Here is 1 and a half page pdf file based on teaching of Tim Keller
very good stuff, very brief
Gives some good step by step instructions... for beginners or old-timers who want to re-visit the basics
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Keep Me From Presumpteous Sins
meditating on Psalm 19:13:
Our heart, like an ill-tempered horse, is apt to run away. May the grace of God put the bridle upon it and hold it in, that it rush not into mischief. What might not the best of us do if it were not for the checks which the Lord sets on us in both providence and in grace! --Charlie Spurgeon
A message for women
a while back i was asked by a woman -- "A year ago the men of CCC read & met around this topic: 'Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God'... is there anything similar for women to read?"
I would recommend this audio message:
Message to Women
by Carolyn Mahaney MP3 10.2MB
I would recommend this audio message:
Message to Women
by Carolyn Mahaney MP3 10.2MB
Eavesdropping on a conversation...
There is an online debate between an atheist and a Christian. Christopher Hitchins, who has been getting a lot of attention lately, is the atheist. Douglas Wilson is the Christian. The installments are brief. The topic is: "Is Christianity Good for the World?"
Here
Here
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Psalms Memory Work, Mercy Needed
Friends, just a note to say that I made a mistake on Sunday. Actually two:
1.) I made the Psalm 19 memory work longer than it should be
2.) I deleted the other memory work for May
SO.... here is the lowdown
For this Sunday, we will recite together Psalm 19:7-9, using this language:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
If you have already memorized other stuff... more power to you and I'm sure God will use it.
Sunday we will give you a handout that contains the memory work for May 20-May 31.
If you are still confused, it is not you. It is still us!
1.) I made the Psalm 19 memory work longer than it should be
2.) I deleted the other memory work for May
SO.... here is the lowdown
For this Sunday, we will recite together Psalm 19:7-9, using this language:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
If you have already memorized other stuff... more power to you and I'm sure God will use it.
Sunday we will give you a handout that contains the memory work for May 20-May 31.
If you are still confused, it is not you. It is still us!
Tuesday's Psalm... #16
You Will Not Abandon My Soul
A Miktam of David.
16:1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Monday, May 14, 2007
These Inward Trials
I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow
John Newton
I asked the LORD that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, his face.
’Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once he’d answer my request;
And by his love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
Yea more, with his own hand he seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
LORD, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the LORD replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.
These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in me.”
John Newton
I asked the LORD that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, his face.
’Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once he’d answer my request;
And by his love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
Yea more, with his own hand he seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
LORD, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the LORD replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.
These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in me.”
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Book of Revelation
The book of Revelation is often very confusing. Some think, sadly, that it reads like a "How the World will end... FOR DUMMIES". Some of this is because of the commercial success of LEFT BEHIND books. They are, in my humble opinion, poor literature and worse bible teaching.
Example: Whenever I travel outside of Gainesville and hear the venom that is out there for the Ol' Ball Coach... I think, "Y'all don't understand Spurrier. At all." I feel the same way when people think that Left Behind is a good understanding of the Book of Revelation.
So, Pendley, what are some helps? Articles, book recommendations, and sermons... see below
The Chronicles of Jesus and His Victory ... by Scotty Smith is a brief-brief of one aspect of the book.
Article Here
Overview Article by Derek Thomas here
BOOKS: I have both of these in my library and will graciously loan them--on penalty of death if not returned. Or you can get them from amazon.com
by Arturo Azurdia
My mentor & friend Ray Cortese preached through Revelation in 13 sermons available here.
Example: Whenever I travel outside of Gainesville and hear the venom that is out there for the Ol' Ball Coach... I think, "Y'all don't understand Spurrier. At all." I feel the same way when people think that Left Behind is a good understanding of the Book of Revelation.
So, Pendley, what are some helps? Articles, book recommendations, and sermons... see below
The Chronicles of Jesus and His Victory ... by Scotty Smith is a brief-brief of one aspect of the book.
Article Here
Overview Article by Derek Thomas here
BOOKS: I have both of these in my library and will graciously loan them--on penalty of death if not returned. Or you can get them from amazon.com
- Vern S. Poythress, The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation (P & R)
- Highly recommended basic guide. Good background material, theological content. Best place to start
- Michael Wilcock. The Message of Revelation, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP)
- Part of the IVP "Bible Speaks" series. Good for personal study. Includes study/discussion questions
by Arturo Azurdia
| Apocalypse Now - Introduction | Part 1 | Revelation |
| Apocalypse Now - Introduction | Part 2 | Revelation |
| Apocalypse Now - Introduction | Part 3 | Revelation |
My mentor & friend Ray Cortese preached through Revelation in 13 sermons available here.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Violent Grace
Paul Tripp is spending a ton of time to slowly walk through different aspects of Psalm 51, the famous Psalm he wrote after finally realizing that his adultery with Bathsheba was a devastating tragedy of sin.
We all have a perverse capacity to be comfortable with what God says is wrong. So God blesses us with violent, uncomfortable grace. Yes, He really does love us enough to crush us, so that we would feel the pain of our sin and run to Him for forgiveness and deliverance. David says, "let the bones You have crushed rejoice." (verse 8) It is a curious phrase. Crushed bones and rejoicing don't seem to go together. You wouldn't say, "Hooray, I have a broken bone!" But that is very close to what David is saying. He is using the searing pain of broken bones as a metaphor of the pain of heart that you feel when you really see your sin for what it is. That pain is a good thing!
Think about it. The physical pain of an actual broken bone is worth being thankful for because it's a warning sign something is wrong in that arm or leg. In the same way, God's loving hammer of conviction is meant to break your heart and the pain of heart you feel is meant to alert you to the fact that something is spiritually wrong inside of you. Like the warning signal of physical pain, the rescuing and restoring pain of convicting grace is a thing worth celebrating!
So God's grace isn't always comfortable because He isn't primarily working on our comfort, He's working on our character. With violent grace He will crush us because He loves us and is committed to our restoration, deliverance, and refinement. And that is something worth celebrating!
We all have a perverse capacity to be comfortable with what God says is wrong. So God blesses us with violent, uncomfortable grace. Yes, He really does love us enough to crush us, so that we would feel the pain of our sin and run to Him for forgiveness and deliverance. David says, "let the bones You have crushed rejoice." (verse 8) It is a curious phrase. Crushed bones and rejoicing don't seem to go together. You wouldn't say, "Hooray, I have a broken bone!" But that is very close to what David is saying. He is using the searing pain of broken bones as a metaphor of the pain of heart that you feel when you really see your sin for what it is. That pain is a good thing!
Think about it. The physical pain of an actual broken bone is worth being thankful for because it's a warning sign something is wrong in that arm or leg. In the same way, God's loving hammer of conviction is meant to break your heart and the pain of heart you feel is meant to alert you to the fact that something is spiritually wrong inside of you. Like the warning signal of physical pain, the rescuing and restoring pain of convicting grace is a thing worth celebrating!
So God's grace isn't always comfortable because He isn't primarily working on our comfort, He's working on our character. With violent grace He will crush us because He loves us and is committed to our restoration, deliverance, and refinement. And that is something worth celebrating!
Kiss a Striking Lord
“…. The Psalmist has learned how to Kiss a striking Lord. And how to flee to God even when he knows God’s displeasure with his deeds. Because beyond God’s displeasure with our sin is the greater and deeper and higher love of God grounded in the work of Christ on the cross.” --Samuel Rutherford
encouraging your wife
great words about and to their wives in the dedication page of the book "Cry of the Soul"...
She is beautiful in appearance and in personality. She believes in me, and she encourages my labor--far more, she lives with a depth of love that I yearn to mimic. --Tremper Longman
No one draws my heart to the passion of heaven, no one can break my heart or give me a taste of glory, like you. Your life is a gift exceeded only by the promise of eternity with you. I am grateful that you struggle faithfully to know God and offer the fruits of your journey to your family. --Dan ALLENDER
May God encourage the husbands of Christ Community to use creative language (and actions!) to honor their wives... alone, and in front of the children.
She is beautiful in appearance and in personality. She believes in me, and she encourages my labor--far more, she lives with a depth of love that I yearn to mimic. --Tremper Longman
No one draws my heart to the passion of heaven, no one can break my heart or give me a taste of glory, like you. Your life is a gift exceeded only by the promise of eternity with you. I am grateful that you struggle faithfully to know God and offer the fruits of your journey to your family. --Dan ALLENDER
May God encourage the husbands of Christ Community to use creative language (and actions!) to honor their wives... alone, and in front of the children.
Bono on the Psalms, Part 2
from the fabulous RollingStone interview from a couple years ago
interviewer asks Bono, "You never saw rock & roll -- the so-called devil's music -- as incompatible with religion?"
Bono: Look at the people who have formed my imagination. Bob Dylan. Nineteen seventy-six -- he's going through similar stuff. You buy Patti Smith: Horses -- "Jesus died for somebody's sins/But not mine . . ." And she turns Van Morrison's "Gloria" into liturgy. She's wrestling with these demons -- Catholicism in her case. Right the way through to Wave, where she's talking to the pope.
The music that really turns me on is either running toward God or away from God. Both recognize the pivot, that God is at the center of the jaunt. So the blues, on one hand -- running away; gospel, the Mighty Clouds of Joy -- running towards. And later you came to analyze it and figure it out.
The blues are like the Psalms of David. Here was this character, living in a cave, whose outbursts were as much criticism as praise. There's David singing, "Oh, God -- where are you when I need you?/You call yourself God?" And you go, this is the blues.
Both deal with the relationship with God. --end quote
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Marriage Weekend June 29-July 1st
From time to time we like to remind you that there is help and hope for marriage. One of these is the "Family Life Marriage Conference". The next one that is nearby is June 29-July 1 in Hollywood, Florida. Is that Miami? Ft. Lauderdale? Well, somewhere south of Orlando.
More info
More info
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Memorizing Psalms while watching Lebron
or is it LeBron?
memory work:
Last night I spent some time with my 3 children individually, helping them memorize Psalm 19. A couple of thoughts:
1.) MAN! Did we ever set the bar high for how much we could memorize!!! Psalm 19:7-11, wow.
1a.) When was last time I spent time like this? Too long ago.
2.) Psalm 19 has a pattern
4 names for God's Word/Scripture (law, testimony, precepts, commandment)
4 adjectives describing God's word (perfect, sure, right, pure)
4 effects of God's Word (reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes)
memory work:
Last night I spent some time with my 3 children individually, helping them memorize Psalm 19. A couple of thoughts:
1.) MAN! Did we ever set the bar high for how much we could memorize!!! Psalm 19:7-11, wow.
1a.) When was last time I spent time like this? Too long ago.
2.) Psalm 19 has a pattern
4 names for God's Word/Scripture (law, testimony, precepts, commandment)
4 adjectives describing God's word (perfect, sure, right, pure)
4 effects of God's Word (reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes)
How to Love a Wayward Child, from a former one
Many parents are brokenhearted and completely baffled by their unbelieving son or daughter. They have no clue why the child they raised well is making such awful, destructive decisions. I’ve never been one of these parents, but I have been one of these sons. Reflecting back on that experience, I offer these suggestions to help you reach out to your wayward child. --Abraham Piper, son of John & Noel Piper
1. Point them to Jesus Christ
2. Pray
3. Acknowledge that something is wrong.
4. Don’t expect them to be Christ-like.
5. Welcome them home6. Plead with them more than you rebuke them.
7. Connect them to believers who have better access to them.8. Respect their friends.
9. Email them.
10. Take them to lunch.
11. Take an interest in their pursuits.12. Point them to Christ.
Entire Article is here
Wednesday Psalm Reading: Psalm 5 & 6
How's the Psalm reading going? Rhymes with Palm Reading, huh? Sounds mystical. So, how's it going?
Been good for me so far. Have had some good conversations with folks about what they are reading.
By the way, what if you fail? There are some of you who forgot until reading this, I'm sure. Don't sweat. Don't try to "make it up" or catch up. Start today.
Psalm 5 & 6 amaze me with their honesty!
Been good for me so far. Have had some good conversations with folks about what they are reading.
By the way, what if you fail? There are some of you who forgot until reading this, I'm sure. Don't sweat. Don't try to "make it up" or catch up. Start today.
Psalm 5 & 6 amaze me with their honesty!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
"I am so angry!"
God, Anger, the Psalter
While reading psalms I see there is alot about anger... I'm trying to compile some stuff for at least one sermon on anger this summer... but here's some samples for those who need to learn more now...
1. Paul Tripp, a counselor who has shaped much of my thinking about how the gospel changes us has an online lecture entitled"Anger is one of God's most beautiful characteristics."
you can find it here
2. Years ago I remember great gospel work when I went through 3 bible studies on anger with a young man. Here is the intro to those 3 articles... (I"ll seek to post them later)
Every human being deals with anger. In a world of disappointments, imperfections, miseries, and sins (our own and others’), anger is a given. You get angry.
I get angry. Those you counsel get angry. No doubt that’s why the Bible comes packed with stories, teachings, and comments about anger: God intends us to
understand anger and to know how anger problems can be resolved.
What is anger? How do we make sense of it? Let’s begin with five general statements about something we often experience but seldom stop to understand.
1. The Bible is About Anger
2. Anger is Something You Do
3. Anger is Natural
4. Anger is Learned
5. Anger is a Moral Matter
While reading psalms I see there is alot about anger... I'm trying to compile some stuff for at least one sermon on anger this summer... but here's some samples for those who need to learn more now...
1. Paul Tripp, a counselor who has shaped much of my thinking about how the gospel changes us has an online lecture entitled"Anger is one of God's most beautiful characteristics."
you can find it here
2. Years ago I remember great gospel work when I went through 3 bible studies on anger with a young man. Here is the intro to those 3 articles... (I"ll seek to post them later)
Every human being deals with anger. In a world of disappointments, imperfections, miseries, and sins (our own and others’), anger is a given. You get angry.
I get angry. Those you counsel get angry. No doubt that’s why the Bible comes packed with stories, teachings, and comments about anger: God intends us to
understand anger and to know how anger problems can be resolved.
What is anger? How do we make sense of it? Let’s begin with five general statements about something we often experience but seldom stop to understand.
1. The Bible is About Anger
2. Anger is Something You Do
3. Anger is Natural
4. Anger is Learned
5. Anger is a Moral Matter
Listening to the Psalms
Stephen Addcox sent me the note below. FYI, the Psalms are on my ipod and I find it helpful too.
One of the things that I love about the Psalms is how well they read aloud. I find that listening to them is often a more enriching experience than reading them. Recently I discovered that BibleGateway.com has free audio Bibles (including ESV) that you can use with RealPlayer. Here's the link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/. The guy who does the reading, Max McLean is quite good; he's a Christian performance artist from New York, and he has a very distinctive and well-cadenced voice.
One of the things that I love about the Psalms is how well they read aloud. I find that listening to them is often a more enriching experience than reading them. Recently I discovered that BibleGateway.com has free audio Bibles (including ESV) that you can use with RealPlayer. Here's the link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/. The guy who does the reading, Max McLean is quite good; he's a Christian performance artist from New York, and he has a very distinctive and well-cadenced voice.
Complaining to God... has a place
This Sunday we'll look at Psalm 6. It is raw.
"God, I'm languishing." "My bones are troubled." John Calvin says that these kinds of psalms teach us to resist a wrong tendency we have to "play it close to the chest" but rather to "relieve ourselves" by pouring out our hearts to God.
"We have a diseased but deeply-rooted principle in our nature, which leads us to hide our griefs, and ruminate upon them, instead of relieving ourselves at once by pouring out our prayers and complaints before God." -John Calvin
Pastors Retreat for Planning, Prayer, and Frisbee Golf
Just got back from 36 hrs away with Matthews. We went to Camp Kulaqua in High SPrings to:
-- have some extended time in prayer for the church
-- have some extended time of planning for the church
We wound up playing about 3 or 4 rounds of frisbee golf. For the record, I smoked him. This is despite the fact that:
a.) I've never played
b.) he plays about twice a week
Nonetheless, we had a very encouraging time and I'm looking forward to seeing our plans and thoughts made better as we bring them to staff, elders, and other leaders. Thank you for your prayers for us and for the joy
-- have some extended time in prayer for the church
-- have some extended time of planning for the church
We wound up playing about 3 or 4 rounds of frisbee golf. For the record, I smoked him. This is despite the fact that:
a.) I've never played
b.) he plays about twice a week
Nonetheless, we had a very encouraging time and I'm looking forward to seeing our plans and thoughts made better as we bring them to staff, elders, and other leaders. Thank you for your prayers for us and for the joy
Friday, May 04, 2007
Christian Freedom
A really good article that I find myself revisiting regularly, and therefore want to make you aware of ... was written by the cat who taught us (Matthews, Pendley, Lammers) ETHICS at Covenant Seminary. I'm thinking of it this week because Psalm 2:11 says to serve the Lord with fear. This always leads to the question, what type of fear? Here's Jones:
We should note that the Scriptures use the word "fear" in two distinct senses. There is the fear of terror and dread, and there is the fear of veneration and honor. The fear of terror makes us want to run away and hide; the fear of honor leads us to stand in awe and worship. The Gospel removes the fear of terror as a source of motivation in the Christian life. Punishment has no power to rehabilitate.
...to be motivated by the threats of the law is sub-Christian. In the words of
Toplady's great hymn:
"The terrors of law and of God / With me can have nothing to do; / My Saviour's
obedience and blood / Hide all my transgressions from view."
The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; as also, in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and willing mind (Westminster Confession of Faith, ch20.1).
We should note that the Scriptures use the word "fear" in two distinct senses. There is the fear of terror and dread, and there is the fear of veneration and honor. The fear of terror makes us want to run away and hide; the fear of honor leads us to stand in awe and worship. The Gospel removes the fear of terror as a source of motivation in the Christian life. Punishment has no power to rehabilitate.
...to be motivated by the threats of the law is sub-Christian. In the words of
Toplady's great hymn:
"The terrors of law and of God / With me can have nothing to do; / My Saviour's
obedience and blood / Hide all my transgressions from view."
The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; as also, in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and willing mind (Westminster Confession of Faith, ch20.1).
Psalm 2
This psalm was used by God's people of old--the Hebrew nation--at the installation of their kings. It also pointed forward to the ultimate King, the Lord Jesus. One verse that I've been asked (and wondered myself) about is 2:7. Specifically, "Today I have begotten you..."
What is the begotten?
When is the today?
Much ink spilled here... and i've read good bit of it in preparation to preach. I'm convinced by the following interpretation:
"The begetting is of the incarnate Son--not the eternal begetting... and it marks the completion and the acceptance of Jesus' redeeming mission to our world." --Philip E. Hughes
The Apostle Paul quotes this verse when preaching the resurrection of Jesus in Acts 13, giving us reason to believe that the DAY spoken of here is the day of his glorious victory and vindication... Easter!
What is the begotten?
When is the today?
Much ink spilled here... and i've read good bit of it in preparation to preach. I'm convinced by the following interpretation:
"The begetting is of the incarnate Son--not the eternal begetting... and it marks the completion and the acceptance of Jesus' redeeming mission to our world." --Philip E. Hughes
The Apostle Paul quotes this verse when preaching the resurrection of Jesus in Acts 13, giving us reason to believe that the DAY spoken of here is the day of his glorious victory and vindication... Easter!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
His love will never die
"It is not like the Lord to cast off those whom He loves.
He chose us from eternity and He will love us throughout eternity.
He loved us so as to die for us and we may therefore be sure
His love will never die." C.H. Spurgeon
His love will never die." C.H. Spurgeon
Psalm 2--Kiss the Son
However great thy guilt, however enormous thy transgression, if thou art now willing to be reconciled, God has made thee willing, and he would not have put the will if he did not intend to gratify it. There is nothing that can keep thee from Christ if thou art willing to come. Christ casts out none that desire to be saved. There is in his heart enough for all that seek him, enough for each, enough for evermore. Oh! think not that Christ is ever slower than we are. We never love him before he loves us. If our heart loves him, his soul loved us long ago. and if we are now willing to be reconciled to him, let us rest assured that Jehovah's melting heart yearns to clasp his us to his breast. ---Spurgeon on Psalm 2
He also says that the kiss of Psalm 2 has 4 meanings:
1.) Reconciliation ("Jesus, we are at peace.")
2.) Allegiance & homage ("Jesus, I will follow you.")
3.) Worship ("Jesus, you are worthy of all that I am.")
4.) Affection ("Jesus, I love you.")
He also says that the kiss of Psalm 2 has 4 meanings:
1.) Reconciliation ("Jesus, we are at peace.")
2.) Allegiance & homage ("Jesus, I will follow you.")
3.) Worship ("Jesus, you are worthy of all that I am.")
4.) Affection ("Jesus, I love you.")
Monday, April 30, 2007
Back from Greece
Kim and I had a wonderful time in Greece. Highlights? Either taking communion in Ancient Corinth while reading about it in 1 Corinthians... or the breath-taking vistas of the Greek Islands. Traveling is wonderful, coming home is better.
While away.... my new best friend John Newton helped me out on something.... How can I KNOW so much about faith/holiness/etc. AND LIVE SO LITTLE?! Maybe he'll help you too.
That which has been a frequent theme of my heart of late...I mean the remarkable and humbling difference which I suppose all who know themselves may observe, between their acquired and their experimental knowledge, or, in other words, between their judgement and their practice. --John Newton,
Basically, Newton says that God allows these gaps so that:
1.) We learn that it is all of grace
2.) We learn to be patient & tender with broken folk
3.) We learn to long for heaven when our struggle with sin shall be gone
read the letter here
While away.... my new best friend John Newton helped me out on something.... How can I KNOW so much about faith/holiness/etc. AND LIVE SO LITTLE?! Maybe he'll help you too.
That which has been a frequent theme of my heart of late...I mean the remarkable and humbling difference which I suppose all who know themselves may observe, between their acquired and their experimental knowledge, or, in other words, between their judgement and their practice. --John Newton,
Basically, Newton says that God allows these gaps so that:
1.) We learn that it is all of grace
2.) We learn to be patient & tender with broken folk
3.) We learn to long for heaven when our struggle with sin shall be gone
read the letter here
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Keller, One Thing, and Heart Idolatry
"My fears are directly proportional to the vulnerability of the things that are my greatest joys."
--Tim Keller
"Anything but God and His will is vulnerable." --TK
Again, this passage makes us ask--what are our idols? What are good things that we've let become our ONE thing.
There is a book coming out this summer which promises to be very helpful. Written by Dan Allender & Tremper Longman... Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
"This book uses the category of 'idols' as a creative way to understand not only a difficult biblical book (Ecclesiastes) but also the very way our hearts work. It brings a great deal of clarity where there has been confusion. Recommended."
—Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City
Table of Contents
Introduction: Searching for Meaning
1. Chasing After Power: "I Can Control My World"
2. Chasing After Relationships: "Relationships Bring Me Fulfillment"
3. Chasing After Work and Money: "Money Gives Me Freedom"
4. Chasing After Pleasure: "Pleasure Satisfies Me"
5. Chasing After Wisdom: "Knowledge Will Put Me on Top"
6. Chasing After Spirituality: "My Spiritual Life Will Save Me"
7. Chasing After Immortality: "I Will Have a Long Life if I Take Care of My Body"
Conclusion: Finding Abundant Life
--Tim Keller
"Anything but God and His will is vulnerable." --TK
Again, this passage makes us ask--what are our idols? What are good things that we've let become our ONE thing.
There is a book coming out this summer which promises to be very helpful. Written by Dan Allender & Tremper Longman... Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
"This book uses the category of 'idols' as a creative way to understand not only a difficult biblical book (Ecclesiastes) but also the very way our hearts work. It brings a great deal of clarity where there has been confusion. Recommended."
—Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City
Table of Contents
Introduction: Searching for Meaning
1. Chasing After Power: "I Can Control My World"
2. Chasing After Relationships: "Relationships Bring Me Fulfillment"
3. Chasing After Work and Money: "Money Gives Me Freedom"
4. Chasing After Pleasure: "Pleasure Satisfies Me"
5. Chasing After Wisdom: "Knowledge Will Put Me on Top"
6. Chasing After Spirituality: "My Spiritual Life Will Save Me"
7. Chasing After Immortality: "I Will Have a Long Life if I Take Care of My Body"
Conclusion: Finding Abundant Life
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
No bargaining with God
The main thing we learn from a serious attempt to practice the Christian virtues is that we fail. If there was any idea that God had set up a sort of exam and that we might get good marks by deserving them, that has to be wiped out. If there was any idea of a sort of bargain—any idea that we could perform our side of the contract and thus put God in our debt so that it was up to Him to perform His side—that has to be wiped out. -- C S Lewis Mere Christianity
Report from Va. Tech Minister
this is from an email Jenna Lammers sent out today.....
Steve's old college friends from Clemson RUF days (Eliza and JR Foster...used to be at Florida State doing RUF) are the RUF leaders at Virginia Tech. Wanted to share part of Eliza's email to me today so you can pray and hear some of what the campus Christian community is dealing with.
" Our students are in shock, I think. Many of them knew someone who knew someone, but honestly we are still waiting on names and reports. We do have one student who was in one of the rooms in Norris Hall...he was the only one not killed in that French class...he played dead. JR spend time with him last night. Please pray for him and his dealing with this awful experience."
" Pray for him (JR getting lots of calls by media for interviews from all over the world)...for bold proclamation of the gospel, for wise decisions about how to spend his time, for peace. Please pray for our RUF students...for their sharing of the gospel and holding out life to those around them, for their wrestling with this tragedy. Pray for other students and faculty to be brought to saving faith. Pray for me as I support JR, talk with studnets, and answer my children's questions...I just want to shelter them and yet it's such an opportunity...hard to now what to tell them."
Steve's old college friends from Clemson RUF days (Eliza and JR Foster...used to be at Florida State doing RUF) are the RUF leaders at Virginia Tech. Wanted to share part of Eliza's email to me today so you can pray and hear some of what the campus Christian community is dealing with.
" Our students are in shock, I think. Many of them knew someone who knew someone, but honestly we are still waiting on names and reports. We do have one student who was in one of the rooms in Norris Hall...he was the only one not killed in that French class...he played dead. JR spend time with him last night. Please pray for him and his dealing with this awful experience."
" Pray for him (JR getting lots of calls by media for interviews from all over the world)...for bold proclamation of the gospel, for wise decisions about how to spend his time, for peace. Please pray for our RUF students...for their sharing of the gospel and holding out life to those around them, for their wrestling with this tragedy. Pray for other students and faculty to be brought to saving faith. Pray for me as I support JR, talk with studnets, and answer my children's questions...I just want to shelter them and yet it's such an opportunity...hard to now what to tell them."
a little help for my friends
some guys from Faith Presbyterian asked me to plug this:
Faith’s Men in the Church (MIC) is sponsoring a golf tournament on Saturday, April 21st, at Turkey Creek Golf Club with tee off planned for 7:24 AM. This was a good time by those who attended last Fall and we would really be encouraged to have you out there Saturday. We will be hacking around and enjoying each other’s fellowship. Please call the church office (377-5482) if you are interested in playing. The cost for the tournament will be approximately $25; Dutch treat lunch afterward at Conestogas in “beautiful downtown Alachua.” For more details, contact Dan Sutton, 273-1011. Come, bring a friend, and enjoy good fellowship.
What solemn tidings reach our ears!
Went to a funeral today. So amazing to be present at the mournful joy of a Christian's funeral. I've done funerals where I think I might be the only Christian in the room... and it is hard, though Christ is always faithful to show up and preach His gospel of hope. Anyway, sitting in the funeral an old hymn came to mind. One I love... it is about a Christian receiving the news that another Christian has passed over through death. He wrestles with his "envy" of the resting Christian... yet rejoices in the security of the promise of God.
What solemn tidings reach our ears!
How awful. How grand!
A brother landed safe from fears,
On Canaan's happy land.
No clouds obstruct his son.
All be life and peace.
With him tis ever ever new,
Nor can his joy decrease.
Refrain
He's gone in endless bliss to dwell,
And I am left below,
To struggle with the powers of hell,
Till Jesus bids me go.
Though he's more happy I'm secure.
God's promise cannot fail;
O may I patiently endure,
My heavenly Father's will.
The counsel of the Lord shall stand,
And all his will be done;
I'll therefore wait in Meshech's land,
Until he fetch me home.
What solemn tidings reach our ears!
How awful. How grand!
A brother landed safe from fears,
On Canaan's happy land.
No clouds obstruct his son.
All be life and peace.
With him tis ever ever new,
Nor can his joy decrease.
Refrain
He's gone in endless bliss to dwell,
And I am left below,
To struggle with the powers of hell,
Till Jesus bids me go.
Though he's more happy I'm secure.
God's promise cannot fail;
O may I patiently endure,
My heavenly Father's will.
The counsel of the Lord shall stand,
And all his will be done;
I'll therefore wait in Meshech's land,
Until he fetch me home.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Summer Psalms
This summer Christ Community church will read the Psalter! Chipper Flanikan put together a very helpful reading plan that calls for--on average--2 psalms per day. One in private and one with family or roommates? That might be a way to do it. I will also be preaching through the readings. So, when you have read Psalms 1 thru 11 in a week, my sermon will be from one of those psalms.
This is a great followup to Journey of Faith, which really showed us how helpful & healthy it is to do church-wide projects.
This is a great followup to Journey of Faith, which really showed us how helpful & healthy it is to do church-wide projects.
Quick, what is the Bible about?
How do you boil down the Scriptures? In seeking to grow in my understanding....AND...
In thinking through how to help people get a grasp on the whole of the Bible, I came across a lecture that I'm about half-way finished with. It is almost 4 hours. Yes, 4. But if you took an hour a month to listen, you'd finish in 4 months. How does that compare what you've done in the last four months to grasp the message of the Bible? The lecture is by David Jackman (no relation to Hugh--i don't think), who is a UK friend of Tim Keller's. He's a good teacher and the accent is always cool. Link is here
In thinking through how to help people get a grasp on the whole of the Bible, I came across a lecture that I'm about half-way finished with. It is almost 4 hours. Yes, 4. But if you took an hour a month to listen, you'd finish in 4 months. How does that compare what you've done in the last four months to grasp the message of the Bible? The lecture is by David Jackman (no relation to Hugh--i don't think), who is a UK friend of Tim Keller's. He's a good teacher and the accent is always cool. Link is here
link to John Newton Letters for purchase
Several folks have asked about how to get hold of the Letters of John Newton .... they are available from amazon
Clara Driebe's Dad is Home
Yesterday Clara Driebe's father passed into the presence of his Father. Kim & I had the privilege of spending some time Sunday evening with Clara and her mother. I'll write on this later, so encouraging it was.
For now I want to inform y'all of these events:
5-7pm today (Monday 16th) Visitation held at Milam Funeral Home on Main Street in Gainesville
11am Tuesday Funeral at 1st Presbyterian Church d'town gainesville
For now I want to inform y'all of these events:
5-7pm today (Monday 16th) Visitation held at Milam Funeral Home on Main Street in Gainesville
11am Tuesday Funeral at 1st Presbyterian Church d'town gainesville
Sunday, April 15, 2007
quiet time guide
Very helpful and very brief guide to sanity in the "Quiet Time" discussion...
The Quiet Time Series, by Joe Thorn:
1. Not a Cleansing Rite
2. Defined
3. My Failure
4. What is it Good For?
5. Advice
Read them all here
The Quiet Time Series, by Joe Thorn:
1. Not a Cleansing Rite
2. Defined
3. My Failure
4. What is it Good For?
5. Advice
Read them all here
Thursday, April 12, 2007
People do not drift toward holiness.
Preparing to lead us into a series called, "Rivers of Grace: How God Nourishes Our Seeking Heart"....
Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness,
Your Beloved Needs You Now
I've been reading alot of Psalms lately... and realizing how raw the relationships were that the writers had with God. Then, today I came across a song from some modern writers that seem to be lifted exactly from the pages of the Psalter:
God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in
I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can’t climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You
--Bebo Norman & Jason Ingram
God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in
I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can’t climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You
--Bebo Norman & Jason Ingram
How Temptations Show Us Christ
Temptations, by giving us a painful sensibility of the weakness of our graces, and the strength of our inward corruptions, tend to mortify the evil principles of self-dependence and self-righteousness, which are so deeply rooted in our fallen nature; to make Christ, in all his relations, offices, and characters, more precious to us; and to convince us, that without Him we can do nothing. --John Newton (read more of this letter here)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Burdened by sin, rest in Christ
This is a portion of a hymn on prayer, written by John Newton:
rest of hymn is here
- With my burden I begin:
- Lord, remove this load of sin;
- Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt,
- Set my conscience free from guilt.
- Lord, I come to Thee for rest,
- Take possession of my breast;
- There Thy blood-bought right maintain,
- And without a rival reign.
rest of hymn is here
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
What is Meditative Prayer?
“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God...It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.” (Packer, J I: Knowing God)
"To meditate in God’s word is to discourse (discuss with God in prayer) concerning the great things contained in it, with a close application of mind, a fixedness of thought, till we be suitably affected with those things and experience the savour and power of them in our hearts."...
"Meditation is screwing the truth of God into our hearts until it catches fire." --Tim Keller
What does Christian growth look like?
I will venture to assure you, that though you will possess a more stable peace, in proportion as the Lord enables you to live more simply upon the blood, righteousness, and grace of the Mediator, you will never grow into a better opinion of yourself than you have at present. The nearer you are brought to Him, the quicker sense you will have of your continual need of Him, and thereby your admiration of His power, love, and compassion will increase likewise from year to year. --John Newton
Letters from an old friend, strength in trials
When I was in Mississippi recently I stole, er borrowed, a book of letters from my brother in law. They were written by John Newton. Wise counsel indeed:
All shall work together for good; everything is needful that He sends; nothing can be needful that He withholds. Be content to bear the cross; others have borne it before you. You have need of patience; and if you ask, the Lord will give it: but there can be no settled peace till our will is in a measure subdued. Hide yourself under the shadow of His wings; rely upon His care and power; look upon Him as a physician who has graciously undertaken to heal your soul of the worst of sicknesses, sin. Yield to His prescriptions, and fight against every thought that would represent it as desirable to be permitted to choose for yourself. When you cannot see your way, be satisfied that He is your leader. When your spirit is overwhelmed within you, He knows your path; He will not leave you to sink. He has appointed seasons of refreshment, and you shall find He does not forget you. Above all, keep close to the throne of grace. If we seem to get no good by attempting to draw near Him we may be sure we shall get none by keeping away from Him. ---John Newton, 1775
All shall work together for good; everything is needful that He sends; nothing can be needful that He withholds. Be content to bear the cross; others have borne it before you. You have need of patience; and if you ask, the Lord will give it: but there can be no settled peace till our will is in a measure subdued. Hide yourself under the shadow of His wings; rely upon His care and power; look upon Him as a physician who has graciously undertaken to heal your soul of the worst of sicknesses, sin. Yield to His prescriptions, and fight against every thought that would represent it as desirable to be permitted to choose for yourself. When you cannot see your way, be satisfied that He is your leader. When your spirit is overwhelmed within you, He knows your path; He will not leave you to sink. He has appointed seasons of refreshment, and you shall find He does not forget you. Above all, keep close to the throne of grace. If we seem to get no good by attempting to draw near Him we may be sure we shall get none by keeping away from Him. ---John Newton, 1775
A Life Less Petty
Sunday we begin a 3 week study we're calling "Streams of Grace". The idea is to take a look at ways God nourishes our souls, strengthening them in the gospel. Avenues God uses to secure us, envision us, and send us out... Historically, the church has called these the "means of grace" and listed them in 3 broad categories... Prayer, Word, Sacrament. Sunday we will look at Psalm 1 as we focus on prayer. Specifically, prayer that nourishes the soul. Prayer that advances God's kingdom has often been called meditation, because it involves God's word. Look at the tremendous metaphor given to describe the effect that meditative prayer can bring...
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Former Felon comments on Resurrection
just saw this interesting quote from a Watergate participant
I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world—and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible. -- Charles Colson
I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world—and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible. -- Charles Colson
Friday, April 06, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
To put it bluntly
To put it bluntly and plainly, if Christ is not my Substitute, I still occupy the place of a condemned sinner. If my sins and my guilt are not transferred to Him, if he did not take them upon Himself, then surely they remain with me. If He did not deal with my sins, I must face their consequences. If my penalty was not borne by Him, it still hangs over me. There is no other possibility.
--The Cross in the New Testament by Leon Morris
--The Cross in the New Testament by Leon Morris
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
quotes on cross & acceptance by God
Man is alienated from God by sin and God is alienated from man by wrath. It is in the substitutionary death of Christ that sin is overcome and wrath averted, so that God can look on man without displeasure and man can look on God without fear. Sin is removed and God's wrath is satisfied. --David Wells
It is impossible for us to face Christ's cross with integrity and not to feel ashamed of ourselves.
--John Stott
What a cleansing power in his blood to take away sin such as ours! and what glory in his righteousness to make such unacceptable creatures to be accepted in the Beloved! Mark, believer, how sure and unchanging must be our acceptance, since it is in him! Take care that you never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. You cannot be accepted without Christ; but, when you have received his merit, you cannot be unaccepted. Notwithstanding all your doubts, and fears, and sins, Jehovah's gracious eye never looks upon you in anger; though he sees sin in you, in yourself, yet when he looks at you through Christ, he sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are always blessed and dear to the Father's heart. Therefore lift up a song! --Charles Spurgeon
It is impossible for us to face Christ's cross with integrity and not to feel ashamed of ourselves.
--John Stott
What a cleansing power in his blood to take away sin such as ours! and what glory in his righteousness to make such unacceptable creatures to be accepted in the Beloved! Mark, believer, how sure and unchanging must be our acceptance, since it is in him! Take care that you never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. You cannot be accepted without Christ; but, when you have received his merit, you cannot be unaccepted. Notwithstanding all your doubts, and fears, and sins, Jehovah's gracious eye never looks upon you in anger; though he sees sin in you, in yourself, yet when he looks at you through Christ, he sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are always blessed and dear to the Father's heart. Therefore lift up a song! --Charles Spurgeon
Easter Sunday Details
Wanted to make sure you had all the skinny on Sunday...
Chris Hiatt and I have designed a 60 minute service that should be very helpful in helping you celebrate the resurrection of Christ and explaining to our guests why His death & resurrection are so central.
This 60 minute service will be offered at two times; 9:00am and 10:30am
What else is happening Sunday? Here is the program for both services
Age 4 and below Childcare offered throughout the 9am & 10:30 services
Age 5 thru 2nd grade; dismissed from service to Children's church prior to Rob's message
3rd grade thru age 94.... the aforementioned 60 minute service in the theater.
always more info at church website
Chris Hiatt and I have designed a 60 minute service that should be very helpful in helping you celebrate the resurrection of Christ and explaining to our guests why His death & resurrection are so central.
This 60 minute service will be offered at two times; 9:00am and 10:30am
What else is happening Sunday? Here is the program for both services
Age 4 and below Childcare offered throughout the 9am & 10:30 services
Age 5 thru 2nd grade; dismissed from service to Children's church prior to Rob's message
3rd grade thru age 94.... the aforementioned 60 minute service in the theater.
always more info at church website
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
The cross of Jesus, the spring of our happiness
When we tremble under a sense of our sins, the terrors of the Judge and the curses of the Law, let us look upon a crucified Christ, the remedy to all our miseries. His Cross has procured a crown. His passion [death] has expiated our transgressions. His death has disarmed the Law. His blood has washed a believers soul. This death is the destruction of our enemies, the spring of our happiness, the eternal testimony of divine love. We have good reason, as well as the apostle Paul, to determine with ourselves to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and especially him crucified. --Stephen Charnock (1684)
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The Cross
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. --1 Corinthians 1:18
Sunday we survey Christ's wondrous cross together... and gather at His table to celebrate!
Sunday we survey Christ's wondrous cross together... and gather at His table to celebrate!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Testing the Gospel We Teach (and believe)
The glory of the gospel is that God has declared Christians to be rightly related to him in spite of their sin. But our greatest temptation and mistake is to try to smuggle character into his work of grace. How easily we fall into the trap of assuming that we remain justified only so long as there are grounds in our character for that justification. But Paul’s teaching is that nothing we do ever contributes to our justification. So powerful was his emphasis on this that men accused him of teaching that it did not matter how they lived if God justified them. If God justifies us as we are, what is the point of holiness? There is still a sense in which this is a test of whether we offer the world the grace of God in the gospel. Does it make men say: ‘You are offering grace that is so free it doesn’t make any difference how you life’? This was precisely the objection the Pharisees had to Jesus’ teaching!
-Sinclair B. Ferguson
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The transactions of the crucifixion
Sunday I'm preaching on "3 Things Jesus Accomplished at the Cross".... here's a quote by Spurgeon:
"The bitter herbs of Gethsemane have often taken away the bitters of your life; the scourge of Gabbatha has often scourged away your cares, and the groans of Calvary yields us comfort rare and rich. We never should have known Christ's love in all its heights and depths if He had not died; nor could we guess the Father's deep affection if He had not given His Son to die. The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love, just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears, whispers of the deep sea whence it came; but if we desire to hear the ocean itself, we must not look at every-day blessings, but at the transactions of the crucifixion. He who would know love, let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die."
"The bitter herbs of Gethsemane have often taken away the bitters of your life; the scourge of Gabbatha has often scourged away your cares, and the groans of Calvary yields us comfort rare and rich. We never should have known Christ's love in all its heights and depths if He had not died; nor could we guess the Father's deep affection if He had not given His Son to die. The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love, just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears, whispers of the deep sea whence it came; but if we desire to hear the ocean itself, we must not look at every-day blessings, but at the transactions of the crucifixion. He who would know love, let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die."
Monday, March 26, 2007
A Nourished Soul.... prep your heart for communion Sunday
A reminder here for you to be meditating on the sacrificial love of Jesus as we prepare to celebrate the Eucharist on Sunday. I am always encouraged by Q&A 75 from the Heidelberg Catechism...
Q. 75. How are you reminded and assured in the Holy Supper that you participate in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross and in all his benefits?
A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup in remembrance of him. He has thereby promised that his body was offered and broken on the cross for me, and his blood was shed for me, as surely as I see with my eyes that the bread of the Lord is broken for me, and that the cup is shared with me. Also, he has promised that he himself as certainly feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life with his crucified body and shed blood as I receive from the hand of the minister and actually taste the bread and the cup of the Lord which are given to me as sure signs of the body and blood of Christ.
Q. 75. How are you reminded and assured in the Holy Supper that you participate in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross and in all his benefits?
A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup in remembrance of him. He has thereby promised that his body was offered and broken on the cross for me, and his blood was shed for me, as surely as I see with my eyes that the bread of the Lord is broken for me, and that the cup is shared with me. Also, he has promised that he himself as certainly feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life with his crucified body and shed blood as I receive from the hand of the minister and actually taste the bread and the cup of the Lord which are given to me as sure signs of the body and blood of Christ.
Journey of Faith Team
Many have asked who pulled off the wonderful decorations and activities of yesterday at 9am. Paige French and Christina Fischer led a team that worked creatively and with great diligence.
The campaign was led by Brian & Rebecca Schackow, with Sarah Hamersma serving as Campaign Administrator. A more complete list of names will be forthcoming. Basically, you were well-served by a great team during this Journey.
The campaign was led by Brian & Rebecca Schackow, with Sarah Hamersma serving as Campaign Administrator. A more complete list of names will be forthcoming. Basically, you were well-served by a great team during this Journey.
What was your high point?
Journey of Faith commitment Sunday was yesterday. What memories! Since the service I have asked people, "What was the high point for you yesterday?" Mine? It was seeing three jr. hi boys make their offerings as part of the children's offering at the start of the service. The humility and freedom for them to consider themselves children. OR, maybe they were given a freedom for a moment that we all need---the freedom to love God more than we love our reputation.
What was your high point? Give thanks to God.
What was your high point? Give thanks to God.
Wowed by God
Weren't we all astounded by God? That He would secure the leaders, and envision them for the future... to the point of committing to give $1 million over the next three years.... Flabbergasting was one word I heard to describe it.
We look with great anticipation to what He continues to do in our midst as we seek to see Him known & cherished in Gainesville.
We look with great anticipation to what He continues to do in our midst as we seek to see Him known & cherished in Gainesville.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thoughts as we make commitments Sunday
May I (Rob) please remind you of what we said over the past few weeks. Sunday's pledging toward Journey of Faith should be:
1.) Joyful, not under compulsion
2.) "New money"... no one is helped if you shift your normal offering (in whole or part) to Journey of Faith
3.) Towards God's Fame... sacrificial giving displays God as our treasure
1.) Joyful, not under compulsion
2.) "New money"... no one is helped if you shift your normal offering (in whole or part) to Journey of Faith
3.) Towards God's Fame... sacrificial giving displays God as our treasure
120 RSVP's
Sunday at 9am there are special events planned as we culminate JOURNEY OF FAITH ....
We've received word of planned participation from 120 adults and about 50 children. If you aren't in that number... join in! 9am Sunday
We've received word of planned participation from 120 adults and about 50 children. If you aren't in that number... join in! 9am Sunday
Parents, pray about HOW you teach your children about God
"Teachers & parents who do not exult over God in their teaching will not bring about exultation in God. Dry, unemotional, indifferent teaching about God--whether at home or at church--is a half-truth, at best. It says one thing about God and portrays another thing. It is inconsistent. It says that God is great, but teaches as if God is not great." --John Piper
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Our Great God
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations. ---Psalm 145
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations. ---Psalm 145
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ye Old Commitment Card
This is the commitment card we will be using on Sunday. In case you want to see it prior to our service.
Who will see my pledge?
This is a question that I (Rob) have been asked a couple o' times this week. The answer is..... the same as your normal giving. Our financial secretary, Debbie Staples. No one else.
Hope that is helpful.
Hope that is helpful.
Jesus: "Fear not, little flock....
... for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
"Somebody's Daddy died this week"
That is how the dinner conversation will begin tonite, or soon, in my house. I don't know the family or this man... but because of my history with RUF (Jesus found me there) and my current love for Steve Lammers... this hits hard.
The RUF minister at Furman University, Dustin Salter was riding bikes with his children (ages 10 and under) last Fall when he wrecked and sustained head injuries that resulted in his death this week.
A friend of his wrote a moving tribute you can read here.
The RUF minister at Furman University, Dustin Salter was riding bikes with his children (ages 10 and under) last Fall when he wrecked and sustained head injuries that resulted in his death this week.
A friend of his wrote a moving tribute you can read here.
Joshua Tree turns 20
The Joshua Tree was released 20 years ago this month. A 1987 interview w/ the band here.
Lunch in Downtown Beautiful Alachoooway
Our favorite native of Mumbai, Sid Gaitonde, organizes a monthly lunch get-together for men that is held every 3rd Wednesday of the month. They will be meeting on the 21st, which is soon.
They will be having lunch at 11:45am at Conestogas restaurant in downtown Alachua. Let Sid (sid.gaitonde AT gmail DOT com) know if you guys can make it so that i can get a head count to make reservations. You are welcome to invite other men.
They will be having lunch at 11:45am at Conestogas restaurant in downtown Alachua. Let Sid (sid.gaitonde AT gmail DOT com) know if you guys can make it so that i can get a head count to make reservations. You are welcome to invite other men.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Theology & Evangelism
All true theology has an evangelistic thrust, and all true evangelism is theology in action."
- J.I. Packer
- J.I. Packer
Sunday, March 18, 2007
A Week of Prayer
March 18-25 is a week of prayer for ChristCommunityChurch, culminating in our Journey of Faith commitments during the 10am service on March 25. Here are some ways to help you pray this week:
1. Some folks have cut a prayer path on the property where the building will be constructed. This makes a great place to go out and pray that--on this site-- people will experience the grace of Jesus Christ... AND--from this site... people will go out to extend the grace of Jesus Christ. Some have mentioned praying the names of their friends/family/neighbors while walking the path. Parents, while ambling, can pray for the work of God's Spirit in their children's hearts. Etc. Won't you come out and invest 10-20 minutes praying on the site this week?
2. On Sunday March 18th we exchanged prayer cards. Everyone present was simply encouraged to write the names of their family members on one side of an index card. On the other side we wrote these two verses:
LUKE 12:31
Seek first God's kingdom...
1 Chronicles 29:14
All things come from you, and of your own have we given you. (ESV)
Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (NIV)
KEY IDEA: As we prayerfully seek to partner with God and make a commitment to journey of faith... we need to be praying for each other. So, everyone who decided to pray for another person took someone's card and this week will be praying those Scripture for themselves and for the person whose card they took.
What if I wasn't there Sunday? Call someone in your small group, or the church office and say, "I need to be prayed for; and someone for whom I can pray!"
3. Time of Fasting
On Tuesday or Wednesday all of CCC is encouraged to join in some form of fasting. This can be any abstinance or limitation from something good and normal in your life.
What would this look like in my life??? Here's a sample list:
--Jogging without listening to Ipod
--Only one cup of coffee that day
--No soda
--A light lunch or supper
--Leave the computer off
--Leave the TV off
The idea of fasting is to withdraw (for a season and a reason!) from something good in creation. This time, the purpose is to say, "God, help me seek your kingdom. What do you want to do through me in this Journey of Faith?")
1. Some folks have cut a prayer path on the property where the building will be constructed. This makes a great place to go out and pray that--on this site-- people will experience the grace of Jesus Christ... AND--from this site... people will go out to extend the grace of Jesus Christ. Some have mentioned praying the names of their friends/family/neighbors while walking the path. Parents, while ambling, can pray for the work of God's Spirit in their children's hearts. Etc. Won't you come out and invest 10-20 minutes praying on the site this week?
2. On Sunday March 18th we exchanged prayer cards. Everyone present was simply encouraged to write the names of their family members on one side of an index card. On the other side we wrote these two verses:
LUKE 12:31
Seek first God's kingdom...
1 Chronicles 29:14
All things come from you, and of your own have we given you. (ESV)
Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (NIV)
KEY IDEA: As we prayerfully seek to partner with God and make a commitment to journey of faith... we need to be praying for each other. So, everyone who decided to pray for another person took someone's card and this week will be praying those Scripture for themselves and for the person whose card they took.
What if I wasn't there Sunday? Call someone in your small group, or the church office and say, "I need to be prayed for; and someone for whom I can pray!"
3. Time of Fasting
On Tuesday or Wednesday all of CCC is encouraged to join in some form of fasting. This can be any abstinance or limitation from something good and normal in your life.
What would this look like in my life??? Here's a sample list:
--Jogging without listening to Ipod
--Only one cup of coffee that day
--No soda
--A light lunch or supper
--Leave the computer off
--Leave the TV off
The idea of fasting is to withdraw (for a season and a reason!) from something good in creation. This time, the purpose is to say, "God, help me seek your kingdom. What do you want to do through me in this Journey of Faith?")
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Draw my affection, Lord
“Oh, let not mine eyes be dazzled, nor my heart bewitched with the
glory and sweetness of these worldly treasures. . . Draw my affection to
the love of that durable riches, and to that fruit of heavenly wisdom
which is better than gold, and the revenues whereof do surpass the
silver, that my chief care may be to have a soul enriched and furnished
with Thy grace.” --Samuel Hieron
Jesus offers us whatever our need is...
Since the radical powers of the soul are thus enfeebled and disordered, it is not to be wondered at that the best of men, and under their highest attainments, have found cause to make the acknowledgment of the Apostle, "When I should do good, evil is present with me."
But, blessed be God, though we must feel hourly cause for shame and humiliation for what we are in ourselves, we have cause to rejoice continually in Christ Jesus, who, as he is revealed unto us under the various names, characters, relations, and offices, which he bears in the Scripture, holds out to our faith a balm for every wound, a cordial for every discouragement, and a sufficient answer to every objection which sin or Satan can suggest against our peace.
- If we are guilty, he is our Righteousness;
- if we are sick; he is our infallible Physician;
- if we are weak, helpless, and defenceless, he is the compassionate and faithful Shepherd who has taken charge of us, and will not suffer any thing to disappoint our hopes, or to separate us from his love.
He knows our frame, he remembers that we are but dust, and has engaged to guide us by his counsel, support us by his power, and at length to receive us to his glory, that we may be with him for ever.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
They must pinch or hamper us
“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditures excludes them.” --CS Lewis
Opportunity
This was sent to us this week. We don't have an existing r'ship with them... so you'd need to check e'thing out.
NEEDED: a nurturing, loving family in theGainesville
NEEDED: a nurturing, loving family in the
Jesus, the Storybook Bible
book plug, this looks great ... a children's writer has taken the truth that Jesus is the center of the Bible and told 22 stories from the Old Testament... bringing out how they all point to Jesus.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
How do you react to great suffering and evil?
Do you tend to be numb to it or shocked by it? Dennis Haack writes:
I want to suggest that faithfulness to Christ and his gospel does not include either option. We should not be shocked by what we encounter in a fallen world, and we dare not be numb in the face of suffering. “Bible believing Christians,” Francis Schaeffer always insisted, “should never have the reaction designated by the term ‘shocked.’” He means that if we are, we have failed to understand what we claim to believe, namely that we live in a fallen world. Satan’s temptation to our first parents was to underestimate the power and nature of evil, and we sons of Adam and daughters of Eve have believed the same lie ever since. Underestimating it, we are shocked when it appears, and by the havoc it wrecks. On the other hand, to feel numb, unmoved in the face of raw evil and unimaginable suffering is a prospect that should frighten us. A danger we must guard against if we are followers of the One who howled aloud in grief and anger at the death of his friend, and who so loved the marginalized and lost that he embraced their death for himself.
It’s easy to assert that we can not afford to be either shocked or numbed; it’s quite another to sort out what faithfulness looks like in our media-saturated and pain-soaked world. The topic is something discerning Christians might want to consider together in light of Scripture.
--Dennis Haack writes & runs the awesome rag called Critique
The Power of a Normal Christian Home
Recently I overheard a student say how much they'd enjoyed being one of a handful of students having a meal in the home of some CCC folks. I asked the student to write down what they said and send it to me. Would you notice how NON-DRAMATIC it is? Would you commit to inviting some students to a meal before the semester ends? Here's what the student wrote:
I so appreciate them opening their home to us. We thoroughly enjoyed being able to spend time with a wonderful family. I left feeling so full of life and joy. They radiate the love of Jesus; what a true blessing to be developing relationships with a family. I also enjoyed meeting the other college students in attendance. I had not previously met them and how nice it was to meet others my age. I look forward to seeing them again at church. I'm so thankful for the hospitality and graciousness of the family who hosted us.
I so appreciate them opening their home to us. We thoroughly enjoyed being able to spend time with a wonderful family. I left feeling so full of life and joy. They radiate the love of Jesus; what a true blessing to be developing relationships with a family. I also enjoyed meeting the other college students in attendance. I had not previously met them and how nice it was to meet others my age. I look forward to seeing them again at church. I'm so thankful for the hospitality and graciousness of the family who hosted us.
All that you can't leave behind...
"It’s difficult for people to get rid of junk. They get attached to things and let them define who they are. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this business, it’s that you are what you can’t let go of." ---From the founder of 1-800-GotJunk?
You are what you look like
Quentin Schultze summarizes TV’s appearance message: “It’s impossible to miss the point: women are what they look like, not what they accomplish or what they value and believe. Their looks are their essence, for their body determines their identity as well as their image in the minds of family members and especially peers. Without the proper look, identity and intimacy will never be satisfactorily achieved.”
&
As time passes, the standards change, becoming increasingly unrealistic and more difficult to attain. Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia, reports that in 1950, the White Rock mineral-water girl was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 140 pounds. Today, she stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs only 110.
these quotes are from an article entitled MIRROR,MIRROR written by a great group called the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding... at their site you can register to receive their monthly update-- it is a gospel-centered way of informing parents of youth issues
&
As time passes, the standards change, becoming increasingly unrealistic and more difficult to attain. Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia, reports that in 1950, the White Rock mineral-water girl was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 140 pounds. Today, she stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs only 110.
these quotes are from an article entitled MIRROR,MIRROR written by a great group called the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding... at their site you can register to receive their monthly update-- it is a gospel-centered way of informing parents of youth issues
Saturday, March 10, 2007
An Effortless Flow
You will always give effortlessly to that which is your salvation, to those things which give your life meaning. If Jesus is the one who saved you, your money [and, we could add, our time and energy] flows out easily into His work, His people, His causes. If, however, your real religion is your appearance, or your social status, or personal comfort, or pleasure, your money [and time and energy] flows most easily into those items and symbols. –Tim Keller
Don't miss an hours sleep... or show up late for church!
Move your clocks forward an hour before hitting the hay tonite.... as Daylight-Savings Time begins.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Sunday we continue Journey of Faith
Journey of Faith is forcing us to look at passages of Scripture that we might normally avoid. Sunday in Luke 12 we hear Jesus invite us to freedom and being rich towards God.
The warning (of verses 13-15) against covetousness provides the perfect backdrop for Jesus' parable and reinforces the idea that it is not the man's wealth which is condemned but the accumulation of wealth solely for his own enjoyment. --Craig Blomberg
The warning (of verses 13-15) against covetousness provides the perfect backdrop for Jesus' parable and reinforces the idea that it is not the man's wealth which is condemned but the accumulation of wealth solely for his own enjoyment. --Craig Blomberg
All the Treasures
Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. --Paul, in colossians 2
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Jesus, Priceless Treasure
Jesus, priceless treasure,
source of purest pleasure,
truest friend to me,
long my heart hath panted,
till it well-nigh fainted,
thirsting after thee.
Thine I am, O spotless Lamb,
I will suffer naught to hide thee,
ask for naught beside thee.
Text: Johann Franck; trans. by Catherine Winkworth
One of US! is in the NY Times
A few weeks ago after service Dr. Sarah Hamersma asked me (rob) a few questions about minimum wage stuff. I made a few off the cuff comments and whew!! did she run with them. Read her piece in the NY Times. I'm off to pull my tongue from my cheek.
interview w/ author of new book "Science & Grace"
Science & Grace interview
http://byfaithonline.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID323422|CHID664014|CIID2307270,00.html
http://byfaithonline.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID323422|CHID664014|CIID2307270,00.html
"Come to Me and Drink"
"Christ is that Fountain of living water which God has graciously provided for thirsting souls. From Him…there flows an abundant stream for all who travel through the wilderness of this world. In Him, as our Redeemer and Substitute, crucified for our sins and raised again for our justification, there is an endless supply of all that men can need pardon, absolution, mercy, grace, peace, rest, relief, comfort and hope." --J.C. Ryle
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Prayer: Pouring Out Your Heart to God
Really struck this morning listening to Bryan Chapell preach
on Hannah... interesting topics covered:
--Dealing with emptiness in our hearts
--Advancing God's Kingdom thru prayer
from 1 Samuel chapter 1: Eli (Hannah's husband) observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.
on Hannah... interesting topics covered:
--Dealing with emptiness in our hearts
--Advancing God's Kingdom thru prayer
from 1 Samuel chapter 1: Eli (Hannah's husband) observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Our Cheerful "Above & Beyond" Giving Says Something about God
1. That we are SECURE in Christ ("He'll provide for me.")
When we grip tight on "stuff" we are guilty of insecurity.
2. That we are SATISFIED with Christ ("He's sufficient for me.")
When we grip tight in order to get things that will satisfy (so we think) we are guilty of discontentment.
There is an old book that is a classic. It is tough sledding and so i'm going to bring some excerpts in coming days. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs.
Excerpt One:
I offer the following description: Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.
I shall break open this description, for it is a box of precious ointment, and very comforting and useful for troubled hearts, in troubled times and conditions. --J. Burroughs
The entire book is public domain
When we grip tight on "stuff" we are guilty of insecurity.
2. That we are SATISFIED with Christ ("He's sufficient for me.")
When we grip tight in order to get things that will satisfy (so we think) we are guilty of discontentment.
There is an old book that is a classic. It is tough sledding and so i'm going to bring some excerpts in coming days. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs.
Excerpt One:
I offer the following description: Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.
I shall break open this description, for it is a box of precious ointment, and very comforting and useful for troubled hearts, in troubled times and conditions. --J. Burroughs
The entire book is public domain
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Things for which to ask God to give you by His Spirit as you receive the Lord’s Supper:
--Reverence and attention.
--Discernment of the Lord’s Body, an understanding
of the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.
--Meditation on Christ’s death and suffering
--Self judgment.
--Sorrow for sin.
--Desire for Christ.
--Feeding on Him in faith.
--Trusting in Him.
--Rejoicing in His love.
--Giving thanks for His grace.
--Renewal of your covenant with God and commitment to Christ.
--Special love to all Christians.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Preparing for Communion
Getting ready for the Lord's Supper is not "cleaning yourself up" to make yourself worthy of the gift. Then what is it? This week I've talked with people of all ages about preparing their heart to commune with Christ and His church.
How? I think the John Newton hymn, which is on this blog, has a great model...
#1.) Meditate upon your sins that put Christ on that tree.
#2.) Reflect upon Christ receiving ALL the wrath due your sin and sins.
#3.) With mournful joy and pleasing grief... taste and see that the Lord is good!
How? I think the John Newton hymn, which is on this blog, has a great model...
#1.) Meditate upon your sins that put Christ on that tree.
#2.) Reflect upon Christ receiving ALL the wrath due your sin and sins.
#3.) With mournful joy and pleasing grief... taste and see that the Lord is good!
Make a memory
Have you realized that for many of our children the next phase of our church life will probably be a profound memory in their childhood. Part of the strength of Journey of Faith is that it is geared to help children learn about God resourcing everything and His desire to be worshiped by more and more people. Most of our kids cannot drive yet... so please get them to class by 8:59am these next few Sundays. Becca & Matt Kubo have prepared wonderful activities to help them learn... Here are the kind of things they'll be thinking through and working on:
-Come find out how counting items in your closet will help raise money for a new church building--this Sunday at 9 AM
-Come learn what singing a song in church has to do with a nickel--this Sunday at 9 AM!
-Who are the people who help lead our worship on Sundays? Knowing their names will give you a head start on your own journey of faith! Find out how this Sunday!
-How many windows are in your house? The more the better for our children's journey of faith--find out why this Sunday!
-Come find out how counting items in your closet will help raise money for a new church building--this Sunday at 9 AM
-Come learn what singing a song in church has to do with a nickel--this Sunday at 9 AM!
-Who are the people who help lead our worship on Sundays? Knowing their names will give you a head start on your own journey of faith! Find out how this Sunday!
-How many windows are in your house? The more the better for our children's journey of faith--find out why this Sunday!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Welcome to the world!
- Name: Hailey Caroline Baker
- Born Feb. 28.07 ~5pm
- Parents Dan & Jennifer Baker
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
- Born Feb. 28.07 ~5pm
- Parents Dan & Jennifer Baker
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Amazing Grace
This Sunday during our Communion Service* we'll debut a new refrain for the classic hymn, Amazing Grace
My Chains are gone I've been set free
My God my savior Has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending Love, Amazing Grace
*I will be posting stuff on Friday to help any aged heart prepare for the Lord's Supper
My Chains are gone I've been set free
My God my savior Has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending Love, Amazing Grace
*I will be posting stuff on Friday to help any aged heart prepare for the Lord's Supper
Children, 9am Sunday will be great
The children of Christ Community will get their introduction to the idea of stewardship and building a facility for our church at 9am Sunday.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
here ya go
Here are two helpful reviews about the Jesus family tomb thing. Saw that it was lighting up the tele last night (during a two minute surf before hitting the hay)
Oh yes, forgot to HatTip (HT) thank Mr. S. Addcox for the headsup on this whole thing
One
Two
Oh yes, forgot to HatTip (HT) thank Mr. S. Addcox for the headsup on this whole thing
One
Two
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