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It’s Been A Good Run…

After roughly four years and, by the grace of God much personal and parachurch ministry growth, I joyfully announce that Entreating Favor and the Fire Away podcast will be abandoned. I say “joyfully” as opposed to the more expected “regretfully” simply because I am overwhelmed with joy at how God used this little website and podcast to fundamentally alter my walk with Him in every conceivable way. I use the word “abandoned” because, for a time, the content will remain as an archive on the web, but dormant.

I have always proclaimed to hold this parachurch ministry with an open hand such that if the time arose for God to remove it from me, I would be a willing participant in its dismantling knowing that it’s ultimately for my good and the good of His Church. That time has come, and I could not be more grateful. The Lord has led me to a church in which myself and my family have sought to be, as Paul espouses in Philippians, servant leaders and, by his grace, we’ve been able to fill such roles and use our specific gifts in areas of need; and to serve our local body first and foremost.

I’ve never been pithy, so rather than elaborate on the myriad of ways in which the Lord has stretched, pushed, and grown me I’ll attempt to remain brief here. If you’d like to chat in more depth about my journey, you are always welcome to send me a DM on Twitter or Facebook.

With the inundation of Christian websites and podcasts flooding onto the scene, brothers and sisters in Christ if you choose to go that route, please be smarter than I was when I began and have conversations with your pastor(s)/elders first. Not all have the gift to teach, and not all should teach. Seek to garner the approval of your leaders and, if so granted, seek to ensure they keep a watchful eye over your parachurch ministry. Pride and desire for attention (e.g. tweets, retweets, views, listens, etc.) will sneak up on you like a thief in the night and the Enemy will use those sinful desires to attempt to destroy you. Be vigilant! Set up protections.

Finally, I want to thank the men who have been a part of this endeavor throughout the years.

I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart and pray you have been as blessed as I have through the last few years.  It’s been a real honor to get to know each of them and, without equivocation, I can’t thank the Lord for bringing into my life one of my now very best friends, Pastor Nate Pickowicz.  Though we live hundreds of miles away, the bond we’ve formed will carry us into eternity.  So, please be certain to go check out Pastor Nate’s new endeavor with many other faithful pastors over at Reformanda and also be sure to visit Kofi’s page over at Fiery Logic.

Again, thanks to you all.  Serve faithfully, gently, passionately, and with all your effort.

‘Til the shout!

WriterLandon Chapman Facebook Twitter Google+

Founder of Entreating Favor, writer, and host of the Fire Away! podcast. He is an architect by vocation and professes the Bible to be the infallible, inerrant, Word of God. He and his wife Holly have two children.

The post It’s Been A Good Run… appeared first on Entreating Favor.

True Freedom

I am indeed thankful to live in the United States. I’m thankful for the men who some 241 years ago pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor for the cause of liberty over tyranny. I’m thankful for those who continue to labor and fight for freedom’s promise.

Although, when I ponder my American citizenship I’m reminded by Scripture that I am only a sojourner in this land. My true citizenship belongs to the Kingdom of Christ and is my first priority. Hebrews 13:14 says, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” The truth is, no government or political organization can grant, negotiate, purchase or facilitate true freedom. True freedom is only granted by God the Father, purchased by the precious blood of Christ and facilitated by the Holy Spirit to liberate us from the tyranny of sin that reigns in us (Romans 6; 8:1-3).

Our response to freedom from sin is not one of autonomous independence, but of radical dependence on the one who made us free, Jesus Christ (Romans 6:17-18). With this spiritual freedom, we need be less concerned with keeping our rights, but rather imitating Christ, who gave up His glorious rights and humbled Himself in order to save sinners like me (Philippians 2:1-11).

The freedom this country offers is limited and temporary. It can be taken away from us. We would do well to remember that our true and greater freedom comes from God and can never be taken away. The battle securing true freedom was won at Calvary and the tyranny of sin was defeated forever.

Any “freedom” other than what God grants, through His Son, will pass away as we draw our last breath. So, on this day, please consider real freedom: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

I’m praying you have a wonderful Independence Day!

WriterDeering Dyer Facebook Twitter

Deering lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Jennifer and two children Matthew and Faith. He is pursuing a ThM at Dallas Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Historical Theology and Spiritual Formation. In addition to spending time with his family and study, Deering enjoys running, hunting and as a recovering political activist, enjoys watching politics from a safe distance.

 

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Why Matthew is the Best Book in the Bible

×Series: Best Book In the BibleEvery Christian knows the importance of reading their Bible, but many are overwhelmed with the task of devouring such a monstrous book! Often times, when Christians lose steam in their yearly reading plans, they can become frustrated and feel defeated. It is for this reason that individual book studies can be a lifesaver. In the Best Book in the Bible series, we will provide entry points into faithful study through “selling” you on why you should fall in love with the various books of the Bible.

There is no greater aspiration for the Christian believer than to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only is He our Savior, but He is our God and King. And while all of Scripture points to Christ, it is the Gospels that give us the most complete biographical accounts of His life on earth. Because of its focus on the rich teaching ministry of Jesus, for many, Matthew is the best book in the Bible.

Main theme: Jesus Christ: Messiah & King

Favorite verses:

“For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:32-33)

“Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matt. 10:32-34)

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24)

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.” (Matt. 24:14)

Overview:

While Matthew, Mark, and Luke are considered synoptic, that is, they offer similar views of the story of Jesus, it is the Gospel of Matthew that offers us a longer, fuller account. The book was written by the former tax-collector-turned-disciple Matthew, and was directed primarily to Jews who were awaiting the Messiah. In the end, the book functions as an apologetic to who would repent and believe in Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah and King of Israel.

1:1—4:25. Matthew begins his Gospel by presenting the genealogy of Jesus, stretching as far back as Abraham. While at first, this seems like simply a protracted exercise in fiddling with ancient ancestry, in truth, the first seventeen verses provide an undeniable lineage that proves Jesus’ royal claim to the throne of David. It’s interesting to note that, in all four Gospels, never once is Jesus’ lineage questioned by the Pharisees. Matthew 1 provides all the evidence needed to assure questioning Jews that Jesus has a legal right to the Davidic throne through his adoptive father, Joseph.

The remainder of chapter 1 and all of chapter 2 recount the virgin birth, threat of King Herod, and flight to Egypt. Chapter 2 closes with Jesus’ family returning to Nazareth. In chapter 3, Jesus is baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” (3:15), thus demonstrating His perfect obedience to the Father, who declares that He is well-pleased with the Son. Chapter 4 chronicles Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness, and His sinless victory; followed by Jesus’ move to Capernaum to begin His ministry with the twelve disciples.

5:1—7:29. In what is known as, “The Sermon on the Mount,” Matthew 5-7 presents us with the first of five long discourses in Matthew’s Gospel (also 9:35-10:42; 13:1-52; 17:24-18:35; and 23:1-25:46). There has been much debate about the intended audience of Christ’s Sermon, but it seems correct that His listeners would have been His believing disciples, whom He exhorts to obey His commands in all godliness.

8:1—20:28. While the larger middle section can be broken up into smaller sections, chapters 8 through 20 consist of Jesus’ expansive three-year teaching ministry. In chapters 8 and 9, Jesus displays His power, which functions as proof of His divinity and kingship. Chapter 10 through 16 present to His followers the mission; to announce the arrival of the King and the program of salvation. Chapter 17 famously chronicles Peter, James, and John with Christ on the Mountain of Transfiguration, followed by more teaching in chapter 18 through 20.

20:29—25:46. The next five chapters take place during the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, leading up to the cross. In chapter 21, we see Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey (Palm Sunday), followed by His strong confrontations with the religious leaders of Israel. Chapter 23 consists of Jesus’ scathing condemnation of the false religious system propagated by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes. And chapters 24 and 25 offer a series of end-times predictions, whereby various signs of “the end of the age” will be seen.

26:1—28:20. The last three chapters of Matthew showcase the Last Supper (Passover), the betrayal of Judas, Jesus’ trail before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, the crucifixion and death of Jesus, followed by His burial, bodily resurrection, and conspiracy plot by the Jews. Matthew concludes his Gospel by recording the Great Commission of Christ to the disciples:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).

What Makes This Book So Great:

With the exception of Luke, no other New Testament book captures more of the spoken words of Jesus than Matthew. And while, yes, all of Scripture is His word, this Gospel offers so much of what our Lord was teaching the disciples while on earth. No doubt, the Sermon on the Mount is a must-read and a must-learn; a joyous challenge for every Christian believer. Matthew’s Gospel puts on display the wisdom, tenderness, and divine majesty of our Glorious King.

Tips:

As with other longer books of the Bible, it helps to break Matthew into parts, studying individual sections repeatedly. To help keep your fingers nimble, look up each of the names listed in Jesus’ genealogy in chapter 1, and read the stories of each person. This exercise will help bring into view the value of the Old Testament narrative as it pertains to the coming of the Christ. Also, you may want to do a study on the Sermon on the Mount, as well as many of the parables. As you do this, there will be much that you will want to commit to memory, as the words of Jesus will do nothing but enrich your heart and your mind!

Helpful Resources:

David Platt, Exalting Jesus in Matthew. Holman Reference, 2013.[image error]
D.A. Carson, “Matthew” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Volume 8. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.[image error]
John MacArthur, Matthew (4 vols) MNTC. Chicago: Moody, 2004[image error]

AuthorNate Pickowicz Facebook Twitter

Nate Pickowicz is the pastor/planter of Harvest Bible Church in Gilmanton, New Hampshire. After being called into ministry in 2009, he led a team to plant in 2013. He and his wife Jessica have two children.

Note: Find the rest of the Best Book in the Bible series here: EntreatingFavor.com/BestBookSeries

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Book Review: The Pastor as Public Theologian

I remember getting into a theological discussion with a pastor one time, and at the end of our kerfuffle, he looked at me and asked, “If you had the choice, would you rather pastor a church or teach in a seminary?” I’ll never forget his puzzled look when I responded, “Pastor a church.” Because of my intrigue with theological discourse, he simply assumed that standing in front of a group of budding seminarians would best suit me, and couldn’t fathom why I would want to do the messy, non-glamorous work of pastoral ministry.

For many today, the general assumption is that brainy, theologically-minded scholars belong in the academy, while rugged, servant-oriented pastors belong in the churches. However, this distinction is a false dichotomy. In their book, The Pastor as Public Theologian, Kevin Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan unseat this two-pronged myth, and make their plea for a robust amalgamation of both realities simultaneously existing in one pastor.

In the Introduction, Vanhoozer addresses the problem that has crept into Christendom, where theologians have fled the church for the academy, leaving Christ’s Bride starving for sound doctrine. He writes, “While theologians shoulder the primary responsibility for demonstrating the importance of doctrine for discipleship, pastors cannot afford to neglect theology or to wait for someone to broker peace talks between biblical scholars, systematic theologians, and practical theologians.”1 This no doubt conflates the problem, as we are in the midst of a theological and biblical illiteracy crisis! He adds, “The way forward is for pastors and theologians to bear one another’s burdens, responding together both to the ecclesial amnesia of the academy and to the theological anemia in the church.”2 Both entities are in trouble, and he posits that the ministry of pastor-theologians is the solution.

The core issue is that “theology is too important to be left to the ‘professionals.’ Every human being is accountable before God for responding to the knowledge of God that is available… [and] ‘Ordinary’ Christians (if such a thing exists) are able to read the word of God with some measure of understanding and, again, are responsible for responding in love, trust, and obedience.”3 Ultimately, theology cannot exist only in the seminaries, as every-day believers need to know the Lord (John 17:3). Local pastors are responsible for bringing what is hashed out in the seminaries, and teaching and applying it to believers.

In making the case from an historic perspective, Strachan notes, “Pastors have a tremendous spiritual heritage, though one wouldn’t necessarily know it from today’s evangelical media.”4 From the Old Testament ministries of Israel’s prophets, priests, and kings, to the New Testament pastors and teachers, and into the early church—the role of pastor-theologian has been ever-present. Strachan brings the reader through a tour-de-force of biblical and church history, noting some of antiquity’s most notable laborers: Irenaeus, Tertullian, Chrysostom, Augustine, Anslem, Luther, Calvin, the Puritans, Edwards, Kuyper, Niebuhr, and Ockenga.5 The model and mandate for pastor-theologians is pronounced throughout history.

Vanhoozer explores the purpose of the pastor-theologian, noting that, in sum, he “cures despairing souls by sharing the joy of the risen Christ.”6 He is to serve the body, ministering faithfully. He must be a generalist—able to speak to all areas of life from the Word. He must not be lacking in common sense, but also must be steeped in “canon sense: the ability to interpret particular passages of Scripture in light of the whole Bible.”7 As Spurgeon liked to say of Bunyan, “Cut him anywhere and he bled Bibline!” We need more Bunyans.

Beyond fulfilling the transcendent purpose of preaching and applying the Word to the church, the pastor-theologian also has practices he must attend to. Whether it may be discipleship, evangelism, counseling, visitation, preaching and teaching, catechizing, or administering the ordinances, the pastor-theologian functions as an “Artisan in the House of God.”

To what end is all of this to be done? Vanhoozer asserts, “The ultimate end of theology, as with all things human, is the glory of God.”8 All that is done, both in the seminaries and in the churches, exists for his glory. Pastor-theologians are facilitators and administers of the efforts that are done to the ultimate end. In conclusion, “pastor theologians are gifts from the risen Christ, helps in building Christ’s church, especially by leading people to confess, comprehend, celebrate, communicate, commend to others, and conform themselves to what is in Christ.”9

The Pastor as Public Theologian smashes the false dichotomy that pastors and theologians must be separate. They ought not to be. In the end, they cannot be. We need robust, godly, intellectual, compassionate, zealous pastor-theologians to leadthe sin-soaked and starving flock of God to the rich pastures of His living Word.

May a whole new generation of pastor-theologians rise up!

Title: The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision

Author: Kevin J. Vanhoozer & Owen Strachan

Publisher: Baker Academic (August 11, 2015)

Purchase: Amazon[image error]

ReviewerNate Pickowicz Facebook Twitter

Nate Pickowicz is the pastor/planter of Harvest Bible Church in Gilmanton, New Hampshire. After being called into ministry in 2009, he led a team to plant in 2013. He and his wife Jessica have two children.

 

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NIAW ’17: Sometimes There’s Never a Pregnancy

I have to be honest.

Sometimes, one of the hardest aspects of infertility as a follower of Christ are the seemingly endless articles that go like this:

“I can’t get pregnant. So I prayed really, really hard. And I asked my pastor/preacher/teacher/friend/husband/mentor to pray over me. And now my little bundle of joy is playing at my feet while I try to figure out the cutest way to announce baby #2 is on the way. Tee hee.”

Or the women in churches who have had five children, and still claim to be infertile. If you have popped out five kids in less than eight years, you aren’t infertile.

Or the pastors and well-meaning teachers who continually say, “Just keep praying, and eventually God will bless you with a baby,”  Oh…just hush.

I know that comes across as snarky, and I should probably be sorry, but…

But I have been praying for a pregnancy since 2005. That’s 12 years. Over 100 months of having my hopes unmet, tears as my companion, and wondering if God is hearing me.

But there is no pregnancy for me.

Yes, I believe God is sovereign. Yes, like Elkanah asked of Hannah, I do love my husband more than ten sons (1 Samuel 1:8). And our son, whom we adopted at birth? Precious to me beyond words.

But I still cannot get pregnant. Month after month after month after month… the pains begin, the telltale mood swings peak, and we know.

There is no pregnancy yet again.

In a few months I will be 42 years old. Last month a woman at our church told her story, and said, “I was blessed to become pregnant at age 42 with our daughter.” Unless you have never had a pregnancy, and are approaching 42, you have no idea how much I want to cling to that. I want to put all my hope into that one statement.

But I can’t.

My hope must rest in Christ.

How many stories have I heard about adoptive families where “babies fell into their laps”? But unless someone completely renovates our 100+ year old house, or sells it and makes up the $20,000 we’re upside down because of the run down rental houses in the neighborhood… we aren’t even eligible to foster or adopt.

I want to put my hope in adoption.

But I can’t.

My hope must rest in Christ.

My hope must rest in God’s sovereignty – that His plan is so much better than what I think my life should look like. Even after twelve years, I think my life should look like an easy, healthy pregnancy, and more than one child (who is now asking for siblings).

Psalm 42:11 says, “Why are you so downcast, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”

God is our ultimate and only source of hope.

He is it. We cannot be searching for hope in anything or anyone else. We cannot be praying for anything or anyone else.

My hope must rest in Jesus’ blood and resurrection – that His death for my sins is the only thing I need. Salvation is enough for me.

My hope cannot be in anything on this earth: my husband, our marriage, our existing child, or the mythical pregnancy I’ve dreamed of for over a decade.

It’s National Infertility Awareness Week. One in eight women is infertile, either permanently, or at some point in their life. It is in our churches, and it is terribly difficult to talk about within those walls. When people don’t know your story, it’s easy to assume you are choosing not to have children, and go against the biblical command to be fruitful and multiply. Or worse…you hear that you don’t have enough faith, or that you are praying “wrong.”

There are women who don’t want to serve in the nursery, because rocking a baby against their barren womb is more painful than anything else for them. But guess where their churches stick them?

There are women who will plaster on a smile, congratulate your pregnancy announcement, go home and cry themselves to sickness, because they will never have a baby. But guess what happens week after week?

There are women who don’t want to come to church on a certain Sunday in May. But guess what happens every year? “Spiritual Motherhood,” anyone?

These women are not lacking faith. Most of them have walked such a path that their faith is brightly refined by the fire and is shining.

But there is still pain.

There isn’t always a pregnancy, even when you pray, even when you pray fervently, with faith, and for God’s will to prevail, and that hurts.

The church needs to start acknowledging reality. There are women who hurt, who wonder where God is, who can’t adopt or foster, and who need you. They don’t need to hear that if they just keep praying, God will bless them with a pregnancy or a child. Sometimes He doesn’t. His ways are not our ways, and women need to be taught about His sovereignty – not spoon fed platitudes in hopes they will be quiet or not cause trouble.

These women need to know what to do when they are angry at God. They need to know what to do when they are jealous of their friends. These women need to know that longing for something isn’t a sin. They need to know that praying does not equal receiving.

They need to know that God is bigger, and better, and His sovereignty is perfect. They need to know how to rightly handle Scripture, so when they hear it used incorrectly, they aren’t hurt.

Dear sister, if you are struggling with infertility, my heart breaks for you. It is a lonely, painful path, especially in the church, where “miracles” are expected.

You are not alone. Take heart. Know that the Lord is close to you, and He loves you.

Even if there is never a pregnancy, He is still good…I promise.

This post was written as part of National Infertility Awareness Week 2017. For information on infertility, visit RESOLVE. My archives are full of posts about our infertility and adoption journey. You are not alone, and I am praying for you.

Guest WriterRachel Williams Facebook Twitter

Rachel writes about adoption, homeschooling, life as a Christian woman, theology, and all that trying to live for Christ entails.

This article was originally published at danielthree18  and has been published to EntreatingFavor.com w/ permission from the author.

The post NIAW ’17: Sometimes There’s Never a Pregnancy appeared first on Entreating Favor.

It Is Not Supposed to Be This Way

Matthew 27:57-66; Psalm 3:1-8

Death is an enemy, the ultimate antagonist that seems as if it will eventually claim victory over each of us. However, the truth remains, it isn’t supposed to be this way. Yes, death is a part of life marked by the fall, however, we should never believe the lie that this is how it was meant to be.

I am certain that you have felt the sting of death in your life. Some of us are acutely aware of the pain of loss. I have experienced the evaporation of dreams and watched future plans crumble before me when my first wife of 17 years suddenly died leaving me not only a widower, but a single dad with a nine month-old son and crying, “It is not supposed to be this way!” Death is a thief of joy and hope in every circumstance. All people bear the image of God and when someone passes from life to death, it should be a clear reminder that death is anything but natural.

I was reminded of this recently as my family was on our way home from church. As we turned into our neighborhood, we saw a police car, yellow tape, and the lifeless body of a local homeless man. After I got my family into the house, I went back to the scene. I saw him lying right where he would frequently sleep, only this time he would never wake. His final expression was not one of peace, but of uncomfortable pain with eyes half-open and mouth frozen agape – an image I will never forget. I didn’t know his name. I had never spoken to him and he never asked me for anything – I only remember seeing him around the neighborhood. One of the police officers said the cause of death was “unexplained.”

My spirit was, and remains, greatly troubled by this experience. I’m troubled that an image bearer of our good God died in such a way. He left this world and no one was with him or cared for him at that moment. Some may point out this man’s decisions put himself in such peril. That may or may not be true, but it does not change the fact that death is coming for us all, regardless of privilege or position, and this man’s final facial expression will be forever imprinted in my mind that it is not supposed to be this way – it never was. My heart is grieved by the state of this world and I yearn for the world to come.

The cross of Christ is the pinnacle reminder of this sentiment that death is not natural. When Jesus died, it seemed the promise of his glorious kingdom reign died with him. All of his followers fled (Matt 25:26) out of fear and despair. I would have to think they were certainly saying to themselves, “It is not supposed to be this way,” even though Jesus told them it would be so. While Joseph of Arimathea provided a proper burial for Jesus, the only people at the tomb were Mary Magdalene “the other Mary,” and a guard of soldiers (Matt 27:57-66). This was an inconceivable funeral for the King of Kings.

Thankfully, we have the benefit of knowing that mourning would turn to joy with Christ’s resurrection the following dawn. I think we would do well in the days leading to our celebration of Resurrection Day to let ourselves grieve of the state of this world and then let that spur us to remember the inconceivable death of the God-Man, Jesus Christ, was necessary so that things would be put back the way they are supposed to be. This weighty truth moves us to remember that Christ’s death, his putting things back the way God created them to be, is the foundation of our hope. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8)” and Christ “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Tim 1:10).”

May God bless you as we look to Resurrection Day and worship our Lord who defeated death and set things the way they are supposed to be.

WriterDeering Dyer Facebook Twitter

Deering lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Jennifer and two children Matthew and Faith. He is pursuing a ThM at Dallas Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Historical Theology and Spiritual Formation. In addition to spending time with his family and study, Deering enjoys running, hunting and as a recovering political activist, enjoys watching politics from a safe distance.

 

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The Daily Discovery (January 18, 2017)

ARTICLES I LIKE FROM AROUND THE WEB:

(Click title to go to full article)

With Greater Age Comes Greater Joy – “We were made to exist within time, to age as we progress through the years allotted to us. As we age, we experience tremendous sorrows—the sorrows of weakness, weariness, reaping, mortality, and fear. But we do not experience only sorrows. We experience joys as well. Some of these extend to believer and unbeliever alike, but God reserves the choicest of his joys for those who live for his glory.”

Love & Irritability – “It was a typical night waiting tables in the fine dining room of the country club. Napkins were creased, flowers centered, and tables angled just right. Then my manager came to me with a warning I’ll never forget.”

Did ‘God Show Up’ to Grant Donald Trump Victory? – “Did Donald Trump win the presidential election because ‘God showed up’? Well, yes… though that may not signify what some imagine it does. Franklin Graham raised the issue, addressing ‘thousands’ of people at a Trump rally. Because he’s Franklin Graham, and the words were controversial, they were reported across the land. Why does Franklin Graham speak to thousands (and get repeated to millions)? Because he’s Billy Graham’s son, and president and CEO both of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and of the Christian relief organization called Samaritan’s Purse.”

How much blood will save my soul? – “Try to think of your most cherished and precious religious activity. Maybe it’s singing God’s praises, maybe it’s the prayer meeting, or preaching, or fellowship, or the Lord’s Supper. How would you feel if someone came along and told you, “Hey, that’s just a pale shadow of what we have got in our church.” You would probably feel a bit hurt and offended, and it might even make you say, ‘Well if there’s one church I’m not going to, it’s yours!'”

The Truth Ab0ut Evil – “How can a good and powerful God tolerate all the evil in the world? That question—frequently posed by skeptics and liberal theologians—is a not-so-veiled attack on the God of the Bible, and an easy excuse for those looking to undercut or ignore the authority of His Word. Last time we considered some of the most popular answers to the problem of evil (theodicy), and considered the fatal, man-centered errors they commit. In short, they attempt to make God submit to man’s standards and preferences. Worse still, they attempt to reconcile the truth about God to the satisfaction of an unbelieving world, and accommodate its philosophies and worldviews. That is no way to solve the problem of evil.”

SERMON:

Paul Luedke – A Preview of the Kingdom of God

VIDEOS:

The goal of parenting is not control of behavior, but rather heart and life change.

Shameless Papist Pretensions

“All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus.  It brings us into the eternal presence of our Savior.” – John MacArthur

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The Daily Discovery (January 16, 2017)

ARTICLES I LIKE FROM AROUND THE WEB:

(Click title to go to full article)

Aging Gracefully – “Every day, we are all building the house we will live in when old age comes. Some of us are building a beautiful palace. Some are building a dark prison. What are you building? Perhaps you are building a house that will prove beautiful and comfortable through the long winter of your old age. You are decorating it tastefully, filling it with ornaments designed to bring pleasure and comfort in the days to come—deeds of gratitude and grace, acts of generosity and selfless love. On every wall, you are hanging pictures that are as meaningful as they are beautiful—warm friendships in Christ, mentoring and discipling relationships, children and grandchildren who know and love the Lord. They look down upon you to comfort, to cheer, to encourage.”

Should I use my phone for my personal devotions? – “Friday’s Facebook Live session addressed the question of whether we should use smartphones, iPads, and other digital devices in our personal Bible reading. I argued strongly against it for the following reasons which I explain at greater length in the video.”

The Problem of Evil – “One of the most common excuses given by those who reject the God of the Bible is the issue of evil in the world. Skeptics and theological liberals ask, ‘How can the God portrayed in the Bible as good, holy, and loving allow massive injustices and evil in the world?” Some ask, “How can an all-powerful God be loving and tolerate all of the effects of evil which inflict so much suffering around the world?’ In fact, many skeptics and theological liberals believe this dilemma backs Christians into an impossible position.”

Human Dignity in a Post-Human World – “Yesterday, our church observed Sanctity of Life Sunday (a bit early due to our church’s involvement with the G3 Conference this week). For the 2017 Sanctity of Life Sunday, we welcomed Scott Klusendorf, president of Life Training Institute to our church and our pulpit. You can hear his full sermon as he pointed out the biblical, logical, and moral fallacies of the pro-choice movement.”

Can Pastors Have Friends? – “Recently I have been reflecting on friendships–not just specific friendships but the concept of friendship. My reflection started while watching the Netflix show Stranger Things. The show depicts the friendship of four middle school kids and their search for a missing friend.”

SERMON:

Nate Pickowicz – What Will It Take to Bring Reformation to New England? (From Reformed New England Conference)

VIDEOS:

God Is Love?

Making Sense of the Old Testament God (Paul Copan)

“All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus.  It brings us into the eternal presence of our Savior.” – John MacArthur

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