Memorial Day

Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day”. It was a day when people go decorate the graves of their dead friends and family. Memorial Day actually began after the Civil War to honor the Union troops who had fallen in battle. The South in turn commemorated their own Memorial Day calling it appropriately “Confederate Memorial Day”. Even today there are some parts of the South that still do this. Regardless, this video clip was sent to me a few years ago and it captures the sentiment perfectly. As a son of a veteran who served his country, all I can say to all veterans is thanks for keeping us the “land of the free, and the home of the brave”.

Sunday Sermon with Martin Luther

“Faith, if it true faith, is of such a nature that it does not rely upon itself nor upon the faith; but holds to Christ, and takes refuge under his righteousness; and he lets this righteousness be its shield and protection just like the little chicken never trusts in its own life and efforts, but takes refuge under the body and wings of the hen…Under this righteousness he creeps, crouches, and stoops, he confides in Christ’s righteousness and believes without the least doubt that it will sustain him and so it really comes to pass that he will be sustained by the same faith, not for his sake nor for the sake of such faith, but for the sake of Christ and his righteousness under which he takes refuge…If then believers and saints are in need of such a great shield, what will become of those who go ahead with their own free will and their own good works, independent of Christ? Oh! We must remain in Christ, upon Christ and under Christ, never stray from our mother hen, or all is lost” (Martin Luther, from his sermon on the text of Matthew 23:34-39).

Preparation for the Lord's Day

Our Psalm in worship tomorrow is Psalm 59. Read it together as a family, and highlight the sections describing God. How is He described and what does He do? Praise Him for those things, and use that as a catalyst for your prayer.

Nuts and Bolts

I noticed the other day that a church in my area is promoting an “Eco-Friendly Vacation Bible School”. Will someone please explain to me what this is? I hardly think it would be a Noah’s Ark Theme.

As a son of veteran, I find the consideration of a restraint medal during wartime both absurd and insulting. My dad wouldn’t let us watch M.A.S.H. I can’t imagine what he would say about this if he were still alive.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/05/military_restraint_medal_051110mar/


This next clip has been much talked about around the halls of Calvary thanks to Reepicheep (the Baptist in Presbyterian robes) Actually Tony Felich is a friend and a kindred spirit for the gospel. I worshipped at his church a few weeks ago, and am reminded that as Baptists we have much to learn from our Presbyterian cousins (on our Father’s side). Tony is a gifted writer (and I mean scary gifted). I am an avid reader of his bloghttp://www.reepicheep-ajf.blogspot.com/ and I think my wife is one of his biggest fans. I first saw this video a few weeks ago on his blog. He highlights a section-“Things You will Never See at Redeemer” http://www.redeemer-pca.org/, and some of these clips are epic. At any rate, several Calvary members were previewing it and put a header to it-“While Pastor Brian was away”. Keep in mind while viewing it: yes, it is real, and yes it was in a church service, and yes he really did do that at the :56 mark. Brace yourself.

Coffee with Carson

"As I wind down my reading of Carson, I would like to highlight another section of his book, "Worship by the Book". The elders here at Calvary have been praying through and discussing various aspects of corporate worship so these essays were timely. In a chapter written by Anglican Mark Ashton, he describes an action I mentioned in passing in one of the services on Sunday. I thought it was very appropriate.

"There are few more encouraging noises for the preacher than the rustle of Bible pages among the congregation when he announces his text. He should draw comfort from that, more than from sounds of approval for what he is saying during the sermon. A faithful congregation will draw faithful preaching out of their pastor. Conversely, it is very hard to persevere as a faithful teacher of the Word of God to a congregation that does not want to have it taught to them. To some extent congregations get the preachers they deserve, because preaching is a two-way process: the attitudes of preacher and congregation must unite in a humble hunger for God's Word. And because this is at the very center of every church service and is unaffected by whether the congregation is large or small, so it does not matter what size the church service is. What matters is that Jesus Christ should be present-and he will be if his Word is being heard and obeyed" (pg. 100).

I have often said that one of the most encouraging sounds for me as a preacher is to hear the turning of the pages of Scripture by the congregation while I am preaching, and one of the most encouraging sights is to see the tops of the people's heads. I praise God He has chosen in this season to give me such a place to witness these elements."

Wayne Grudem Video

For the past nine months, a group of eight men and me have been engaged in a Wednesday study on leadership. They had to do several writing and speaking assignments throughout the year. Most of our time was spent in Wayne Grudem’s “Bible Doctrine”. We finished up our formal time together last night, but thought it would be appropriate to recognize this Wayne Grudem parody. My guys will definitely enjoy it, as I believe anyone who has studied Wayne Grudem will. I think it was filmed by British students.

Jesus on Self-Righteous Hypocrites

As we are winding down our exposition of Matthew 23 on Sunday morning, we have observed some graphic imagery of Jesus to describe the self-righteous hypocrites. In a word, Jesus detests hypocrisy. He never negotiates or compromises with it. He hates it, and it must be eradicated from our lives. What is also interesting is our Lord’s discussion of hell. Matthew is the gospel that speaks of hell the most, and in Matthew Jesus never brings up hell to a pagan (not that it would be wrong to do so). Rather, when Jesus talks about hell in Matthew it is always in a context of religious people. Or to put it another way, Jesus addresses the subject of hell to a group of people that don’t believe they are going there (just read Matthew 7:21-23). It really is amazing to study. Here are a few other “terms of endearment” Jesus gives the self-righteous hypocrites.

1. Corrupt leaven (Luke 12:1).
2. Whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27).
3. Concealed tombs (Luke 11:44).
4. Wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).
5. Hypocrites (a personal favorite of Matthew) (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; 15:7; 22:18; 23:13, 15, 23, 27, 29; 24:51
6. Blind (Matthew 15:14; 23:16, 17, 19, 24, 26)
7. Offspring of vipers (Matthew 3:7; 23:33)
8. Children of the devil (John 8:44)

Clearly Jesus had no use for religious hypocrisy. And we should seek to rid it from our lives.

David Garland

As a follow up on the sermon yesterday, I would like highlight a quote from David Garland. His “Reading Matthew” has been enriching since studying Matthew. He is very effective at sweeping sections of Matthew to present a broad theme.

“Scribes are not poor in spirit (23:6-7); do not hunger and thirst for righteousness (23:13); are not merciful (23:23); are not pure in heart (23:28), and persecute the righteous (23:34), theirs will not be the kingdom of heaven but the judgment of hell (23:32)” (“Reading Matthew” pg. 236).

Sunday Sermon with Spurgeon

The following is an excerpt of a sermon from C.H. Spurgeon. It goes well with the conclusion of the message from Matthew 23:27-36, the final woe from Jesus.
“’Oh’ said Caesar, ‘we will soon root up this Christianity. Off with their heads!’ The different governors hastened one after another of the disciples to death; but the more they persecuted them, the more they multiplied. The proconsuls had riders to destroy Christians: the more they hunted them, the more Christians there were, until at last men pressed to the judgment seat, and asked to be permitted to die for Christ. They invented torments; they dragged saints at the heels of wild horses; they laid them upon red-hot gridirons; they pulled off the skin from their flesh piece by piece; they were sawn asunder; they were wrap up in skins, and daubed with pitch, and set in Nero’s gardens at night to burn; they were left to rot in dungeons; they were made a spectacle to all men in the amphitheatre; the bears hugged them to death; the lions tore them to pieces; the wild bulls tossed them upon their horns; and yet Christianity spread. All the swords of the legionaries which had put to rout the armies of all nations, and had overcome the invincible Gaul and the savage Briton, could not withstand the feebleness of Christianity; for the weakness of God is mightier than men.”

Selected for Southern

Several weeks ago, I posted that I was in the final stage of PhD application process at Southern Seminary. It is an intensive process that lasted about nine months. I received word yesterday that I have been accepted into the PhD program. This opportunity has been brewing for years. Former professors, friends, family and other colleagues would ask if I was going to pursue my doctorate. Of course, I always had to check my personal motives, and I am a pastor first and last. If the choice came to getting a piece of paper and leave the church I love, or have no doctoral degree, the decision was easy-give me the church. Evidently I am not alone. There are countless pastors who desire academic research to better them as a Christian and a pastor, yet want to remain on the “front line” of advancing the gospel (i.e.-the local church). Hence Southern (ahead of other institutions) has created the modular PhD format. This allows individuals to receive the same rigorous academic research as resident PhD candidates without leaving their post in ministry. To put it simply, it is perfect for pastors who are serious about scholarship. Please don’t misunderstand; one doesn’t have to have a degree to be an effective pastor. In many cases, it would be detrimental. Ironically, my favorite dead preacher, Charles Spurgeon who I hope to research, never received a degree and went down in history as the “Prince of Preachers”. Jesus Himself was alienated by the religious community because He hadn’t come up through the proper channels.
I will post more on this later as I learn and journey through this. I will be reunited with my former professor Don Whitney who now serves as professor of spirituality at Southern and will be my faculty supervisor. There is much to take in, and I am much humbled already.

Beck on George Whitefield

This is an interesting segment on George Whitefield by Glen Beck. Beck has a tendency to go into “rabbit trails”, and I still prefer Rush Limbaugh but I appreciate what he is trying to do here. Having read a lengthy biography on Benjamin Franklin this winter, was intrigued by the section of Franklin and Whitefield’s relationship something that Beck highlights here. You may want to start at the 7:00 mark.

Nuts and Bolts

It seems that one American has a solution for the gigantic oil spill in the gulf-more meditation.  I kid you not!

Speaking of more bizarre behavior, I have a few churches in my area starting to think outside the box.  I have seen at least two “churches” offer pet dedications on a particular Sunday.  Also a church not far from where I live is now offering Yoga classes on week nights.  This brings new meaning to “become all things to all men”.

If you want to see a humorous but sadly realistic video of what passes for worship here it is.

To the Garden We Go

Squirrels are both friend and foe to me.  All the experts say give them some corn in other parts of your yard and that is the best solution for their avoidance of feeders.  As you can see, it isn’t working.

Coffee with Carson

My favorite for May is D.A. Carson.  I am presently reading three Carson books: “A Call to Spiritual Reformation”, “Scandalous” and “Worship by the Book”.  All of these are abundantly edifying.  As I mentioned last week’s post, I continue to grow as an ardent fan of Carson.  One portion of “Worship by the Book” confronts of what passes for the worship of God in the evangelical church.

“If we know the characteristics sins of the age, we can guess its foolish and fashionable assumptions-that morality is simply a matter of personal taste, that all silences need to be filled up with human chatter or background music, that 760 percent of the American people are victims, that it is better to feel than to think, that rights are more important than responsibilities, that even for children the right to choose supersedes all other rights, that real liberty can be enjoyed without virtue, that self-reproach is for fogies, that God is a chum or even a gofer whose job is to make us rich or happy or religiously excited, that it is more satisfying to be envied than respected, that it is better for politicians and preachers to be cheerful than truthful, that Christian worship fails unless it is fun…Despite the protestations, one sometimes wonders if we are beginning to worship worship rather than worship God.” (Worship by the Book, pp. 30-31).

Well said.

Man Food

I am a hunter.  I love to “kill and eat”.  Two types of hunting for the spring hunter is turkey and mushrooms.  Your approach to these specimens is different and requires “manly” skills.  The turkey has incredible instinct particularly their sight.  But there are few things that will give a hunter a thrill that to hear the gobble of Turkey Tom, see him “fan out” and bring him down.  My feeling is that if you have deep fried a turkey you will never go back to frozen to the oven variety.  Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten into the Turkey woods this spring.

Mushrooms are a delicacy that is morels and beefsteak although I prefer morels.  Basically the idea is to stumble on them, and there are dozens of urban legends on how to “hunt” for them.  Once you taste a fried morel, you will look different on the salad bar wimps.  I did have an afternoon this spring to look for them, but to no avail.  Be careful you know the difference between a morel and an imposter.  The difference is one of life and death.  There is an old adage that says there are “no old, bold mushroom hunters”.  My personal favorite (not by experience just information) is the “Destroying Angel”.  One cap of this mushroom if swallowed can kill a man.  In fact, 90% of mushroom deaths are found from this family.  Basically, you’re dead before you know something is wrong.  The pain begins with vomiting which leads to cramps which leads to diarrhea which leads to loss of coordination which leads to death.

Because of the element of surprise, skill and danger both turkey and mushroom hunting deserves to be in the annals of man food.    

On Tithing

While tithing wasn’t the central feature of yesterday’s message, it has spawned discussion about the concept of tithing.  While risking committing the very sin Jesus is condemning in Matthew 23:23-24, I do want to share the following thoughts about tithing.  Many people think tithing is a neglected spiritual duty in worship rarely taught to young Christians.  Others believe the tithe is not a New Testament only replaced by a cheerful, generous heart led by the Holy Spirit on what to give.  Two of my favorite preachers, John MacArthur and John Piper seem to take contrasting positions.  Consider what they say and engage the Scriptures: to tithe or not to tithe?

First, MacArthur...

“Tithe does have its proper place still in Judaism in the gospel time. The Jewish people are still a duly constituted people. They were still under the ceremonial instruction of God's law. They were still under the obligation to obey the commandments relative to their national identity and to the funding of the priesthood. That had not been set aside yet until the church was born. And so He says you should do that. You should do that. By the way, the tithe is mentioned six times in the New Testament. Three times in the gospels and each time it is mention in the text condemning the abuse of it by the scribes and the Pharisees. Three times in the book of Hebrews when it simply reaches back and describes its historical reality in the history of Israel. At no time is it ever mentioned in the New Testament as binding on the church. It had to do with taxation of the national government of Israel” (from his sermon “The Condemnation of False Spiritual Leaders, Part 4-Matthew 23:16-33)

Piper’s position is in a sermon he preached which you can find here...

A further great resource is Randy Alcorn’s “Money, Possessions, and Eternity”.

Happy Mother's Day

All of us had mothers.  Some of us didn’t have them for very long.  Some of us didn’t have them love us.  Some, like me, had God’s grace poured on me by giving me a mother who loved/loves Jesus.  Like most people, I could wax on and on about who she is and what she does.  One attribute that permeates my mom’s life (as well as my father when he lived) is that she has never done anything to undermine the gospel she loves.  I know she has, but I never saw it growing up.  She taught me Jesus at an early age, and we still continue to have long discussions about Him, not abstract concepts related to Him, but about Him.  My mom directed me to Jesus and in directing me to Jesus, she gave me Life (twice).

Preparation for the Lord's Day

Here is our hymn of the month “And Can It Be?” The history of this hymn was that Charles Wesley wrote it to celebrate his conversion. He wrote in his journal, "At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all temptation, and I confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me above what I can ask or think." He wrote this hymn a year later. It is filled with graphic imagery via “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. When you read it think of your own conversion as you read it. If you have young kids, read a line and ask them to pick out a word or phrase and unpack it with them telling it what it means and why the author said it. Get ready for tantalizing conversation.

And can it be that I should gain


An interest in the Savior’s blood?


Died He for me, who caused His pain?


For me, who Him to death pursued?


Amazing love! How can it be


That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be
That

Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above


(So free, so infinite His grace!),


Emptied Himself of all but love,


And bled for Adam’s helpless race:


’Tis mercy all, immense and free,


For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,


Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;


Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—


I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;


My chains fell off, my heart was free,


I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,

That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near,

That quenched the wrath of hostile heaven.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;


Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!


Alive in Him, my living Head,


And clothed in righteousness divine,


Bold I approach th’eternal throne,


And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

To the Garden We Go

With the arrival of spring, I have been working mainly on a new edition to a swing set. I will post on those later. Gardening would be incomplete without animals the Lord sends our way. The golden finches have arrived, but I am having a tough time bringing orioles and hummingbirds to my backyard. We do have several feeders and houses placed throughout the yard. We also have two cats, Winston (a blue point Siamese) and Midnight (a black Behemoth). They also have enjoyed our bird population. They also have taken particular delight in my new strawberry bed that I slaved away preparing last fall only to be used as a feline field day both for recreation and necessity. As I have noticed my shriveled up strawberry plants, I think it is time for pepper spray. The jury is out if I will have lush strawberries later this summer or one Cadillac of a litter box.

National Day of Prayer

FATHER, WE HAVE NO MERIT TO COME BEFORE YOU ON OUR OWN.  WE ARE UNDESERVING OF YOUR KINDNESS.  WE ARE FULL OF FREQUENT AND WILFUL SIN.  WE ARE ASHAMED OF WHAT WE ARE IN OURSELVES.  GOD BE MERCIFUL TO US SINNERS.  LET THE MERITS OF YOUR SON JESUS STAND FOR US.  INCLINE OUR HEARTS TO TURN TO YOU.  SAVE US FROM THE LOVE OF THIS WORLD AND OUR PRIDE.  HELP US TO LOVE YOU ABOVE ALL ELSE. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.  

(This is a prayer that I amended from “The Valley of Vision” for the National Day of Prayer spot delivered on Bott Radio Network)

Coffee with Carson

D.A. Carson is my favorite of the month for May.  Again for new readers and those who don’t know my procedure.  I have 24 favorite authors that I read every other year by alphabet, and Carson has been a favorite.  I have enjoyed Carson for many reasons chief among being his immense scholarship coupled with a pastoral heart.  His commentary on Matthew has been a rich treasure for me in the years I have been journey through that gospel.  This month I have been making my way yet again his “A Call to Spiritual Reformation” which is a book using the prayers of Paul.  I have read this and re-read it and it brings me such joy and realigns my praying to be more biblical and therefore more God honoring.  I am also reading his new book that I received this year at T4G called “Scandlous”.  I will give updates on Wednesdays throughout the month.

Kids and Christ

My Presbyterian neighbor (kudos TJ) and I have been in a healthy sparring about various beliefs: baptism, church governance, and particularly covenantal promises as it relates to children. TJ’s dialogue has been very enriching and thought provoking. With that said, my kids do remind me of God’s covenant promises. One of my favorite moments of the day is when I get to crawl into bed with them, read the Bible, sing, go through some catechism questions, and pray. We pray for what they want: usually Noah asks to pray for Margaret’s horse and Alan’s tractor, and Emma asks for prayer regarding a class mate. I then pray that they would love Jesus and be saved.

They proceed to ask me questions. Noah still asks me where God is, and I tell him that God is everywhere. Noah then climbs out of bed and goes down the hallway in search for God often calling Him by name. Last week they ask me some pretty thought provoking questions. “Does God ever get scared?” “Why did God create dinasours and why aren’t there any of them around anymore?” “Can God blow smoke?”

Also last week our tornado slide happen to arrive to complete our new addition to the swing set (more of that in coming posts). I opened the box, noticed the slide had to be assembled, had a box of about one hundred nuts and bolts, and prayed that the instructions included an English section. Noah on the other hand saw the box opened, and with his eyes as big as baseballs exclaimed, “BEAUTIFUL!” Since our secretary at church is recovering from major surgery, Emma wanted to come in to the office after school, so I asked her, “do you know how to use a fax? Can you take e-mail? Do you know how to do word processing on a computer?” To which she responded, “I know how to play games on a computer.”

What great teachers of grace these little minds are to me. Praise be to the Father for such a blessing.

Learning from the Woes

In yesterday’s message we began to embark on Jesus ‘woe oracles’.  They are not for the faint of heart.  I can’t imagine in our age of diplomatic preaching, talking the way Jesus did.  But here the preacher and the Christian have much to learn. 

One way we can be like Jesus here is in application of the word ‘woe’.  Remember the definition of the term ‘woe’ is two-fold.  It speaks first of heartbreak or sorrow like we see Jesus at the end of this chapter weeping over unbelief.  The second manifestation of ‘woe’ is wrath or fury, which is what comes across from verses 13 through most of the chapter. 

Jesus conduct is a fitting reminder to us who deal with rank unbelief that it should stir up within us a heartbreak that if people do not come to Christ they will perish in eternal hell.  But it also should keep us sober that the Lord is “coming with His terrible swift sword” and His name will not be rejected and mocked forever. 

It is a somber truth and sadly foreign to what passes for Jesus centered preaching and living today.

Preparation for the Lord's Day

As you and your family sit down at some point today and hopefully begin to prepare for worship tomorrow.  Read Psalm 55.  This will be our psalm for the day to be read in worship.  I have found that the psalms are easy to pray through.  Use this psalm and have your family pray through it applying it to your family.