The Systematic Exposition of Scripture and Daniel 7

I am grateful for a commitment to the systematic exposition of the Scripture. If I were to simply choose a text each week to preach from, I would avoid certain passages and sections of Scripture. I would justify sticking with familiar and straightforward passages. I would never preach through Daniel 7-12.

However, I am committed to working through the Scriptures passage by passage. And, I'm committed to alternating between Old and New Testaments. So, I force myself to serve the Lord's church from the entire menu of divine truth. ALL Scripture is God-breathed and profitable...

Daniel 7-12 is profitable. I believe that. Therefore, I'm preaching through it for the good of my soul and because I love the people entrusted to my care.

Here are the 3 points I focused on from Daniel 7 Sunday:
-The Depravity of Earthly Kingdoms
-The Glory of the Ancient of Days
-The Certainty of Ultimate Victory (The pervasive centrality of The Son of Man)

I observed 5 aspects of God's glory revealed in 7:9-10:
-God's sovereignty (He is on His throne)
-God's eternality (Ancient of Days)
-God's holiness (white garments and hair)
-God's omnipresence (wheels on His throne)
-God's judgment (courtroom scene and fire)

Sam Storms' Best Books Now at WTS

About a month ago, I had a good conversation with an employee of WTS Books. Among other things, I suggested that they get a few books in their inventory. They listened and have delivered! Dr. Sam Storms' best 2 books are now available for purchase through the best bookstore under the sun.

Pleasures Evermore: The Life-changing Power of Enjoying God (34% off)

One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God (31 % off)

Judgment Questions

This morning, John Piper posted a challenging thought on Twitter. He wrote, "Questions God will not ask at the last judgment: Did you get a good tan?"

I don't concern myself with how dark my tan is. However, this thought struck a deeper cord. How many things do I concern myself with that will not matter when I see the Savior face to face?

So, here are some other questions God will not ask at the last judgment:
-Did you see the final episode of ________ (insert your favorite TV show here)?
-Was your bed comfortable?
-Did people think well of you?
-Did you get a good interest rate?
-Did you have enough in your retirement account?
-Where you properly diversified?
-Did you have an iPhone?
-What was your high score on Wii bowling?
-Did you stay up to date on all the latest technology?
-How was the food at ________ (insert your favorite restaurant here)?

Book Watching: New and Noteable

1. Reformed Expository Commentary on Ephesians by Bryan Chapell (Coming Soon).
2. Does Grace Grow Best in Winter by Lig Duncan (Love the cover picture!)
3. Counsel from the Cross by Fitzpatrick and Johnson

Religion Saves: Chapters 2-4

Chapter 2 of Religion Saves addresses the question of humor. This is a very funny chapter that had me laughing out loud. It is basically a defense of the value of humor and a survey of Biblical humor. Driscoll does a good job of showing that the Bible mainly uses humor to mock people, religions, ideas, idols, and anything else that oppose God. Some things deserve to be mocked! Driscoll ends with 10 "commandments" for sanctifying comedy.

Chapter 3 of Religion Saves addresses the issue of predestination. It is a good and balanced explanation of what the Bible teaches on this subject. Driscoll touches on the order of salvation, total depravity, and answers the most common objections to the Bible's teaching on predestination.

Chapter 4 of Religion Saves is about the amazing grace of God. Driscoll describes this subject as one of the hardest to actually believe and remember. He writes this chapter as a reminder of just how wonderful is God's grace. He identifies 13 experiences of grace: electing grace, preached grace, regenerating grace, converting grace, justifying grace, adopting grace, ministry grace, sanctifying grace, empowering grace, provisional grace, miraculous grace, persevering grace, and glorifying grace.

For my summary and thoughts on chapter 1 (Birth Control), see this post.

Christ-Centered Worship

Of all the "coming soon" books, none look better than Bryan Chapell's new one: Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice. Check out the endorsements.

Religion Saves: Birth Control

Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions by Mark Driscoll is now available.

The first chapter deals with the difficult subject of birth control.

Here are a few of my random thoughts:

-Driscoll does a fantastic job of lifting up the value and blessing of children. He is totally against married couples who prevent pregnancy for selfish reasons.

-Characteristically, Driscoll handles this subject straightforwardly and with humor. He addresses the main issues head-on.

-It is clear that Driscoll has done his homework. This chapter contains 30 footnoted passages of Scripture and 82 endnotes citing sources used. His work on the history of birth control is fascinating. I certainly learned a tremendous amount from this chapter.

-Driscoll is helpfully balanced. While firmly committed to the Biblical view of family, he exposes the legalism and weak arguments of the "no birth control" proponents. He calls out husbands who treat their spouse as more of a womb for making babies instead of a wife to find pleasure in.

-He gives helpful examples of reasons to use birth control that do not constitute sin or selfishness.

-He gives 5 different levels of birth control. The first 3 he labels as available to Christians (no birth control, natural birth control, and non-abortive birth control). Regarding the 4th, Driscoll urges prayer, wisdom, and study (potentially abortive birth control - such as "the pill"). And, he opposes the 5th level (abortive murder).

-Driscoll concludes by discussing the power of Jesus to forgive and save.

One potential problem:

-Driscoll concludes this chapter by leaving open the possibility that there could be an instance where abortion would be considered. He says he opposes "any Christian couple considering level 5, unless there are extremely weighty extenuating circumstances." He leaves it at that.

I cannot think of any situation in which I would even consider it a possibility to have an abortion. I wish he would have at least given an example.

Overall, this is a very helpful chapter that is a good resource for Christian couples dealing with these difficult issues. Your thoughts?

UPDATE: Here is an article by Desiring God that Driscoll quotes in the chapter (HT: Rebecca).

Ministry Idolatry

Driscoll's second message at the Advance '09 conference a few weeks ago was the best message on idolatry I've ever heard. I would highly encourage you to listen to the audio or watch the video from that message. It is time for the church to begin identifying and repenting of the good things we've used to replace God. Here are the 11 types of idolatry Driscoll ended the message with, along with a penetrating question to help us identify these subtle idolatries (keep in mind he is talking to church leaders):

1. Attendance idolatry: Does your joy change when attendance at church goes up or down?
2. Gift idolatry: Do you feel as if God needs you because you are so skilled?
3. Truth idolatry: Do you consider yourself more godly than more simple Christians?
4. Fruit idolatry: Do you point to your success as proof that God loves you?
5. Tradition idolatry: What traditions are you upholding that thwart the forward progress of the Gospel?
6. Method idolatry: Do you worship your method as your mediator?
7. Office/Title idolatry: Are you motivated primarily by God’s glory or your title?
8. Success idolatry: Is winning (however you define that) what motivates you at the deepest level?
9. Ministry idolatry: Do you use the pressure of ministry to walk with God instead of love for Him?
10. Innovative idolatry: Do you have to be considered “unique”?
11. Leader idolatry: Who, other than Christ, are you seeking to be like?

Convicting Article on Giving

If you don't want to be convicted regarding your practice of giving, you shouldn't read this article: The Only Safe Rule for Giving.

Here is the CS Lewis quote from the article:
“I do not believe one can settle on 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 expenditure excludes them.”

Looking Forward to Keller's New Book

Timothy Keller's new book looks like it will be worth reading: Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters.

Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers

When I visted Covenant Life Church in the summer of 2006, I ransaked the bookstore. Among the treasures I returned home with were a little set of children's books called Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers (endorsed by Al Mohler).

I'm happy to announce that WTS books is now selling them! If you want help communicating the Gospel, the value of Scripture, or the Trinity to your kids, these books will serve you well.

These are "coming soon," so put them in your wish list until they are available for purchase.

Breaking News: Money CAN Buy Happiness

Whoever said that money can't buy happiness? You CAN use money to increase your happiness: give it away.

Jesus said, "it is better to give than to receive." Why is it better? Because God loves a cheerful giver. Because giving frees us from the grip of our stuff. Because giving stores up treasure in Heaven. Because giving is a practical expression of love for others.

Hudson Taylor said, "The less I spent on myself and the more I gave to others, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my soul become."

Here is a "secular" article I stumbled across that reminded me of this truth. I couldn't believe I was reading a "worldly" article about how, "one of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make someone else happy."

Warning: true happiness is only possible in Jesus Christ. If you give away everything you have and don't trust in Christ, you will be eternally unhappy.

The Silent Steam-Roller

CH Spurgeon addressing his church before a prayer meeting:

Did you observe, last Sunday, a notice at the bottom of a street, at the back of this Tabernacle, warning us in large letters against a terrible monster? Thus ran the oracle: "Beware of The Steam-roller."

I always feel inclined to turn down a side street when I see the red flag and that admonitory sentence; for useful as the steam-roller certainly is, I cannot persuade horses to believe that it is their true friend. On this particular occasion, there was no cause to fear the steam-breathing, coal-consuming leviathan, for its fire was out, its steam was a thing of yesterday, and the creature rested in perfect quiet, under cover of a tarp. It is quite right that even engines should have their Sabbath.

I thought, as I passed it, - a steam-roller at work is the pattern of what a church ought to be; but this particular steam-roller is a type of what many churches are. A church should be “terrible as an army with banners;” but, oftentimes, it is not. “BEWARE OF THE STEAM ROLLER!” seemed rather a humorous notice, under the circumstances. Why, a kitten need not be afraid of the huge machine, or its big wheels, when the fire is out. Satan, who is said to tremble at the sight of a single praying man, might laugh in the presence of some of our churches, for there is no fear of their doing any harm to his kingdom. We must have the steam up if we are to crush the granite, and prepare a highway for our God. The weight of our numbers, and the excellence of our machinery, will go for nothing unless the inward fires are glowing, turning lukewarmness into heat, and impelling every wheel to strong, all-subduing motion.

The steam-roller could do nothing without the stoker, and his coals and fire; and a church can do nothing if love, and fervour, and enthusiasm are not produced in it. It is my longing desire that we may ever be filled with the Divine energy. I see in our congregations, and in our societies, the altar and the wood; but what sacrifice can we offer to the Lord if we lack fire? One of the great uses of a prayer-meeting is to keep the fires burning. By earnest pleadings, we heap on the fuel; and the Holy Spirit comes to us as a heavenly wind, and makes the fire burn vehemently.

There may be wild-fire about, and, if so, I deplore it; but as far as my observation and experience have gone, I am more afraid of the want of fire than of the excess of it. The majority of our brethren are in no danger of becoming fanatical; the danger lies in the opposite direction: they are more likely to have their boilers cold, and their wheels rusted, than to burst with excess of force, or fly to pieces with perilous velocity. At any rate, let us cry for the fire tonight.

Secrets Unveiled

"Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division."

-R.C. Chapman

Fighting Pride and Cultivating Humility

The final verse of Daniel 4 says that God is able to humble those who walk in pride.

Here are a few practical strategies for fighting pride and cultivating humility that I gave at the end of the sermon Sunday:

1. Recognize that pride is already a major problem in your life. Pride is not like the flu. We don’t catch it every now and then. No, pride is at work in us constantly. Recognizing and repenting of it is the first step to fighting it.

2. Recognize that everything you have is a gift from God. You have never accomplished anything on your own. God has blessed you so that you would give Him the glory, not take it for yourself. Do you consciously give God glory for everything good in your life?

3. Become familiar with the greatness of God. That’s the message of Daniel 4: Fight pride by recognizing the infinite worth of your Creator and Redeemer. Proud people have a small God. Humble people know God’s power, sovereignty, and glory. Only God is great.

4. Constantly survey the wondrous Cross on which the prince of glory died.
-Jesus died for our pride. He bore the wrath of God that our pride deserves. Jesus was treated like an animal (beaten and mocked) for our arrogant attitudes.
-The broken body and spilled blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient to cover the offense of our pride.
-Pride and arrogance die at the foot of the cross. It is impossible to look into the bloody face of the Savior and boast of your achievements and superior worth.
-John Owen counseled: “Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, that there may be no room for sin.” Replace pride with a love for Jesus Christ, who willingly gave His life in your place.

The Greatness of God in Daniel 4

5 aspects of God’s greatness acknowledged by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:34-37:

1. God’s existence is unending (“him who lives forever”).
-All through this book, Nebuchadnezzar is addressed with the phrase, “O king, live forever.” He finally realizes that only God is unchanging in His existence.

2. God’s rule and reign are unending (“his kingdom endures from generation to generation”).
-God is still on His throne and no one will overthrow this King.

3. God is absolutely sovereign over heaven and earth (v. 35).
-“none can stay His hand.”

4. God’s ways are just and right (“all his works are right and his ways are just”).
-This is an astonishing statement after what God just did to him (made him act like a cow for seven years). Nebuchadnezzar is acknowledging that he deserved the judgment he received (“just”). He is even acknowledging that what happened to him was for his good (“right”).

5. God opposes the proud (“those who walk in pride he is able to humble”).
-God’s greatness is revealed in His opposition to our pride.

Religion Saves

I got a copy of Mark Driscoll's new book at the Advance conference: Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions. This looks like a very interesting book.

Evidently, Driscoll's church conducted a survey of which issues people wanted to have him address. They came up with 9 issues: birth control, humor, predestination, grace, sexual sin, faith and works, dating, the emerging church, and the regulative principle.

Don't tell me you are not curious as to what Driscoll says about at least one of those issues.

The OT in the Passion Narratives

Douglas Moo's new book looks like it is going to be off the charts. A thick book detailing how the Gospel writers use the Old Testament in the passion narratives. I could have used this a few months ago in John 18-19.

Advance 09: Day 3

Danny Akin did a fantastic job expositing Hebrews 13 this morning. He drew out 9 marks of healthy churches (He should have made a joke about "9 Marks of a Healthy Church" but he passed up the opportunity).

1. Healthy churches consistently love each other (v. 1).
2. Healthy churches care for those in need (v. 2-3).
3. Healthy churches honor the divine institution of marriage and family (v. 4).
4. Healthy churches have unshakeable faith in the providence of God (v. 5-6).
5. Healthy churches respect those who teach the word and shepherd their souls (v. 7, 17, 24).
6. Healthy churches are not moved from a Christ-centered theology (v. 8-9).
7. Healthy churches are characterized by sacrifices of praise (v. 15).
8. Healthy churches are characterized by a ministry of prayer for its leaders (v. 18).
9. Healthy churches look to the Lord Jesus who will perfect them in good works (v. 20-21).

It is well worth listening to if you have time. He did some ranting on the racial segregation of our churches and the importance of the family. He concluded by making a strong point about the centrality of Christ in our theology.

Advance 09: Day 2

Another jam-packed day at the Advance conference. All the messages have been excellent. However, Driscoll's second message was the best sermon on idolatry I've ever heard. I highly recommend that you listen to it. It is also the only message I've ever heard by Driscoll in which he didn't yell.

Check the Desiring God blog for links to the audio messages.

Advance 09: Day 1

The first day of Advance '09 was excellent. The messages are already online. I highly recommend Brian Chappell's message.

I Have Been Loaded Down

I've been reading Strauch's Agape Leadership (Lessons from RC Chapman). I smiled at this story:

On one occasion, when someone asked, "How are you?" Chapman replied that he was heavily burdened. The concerned inquirer was relieved when Chapman added, "He daily loadeth us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19).

Coming Soon from Azurdia

Arturo Azurdia has a new book coming out soon: Connected Christianity: Engaging Culture without Compromise. This is a subject I am looking forward to hearing Azurdia on. He always brings the truth of God's Word to bear in a Christ-centered way.

Advance: A Conference about the Power of The Church

Here is the basic schedule for the Advance 09 conference I'll be attending this week. Every session looks good!

Thursday -- June 4th
01:00 : What is the Church – Mark Driscoll : Session 1
02:00 : The resurgence of the Church – Tyler Jones : Session 2
03:00 : Communicating the Gospel through preaching – Bryan Chappell : Session 3
03:45 : Preaching the Gospel to the De-churched – Matt Chandler : Session 4
05:00 : Q&A

Friday -- June 5th
09:00 : Keys to Understanding the Church & Kingdom - Ed Stetzer : Session 5
10:00 : Planting is for Wimps: Revitalizing a Church around the Gospel – J.D. Greear : Session 6
11:30 : The Ultimate Shepherd - Eric Mason : Session 7
02:30 : Ministry Idolatry – Ezekiel 14 – Mark Driscoll : Session 8
03:30 : Q & A
05:00 : Let the Nations be Glad part 1 – John Piper : Session 9

Saturday -- June 6th
09:30 : Marks of a Healthy Community of Faith – Daniel Akin : Session 10
10:45 : Let the Nations be Glad part 2 – John Piper : Session 11

Don't Waste Your Summer!

Traditionally, the summer months are known for leisure, vacation, and rest. More often than not, this translates into a casual attitude toward things that really matter. During the summer it is tempting to neglect the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and church attendance.

I want to challenge you to grow in your relationship with God this summer. Be intentional about pursuing Christ with all your heart during these summer months. Develop a plan to fan the flames of your love for Christ.

John Piper has written, “Summer has its special power. Jesus Christ is refreshing, but flight from him into Christless leisure makes the soul parched. At first it may feel like freedom and fun to skimp on prayer, and neglect the Word. But then we pay: shallowness, powerlessness, vulnerability to sin, preoccupation with trifles, superficial relationships, and a frightening loss of interest in worship and the things of the Spirit. Don’t let summer make your soul shrivel. God made summer as a foretaste of heaven, not a substitute.”

Below are a few random suggestions for pursuing maturity in Christ this summer. Use the good ones and throw away the unhelpful ones.

1. Read a good Christian biography. Biographies have a way of getting us out of our little world. Read about the great men and women of God and watch your capacity to enjoy Christ increase (some suggestions here).

2. Turn off the television. Instead of watching more TV this summer, unplug it. Call the cable company and get it shut off for the summer. You will save money, get a lot more done, and free up time to complete the rest of these suggestions.

3. Invite a neighbor, co-worker, or fellow church member over for dinner. Focus on strengthening your relationships this summer.

4. Take a prayer-walk. Put on the tennis shoes and just spend some unhurried time in the Lord’s presence. Go with a list of all the people, events, and issues that need prayer.

5. Have extended family devotions. Husbands, pray and read the Bible with your wife. Dads, gather your family, read the Scripture, and sing Christ-centered songs together.

6. Memorize a chapter of Scripture.

7. Find ways to strengthen the church. Instead of decreasing your church participation, increase it this summer.

8. Read the book of Esther in one sitting. When is the last time you read the Bible out of pure enjoyment? Esther is more fun to read than any secular novel.

9. Read a good book of theology. Think of a subject you want to know more about, and find the best book available on the subject.