9.23.2008
9.22.2008
9.10.2008
Vote for Confessions of a CF Husband Blog
If you’ve been reading this blog, then you know that I think Confessions of a CF Husband is truly inspiring. If you haven’t visited Nate’s blog, please stop by and read the amazing story of him and his wife, Tricia who was awaiting a lung transplant when they realized they were pregnant with baby Gwyneth who was born 15+ weeks premature; and if you feel it’s worthy, vote for Nate’s blog to win an award that its been nominated for here.
9.08.2008
The Stydying Christian By Mark Driscoll
In following Jesus’ command to love God with “all our mind,” the Christian life is supposed to include regular times of study and learning. The goal of such study is to have what Paul called “the mind of Christ” so that we can live the life of Christ by the power of the Spirit of Christ. Therefore, this month we will examine the contemplative spiritual discipline of study and the correlating active spiritual discipline of obedience.
In John 17:17, Jesus prayed that we would study our Bible. He said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Therefore, to become more and more like Jesus we must have regular time in God’s Word. The Scriptures have much to say about the benefits of regular study.
Scripture Regarding Study
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in
“Give me understanding to learn your commands.” (Psalm 119:73)
“Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (Proverbs 9:9)
“Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” (Proverbs 10:14)
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 23:12)
“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.” (1 Timothy 2:11)
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at
To Help Us Learn Scripture, We Are Told:
Hear God’s Word (Luke 11:28; Romans 10:17), which means that listening to sermons, lectures, and audio Bibles is very beneficial.
Read God’s Word (e.g., Revelation 1:3) as Jesus often did.
Study God’s Word (e.g., Ezra 7:10; Acts 17:11) as Jesus often did, which caused people to be amazed at His insights (Matthew 7:28–29).
Memorize God’s Word (Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 22:17–19) as Jesus did, which enabled Him to freely quote Scripture as needed (e.g., Matthew 4:1–11).
Because Jesus humbly entered into history as a human being, He had to grow and learn just like we do (Luke 2:52). Subsequently, when we see Jesus frequently quoting Scripture from memory throughout His life, we must infer that He spent considerable amounts of time hearing Scripture, reading Scripture, studying Scripture, and memorizing Scripture.
9.07.2008
A Good Point from Dan Kimball?
I have watched the news reports on CNN about Sarah Palin and the debates about her experience which are understandable. I have also seen or read about the enthusiastic response from conservative Christians due to her stances on important values and family issues, abortion etc. and of course excitement about her Christian background. I am personally so far, very thrilled about those values from what she is communicating.
It is dawning on me however, as I have been reading some blogs and hearing which Christian leaders are excited about her - many of them are from conservative complementarian churches. Which means as they are enthusiastic about her becoming vice president and making incredibly important decisions for our country for both men and women and make speeches and lead - she couldn’t teach in most of their pulpits, or be an elder or pastor in their church and make decisions and lead both men and women in a church setting.
Read more here.
HT: Dan Kimball
9.06.2008
Why People Don't Sing in Church
John Piper on music in worship:
When I read this quote from Michael Raiter’s article, “The Slow Death of Congregational Singing,” I thought about a decision we made at Bethlehem 13 years ago. The article said:
I was at a convention recently, seated near the rear of the auditorium. The music team at the front were ‘leading’ (and I use that word advisedly) and we were singing. Well, we were meant to be singing…. I turned to a friend next to me and commented, “No-one’s singing”. He looked at me as if I’d just observed that no-one was flying. Of course they’re not singing; we haven’t really sung here for years.
Thirteen years ago we asked: What should be the defining sound of corporate worship at Bethlehem, besides the voice of biblical preaching?
We meant: Should it be piper organ, piano, guitar, drums, choir, worship team, orchestra, etc. The answer we gave was “The people of Bethlehem singing.”
Some thought: That’s not much help in deciding which instruments should be used. Perhaps not. But it is massively helpful in clarifying the meaning of those moments.
If Bethlehem is not “singing and making melody to the Lord with [our] heart,” (Ephesians 5:19), it’s all over. We close up shop. This is no small commitment.
I agree with Piper on this (I know, big surprise right?). I love the question, “What should be the defining sound of corporate worship at Bethlehem, besides the voice of biblical preaching?” and the answer even more, “The people of Bethlehem singing;” and he’s right, it needs to go beyond that. We need to ask, “Why are they singing?” Is the congregation singing because the music makes THEM feel good? Are they singing out of obligation to the social structure of the church? Are they just going through the motions? Or are they worshiping Jesus from their hearts?
I think the problem is that most of us are doing something other than worshiping God at church (let alone with our lives). Whether our service style is “contemporary” or “traditional,” they are almost always a mix of rituals that have lost their meaning and personal preferences. And if we’re honest, most of us don’t come to church ready to worship. We don’t come broken and ready to kneel at the feet of Jesus. We come masking our hurts and our struggles, our selfishness, our pride, and our need for recognition, social status, and to be fed spiritually. In short, it’s almost always about us. It’s difficult for us to “make a melody to the Lord with our heart” when we’re focused on ourselves.
HT: Take Your Vitamin Z
Interview with John Piper | TheResurgence
Burn Your Plastic Jesus
Mark Driscoll’s recent message, “Burn Your Plastic Jesus,” is available to download (not for free) at the KCC Shop (Australia).