tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59170743698770351192023-11-15T07:06:55.140-06:00The Mind Reformed"Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature's night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke; the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off; my heart was free; I rose, went forth, and followed thee."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-36387078541871370702009-03-28T20:38:00.002-05:002009-03-28T21:07:16.256-05:00Saved to Sin No MoreAll day I have been pondering the words of a song by Thomas Cowper. The song is There is a Fountain Filled with Blood, and the words which have been penetrating my heart so deeply... "There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins; <strong>And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains</strong>."<br /><br />I cannot but be caught in the wonder of what those words mean. That a sinner such as I, and chief thereof, would be freed from guilt and shame through the precious blood of my Lord... the lamb of God whosse blood is the atonement for my sin... the appeasement of the just wrath of God...<br /><br />And as I read on, Cowper's song brings greater tears of joy when I read this line... "Dear dying Lamb, <strong>Thy precious blood shall never lose its power Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more</strong>." How marvelous and wonderful is the great love of our God and King! Not only have the sin and stains been lost within that precious flood, but that powerful element which cleanses us - Christ's blood, shed on Calvary - shall never lose its power... til all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more... Oh how great a salvation is ours who are called according to the will of God. May we who are without merit, who least deserve the grace of God, elect unto His purpose and for His glory... may we never cease to be amazed and awestruck by this the salvation of God! Amen!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-72481132721878660542009-03-27T22:15:00.003-05:002009-03-27T22:32:42.180-05:00The New Calvinism... Not Really So New..."Calvinism, cousin to the Reformation's other pillar, Lutheranism, is a bit less dour than its critics claim: it offers a rock-steady deity who orchestrates absolutely everything, including illness (or home foreclosure!), by a logic we may not understand but don't have to second-guess. Our satisfaction — and our purpose — is fulfilled simply by "glorifying" him. In the 1700s, Puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards invested Calvinism with a rapturous near mysticism. Yet it was soon overtaken in the U.S. by movements like Methodism that were more impressed with human will. Calvinist-descended liberal bodies like the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) discovered other emphases, while Evangelicalism's loss of appetite for rigid doctrine — and the triumph of that friendly, fuzzy Jesus — seemed to relegate hard-core Reformed preaching (Reformed operates as a loose synonym for Calvinist) to a few crotchety Southern churches." Quote from "The New Calvinism" By <a onclick="javascript:window.open('/time/letters/email_letter.html','letter','width=400,height=420,status=no,scrollbars=yes')" href="javascript:void(0)"><span style="color:#000000;">DAVID VAN BIEMA</span></a><br /><br />I read this quote tonight and find it all too true. The encouraging thing I find is that, despite the negative connotation that Reformed Theology - particularly that associated with the moniker Calvinism - is finding a resurgence. It seems too that this resurgence is among people around my age who have been confronted in real life with the disconnect between the "friendly, fuzzy Jesus" which dominates contemporary Christianity today and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as found in scripture. Praise God that He is working in and through His word to confound the wisdom of this day and change the lives, hearts, and minds of men and women who were once wretched and godless sinners... into a righteous and glorious remnant. Sure, we realize it is a foreign righteousness and glory, but in Christ we can desire nothing of our nature and only that which is bestowed upon us through the amazing grace and mercy of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. May His name be glorified and magnified throughout the earth. Amen!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-14676779049749323392009-03-23T23:03:00.005-05:002009-03-23T23:13:56.821-05:00Break My Stony Heart... Do a Work in Me...<div align="justify">I have been working tonight on the upcoming study of key doctrines surrounding our salvation. It is so exciting to think about what God may do through intentioned study of His Word. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><blockquote><strong>I pray that it would start in my own heart, that he would <em>pear me down</em> and <em>break my stony heart</em>.... that I might be a <em>better servant</em>, a more <em>holy husband</em>, a more <em>righteous father</em>, a more <em>grace-impacted worker</em>, a <em>more Godly man</em>... but too that I might be an instrument in the hand of Almighty God in <em>pointing others</em> to see Him more clearly.</strong> </blockquote></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Ultimately, the aim is that God would be glorified in my life, but also in the lives of those who God has entrusted into my care. That they might be so impacted by God's Word and the Truth of the Gospel that they would boldly proclaim that Gospel where no man before has done so... that they might proclaim with clear-headed abandon of those things which so oft entangle so the Spirit of God may stir the hearts of unregenerate men and women, boys and girls... and the Lamb might receive Glory and Honor and Power. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Amen!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-2449049693842645292009-03-19T21:57:00.003-05:002009-03-19T22:08:04.923-05:00A House of PraiseGod is so very good and often allows such hardship on so many... it is increasingly hard to understand God. The more I grow in understanding (by the illumination of His Spirit, despite my sinful and wayward mind and heart), the more I realize that I am perplexed and cannot fathom or begin to concieve the workings of God in the world around me.<br /><br />Today God has richly blessed my family and I. After about a year and a half of hunting, God has brought to close an amazing opportunity. We have acquired a residence... and it is so much more than we could have asked for. However, the bitter side to the story is that we realize a family was foreclosed upon, could not keep their house, and lost it to a bank. We do not know the circumstances or the family, but my heart has to question what occurred. We sincerely desire that God would be blessing and providing for this family, that He in His infinite love would be drawing them into closer walks and greater faithfulness to Him... This truly is the same prayer that we have for ourselves in this situation. That God would allow us to use what He has provided as those who are stewards to bring great blessing to our faimly. Additionally, we understand that this house has not been providentially made possible as a mere material possession, but rather is a means that we might bring glory to the name of Christ and praise to our Father in Heaven.<br /><br />We pray that we might be faithful to this call and that all things which we acquire would be held loosely in love, and always with a mind of how we might greater benefit the Bride of Christ and those who are dead and dying in sin. May this house be a house where praise of the One True God is evident and the Gospel of Christ is proclaimed with boldness and authority. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-34598012862681253982009-03-17T22:01:00.004-05:002009-03-17T23:17:19.330-05:00Salvation: 10 Week Study of DoctrineSo, I just finished the book of Genesis with the small group Bible study that I teach. After a year in this first book of the scriptures we are now in transition. Currently, we are doing a study as a church body for about six weeks and this is giving me some time to prepare for my next series of lessons. I am actually very excited about these. Typically, I am very expositional and labor through verse by verse from one book to another (which I might add has wrought great benefit to me and seems to be profitable in the hearts of those who study with me). We will next be moving into what I pray will be a very foundational study of 10 doctrines which surround a biblical view of Salvation.<br /><br />My hope is to give a brief synopsis here, more as a discipline of attempting to be more faithful in posting. Yet, there is a part of me that truly desires to catalyze discussion and conversation that will be edifying. As I am not entirely sure what the order will be, I am refraining from listing the specific doctrines and order of the study, but I hope to have this posted soon.<br /><br />My desire in this study is that the Spirit of God would help us to see more clearly as we read scriptures the connectivity of scripture. To see that God has inspired His word in more than a random story, but as interconnected truths which are vital to a clear understanding of who God is, who we are in light of Him, and how we are to live in light of God's commands. I pray deeply that this would be the effect of our study and that through God's word we would continue to loook more and more like Him daily.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-76369398957936233542008-06-22T18:40:00.002-05:002008-06-22T18:57:03.578-05:00Powerful Teaching... Hard Truth<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uuabITeO4l8&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uuabITeO4l8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>This is a long message, but it has been very impactful in my life and many others. I pray that you would take the time to watch this, and maybe even send it to friends. </p><p>I have met Paul many times and have family who are members of the church he serves at, and he is one of the most humble men I have ever met. So, as you watch this, understand that this is a man consumed with passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and 'sold out' to the mission he has been given by his God to proclaim the Gospel.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-57945592917984064532008-05-15T23:00:00.003-05:002008-05-15T23:05:53.514-05:00How Great Is Our God!It has been far to long, yet tonight I am compelled to post because of the awesome display of our great God and king I have experienced this evening. I am continually amazed that God shows us more of Himself, we who are completely without merit. I have been used as a messenger of forgiveness for a grevious sin which occurred in the past. The reception of this by my brother was overwhelming. The working of God in his life and the expression of true thankfulness to God for His lovingkindness to give this forgiveness so openly after so many years to my brother was an amazing thing to behold. God showed me once again tonight that what the enemy uses for evil God often chooses to use in glorifying Himself among His people and the world. Praise be to God, for He extends grace and mercy to me though I was wicked and poor He has clothed me in the very righteousness of Christ Jesus my Lord. May His name be exalted and all renown be His for He is Great and Greatly to be praised! Amen!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-45081728998414428102008-01-15T20:57:00.000-06:002008-01-15T22:05:20.143-06:00To God be the Glory...He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.<br />(Colossians 1:15-23)<br /><br />It is difficult to get more direct than this. Praise God for his mercy and love. That he would incline to us, that Christ would come to seek and save the lost, and that the Spirit would move on we who were at enmity with God and call us to freedom in Christ Jesus our Lord... to God be all glory!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-45821680263474966292008-01-10T21:34:00.001-06:002008-01-10T21:54:36.739-06:00The Puritans...Just a plug today for something close to my heart. A challenge is given by Timmy Brister at <a href="http://timmybrister.com/">Provocations and Pantings Blog </a>for us to get acquainted with the Puritans. Following is a synopsis of his challenge and the reasonings.<br /><br />His reasoning:<br />1. The Puritans had a relentless pursuit of God.<br />2. The Puritans were physicians of souls.<br />3. The Puritans possessed genuine piety because they knew how to fight the fight of faith.<br />4. The Puritans were pacesetters in church history.<br />5. Reading the Puritans will provide you a healthy perspective so as to prevent chronological snobbery.<br /><br />His plan:<br />1. Get a copy of <a href="http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/item_detail.php?4894">The Valley of Vision</a> and meditate on the prayers as part of your daily devotions.<br />2. Commit to reading one Puritan Paperback a month - Check out <a href="http://timmybrister.com/2007/12/12/puritans-we-greet-thee-in-2008/">Puritans, We Greet Thee in 2008</a> because he has specific books for specific months<br />3. Read about the lives and stories of the Puritans - Again, Timmy has specific books that he's recommending; check them out.<br /><br />A complete list of Banner of Truth's Puritan Paperbacks. They can be ordered at <a href="http://www.banneroftruth.org/">http://www.banneroftruth.org/</a> or by calling the Banner of Truth office: 1-800-263-8085.<br /><br />Acceptable Sacrifice, John Bunyan – $8.00<br />All Loves Excelling, John Bunyan – $7.00<br />All Things for Good, Thomas Watson – $8.00<br />Apostasy from the Gospel, John Owen - $9.00<br />Art of Prophesying, William Perkins - $9.00<br />Bruised Reed, Richard Sibbes - $7.00<br />Christian Love, Hugh Binning - $6.00<br />Christian’s Great Interest, William Guthrie – $9.00<br />Come & Welcome to Jesus Christ, John Bunyan – $9.00<br />Communion with God, by John Owen – $9.00<br />Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson – $8.00<br />Dying Thoughts, Richard Baxter – $9.00<br />Glorious Freedom, Richard Sibbes – $8.00<br />Glory of Christ, John Owen – $8.00<br />Godly Man’s Picture, Thomas Watson – $8.00<br />Great Gain of Godliness, Thomas Watson – $10.00<br />Heaven on Earth, Thomas Brooks – $9.00<br />Holy Spirit, John Owen – $9.00<br />Jerusalem Sinner Saved, John Bunyan - $10.00<br />Justification Vindicated, Robert Traill - $6.00<br />Learning in Christ’s School, Ralph Benning - $8.00<br />Letters of Samuel Rutherford, Samuel Rutherford - $7.00<br />Lifting Up for the Downcast, William Bridge - $9.00<br />Lord’s Supper, Thomas Watson - $7.00<br />Mortification of Sin, John Owen - $9.00<br />Mystery of Providence, John Flavel - $8.00<br />Prayer, John Bunyan - $7.00<br />Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, Brooks - $9.00<br />Puritan Treasury of Quotations, Thomas - $12.00<br />Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, Burroughs - $9.00<br />Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter - $9.00<br />Secret Key to Heaven, Thomas Brooks - $10.00<br />Shorter Catechism Explained, T. Vincent - $9.00<br />Sinfulness of Sin, Ralph Venning - $9.00<br />Spirit and the Church, John Owen - $9.00<br />Sure Guide to Heaven, Joseph Alleine - $7.00<br />Temptation: Resisted & Repulsed, John Owen - $10.00<br />True Bounds of Christian Freedom, S. Bolton - $8.00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-3187961892728392392008-01-09T22:24:00.000-06:002008-01-09T22:30:29.399-06:00Beginnings...I begin this post as a challenge to like-minded men, who of good conscience and strong conviction are brokenhearted about the state of modern evangelicalism. There is deep need for reform my brothers. A return to the diligent exposition of God's word, bold proclamation of truth, and crucified lives. I pray that the words here may be honoring to God and that he would use them as he would see fit. To his glory and honor and praise be turned these thoughts and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ponderings</span>...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917074369877035119.post-45081214650395434882008-01-09T22:10:00.000-06:002008-01-09T22:30:09.157-06:00A Quest for Godliness<div align="justify">There are books one reads in life which seem to calcify the underlying convictions of their heart and offer a rally cry to take up sword and spear abandoning the fear that grips us in vulnerability. I have encountered one of these books of late. J.I. Packer, a man I have recently grown fond of through his writings, issued such a stirring to my own heart in the book <em>A Quest for Godliness</em>. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I do not know how well-read this text is, yet find the ponderings therein of profound implication to modern evangelicalism. The quote I leave you with on this my inaugural post is the following. Ponder it and evaluate the truth therein... </div><br /><blockquote><br /><p align="justify">Without realizing it, we have during the past century bartered [the true gospel] for a substitute product which, though it look similar enough in points of detail, is as a while a decidedly different thing...[this new gospel] is too exclusively concerned to be 'helpful' to man - to bring peace, comfort, happiness, satisfaction - and too little concerned to glorify God...the result of these omissions is that part of the biblical gospel is now preached as if it were the whole of that gospel; and a half-truth masquerading as the whole truth becomes a complete untruth...it is undeniable that this is how we [modern evangelicals] preach...but it needs to be said with emphasis that this is not the biblical gospel. The Bible is against us when we preach this way.</p></blockquote><br /><div align="justify">My dear brothers, may we return to the biblical gospel with all haste and take up the words of Richard Baxter and approach all men with God's word "as one that ne'er should preach again, and as a dying man to dying men."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0