The Digital Age is Upon Us

The Digital Age is upon us. In the span of less than three decades, we have redefined the way humans communicate, entertain, inform, research, create, and connect – and what we know now is only a hint of what is to come. But the greatest concern of the church is not a technological imperative, but a Gospel imperative.

By now, just about every church, corporation, business, school or organization has a presence on the Internet. If not, realize that you just do not exist, so far as untold millions of people are concerned.

Make certain that visitors can find you and your organization. If search engines do not know you exist, only those who already know your Internet address can find you. That is not a growth strategy.

[We] should be taking advantage of blogs, social media, and every available platform for communicating our message. We should be exercising stewardship in new opportunities to learn, teach, and study online, recognizing that no generation before us had such rich opportunities.

But our imperative to fulfill Christian leadership in the digital world is not technological. We should not use this technology simply because it is there. Our driving motivation must be a Gospel imperative – to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the full wealth of Christian conviction, and the comprehensive reach of the Christian worldview set before a sinful world. In other words, the Christian imperative in the digital domain comes down to this – sharing the light in a world of darkness. –Al Mohler

As Al Mohler points out above, our presence on the internet is critical. So what can each of us at our respective churches do? Here are some suggestions:

1. Start a Facebook page and Google+ page.

2. Go to your Facebook page and “like” it if you have not already. Then scroll down and click to invite your friends.

3. Add the page on Google+ as a friend and share.

4. Go to your Pastor’s blog (he should have one), “like” it and share it on FB and Google+. 

5. Share the link to your web page with your internet contacts and/or have your webmaster add a Facebook "like" button.

Increasing your “likes” and sharing the pages will bring you higher in the search engines such as Google and therefore you’ll be easier to find for those looking for a church in your area. Moreover, this will allow you to share what’s happening at your church and share the gospel with a larger audience.

Having stated the above I'm going on an extended hiatus to work on my church's website and our Pastor's blog. I don't know when I'll be back if ever. Traffic here has not always been the greatest but I do thank those of you who have stopped by to have a read. I hope it has been helpful and encouraging.

All You Need Is Love?

Such an important discussion...



Thanks to the Gospel Coalition for sharing this video.

Christology Panel Discussion

In case you missed it....

Christology: The Person & Work of Christ from Ligonier Ministries on Vimeo.

Are We Ready?

Peter Leithart

Peter Leithart posts his thoughts on DOMA...

Many churches have already capitulated to the Zeitgeist, and many others will. Some Christians and some churches won’t be up to the challenge. For those who heed Paul’s admonition not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, things are going to get sticky. But we are servants of God. He opens our ears to hear, and he gives us tongues to speak truth. If that means we are insulted and marginalized, if it means we yield our back to the smiters and our face to those who spit on us, so be it.

Every day we are losing our rights not just as Americans but as Christians.  Widespread acceptance of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, freedom of speech and....and....and.... We must ask ourselves, are we ready? The trials, difficulties and persecution is coming and coming on rapidly. Think on it, friends. We capitulate or we are persecuted. Time to decide where you stand. As Leithart notes in his post,

God has his winnowing fork in his hand, and he’s ready to use it. There’s likely to be a lot of chaff, blown away like mist. But there will be a harvest. We’re being sent into an oven, but Jesus will crush the grain of the harvest so that, baked in the fire of the Spirit, it will become bread for the life of the world.

Spritual Disciplines Week 5

    And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.
(Luke 4:16 ESV)

Love That WIll Not Let Me Go

    “At that time, declares the LORD, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, 

and they shall be my people.”
    Thus says the LORD:
    “The people who survived the sword
        found grace in the wilderness;
    when Israel sought for rest,
        the LORD appeared to him from far away.
    I have loved you with an everlasting love;
        therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
    Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
        O virgin Israel!
    Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines
        and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
    Again you shall plant vineyards
        on the mountains of Samaria;
    the planters shall plant
        and shall enjoy the fruit.
    For there shall be a day when watchmen will call
        in the hill country of Ephraim:
    ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion,
        to the LORD our God.’”
(Jeremiah 31:1-6 ESV)

George Matheson Author of "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go"

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

The Church Saw My Discretions

A valuable post form the Gospel Coalition on women and broken people...

Marcy Deck writes

The church saw my discretions, and neither did they ignore them or punish me for them. Instead, they loved me well until I saw the error of my ways. They invited me in. They gave me resources. They spoke truth when I needed to hear it. They were there to help pick up the pieces when I had to deal with the consequences of my actions.

and further

I was also granted the privilege of being pursued to serve other women in the church. I saw in action what Jen Wilkin commended in her recent article "The Complementarian Woman: Permitted or Pursued." She writes, "The challenge for any pastor would be to consider whether he is crafting a church culture that permits women to serve or one that pursues women to serve. Because a culture of permission will not ensure complementarity functions as it should."

What struck me about this article is how the church took her in in her brokenness. Aren't we all broken? Don't we all need the love and affection of our church family? I know I do. The question I ask of myself and of you is are we doing this for others in our churches in their brokenness?

Moreover, she filled the the glaring gaps of ministry. Is your church and my church doing this? Are we creating a culture that goes beyond entry level Bible studies and knitting circles.

Read the entire post here and consider: what is the depth of women's ministries at your church and are people being met where they are - in their brokenness?

This Generation - Mark 13:24-31

    “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, 

from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
    “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
(Mark 13:24-31 ESV)

Marveling at the Majesty of God - Matt Chandler

Simply outstanding...What a blessing...

What is Prayer? - Ephesians 6:16-18a

        In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit...
(Ephesians 6:16-18a ESV)

Westminster Shorter Catechism #98

Q.  What is prayer?
A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

Spiritual Disciplines Week 4

We look at the discipline of worship this week.

    But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
(John 4:23-24 ESV)

On Discipling Women in the Workplace

Such an important issue...

It's imperative to help women "get past that grass-is-greener tendency and recognize God's sovereign hand in their calling at this particular time," Brownback explains. "And what a privilege it is to be called by God to a specific sphere for a season of life. It's an opportunity—wherever you might be."



Thanks to Matt Smethurst and the Gospel Coalition for posting this video.

A Jacket For All Seasons

Hey, check out my daughter's new blog as she tackles a new task in life. She's going to jail.

"I think it’s helpful to share our experiences of helping others.  It’s a chance to brag on God; to boast of what only He can do.  It’s a chance to inspire others, and to receive encouragement for yourself when it gets tough.  So for me, I’ll be sharing about going to jail."

Great Expectations - John 14:12-14

     “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
    (John 14:12-14 ESV)

Pastor Mark Scholten

 We welcomed to our pulpit this week at Redeemer Church Pastor Mark Scholten of Faith Presbyterian Church in Akron. Pastor Scholten graduated from Hope College (Holland, MI) in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He also studied at the Oregon Extension and at L’abri in Switzerland. He received an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, MS) in 1992. Mark is married to Kathy, and they have been blessed with five children.

Lead On, O King Eternal

     Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”
(John 13:36 ESV)

Lead on, O King eternal

 

Lead on, O King eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home:
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong,
And now, O King eternal,
We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin's fierce war shall cease,
And Holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace;
For not with swords loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums,
But deeds of love and mercy,
The heav'nly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears;
For gladness breaks like morning
Where'er thy face appears;
Thy cross is lifted o'er us;
We journey in its light:
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

Er­nest W. Shurt­leff

Spiritual Disciplines Week 3

We delve into chapter two this week of Whitney's Spiritual Disciplines and discuss prayer.

Westminster Shorter Catechism #98

What is prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies.

The Abomination - Mark 13:14-23

    “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
(Mark 13:14-23 ESV)

Beautiful Feet - Romans 10

Great sermon from Pastor Matthew Everhard of Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Matthew Everhard from faithepcbrooksville on GodTube.

Glory & Honor - All Glory, Laud and Honor

We continue our study of hymns...

  

 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
(John 12:12-13 ESV)

    Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
        Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
    Behold, your king is coming to you;
        righteous and having salvation is he,
    humble and mounted on a donkey,
        on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
(Zechariah 9:9 ESV)

All glory, laud, and honor to thee — St. Theodulph

 

All glory, laud, and honor
To thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring!
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David's royal Son,
Who in the Lord's name comest,
The King and blessed One!

The people of the Hebrews
With palms before thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems
Before thee we present:
To thee, before thy passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.

Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King!
All glory, laud, and honor
To thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring! 

 

Signs & Times

    And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
    “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
    (Mark 13:3-13 ESV)

Mount of Olives

Spiritual Disciplines Week 2 - Bible Intake

    Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;
(1 Timothy 4:7 ESV)



    For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD,
and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
(Ezra 7:10 ESV)

    Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
(Acts 17:11 ESV)

Christian Reflection on Suffering and Evil - Don Carson

It is well worth the time to view this video. Enjoy and be blessed.



Thanks to Lanier Theological Library for sharing this video.

Caring for Victims of Sexual Abuse

A must watch. The church needs to understand and be ready to address this issue.



Thanks to the Gospel Coalition for sharing this video.

Why Study Theology?

This is just excellent - from my friend Joe Thorn.

Go to the Psalms

Martyn Lloyd-Jones on the Psalms...

There are times when the soul is weary, when we feel we are incapable of receiving that more direct instruction; we are so tried, and our minds are so tired, and our hearts may be so bruised, that we somehow cannot make the effort to concentrate upon principles and to look at things objectively. It is at such a time, and particularly at such a time, and in order that they may receive truth in this more personal form, that people who feel that life has dealt cruelly with them have gone – battered and beaten by the waves and billows of life – to the Psalms. They have read the experiences of some of these men, and have found that they, too, have been through something very similar. And somehow that fact, in and of itself, helps and strengthens them. They feel that they are not alone, and that what is happening to them is not unusual. They begin to realize the truth of Paul's comforting words to the Corinthians, ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man,’ and that very realization alone enables them to take courage and to be renewed in their faith. The Book of Psalms is of inestimable value in this respect, and we find people turning constantly to it. (Lloyd-Jones, Martyn (2011-03-01). Faith on Trial (Kindle Locations 86-94). Christian Focus Publications. Kindle Edition.)

Resolve in your heart...

Wise words from Samuel Ward...

My closing request is that you should determine and resolve in your heart not to let one day pass (God helping you by His Spirit), in which you may set aside at least a quarter of an hour one or two times a day to withdraw from all company to seek the strengthening of your faith. That is, that you may, by prayer, reading, and meditation put strength and life into your faith, til you have cheered, revived, and warmed your soul. If you shall observe this faithfully, the strength, feeling, comfort, and fruits of your faith will little by little thrive and grow until you arrive at maturity in Christ. (Taken from Faith, by Samuel Ward, Banner of Truth Trust, page 61.)


O that we may follow Ward's admonition here to live healthy spiritual lives. May we seek God in prayer to this end today.

Blest Be - 1 John 2:10-11

    Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
    (1 John 2:10-11 ESV)

John Fawcett, Author of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds

      Blest Be the Tie That Binds

1. Blest be the tie that binds
   Our hearts in Christian love;
   The fellowship of kindred minds
   Is like to that above.
2. Before our Father’s throne,
   We pour our ardent prayers;
   Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
   Our comforts, and our cares.
3. We share our mutual woes,
   Our mutual burdens bear;
   And often for each other flows
   The sympathizing tear.
4. When we asunder part,
   It gives us inward pain;
   But we shall still be joined in heart,
   And hope to meet again.

Wonderful Stones - Mark 13:1-2

    And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
(Mark 13:1-2 ESV)

Spiritual Disciplines Week 1

Come along as we study Don Whitney's book, Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life, led by RE Mark Van Drunen.

If you'd like to follow along with the book, it may be purchased here, or for your Kindle here.

The Biblical Basis for Missions

Wow! Good stuff from D.A. Carson and the Gospel Coalition....

The Heart of God in the Call to Proclaim

Just too good not to share...

God Owns Our Battles - 2 Chronicles 20:15

 A Prayer about God’s Ownership of Our Battles

The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s. 1 Sam. 17:47
 
This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chron. 20:15
 
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 Jn. 4:4
 
     Dear heavenly Father, I love it when you’re selfish with things I don’t really want anyway—especially when you claim ownership of our battles. Though you give us armor to wear (Eph. 6:10–18), it’s you we must trust in as the Divine Warrior. We’re never more than David facing Goliath; but with you, we’ll not be afraid. Whether it’s a mere skirmish or an all-out assault, the battle belongs to you. Fear and discouragement are not the order of the day; faith and peace are.
     When we’re afraid of events in world history—when it seems like evil and terror will triumph, let us hear the laughter of heaven. Let us see your installed King, the Lord Jesus—the ruler of the kings of the earth. Give us a fresh sighting of the occupied throne of heaven (Rev. 4), and it will shut up our fears (Ps. 2).
     When we’re under attack by the seducer, accuser, and condemner of the brethren, once again let us see Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30–31). Our boast is in Jesus, not in anything in us.
     When we get pulled into petty fights with our brothers and sisters in Christ, slay us with the gospel and bring us back to faith expressing itself in love.
     When marriage becomes a momentary battleground of two stubborn people—vying for control, ”rightness,” or self-glory, convict us by the Spirit, humble us with grace and return us to servant love.
     When we’re in the presence of evil and very broken people, keep us sane and centered by the gospel. Give us wisdom and freedom to love well in the dark places.
     When our divided hearts wage war inside of us, come to us in the storm, Lord Jesus, and make peace. It’s your grip of us, not our weak grasp of you, that will win this day and every day. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name. - Scotty Smith

Scotty Smith shared this a few days ago. What a relief to know our gracious Father is not only concerned about our battles but is indeed in control of them.  Let us rest easy knowing He guides and directs all the events that come our way.

The Word Became Manifest - 1 John 1:1-4

    That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
    (1 John 1:1-4 ESV)

RE Mark Van Drunen

Which city will you chose?

How we need to learn the lesson of suffering...

"Is there a lesson here for how we should suffer? Have you ever noticed that we are not only to imitate the Lord's suffering, but the Lord's joy in it? Paul said to the Thessalonians, "You became imitators...of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). It was the joy of the Lord in affliction that filled this young church.

"This is a call to us now in our day. Will we embrace suffering for the cause of Christ? Not joylessness, but suffering. Will we heed the call of Hebrews 13:13, "Let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured"? The answer is going to hang on whether the city of God is more desirable to us than the city of man. Will we answer, "Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come" (Hebrews 13:14)?

...For those who have tasted the joy of Jesus, surely nothing is more compelling than the all-surpassing hope of hearing his final word, "Well done good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21). The city of God is a city of joy. And that joy is the indestructible joy of Christ. Taken from Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper, pgs. 38-39.

Which city will you chose, the city of man or the city of God?

Walking on Water - Matthew 14:22-33

    Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
    And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
    (Matthew 14:22-33 ESV)

This past Lord's day morning we welcomed Rev. Jason Strong to our pulpit. 

We were blessed by the word he brought to us.

Rev. Jason Strong

J.I. Packer on Weakness

I think I need this book by Packer.

J. I. Packer helps Christians to embrace weakness as he shares about his own struggles in this book of meditations on 2 Corinthians. Ultimately, Packer directs us to the ultimate source of strength and power: Christ himself.

Tim Keller on Work

Thought this was good. Get the book!

One Request - Psalm 27:4