On False Conversions....

Common experience declares how momentary and how useless are those violent fits and gusts of endeavours which proceed from fear and uncertainty, both in things spiritual and things temporal, or civil. Whilst men are under the power of actual impressions from such fears, they will convert to God, yea, they will turn in a moment, and perfect their holiness in an instant; but so soon as that impression wears off (as it will do on every occasion, and upon none at all) such persons are as dead and cold towards God as the lead or iron, which but now ran in a fiery stream, is now when the heat is departed from it. - John Owen

A Woman Deacon? Don't Forget to Vote

I see many of you have stopped by and read the post on women in the Diaconate but only a few have voted. Hey, take a minute to vote. I want to hear from you. Let me know what you think!

On Preaching...

...We would do well to bear in mind James Packer's point that preaching is not simply communication; it is far more than that, in that it actually brings Christ, God himself, to the congregation. The sermon may be made up of words, but what takes place is far more than mere transmission of information; the Holy Spirit uses those words to point to Christ. It is only as Word and Spirit work together that people are confronted with the claims of Christ in a way that truly challenges and changes them. Quoted from Reformation: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow by Carl Trueman.

What's on Tap?

Or more precisely, what have I been imbibing lately? I've found a new favorite (until I find another new favorite) in Tetley's English Ale. Brewed in the north of England it pours smooth and creamy and has a crisp, fresh taste. Also, I've found a local purveyor of fine beers that carries an old favorite -Tennent's. I first had this at the Ohio Scottish Games 10 years ago (sadly, they no longer have Scottish beers at the Games). Its more hoppy than what I usually go for but refreshing nonetheless. As for duds, I purchased a six-pack of Railbender Ale. Brewed by the Erie Brewing Company in Erie, Pa. I found it quite unremarkable. It reminded me of a Brooklyn Lager which I wouldn't spend my hard earned pesos on, either. Of course, both are a step above a Bud Light but with so many fine brews out there I won't spend the cash on either again.



What's on Tap at Great Lakes Brewing? Take a look:

Barrel Select Pils Crisp golden pilsner loaded with noble hop flavors.

Burning River Pale Ale An assertively hopped American Pale Ale with citrusy and piney Cascade hops.

Commodore Perry IPA A medium-bodied and well hopped India Pale Ale with a dry, fruity aftertaste.

Dortmunder Gold Lager A smooth lager that strikes a delicate balance between sweet malt and dry hop flavors.

Edmund Fitzgerald Porter A complex, roasty porter with a bittersweet, chocolate-coffee taste and bold hop presence.

Eliot Ness Amber Lager An amber lager with rich, fragrant malt flavors balanced by crisp, noble hops.

Grand Cru A full-bodied Belgian Ale spiced with coriander and orange peel for a subtle citrus flavor and complex finish.

Holy Moses White Ale A Belgian Wit Ale spiced with orange peel, chamomile and coriander.

Moondog ESB Extra Special Bitter ale with a flowery hop bouquet and crisp finish.

Rye of the Tiger India Pale Ale brewed with rye malt and loaded with hops.

Westminster Wednesday #86

Its that time of the week again....

Q: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Q. 1. How is faith a saving grace? A. Faith is a saving grace, not by the act of believing, as ah act, for then it would save as a work— whereas we are saved by faith in opposition to all works; but faith is a saving grace, as an instrument apprehending and applying Jesus Christ and his perfect righteousness, whereby alone we are saved. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."— John 3:16. "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,"— Acts 16:31. "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Christ unto all and upon all them that believe."— Rom. 3:22.
Q. 2. Who is the author of faith in Jesus Christ? A. The author of faith in Jesus Christ is God, whose gift it is, and who works this grace of faith in the soul by his Spirit. "Ye are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."— Eph. 2:8. "Ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God." — Col. 2:12.
Q. 3. How doth God work this grace of faith in the souls of men? A. God doth work this grace of faith in the souls of men ordinarily by hearing of the word preached. "So, then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God "— Rom. 10:17. "So we preach, and so ye believed."— 1 Cor. 15:11.
Q. 4. What is the object of this grace of faith? A. The object of this grace of faith is the Lord Jesus Christ, and his righteousness, and the promises which are made through him in the covenant of grace. "He that believeth on him is not condemned."— John 3:18. "For therein is the righteousness ot God revealed from faith to faith : as it is written, The just shall live by faith "— Rom. 1:17. "The Scripture hath concluded ail under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe."— Gal. 3:22.
Q. 5. What is the subject of faith in Jesus Christ? A. 1. The subject of denomination, or the persons in whom alone this grace of faith is to be found, are the elect ouly. "According to the faith of God's elect."— Titus1:1. "And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."— Acts 13:48. 2. The subject of inhesion, or the parts of the soul in which faith is placed and doth inhere, is not only the mind and understanding, but also the will and heart. "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them."— Heb. 11:13. The persuasion of the truth of the promises is the act of the understanding; the embracement of the things promised is the act of the will. "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness."— Rom. 10:10.
Q. 6. What are the acts of faith in Jesus Christ? A. The acts of faith in Jesus Christ are— 1. A receiving of Jesus Christ. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."— John 1:12. 2. A resting upon Christ alone for salvation. This is implied in all those Scuptures which speak of believing in Christ, and believing on his name.
Q. 7. How is Jesus Christ to be received by faith? A. Jesus Christ is to be received by faith as he is offered to us in the gospel.
Q. 8. How is Jesus Christ offered to us in the gospel? A. Jesus Christ is offered to us in the gospel, as priest, prophet, and king; and so we must receive him, if we would be saved by him. Q. 9. When doth the soul rest upon him for salvation? A. The soul doth rest upon Christ for salvation when, being convinced of its lost condition by reason of sin, and its own inability, together with all creatures' insufficiency, to recover it out of this estate, and having a discovery and persuasion of Christ's ability' and willingness to save, it doth let go all hold on the creatures, and renounce its own righteousness, and so lay hold on Christ, rely upon him, and put confidence in him, and in him alone, for salvation. - Thomas Vincent

And don't forget to check in tomorrow at Not Just Sunday for Heidelberg Thursday!

St Columba Prayer

Let me bless almighty God,

whose power extends over sea and land,

whose angels watch over all.

Let me study sacred books to calm my soul:

I pray for peace,

kneeling at heaven's gates.

Let me do my daily work,

gathering seaweed,

catching fish,

giving food to the poor.

Let me say my daily prayers,

sometimes chanting,

sometimes quiet,

always thanking God.

Delightful it is to live on a peaceful isle,

in a quiet cell,

serving the King of kings.

Take the Poll on Women Serving in the Diaconate

The PCA has decided not to even form a study committee on the issue of women serving in a diaconal capacity. HHmmm....what do you think? I was in the the PCA prior to 2000 ministering as a deacon in my church and the issue was brewing even back then. So, vote on the sidebar & let me know what you think by leaving a comment telling me why you voted the way you did. Read about the PCA decision here and an interesting study is here.

D.A. Carson's "How Long, O Lord?"

I've just finished reading D.A. Carson's "How Long, O Lord?." This is truly a wonderful book full of choice bits to assist our understanding of suffering in the Christian life. From the outset Carson tells us that it is not "an academic discussion of philosophical problems" (pg. 11) nor is it a "comprehensive guide to the problem of suffering" (pg. 12) rather, it is a book of "preventative medicine" designed to get the Christian thinking about suffering and evil so that a theology of suffering can be developed within the the mind of the believer. We must face the fact that if we live long enough, at some point, we will encounter pain; we need to be prepared. The work covers many aspects of suffering. Let me share a few of my favorite quotes:

In fact we believe that sin properly deserves the wrath of God, then when we experience the sufferings of this world, all of them the consequences of human rebellion, we will be less quick to blame God and a lot quicker to recognize that we have no fundamental right to expect a life of unbroken ease and comfort. From the biblical perspective, it is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed (pg. 44).

But we must enlarge our grasp of what it means to live in a fallen world, so that when such things occur we are not devastated because we have cherished false expectations. The Bible does not tell us that life in this world will be fair. Evil and sin are not Victorian gentlemen; they do not play fair. We ourselves are part of this evil world order, and it is only because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed (pg. 57).

Yet it does help to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if you cannot see it; to know that God is in control and is committed to his people's good, even though it still does not look like that to you. The suffering is no less real, but perhaps is less debilitating when the larger perspective is kept in mind (pg. 66).

...when suffering is mingled with the faith of [Romans 5:1-2], and with delight in being reconciled to God, it then produces perseverance. The staying power of our faith is neither demonstrated nor developed until it is tested by suffering (pg. 71).

It is only in the context of suffering that Christians can learn what it means to be "more than conquerors." This phrase does not come in a context suggestive of a "higher Christian life," a superior brand of Christianity that triumphantly lives above nasty little things like doubt or discouragement or defeat or depression. Rather, it comes in context where Christians are attacked. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Paul asks with rhetorical flourish (pg. 78).

I hope these few quotes give you an interest and a flavor for the work. There is so much more I could share about this work but I'll leave it to the you to seek out the answers for suffering in your own life. I highly recommend this book and would recommend it now, so that you may have time to develop your own theology of suffering.

St. Augustine

"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."- St. Augustine

Westminster Wednesday #85

Let's move right along...

#85

Ques. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?Ans. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

Q. 1. How many things doth God require of us to escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin? A. God requireth three things of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin— 1. Faith in Jesus Christ. 2. Repentance unto life. 3. The diligent use of all the outward means wherehy Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.
Q. 2. Why doth God require of us faith in Jesus Christ, that we may escape his wrath and curse? A. God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ to escape his wrath and curse, because by faith in Jesus Christ we have an interest in Jesus Christ and his imputed righteousness, and the promise he hath made of remission and salvation unto us. "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."— Phil. 3:9. "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."— Acts 10:43. "By grace we are saved, through faith."— Eph. 2:8.
Q. 3. Why doth God require of us repentance unto life, that we may escape his wrath and curse? A. God requireth of us repentance unto life, that we may escape his wrath and curse, because the promise of forgiveness of sin is made to repentance, as a concomitant of faith; and it is not for God's honour to pardon and save any that go on still in their trespasses. "Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."— Acts 3:19. "Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."— Acts. 20:21.
Q. 4. Why doth God require of us the diligent use of all outward means, that we may escape his wrath and curse? A. God doth require of us the diligent use of all outward means to escape his wrath and curse, because although God could save without means, yet it is his wilt to appoint means, which, having his institution, we cannot expect the benefits of redemption and salvation should be communicated to us any other way. "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."— 1 Cor. 1:21. "Pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."— Acts 8:22. - Thomas Vincent

Heidelberg Catechism Posts

Although I align myself with the Westminster Confession and Catechisms the Heidelberg Catechism is nevertheless a fine catechism and worthy of much study. My good friend Scrape at Not Just Sunday has started a weekly study of the HC here. Well worth the time to look in and have a read each week. Also, Iain Campbell has a fine post on the the HC as well here. Take a look!

There's a New Renegade In Town - My New Granddaughter

There's a new Renegade to contend with - my new grandaughter! She was born Friday night at 11:25 pm at a whopping 8 pounds, 4 ounces and 19 wonderful inches long. I'm already praying God will draw her to Him & that she will happily serve Him. Praise God!

Books for the Guys

Al Mohler chimes in with his suggestions on books that men and boys would enjoy here. I totally agree when he states that, “One reason for low interest in reading among males is the fact that much of the reading they are required to do in school is so uninteresting or demoralizing for boys. I believe that reading is appetitive. Readers develop a more ravenous appetite for books when they discover that they want to read and actually enjoy it. Here are some recent books that men and older teenagers are likely to enjoy.“ One title really caught my eye, Six Frigates, The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy. That will have to go on my Amazon wishlist. Here is the link for Mohler's list.

Westminster Wednesday #84

We continue.....

#84 What doth every sin deserve?

Ans. Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come.

Q. 1. What is. meant by God's wrath and curse, which every sin doth deserve? A. By God's wrath and curse, which every sin doth deserve, are meant all those punishments which God in his wrath hath threatened to inflict upon sinners for their sins.
Q. 2. What are those punishments which God in his wrath hath threatened to inflict upon sinners for their sins? A. The punishments which God in his wrath hath threatened to inflict upon sinners for their sins, are either in this life, such as all temporal and spiritual judgments here; or in the life which is to come, such as the punishment of hell; of both which we have seen before in the explication of the nineteenth answer.
Q. 3. Doth every sin deserve God's wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come? A. Every sin doth deserve God's wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come, because every sin is committed against an infinitely holy and righteous God, and his justice doth require infinite satisfaction; aiid if some sinners do escape some temporal punishments, they cannot escape the eternal punishment of hell, which is the only satisfying punishment, unless they have an interest in the satisfaction made by Christ. "Cursed is every one that continueth not ill all things which are written in the book of the law to do them "— Gal. 3:10. "Then shall he say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."— Matt. 25:41. - Matthew Henry

Drowning in a Sea of Barth Goo - Carl Trueman on Karl Barth

One of my hero's, Carl Trueman (I'm sure he wouldn't like me to call him that), has just disappointed me. It has sadly come to my attention that he has written the forward to Engaging With Barth (how have I missed this up til now?). I am saddened. Derek Thomas takes him to task here for his promotion of KB and Trueman's responses are here and here. His response is much of what I've heard and read before, i.e., Barth makes us think and challenges us and although we disagree with him blah, blah, blah. So, I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what is so compelling about Barth that it should make me want to study (or at least read) him. Someone please tell me I don't have to buy this book and spend valuable reading time on it.

Although I've written this somewhat tongue-in-cheek I am still serious when I ask what's the big deal? Many others down through history have made us think and have had some keen theological insights but they don't get nearly as much press as Barth does.

Westminster Wednesday #83

Q. 83. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

1. Is every sin done in God's sight? Yes: I did this evil in thy sight, Ps. 51:4. Is it heinous in God's sight? Yes: for he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, Hab. 1:13. But is every sin alike heinous? No: He that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin, John 19:11. Are some sins in themselves more heinous than others? Yes: If a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? 1 Sam. 2:25. Are presumptuous sins more heinous than others? Yes: the soul that doeth aught presumptuously, that soul reproacheth the Lord, Num. 15:30. Was ever any sin so heinous as not to be forgiven? Yes: the Pharisees' blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was so, Matt. 12:32.
2. Are sins against knowledge aggravated sins? Yes: that servant that knew his Lord's will, and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes, Luke 12:47. And sins against mercies? Yes: Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people, and unwise, Deut. 32:6. Especially against spiritual mercies? Yes: As Solomon, who turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11:9. Are sins against reproof aggravated sins? Yes: he that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, and shall suddenly be destroyed, Prov. 21:1. And sins against our vows and covenants? Yes: Thou saidst, I will not transgress, Jer. 2:20.
3. Are the sins of great professors aggravated sins? Yes: for the name of God is blasphemed through them, Rom. 2:24. And the sins of ministers? Yes: Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Rom. 2:21. May the place be an aggravation of the sin? Yes: They provoked him at the sea, even the Red Sea, Ps. 106:7. And the time? Yes: They turned aside quickly, Exod. 32:8.
4. Is it an aggravation of sin, if it be done with contrivance? Yes: Woe to them that devise iniquity, Micah 2:1. And if it be done with delight? Yes: They rejoice to do evil, Prov. 2:14. And without blushing? Yes: They declare their sin as Sodom, Isa. 3:9. And if it be boasted of? Yes: Whose glory is in their shame, Phil. 3:19. And if it be often repeated? Yes: They have tempted me now these ten times, Num. 14:22. Should we take notice of these aggravations in our confessions? Yes: Aaron shall confess the iniquity of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, Lev. 16:21. - Matthew Henry

Reflections on High Gas Prices and Habakkuk

So what should our response be to the endless barrage from the news media on increasing gasoline and food prices and the war in Iraq and...and...and...and...Habakkuk has some very good insight, note chapter 3 and verses 17-18: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. We should spend some time preparing ourselves as things may get much worse both here in the U.S. and elsewhere before they get better. Many of us would benefit studying Habakkuk and meditating on these verses.

Christ and Context

I've been reading Above All Earthly Powers by David Wells (an intriguing read, by the way). In the introduction under the sub-heading Christ and Context he observes, "Those most self-consciously biblical in their views have often eschewed this work, and their suspicions about it are not entirely unjustified. There is a long trail of contextualized theologies, written over the last half century, in which the external dimension virtually replaces the internal, cultural interests eclipse biblical norms, and the result has been the kind of compromise, trendiness, and manipulation which ends up promoting worldly agendas, be they political, social, ideological, or personal, in place of biblical truth. This has been a sorry tale. And somewhere in the making of each of its works the fatal step was taken to allow the culture to say what God's story should sound like rather than insisting that theology is not theology if it is not listening to God telling his own story in his own way." (pgs. 6-7, emphasis mine.) Thoughts anyone?

Scripture Memory Music

The Blazing Center blog has posted another free Scripture song this week. This is excellent stuff - Scripture set to modern music. The songs are long enough to start putting the Scripture to memory and the tunes are catchy so you want to listen over and over. I'm excited and blessed to have come across this. Check out all the free posted songs here and their website of CD's is here.

I Corinthians 15

You just gotta check out this brilliant post at the Buzzard blog here. A point well made on the 57-to-1 Ratio. We spend far too much time being self absorbed rather than being Christ centered.

The Lord's Care of His People

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7) what a perfect rest do we get when on coming to the Lord Jesus we take His yoke upon us, the yoke which He Himself ever wore, and which He now lovingly imposes upon all His people. O, it is an easy yoke and a light burden. Love joyfully accepts what infinite love imposes. We then are satisfied in knowing that every interest of ours is unspeakably precious to Him: that every hair is counted: every tear is put into His bottle, and that every sigh is noted. Nothing can harm those whom He keeps as the apple of His eye. Our one and only danger is that we begin to plan for ourselves and thus virtually take ourselves out of His hands. He will bring us at whatever cost of suffering to us, to commit ourselves absolutely to His loving and perfectly trusted hands. - A.W. Pink

Good Luck To Ya

“Well, I wish you the best of luck with that surgery.”

“Joe, we’re Reformed remember? Luck has nothing to do with it. Everything is in God’s Providence.”

“Well, I was just speaking in the vernacular. You know what I mean.”

Yes, I do know what he means. The above was a conversation that preceeded nasal surgery I had last Friday. I had not talked to Joe in years and in God’s Providence, talked to him about a week before my surgery and the above is part of that conversation.

You can probably see where I’m going with this. Joe has been a Christian for at least the last 25-30 years and has been through some difficult providences himself which would lead me to believe that he should now have a grasp on the doctrine of Providence which would, in my opinion, cause him to speak correctly. Nevertheless, he wished me “good luck.” If my surgery depended on luck I never would have left my bed last Friday morn.

To some this is a trivial matter. Everyone talks that way, “you know what I mean” Joe said. But as Reformed Christians I think its time to start talking like who we say we are. “Luck” should not be in our vocabulary. God is in control, not some wishy-washy, hopeful expectation of events, that I hope go my way. Let’s recall q&a #7 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: What are the Decrees of God? The Decrees of God are His eternal purpose, According to the counsel of His will, whereby, for His own Glory, He hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass. (Q&A #11 of Keach’s Catechism is virtually the same.) And, how about a verse like Eph.1:11 which reminds us that all has been foreordained: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.

So why do we persist in using incorrect language as we go about our daily lives? Unbelief is one reason that comes to mind. We don’t really believe what we say we do. Laziness would be another. Lazy to the things of God. Embarassment is likely another reason. We don’t want to talk differently from others and bring attention to the fact that we are different from those around us. I think its time we take account of our speech and listen to ourselves. Its time to be faithful in the little things for how else can we be faithful in the bigger things?

Westminster Wednesday #82

Q. 82. Is any man able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God?A. No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them in thought, word, or deed.
1. Are any in this world perfectly free from sin? No: for there is no man that sinneth not, 2 Chron. 6:36. Was Christ, who was not a mere man, perfect? Yes: he knew no sin, 2 Cor. 5:21. Was Adam before the fall perfect? Yes: for God made man upright, Eccl. 7:29. Are the saints in the other life perfect? Yes: the glorious church is without spot or wrinkle, Eph. 5:27. But is any mere man since the fall in this life perfect? No for there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not, Eccl. 7:20.
2. Are self-justifiers self-deceivers? Yes: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 1 John 1:8. And do they put a great affront upon God? Yes: for if we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, 1 John 1:10.
3. Are not we able to keep God's commandments better than we do? Yes: If I have done iniquity, I will do no more, Job 34:32. But are we able perfectly to keep them? No: For when I would do good, evil is present with me, Rom. 7:21. Though Noah was said to be perfect, yet did not he sin? Yes: for he drank of the wine, and was drunk, Gen. 9:21. And Job? Yes: for he cursed his day, Job 3:1. And Hezekiah? Yes: for his heart was lifted up, 2 Chron. 32:25. Was St Paul himself perfect? No: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, Phil. 3:12.
4. Do we sin daily? Yes: in many things we offend all, Jam. 3:2. Do we daily sin in thought? Yes: for, The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, Gen. 8:21. Are we guilty of many tongue sins? Yes: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, Prov. 10:19. Are the best guilty of many defects? Yes: for when the spirit is willing the flesh is weak, Matt. 26:41. And of many inadvertencies? Yes: They are overtaken in a fault, Gal. 6:1. Can we tell how often we offend? No: who can understand his errors? Ps. 19:13. Should we not therefore have recourse to Christ daily by faith and repentance? Yes: If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, 1 John 2:1. -Matthew Henry

Seven Tips on Book Reading

1. Read books that are devotional as well as intellectually stimulating. Don’t focus on one or the other or limit yourself to one or the other.

2. Read books that are challenging. It’s OK if you don’t understand every fifty cent theological term like presuppositionalism or infralapsarianism. You can start learning now.

3. Read dead guys. Like Mark Driscoll has said, “Read dead people. Living people could still blow it in the end, right? Dead people, they finished well. Ya gotta pretty good idea that they made it through…Read about dead people that loved Jesus…"

4. Read biographies. There is often nothing more inspiring than reading about someone like ourselves who God has used to do His Kingdom work.

5. Read everything by your favorite theologian/author. I think it was Iain Murray who once gave this advice. Find a theologian and make him your life’s work. Read everything written by him.

6. Read and write in your books. Jot notes in the margins, highlight the important bits, write notes in your journal – keep track of what you’re learning and where God is leading.

7. Read books that you don’t want to read. Let’s face it, there are areas of service and parts of our lives we don’t want to confront and yet those are often the places where God is just waiting to reveal Himself and to bless us. Don’t overlook these books.

Red Letter Christians from Red Letter Bibles

Some interesting thoughts on both red letter bibles and red letter Christians can be found here and here. Personally, I have to agree with Carson that these are foolishly printed bibles, well intentioned perhaps, but very foolish. There is no scriptural warrant to elevate or separate any part of scripture for any use. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Thoughts anyone?

It Costs Nothing and is Worth Nothing

There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough - a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice - which costs nothing and is worth nothing. - J.C. Ryle

Westminster Wednesday 79-81

We come upon the tenth commandment this week. Let's begin...

Q. 79. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, [Thou shalt not covet thy neighhour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighhour’s.]

Q. 80. What is required in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, and a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his.

Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth alt discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.

Q. 1. What is the principal scope and aim of the tenth commandment?
A. It is to prevent all occasions of transgressing the other precepts of the second table, by restraining this sin of covetousness in the heart; Psalm 119:35-36. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments, for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Q. 2. What doth this tenth command require of us in reference to ourselves?
A. It requires of us perfect contentment and satisfaction with that estate and condition wherein God hath placed us in the world.; Hebrews 13:5. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have, &c. Reckoning it to be good for us to be in that state we are, though never so low or afflicted; Psalm 119:67. Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now have I kept thy word. And verse 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.

Q. 3. Is contentment with God’s appointments attainable in this life?
A. Some Christians have attained to a very great measure, and eminent degree of contentment in the midst of changeable and afflictive providences; Philippians 4:11. I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Psalm 16:5-6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage.

Q. 4. Is there no danger of the sin of discontentment in a full and prosperous condition?
A. Fulness of the world secures no man from the sin of discontentment with his own, or covering that which is another’s; because the desires enlarge as the estate doth; Psalm 62:10. If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. An instance whereof we have in Ahab, 1 Kings 21: 4. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased, because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers; and he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

Q. .5. Whence doth discontent with our condition spring?
A. It springs partly from our ignorance of God’s wisdom and love in ordering all for our good; Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, &c. Partly from our inconsiderateness of the vanity of the creatures; 1 Timothy 6:7-8. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. And partly from our unbelief; Matthew 6:31-32. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Q. 6. Is contentment with our own estate all that this commandment requires?
A. No; it requires a charitable frame of spirit towards our neighhours also; Romans 12:10, 15. Be kindly affectionate one to another, with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Q. 7. What is the first sin forbidden in this commandment?
A. It directly and especially forbids all sinful and inordinate desires and motions after other men’s enjoyments; Colossians 3:5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Q. 8. What is the second sin forbidden in this commandment?
A. It forbids all cruelty and incompassionateness to others in necessity, and keeping back from them that relief which is made theirs by God’s command; Proverbs 11:24. There is that with-holdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Leviticus 19:9-10. And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard: thou shalt leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the Lord your God.

Q. 9. What is the third sin forbidden in this commandment?
A. It forbids the detaining of the hirelings wages, when it is due; Habakkuk 2:9-11. Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil. Thou hast consulted shame to thy house, by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.

Q. 10. What is the fourth sin forbidden in this commandment?
A. It forbids all inward grudgings at, and envyings of the enjoyments of others, whether they be inward goods of the mind, or outward, belonging to the body; 1 Corinthians 13:14. Charity envieth not &c.

Q. 11. What is the mischief of covetousness?
A. It distracts thy heart in duties; Ezekiel 33:31. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouths they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. Provokes the wrath of God; Isaiah 57:17. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him, &c. And where it reigns it becomes idolatry; Colossians 3:5. And covetousness, which is idolatry.

Q. 12. What is the first inference from hence?
A. It calls all men to humiliation for the inordinacy of their affections towards the world, their discontent with their own and envyings of others conditions.

Q. 13. What is the second inference from hence?
A. As ever we would keep clear from this sin, let us make God our portion; Psalm 16:5, 6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot. And labour to get the soul-satisfying comforts of his Spirit; John 4:14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst, &c. 2 Corinthians 6:10. As having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Q. 14. What is the last inference from hence?
A. If God has given us a sufficiency of the things of this life for our necessity, let us be satisfied, though we want other things for our delight; 1 Timothy 6:8. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. And relieve ourselves by an expectation of those better things laid up in heaven for us, if we be believers; James 2:5. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, arid heirs of the kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him. - John Flavel

So Now What?

So after spending several enjoyable, as well as soul challenging,
hours listening through all the T4G sermons, panel discussions and the Band of Bloggers panel discussion, what's next? The challenge from Piper for radical sacrifice really hit home. Some soul searching is due there.

The verses from Piper are still ringing in my ears:

32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Heb. 10:32&34. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Heb. 11:24-27. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Heb. 13:12-14.

Number two would be to re-read Packer's Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and read for the first time Dever's The Gospel and Personal Evangelism (which I just received as a gift - thanks Darren!). Both recommended this year at T4G and both in my library - I have no excuse.

Number three will be more open to God's leading in these areas. Think through the issues and ramifications. Keep forging ahead.

May I recommend and encourage everyone to listen to these sermons and especially Piper's. Hey, and leave a comment,too.

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Westminster Wednesday 76-78

Our study continues....

Q. 76. Which is the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment is, [Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.]

Q. 77. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour’s good name, especially in witness-bearing.

Q. 78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour’s good name.


Q. 1. What is the general scope and aim of the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth command aims chiefly at the preservation and promoting of truth amongst men; Zechariah 8:16. Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour, &c. This being of indispensible necessity to the subsistence and welfare of human society; Ephesians 4:25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour, for we are mcrnbers one of another.

Q. 2. What is the first thing required particularly in this command?
A. This command requires every man to take care of preserving his own good name, by ordering his conversation in universal integrity; 1 Peter 3:15-16. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every one that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience; that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Q. 3. What is the second thing required in this command?
A. It requires all due care to preserve the good name and honour of other men as well as our own; for Christians are not to be of narrow and private spirits, which centre only in their own interests and concernment; Philippians 2: 4. Look not every man on his own things; but every man also on the things of others.

Q. 4. How are we to preserve the good names of others?
A. We are to preserve the good names of others by an inward esteem of all the good that is in them; Philippians 2:3. In lowness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. And manifesting our inward esteem of them by a wise and seasonable expression thereof for their encouragement in the ways of godliness; Romans 1:8. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Q. 5. How else are we to defend other men’s names?
A. By our readiness to receive with joy the reports of that good that is in them; 3 John 3. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. And discountenancing all reproaches maliciously vented against them; Psalm 15:3. Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Q. 6. But what if the report be evidently true?
A. In that case we are to grieve for their miscarriages, as the effect and fruit of our love to their souls; 2 Corinthians 2:4. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote unto you with many tears, not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. And to discharge our duties privately and faithfully, in order to their recovery; Matthew 18:15-17. Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone, &c. Winking at, and concealing in love, their lesser and common infirmities; 1 Peter 4:8. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: For charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Q. 7. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. It forbids us to injure others, by raising or receiving lies, and false reports which are highly injurious to their good names; Colossians 3:9. Lie not one to another, &c.

Q. 8. What else is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. It especially forbids perjury, or false swearing, whereby not only the names, but estates and lives of the innocent are injured and ruined; Psalm 35:11. False witnesses did rise up. They laid to my charge things that I knew not; Proverbs 19:5. A false witness shall not be unpunished: And he that speaketh lies shall not escape. A sin which God will punish; Malachi 3:5. And I will come near to you to judgment, and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, &c.

Q. 9. What else is forbidden in this commandment?
A. It forbids all whispering and backbiting of others secretly; 2 Corinthians 12:20. Lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, &c. And all tale-carrying from one to another, to our neighbour’s injury; Leviticus 19:16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among the people, &c. And 1 Timothy 5:13. And not only idle, but tattlers also, and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Q. 10. What else doth the ninth commandment forbid?
A. It forbids all rash and unwarrantable judging of other men’s hearts and final estates which is usually accompanied with ignorance of our own; Matthew 7:1, 3. Judge not, that ye be not judged. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Q. 11. What else is forbidden in this commandment?
A. It forbids the eclipsing of the true worth and honour of others, by a proud exalting of ourselves; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5. Charity envieth not, charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, &c. Or by crying up one to the disparagement of another good man; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. For while one saith, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal? &c.

Q. 12. What is the first inference from hence?
A. That the best Christians have cause to be humbled for the sins of the tongue whereby God is dishonoured, and others are injured; James 3:2. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. And verse 5, 6. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things: behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth. And the tongue is afire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue amongst our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Q. 13. What is the second inference from hence?
A. It is our great concernment to walk with that piety and justice towards God and men, as to cut off all just occasions of reproach from our names; 2 Corinthians 11:12. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasions, &c. 1 Timothy 5:14. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Q. 14. What is the third inference from this commandment?
A. To bless God that our names are kept sweet and honourable in the world among good men; 3 John 12. Demetrius hath a good report of all men, &c. Or if we be reproached, it is by none but wicked men, and that for our duty to God; Daniel 6:5. Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. - John Flavel

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