April 1, 2010
The Resurrection Story (to show to your kids) from the Jesus Storybook Bible
Posted by 1031toglory under Easter, Video[2] Comments
March 31, 2010
An Easter Reflection
Posted by 1031toglory under Books, Easter, Gospel, The Pilgrim's PenLeave a Comment
“And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.” 1 Corinthians 5:15
The gospel is not a way to get people to heaven, it’s a way to get people to God. As I’ve been reflecting this Easter season on the importance of Christ’s death and resurrection, this truth has once again made itself clear through the verse from 1 Corinthians 5:15. Christ died and was raised ultimately so that people (us) would “no longer live for themselves, but for Him.” This means that God has done everything through Jesus to enthrall us with what would make us happy: Himself!
And what has Jesus done to bring us to this end? Well, it was Jesus “who for their sake died and was raised.” Why did this have to happen? You see, before we could ever come to God as the all-satisfying fountain of joy, there is a problem. That problem is us. First, God’s just judgment and wrath is on us because of our suicidal exchanging of the glory of God for the brokenness and emptiness of created things (Romans 1:18, 23). Second, our rebellion against God is so deep that it affects our heart. We don’t want God to be Lord or master of our lives, and we don’t like having to admit that we need a Savior. We’d rather earn our acceptance before God in some way that doesn’t make us look so helpless or weak.
Of course, we are helpless and weak. It is for this reason that Christ “died and was raised”. The two most basic roadblocks (God’s wrath and my rebellion) that prevent us from entering into a relationship of joy in the presence of God were dealt with in Jesus. It’s important to understand that God’s wrath and our sin obstruct us from seeing and savoring the infinite value of God. You can’t enjoy God as supremely satisfying while in rebellion against Him and His wrath is on you. The gospel removes both, so we can seek Him, and rejoice in the greatness of God! Oh, what love! As the psalmist says in Psalm 70:4, “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, ‘God is great!’”
Loving the God of our salvation with you this Easter,
Pastor Dave
P.S. For a great book to read with your kids, check out Paul Maier’s The Very First Christmas.
March 24, 2010
John Piper and Desiring God team in the Dominican Republic
Posted by 1031toglory under MissionsLeave a Comment
I came across this news today… John Piper and some from the Desiring God team will be in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic for a conference called Por Su Causa. I’m really excited about this (and e-mailed some of our C&MA missionaries down there about this), since I was able to lead a short-term missions trip down to Santo Domingo last year. We’re preparing another one in either September or November, and will be an ongoing thing as we will continue to partner with the missionaries from our denomination. Here is some more info…
This June, John Piper and a team from Desiring God will be traveling to Dominican Republic for a conference in collaboration with our great friends at Integrity & Wisdom Ministries and International Baptist Church in Santo Domingo.
We want to take a moment to invite our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters from all over Latin America to join us. This will be the first annual Por Su Causa conference and the theme this year is “De Regreso a la Cruz.”
John Piper will be the main guest speaker. David and Sally Michael from Bethlehem Baptist Church and Children Desiring God will also be doing ministry workshops. National speakers from the DR will include Miguel Núñez, Oscar Arocha, and Sugel Michelén.
The conference will take place June 3-5 this year at the Port San Souci Conference Center in Santo Domingo. There will be no cost for the general public, although if you are from outside the DR, we suggest you secure seating online with a $20 registration fee before May 15th.
March 24, 2010
Counterfeit Gospels that can take over in the Christian life
Posted by 1031toglory under Christian life, Gospel[2] Comments
Do you think that a mature Christian outgrows the gospel? If you say ‘yes’, you might have fallen into one of the categories below. Tullian Tchividjian posts an excellent summary of a section in Paul Tripp’s book called How People Change. Here it is below…
In one of his books (co-authored with Tim Lane), How People Change, he identifies seven counterfeit gospels—-”religious” ways we try and “justify” or “save” ourselves apart from the gospel of grace. I found these unbelievably helpful. Which one (or two, or three) of these do you tend to gravitate towards?
Formalism. “I participate in the regular meetings and ministries of the church, so I feel like my life is under control. I’m always in church, but it really has little impact on my heart or on how I live. I may become judgmental and impatient with those who do not have the same commitment as I do.”
Legalism. “I live by the rules—rules I create for myself and rules I create for others. I feel good if I can keep my own rules, and I become arrogant and full of contempt when others don’t meet the standards I set for them. There is no joy in my life because there is no grace to be celebrated.”
Mysticism. “I am engaged in the incessant pursuit of an emotional experience with God. I live for the moments when I feel close to him, and I often struggle with discouragement when I don’t feel that way. I may change churches often, too, looking for one that will give me what I’m looking for.”
Activism. “I recognize the missional nature of Christianity and am passionately involved in fixing this broken world. But at the end of the day, my life is more of a defense of what’s right than a joyful pursuit of Christ.”
Biblicism. “I know my Bible inside and out, but I do not let it master me. I have reduced the gospel to a mastery of biblical content and theology, so I am intolerant and critical of those with lesser knowledge.”
Therapism. “I talk a lot about the hurting people in our congregation, and how Christ is the only answer for their hurt. Yet even without realizing it, I have made Christ more Therapist than Savior. I view hurt as a greater problem than sin—and I subtly shift my greatest need from my moral failure to my unmet needs.”
Social-ism. “The deep fellowship and friendships I find at church have become their own idol. The body of Christ has replaced Christ himself, and the gospel is reduced to a network of fulfilling Christian relationships.”
March 22, 2010
I’m really excited about the new release called The Essential Edwards Collection. I wholeheartedly believe everyone should read anything by Jonathan Edwards (not just the sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God). The man was a pastor-theologian that pointed many to the love God has for us in awakening our hearts through the gospel of Jesus Christ to make much of Him and his glory. Of course, some of the language from the 17th century is a little difficult to read, but this recent release attempts to make it very readable for anyone interested in reading Edwards. Here is their product blurb…
Making the life and writings of Edwards easily understood by all! Johnathan Edwards was a colonial, philosophical preacher, and theologian. To many he stands as the preeminent theologian and thinker of the American tradition. This series of five books covers Edwards’ life and major writings opening an accessible window into the heart and mind of the pastor-theologian. They unearth the choicest treasures of Edwards’ writings and present them to lay people for discovery and personal transformation. The Essential Edwards Collection proves you do not need to be a scholar to enjoy and benefit from the writings and life from Johnathan Edwards.
Click here for more info about the book and to order.
March 22, 2010
Great Expectations of the Holy Spirit
Posted by 1031toglory under Church, Martyn-Lloyd JonesLeave a Comment
The following quote below from Martyn-Lloyd Jones has left an impact on me in so many ways. Oh may the Holy Spirit has his way in me and us as a church! I thought I’d share it with you…
Seek him! Seek him always. But go beyond seeking him; expect him. Do you expect anything to happen when you get up to preach in a pulpit? Or do you just say to yourself, ‘Well, I have prepared my address, I am going to give them this address; some of them will appreciate it and some will not’? Are you expecting it to be the turning point in someone’s life? Are you expecting anyone to have a climactic experience? This is what preaching is meant to do. This is what you find in the Bible and in the subsequent history of the church.
Seek this power, expect this power, yearn for this power. And when the power comes, yield to him. Do not resist. Forget all about your sermon if necessary. Let him loose you, let him manifest his power in you and through you. . . . This unction, this anointing, is the supreme thing. Seek it until you have it; be content with nothing less. Go on until you can say, ‘My preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.’ He is still able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think.
-D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand Rapids, 1971), page 325.
March 17, 2010
St. Patrick, the Pastor and Missionary
Posted by 1031toglory under Current Events, Evangelism, Missions, Pastors, ResourceLeave a Comment
Today, of course, is St. Patrick’s Day. It’s also my wife’s birthday! I bet most of you didn’t know that. Of course, this means she gets inundated with everything green.
But, St. Patricks isn’t about green things, shamrocks, lerechauns, and the like. Bottom line, God used Patrick in his role as a missionary and pastor. Russel Moore writes on what evangelicals can learn from St. Patrick. A small sample, he writes…
Any evangelical seeking to kindle a love for missions among the people of God will benefit from this volume’s demonstration that the Great Commission did not lie dormant between the apostle Paul and William Carey. Patrick’s love and zeal for the Irish may also inspire American evangelicals to repent of our hopelessness for the conversion of, say, the radical Islamic world—which is, after all, no more “hopeless” than the Irish barbarians of Patrick’s era.
Reid Monaghan, from Acts29 churches, gives a small biography on St. Patrick, and Mark Driscoll writes on why St. Patrick was one of the greatest missionaries to ever live.
March 15, 2010
I Like Starbucks, But I’ll Take The Church Over It Any Day
Posted by 1031toglory under Church, cultureLeave a Comment
From Kevin DeYoung’s post…
I like visiting Starbucks, Panera, Barnes and Noble and other “third places.” It’s great to meet with friends, enjoy a book, or work quietly at your computer. But I suspect Simon is right: few people meet new friends at Starbucks and little of the fresh neighborly interaction can ever be classified as real community.
Read the whole thing here to understand what he’s getting at.
March 5, 2010
John Piper, Tim Keller, D.A. Carson: A Conversation
Posted by 1031toglory under Church, Gospel, Pastors, VideoLeave a Comment
What happens when you take 3 important present day pastor/theologians and put them together in a room? A powerful conversation. These three men have been very influential to my studies and have been teachers to me in so many ways (of course, I have never met them). Watch and listen to the videos below as they discuss about the gospel, the church, pastors, ministry and the life-changing transformation in beholding “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ”! Courtesy of The Gospel Coalition…
March 1, 2010
Martyn Lloyd-Jones… 29 Years Ago Today
Posted by 1031toglory under History, Pastors, Resource, VideoLeave a Comment
Justin Taylor has a great post on Martyn Lloyd-Jones and the fact that 29 years ago today he went to be with the Lord. I agree with Justin that he is widely considered to be one of the best preachers of the 20th century.
For biographies, see the following from Iain Murray, his official biographer and former assistant:
- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years 1899-1939
- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: Fight of Faith 1939-1981
- Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace
And…
You can hear his preaching online for free at Martyn Lloyd-Jones Recording Trust.
February 18, 2010
The Rise and Fade of Olympic Glory
Posted by 1031toglory under Christian life, Current Events, Gospel, cultureLeave a Comment
Like most of you, I enjoy watching the Olympics. I also enjoy the unique rays of light it sheds on the larger meaning of life. For instance, Chris Tomlinson writes at the Gospel Coalition blog quoting Lindsey’s Vonn’s amazing gold medal win.
“I’ve given up everything for this. It means everything to me. It’s why I work hard. I got what I came here to do. I got a gold medal; I have what I want.”
Tears have a funny way of releasing things. Lindsey Vonn’s tears were no different. As she stood at the bottom of the mountain at Whistler, Olympic Gold as her prize, the Women’s Downhill Champion’s tears shone brightly in the sun.
But he writes,
Here’s a truth we all know, and one Lindsey either knows already or will soon discover: Olympic glory fades. So does the glory from being a successful preacher, or pastor, or writer, or musician, or businessman, or businesswoman, or student. We all strive for perishable wreaths at different times in our lives. And we strive for them in vain.
He concludes,
Our prize is a place with a Person, and this Person will “wipe away every tear from their eyes … neither shall there be crying … for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4). It is in that day that we will wear our imperishable crowns of righteousness, because of Him and for His sake. And in that day we will be satisfied by our greatest joy: Jesus.
Congratulations to you, Lindsey. Your achievement is inspiring and well-deserved. And as the glory of your triumph begins to fade, may you find (or continue to find) Jesus as your imperishable wreath. And may we all see your inspiring example as a reflection of the higher call we have on our lives. May we run the race with single-mindedness, exercising self-control, disciplining our bodies for the sake of the gospel, and persevering through suffering, all so that we might obtain the prize we seek: eternity in the presence of the One whose glory never fades.
Read the whole thing here.
February 16, 2010
What’s Wrong with “Twilight”?
Posted by 1031toglory under Christian life, Family, Video, cultureLeave a Comment
What’s wrong with “Twilight”? Pastor Doug Wilson (you may remember him from the Collision movie – a debate between him and Christopher Hitchens) gives an answer.
Ask Doug – What is Wrong With Twilight? from Daniel Foucachon on Vimeo.
February 16, 2010
Hoping your Valentine’s Day wasn’t like this
Posted by 1031toglory under Funnies, VideoLeave a Comment
February 11, 2010
Some Snowman Funnies (if you’re feeling a bit stir crazy from all the snow)
Posted by 1031toglory under Art, FunniesLeave a Comment
February 10, 2010
The Great Dig of 2010 (or otherwise known as the the Blizzard of 2010)
Posted by 1031toglory under Christian life, Current EventsLeave a Comment
Of course, it never snows in southern Delaware. It blizzards. The 2 feet of snow that plummeted Sussex County is taking quite a toll on people here. Thanks be to God, kind neighbors of our development helped us and others out with the driveways. Nothing like a good ‘ol tractor to do the job! But, many others have been hit hard with downed trees and no electric. A couple of us went out yesterday to help those within our church, especially those that are widowed without help. But honestly speaking, as we were driving, it was quite overwhelming seeing all the help that people need. Well, it’s Tuesday night, and we’re ready for round 2 of the Great Dig of 2010. Of course, some may be wondering, “God, what are you doing? Why all this snow?” The answer: I don’t know. Of course, I do know that God is not a tame God. His majestic power AND wisdom is greater than we can ever know. But, one thing I do know is that he wants us to love our neighbor. And I was able to meet neighbors this week that I would have never met or been able to help before! So if it takes a blizzard… then let us love our neighbor for the glory of God in Jesus’ name… and go grab a shovel.
