation of the gift of prophecy in its proper place.

"A soul sanctified with the Love of God, and of Christ, and of our neighbor, is altogether to be preferred before all the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit."²

"It is best not being too fond of enthusiasms, that may carry you beyond the dispensation of the day."³

More to come...


1. Richard Lovelace, The American Pietism of Cotton Mather, CUP, 1979, 184
2. Richard Lovelace, The American Pietism of Cotton Mather, CUP, 1979, 185
3. Richard Lovelace, The American Pietism of Cotton Mather, CUP, 1979, 185

The Main Character in the Bible Story

Just a tid-bit from "Dear Timothy - Letters on Pastoral Ministry".

"The key that unlocks the biblical outlook is the perception that the real subject of the Holy Scripture is not man and his religion, but God and his glory; from which it follows that God is the real subject of every text, and must therefore be the real subject of every expository sermon." - JI Packer¹




1. JI Packer, Shorter Writing, 3:274-5, taken from Roger Ellsworth, Preach the Word, Dear Timothy - Letters on Pastoral Ministry, Founders Press, 2004, 275-6

"Come Over Here and Help Us"

Here is some strong motivation to relocate and church plant in New England. The Gallup Organization recently published the state-by-state answer to the question, "Is Religion an important part of your daily life?" Not too surprisingly, all 6 New England states landed in the top 10 least religious states.

Massachusetts' original seal had a picture of a Native American with this motto on it, "Come over and help us" from Acts 16:9. It would be fitting to have a new seal with someone wearing a Red Sox jersey saying the same thing today.

New England needs missionaries who will proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and lay down their live to show folks how to live by it! Come over and help us!




HT: Albert Mohler

God's Eagerness to Listen

A great quote by Thomas Brooks from my buddy Jeff. May it encourage you as you cry out to God in your need.

"We cannot sigh out a prayer in secret—but he sees us; we cannot lift up our eyes to him at midnight—but he observes us. The eye which God has upon his people when they are in secret, is such a special tender eye of love, as opens his ear, his heart, and his hand, for their good: 1 Pet 3:12, "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers;" or, as the Greek has it, "his ears are unto their prayers. If their prayers are so faint, that they cannot reach up as high as heaven, then God will bow the heavens and come down to their prayers."

Taken from the book The Secret Key To Heaven by Thomas Brooks 1665.