TGIF

Published by
Michael
at July 3, 2009 in General. 63 Comments

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever”
(Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)

I am now preparing to leave tomorrow for Geneva as that verse comes alive for me.

This trip is truly something that I would have never even thought to ask God for, let alone entertained any notion of actually attempting to do on my own.

It is a miracle to me of such proportion that I have been unable to believe the reality of it let alone write about it.

It's real and and now the day is here.

Thank you seems so weak a phrase when you are granted the impossible…but thank you to the Lord and all those involved in making this happen.

My prayer today is that everyone who read this blog will share in a little bit of my joy through the truths it presents to us.

Life is hard…really hard.

God is good… really good.

He is a Father who delights to give good gifts to His children, even though they don't deserve them in the flesh.

Don't miss this…He is a God of great and wonderful surprises.

We are usually surprised by tragedy or an unforeseen crisis…be open to surprises of extreme grace.

Radical love and extreme grace are the birthright of the child of God.

That means you.

I didn't believe that either…

Much love and blessings to all…may you be the recipient of a divine surprise wrapped in radical love and extreme grace today.

Book review: Religion Saves by Mark Driscoll

Published by
BrianD
at July 1, 2009 in Book discussion, Book review and General. 43 Comments

 

Image from Library Thing; order the book from Amazon.com

Mark Driscoll is one of those guys you love or hate, and, perhaps, both.

He is lauded by men like John Piper as having "rock-solid" Reformed theology, and derided for such things as leadership decisions, his stance on complementarianism and his teaching of the Song of Solomon. He will say or do something you want to applaud, and then say something else that makes you want to scream.

His latest book, Religion Saves, hit bookstore shelves in June. It is based on nine sermons he preached early last year at his Seattle church, Mars Hill. The sermons were based on the idea of having Driscoll preach on whatever topics people wanted him to address.

The questions were presented on a website set up by Mars Hill, and tallied, then voted on by users, and Driscoll preached on the top nine questions in his sermon series (and wrote on them in Religion Saves). That is what ties those nine subjects (birth control; humor; predestination; grace; sexual sin; faith and works; dating; the emerging church; and the regulative principle) together.

I listened to the sermon series via podcast when Driscoll preached it. You'll get the gist of the book from his sermons (all of which can be viewed here). The book does put his sermons into written form. It also gives you footnotes, which will be very helpful if you want to further investigate the topics in each chapter. And, each chapter is well-written and is a useful resource for anyone interested in the topic.

The biggest weakness with Religion Saves for me is that, unlike Driscoll's other books, there's no strong unifying theme per se. The closest thing here is that these topics were chosen by popular vote, to be preached upon. Conversely, Vintage Jesus was about Jesus, Vintage Church about Driscoll's views of the church, and Death by Love on various aspects of the cross.

Mark's explanation in the introduction to Religion Saves - that these topics are ones brought up by religious people, religion never saved anyone, and the questions reflect misconceptions held by religious people that need to be answered with Scripture - doesn't go far enough for me.

It would have been good, I believe, if Driscoll had framed the chapters with an additional one on religion in general. There is no chapter in the book that directly addresses its title. I wish Driscoll would have written that chapter, and woven the theme more strongly through the rest of the chapters. As is, Religion Saves consists of nine very different topics loosely tied together.

I also question having the chapter on the emerging church, because while it was still relevant in early 2008, today I think it's largely irrelevant. The most helpful portion here is discussion of the biggest players in the emerging church, all of whom are still active and influential.

The sermon on the regulative principle was the one topic I personally objected to when Driscoll preached it. I didn't understand how it was relevant outside theological circles, and from what I understood the sermon series to be about, I saw the topic as not very helpful and applicable to a general audience, and in particular the crowd Driscoll preaches to in Seattle. Here's the question:

Do you believe that the Scripture not only regulates our theology but also our methodology? In other words, do you believe in the regulative principle? If so, to what degree? If not, why not?

Today, I don't object to the subject itself. As it received the most votes of any question, Driscoll was obligated to answer it - and he does by relating it to worship. I would have liked for him to have related the topic more for a general audience.

It's a topic that is discussed mainly in seminaries and among theologically-minded Christians, and Mark acknowledges this in the beginning of the chapter. He does define the regulative principle (do things strictly according to Scripture) and the normative principle (all things are permitted unless Scripture forbids it).

The discussion though was framed in terms of how the regulative principle affects worship. I would have liked for Driscoll to have discussed how the regulative principle affects everything we do in and outside of church, from what kind of music to play to how the church serves its community. Is the regulative principle applicable only to the set list the worship band goes by, or does it affect every aspect of ministry?

Also, as this was the question that got more votes that ones on predestination, dating and birth control, why should the average person care about the regulative principle, and how does it affect them? Or does it? If it's that important, then the audience deserves a good explanation of how it affects what they see in church, and in turn how it affects them personally.

I'm still waiting for the answers to those questions; perhaps one of our fine pastors who frequent PP will be kind enough to do so for me :)

The chapter on humor may be enough for some to reject the book altogether, particularly given Driscoll's recent appearance on CNN with D.L. Hughley and his preaching through the Song of Solomon.

It's just about everything you would expect Driscoll to be in regards to humor, but it's not a bunch of Pastor Mark one-liners (thought the now-infamous analogy he uses regarding masturbation and Ecclesiastes does make an appearance). This chapter explains well his position on humor and why he uses it the way he does, but it probably won't sway too many people who already agree or disagree with him.

Throughout this chapter, and the book, Driscoll doesn't use cheap humor for its own sake, nor does he attempt to come across as a Christian version of Tom Leykis or Howard Stern. He has good reasons for what he believes, and each chapter shows him to be a man who is serious about the Gospel and able to articulate well what he believes and why.

This plays out particularly well in the chapters on birth control, predestination, grace and faith and works. He generally eschews humor for humor's sake (except, of course, in the chapter on humor) and straight-up explains his topic, and his beliefs, with a generous seasoning of the Gospel throughout. Driscoll shows why he would be considered as a 'rock-solid' theologian, and in a way where he is solid and deep theologically, and yet understandable to the average person. I would think that is a hard combination for a writer to pull off.

In fact, each of the chapters could be considered to be a basic primer of Driscoll's beliefs on the topic at hand, from a Reformed perspective. Driscoll breaks down the topics, shows you their relevance and importance, and presents in some form the Gospel.

Mark Driscoll, as I said above, is one of those guys you love or hate. That alone will make or break the deal for some of you.

For those of you who love him, or are willing to give his book a try, the trick here is if any or all of these topics are worth your interest.

As with anything regarding Driscoll and his ministry, I recognize some will be able to embrace it and some will reject it. I understand this. That said, I recommend the book, unless you find him or his methodology to be offensive. In that case, there are other fine, talented, Godly men to learn from.

Linkathon 7/1

Published by
BrianD
at June 30, 2009 in General. 138 Comments

Mark Driscoll's new book, Religion Saves, is out, and it doesn't look like we'll be on the blog tour…but I do plan to have a review of the book posted on Thursday. Read Driscoll's interview with Justin Taylor.

You may want to check out Sojourn Music's new CD, Over the Grave, the first volume in its Isaac Watts Project. Preview it from its Facebook or MySpace pages.

Eric Redmond on Michael Jackson, syncretism, and the African-American church: "The death of Jackson shows that African American syncretism never was; in truth, what appears to be syncretism is a comfortable atheism. Many African American church-goers are fine with Christianity as long as we, as African Americans, can bring our cultural gods with us."

Bryon Mondok reviews N.T. Wright's Justification (and summarizes the debate between Wright and John Piper on the subject).

Ryan Couch's riff on Ed Young's observations on pastors using profanity.

Corby Stephens recommends the new biography on Chuck Smith.

Jim Bomkamp on four keys to joy.

Justin Barnard from Touchstone gives his view on Mark Driscoll's teaching on human sexuality. (HT: Internet Monk, Michael Spencer)

David Fitch challenges five core statements of The Gospel Coalition in an article at Christianity Today's Out of Ur blog.

Bob Kellemen on counseling those in abusive relationships, including both the abuser and abused. 

Tim Brister on what happened in one instance when church discipline results in repentance and restoration and his lowlights of the recent Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Louisville.

One Florida pastor's rise and fall and comeback (HT: Todd Rhoades).

Jared Wilson on Jesuslessness.

Justin Taylor has one of the earliest, and best, reflections on Michael Jackson's life that I've seen from any of the Christian bloggers.

Steve Oh has a word for men who were sexually abused as children.

Why Michael Patton thinks little of spiritual formation.

Todd Burus at SBC Voices is asking, why all the hate towards Calvinism in the SBC?

Michael Spencer and Frank Turk are going back and forth on Driscoll.

Prayer & Praise :June 28-July 4

Published by
Michael
at June 30, 2009 in General. 61 Comments

GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY By William Cowper

“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Riff: The Church in 2034

Published by
BrianD
at June 30, 2009 in General. 45 Comments

Last week, Collide Magazine posted an article that ran in its May/June 2009 issue titled The Church in 2034.

It's difficult, to say the least, to accurately predict what anything will be like in 25 years.

In 1984, where the closest thing to popular use of a computer was the Atari 2600, who could have predicted the rise and widespread use of the internet, and how it would affect the body of Christ at large?

Scott McClellan, the author of the article, attempted to project what the church in the United States might look like in 2034.

While eschewing predictions of the body's theological makeup, McClellan went all out in predicting the effects of technology 25 years hence.

His vision includes "gigachurches", smaller churches of a few hundred people meeting in movie theaters, and small "nanochurches", all part of networks where the preaching is done by six men ("The Big Six") via hologram. In the large gigachurches, androids help provide a high level of comfort and service for attendees, and if you travel out of your town on pleasure or business, don't worry - there'll be another chain church you can visit. Technology, far from being held at arm's length, is ubiqitous in McClellan's vision, and greatly influences every aspects of church life.

Which church, you might ask? Though McClellan avoids speculation on the body's theological makeup, his vision seems to be an extension of the present-day attractional church (or at least a church whose methodology reflects the attractional church). There is mention of a counter-movement of non-technological "nanochurches" that eschew technology, but the "giga", middle-sized and "nano" attractional churches seem to be the norm in this scenario.

If you're someone who places great emphasis on the importance of the sermon that Mark Dever does, or you're a believer in Calvary Chapel's verse-by-verse teaching philosophy, bad news: people in McClellan's 2034 engage the sermon with all of their senses, and keep it 20-25 minutes (and move through your points quickly). And, the sermon is no longer "the pinnacle of the church week (but is) the conclusion of one conversation and the beginning of another conversation."

And the worship? Two sets, with the 'sermon' sandwiched in between. The first set is a 10-minute set introing the theme of the sermon, the second on how to respond and act on what the sermon presented.

There's no mention of denominations, nor liturgical churches, nor even the Roman Catholic Church in this vision. No hymns (though there's allusion to 'reflective' songwriters being dismissed in the 2010s as behind the times). And just who are the Big Six, anyway (the article alludes to us knowing two of them now), and are they all white and all male?

Take this for what it's worth, from someone who has zero percent chance of ever being a "gifted" church leader, and 100 percent chance of reading his book or blog or seeing him during one of his online church services on my computer: This is the attractional church model gone to the extreme.

There still are thousands of congregations, yet all are linked to a very small number of networks taught by only a half-dozen elite teachers. These are chains of brands, all over the country, like McDonald's or Wal-Mart (anyone remember Jon Courson's hamburger analogy?).

If Collide Magazine's vision IS the church in 2034…I question its viability.

Jesus told His disciples the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. I would be dubious about this model's robustness, though God can certainly use it as He sees fit. 

Still, I think this vision of McClellan's speaks more about the attractional church he is a part of, and all of the good, bad and in-between that comes with it, than the future of the body of Christ at large in the United States.

My questions have nothing to do with cool technology and ground breaking leadership models.

They have to do with the gospel and how people are cared for.

Specifically: which gospel will be preached in these churches?

And, how do you give Biblical, Christ-centered care to each of these people, when they're more or less a cog in a religious machine connected by a billion virtual strands?

No one is perfect, but nearly 2,000 years of church history, without gigachurches and holographic pastors and far, far more than six men worthy to preach the Gospel has to count for something.

Twenty-five years from now, whether the church meets in a cave or in a holodeck, may all of them preach and live out the Gospel. And if some want to join up in giganetworks, fine, but may there be thousands of independent churches NOT part of some brand or chain network of churches, all with their own pastors, speaking to their own congregations, faithfully preaching and living out the Gospel in their own communities.

Saving Farrah

Published by
Michael
at June 29, 2009 in General. 137 Comments

Now that we're tired of yanking Farrah in and out of heaven it would behoove us to ask ourselves some questions.

What does it take to get saved?

What theological knowledge is necessary?

“Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.””
(Acts 16:30-31 ESV)

What if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ…

…and pray to Mary?

…pray to "saints"?

…believe that everybody will be saved eventually?

…believe that only your group will be saved?

…believe in purgatory?

…believe that only the "red letters" count?

…believe that the Bible is not inerrant?

I could go on…

Is there a certain body of theological content that must be embraced (or rejected) in order to inherit eternal life?

How simple…or complicated is it?

I could add one more…what if you're a Calvinist who quotes Henri Nouwen?

"Jesus says: "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him … take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). He does not say: "Make a cross" or "Look for a cross." Each of us has a cross to carry. There is no need to make one or look for one. The cross we have is hard enough for us! But are we willing to take it up, to accept it as our cross?

Maybe we can't study, maybe we are handicapped, maybe we suffer from depression, maybe we experience conflict in our families, maybe we are victims of violence or abuse. We didn't choose any of it, but these things are our crosses. We can ignore them, reject them, refuse them or hate them. But we can also take up these crosses and follow Jesus with them."


Henri was a heretic who knew Jesus… think about that.

The Weekend Word

Published by
Michael
at June 28, 2009 in General. 9 Comments

images-8What did you learn?

What did you teach?

Did you hear the Gospel?

We continue in The Heidelberg Catechism.

Last week we learned of our need for both a Mediator and a Savior, today we learn more about the only One who qualifies for the job.

Question 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?

Answer: Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin; (a) and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others. (b)

(a) Ezek.18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezek.18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. Rom.5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Rom.5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Rom.5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 1 Cor.15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Heb.2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Heb.2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: Isa.53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isa.53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isa.53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa.53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (b) Heb.7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Heb.7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Ps.49:7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: Ps.49:8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Question 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?

Answer: That he might, by the power of his Godhead (a) sustain in his human nature, (b) the burden of God's wrath; (c) and might obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life. (d)

(a) Isa.9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isa.63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. (b) Isa.53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (c) Deut.4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. Nah.1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. Ps.130:3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? (d) Isa.53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Question 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God, (a) and a real (b) righteous man? (c)

Answer: Our Lord Jesus Christ: (d) "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." (e)

(a) 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Rom.9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Rom.8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Gal.4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Isa.9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Jer.23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Mal.3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. (b) Luke 1:42 And she (Elisabeth) spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou (Mary) among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Rom.1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; Rom.9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Philip.2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Heb.2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Heb.2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Heb.4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (c) Isa.53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Jer.23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? Heb.4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb.7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Pet.2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 1 Pet.3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (d) 1 Tim.2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Heb.2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Matt.1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 1 Tim.3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (e) 1 Cor.1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Question 19. Whence knowest thou this?

Answer: From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise; (a) and afterwards published by the patriarchs (b) and prophets, (c) and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; (d) and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son. (e)

(a) Gen.3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (b) Gen.22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Gen.12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Gen.49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Gen.49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: (c) Isaiah 53. Isa.42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isa.42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. Isa.42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. Isa.42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Isa.43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isa.49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. Isa.49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isa.49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. Isa.49:23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. Jer.23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jer.23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jer.31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jer.31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer.32:39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: Jer.32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Jer.32:41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. Mic.7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. Mic.7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Mic.7:20 Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Rom.1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Heb.1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Acts 3:23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Acts 3:24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. (d) Heb.10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Heb.10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Col.2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. (e) Rom.10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Gal.4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Gal.4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Gal.3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Col.2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

 

Regina Spektor- Laughing With

Published by
Michael
at June 27, 2009 in General. 17 Comments

Open Blogging

Published by
Michael
at June 27, 2009 in General. 51 Comments

I'll be taking this picture myself next week.

While I'm getting ready, it's all yours today…

TGIF

Published by
Michael
at June 26, 2009 in General. 553 Comments

I am strangely unmoved by the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett… except perhaps by fear.

God is no respecter of persons and your resume and royalties don't follow you into eternity.

They were both symbols, cultural icons if you will.

When you think about what they were symbols of, it should give us pause about our culture.

Whenever I read an obituary and see no mention of faith in Christ I shudder inside…at the judgment, worldly fame will only serve to condemn you more if you have not been washed by the blood of Christ.

That's about as profound as I can wax on these major media events…because salvation is all that matters.

The rest will burn.

The Ark of the Covenant is going to be unveiled today.

Ok…

"But author and Bible teacher Chuck Missler, founder of Koinonia House, told WND the theory of Menelik obtaining the Ark is not biblical, though he believes there is a possibility that the Ethiopians may have the real deal."

If Missler says it, I believe it and that settles it. :-)

What I want to know is how it got to Ethiopia from heaven…

“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.”
(Revelation 11:19 ESV)

Finally, some more clarification on Israel.

“On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,”
(Genesis 15:18 ESV)

“And I will set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates, for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you.”
(Exodus 23:31 ESV)

Those are the borders of Israel that were set by God, not human government.

““For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.”
(Joel 3:1-3 ESV)

Again, the Bible is clear that there will be eschatological redemption for Israel, that it's borders were set by God, and God will enforce those borders some day.

He even calls it "my land".

I don't fully understand this, but it has always seemed wise to me to care about what God cares about….