Book Review- What Every Man Wishes His Father Had Told Him

January 27, 2012 by with 1 Comment

One of the most exciting times for a church can also be some of the most challenging. Consider the joy when a guy gets converted who did not grow up under the instruction of the Scriptures. Everyone is excited. And then the dust settles and we all realize that there is a lot of work to do to get this guy on track to be a godly man. It’s good work but it is still hard.

This is confounded by the regrettable fact that many churches do not emphasize male  leadership and the necessity of training men to be who they are supposed to be. If a new convert (and I was one) lands in a place like this he will spin his tires on the path of male leadership rather than advance.

As a pastor I have met quite a few of both of these types of guys. I rejoice when they come and express a desire to grow. I know it is going to involve some pastoral sweat but the upside is glorious.

In this type of ministry I have often lamented the lack of books that help guys to think and act like a biblical man. In their absence young guys like me roll up our sleeves and get to work, doubtlessly missing more than a few patches of unmowed grass.

This is why I am very excited about this new book: What Every Man Wishes His Father Had Told Him by Byron Yawn is pure gold. Yawn aims to fill that gap. He comes alongside the guy who is has not received the training, the instruction in “Being a Man 101.”

The chapters are concise, fast-paced, and theologically rich. Byron teaches you Bible and theology as he teaches biblical masculinity. He is also a terrific writer with a particularly arresting southern style. For example when talking about dealing with an argument with your wife he refers our obsessive stewing over the issue like a kid playing with loose tooth as the icicles on the bannister grow larger. Good pictures.

The tone is necessarily strong but not lacking in compassion. Byron talks directly to men, dads, young men and boys. He is firm but loving. Some may have their feelings hurt (which itself becomes a lesson in the book). There is straight talk about male leadership, sex-talk with kids, pornography, service in the church, saying you’re sorry, and the need to be growing in grace. Along these lines it is helpful to note that the author is extremely transparent about his own life as a young man, an adult, a husband, and a dad. Even the toughest of guys will be moved emotionally when he writes about his adoptive father’s death and all that he meant to him. All of this to say it is a great balance; the same hand that (lovingly) punches you in the gut comes around the shoulder for encouragement.

The book is also filled with humor. Byron compiles a list of ‘man laws’ throughout. You may disagree with some of them but that is not the point. They are funny and intended to make you think twice about trotting in public or sharing an umbrella with another dude.

On a personal note, Byron is a friend. I know that what he writes is what he lives and what his greatest burdens are. If someone should write a book like this it should be Byron. This is a book that I can see myself giving away for years to come. It is also a book that I will repeatedly come back to myself for instruction and reminders. It is early in the year but I can all but guarantee that What Every Man Wishes His Father Had Told Him will be in my top 5 books for 2012. It is that helpful and good.

The book is released next Wednesday (2/1/2012). You can pre-order it on Amazon today.

See the video below for more info from Byron:

The State of the Union and the State of the Pulpit

January 25, 2012 by with 8 Comments

All the news attention yesterday and throughout today has been on the President’s State of the Union address. This happens every year in January and it serves to be a good reminder of the President’s accountability to the other branches of government.

This occasion provides more than a civics lesson. It also helps the church think about preaching.

We have heard experts decry preaching as outdated, irrelevant, wastes of time. We cannot possibly expect people to listen, engage, and retain what they are told during a 45 minute sermon on Sunday morning. There is a better way we are told. Maybe we should have conversations or drama or finger painting or whatever.

I have it on good information that the government and in particular President Obama, is pretty good at technology. They also have spent a buck or two on surveys. Yet, they keep on shuffling out President Obama to give us a speech. And this is not a little 15 minute jokey speech, it is a full 1 hour speech.

So what can we learn?

1. People are not idiots. We can and should expect them to listen when we have something to say.

2. Persuasive presentations are still effective. Otherwise he would just blog the thing.

3. Preparation actually matters. Whatever you want to say about the POTUS and his teleprompter, guess what? He knew his speech. He had thought it through and had it down.

4. Thoughtful preparation matters. He knew who he was talking to and what he wanted to say.

5. Fear is healthy. Let’s face it, the President has a job to do and an election to win. He doesn’t want to stink it up.

If you are a pastor, keep preaching. And keep expecting people to listen. But, please, please, please, could you make sure that the sermon is actually in you before you give it? Make sure it moves you. Have convictions, be persuasive, get after it. What a shame it would be if the president was more thoughtful, diligent, and committed in his presentation to the people of the country than we are to our congregations before God? What an indictment this is to us who bye the lie that preaching is irrelevant. No, boring is irrelevant. And so is tired, lazy, unprepared, unmoved, wimpy  guys who have nothing to say.

Be encouraged or be convicted as need be. I know I am.

The (potential) Stinger in the Tail of All that Sin Talk

January 24, 2012 by with 11 Comments

I am all for communicating sin and the need for Christ. This is biblical. It forms our understanding of the gospel. But sometimes preachers and Christians linger a bit long in the boiler room, inhaling the smoke of the Law without opening the windows of grace. You cannot smile in such a cellar.

Spurgeon saw and spoke of such a trend in his day. His observations and cautions may be surprising but I think right on.

I have one more class of objectors to answer and I am finished. There is a certain breed of Calvinist, whom I do not envy, who are always jeering and sneering as much as ever they can at the full assurance of faith.

I have seen their long faces; I have heard their whining periods, and read their dismal sentences, in which they say something to the effect – “Groan in the Lord always, and again I say, groan! He that mourneth and weepeth, he that doubted and feareth, he that distrusteth and dishonoureth his God, shall be saved.”

That seems to be the sum and substance of their very ungospel-like gospel. But why is it they do this?

I speak now honestly and fearlessly. It is because there is a pride within them – a conceit which is fed on rottenness, and sucks marrow and fatness out of putrid carcasses.

And what, say you, is the object of their pride? Why, the pride of being able to boast of a deep experience – the pride of being a blacker, grosser, and more detestable sinner than other people. “Whose glory is in their shame,” may well apply to them. A more dangerous, because a more deceitful pride than this is not to be found. It has all the elements of self-righteousness in it.” –C. H. Spurgeon ”Full Assurance“

What do you think? Is he onto something?

The iPhone, my gospel ambassador to the Polish

January 18, 2012 by with 4 Comments

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This past week I was visiting my family in Boston. It was a great time with a lot of good opportunities. In particular, I was encouraged by one conversation with my grandfather Victor.

Victor is in his 80′s and loves being Polish and Roman Catholic. In the past I my opportunities to talk of Christ and the gospel were filibustered with the skill of a Boston Democrat.

However, this time I was ready. I got out my iPhone and opened up my Google Translator app and made my move. I typed in the words in English and told it to translate to Victor’s tongue. You can probably see me working here.

I begin,

Jesus Christ is God’s Son! He died for our sins

And so he shouts it in Polish (remember he is losing his hearing). I go again,

You are saved by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone!

Again Victor shouts it like a Polish Charles Spurgeon. First in Polish and then in English. I am having a Pentecost moment here.

As the homily continues my grandmother comes in, being quite perplexed at what has become of her husband.

Victor what are you doing? What is wrong with you?

I am talking Polish with the Pastor!

My grandmother said,

10 minutes with Erik and you become a preacher. My goodness

I used this to talk with him more later. It was funny and encouraging. Who would have thought that Steve Jobs’ would have been a bridge for me to talk of Christ’s work.

If they thought Jesus was Crazy then…

January 13, 2012 by with 5 Comments

He has a demon, and is insane, why listen to him? John 10.19

This passage, in light of Jesus’ clear communication of who he is, is both discouraging and encouraging.

It is discouraging because they did not get it. Jesus, standing before them and preaching the truth, was thought to be crazy. How sinful is sin that it stops up the unbelieving ears so full that they cannot hear their maker’s words? This is disturbing. Every unbelieving heart is just this hard. Left unto ourselves Jesus and his message is crazy.

It is encouraging because there was obviously nothing wrong with Jesus’ sermon. He didn’t leave out any key points or magic phrases that would have made them believe. He preached and they thought he was crazy. And if people thought Jesus was crazy then it should follow that when we preach this same message to like hearts then we will get the same response. I am encouraged that I don’t have to wonder what is wrong with me or the message, it is the heart of the hearer that is out of tune.

Furthermore, we should be encouraged that it is this same, foolish message that actually brings people to faith. Isn’t that interesting? That truth that makes one snicker and bristle can also make the same person trust and treasure Christ! In fact, in this very passage we read that “my sheep hear my voice…” (v.27). It is and always be the words of the Son of God that brings us from the grave of unbelief to the table of gospel feasting.

Therefore, let us be humbled, encouraged, sustained and exhorted unto gospel joy and fidelity.

Don’t Be a Pastoral Newt

January 10, 2012 by with 7 Comments

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The American Presidential campaign is in full swing and as is so often the case when we have heightened exposure to people, we have the opportunity to learn a lot about ourselves.

Now I’m going to do a little experiment that will hopefully illustrate my point in the end.

When I say “Newt Gingrich” do you have a positive or negative reaction?

Most people I talk and listen to are a bit sour on the former Speaker. Sure, people don’t like his public sins. But that is not what I’m after here. What we often think of with Gingrich is negativity. They guy is almost as negative as he is smart (or maybe the other way around). If we were to pick an animal he is most like people would suggest a pit-bull. The guy just lays into people like, well, a pit-bull.

Now where is my point for Christians? Well, sometimes we, well-meaning, burdened, conviction-having folks (particularly pastors) can begin to look and sound like a Pastoral Newt. We become defined by what and who we are against rather than who and what we are for. Instead of preaching Christ and Him Crucified it about us and then our opponents crucified. And just like Drudge Report and FoxNews there are Christian Watchblogs to stoke the flames and make this new message catch fire.

There is also a price. I have read that Mr Gingrich has had trouble among his volunteers. I am not surprised. That tone is suffocating and unsettling. It can’t last. Similarly Pastors need to remember that pit bull pastoring will burn out their people if they don’t make them twice as bad as themselves first.

As believers we should be very careful that our tone and cadence is identifiably biblical. Yes this has impact upon insiders and outsiders but it also has impact us, upon our faithfulness. Which is what, at the end of the day, what Christians actually mean when we talk about “winning.” (1 Cor. 4.1-2)

(please note: this post is not intended endorse or object Mr Gingrich)

Don’t Treat the Gospel Like Your Wedding Pictures

January 9, 2012 by with 6 Comments

INVESTMANT STATEMENTS & WEDDING PICTURES
Several years ago I worked at an investment broker dealer. It was at the tail end of the market’s ‘good days’ and during the subsequent ‘bad days’ that followed September 11th. As you might imagine there was a lot of chatter about the disappation of folks’ investments. I remember over hearing the customer service reps repeatedly trying to calm people down. One particular strategy they employed was to tell the anxious callers to look at their investment summaries about as often as they look at their wedding pictures. In other words, don’t get too worked up day to day.

This worked because most people don’t look at their wedding pictures every year, let alone every month or every day.

I remember wondering, “What would happen if people did look at their wedding pictures every month?” Most certainly couples would be reminded of their love for one another, the beauty of their spouse, the changes over the years, and the love that they still have. It could be helpful. It could prevent ‘issues’.

DUST OFF THE GOSPEL SNAPSHOTS
Similarly, what would happen if the Christian looked at the snapshots of the gospel more regularly?

Continue Reading…

Book Review- Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself

January 5, 2012 by with 0 Comments

Good friends are hard to find. We agree with this right? Based on the scarcity and the value of our own good friends.

Even more rare are the good friends who consistently speak truth to you. You know what I’m talking about, one of those guys (or ladies) who will sip their coffee in between very encouraging and thoughtful reminders of the goodness of God to his people. Good, gospel friends have a knack for precision with the Bible.

I think Joe Thorn has made a lot of friends. In his book Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself  Thorn not only writes these things to us the readers but he invites us into the conversation he is having with himself. He models faithful application of the gospel.

The book is small (7″ x 5″ 144 pages) and the chapters are short (a page and a half or so) but the content is rich and immensely helpful. I have always enjoyed Joe’s blog and his ability to be brief without lacking substance. This book is the same way, Thorn is able to pack a lot into little container. Think of it like a daily Doppio of gospel.

Thorn writes,

“The idea of preaching the gospel to ourselves is getting more press these days, but the actual work of preaching to ourselves seems to be slow in the coming. We hear the basic concept and think, ‘Of course, I need to do that.’ But where do we start? What does it mean? [And] how doe we actually do it?”

This is what the author intends to do. The book is divided up into three main sections; “The Gospel & God,” showing what the gospel teaches us about God, “The Gospel & Others,” showing the implications of the gospel on our relationships, and “The Gospel & You,” teaching what the gospel changes and reorders about the believer.  I was very impressed that Joe could take such a big swing in such small bites, again, the genius of the concept and the writing of the book.

If you are looking for resources on how to preach the gospel to yourself and to think deeply about its implications then this book will help you. It is ideal for e-readers and not a bad deal at Amazon (see links below). I give it 5/5 Stars.

Note to Self is available at Westminster | Amazon | Kindle.

*Note: if you make purchases at Amazon, consider entering their site through this blog. It’s kind of like a tip that costs you nothing. (I get a small amount of $ for such Amazon purchases) Thanks!

Ferguson: Read the Old Books that have lasted vs Whatever is new

January 4, 2012 by with 2 Comments

I have been listening to a lot of podcasts lately as I am trying to get ready for a marathon. One that has been particularly encouraging is the series by Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) entitled Preaching the Word. In the series Sinclair Ferguson gives his reflections on ministry at the age of 60. I have greatly benefited from Dr Ferguson’s ministry and was intrigued by his talks.

One comment hit a chord. Ferguson encouraged people to not try to keep up with the new books and the new topics. Instead, said Ferguson, keep up with the books that have lasted the test of time. With particular emphasis upon theology and church life, go and read the greats from 1,2 or 300 (or more) years ago.

This led Ferguson to the 2 Johns (after John the Apostle), as he said. John Calvin and John Owen. He infers that these authors have done more for him than any contemporary book could do.

As someone who likes to read and follows the new books, I enjoyed this exhortation from a guy who is closer to the finish line. I can be all about reading the new stuff and neglect the great stuff. His exhortation was well-timed and helpful for me.

Check out the audio here at iTunes if you like.

 

Resist “Swish and Spit” Devotions

January 3, 2012 by with 10 Comments

We have flipped our calendars to the new year with excitement and optimism. And as Christians this means that Bible reading plans are making their rounds and are being gobbled up by well-intentioned, eager hands. I celebrate this as a good thing.

But hold on for a second, I have a quick question.

What did you read yesterday? No, not what chapter, but what did you read? What from God’s Word got ahold of you to produce a response? Did anything evoke conviction or delight? Did something particular from your reading explode in your heart with thanksgiving?

Hopefully the answer is yes. But too often the answer is, “Wait. Hold on. …I can’t remember.”

This reminds me of childhood trips to the dentist. Do you recall after the dentist put that horrific flouride treatment in your mouth? He then would spray in a bunch of water that you would lean over and (try to) spit in the small circular sink next to your head.

Sadly too many of us have a “swish and spit” devotional life. We grab a little Bible reading, swish it around in the morning, then spit it out on the way out the door. The treasures from the Word don’t get swallowed and digested but rather spit out quickly.

How do you combat dental chair devotions? One word: meditation.

Meditation should not be impugned as a New Age practice but employed as a biblical discipline. Meditation is the intentional chewing, tasting, ruminating, upon God’s Word. Far from “swish and spit” meditation is “sit and steep.” We need to steep the Word in the water of our soul so that we are flavored and colored by the Bible.

Listen to the Psalmist trumpet this principle:

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119.15,16,27,97)

Learn from our brother here in the Psalms, the priority for the believer is not to just move the bookmark ahead but to put the everlasting word into your heart and mind. The vehicle for this practice is reading, prayer and meditation.

Don’t undercut your desire to benefit from the Word of God this year by practicing dental chair devotions instead make it a priority to have the Word function like a lozenge continually refreshing and flavoring you throughout the day.

I Have a Better Party in the Morning

December 31, 2011 by with 7 Comments

I understand the New Year’s Eve celebration. I do. In fact, I like it. I’ve hosted and attended parties for years. But tonight I’m trading in my kazoo (or whatever those things are) for some shut-eye.

Why? Because I have a better party in the morning.

I don’t mean to sound negative about New Year’s it’s just not as good as Sunday morning. I need to rest up. I want to be alert. I want to come with my heart prepared not impaired. I want my ears to be hearing and my eyes seeing. I don’t want to wake-up in the middle of the second song. I don’t want to dose off while hearing the pastoral prayer and confession. In short, I want to be prepared for the celebration.

I want to be there with my friends and family, my brothers and sisters in Christ! I want to raise my voice alongside of theirs to proclaim the manifold splendor and glory of Jesus. I want to actively and diligently set myself to bend my heart under the Word of God. I want the Holy Spirit to work upon my heart through the proclamation of the Word of God. I want to worship.

Why am I so bent on this? It is because I am so amazed by this. The truth of the matter is that Christ has died for my sins (1 Cor. 15.3-5) and even further he has been raised from the dead as the first-fruits of those who believe. I will be raised just like him! That resurrection is not unto judgment or condemnation but unto life and eternal happiness in him. (Jude 1.24-25) This time, this journey here from conversion to heaven, is the time to kindle afresh my delight and happiness in God for what he has done for me in Christ. (Col. 3.15-17; Ps. 86.4) If this is truly who I am do you think I want to sleep through the weekly celebration of who God is and what he has done? (Heb. 10.19-25)

So I get the New Year’s hoopla, I do. But I also, to some degree, get the New Life celebration. There is a much more significant celebration scheduled for the flipping of the calendar to the Year of Jubilee than there is for 2012. Don’t let celebration tonight steal from your time tomorrow. As the Puritans used to say, “If you seek the Lord on Saturday night you will find him on Sunday morning.” There is truth and wisdom in that. Prepare your heart, get some sleep, and enjoy the privilege of gathering on the Lord’s Day.

 

Advent Meditation: Swaddling Righteousness

December 23, 2011 by with 0 Comments

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2.7)

This is a familiar passage to be read and considered during the Advent season. It is embedded with so much rich theological beauty and truth for the Christian.

Here we have the Son of God become the son of a virgin. The one who swaddled the stars with darkness (Job 38.9) is now swaddled in cloth as a baby. This is such mind bending, heart melting truth! Christ, the Lord God, becomes a man, and dwells among us (John 1.14).

Furthermore, it is this same Jesus who was swaddled in the garments of humility who will soon swaddle his own children in the merit of his righteousness. This Jesus will, by his perfect obedience, earn the everlasting righteousness that will be credited to a sinner like me.

I cannot stare at the scene of the manger without seeing the looming shadow of Calvary descending upon it. This Jesus was born to die (Matt. 1.21). I see the baby here, swaddled in rags. But in due time he will be swaddled in the rags of my demerit, my sin (Is. 64.6; 1 Pet. 2.24; 2 Cor. 5.21). This he did that I might be clothed in his righteousness (Rom. 4.4-5; 5.1; 2 Cor. 5.21).

This is one reason I love the Christmas season. It forces me to be reminded again of the depth of Christ’s condescension for a rebel like me. The depth is infinite because my sin is infinite. And his righteousness is infinite because his value is infinite. Therefore, praise is befitting for those who have received such grace (Ps. 147.1)

You Need More than Ornaments!

December 23, 2011 by with 3 Comments

Most of us have a tree in our  living room this time of year. Whether “real” or “fake” the tree is decorated with ornaments and other festive items to celebrate the Christmas season.

The trees also help illustrate an essential but often overlooked truth of the Christian life: ornaments of grace are not hung on the tree of your Christianity but they are grown from it.

Let me give you an example. Meet John. John is member in a local church. However, he and his wife have been arguing lately. John has been blowing up at her and then ignoring her. The cycles are getting more and more frequent and intense. Finally John’s wife calls a pastor and counseling begins.

John is outwardly contrite. He knows it is wrong to yell at his wife and then ignore her. He can quote the Bible verses about loving his wife (Eph. 5.25) and anger (Gal. 5.20). He knows he needs to make some changes.

So what does he do?

He goes home apologies to his wife, gets up early the next morning to read his Bible, then he prays, setting off an organized period of intentional spiritual discipline.

Sounds good right?

Fast-forward 30 days. John is visiting again with the pastor. He is upset with his wife and what appears to be a bunch of work that didn’t pay off. He has grinded it out on the spiritual treadmill for the last month only to find himself back in the same chair with the same problems.

What’s the problem?

In short, John was decorating the tree rather than growing fruit. Anyone can decorate a tree but only the Spirit of God can produce fruit (Gal. 5.16-25). Anyone can make a plan and sweat through some spiritual checklists but it takes true grace wrought in the heart of the believer to produce gospel fruit.

Switching metaphors a bit, imagine if you had an apple tree in your yard. You bought it, planted it, watered it and are excited to get some apples. In fact your excitement leads you to rush past the waiting period of the apple actually growing. You run down to the market and pick up a dozen apples and then attach them to the tree with fishing wire. Then you run in the house and show your wife and kids, “Look, I grew apples!!”

Of course you didn’t grow apples, you hung apples. There is a difference.

Too many Christians hang apples, they decorate the tree. We forget the fruit of the Spirit is actually the fruit of the Spirit! Yes we work, strive, and even sweat but it is nevertheless God who is working in the life of the believer (Phil. 2.12-13). To put it another way you do not produce evidences of grace by the flesh, instead they come via God’s gracious work in the Holy Spirit.

Just like the apple tree true fruit takes time. There is a bud, then some growth,eventually you see what looks like fruit. God is working in the lives of his people, he is growing them. This growth is organic not mechanical. It comes from wtihin not from without. He will use those same means that we often try to use in the flesh (Bible, prayer, meditation, etc) however he will use them in a broken and contrite heart that values Jesus.

So as you sit and look at the lights and ornaments on the tree this Christmas take some time to sit back and ask yourself about yourself. Are you just decorating a tree or is God growing fruit?

Book Review- A Gospel Primer

December 21, 2011 by with 3 Comments

Have you ever noticed that when you eat certain types of food, particularly spicy foods, that the scent from the food stays with you well after the meal? If you were to happen to exercise the next day all of those around you would be aware of your spicy culinary experience. This is the unfavorable sweat.

But, I have also learned to appreciate what I will call, “Gospel-Sweat.” This is a sweat that comes from people marinating in the goodness of the gospel. When you find people like this you want to keep them close. When you find books by people like this then you want to keep their books close. You want to learn from their thinking and experiences.

Milton Vincent appears to be one of these guys. In his short but powerful book A Gospel Primer Vincent models a faithfully engaged Christian who is aiming to be daily overcome by the glory of Christ in the gospel.

The largest chunk of the book is really just a bevy of implications of the gospel. Like a soldier with an infinite amount of shells Vincent just keeps firing gospel truth at you. This is so good because we are so forgetful. In these short (2-3 paragraph sections) we have a number of facts that are true because of what Christ has done for us. There are too many to name here but for example, we have: My Daily Need, Transformed by God’s Power, A Cure for Distrust, Freedom from Sin’s Power, Resting in Christ’s Righteousness, etc. It is great. What I love about this section, in addition to the truth captured in the paragraphs, is the truth in the Scripture as cited in the footnotes at the bottom of the page. The book is loaded with Bible. This is good.

The rest of the book is A Gospel Narrative. Vincent writes in the first person in such a way that shows a deep meditation and delight in the gospel. Its style is conducive to memorization and further meditation.

Finally, in the last section the author, himself a pastor, writes about is testimony of God’s goodness in making him to see and savor the goodness of God in the gospel. This is great stuff.

I can see many uses for this book. It is singular in purpose (helping us to live in light of the gospel) but it is wide in its scope. For example, it is good for a new Christian and for a reminder to a more seasoned believer. It’s good for one struggling in legalism or one prone to licentiousness. It is good for Dads, Moms, sons and daughters. It is for pastors and lay-people. It is for seminarians or nursery workers. If you are a Christian this book will help you. It has, is and no doubt will continue to help me. I cannot commend it highly enough.

A Gospel Primer is available at Westminster | Amazon.

*Note: if you make purchases at Amazon, consider entering their site through this blog. It’s kind of like a tip that costs you nothing. (I get a small amount of $ for such Amazon purchases) Thanks!

 

The voice from the tree did not summon them to do

December 16, 2011 by with 3 Comments

This quote greatly encouraged me to rest in the perfection of Christ’s work. This resting brings me to treasuring him. I pray it encourages you too. (the emphasis in underlining is my doing)…

At the cross this “righteousness” was found; human, yet divine: provided for man and presented to him by God for relief of conscience and justification of life. On the one word, “It is finished,” as on a heavenly resting place, weary souls sat down and were refreshed.

The voice from the tree did not summon them to do, but to be satisfied with what was done. Millions of bruised consciences there found healing and peace.

Belief in that finished work brought the sinner into favor with God, and it did not leave him in uncertainty as to this. The justifying work of Calvary was God’s way, not only of bringing pardon, but of securing certainty.

It was the only perfect thing which had ever been presented to God in man’s behalf; and so extraordinary was this perfection that it might he used by man in his transactions with God as if it were his own. –Horatius Bonar, The Everlasting Righteousness

Let’s Be Straight Here: the world of the Bible stinks in many ways

December 15, 2011 by with 0 Comments

 Broken-Down House is a book on Christian living by the prominent and helpful author Paul David Tripp. It is about living with the biblically informed mind of what this world is really like and who you are really like (with and without Christ). This quote about the Bible is helpful in reminding us of the reality of the Bible. It is for our world to bring us to the next.

I am more and more persuaded that when we characterize the Bible as a book about spirituality, we do it and ourselves a disservice. The Bible is not a higher-plan tome about some mystical life of spiritual devotion. It does not teach blissful separation from the brokenness of everyday life. No, the Bible is a book about this world. It is a gritty, honest book. When we read Scripture, we face the world as it actually is, in big-screen, high-def detail. God doesn’t pull any punches. He doesn’t paint over any cracks. He doesn’t flatter or avoid. There is no denial of what is real and true.

The sights and sounds of the Bible are familiar. They are the sights and sounds of the very same broken world you and I wake up to every day. Dirt and smoke are on every page. You can’t read very far without your nostrils and eyes being assaulted by the acrid air of the world gone bad. Let’s be straight here the world of the Bible stinks in many ways. Does it bother you when you read that? Does it come across to you as displaying a lack of faith? –Paul David Tripp, Broken Down House, pp. 26-27.

A Blog Update & Prayer Request

December 15, 2011 by with 2 Comments

I have a lot happening family and ministry wise right now so the blog is going into something of an auto-pilot. This means that over the next month or so, I will posting more quotes from books that I am reading. I hope it remains helpful. Truth is, the blog will doubtlessly become more helpful with these authors featured. Again, these are books that I am currently reading and notes that I am finding particularly encouraging.

And, since some have asked, the clicking and purchasing through the links to the stores (Westminster & Amazon) do provide some change for me in purchasing more books. It’s not a lot but it after time it adds up. Also it costs you nothing.

Since there are so many things happening in the next 60 days, I would appreciate prayer for wisdom, endurance and joy (Col. 1.9-14). Thanks!

Actually, Past Performance *Is* Indicative of Future Success

December 13, 2011 by with 1 Comment

Years ago I worked in a financial brokerage. In particular I worked in compliance. We were very meticulous about ensuring that we said and did everything right. One phrase I remember seeing regularly is, “Past performance is not indicative of future results.” In other words, just because a fund or company has done well in the past does not mean that it will do well in the future. Typically this is appended to data that demonstrates solid past performance.

In the Christian world however, this phrase is turned on its head. It is in fact very much non-compliant with the Scripture.

What the writers of Scripture tend to do is unload piles of data upon us to show us that this God who has worked powerfully in the past will in fact do so in the future.

Just this morning I was reading the 77th Psalm in my devotions and I saw this same tactic. The Psalmist is, in the present, crying aloud to the Lord (v.1). He is feeling the pinch. Things are hard.

So what does he do? In both verses 5 & 11 we see him looking at the historical data for present comfort (Ps. 77.5, 11).

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Book Review- God’s Grand Design

December 13, 2011 by with 0 Comments

I would suspect the only thing more challenging than trying to read Jonathan Edwards is to write about him. This has not stopped people from taking up the challenge however. Jonathan Edwards is arguably the greatest mind America has ever produced. Consequently there is significant intrigue into his life and thought. Myself, I have read many books on the great pastor but my appetite is never satiated. I always want more. Whenever I hear of a new book on Edwards it seems to find its way to my Amazon wish list.

God’s Grand Design by Sean Michael Lucas was no different. I was eager to get my hands on this book because it endeavored to tackle the what Edwards believed and how he applied it. In other words, the theological vision of Edwards.

The book breaks into two easy sections: Redemption History and Redemption Applied.

Throughout the course of the book you will be guided carefully by a pastor-theologian who has lectured for many years on this very subject. This fact should not scare you off, instead, it should encourage you. The author takes a glacier and puts it in a tea cup. It is accessible, understandable, and simple. Lucas is a careful teacher, working hard to make difficult concepts clear. As an example, you have the whole business of religious affections. Edwards wrote this to think through and parse out was was truly wrought by God and what was spurious in the days of the Great Awakening. In this Lucas carefully guides you through the writing in light of history, other writers, and what Edwards himself wrote in other places. As someone who has enjoyed but not fully profited from Religious Affections, I was greatly aided here.

The two appendices are excellent. One serves as a reminder of the fact that Edwards was a normal guy (helpful). And the other is a comprehensive list and thoughts on helpful books related to Edwards.

I have read biographies that I wish had more of Edwards’ theological vision in it. This book by Lucas serves to fill that gap. I recommend it alongside of Marsden’s biography on Edwards (or the shorter one by the same author).

As I mentioned, I like Edwards a lot. Therefore it was not tough to get up for the book. At right about 200 pages it went too fast. I wanted it to keep going. I am not inclined to be liberal with the praise for authors but this was the best book I read in 2011. Even if you are not a huge Edwards guy (or girl) you will be greatly edified by the arrangement of and interaction with the theology of Edwards.

God’s Grand Design is available at Westminster | Amazon (Kindle Store also).

*Note: if you make purchases at Amazon, consider entering their site through this blog. It’s kind of like a tip that costs you nothing. (I get a small amount of $ for such Amazon purchases) Thanks!

Midnight Musings with a Crying Baby

December 9, 2011 by with 7 Comments

Last night my wife and I were up most of the night. Our little boy, 6 months, is learning to go to sleep on his own.

As I walked about trying to get this little guy to sleep I was struck by the profound lessons that I can learn.

For one, a baby is weak, immature, easily upset, and unable to govern himself. He can’t do what he wants to do. He wants to sleep but he can’t. It reminded me of myself as a Christian. I am needy and dependent and often worn down. Furthermore, new Christians, just like new babies, are often thrown into quite a fit when they don’t get what they think they want. There is a time for mature believers to come alongside them with loving patience and care, reminding and modeling Christlike love.

As I thought on these things I found myself encoruaged and motivated to lovingly serve my son.

In this process I was again drawn to the familiar 127th Psalm. As I chewed on this verse, in the middle of the night, I had to chuckle at the irony of God in this Psalm.

If you have babies at home or have recently had the experience of newborns, you know exactly where I am going. The Psalmist pairs sleep and children together in a song for believers to sing about the blessings of God.

Did you catch that? Sleep and children are paired up here like Peanut Butter and Jelly.

I don’t think this is an accident. Believers should sing about the blessings of both sleep and children as they get up in the middle of the night or sleep through the night. This is a good passage to remind new parents of as they spend time with their kids ‘after hours.’

Walking through it proves to be very helpful and full of application for parents and non-parents alike.

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