Aaron Armstrong's Blog, page 356
August 18, 2012
Grace Reigns Triumphant
Faith is the principle of evangelical obedience, and the promises of His grace enable us for duty, at the very time that we are commanded to it. In this view are brought together the supreme authority of the Lawgiver, the total insufficiency of the creature, the full provisions of the Savior, and the allsufficiency of “the God of grace.” We pray for what we lack; we are thankful for what we have; we trust for what is promised. Thus “all is of God.” Christ “is the Alpha and the Omega, the begi...
August 17, 2012
Some Doubted
One of the most amazing lines in all Scripture is found in Matthew 28. No, I’m not talking about the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20) or awe-struck reactions of the disciples to Jesus’ resurrection (Matt 28:1-10). It’s a single sentence, just 11 words, found in Matthew 28:17:
And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
give some context, Jesus has risen, and commanded that His disciples meet Him in Galilee. So they go, and when they get there, they see Jesus and worship Him.
“But...
Links I Like
Aimee Byrd:
The wordrelevantis being used pretty selfishly these days when it comes to the church and its teachings. People have become so individualized with their “faith” that they either stop coming to church altogether, or they shop for the one that best meets their own perceived needs and preferences.This wordrelevantmay be better suited for a magazine title than the reason we attend a certain church.
$5 Friday at Ligonier
This week’s selections includesDr. Sproul’sA Bluep...
August 16, 2012
Gutsy, Grace-Filled Boldness
As a much younger man, I absolutely loved goofy action movies. You know the ones I’m talking about. The kinds of movies that made Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Chuck Norris and so many other actors (I use the term loosely) household names from the 80s—cheesy one-liners, ridiculous scenarios, a barely coherent plot, lots of action and absolutely fearless heroes.
Interestingly, the Bible has a lot of characters kind of like that (of varying degrees of moral dubiousness). Joshua, Samson and a number...
Links I Like
Glenn Stanton:
The analogy between the cross and an electric chair is intended to show that, while the cross has become a common and even sentimental symbol of Christianity today, in Christ’s day it was a harsh symbol of execution. Like an electric chair is today.
It is an important truth that Christians of every age remember about the cross. But the electric chair analogy actually deludes the point.
Good News for Bad Preachers
Russell Moore:
Your first few sermons are...
August 15, 2012
The Power of Words
Today’s post is by Andrew Hall. Andrew is the Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church in Ilderton, Ontario (a small community just outside of London). He and his wife, Melanie, have been married for over 13 years and have four kids. Andrew studied at Providence College University in Otterburne, MB and received my M.Div from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and blogs atcruciformity.com.
Therefore, brothers,be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election,...
Links I Like
Dustin Kensrue:
Who doesn’t love a gift? Most of the time we are more than happy to be given one. Whether it’s our birthday, Christmas, or just because, we feel loved and appreciated when we receive a heartfelt gift from someone who cares about us.
There are a few exceptions to this rule.
Speaking of Dustin, his new band, The Modern Post, has a new EP out from Mars Hill Music. It’s pretty good stuff (and $5 to boot!).
AReview of Richard Mouw’s Talking With Mormons
Kevin D...
August 14, 2012
Book Review: Letting Go of Perfect by Amy Spiegel
Often times, when I read a book by a Mom geared to Moms, I go through a strange cycle of elation and despair.
The cycle goes like this:
Read book. Get super-psyched because now I have all the weaponry I need to attack the job of mothering and be super excellent, effective and efficient.
Try to implement book ideas. Get mad at my kids when they don’t react like the book said they should.
Yell at kids. Cry on the couch after they go to bed.
Repeat step one (with a new book).
Links I Like
Thabiti Anyabwile:
It seems to me that “manhood” must, in part, be defined in relationship to women. I know. That sounds volatile. Here’s what I mean.
Cheap eBooks!
Here are a whole slew of cheap eBooks available on Amazon:
Found: God’s Will by John MacArthur – $3.99
King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power by Philip Ryken – $4.99
Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen – $3.99
Preaching for God’s Glory by Alistair Begg – $3.99
August 13, 2012
The Miracle of Salvation
The grotto of Gethsemane, where it is believed that Jesus was arrested following Judas’ betrayal. Photo by Gary Hardman
Today’s post is by Brandon Smith. Brandon has been a pastor for many years and is currently a church planting resident at CityView Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He holds a B.A. in Bible from Dallas Baptist University and is a Systematic Theology student at Criswell College. He blogs at Modern March and SBC Voices. Connect with him on Twitter at @BrandonSmith85.
Growing up in a...
