Like I mentioned in July, I’m trying to do a better job this year of keeping track of books I’ve completed reading.  As usual, there are some books/things, I’m always working in like the Bible (praying through the Psalms of the Day and doing lots of reading in  Ecclesiastes in different translations), Sonship, as well as Crestview’s Leadership Pipeline material.

Some titles I worked through in August:

…that you might live.  Today, consider the amazing grace and mercy of Jesus.  He bore your sins in His body on the tree, that you might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Don’t be paralyzed by your past or the “what ifs.”  You’ve been set free to really live because of Jesus.  So, step out today.  And, live!

I enjoyed an amazing Sunday getting to hear Luke preach in Crestview’s Life Together series. Specifically, he preached a sermon entitled The Problems in Life Together.  Most of the literature about church family life doesn’t take a lot of time on the problems that happen when we engage in life together, but the problems are real.  They will come your way if you dig into life together.  I hope this sermon encourages you (and it is filled with lots of Gospel hope).

Was privileged to enjoy my friend Luke filling the pulpit for me on Sunday, 6/18.  He preached in our church’s Galatians series out of Galatians 3:1-9.  The sermon was entitled Faith Beats Law.  The big idea was unpacking two conclusive arguments for why faith beats law-keeping as a way to find salvation.  It was a refreshing sermon and delivered with Luke’s wit and zeal.  I hope you take advantage of the free audio and enjoy.

This coming Sunday, at Crestview, we will get back into our study of John’s Gospel and join Jesus back in the Upper Room.  He will speak to encourage His followers for the work He has for them in this world.  It might be that you’re disillusioned, fearful, or even wondering how Jesus can help you live the life to which He’s called you.  Join us as we look at John 16:1-15.  Hope has a name: Jesus.

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Today in our corporate worship, Mandy Swisher blessed us with O Holy Night, done with different lyrics than we know. Some commented on where I found them, so here’s the links and the lyrics themselves.

Bob Kauflin’s List of Songs for Christmas 2010 pointed me to…

Kevin Hartnett’s version of O Holy Night:

Verse One (Placide Cappeau, trans. John S. Dwight)

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Verse Two (Kevin Hartnett)

Humbly He lay, Creator come as creature,
Born on the floor of a hay-scattered stall.
True Son of God, yet bearing human feature,
He entered earth to reverse Adam’s fall.
In towering grace, He laid aside His glory,
And in our place, was sacrificed for sin.
Fall on your knees! O hear the gospel story!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Verse Three (Kevin Hartnett)

Come then to Him Who lies within the manger,
With joyful shepherds, proclaim Him as Lord.
Let not the Promised Son remain a stranger;
In reverent worship, make Christ your Adored.
Eternal life is theirs who will receive Him;
With grace and peace, their lives He will adorn.
Fall on your knees! Receive the Gift of heaven!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

verses two and three copyright (c) 2007 Kevin Hartnett.

As you read them, don’t you see how it makes the song so much more Gospelicious?

 

We started VBS Monday and are having a great week. This picture shows what our auditorium looks like. We have some women with amazing creative abilities who have really made the room look great. If you are a reader, please take a moment and pray for our VBS. Ask God to give teachers the ability to clearly articulate the Gospel and ask God to open the hearts of children to receive this amazing message. Thanks.

In a timely post in light of this weekend, John Piper provides some questions to ask when preparing for marriage. Enjoy!

Theology

* What do you believe about…everything?
* Perhaps read through the Desiring God Affirmation of Faith to see where each other is on various biblical doctrines.
* Discover how you form your views. What is the reasoning-believing process? How do you handle the Bible?

Worship and Devotion

* How important is corporate worship? Other participation in church life?
* How important is it to be part of a small accountability/support group?
* What is the importance of music in life and worship?
* What are your daily personal devotional practices? Prayer, reading, meditation, memorization.
* What would our family devotions look like? Who leads out in this?
* Are we doing this now in an appropriate way: praying together about our lives and future, reading the Bible together?

Husband and Wife

* What is the meaning of headship and submission in the Bible and in our marriage?
* What are expectations about situations where one of you might be alone with someone of the opposite sex?
* How are tasks shared in the home: cleaning, cooking, washing dishes, yard work, car upkeep, repairs, shopping for food, and household stuff?
* What are the expectations for togetherness?
* What is an ideal non-special evening?
* How do you understand who and how often sex is initiated?
* Who does the checkbook—or are there two?

Children

* If and when, should we have children? Why?
* How many?
* How far apart?
* Would we consider adoption?
* What are the standards of behavior?
* What are the appropriate ways to discipline them? How many strikes before they’re…whatever?
* What are the expectations of time spent with them and when they go to bed?
* What signs of affection will you show them?
* What about school? Home school? Christian school? Public school?

Lifestyle

* Own a home or not? Why?
* What kind of neighborhood? Why?
* How many cars? New? Used?
* View of money in general. How much to the church?
* How do you make money decisions?
* Where will you buy clothes: Department store? Thrift store? In between? Why?

Entertainment

* How much money should we spend on entertainment?
* How often should we eat out? Where?
* What kind of vacations are appropriate and helpful for us?
* How many toys? Snowmobile, boat, cabin?
* Should we have a television? Where? What is fitting to watch? How much?
* What are the criteria for movies and theater? What will our guidelines be for the kids?

Conflict

* What makes you angry?
* How do you handle your frustration or anger?
* Who should bring up an issue that is bothersome?
* What if we disagree both about what should be done, and whether it is serious?
* Will we go to bed angry at each other?
* What is our view of getting help from friends or counselors?

Work

* Who is the main breadwinner?
* Should the wife work outside the home? Before kids? With kids at home? After kids?
* What are your views of daycare for children?
* What determines where you will locate? Job? Whose job? Church? Family?

Friends

* Is it good to do things with friends but without spouse?
* What will you do if one of you really likes to hang out with so and so and the other doesn’t?

Health and Sickness

* Do you have, or have you had any, sicknesses or physical problems that could affect our relationship? (Allergies, cancer, eating disorders, venereal disease, etc.)
* Do you believe in divine healing and how would prayer relate to medical attention?
* How do you think about exercise and healthy eating?
* Do you have any habits that adversely affect health?