Another great reason: read this.
May 8th…A Happy Day…A Sad Day
I turned 36 today. But one of my musical heroes died today: Eddy Arnold. Singer, performer, songwriter…back when country was cool.
Here’s to you Eddy… I’ll always think of you on my birthday, the day you died.
American Idol
For you “American Idol-ers” out there {I work with 3}, there’s a great interview with some of the contestants who are Christians at ChristianityToday.com.
The Cat’s In the Cradle, or, Why Do People Hate Children So Much?
The simple answer is that we are selfish. Kids equal money and that means we have to buy school clothes for them, and toys, and food, and cars, and college and it means that we can’t spend the money on ourselves for our third car, second home, clothes, flat-screens, etc, etc.
That’s why the world hates children. People would rather spend their time and their money on themselves. Unfortunately, this is rampant in the church today too. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people speak so negatively of their children. You would think that their children were a cancer, a burden, something to be thrown off as they wait for the day when they finally move out so the 2 selfish parents {if you can call them that} can spend more time with one another. Trust me, these people never would have survived in the Old Testament days nor in any society where you are dependent on the ground to provide food for you and not the grocery store. Their tune would change if they found themselves in a third world country where family is valued.
Harry Chapin has something to say to you. See the video below and listen to the words.
I’m ranting today because I read this report- “Harvard Professor: Children Can Send Marriage Into Downward Spiral.”
And I read this by Pat Buchanan- “The Way Our World Ends.”
People in the West don’t want babies anymore…too much responsibility.
But the East is affected just as well, as pointed out by Al Mohler- “The Land of Disappearing Children” — Japan’s Population Crisis”
See also this article- “Why the Baby Bust?”
or- “Is God Dead in Europe? A Vision of the Future, Coming Fast”
or- “More Abortions Than Births in Russia”
I’m not saying you have to have 80 kids. Maybe all you have is one or none or two or twelve. But if you think of your children as a burden and they are interfering with “your life”- well, i feel sorry for you. And sorry about the rant…
Watch this video as I anticipate our 4th child entering the world any day now…
May you be scared to death by these words.
My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say “I’m gonna be like you dad
You know I’m gonna be like you”
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home dad?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then
My son turned ten just the other day
He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
Can you teach me to throw”, I said “Not today
I got a lot to do”, he said, “That’s ok”
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him”
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then
Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head and said with a smile
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?”
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then
I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you”
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then
Resources For Sexual Purity/Lust
The Harris boys at TheRebelution.com have complied some great resources on sexual purity/lust. They link to many great articles on this topic as well as many others. Worth checking out, especially John Piper’s strategy for fighting lust {ANTHEM}.
The Pulpit and the Pew
My friend and fellow pastor Heath Taylor is blogging now {about stinkin’ time, Heath!}. Check out his blog: The Pulpit and the Pew.
The Lizard Cometh
Yesterday as I was sitting in Clark’s office, this lizard traipsed in {yes, lizards traipse}. Matt, Clark and I were unsuccessful in capturing it, so we had to seek out professional help: I grabbed my son Zechariah from his music class at school and the traipsing lizard was soon a prisoner.
The traipsing lizard was seen around the church campus all night during AWANA. I’m sure there’s a sermon illustration here somewhere.
Friends of P
I’m always trying to read books that fall along these categories, thought I’d share them:
My five “P’s” of reading that help me, particularly as a pastor-
Preaching- I’m always reading books on preaching. Trying to be the best biblical communicator that I can be {of course I can do nothing apart from the Spirit}.
Pastoral- I’m always reading some book on pastoral ministry, what it means to be a pastor, how I can serve the flock, etc, etc…
Prayer- Can’t get enough of these books. Right now I’m working my way through “Power Through Prayer” by E.M. Bounds and have “The Secret Key To Heaven: The Vital Importance of Prayer” by Thomas Brooks {a Puritan} lined up next.
Puritans- Love reading the Puritans. Gotta keep these in the rotation.
People- Love reading good biographies and learning how people walked with the Lord.
These are the “P’s” that serve me as a pastor in reading…
Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down
“To attract people from our culture, some Christian churches depend on glitz and spectacle and technological tools, rather than on the strong, substantive declaration of the Word of God and its authoritative revelation for our lives.”
Marva Dawn- Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for the Turn-of-the Century Culture
Back In the Saddle Again…
Sorry folks. I’ve been away from the blog for an eternity. Been busy writing a thesis {The Tenth Commandment In Light of the Case Laws of Deuteronomy 24:17-25:16}, attended the Together For the Gospel conference with the staff here at CBC, fractured a finger getting the stroller out of the van {makes typing a thesis rather difficult}, got misdiagnosed and sent home, then was sent 2 weeks later to a hand specialist who confirmed the fracture and torn ligament which was completely missed by the first doctor/x-ray, awaiting a new finger splint, preparing for baby #4 {a girl!!!} due in a few weeks, and other family, church stuff, etc.
So, I’m back. Thought I’d post this VERY GRAPHIC video. One of my favorite books of the Bible {along with Deuteronomy and 2nd Corinthians} is Leviticus {not to be confused with the 80’s Swedish Christian band!}. I seriously love the book of Leviticus. This video helped me love it more. The graphic slaughtering of an animal has a way of demonstrating the depth of sin and one’s need of a Savior.
WARNING: THIS VIDEO IS GRAPHIC. To watch a video of a lamb being slain, click here.
A Memo To Fellow Christians
Eric Raymond has sent out a must read memo to all fellow Christians.
Convincing the Soul of All the Evil Of It
Some John Owen for your Monday… ”Let faith look on Christ in the gospel as He is set forth dying and crucified for us. Look on Him under the weight of your sins, praying, bleeding, dying; bring Him in that condition into your heart by faith; apply His blood so shed to your corruptions. Do this daily… And this is the first thing that the Spirit does in order to the mortification of any lust whatsoever–it convinces the soul of the evil of it, cuts off all its pleas, discovers all its deceits, stops all its evasions, answers its pretenses, makes the soul own its abomination and lie down under the sense of it…the Spirit alone brings the Cross of Christ into our hearts with its sin-killing power…”
Ancient Waterboarding?
Apparently waterboarding was an ancient practice. I was reading in 2 Kings today and came across this: ”But the next day he took the bed cloth and dipped it in water and spread it over his face, till he died…” 2nd Kings 8:15
The Pastor As CEO/Leader/Insert Any Business Adjective Here
Michael Horton writes about the apostle Paul:”Who, having advertised for an outgoing team builder with a contagious personality, would have hired a pastor who openly disclosed the fact that he was not a great communicator, suffered everywhere he was sent, was nearly blind, and lacked the natural charisma of the “super-apostles,” who were only too happy to point out these weaknesses themselves?“ Read the excellent article here. {HT: DB} Also, Ruth Tucker weighs in on Jesus’ “failed” leadership. Both articles are well worth reading since our church culture values “pastorpreneurs” and “servant leadership” {which is usually clothed with secular business principles and values}.
Worship Mishaps
Bob Kauflin has a few “most embarassing moments” as a worship leader. If you’ve ever led corporate worship {or you’re a musician}, you’ll appreciate these. {HT:Z}
Preaching Points
This one’s for the preachers….Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has a podcast {available through iTunes} designed for encouraging preachers to hone their craft. It’s usually a 5 minute discussion about a particular aspect of preaching and comes out each Monday. I’ve downloaded a few and they are well worth the listen. Dr. Haddon Robinson is one of the contributors. You can find more info here.
Real Preachers of Genius
This is a spoof based on the Bud Light commercials “Real Men of Genius” {which are some of the funniest commercials out there}. This was too good not to post. If it hurts…well… {HT:CMP}
Is Tithing Biblical?
D.A. Carson has a great response to this question, which you can read here. My response is-
- 1} Try not to STRESS numbers and percentages like 10% {in actuality, the Old Testament saint gave around 30%- so if you talk numbers, shoot for this one}.
- 2} STRESS adjectives and phrases from 2nd Corinthians 8-9 like “overflow in a wealth of generosity…” “gave according to their means…and beyond their means…” “readiness…” ”desire…” “for the glory of the Lord…” “sow bountifully…” “as you have decided in your heart, not relunctantly or under compulsion…” “cheerful…” “generous…”
Home Schooling Outlawed in California
Never thought I’d see this coming. A California appeals court ruled yesterday that parents without teaching credentials cannot home school their own children. This is gonna get ugly. You can read more and find some great links at Denny Burk’s blog.
Kiss This Guy?
We’ve all misheard some song lyrics in our lives and were embarrassed when we found out the right words. Here’s a site, “Kiss This Guy: The Archive of Misheard Lyrics,” that has collected some of the best, like this, for instance: Jimi Hendrix- “Purple Haze”"Excuse me, while I kiss this guy…”"Excuse me, while I kiss the sky…” Go get corrected…
A Book You’ll Actually Read
Mark Driscoll has a new series of books coming out this summer that look interesting.Here’s some info: On Who Is God? 
Clear, biblical answers to some of the most difficult and controversial questions about God—all in one concise book you’ll actually read!
Packed with big truth, this little book can be read on average in one hour. Mark Driscoll, one of America’s most influential pastors, tackles five of the most controversial issues about God over which various religions and philosophies collide: knowledge of God, perspectives of God, the nature of God, the incarnation of God, and worship of God. Two appendices include a list of free online resources for further study on the existence and nature of God and a recommended reading list covering nearly every conceivable issue that leads to a right understanding of God.
On Who Is God? is part of a series {A Book You’ll Actually Read} of inexpensive and accessible books that give clear, biblical answers to difficult theological questions and controversies. Through this series, readers will get a solid and simple introduction to a major doctrine by spending just a little time. Also, check out-On Church Leadership On the New Testament On the Old Testament And the cover art of these books are fantastic. Minimalism at its finest!
Make It A Grande!
This is a funny story. Who needs a laptop when you can drag your desktop into Starbucks?
Underestimating the Underdog
Tom Bevan has a great post on why and when Hillary lost the campaign to Obama.
Confessing Sins
C.J. Mahaney has a great post on confessing sin. You can read the whole thing here, but here’s a teaser: When I have sinned against someone, a sincere confession is required. A confession that is sincere and pleasing to God will be specific and brief. I have learned to be suspicious of my confession if it’s general and lengthy. A sincere confession of sin should be specific (“I was arrogant and angry when I made that statement; will you please forgive me for sinning against you in this way?”) and brief (this shouldn’t take long). When I find myself adding an explanation to my confession, I’m not asking forgiveness but instead appealing for understanding.If my so-called confession extends beyond a very specific (acknowledgement of sin) sentence or two, then I am most likely excusing my sin, and requesting understanding for my sin, rather than sincerely asking forgiveness because of my sin. So I have learned to be suspicious of any confession of sin that is lengthy. Genuine conviction of sin is evidenced by a sincere,specific, and brief confession of sin, without any reference to circumstances or the participation of anyone else. When I sin, I am responsible for my sin, and the cause of my sin is always within my heart and never lies outside my heart.Often after I sin, and even after I confess my sin—most importantly to God to receive the forgiveness I need from him for my sin through the death of his Son for my many sins—I experience a conflict in my soul about the confessing, when necessary, to the appropriate individuals. And whenever there is this conflict in my soul about specifically confessing my sin, I am aware that pride is actively at work in my soul, opposing the confession and seeking to persuade me that it wouldn’t be wise or even necessary for me to confess. But I have learned to ignore this noise from my arrogant heart, and instead weaken this noise by specifically confessing my sin to the appropriate individual as quickly as possible.When I do confess, first and foremost to God and then (where and when appropriate) to others, I want my confession to be sincere and specific. I want my confession to express genuine sorrow and gratefulness to God for the mercy I experience because of the substitutionary sacrifice of his Son for my sins on the cross.And when I confess my sin to others and ask their forgiveness when I have sinned against them, I don’t want my confession to resemble the press conference of a high-profile athlete, characterized by evasive language and the refusal to be specific. Instead, I hope my confession of sin is the sincere and specific confession of one genuinely convicted of his sin, sorrowful about his sin, and amazed at the grace of God provided for the forgiveness of sin.
Emergents Gone Wild
Michael Patton offers the top 20 signs you are taking this emerging thing too far. Funny.
Yahweh or Jehovah?
Is God’s name Jehovah? What does it mean that Jesus is the firstborn of creation? Or the firstborn from the dead? Or that all things will be reconciled to God through the cross? I answered these questions in Sunday’s sermon on Colossians 1:15-23, which you can listen to here.
A Prayer Request
Would you please pray for a dear family that I know who were involved in a tragic accident over the weekend? The dad, one daughter and their son died in a car accident in Colorado. The mother {Janelle} and her teenage twin daughters {Avery and Alyssa} survived. They were God-honoring, joyful, fellow-workers for the gospel. It will be a long road ahead for these women so please keep them in your prayers. They have suffered broken bones {vertebrae, pelvis, clavicle, etc}, ruptured organs and numerous cuts. However, they are already testifying to the Lord’s goodness even in this dark time. Thank you for praying.
D.A. Carson on Rob Bell
D.A. Carson explains the rise in popularity of Rob Bell in “G-Rap” Michigan at the Reformation Underway blog. Thanks Lance for the link!
