I am grateful to have received an advance copy of Tim Keller's new book, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters. I'm looking forward to reading it and will let you know what I think.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Counterfeit Gods
I am grateful to have received an advance copy of Tim Keller's new book, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters. I'm looking forward to reading it and will let you know what I think.
Son Centraility in Worship
These are wise and instructive words from Bryan Chapell's new book, Christ-Centered Worship.
"The redemptive flow of biblical worship inevitably makes our liturgy Christ-centered. This does not mean that Christian worship diminishes the honor of any other member of the Trinity. God the Father makes our worship Christ-centered by redeeming us through the work of his Son, and giving the Spirit to testify of him. Because worship is a response to this witness of redemption, the grace God provides through his Son is the thread that sews the service together. We do not gather simply to extol some attribute of God or to reflect the relationships of the Trinity. We do not gather merely to confess our sin. Our shame would destroy us, if his grace did not provide our pardon. We do not worship only to learn our obligations. God's law would be our death, if the Lamb had not been slain for us. Christian worship inevitably makes Christ's work its central theme."
page 113.
"The redemptive flow of biblical worship inevitably makes our liturgy Christ-centered. This does not mean that Christian worship diminishes the honor of any other member of the Trinity. God the Father makes our worship Christ-centered by redeeming us through the work of his Son, and giving the Spirit to testify of him. Because worship is a response to this witness of redemption, the grace God provides through his Son is the thread that sews the service together. We do not gather simply to extol some attribute of God or to reflect the relationships of the Trinity. We do not gather merely to confess our sin. Our shame would destroy us, if his grace did not provide our pardon. We do not worship only to learn our obligations. God's law would be our death, if the Lamb had not been slain for us. Christian worship inevitably makes Christ's work its central theme."
page 113.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Size and Significance
I was massively encouraged by my time at the God Exposed conference Friday. Dever's opening message invigorated me. He preached from Jesus' parable of the mustard seed and made this point: "Never confuse size with significance."
If we could just learn this truth, it would liberate us from all the pragmatism in the church today.
If we could just learn this truth, it would liberate us from all the pragmatism in the church today.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Clearance Books
WTS has a clearance section on their website right now. There are quite a few Tyndale commentaries, which are generally pretty good.
Jesus' Promise to Build His Church
Excerpts from my sermon at our 3 year anniversary celebration (9-20-09):
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus made a huge promise. After Peter confessed Him as the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus said, “...on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” This promise contains massive encouragement for us as a church.
1. Jesus is the Builder of the Church.
Jesus says, “I will build my church.” The apostles did not build churches. Missionaries do not build churches. Pastors do not build churches. Jesus is the Church-builder. The One who has all authority in Heaven and Earth is the One who builds the Church. If Jesus says He is going to do something, you better believe that nothing will stand in His way.
2. The Building of the Church is Certain.
Jesus says, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The Church that Jesus is building is indestructible. All of Jesus’ omnipotence is behind this promise. Nothing can stop the Son of God from accomplishing His purposes. The Church is the only organization that has this promise attached to it. Jesus never promised to build any other institution. When we connect ourselves to Jesus’ Church, we are part of something extraordinary. We are part of a plan that cannot fail. It is as certain as Jesus is faithful.
3. The Church Belongs to Jesus.
Jesus says, “I will build MY church.” Jesus is specific as to which Church He is building. Jesus owns the church. It is His. Jesus has purchased the Church with His own blood. He laid down His life for His Bride, the Church. The Church has the most glorious Owner in the Universe. Thus, we should love the Church because Jesus does.
4. Jesus is the Foundation of His Church.
Jesus says, “On this rock, I will build my church.” There has been a debate throughout history about what the “rock” is upon which Jesus’ Church is built. Catholics claim that Jesus is setting up the entire Papal system, with Peter as the first Pope. However, Jesus is referring not just to Peter himself, but to Peter’s (and the other apostles’) unique role of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter had just confessed (in verse 16) that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Ephesians 2 says that the apostles are the foundation of the church because it was the apostles who proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The rock upon which the Church is built is the message that Christ died for our sins. Thus, we must always ensure that local churches are centered upon Christ. He is the foundation of His Church.
5. Jesus Builds His Church by His Sacrificial Death.
Jesus tells His disciples how He builds His Church in verse 21. He must suffer and die and rise from the dead. The gates of hell will not prevail against His Church because Jesus dies for our sins and frees us from our bondage. The Church is built by the power of the Gospel.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus made a huge promise. After Peter confessed Him as the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus said, “...on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” This promise contains massive encouragement for us as a church.
1. Jesus is the Builder of the Church.
Jesus says, “I will build my church.” The apostles did not build churches. Missionaries do not build churches. Pastors do not build churches. Jesus is the Church-builder. The One who has all authority in Heaven and Earth is the One who builds the Church. If Jesus says He is going to do something, you better believe that nothing will stand in His way.
2. The Building of the Church is Certain.
Jesus says, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The Church that Jesus is building is indestructible. All of Jesus’ omnipotence is behind this promise. Nothing can stop the Son of God from accomplishing His purposes. The Church is the only organization that has this promise attached to it. Jesus never promised to build any other institution. When we connect ourselves to Jesus’ Church, we are part of something extraordinary. We are part of a plan that cannot fail. It is as certain as Jesus is faithful.
3. The Church Belongs to Jesus.
Jesus says, “I will build MY church.” Jesus is specific as to which Church He is building. Jesus owns the church. It is His. Jesus has purchased the Church with His own blood. He laid down His life for His Bride, the Church. The Church has the most glorious Owner in the Universe. Thus, we should love the Church because Jesus does.
4. Jesus is the Foundation of His Church.
Jesus says, “On this rock, I will build my church.” There has been a debate throughout history about what the “rock” is upon which Jesus’ Church is built. Catholics claim that Jesus is setting up the entire Papal system, with Peter as the first Pope. However, Jesus is referring not just to Peter himself, but to Peter’s (and the other apostles’) unique role of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter had just confessed (in verse 16) that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Ephesians 2 says that the apostles are the foundation of the church because it was the apostles who proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The rock upon which the Church is built is the message that Christ died for our sins. Thus, we must always ensure that local churches are centered upon Christ. He is the foundation of His Church.
5. Jesus Builds His Church by His Sacrificial Death.
Jesus tells His disciples how He builds His Church in verse 21. He must suffer and die and rise from the dead. The gates of hell will not prevail against His Church because Jesus dies for our sins and frees us from our bondage. The Church is built by the power of the Gospel.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
God Exposed Conference
I'm looking forward to the preaching conference this weekend at Southeastern. It's called God Exposed: Awkward Preaching in a Comfortable Age. Some of my favorite preachers will be preaching on preaching: Mark Dever, CJ Mahaney, Thabiti Anyabwile, Dr. Akin, and others. I'm really looking forward to the "sermon review" times. Pray for me. I desperately want to grow in my ability to proclaim God's Word.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
15 Reasons I Love The Church
-She is Christ’s bride and body (Eph. 5:22-33).
-She was purchased by Christ’s own blood (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:1; 25).
-She exists to glorify God (Eph. 3:10; 21).
-She provides accountability and encouragement for my family and I.
-She provides an opportunity to love and serve other sinners.
-She will kick me out if I live as an unbeliever.
-She provides the opportunity to utilize my spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12, 14).
-She is the pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Tim. 3:13).
-She displays the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10).
-She is my eternal family (Eph. 2:19-22).
-She reminds me of the gospel.
-She is built by Christ Himself (Matt. 16:18).
-She will never be defeated (Matt. 16:18).
-She is the dwelling place of God (Eph. 2:22).
-She nourishes my soul with the Word.
Derek Thomas has a great post about Falling in Love with the Church -- again.
-She was purchased by Christ’s own blood (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:1; 25).
-She exists to glorify God (Eph. 3:10; 21).
-She provides accountability and encouragement for my family and I.
-She provides an opportunity to love and serve other sinners.
-She will kick me out if I live as an unbeliever.
-She provides the opportunity to utilize my spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12, 14).
-She is the pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Tim. 3:13).
-She displays the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10).
-She is my eternal family (Eph. 2:19-22).
-She reminds me of the gospel.
-She is built by Christ Himself (Matt. 16:18).
-She will never be defeated (Matt. 16:18).
-She is the dwelling place of God (Eph. 2:22).
-She nourishes my soul with the Word.
Derek Thomas has a great post about Falling in Love with the Church -- again.
New Pillar Commentary Coming Soon: Philippians
As of right now, I'm planning to preach through Philippians in 2010. So, of course I'm excited that my favorite commentary series has its Philippians volume coming out soon: The Letter to the Philippians.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Quotes on the Church from Sunday's Sermon
John Stott: “On earth she is often in rags and tatters, stained and ugly, despised and persecuted. But one day she will be seen for what she is, nothing less than the bride of Christ, “free from spots, wrinkles or any other disfigurement,” holy and without blemish, beautiful and glorious. It is to this constructive end that Christ has been working and is continuing to work. The bride does not make herself presentable; it is the bridegroom who labors to beautify her in order to present her to himself.”
John Stott: “If the church is central to God’s purpose as seen in both history and the gospel, it must surely also be central to our lives. How can we take lightly what God takes so seriously? How dare we push to the circumference what God has placed at the center?”
Chuck Colson: “Of course every believer is part of the universal church. But for any Christian who has a choice in the matter, failure to cleave to a particular church is failure to obey Christ.”
Spurgeon: “I know there are some who say, ‘Well, I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to the church.’ Now why not? ‘Because I can be a Christian without it.’ Are you quite clear about that? You can be as good a Christians by disobedience to your Lord’s commands as by being obedient? What is a brick made for? To help build a house. It is of no use for that brick to tell you that it is just as good a brick while it is kicking about on the ground as it would be in the house. It is a good-for-nothing brick. So you rolling-stone Christians, I do not believe that you are answering your purpose. You are living contrary to the life which Christ would have you live, and you are much to blame for the injury you do.”
Most of these came from Josh Harris' Stop Dating the Church.
John Stott: “If the church is central to God’s purpose as seen in both history and the gospel, it must surely also be central to our lives. How can we take lightly what God takes so seriously? How dare we push to the circumference what God has placed at the center?”
Chuck Colson: “Of course every believer is part of the universal church. But for any Christian who has a choice in the matter, failure to cleave to a particular church is failure to obey Christ.”
Spurgeon: “I know there are some who say, ‘Well, I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to the church.’ Now why not? ‘Because I can be a Christian without it.’ Are you quite clear about that? You can be as good a Christians by disobedience to your Lord’s commands as by being obedient? What is a brick made for? To help build a house. It is of no use for that brick to tell you that it is just as good a brick while it is kicking about on the ground as it would be in the house. It is a good-for-nothing brick. So you rolling-stone Christians, I do not believe that you are answering your purpose. You are living contrary to the life which Christ would have you live, and you are much to blame for the injury you do.”
Most of these came from Josh Harris' Stop Dating the Church.
Gospel-Powered Parenting Now Available
William Farley's new book on parenting is now available: Gospel-Powered Parenting: How the Gospel Shapes and Transforms Parenting.
Farley wrote one of my all-time favorite books: Outrageous Mercy. So, I have been eagerly waiting for another book by him. This one looks real good and real helpful.
Challies has a short review of it here.
Farley wrote one of my all-time favorite books: Outrageous Mercy. So, I have been eagerly waiting for another book by him. This one looks real good and real helpful.
Challies has a short review of it here.
Monday, September 21, 2009
3 Year Anniversary Letter to CBCW
Below is the letter I wrote to my church for our 3 year anniversary celebration. You can read my previous year's letters here and here.
Dear Christ Baptist Church,
It is a delightful honor to write this letter to you on the occasion of our third anniversary as a church. The purpose of this letter is reflect on the kindness of God to us over the past year and to anticipate what we want to see God do in and through us over the next year. This letter is an attempt to express my deep gratefulness to God for the ways He has blessed this church that I love so dearly. I feel like the most blessed pastor in the world. My gratefulness for Christ Baptist Church is stronger than it has ever been. Let me mention a few things I’m especially grateful for.
First, I am thankful for Christ Baptist’s unchanging core values. A lot can change in three years. And, a lot has changed in all of our lives. However, our focus, our commitment, our values, our center has not changed. And, by the grace of God, will never change. Church, let us never take for granted that we are part of a church that is seeking to be God-focused. Our souls would shrivel up and die if all we did was talk about and sing about ourselves. Our souls were made for supreme beauty. Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in the powerful God of creation.
And, let us never tire of hearing Bible-saturated preaching. The opinions of man come and go. The jokes and stories leave us craving for solid food. But, the Word of God is the lasting, unchanging, rock-solid foundation of all joy in this life and in the next. May we ever demand that God’s Word be proclaimed unceasingly at this church. Apart from the true preaching of the Word, the church ceases to exist.
And, let us grow in gratefulness for a church that desires to be gospel-centered. Nothing grieves my heart as deeply as the fact that churches today are loosing their grip on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The most serious issue facing most churches today is the removal of the gospel from the place of first importance. I am grateful that, by the grace of God, Christ Baptist understands the centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that our songs are Christ-centered, our sermons are Christ-centered, our relationships are Christ-centered, and our mission is Christ-centered. May Jesus Christ always be preeminent in the life and ministry of Christ Baptist Church. I could go on and on expressing my gratefulness for the core values of this church. May we never forget what a privilege it is to be a part of a church seeking to glorify the Savior.
But, let me express my gratefulness for a second thing. I am grateful for the way this church has sought to reach out to our community and beyond this year. It has been a joy to see so many of you stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others. The Whirligig Festival, our Spring Festival, the Soccer Camp, yesterday’s car wash, and countless one-on-one conversations have been refreshing for me to see. We all recognize that we have seen very little fruit from our hard labors these past few years. However, we know that our labor for the Lord is not in vain. We can plant and water the seeds, but only God causes the growth. Let’s be patient and faithful, trusting that in God’s time and God’s way, the harvest will come. I am also grateful for the way this church responded to the opportunity to send out Lisa to extend the mission of Christ Baptist half way across the globe. May we ever be committed to the fame of His name among all peoples.
Thirdly, I want to express my gratefulness to the leaders of this church. Particularly, I want to thank Tim and Jonathan for another year of care and love for Christ Baptist Church. I continue to be amazed by their godliness, wisdom, and deep love for the Savior. Church, Tim and Jonathan are among the clearest expressions of God’s kindness to us. They are good gifts from His hand. I also want to thank Chris for his leadership over our music. It has been thrilling to watch Chris grow and thrive these last few years. I am regularly amazed at how well he chooses songs for our gatherings. Chris has a unique ability to use songs to drive the message of the Scripture into the deepest parts of our affections. I also want to thank our Bible Study teachers and Children’s workers. Please forgive me for not thanking you enough for your consistent and faithful example and care for those entrusted to you. Thank you for serving this church with your gifts and time. May God bless your labors.
Finally, I want to express my gratefulness for all the members and friends of Christ Baptist Church. Your desire to hear God’s Word, your consistent attendance, and your constant encouragement make me a very happy pastor. It is a joy to preach God’s Word to a church that longs to learn, grow, and apply it to their lives. God is building this church through the preaching of the Word. God has blessed us this year with some rich portions of Scripture. I’m grateful for the end of our Gospel of John series, where we were able to walk with Christ as He bid farewell to His disciples, prayed the High Priestly prayer, was betrayed, arrested, mocked, hung on the Cross, and rose triumphantly from the grave. I’m grateful for our series in the book of Daniel, where we were challenged to live for the sovereign God who is able to rescue His people. And, I’m grateful for all that we have seen in James 1. May God make us a church that responds to suffering with joy and that responds to the Word with obedience.
I am eagerly anticipating what God has in store for us this next year. I’m looking forward to growing in our relationships with one another. I’m looking forward to fighting the fight of faith with you. I’m looking forward to falling more in love with the Savior as a church. I’m looking forward to treasuring Christ together for another year.
As we enter our fourth year as a church, let’s pray for God to do great things in us and through us. Let’s pray for God to add to our number those who are being saved. Let’s pray that God will grant us a love for one another that will be visible to the world around us. Let’s pray that with one voice we will glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s pray that the Savior will be treasured and that our lives will be conformed to His image.
All good gifts were purchased by Christ and given to us by our heavenly Father. Christ Baptist Church is one of His most precious gifts to us.
On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,
Pastor Justin
Romans 8:32
Dear Christ Baptist Church,
It is a delightful honor to write this letter to you on the occasion of our third anniversary as a church. The purpose of this letter is reflect on the kindness of God to us over the past year and to anticipate what we want to see God do in and through us over the next year. This letter is an attempt to express my deep gratefulness to God for the ways He has blessed this church that I love so dearly. I feel like the most blessed pastor in the world. My gratefulness for Christ Baptist Church is stronger than it has ever been. Let me mention a few things I’m especially grateful for.
First, I am thankful for Christ Baptist’s unchanging core values. A lot can change in three years. And, a lot has changed in all of our lives. However, our focus, our commitment, our values, our center has not changed. And, by the grace of God, will never change. Church, let us never take for granted that we are part of a church that is seeking to be God-focused. Our souls would shrivel up and die if all we did was talk about and sing about ourselves. Our souls were made for supreme beauty. Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in the powerful God of creation.
And, let us never tire of hearing Bible-saturated preaching. The opinions of man come and go. The jokes and stories leave us craving for solid food. But, the Word of God is the lasting, unchanging, rock-solid foundation of all joy in this life and in the next. May we ever demand that God’s Word be proclaimed unceasingly at this church. Apart from the true preaching of the Word, the church ceases to exist.
And, let us grow in gratefulness for a church that desires to be gospel-centered. Nothing grieves my heart as deeply as the fact that churches today are loosing their grip on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The most serious issue facing most churches today is the removal of the gospel from the place of first importance. I am grateful that, by the grace of God, Christ Baptist understands the centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that our songs are Christ-centered, our sermons are Christ-centered, our relationships are Christ-centered, and our mission is Christ-centered. May Jesus Christ always be preeminent in the life and ministry of Christ Baptist Church. I could go on and on expressing my gratefulness for the core values of this church. May we never forget what a privilege it is to be a part of a church seeking to glorify the Savior.
But, let me express my gratefulness for a second thing. I am grateful for the way this church has sought to reach out to our community and beyond this year. It has been a joy to see so many of you stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others. The Whirligig Festival, our Spring Festival, the Soccer Camp, yesterday’s car wash, and countless one-on-one conversations have been refreshing for me to see. We all recognize that we have seen very little fruit from our hard labors these past few years. However, we know that our labor for the Lord is not in vain. We can plant and water the seeds, but only God causes the growth. Let’s be patient and faithful, trusting that in God’s time and God’s way, the harvest will come. I am also grateful for the way this church responded to the opportunity to send out Lisa to extend the mission of Christ Baptist half way across the globe. May we ever be committed to the fame of His name among all peoples.
Thirdly, I want to express my gratefulness to the leaders of this church. Particularly, I want to thank Tim and Jonathan for another year of care and love for Christ Baptist Church. I continue to be amazed by their godliness, wisdom, and deep love for the Savior. Church, Tim and Jonathan are among the clearest expressions of God’s kindness to us. They are good gifts from His hand. I also want to thank Chris for his leadership over our music. It has been thrilling to watch Chris grow and thrive these last few years. I am regularly amazed at how well he chooses songs for our gatherings. Chris has a unique ability to use songs to drive the message of the Scripture into the deepest parts of our affections. I also want to thank our Bible Study teachers and Children’s workers. Please forgive me for not thanking you enough for your consistent and faithful example and care for those entrusted to you. Thank you for serving this church with your gifts and time. May God bless your labors.
Finally, I want to express my gratefulness for all the members and friends of Christ Baptist Church. Your desire to hear God’s Word, your consistent attendance, and your constant encouragement make me a very happy pastor. It is a joy to preach God’s Word to a church that longs to learn, grow, and apply it to their lives. God is building this church through the preaching of the Word. God has blessed us this year with some rich portions of Scripture. I’m grateful for the end of our Gospel of John series, where we were able to walk with Christ as He bid farewell to His disciples, prayed the High Priestly prayer, was betrayed, arrested, mocked, hung on the Cross, and rose triumphantly from the grave. I’m grateful for our series in the book of Daniel, where we were challenged to live for the sovereign God who is able to rescue His people. And, I’m grateful for all that we have seen in James 1. May God make us a church that responds to suffering with joy and that responds to the Word with obedience.
I am eagerly anticipating what God has in store for us this next year. I’m looking forward to growing in our relationships with one another. I’m looking forward to fighting the fight of faith with you. I’m looking forward to falling more in love with the Savior as a church. I’m looking forward to treasuring Christ together for another year.
As we enter our fourth year as a church, let’s pray for God to do great things in us and through us. Let’s pray for God to add to our number those who are being saved. Let’s pray that God will grant us a love for one another that will be visible to the world around us. Let’s pray that with one voice we will glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s pray that the Savior will be treasured and that our lives will be conformed to His image.
All good gifts were purchased by Christ and given to us by our heavenly Father. Christ Baptist Church is one of His most precious gifts to us.
On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,
Pastor Justin
Romans 8:32
Sunday, September 20, 2009
"I Will Build My Church"
It was a joy to preach from Matthew 16:18 at our 3 year anniversary celebration Sunday. My intention was to encourage our young church with this massive promise by Jesus: "I will build my church." I brought out 5 truths:
1. Jesus is the Builder of His Church.
2. The Building of the Church is certain.
3. The Church belongs to Jesus.
4. Jesus is the foundation of His Church.
5. Jesus builds His Church by His sacrificial death (v. 21).
1. Jesus is the Builder of His Church.
2. The Building of the Church is certain.
3. The Church belongs to Jesus.
4. Jesus is the foundation of His Church.
5. Jesus builds His Church by His sacrificial death (v. 21).
Friday, September 18, 2009
Happy Anniversary Christ Baptist Church!
On Sunday, Christ Baptist Church will celebrate 3 years of God's kindness to us as a church. Please pray for us, that we would be able to look back with gratitude and look forward with sweet anticipation.
Here are a few of the happenings this weekend:
-We are having a free outreach car wash on Saturday. Pray that we will be able to share the gospel with many as we seek to serve them in a practical way.
-I'll be reading my annual anniversary letter before my sermon on Matthew 16:18.
-We have several church members sharing testimonies of how CBCW has helped them.
-We are having a fellowship picnic after the service.
Here are a few of the happenings this weekend:
-We are having a free outreach car wash on Saturday. Pray that we will be able to share the gospel with many as we seek to serve them in a practical way.
-I'll be reading my annual anniversary letter before my sermon on Matthew 16:18.
-We have several church members sharing testimonies of how CBCW has helped them.
-We are having a fellowship picnic after the service.
Gospel-Driven Life Now Available
Michael Horton's new book is now available: The Gospel-Driven Life: Being Good News People in a Bad News World. This is the follow up to Christless Christianity. Christless Christianity was about the problem. This new book is about the solution. You can read some sample pages, see endorsements, and get it for a 45% discount at WTS Books.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Adopted for Life
I really enjoyed reading Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore. It is a good book that is worth reading. Here are some of the highlights:1. Dr. Moore does a great job of exalting our adoption in Christ as the foundation of our adopting kids. Spiritual adoption is the ground and motivation for physical adoption. He says, "The gospel of Jesus Christ means our families and churches ought to be at the forefront of the adoption of orphans close to home and around the world."
2. It is filled with personal stories of Dr. Moore's adoption of his two boys from Russia.
3. It is filled with practical help for those who are considering adoption. Basically, Dr. Moore brings up all the important questions that we need to ask before adopting, such as: Domestic or international? Open or closed? Boy or girl? Newborn or older child? One child or siblings? Does race matter? Healthy or special needs child?
He also talks about many of the most important practical issues: home studies, agencies, lawyers, finances, etc.
4. I really appreciated the book's emphasis on creating a culture of adoption in the local church. It takes a church to adopt a child.
If you are considering adoption, you need to read this book. If you are not considering adoption, you need to read this book.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Adoption
Here is some of what I said about adoption in application to James 1:27 Sunday. James says we are to visit orphans and widows. Adoption is certainly the most important way to care for orphans.
CJ Manhaney has a post today about adoption.
Let me say a word about adoption. There are about 135 million orphans worldwide today. In the US alone there are around 150,000 children waiting right now to be adopted. Friends, adoption is not just for couples who cannot have children. Adopting children is one of the most clear ways we can care for the weak and helpless.
What do orphans need? They don’t ultimately need an orphanage or a foster home. They don’t just need a few meals a day. They need a mom and a dad. They need someone who will raise them to be a man or women who treasures Christ.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, the whole world became a spiritual orphanage. We were all fatherless, weak and helpless. And the Father sent His only Son to rescue orphans. The Father sent His Son to deliver you from being fatherless. He adopted you into His own family.
And those who have been rescued by Jesus are those who are now called to rescue others who are weak and helpless.
Parents, consider adopting a child and how that would communicate the gospel to the watching world. And, those of you who are beyond parenting age, encourage your children to adopt and be ready to financially support those who are pursuing adoption.
One of my prayers for Christ Baptist is that in 30 years, our church will be full of kids who have been rescued from fatherlessness. May God be pleased to create a culture of rescuing in our church, for His glory. True Christians care for the weak and helpless.
CJ Manhaney has a post today about adoption.
Let me say a word about adoption. There are about 135 million orphans worldwide today. In the US alone there are around 150,000 children waiting right now to be adopted. Friends, adoption is not just for couples who cannot have children. Adopting children is one of the most clear ways we can care for the weak and helpless.
What do orphans need? They don’t ultimately need an orphanage or a foster home. They don’t just need a few meals a day. They need a mom and a dad. They need someone who will raise them to be a man or women who treasures Christ.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, the whole world became a spiritual orphanage. We were all fatherless, weak and helpless. And the Father sent His only Son to rescue orphans. The Father sent His Son to deliver you from being fatherless. He adopted you into His own family.
And those who have been rescued by Jesus are those who are now called to rescue others who are weak and helpless.
Parents, consider adopting a child and how that would communicate the gospel to the watching world. And, those of you who are beyond parenting age, encourage your children to adopt and be ready to financially support those who are pursuing adoption.
One of my prayers for Christ Baptist is that in 30 years, our church will be full of kids who have been rescued from fatherlessness. May God be pleased to create a culture of rescuing in our church, for His glory. True Christians care for the weak and helpless.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
True Religion
James 1:26-27 is quite the uncomfortable experience. James gives 3 tests of true religion. Without Christ, I'd despair.
1. A Christian controls the tongue.
2. A Christian cares for the weak and helpless.
3. A Christian combats worldliness.
1. A Christian controls the tongue.
2. A Christian cares for the weak and helpless.
3. A Christian combats worldliness.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Use These Books as Devotionals
I've never found much use for books that are written to be devotionals. You know, the ones that have a reading for each day of the year. They usually consist of a verse at the top of the page and a few "thoughts" or a story relating to the verse.
However, I have found that good Bible-saturated, Gospel-centered books with short chapters are excellent to use as devotionals.
I've been reading Tripp's A Shelter in the time of Storm in the mornings. It helps me set my heart on the Lord. It provides direction for my prayers. Another good one is Whiter than Snow by Tripp and Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross by Guthrie.
However, I have found that good Bible-saturated, Gospel-centered books with short chapters are excellent to use as devotionals.
I've been reading Tripp's A Shelter in the time of Storm in the mornings. It helps me set my heart on the Lord. It provides direction for my prayers. Another good one is Whiter than Snow by Tripp and Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross by Guthrie.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
9 Reasons I'm Thankful for 9 Marks on 9-9-09
9 Marks is a ministry devoted to building churches that reflect the character of God. I was reminded today of some of the reasons I thank God for this ministry.
1. They love the gospel.
2. They love the church.
3. They make old-fashioned cool.
4. They genuinely serve ordinary pastors.
5. Their website is extremely helpful.
6. Their books are among the best on the nature of the church, purpose of the church, and healthy practices of the church.
7. Weekenders.
8. Interviews.
9. Mark Dever.
1. They love the gospel.
2. They love the church.
3. They make old-fashioned cool.
4. They genuinely serve ordinary pastors.
5. Their website is extremely helpful.
6. Their books are among the best on the nature of the church, purpose of the church, and healthy practices of the church.
7. Weekenders.
8. Interviews.
9. Mark Dever.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Hope for Prayer
"Prayer finds its hope not in the qualifications of the one praying, but in the character and plan of the God who is hearing."
-Paul Tripp, A Shelter in the Time of Storm, p. 53.
-Paul Tripp, A Shelter in the Time of Storm, p. 53.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Be Doers of the Word
The experience of the new birth (James 1:18) should lead to an expression of new life (James 1:19-27). James challenges us to respond rightly to God's Word of Truth.
1. We are to have a submissive posture toward the Word (v. 19-20).
2. We are to have a receptive heart toward the Word (v. 21).
3. We are to have an obedient life in the Word (v. 22-25).
Its not enough to merely hear the Word. Its not enough to merely study God's Word. All our exposure to God's Word must be accompanied by obedience to God's Word.
1. We are to have a submissive posture toward the Word (v. 19-20).
2. We are to have a receptive heart toward the Word (v. 21).
3. We are to have an obedient life in the Word (v. 22-25).
Its not enough to merely hear the Word. Its not enough to merely study God's Word. All our exposure to God's Word must be accompanied by obedience to God's Word.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Resting in the Goodness of God
This book encouraged me to list 10 ways the goodness of God is evident in my life right now. That's easy.
1. Sleeping kids.
2. Fantastic wife.
3. Prepared sermon.
4. English Bible on my lap.
5. Full stomach.
6. Swirling fan.
7. Books that encourage me to think about God.
8. Faithful blog readers (that's you!).
9. Gospel promises.
10. Clear mind and a big smile.
God is indeed good...
1. Sleeping kids.
2. Fantastic wife.
3. Prepared sermon.
4. English Bible on my lap.
5. Full stomach.
6. Swirling fan.
7. Books that encourage me to think about God.
8. Faithful blog readers (that's you!).
9. Gospel promises.
10. Clear mind and a big smile.
God is indeed good...
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Thoughts on the Lord's Supper: Proclaiming the Dying Love of Christ
Main Passages to Study:
Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:23-26; Luke 22:14-23; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
What I believe about The Lord’s Supper:
1. The Lord’s Supper is an act of corporate worship that communicates the truth of the gospel. Communion is to be observed by a church as a vivid portrayal of Christ’s death for sins.
2. The purpose of The Lord’s Supper is to proclaim Christ’s death (1 Cor. 11:26). The broken bread symbolizes Jesus’ body that was broken for sin (1 Cor. 11:24). The cup symbolizes the blood of Jesus spilled for His people (1 Cor. 11:25).
3. Scripture does not prescribe a frequency with which to observe the Lord’s Supper. However, it seems that the early church practiced communion weekly. It should be a spiritually significant and emphasized part of the regular practice of the local church. Christ Baptist Church currently observes The Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month as part of our Sunday morning gathering.
4. The Lord’s Supper is to be observed with an expectation of Christ’s return (Matthew 26:29; 1 Cor. 11:26).
5. The Lord’s Supper is an opportunity to express the unity of the local church (1 Cor. 11:18-19, 33). It is to be observed within a community of believers (1 Cor. 10:17). Broken relationships within the body of Christ should be repaired before partaking of the elements.
6. Only believers should partake of the elements of The Lord’s Supper and only after self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27-29). Unbelievers cannot adequately proclaim Christ’s death because they have not appropriated it for themselves. Paul assumes that some gathered on the Lord’s Day should not partake of the elements (1 Cor. 11:28).
7. In partaking of The Lord’s Supper, we are affirming our personal faith in Christ. In participating in communion, we acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Savior. The Lord’s Supper is an abandonment of our sin and an embracing of Jesus Christ.
8. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ Himself (Matthew 26:26-28). The Lord’s Supper is one of two ordinances given to the church by Christ (along with baptism).
What I deny about The Lord’s Supper:
The elements of The Lord’s Supper are not mystically changed. The bread does not become the actual body of Jesus and the cup does not become the actual blood of Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is not a new offering of Christ’s sacrifice. It is a remembrance of the one sacrifice for sin, done once for all (Hebrews 9:27-28; 10:12).
Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:23-26; Luke 22:14-23; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
What I believe about The Lord’s Supper:
1. The Lord’s Supper is an act of corporate worship that communicates the truth of the gospel. Communion is to be observed by a church as a vivid portrayal of Christ’s death for sins.
2. The purpose of The Lord’s Supper is to proclaim Christ’s death (1 Cor. 11:26). The broken bread symbolizes Jesus’ body that was broken for sin (1 Cor. 11:24). The cup symbolizes the blood of Jesus spilled for His people (1 Cor. 11:25).
3. Scripture does not prescribe a frequency with which to observe the Lord’s Supper. However, it seems that the early church practiced communion weekly. It should be a spiritually significant and emphasized part of the regular practice of the local church. Christ Baptist Church currently observes The Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month as part of our Sunday morning gathering.
4. The Lord’s Supper is to be observed with an expectation of Christ’s return (Matthew 26:29; 1 Cor. 11:26).
5. The Lord’s Supper is an opportunity to express the unity of the local church (1 Cor. 11:18-19, 33). It is to be observed within a community of believers (1 Cor. 10:17). Broken relationships within the body of Christ should be repaired before partaking of the elements.
6. Only believers should partake of the elements of The Lord’s Supper and only after self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27-29). Unbelievers cannot adequately proclaim Christ’s death because they have not appropriated it for themselves. Paul assumes that some gathered on the Lord’s Day should not partake of the elements (1 Cor. 11:28).
7. In partaking of The Lord’s Supper, we are affirming our personal faith in Christ. In participating in communion, we acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Savior. The Lord’s Supper is an abandonment of our sin and an embracing of Jesus Christ.
8. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ Himself (Matthew 26:26-28). The Lord’s Supper is one of two ordinances given to the church by Christ (along with baptism).
What I deny about The Lord’s Supper:
The elements of The Lord’s Supper are not mystically changed. The bread does not become the actual body of Jesus and the cup does not become the actual blood of Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is not a new offering of Christ’s sacrifice. It is a remembrance of the one sacrifice for sin, done once for all (Hebrews 9:27-28; 10:12).
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Don't Play The Lottery
Some things to ponder by John Piper:
Why is gambling wrong? (Ask Pastor John audio)
Don't Play the Lottery for me.
Why I'm Opposed to a State Lottery
Picture Jesus Playing the Lottery
Why is gambling wrong? (Ask Pastor John audio)
Don't Play the Lottery for me.
Why I'm Opposed to a State Lottery
Picture Jesus Playing the Lottery
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