Pastor on the Prairie

The Preacher Must Be A Serious Man...

2009-09-26T18:22:00.004-05:00

From D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ Preaching & Preachers, pp. 85-86:

The preacher must be a serious man; he must never give the impression that preaching is something light or superficial or trivial….What is happing [in the act of preaching] is that he is speaking to them from God, he is speaking to them about God, he is speaking about their condition, the state of their souls. He is telling them that they are, by nature, under the wrath of God–”the children of wrath even as others”–that the character of the life they’re living is offensive to God and under the judgment of God, and warning them of the dread eternal possibility that lies ahead of them. In any case the preacher, of all men, should realize the fleeting nature of life in this world. The men of the world are so immersed in its business and affairs, its pleasures and all is vain show, that the one thing they never stop to consider is the fleeting nature of life. All this means that the preacher should create and convey the impression of the seriousness of what is happening the moment he even appears in the pulpit. You remember the famous lines of Richard Baxter: “I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.”…You remember what was said of the saintly Robert Murray McCheyne of Scotland in the last century. It is said that when he appeared in the pulpit, even before he had uttered a single word, people would begin to weep silently. Why? Because of this very element of seriousness. The very sight of the man gave the impression that he had come from the presence of God and that he was to deliver a message from God to them. That is what had such an effect upon the people even before he had opened his mouth. We forget this at our peril, and at great cost to our listeners.

[HT: The Gospel Coalition Blog]

Perseverance of the Saints...in John 3:16?

2009-07-29T14:32:00.003-05:00

Spurgeon thinks so. I see it now, too.

In a sermon titled "Immeasurable Love", which C. H. Spurgeon preached July 26th, 1885 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, a sermon based entirely on John 3:16, he said:

[Whosoever believeth], his faith shall not perish, for this promise covers it - "Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish." The penitent has believed in Jesus, and therefore he has begun to be a Christian; "Oh," cries an enemy, "let him alone: he will soon be back among us; he will soon be as careless as ever." Listen. "Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish," and therefore he will not return to his former state. This proves the final perseverance of the saints; for if the believer ceased to be a believer he would perish; and as he cannot perish, it is clear that he will continue as a believer. If thou believest in Jesus, thou shalt never leave off believing in him; for that would be to perish. If thou believest in him, thou shalt never delight in thine old sins; for that would be to perish. If thou believest in him, thou shalt never lose spiritual life. How canst thou lose that which is everlasting? If thou wert to lose it, it would prove that it was not everlasting, and thou wouldst perish; and thus thou wouldst make this word to be of no effect. Whosever with his heart believeth in Christ is a saved man, not for to-night only, but for all the nights that ever shall be, and for that dread night of death, and for that solemn eternity which draws so near. "Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish;" but he shall have a life that cannot die, a justification that cannot be disputed, an acceptance which shall never cease.

The Reformed Resurgence

2009-07-20T17:26:00.005-05:00

Collin Hansen has an ongoing series over at The Resurgence, titled The Reformed Resurgence, in which he briefly chronicles the major players in the comeback of reformed/calvinistic theology in the American Evangelical church. I have benefited greatly from each of the pastors and ministries Hansen mentions thus far, and I consider myself and our church a part of this resurgence. If you want to know more, consider continuing with this series, and also consider ordering Hansen's book, titled Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists. Hansen's book and other work has also been helpful to me on this journey.

Blogposts in Hansen's series thus far:

Beginnings
John Piper and Bethlehem Baptist Church
Al Mohler and Southern Seminary
C. J. Mahaney and Sovereign Grace

[I'll add to this list once the series is completed.]

An Introduction to the Gospel Coalition

2009-07-03T09:38:00.001-05:00

Why does the Bible present God focusing so much attention on Himself?

2009-06-30T21:28:00.001-05:00

Is Christ Your Treasure? Examine Yourself...

2009-06-11T11:05:00.001-05:00

[HT:DesiringGod]

John Piper: Radical Christian Sacrifice... Oh, How Beautiful.

2009-05-28T12:39:00.003-05:00

This is so beautiful, and convicting, and inspiring. May I be the kind of pastor, the kind of Christian, who dies to self and lives for Christ. Even more so, I would count it the greatest honor and privilege of all to be counted among those who have died for Jesus Christ, in the midst of radical, bright, beautiful risk-taking and sacrifice. May we honor Him in life, AND in the way that we die.

Oh, to know the sweetness and joy of the fellowship of His sufferings...

Five Hours On The Road...Five Sermons

2009-04-21T19:09:00.004-05:00

This last year of so, since I got an IPod Nano, I've really enjoyed traveling. What I mean is, I enjoy the driving part - a lot. I've gotten in the practice of loading up the Nano with more mp3 sermons than I can possibly listen to - sermons that I hand-pick because of specific topics I'm working on in my life, or certain things I'm dealing with in ministry, or the latest conference messages from some of my pastoral heroes.

This trip has been no different. It takes five hours to get from our house to Onalaska, Wisconsin, and I was able to listen to five one-hour sermons. One by C. J. Mahaney, two by John Piper, and two by D. A. Carson (links below). These men are giants of the faith, and towering examples for those of us in the ministry. I so enjoy learning from them. These messages are excellent examples of why the above statements are true. I hope you take the time to listen to them - or at least bookmark them so that you can put them on your Nano for your next trip...

(1) C. J. Mahaney, "The Holiness of God" [from perhaps 25 years ago!]

Apparently C. J. had just recently read R. C. Sproul's The Holiness of God, and was greatly affected - as evidenced by the passion exhibited in this sermon. If you need to hear of the holiness of God, and hear again why it is not unjust for God to have killed folks in the Old Testament, then proceed. You will benefit from this sermon.

(2) and (3) John Piper, "Jesus and the Rescue of Joy (Parts 1 and 2)" [Boston, April 19, 2009]

Have you seen the Piper DVD series, "The Blazing Center"? This is that series in a nutshell, but in two sermons (with a short-but-great Q&A at the end of the second sermon). Great content here. Why is it okay for God to orchestrate and demand the worship of Himself? How are His glory and our pursuit of happiness reconciled? Can they be? And, if we are to pursue our joy in God and at all costs, doesn't that simply produce really selfish and unloving Christians? ...Piper answers all of these questions masterfully here.

(4) D. A. Carson, "The Cross and Christian Ministry (Acts 17:16-34)" [October 8, 2006]

What was Paul's evangelistic or gospel-telling strategy in a polytheistic and pluralistic and relativistic culture, and a culture that literally has no awareness of the greater biblical narrative? Proceed. It's interesting how our current cultural environment is looking more and more like the First Century...

(5) D. A. Carson, "Motivation for Ministry" [Australia, September 1, 2008]

An exposition of 2 Timothy 1 and 2. What ought to motivate the Christian minister?

Can't We Get Any Straight Answers From Christianity?

2009-04-16T11:03:00.003-05:00

[HT:Desiring God/Abraham Piper]

And God Forsakes His Son: Jesus Is Cursed

2009-04-10T09:25:00.002-05:00

[HT:Kevin DeYoung]

That's Easter: Death to Life

2009-04-05T19:19:00.001-05:00

THAT'S EASTER Death to Life from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

[HT: JT]

Twitter. So be it.

2009-04-03T20:45:00.003-05:00

Do you Twitter? Well, I do. I'm at least trying it out. Find me if you'd like: search for "GavinRetzer", and give me a "tweet".

New FBC Brookings Logo

2009-03-28T12:10:00.007-05:00

C. J. Mahaney: "But don't I need more than the cross?"

2009-03-28T11:55:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Tim Brister for this C. J. Mahaney quote...

Do we ever move beyond the cross, beyond the gospel? Is there any sense in which we "graduate" from the gospel? The question Mahaney is addressing is, "But don't I need more than the cross?"

“In one sense, the answer is no. Nothing else is of equal importance. The message of Christ and Him crucified is the Christian hope, confidence, and assurance. Heaven will be spent marveling at the work of Christ, the God-Man who suffered in the place of us sinners.

In another sense, the answer’s yes. You do need more. You’ve been saved to grow, to serve in a local church, to do good works, and to glorify God. But the ‘more’ you need as a follower of Christ won’t be found apart from the cross. The gospel isn’t one class among many that you’ll attend during your life as a Christian–the gospel is the whole building where all the classes take place! Rightly approached, all the topics you’ll study and focus on as a believer will be offered to you ‘within the walls’ of the glorious gospel.

Name any area of the Christian life that you want to learn about or that you want to grow in. The Old Testament? The end times? Do you want to grow in holiness or the practice of prayer? To become a better husband, wife, or parent? None of these can be rightly understood apart from God’s grace through Jesus’ death. They, and indeed all topics, should be studied through the lens of the gospel.”

- C.J. Mahaney, Living the Cross-Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing (Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 2006), 149-150.

John Piper: You Need The Gospel Every Day

2009-03-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

Spurgeon: Trials As Stepping-Stones To Greater Things

2009-03-18T15:14:00.003-05:00

This Charles Haddon Spurgeon quote is taken from Steve Miller's great little book on Spurgeon, called, C. H. Spurgeon on Spiritual Leadership:

"Faith leads us to believe in difficulties being overruled to promote success. Because we believe in God, and in His Holy Spirit, we believe that difficulties will be greatly sanctified to us, and that they are only placed before us as stepping-stones to grander results. We believe in defeats, my brethren; we believe in going back with the banner trailed in the mire, persuaded that this may be the surest way to lasting triumph. We believe in waiting, weeping, and agonizing; we believe in a non-success which prepares us for doing greater and higher work, for which we should not have been fitted unless anguish had sharpened our soul. We believe in our infirmities, and even glory in them; we thank God that we are not so eloquent as we could wish to be, and have not all the abilities we might desire, because now we know that 'the excellency of the power' shall 'be of God, and not of us.' Faith enables us so to rejoice in the Lord that our infirmities become platforms for the display of His grace."

Six Worthy Pastoral Goals...

2009-03-03T10:47:00.002-06:00

This seems like a pretty full picture of what pastoring ought to be all about. This list of six pastoral goals comes from a book by Derek Prime and Alistair Begg entitled, "Being a Pastor" [HT: Biblical Preaching].

1. Feed the flock - John 21:15-17

2. Proclaim the whole will of God - Acts 20:27

3. Present everyone perfect in Christ - Colossians 1:28-29

4. Prepare God’s people for works of service - Ephesians 4:12

5. Equip God’s people to be fisher’s of men - 2 Timothy 4:5

6. Keep watch over oneself until the task is complete - 1 Timothy 4:16

Declaring The Sanctity of Human Life: "I'm Holding A Miracle"

2009-01-22T10:59:00.002-06:00

Video: "I'm Holding A Miracle", by Jason French (HT: John Piper)

Saint Nicholas

2008-12-24T11:02:00.003-06:00

A wonderful article by Mark Driscoll, explaining the truth about Saint Nicholas.

Why I Don't Do Altar Calls

2008-10-25T18:48:00.005-05:00

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers quite effectively (courtesy of Banner of Truth):

Early in the 1970s Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones was the speaker at a ministers' conference in the USA and at a question session was asked the following question:

Q: During recent years, especially in England, among evangelicals of the Reformed faith, there has been a rising criticism of the invitation system as used by Billy Graham and others. Does Scripture justify the use of such public invitations or not?

A: Well, it is difficult to answer this in a brief compass without being misunderstood. Let me answer it like this: The history of this invitation system is one with which you people ought to be more familiar than anyone else, because it began in America. It began in the 1820s; the real originator of it was Charles G. Finney. It led to a great controversy. Asahel Nettleton, a great Calvinist and successful evangelist, never issued an "altar call" nor asked people to come to the "anxious seat." These new methods in the 182Os and were condemned for many reasons by all who took the Reformed position.

One reason is that there is no evidence that this was done in New Testament times, because then they trusted to the power of the Spirit. Peter preaching on the Day of Pentecost under the power of the Spirit, for instance, had no need to call people forward in decision because, as you remember, the people were so moved and affected by the power of the Word and Spirit that they actually interrupted the preacher, crying out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" That has been the traditional Reformed attitude towards this particular matter. The moment you begin to introduce this other element, you are bringing a psychological element. The invitation should be in the message. We believe the Spirit applies the message, so we trust in the power of the Spirit. I personally agree with what has been said in the question. I have never called people forward at the end for this reason; there is a grave danger of people coming forward before they are ready to come forward. We do believe in the work of the Spirit, that He convicts and converts, and He will do His work. There is a danger in bringing people to a "birth," as it were, before they are ready for it.

The Puritans in particular were afraid of what they would call "a temporary faith" or "a false profession." There was a great Puritan, Thomas Shepard, who published a famous series of sermons on The Ten Virgins. The great point of that book was to deal with this problem of a false profession. The foolish virgins thought they were all right. This is a very great danger.

I can sum it up by putting it like this: I feel that this pressure which is put upon people to come forward in decision ultimately is due to a lack of faith in the work and operation of the Holy Spirit. We are to preach the Word, and if we do it properly, there will be a call to a decision that comes in the message, and then we leave it to the Spirit to act upon people. And of course He does. Some may come immediately at the close of the service to see the minister. I think there should always be an indication that the minister will be glad to see anybody who wants to put questions to him or wants further help. But that is a very different thing from putting pressure upon people to come forward. I feel it is wrong to put pressure directly on the will. The order in Scripture seems to be this - the truth is presented to the mind, which moves the heart, and that in turn moves the will.

The doctrine of election ought not divide Christians.

2008-10-10T08:47:00.002-05:00

Charles Spurgeon:

We give our hand to every man that loves the Lord Jesus Christ, be he what he may or who he may. The doctrine of election, like the great act of election itself, is intended to divide, not between Israel and Israel, but between Israel and the Egyptians, - not between saint and saint, but between saints and the children of the world. A man may be evidently of God’s chosen family, and yet though elected, may not believe in the doctrine of election. I hold there are many called, who do not believe in effectual calling, and that there are a great many who persevere to the end, who do not believe the doctrine of final perseverance. We do hope that the hearts of many are a great deal better than their heads. We do not set their fallacies down to any willful opposition to the truth as it is in Jesus, but simply to an error in their judgments, which we pray God to correct. We hope that if they think us mistaken too, they will reciprocate the same Christian courtesy; and when we meet around the cross, we hope that we shall ever feel that we are one in Christ Jesus.

HT: Pastor and People

I am ashamed of every sermon I preach.

2008-10-08T14:07:00.003-05:00

Richard Baxter:

For myself, as I am ashamed of my dull and careless heart, and of my slow and unprofitable course of life, so, the Lord knows, I am ashamed of every sermon I preach; when I think what I have been speaking of, and who sent me, and that men’s salvation or damnation is so much concerned in it, I am ready to tremble lest God should judge me as a slighter of His truths and the souls of men, and lest in the best sermon I should be guilty of their blood.

Me thinks we should not speak a word to men in matters of such consequence without tears, or the greatest earnestness that possibly we can; were not we too much guilty of the sin which we reprove, it would be so.

HT: Pulpit Magazine

Revival = The rediscovery of radical, God-centered Christian living.

2008-10-02T18:17:00.003-05:00

"This is what revival is all about—a church experiences revival when a large number of people get red hot about trusting Christ, and red hot about turning to God for help, and red hot about loving others, especially the lost, and red hot about showing the glory of God. That's revival. That's spiritual awakening. It's the rediscovery of radical, God-centered Christian living. And it is intensely practical. It will change more at home and work probably than it will at church."

- John Piper. Excerpt from the sermon, "Practical Help for Praying for Help," delivered on January 3, 1988.

Leader Study: What Is A Healthy Church Member?

2008-09-26T16:35:00.005-05:00

Beginning next week, the leaders of First Baptist Church (Brookings) will be reading, studying and discussing Thabiti Anyabwile's newest book,"What Is A Healthy Church Member?" (from 9 Marks Ministries, published by Crossway).

In the following video, Thabiti shares a bit about the purpose of the book, and Ligon Duncan shares the reason why he is using this book in his church as part of an evangelism class.

Perhaps the best thing about this video is that, for the first time ever, I heard Thabiti's full name pronounced - I had no idea how to pronounce his name!

Mark Dever: How Were Old Testament Saints Saved?

2008-09-13T09:25:00.004-05:00

This is a question that I have been asked from time to time, particularly by young folks who are beginning to grapple with some of the tough questions for the first time.

This answer comes from Mark Dever, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., executive director for 9 Marks Ministries, and trustee of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mark gave this answer through the media ministry of The Gospel Coalition, a ministry near and dear to my heart...

Six Study Essentials

2008-09-08T08:13:00.005-05:00

Mark Driscoll and the Resurgence share with us six study essentials for the Christian (for more explanation and a fair bit of links under each header, visit their post):

1. Have a good Bible.

2. Have some good Christian books.

3. Have some good (free) online study resources.

4. Have some good Bible software.

5. Have some good websites.

6. Have some good community.

Mark Driscoll Interviews John Piper about Life, Marriage, Parenting and Ministry

2008-09-04T22:31:00.004-05:00

John Piper sits down with Mark Driscoll to talk about his life: Growing up as the son of an evangelist, the godly relationship of his parents, a very real look at his marriage, and the adoption of his daughter.

80% of Pastors Will Leave the Ministry Within Five Years

2008-09-03T10:48:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the "Said at Southern" blog for this sober reminder today:

80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.

The failure point seem to be “people skills” and more specifically dealing with sinful people.

85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are sick and tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors.

90% said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.

Piper: Advice for Young Pastors About Family Life

2008-08-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

Keller: Focus On YOUR Family

2008-08-25T11:28:00.003-05:00

[HT: Unashamed Workman]

God is the Gospel

2008-08-02T08:55:00.003-05:00

"Our love to him should begin on earth, as it shall be in heaven; for the bride taketh not by a thousand degrees so much delight in her wedding-garment as she doth in her bridegroom; so we, in the life to come, howbeit clothed with glory as with a robe, shall not be so much affected with the glory that goeth about us, as with the Bridegroom's joyful face and presence."

- Samuel Rutherford, The Lovliness of Christ, pg. 23

2 Thessalonians 1:10, "...when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed--for our testimony to you was believed."

When a burden allows the burdened to fly...

2008-08-01T17:44:00.001-05:00

"Christ's cross is such a burden as sails are to a ship or wings to a bird."

- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ, pg. 21

J.I. Packer: The four theological issues I (PG) should study in order to be prepared for the next fifty years...

2008-07-30T12:36:00.005-05:00

Mark Driscoll shares this from his sit-down with J.I. Packer:

In the lengthy time that Dr. J. I. Packer afforded me to speak with him while we were recently together in Orlando, I asked him which theological issues he would commend young Christian leaders to study in order to be prepared for the next fifty years. His list was quite insightful:
1. Regeneration — He said that the doctrine of regeneration has not been fully appreciated by many who do not understand that to be born again with a new heart and new nature means that we have at our deepest level a new identity and new passionate desires for God’s Word and ways. He commended to all young Christian leaders a thorough study on the doctrine of regeneration.

2. God-Centered Theology — He said that theology today is rife with man-centered thinking so that the glory of God in all things is not the essence of what is taught to be faithfully Christian. The result, he explained, is that even Christians often live their lives for the supreme purpose of their perceived happiness, feelings, and satisfaction. Yet, biblical Christianity differs from the other religions of the world in that the desires and purposes of God override ours; we are not the number one priority, but rather God is.

3. Godliness Begins at Home — This point was both surprising and refreshing. I was expecting only weighty and complicated theological admonition from such a theological giant. However, his wise counsel on this point is well needed. Packer said that most Christians do not take seriously the biblical teaching that true Christian living begins first at home with one’s spouse, children, and grandchildren. Therefore, he implored young Christian leaders to begin their quest for maturity and holiness at home in relationship with their family.

4. Trinity — Packer stated that the fullness of the doctrine of the Trinity is not completely appreciated as it should be. The result, he said, is that some Christians have only a deep understanding of Jesus or the Holy Spirit so that they are guilty of what he called “Jesus-olatry” or “Holy Spirit-olatry” rather than a full love and worshipful appreciation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit.

TRULY Reformed...

2008-07-17T10:16:00.003-05:00

I stumbled across this blogpost by Ray Ortlund, courtesy of Justin Taylor (this is the entirety of the post by Ortlund)...[all emphases mine]:

I believe in the sovereignty of God, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Solas of the Reformation, I believe that grace precedes faith in regeneration. Theologically, I am Reformed. Sociologically, I am simply a Christian – or at least I want to be. The tricky thing about our hearts is that they can turn even a good thing into an engine of oppression. It happens when our theological distinctives make us aloof from other Christians. That’s when, functionally, we relocate ourselves outside the gospel and inside Galatianism.

The Judaizers in Galatia did not see their distinctive – the rite of circumcision – as problematic. They could claim biblical authority for it in Genesis 17 and the Abrahamic covenant. But their distinctive functioned as an addition to the all-sufficiency of Jesus himself. Today the flash point is not circumcision. It can be Reformed theology. But no matter how well argued our position is biblically, if it functions in our hearts as an addition to Jesus, it ends up as a form of legalistic divisiveness.

Paul answered the theological aspects of the Galatian error with solid theology. But the “whiff test” that something was wrong in those Galatian churches was more subtle than theology alone. The problem was also sociological. “They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them” (Galatians 4:17). In other words, “The legalists want to ‘disciple’ you. But really, they’re manipulating you. By emphasizing their distinctive, they want you to feel excluded so that you will conform to them.” It’s like chapter two of Tom Sawyer. Remember how Tom got the other boys to whitewash the fence for him? Mark Twain explained: “In order to make a man or boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain.” Paul saw it happening in Galatia. But the gospel makes full inclusion in the church easy to attain. It re-sets everyone’s status in terms of God’s grace alone. God’s grace in Christ crucified, and nothing more. He alone makes us kosher. He himself.

The Judaizers would probably have answered at this point, “We love Jesus too. But how can you be a first-rate believer, really set apart to God, without circumcision, so plainly commanded right here in the Bible? This isn’t an add-on. It’s the full-meal deal. God says so.”

Their misuse of the Bible showed up in social dysfunction. “It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised. . . . They desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh” (Galatians 6:12-13). In other words, “When Christians, whatever the label or badge or shibboleth, start pressuring you to come into line with their distinctive, you know something’s wrong. They want to enhance their own significance by your conformity to them: ‘See? We’re better. We’re superior. People are moving our way. They are becoming like us. We’re the buzz.’” What is this, but deep emotional emptiness medicating itself by relational manipulation? This is not about Christ. This is about Self. Even Peter fell into this hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-14). But no matter who is involved, this is not the ministry of the gospel. Even if a biblical argument can be made for a certain position, and we all want to be biblical, the proof of what’s really happening is not in the theological argumentation but in the sociological integration.

Paul had thought it through. He made a decision that the bedrock of his emotional okayness would forever lie here: “Far be it from me to boast [establish my personal significance] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation” (Galatians 6:14-15). In other words, “Here is all I need for my deepest sense of myself: Jesus Christ crucified. His cross has deconstructed me and remade me, and I am happy. Everything else is at best secondary, possibly irrelevant, even counterproductive. Let Jesus alone stand forth in my theology, in my emotional well-being and in my relationships with other Christians!” This settledness in Paul’s heart made him a life-giving man for other people. He was a free man, setting others free (Galatians 5:1). This is the acid test of a truly Reformed ministry – that other believers need not be Reformed in order to be respected and included in our hearts.

Whatever divides us emotionally from other Bible-believing, Christ-honoring Christians is a “plus” we’re adding to the gospel. It is the Galatian impulse of self-exaltation. It can even become a club with which we bash other Christians, at least in our thoughts, to punish, to exclude and to force into line with us.

What unifies the church is the gospel. What defines the gospel is the Bible. What interprets the Bible correctly is a hermeneutic centered on Jesus Christ crucified, the all-sufficient Savior of sinners, who gives himself away on terms of radical grace to all alike. What proves that that gospel hermeneutic has captured our hearts is that we are not looking down on other believers but lifting them up, not seeing ourselves as better but grateful for their contribution to the cause, not standing aloof but embracing them freely, not wishing they would become like us but serving them in love (Galatians 5:13).

My Reformed friend, can you move among other Christian groups and really enjoy them? Do you admire them? Even if you disagree with them in some ways, do you learn from them? What is the emotional tilt of your heart – toward them or away from them? If your Reformed theology has morphed functionally into Galatian sociology, the remedy is not to abandon your Reformed theology. The remedy is to take your Reformed theology to a deeper level. Let it reduce you to Jesus only. Let it humble you. Let this gracious doctrine make you a fun person to be around. The proof that we are Reformed will be all the wonderful Christians we discover around us who are not Reformed. Amazing people. Heroic people. Blood-bought people. People with whom we are eternally one – in Christ alone.

Here I Will Abide Till...

2008-07-11T12:01:00.004-05:00

The Great Master Gardener, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a wonderful providence, with his own hand, planted me here, where by his grace, in this part of his vineyard, I grow; and here I will abide till the great Master of the vineyard think fit to transplant me.

- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ, pg. 1

We Must Have The Gospel Preached.

2008-07-07T09:34:00.004-05:00

These words from Charles Haddon Spurgeon, British Reformed Baptist preacher (June 19, 1834 - January 31, 1892):

I may not have many more opportunities of preaching, and I make up my mind to this one thing, that I will waste no time upon secondary themes, but when I do preach it shall be the gospel, or something very closely bearing upon it. I will endeavour each time to strike under the fifth rib, and never beat the air. Those who have a taste for the superfluities may take their fill of them, it is for me to keep to the great necessary truths by which men’s souls are saved. My work is to preach Christ crucified and the gospel, which gives men salvation through faith. I hear every now and then of very taking sermons about some bright new nothing or another. Some preachers remind me of the emperor who had a wonderful skill in carving men’s heads upon cherry stones. What a multitude of preachers we have who can make wonderfully fine discourses out of a mere passing thought, of no consequence to anyone. But we want the gospel. We have to live and to die, and we must have the gospel. Certain of us may be cold in our graves before many weeks are over, and we cannot afford to toy and trifle: we want to see the bearings of all teachings upon our eternal destinies, and upon the gospel which sheds its light over our future.

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Vol. 28 (1882) (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1971), 200.

[HT: Provocations and Pantings]

We believe because we are saved

2008-07-01T08:50:00.001-05:00

“A man is not saved because he believes in Christ; he believes in Christ because he is saved.”

- Loraine Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination (Philadelphia, PA: P&R Publishing, 1965), 101.

[HT: Of First Importance]

What I contribute to my redemption.

2008-06-25T06:39:00.003-05:00

“All is of God; the only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.”

- William Temple, quoted by Sinclair Ferguson, In Christ Alone (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2007), 42.

[HT: Of First Importance]

Where are the faithful young men and women?

2008-06-21T22:34:00.000-05:00

God NOT The Author of Sin

2008-06-05T09:20:00.006-05:00

At last night's group study at church, after watching the first session of John Piper's newly recorded TULIP series, our discussion turned to the problem of evil, and the question of whether or not God authored sin. I believe the question arose mainly from Piper's reading of Revelation 13:8 - in the context of explaining some of the mindboggling truths in Scripture - as well as his reference to his sermon series, "Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ."

Other texts which beg the question: Acts 4:27-28; Genesis 50:20; Job 42:10-11

Quoting John Piper, from the above sermon series (quotes courtesy of David Mathis):

August 12: “God created [Satan and his demons] knowing what they would become and how, in that very evil role, they would glorify Christ. Knowing everything they would become, God created them for the glory of Christ.”
August 19: “God is sovereign over Satan, and therefore Satan’s will does not move without God’s permission. And therefore every move of Satan is part of God’s overall purpose and plan.”
August 26: “[E]verything that exists—including evil—is ordained by an infinitely holy and all-wise God to make the glory of Christ shine more brightly. . . . Adam’s sin and the fall of the human race with him into sin and misery did not take God off guard and is part of his overarching plan to display the fullness of the glory of Jesus Christ.”

For the record, I believe it would be a mistake, and in error, to suggest or outright teach that God is the author of sin. As provocative as the above statements are, I don't hear Piper suggesting there that God is the author of evil/sin. I have never heard or read John Piper suggest that God is the author of sin.

Here is John Frame wrestling with the two truths that (1) God is totally and ultimately sovereign over all things, and (2) evil/sin exists...and yet, God is not the author of sin (courtesy of David Mathis, from his (Frame's) book The Doctrine of God):

The term authors is almost universally condemned in the theological literature. It is rarely defined, but it seems to mean both that God is the efficient cause of evil and that by causing evil he actually does something wrong.¹ So the [Westminster Confession] says that God “neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin” (5:4). Despite this denial in a major Reformed confession, Arminians regularly charge that Reformed theology makes God the author of sin. They assume that if God brings about evil in any sense, he must therefore approve it and deserve the blame. In their view, nothing less than libertarian freedom will serve to absolve God from the charge of authoring sin.
But as we saw [in chapter 8] libertarian freedom is incoherent and unbiblical. And as we saw [in chapter 4] God does bring about sinful human actions. To deny this, or to charge God with wickedness on account of it, is not open to a Bible-believing Christian. Somehow, we must confess both that God has a role in bringing evil about, and that in doing so he is holy and blameless. . . . God does bring sins about, but always for his own good purposes. So in bringing sin to pass he does not himself commit sin. If that argument is sound, then a Reformed doctrine of the sovereignty of God does not imply that God is the author of sin.

Suggested Reading:

Theopedia's Resource Page on "The Problem of Evil"
John Piper's sermon series, "Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ"
Does God Author Sin? (David Mathis, DesiringGod)
Does God Cause Sin? (David Mathis, DesiringGod)
Does God Permit Sin? (David Mathis, DesiringGod)
The Author-Story Model (David Mathis, DesiringGod)
Piper sermon: Is God Less Glorious Because He Ordain That Evil Be? Jonathan Edwards on the Decrees of God
Piper sermon: The Suffering of Christ and the Sovereignty of God (from the 2005 DG National Conference)
John MacArthur sermon: The Problem of Evil
John Frame: The Bible On The Problem of Evil: Insights from Romans 3, 5, and 8

How To Prove You Don't Have Brains

2008-05-29T13:39:00.002-05:00

This Spurgeon quote courtesy of Justin Buzzard:

"The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own."
-Charles Spurgeon, Sermon: Paul, His Cloak And His Books

These words affirm my frequent quotations of men like John Piper, Jonathan Edwards, Spurgeon, R.C. Sproul, and the like. But can a preacher quote others too much? Hmmm...

Treasuring Christ

2008-05-29T11:31:00.001-05:00

This is so powerful...

I think "Treasuring Christ" would be a good name for a church... Treasuring Christ Church...

The Expository Genius of John Calvin

2008-05-28T11:56:00.001-05:00

Steve Lawson discusses his book on John Calvin, and shares insights into Calvin's preaching:

You know you're a horrible baseball pitcher when...

2008-05-24T17:29:00.003-05:00

...you get traded for 10 baseball bats! True story.

To be more precise, "10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double-dipped black, 34-inch, C243 style".

How bad do you have to be, to get traded for 10 bats? Who does that? ...Time to hang 'em up, bud.

How to Pray, What to Read...Some Words of Advice

2008-05-21T09:10:00.003-05:00

Thanks again to Adrian Warnock for doing this interview with John Piper. Priceless stuff here...

The Gift of Self-Forgetfulness

2008-05-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Just in case you're wondering, I'm aware that I reference and post about John Piper quite a bit. I'm aware of this. You must know that he has been quite significantly used of God in my life over the past few years, and has awakened me to a number of biblical concepts I had not previously seen - or at least, had not yet figured out or "owned". I can't tell you how significant for me has been this phrase: "God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him." This concept blows me away. And it's true. It's wonderfully true.

That concept, along with many others, have affected my personal walk with Jesus, but also how I view ministry and preaching. In a very real way, my personal walk and my calling to and life in ministry cannot and should not be separated. In the following video, John Piper answers questions about passion in preaching - particularly the passion that is so evident in his own preaching. I am challenged and comforted by his words here...You ought to give it a listen... [Thanks to Adrian Warnock for the interview, and for his excellent blog!]...

God's Gift Does Not Replace Our Effort...

2008-05-18T20:26:00.003-05:00

From John Piper's A Godward Life, pg. 39:

God commands what he wills and grants in measure what he commands, but we should always pursue what he commands. He says, "Work out your salvation...for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13). God does not say, "Since I work, you shouldn't." He says, "Because I do, you can." God's gift does not replace our effort; it enables and carries it.

Liturgical Dance Free Zone

2008-05-15T09:44:00.004-05:00

This little image is courtesy of my friend Ryan, who just recently blogged about his discomfort with liturgical dance. I couldn't agree more...

Mark Dever: The Right Way to Think About Church Growth

2008-05-15T09:24:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Thabiti Anyabwile for this quote...

It comes from Mark Dever's 9 Marks of a Healthy Church, pp. 214-215:

A healthy church has a pervasive concern with church growth--not simply growing in numbers but growing members. A church full of growing Christians is the kind of church growth I want as a pastor. Some today seem to think that one can be a "baby Christian" for a whole lifetime. Growth is seen to be an optional extra for particularly zealous disciples. But be very careful about taking that line of thought. Growth is a sign of life. Growing trees are living trees, and growing animals are living animals. When something stops growing it dies.

Growth may not mean that you negotiate this rapid in half the time you negotiated the last; it may simply mean that you are able to continue in the right direction as a Christian, regardless of the adverse circumstances. Remember, it is only the things that are alive that swim upstream; the dead things all float along with the current.

Ministry to High School and College Students: Equipping with the Essentials

2008-05-14T21:03:00.012-05:00

Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology is an excellent resource for Christians (personal study and reference) and churches (pastors, church libraries, group studies). I recommend it to everyone - layperson, seminary student, high school student - anyone who is seeking to go deeper in the knowledge of God...

The problem is that it's basically a million pages long - not incredibly accessible for group study - and I want to do some serious theology with our High School and college students. But Grudem's Systematic Theology is awfully big, and it costs around $35.

That's where another of Grudem's resources comes in - Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know. This approximately 150-page book is designed for group study... One blogger offered this review:

It's a great resource for new believers, for anyone who wants to strengthen their doctrinal foundation, and I especially think it would be terrific for a study group.

The book is divided into 20 chapters on major topics like the Bible, God, the Trinity, creation, prayer, the atonement, the Resurrection, etc. Each chapter is about 5 pages long and hits the high points of the doctrine with ample Scripture references, and also shows the importance and relevance of the doctrine to the Christian life. There are also review and application questions at the end of each chapter. These are sometimes a little trite, but many could be good discussion starters.

So, beginning this September, I'll be taking our Wednesday student group through this study - while also recommending and utilizing the bigger and more robust Systematic Theology. I'm certain that this will prove very helpful to both the High School students and the college students who come.

1 Corinthians 1:9-10 [NKJV]:

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God..."

Celebrating 8 Years...

2008-05-13T09:23:00.003-05:00

Today I thank my wife for loving me enough to have stuck with me for 8 years...of marriage, that is. We've actually been together for more than 10 years now, if my math is correct. My wife is the best. She's a great Mom, a great friend, and I couldn't be happier. God is good. ...I am living Proverbs 18:22...

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing; and obtains favor from the Lord."

Hot Pockets and PopTarts: My Two Favorite (Clean) Comedians

2008-05-12T20:35:00.002-05:00

Jim Gaffigan: "Hot Pockets"

Brian Regan: "PopTarts"

Don't Waste Your Summer...

2008-05-12T13:43:00.004-05:00

9 resolutions, courtesy of EatBible:

1. Study Jesus & The Gospel. Read and study one of Gospels this summer. Read your Bible!
2. Have breakfast everyday….Don’t waste your mornings. Get up before 9.
3. Read a Good Book this Summer.
4. Get Discipled or get a Disciple.
5. Share the Gospel with someone.
6. War with your sin.
7. Serve in your Church or Go to Church!
8. Tithe..if you have a job already, or if you are getting a summer job.
9. Pray for other people.

...For more depth on each of these 9 resolutions, see the full post here.

In less than one paragraph, D.A. Carson demolishes the church growth movement...

2008-05-12T10:04:00.002-05:00

I certainly wish that I would have read this when it was published...back in 1993:

Ever so subtly, we start to think that success more critically depends on thoughtful sociological analysis than on the gospel; Barna becomes more important than the Bible. We depend on plans, programs, vision statements - but somewhere along the way we have succumbed to the temptation to displace the foolishness of the cross with the wisdom of strategic planning. Again, I insist, my position is not a thinly veiled plea for obscurantism, for seat-of-the-pants ministry that plans for nothing. Rather, I fear that the cross, without ever being disowned, is constantly in danger of being dismissed from the central place it must enjoy, by relatively peripheral insights that take on far too much weight. Whenever the periphery is in danger of displacing the center, we are not far removed from idolatry.

- From D.A. Carson, The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons From 1 Corinthians (1993), p. 26.

Some Seriously Beautiful Man Love...

2008-05-11T17:39:00.000-05:00

MacArthur: Why Doctrine Matters

2008-05-09T05:59:00.003-05:00

This John MacArthur post via Pulpit Magazine...an excerpt:

Is it enough to “believe in Jesus” in some amorphous sense that divorces “faith” from any particular doctrine about Him, or is doctrine—and the content of our faith—really important after all?
Scripture plainly teaches that we must be sound in the faith—which is to say that doctrine does matter (1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 4:2-3; Tit. 1:9; 2:1). It matters a lot.

“If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing” (1 Tim. 6:3-4, emphasis added).

Sound, biblical doctrine is a necessary aspect of true wisdom and authentic faith. The attitude that scorns doctrine while elevating feelings or blind trust cannot legitimately be called faith at all, even if it masquerades as Christianity. It is actually an irrational form of unbelief.

Click here to read the rest of the post.

P.S. Rent This Movie...

2008-05-07T22:50:00.008-05:00

I resisted at first.

She wouldn't (and still hasn't) watched "Gladiator" with me.

But she insisted, and I promised. So...

We watched "P.S. I Love You" tonight. I'm a sucker for a sappy romantic comedy. Really, I am. This one, though, is really more of a romantic tragedy. Heartwrenching and heartwarming.

I laughed, and cried, and in the end, it left me smiling.

It gets two thumbs up from me...

Oh - and guys - the main male star? He was King Leonidas in "300". Thus, you can watch "P.S. I Love You" and still keep your man card...

A Culture of Grace

2008-05-06T17:42:00.004-05:00

Thanks to The Blue Fish Project for reminding me of this crucial truth:

...As we become increasingly Jesus-centred we'll become increasingly other-centred.

The Young Pastor and His Family

2008-05-06T10:11:00.002-05:00

This courtesy of Ted Tripp, via Justin Buzzard's blog:

There are many seasons to life. You are in the season of new ministry and the cares and concerns of a new family. There will be other seasons of life as you and your family mature and even grow old. It is important that you are a predictable, stable leader with integrity. Your wife and family will draw strength from seeing you live as a man who is dazzled by God and who is, therefore, full of joy and confidence in all the seasons of life.

- Tedd Tripp, Love Your Family. Chapter 3, p. 61, in Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry.

The Kind of Teaching That Lasts...

2008-05-05T08:52:00.002-05:00

John Piper, in A Godward Life, p. 17:

Teaching that lasts - and books that last - will be the kind that "bleed Bible." C. H. Spurgeon said of John Bunyan, "Prick him anywhere; and you will find that his blood is Bibline, the very essence of the Bible flows from him. He cannot speak without quoting a text, for his soul is full of the Word of God." God wills that there be human teachers of his divine Word, but he wills that teachers be "full of the Word of God." The Bible should "flow from them." Their blood - and their books - should be "Bibline."

Oh, Give Me That Book!

2008-05-05T08:42:00.006-05:00

John Piper, quoting John Wesley in A Godward Life, p. 16:

I love the words of John Wesley: "I am a creature of a day. I am a spirit come from God, and returning to God. I want to know one thing: the way to heaven. God himself has condescended to teach me the way. He has written it down in a book. Oh, give me that book! At any price give me the book of God. Let me be a man of one book." That book is the Bible, the precious Word of God. Only there do we find the way to heaven. Only there do we learn a Godward life.

The Law of Diminishing...Returns?

2008-05-04T16:58:00.002-05:00

I don't know exactly what to call it.

I've been preaching for 7 or 8 years now, and every Sunday for about 4 years. I had noticed early on that, after finishing up on a Sunday morning, a certain kind of euphoria would set in for a time - perhaps for a good part of the rest of the day. Euphoria might be a strong word. It's sort of like a basking, a satisfaction in God's grace. It might even be partly sinful - sort of like, "Ah, look what I did." I'm not sure.

But lately, over the last year or so, I've noticed that this "euphoria" lasts less and less, to the point now that it almost doesn't exist at all. I lock the church doors Sunday around noon, and instead of enjoying the moment, I've already shifted to the next sermon - or the wedding message - or the next lecture - or the next lesson - or even the next meeting.

I'm not sure exactly what to make of this. It feels as though it's more and more draining, though. That much I know. I almost always, constantly feel the burden of that next message, hanging over my head. I want to say it's a good sort of pressure. But lately, less and less so, it seems.

Preaching is a great privilege. But what does one do when it begins to feel burdensome?

Pray for me, would you?

John Piper: Wisdom

2008-05-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

Recommendations For Your Devotional Reading

2008-05-02T09:10:00.006-05:00

This morning, as I was finishing one devotional book (Pierced by the Word) and beginning another (A Godward Life), the thought came to me to share with you what I use for devotional readings - at least what I have been using lately...

So may I recommend to you:

TableTalk, from Ligonier Ministries, a monthly devotional, which includes articles from various influential pastors and theologians, the articles and devotionals all centering around a general theme.

Pierced By The Word: 31 Meditations for Your Soul [John Piper]

A Godward Life: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life (120 Daily Readings) [John Piper]

The Time 100: The World's Most Influential People

2008-05-02T07:38:00.003-05:00

Again, I have failed to make the list.

Sam Storms: Some Thoughts on John 3:16

2008-05-02T07:23:00.003-05:00

This from Sam Storms this morning (Enjoying God Ministries) - from the Enjoying God email update:

Earlier this year, best-selling author Max Lucado published a book with the unusual title, "3:16", quite obviously based on the famous verse in John's gospel. On November 6-7, 2008, a conference titled "John 3:16" will be held at First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia. The primary focus of this gathering will be to respond to each of the five points of Calvinism. Evidently those in charge of this conference believe that John 3:16 is inconsistent with the so-called doctrines of grace or what is otherwise known as Reformed theology. The presence of the word "world" and John's assertion of God's love for it is thought by many to preclude the distinguishing and sovereign love of God as taught by those who call themselves Calvinists.

I thought it might be helpful to post here what I wrote on John 3:16 in my book, Chosen for Life: The Case for Divine Election (Crossway). I hope it sheds some light on this glorious passage of Scripture.

Often the interpretation of John 3:16 begins with the term world, for it is believed that here lies the key to a proper appreciation of the dimensions of divine love. "Just think," we are told, "of the multitudes of men and women who have, do now, and yet shall swarm across the face of the earth. God loves them all, each and every one. Indeed, God so loves them that he gave his only begotten Son to die for each and every one of them. Oh, how great the love of God must be to embrace within its arms these uncounted multitudes of people."

Is this what John (or Jesus, as recorded by John) had in mind? It is undeniably his purpose to set before us the immeasurable love of God. But are we able to perceive how immeasurable God's love is by measuring how big the world is? I don't think so.

What is the finite sum of mankind when set opposite the infinitude of God? We could as well measure the strength of the blacksmith by declaring him capable of supporting a feather on an outstretched palm! The primary force of this text is certainly to magnify the infinite quality and majesty of God's love. But such an end can never be reached by computing the extent or number of its objects. Do we to any degree heighten the value of Christ's death by ascertaining the quantity of those for whom he died? Of course not! Had he but died for one sinner, the value of his sacrifice would be no less glorious than had he suffered for ten millions of worlds!

Rather, let us pause to consider the contrast which the apostle intends for us to see. John surely desires that we reflect in our hearts upon the immeasurable character of so great a love, and that we do so by placing in contrast, one over against the other - God and the world. What does this reveal? Of what do we think concerning God when he is seen loving the world? And of what do we think concerning the world when it is seen as the object of God's love? Is the contrast this: that God is one and the world many? Is it that his love is magnified because he, as one, has loved the world, comprised of many? Again, certainly not.

This love is infinitely majestic because God, as holy, has loved the world, as sinful! What strikes us is that God who is righteous loves the world which is unrighteous. This text takes root in our hearts because it declares that he who dwells in unapproachable light has deigned to enter the realm of darkness; that he who is just has given himself for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18); that he who is altogether glorious and desirable has suffered endless shame for detestable and repugnant creatures, who apart from his grace respond only with hell-deserving hostility! Thus, as John Murray has said,

"it is what God loved in respect of its character that throws into relief the incomparable and incomprehensible love of God. To find anything else as the governing thought would detract from the emphasis. God loved what is the antithesis of himself; this is its marvel and greatness" ("The Atonement and the Free Offer of the Gospel," in Collected Writings of John Murray [Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1976], I:79 [emphasis mine]).

When we read John's Gospel (and Epistles), we discover that the "world" is viewed fundamentally neither as the elect nor non-elect but as a collective organism: sinful, estranged, alienated from God, abiding under his wrath and curse. The world is detestable because it is the contradiction of all that is holy, good, righteous, and true. The world, then, is the contradiction of God. It is synonymous with all that is evil and noisome. It is that system of fallen humanity viewed not in terms of its size but as a satanically controlled kingdom hostile to the kingdom of Christ. It is what God loved in respect of its quality therefore, not quantity that sheds such glorious light on this divine attribute. In summary, I can do better than note the explanation of B. B. Warfleld:

"The marvel . . . which the text brings before us is just that marvel above all other marvels in this marvelous world of ours - the marvel of God's love for sinners. And this is the measure by which we are invited to measure the greatness of the love of God. It is not that it is so great that it is able to extend over the whole of a big world: it is so great that it is able to prevail over the Holy God's hatred and abhorrence of sin. For herein is love, that God could love the world - the world that lies in the evil one: that God who is all-holy and just and good, could so love this world that He gave His only begotten Son for it, -- that He might not judge it, but that it might be saved" ("God's Immeasurable Love," in Biblical and Theological Studies, edited by Samuel G. Craig [Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, 1952], pp. 515-16 [emphasis mine]).

Warfield's definition of the term world needs to be carefully considered:

"It is not here a term of extension so much as a term of intensity. Its primary connotation is ethical, and the point of its employment is not to suggest that the world is so big that it takes a great deal of love to embrace it all, but that the world is so bad that it takes a great kind of love to love it at all, and much more to love it as God has loved it when He gave His son for it. The whole debate as to whether the love here celebrated distributes itself to each and every man that enters into the composition of the world, or terminates on the elect alone chosen out of the world, lies thus outside the immediate scope of the passage and does not supply any key to its interpretation. The passage was not intended to teach, and certainly does not teach, that God loves all men alike and visits each and every one alike with the same manifestations of His love: and as little was it intended to teach or does it teach that His love is confined to a few especially chosen individuals selected out of the world. What it is intended to do is to arouse in our hearts a wondering sense of the marvel and the mystery of the love of God for the sinful world - conceived, here, not quantitatively but qualitatively as, in its very distinguishing characteristic, sinful" (ibid., 516).

I think Warfield is right. Do you agree?

Sam

C.J. Mahaney: "Who Am I? Why Me?" - A Testimony to God's Grace

2008-05-01T20:29:00.002-05:00

A lesson in how to completely confuse absolutely everyone...

2008-05-01T12:49:00.004-05:00

Emergents and the New Calvinists: An Online Conversation Between Collin Hansen and Tony Jones

2008-05-01T12:23:00.006-05:00

It seems clear to me that the two most significant developments, or movements, in present day evangelicalism are what is referred to as the "emergent church" (Emergent Village) and this other thing Collin Hansen has coined the "Young, Restless, Reformed."

As for me, you ought to know that I would consider myself to be a Reformed Baptist. That is, I am baptistic in terms of church structure and heirarchy (ecclesiology) as well as in my views on baptism and communion, and I am "reformed" in my view of God's sovereignty in salvation (soteriology), holding to what is sometimes referred to as 'the doctrines of grace', or even 'TULIP'. I am also a young pastor (33), though not as young as some. In addition to all of this, I am somewhat restless about the state of the church, the state of the proclamation of the gospel in the church, biblical illiteracy, poor theology, and many more things.

So, given all of this, I could rightly be described as young, restless, and reformed. So I consider myself to be a part of the movement Collin Hansen describes in the above article and most recently in his new book, Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists.

Today, Christianity Today published (online) the first installment of an online conversation between Collin Hansen and Tony Jones - Jones being the head of Emergent Village. I suggest that you read this dialogue, and keep up with it in the coming days. I know that I will be. Link to it above, or here.

Two Cheers for New Calvinists!

2008-04-30T14:26:00.004-05:00

Justin Taylor (Between Two Worlds) hosted this blogpost yesterday, entitled, "Two Cheers for the Resurgence of Calvinism in Evangelicalism: A Wesleyan-Arminian Perspective". I found the article both encouraging and challenging. I recommend it to you...

The Wind Beneath My Blog...

2008-04-29T20:25:00.002-05:00

We still have some tweaking to do on this blog, but so far I'm very pleased with the look. I'm even more pleased with this blog's designer - my wife.

If you want a blog designed for you, or you'd like your current blog redesigned, contact my talented wife at her design blog... http://www.onceuponablog.org/

6 Reasons Why This Pastor Is Blogging Again...

2008-04-29T14:26:00.010-05:00

This is not the first version of Pastor on the Prairie - this is, in fact, version 2.0. I did a Wordpress thing for a year or more, but it's been an additional year or more since I pulled back the reins on that deal.

But thanks to this post by Abraham Piper, I'm back at it. You should link to and read the post to get 6 reasons plus Piper's commentary, but I'll list the 6 reasons Piper gives...

Pastors should blog...

1. ...to write.

2. ...to teach.

3. ...to recommend.

4. ...to interact.

5. ...to develop an eye for what is meaningful.

6. ...to be known.