Good post from the Resurgence entitled Luther Puts a Nail in the Heart of Bad Religion–And 3 Other Holidays. This post draws an interesting correlation between Reformation Day and Halloween.
It concludes, in true Reformation Day spirit, encouraging us to read the 95 Theses.
Enjoy!
Do You Pray? asks this post from the Shepherd’s Fellowship, adapting some concepts from J.C. Ryle.
Over at Resurgence, they continue their prayer series with 8 Keys to Personal Prayer.
This Lord’s Day, we will be looking at Paul’s example from Colossians 1:9, praying regularly, for others, that they might know God’s will.
I’m consistently amazed at the picture of love seen in the book of Hosea (God’s love that is). This Sunday PM, Lord willing, we will be exploring Hosea 11:1-13:3. I’ve called the sermon “God’s Gracious Love”. As I prepped the material and worked through the passage, it was staggering to see God’s patience and love. God’s love has overcome His holiness. We see depths of love and mercy in amazing ways. I’m hoping, with Paul, that we are able to see God reveal new depths of understanding when it comes to His love. Hope to see you there.
Sunday AM’s sermon (10/25), entitled Helpful People, is now online. We looked at the amazing example of Epaphras from Colossians 1:7-8 and saw how we can use our talents and abilities to benefit the body of Christ. Specifically, we can help others by: centering our lives on the Gospel, serving, being faithful, and being in step with the Spirit.
I thought Sunday nights small group material on “the Church and the Yo-Yo” really tied in nicely to the morning emphasis. We had a great small group and I’m really encouraged with all that God is doing in the life of our body.
One more thing: Have you checked out the women’s ministry page?
…from Sojourn.
Today, in 1 hour, we will sign papers on the sale of our home and then, in 2 hours, we will sign papers on a new home. We plan to start moving stuff around 1PM and any help anyone can give would be much appreciated. The big day has come.
I remember sipping coffee with a couple of the elders a few weeks back lamenting some anxieties associated with buying a home and one of them wisely counseled me that “In 6 months, these things won’t even matter and what can you change by worrying.” Good counsel indeed!
Thanks for all who have helped already and for those who will help. We are amazed by God’s kindness to us.
Something old (usually I prefer cream in my coffee)…
Something new (I try to get the flavor they rotate every week)…
Something “borrowed” (the Splenda packets)…
Something brewed (self-explanatory)…
Yes, I am in love with coffee…
This Sunday, Lord willing, we will be exploring Colossians 1:7-8 and seeing how we can be helpful people in the body of Christ. Again, I quote Spurgeon:
“I like to read of godly men speaking well of one another. Nowadays, it is thought to be a distinguishing work of faithfulness to be able to pick holes in the coats of our fellow Christians. Now we cannot help perceiving some of their defects and sometimes it is our duty to speak of them – and to speak of them faithfully – but let us also observe all the virtues that are to be found in them, otherwise we may despise the work of the Holy Spirit and rob Him of His glory! How kindly Paul speaks of Epaphras, and how kindly Epaphras speaks of the church at Colossae!”
I was struck by these words because we are such a negative culture. We are always quick to voice our disagreements. Paul sets a great tone for encouraging body life. I hope we can take a cue from him and be encouraging people in the body of Christ.
I really resonate with Kevin DeYoung’s honest assessment of his heart as he seeks to reach out to others:
There have been times as a pastor where I’ve been discouraged by the slowness of growth in my congregation. I’ve thought, “Why is that church over there so successful? Why did they go from 150 to 1500 in three years?” I’ve even been borderline snippy at times, “Lord, if I get to heaven and find out there was some secret musical style or movie clip or new program I was supposed to use in order to be successful, I’m going to feel pretty bummed.” But in my saner moments I’ve come to see two things: One, it’s more my sin that wants success than my sanctification. And two, the secret is that there is no secret.
He is in the middle of a series on reaching younger people. Here are the five suggestions he offers:
Grab Them With Passion
Win Them With Love
Hold Them With Holiness
Challenge Them With Truth
Amaze Them With God
It’s been a while since I’ve updated everyone on what I’m currently reading, so here goes:
I still use D.A. Carson’s For the Love of God, Volume 2 for my morning devotions (I also use an ESV Study Bible).
Speaking of devotions, I am reading Global Prayer Digest this month (they sent me a free sample issue) and it is helpful in enlarging my view of the world.
I read a prayer from Water of the Word, which helps me remember my spiritual responsibilities toward Meghan.
During devotions I’m also reading A Praying Life by Paul Miller. I kept reading blog after blog comment and post snippets from this book. It really is helpful. We are all busy. Miller helps demonstrate what a life devoted to prayer looks like.
Besides devotions, I’m also reading The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo. This has really been helpful in calming me down in addressing my 3 and 1 year old boys. I noticed I was starting to demonstrate my authority through voice inflection. This is just one of the many benefits of this book and what it shows.
I’m enjoying Feelings and Faith by Brian Borgman. This book was written to encourage the “cultivation of godly emotions in the Christian life” and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. I’m in a culture in which emotions are subdued. This book has helped me see Biblical use of emotions. Very helpful stuff (and very biblically grounded).
I am still plodding through The Mission of God by Christopher Wright. Moving slowly through this has reminded me of God’s mission for His church and how we need to be involved in it.
Other books on the docket:
Gospel Powered Parenting comes highly recommended and will continue my being equipped in parenting.
The End of the Law is a theological discussion on the relationship between the law and grace. As Piper has said about this book: “For the last forty years of my ministry no biblical issue ahs proved more recurrent or more vexing than the nature of the Mosaic law as it relates to the gospel and the new covenant. The pastoral implications for how you preach the gospel, aim at sanctification, comfort strugglers, give assurance, and admit people to membership in the church are huge. Jason Meyer is a good guide. I found myself writing ‘YES!’ in the margins repeatedly. And there were enough ‘Aha’ moments of fresh discovery to make me want to keep going. I thank God for this young scholar. His book is a precious gift to the church.”
Words From The Fire is Al Mohler’s latest book on the 10 Commandments.
Crossway’s latest edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress, a classic tale with some amazing edits for readability and enjoyment.
Our Boys is my next book to check out of the public library, which highlights a season of high school football here in KS by a team that has won 5 consecutive state titles.
That’s the currently happenings, in terms of my bibliophilic tendencies. Hope it helps.
