Audio - Thabiti on Psalm 51

This week, I really enjoyed Thabiti's thoughtful exposition of Psalm 51 recently at Covenant Life Church. The message is entitled: The Guilty. Enjoy!

how I'M spending the stimulus...

John Piper offers some good counsel on how to wisely use the money coming to us for the kingdom of God.

Here's an excerpt:

Clue: Nobody in the world will see you spend your money on yourself and conclude that Christ is your treasure. They will assume you are just like them, no matter how loudly you thank God for this boon. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend it on yourself (the way we do with most of what we earn). Not everything we do can look different from the world—eat, pay utilities, fill up the car, wear clothes (even thrift-store clothes). And yes, we hope (somehow) that spending on ourselves in some way contributes to our being more Christ-exalting people.

But do we really need this money? Very few do. We would have gotten on fine without it. If we didn’t know it was coming, we wouldn’t even be feeling the desires we are feeling right now.

May I encourage you to be radically creative and hedonistic. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). And those crazy Macedonians in a “severe test of affliction” and in “extreme poverty” had an “abundance of joy” that overflowed in a “wealth of generosity.” They even begged Paul “for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4). They really believed what Jesus said. Really.

Have any of these ideas passed through your mind? Let's honor God with our money!

ESV Study Bible...

I have been anticipating this for a while, but, evidently, the ESV Study Bible will be out this Fall. They have a website where you can register to get regular updates or peruse the features online. Ray Ortlund recently had a novel idea:

I have met people who knew a lot about baseball, a lot about oldies rock and roll [oops], a lot about computers, a lot about a lot, but I have never met anyone who knew the Bible too well. Not one person. Ever. Especially not in these times.

The ESV Study Bible comes out this October. I see an opportunity here. Could we all give ourselves ESV Study Bibles for Christmas and then set 2009 apart as "Our Year of the Bible"? Could we all give less to other things so that we give more to the Bible? Could we bore down together and discover the wonders of this holy Book as never before? Could we acknowledge our spiritual hunger, and thoughtfully, carefully, attentively, daily feed our souls? Could we shut off the noise and listen? Could we re-set our focus from the voices inside our heads to the Voice in the Book? And if we did, is it even conceivable that we could then come to the end of 2009 and say, "Dang. I could have done more TV and more computer and more video games and more dumb stuff. What a loser year 2009 has been! Next year, man, it's going to be different. No more of this Bible-focus for me. I'm going to LIVE again"? Is there any chance, any chance at all, that could happen? Or might Jesus become more real to us? Might the Holy Spirit be poured out? Might we look back on 2009 as our turn-around year?

October 2008. The ESV Study Bible. Think of the possibilities.

Join the fun! Let's allow God to impact us through His Word.

MM - Piper on Parenting

For the next few Marriage Monday posts (sorry I'm a day late), I will be posting on the subject of parenting and today I thought I'd begin with a recent post by John Piper. He sent out an excerpt of something he is currently working on. On his writing leave, he is writing on marriage and this includes a chapter on raising children. He writes on the ultimate goal of parenting:

The most fundamental task of a mother and father is to show God to the children. Children know their parents before they know God. This is a huge responsibility and should cause every parent to be desperate for God-like transformation. The children will have years of exposure to what the universe is like before they know there is a universe. They will experience the kind of authority there is in the universe and the kind of justice there is in the universe and the kind of love there is in the universe before they meet the God of authority and justice and love who created and rules of the universe. Children are absorbing from dad his strength and leadership and protection and justice and love; and they are absorbing from mother her care and nurture and warmth and intimacy and justice and love—and, of course, all these overlap.

And all this is happening before the child knows anything about God, but it is profoundly all about God. Will the child be able to recognize God for who he really is in his authority and love and justice because mom and dad have together shown the child what God is like. The chief task of parenting is to know God for who he is in his many attributes, and then to live in such a way with our children that we help them see and know this multi-faceted God. And, of course, that will involve directing them always to the infallible portrait of God in the Bible.

How are you at showing what God is like to your kids? Are you living in such a way that they are given a picture of God? Or are they given a picture of an idol you're serving? These are questions of deep significance for us. We have to live it before we tell it. May this be true for us.

Communicating with Email...

Our world has become increasingly individualistic and we do all that we can to take advantage of communicating face to face (as God intended?), so when I came across these two articles (from Peacemaker Ministries) this morning on more effective email communication, I was struck with how this is an area that needs to be seized upon and, ultimately used, for the glory of God. Check them out:

The Ten Commandments of Email Communications, which Ken Sande commends as "I commend them to you as an example of biblically-informed wisdom that all of us can benefit from."

Keeping the Peace - Writing Email that will not Stir up Conflict, an article with helpful commendations from Carolyn McCulley.

Free Audio - Piper @ T4G '08

While all the talks were exceptional, I thought Piper's talk really turned the corner and began to press us towards some application. Therefore, I would highly recommend you listen to it:

John Piper: How The Supremacy of Christ Creates Radical Christian Sacrifice

Opening A New Bible...

I really enjoy reading Mark Bertrand's Bible Design and Binding Blog. I recently asked him a question and he gave his opinion and had his readers answer on opening a new Bible. If you've ever wondered what is involved in rebinding an old Bible that's falling apart, this blog is for you.

T4G 08 Music...

I have mentioned to some of the incredible power of the sung word we experienced at the conference. Bob Kauflin, who led the music portions of the service, has posted on the songs we sang.

Tim Challies T4G Wrap Up...

Information continues to abound on Together For The Gospel on the web. I thought Tim Challies wrap up of the conference brought together some of the information well.

MM - Your Spouse, God's Tool For Your Holiness

For today's marriage Monday, I want to press a thought that comes from the overarching scope of Scripture. When God matched you with your spouse, He gave you a person who complemented you. Remember when Eve was first shown to Adam in Genesis 2, he confessed "This is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called woman because she was taken from man." God has given your spouse to you as a tool for your holiness. How often do you avail yourself to this tool?

Often, we think that we have a pretty good grasp on how we are doing spiritually and in other areas of our lives. We tend to give ourselves very good ratings at living the Christian life, honoring God and serving others. It would honor God, though, and serve our souls well if we brought our God-given complement into that discussion. Ask your spouse how it appears you are exercising your role in marriage? Ask your spouse where you could improve in communication? Ask your spouse how you could serve them better? Ask your spouse to expose some weak areas of your life. These exercises will not only expose you to God's grace (since God opposes the proud but graces the humble) but will allow you to grow in godliness and please the One who has allowed you to enter marriage with that spouse in the first place.

T4G 08 Audio...

Yes, I know it seems amazing that this is already up, but the audio from this year's conference is already up and available (for free).

T4G Wrapped Up...

There are so many reflections I have on T4G, I really don't know where to begin. So, in no order of importance, here are some reflections/info:

• I really enjoyed things better having Elders from my church with me. When I attended 2 years ago, I went by myself and hung out with friends, which was very cool, but frustrating in driving home application. Time spent with the Elders made this conference all the more sweeter.
• Session 1 from Lig reminded me of the importance of systematic theology and the central role it must play in my life and in my church
• Session 2 from Thabiti pointed our leadership to the racial issue that exists and how we need to be wiser in pointing our people to love others.
• Session 3 was vintage MacArthur with clear teaching on depravity.
• Session 4 enouraged me to strive for clarity with the Gospel (preached by Dever).
• Session 5 was one of the best sermons I've heard from R.C., pointing us to the OT idea of curse and how Christ became a curse for us.
• Session 6 from Mohler said, "The Gospel has been under attack and will continue to be, so be vigilant."
• Session 7 from Piper exhorted us to live the Christian life in a radical way and thus shine and salt the earth (by embracing suffering).
• Session 8 from C.J. prepped us for the return home by pointing us to applications in fighting for joy in ministry.
• It was great to see so many old friends, too. Friends I haven't seen since seminary, brothers who were a part of my wedding and fellow "marching partners in the campaign to advance the Gospel."
• I am so grateful to Crestview for allowing me to have the privilege of attending.
• I am so honored that my wife (who is roughly 7 1/2 months pregnant) would joyfully serve our family and take care of Andrew and encourage me all week. Thank you love for allowing me to have a great week, you continue to express grace to me.
• I am thankful for the Elders here to correct, exhort, rebuke and encourage when needed.
• I am thankful to God, ultimately, for calling me to minister for His glory. Lord, I don't deserve this expression of mercy. Help me honor You all my days.
• Almost forgot (which is amazing with my bibliophilic tendencies) to mention the books we got: new books from Packer, Carson, Kauflin; an ESV; books on the atonement, biography from Thabiti, summary of T4G 06, Exploring Christianity, Dever's book on evangelism, Mohler's latest, Sproul's book on the atmonement, updated Gospel According to Jesus from MacArthur, Piper on Justification, a book commenting on the Emergent church and David Wells latest. Whew, what incredible offerings. I also bought some books, so have a bag just of books. What a kind God we have.

Besides all this, though, I really am anxious to return to Hutchinson and to the church I love. We have an exciting Lord's Day ahead of us, basking in the glory of Christ's work for us on the cross. That is where I long to be.

T4G Almost Here...

Well, the Elders and I have made it to Corydon, IN (home, incidentally, of the only Civil War Battlefield in Indiana). We are about 25 minutes out of Louisville. We left at 7AM today and drove all day. After the change to Eastern time, we got in here at 7PM. So it was a full day of sitting and we are happy to be out of the car. Together for the Gospel registration starts tomorrow morning at 10AM. We plan to get over there around Noon, register, browse the bookstore, and then plunge right in. We are grateful that God has provided us safety today. Furthermore, we had some great discussion on the road. Often, we are hurried and unable to discuss items deeply. We were able to do that today. What a blessing.

At any rate, we are ready for things to get rolling. Pray for us. We want this time to be especially profitable for the Gospel.

Sissy?

Freddy T asks if we are sissys? Here's the test...

Marriage - War of Kingdoms

Todd Pruitt posts a helpful summary from Paul Tripp's recent conference at his church on marriage. Most notably, he demonstrates how marriage, this side of heaven, is always a war between two kingdoms. Here's a snipet of how he describes this:

Each of us are busily building, advancing, and defending a kingdom. The problem is that I am born with a sinful bent to build, advance, and defend my own kingdom; a kingdom unto myself. My wife, because she is a sinner like me, was born with this same bent. Obviously, when two people who are each trying to rule their own kingdom marry, conflicts will occur.

Check out this post, it is a helpful reminder of how our seeking our own agenda can affect our marriages.

Parental Provocation...

John MacArthur writes on how parents provoke children to wrath. The ones he includes are: overprotection, favortism, pressing them toward unreasonable achievement, discouragement, parent's failure to sacrifice for kids, not letting them grow up at a normal pace, using love as a tool for reward or punishment and, finally, abuse. God, keep us from these things.

Unity In the Cross

In a day when the church is marred by divisions and competiting allegiances, this article pointing to Unity In the Cross by Josh Harris was refreshing. I especially thought the third point was convicting citing how unity takes consistent effort. We can begin, as Josh urges, by distrusting our "dislikes", distrusting our "favorites", and rooting out bitterness and apathy in our relationships. This is always a timely word for the church.

Audio - T4G '06

In thinking about heading to Together for the Gospel next week, I thought I would point you to the free audio available from the 2006 conference from the Sovereign Grace website. Check it out.

Audio for Main Sessions from T4G '06
Audio for Panel Discussions from T4G '06

4/13 Teaser...

This coming Sunday, Lord willing, I will continue my sermon on the rich man and Jesus' indictment of wealth. In commenting on how difficult it is for a rich man to get to heaven, Jesus tells us that is easier for a camel (the largest animal someone in Palestine would be aware of) to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25).

C.S. Lewis wrote a witty poem about this. (Found in his book, Poems.)

All things (e.g. a camel's journey through
a needle's eye) are possible, it's true;
But picture how the camel feels, squeezed out
in one long bloody thread from tail to snout.

MM - Conflict (3)

As we continue our series of Mondays looking at conflict and especially noting the helpful resources at Peacemaker Ministries, today we look at the 7 A's of Confession. Here's what they say:

As God opens your eyes to see how you have sinned against others, he simultaneously offers you a way to find freedom from your past wrongs. It is called confession. Many people have never experienced this freedom because they have never learned how to confess their wrongs honestly and unconditionally. Instead, they use words like these: "I'm sorry if I hurt you." "Let's just forget the past." "I suppose I could have done a better job." "I guess it's not all your fault." These token statements rarely trigger genuine forgiveness and reconciliation. If you really want to make peace, ask God to help you breathe grace by humbly and thoroughly admitting your wrongs. One way to do this is to use the Seven A's.

Address everyone involved (All those whom you affected)
Avoid if, but, and maybe (Do not try to excuse your wrongs)
Admit specifically (Both attitudes and actions)
Acknowledge the hurt (Express sorrow for hurting someone)
Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution)
Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions)
Ask for forgiveness
See Matthew 7:3-5; 1 John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13.

This was a hard lesson for me to learn early on in marriage. Meg and I hated having conflict between us. We would want to end it as soon as possible. This, often, led to shallow and weak confession that effectively provide the reconciliation we needed. These principles are so helpful in that regard. I've gotten away from saying, "It's no big deal," when she's confessing something to me to saying, "I forgive you." Likewise, when I am confessing a way I've generally wronged her, I try to specifically follow these principles. This means avoiding generalities like "If I've done something that bothers you, I'm sorry." My confession needs specificness: "I had a prideful heart, which jumped to a conclusion rather than listening to you. I know this brought disagreement between us. I know I need to change my actions. Will you forgive me." When we function this way, our communication is not only strengthened, but the bond of love and grace that we demonstrate towards one another is kindled and encouraged. Practice good confession when you have wronged someone.

The YOUsual Suspect...

Isn't it often the case that we don't suspect ourselves. We think everyone else is the world is the problem. In my Wed PM class, we are reading through D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones excellent work, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. In the chapter on denying self and following Christ, he writes:

Whenever I notice in myself a reaction of self-defence, or a sense of annoyance or a grievance, or a feeling that I have been hurt and wronged and am suffering an injustice -- the moment I feel this defensive mechanism coming into play, I must just quietly face myself and ask the following questions.
"Why exactly does this thing upset me?"
"Why am I grieved by it?"
"What is my real concern at this point?"
"Am I really concerned for some general principle of justice and righteousness?"
"Am I really moved and distubed because I have some true cause at heart?"
"Or, let me face it honestly, is it just myself?"
"Is it just this horrible, foul, self-centeredness and self-concern, this morbid condition into which I have got?"
"Is it nothing but an unhealthy and unpleasant pride?"

Such self-examination is essential if we are to conquer in this matter.

This was so enlightening to me. I am usually the root behind the problem. My reaction happens because I have an issue I am dealing with. Yes, it usually is just myself (if I was honest). It is just my horrible, foul, self-centeredness and self-concern. It is a morbid condition into which I have gotten. I plead with you to follow the Doctor's counsel here and put the probe of self-examination upon your life. See if the light of the Gospel doesn't reveal the sins of self.

Slippery Slope (3)

For the past 2 days, we have been looking at the slippery slope as a guide for understanding how we react to conflict. On Tuesday, we looked at the responses associated with escape: denial, flight and suicide. Yesterday, we looked at the responses that are driven to attack: assault, litigation, and murder. Today, we will look at the peacemaking responses. Here is how they summarize it on the Peacemaker website:

The Gospel Is the Key to Peace. A true peacemaker is guided, motivated, and empowered by the gospel, the good news that God has forgiven all our sins and made peace with us through the death and resurrection of his Son (Col. 1:19-20). Through Christ he has also enabled us to break the habit of escaping from conflict or attacking others, and he has empowered us to become peacemakers who can promote genuine justice and reconciliation (Col. 3:12-14).

The six responses found on the top portion of the slippery slope are directed at finding a just and mutually agreeable solution to a conflict. These responses may be divided into two categories: personal peacemaking responses and assisted responses:

Personal peacemaking responses are carried out in private between the parties themselves. Although it is appropriate for one or both parties to seek advice on how to implement these responses, they should normally try to resolve their differences one-on-one before asking others to intervene in the dispute.

Overlook an offense—Many disputes are so insignificant that they should be resolved by quietly and deliberately overlooking an offense. "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Prov. 19:11). Overlooking an offense is a form of forgiveness, and involves a deliberate decision not to talk about it, dwell on it, or let it grow into pent-up bitterness or anger.

Reconciliation—If an offense is too serious to overlook or has damaged our relationship, we need to resolve personal or relational issues through confession, loving correction, and forgiveness. "[If] your brother has something against you ... go and be reconciled" (Matt. 5:23-24). "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently" (Gal. 6:1; see Matt. 18:15). "Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Col. 3:13).

Negotiation—Even if we successfully resolve relational issues, we may still need to work through material issues related to money, property, or other rights. This should be done through a cooperative bargaining process in which you and the other person seek to reach a settlement that satisfies the legitimate needs of each side. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:4).

If the parties cannot resolve a dispute through personal peacemaking, they should pursue one of the assisted responses. This will require that they seek help from other people in their church or community.

Mediation—If two people cannot reach an agreement in private, they should ask one or more objective outside people to meet with them to help them communicate more effectively and explore possible solutions. "If he will not listen [to you], take one or two others along" (Matt. 18:16). These mediators may ask questions and give advice, but they have no authority to force you to accept a particular solution.

Arbitration—When you and an opponent cannot come to a voluntary agreement on a material issue, you may appoint one or more arbitrators to listen to your arguments and render a binding decision to settle the issue. "If you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church" (1 Cor. 6:4).

Accountability—If a person who professes to be a Christian refuses to be reconciled and do what is right, Jesus commands his or her church leaders to formally intervene to hold him or her accountable to Scripture and to promote repentance, justice, and forgiveness: "If he refuses to listen [to others], tell it to the church" (Matt. 18:17).

As you can see, the escape responses only postpone a proper solution to a problem, and attack responses usually damage relationships and make conflicts worse. Therefore, you should generally try first to deal with conflict personally and privately by using one of the first three conciliation responses (overlooking, discussion, or negotiation).

If repeated efforts at personal peacemaking do not resolve a matter, then you may need to pursue one of the other conciliation responses (mediation, arbitration, or accountability), which will require the assistance of other people in your church or community.

As you can see, this is a daunting task. What we must keep in mind, though, are the principles of the Gospel. That must be the center and core of all peacemaking.

If you want more information on the Slippery Slope, Peacemaker Ministries allows you to download chapter 1 of Ken Sande's book, The Peacemaker, for free.

T4G - Promo Videos

At the Together for the Gospel site, they have posted all of the promo videos finally. These 2 minutes snippets give memorable quotes from the 2006 conference and really help whet your appetite for this year's. I get to travel this time with the Elders from our church. Less than 2 weeks and the conference will be happening.

Audio - Kent Hughes Interview

For this week's audio recommendation, I would commend the latest 9 Marks Interview. Kent Hughes, former pastor at College Church, Wheaton, IL, was interview in late October and is this month's interview.

The part that really stuck out to me was when Dever asked him about failures in ministry he could talk about, he summarized it by saying that even when we are right in our orthodoxy, it should but doesn't always mean that our morals line up with the truth. It is so easy to drift in our Christian walks. I don't want to be a drifter. I want what I confess to believe about God to pervade every area of my life.

Slippery Slope (2)

Yesterday, we began looking at the slippery slope of conflict from Peacemaker Ministries. We noticed the familiar responses of escape: denial (claiming everything is ok when it isn't), flight (running away from conflict) and the ultimate flight, suicide. Today, let's look at the various attack responses. This is the other extreme of dealing with conflict in a way that isn't oriented Godward. Escape responses center on running away so that conflict isn't dealt with. Attack responses go after the person allegedly causing the conflict.

Here is a summary:

Attack Responses
The three responses found on the right side of the slippery slope are often used by people who are more interested in winning a conflict than in preserving a relationship.

Assault—Some people try to overcome an opponent by using various forms of force or intimidation, such as verbal attacks (including gossip and slander), physical violence, or efforts to damage a person financially or professionally (see Acts 6:8-15). Such conduct usually escalates conflict.

Litigation—Although some conflicts may legitimately be taken before a civil judge (see Acts 24:1-26:32; Rom. 13:1-5), lawsuits usually damage relationships, diminish our Christian witness, and often fail to achieve complete justice. This is why Christians are commanded to make every effort to settle their differences within the church rather than the civil courts (see Matt. 5:25-26; 1 Cor. 6:1-8).

Murder—In extreme cases, people may be so desperate to win a dispute that they will try to kill those who oppose them (see Acts 7:54-58). While most people would not actually kill someone, we should never forget that we stand guilty of murder in God's eyes when we harbor anger or contempt in our hearts toward others (see 1 John 3:15; Matt. 5:21-22).

Are you guilty of these responses? Have you ever thought of killing someone causing you trouble? Maybe you thought suing them would make it hurt? Have you ever assaulted someone through your words? These are all attack responses are still fall short of how Scripture compels us to act. We will look at this response tomorrow.

Marriage & God's Glory...

Al Mohler writes how marriage finds it ultimate end in God.

Busy Weekend...

Yes, I am a little delinquent in my normal posting routine. Was down in Galveston, TX this weekend. My mother-in-law was getting married and wanted this to occur on the ocean (not literally in a boat on the water, but on the beach looking over the ocean). We had a good time. Left Friday evening at 5PM and got into Dallas around Midnight. Then left early Sat AM and got into Galveston around 2:30. The wedding was that evening. Then a day of rest (needed) Sunday and we returned yesterday. Monday morning at 9:30AM, we pulled out of hotel and the humid, 75 degree temperature, looking at the ocean. At 9PM, we pulled into the 45 degree darkness of Hutchinson. God was gracious to us...traveling home was entirely uneventful. It was nice to get away, but I'm sort of dragging today. Will get back in the groove, though. And we are happy to be home. We missed our church family dearly and are ready to get back to life as we know it here.

MM - Conflict (2)

Continuing a theme we began last Monday, I want to talk more about conflict and our response to it today. Again, relying on the excellent tools at Peacemaker Ministries, we learn that our responses can be summarized as a "Slippery Slope."



Many of us, seek to deal with conflict using Escape Responses (found on the left of the slippery slope). Here is a summary of these:

Escape Responses
The three responses found on the left side of the slippery slope are commonly used by people who are more interested in avoiding or getting away from a conflict than resolving it.

Denial—One way to escape from a conflict is to pretend that no problem exists. Another way is to refuse to do what should be done to resolve a conflict properly. These responses bring only temporary relief and usually make matters worse (see 1 Sam. 2:22-25).

Flight—Another way to escape from a conflict is to run away. This may take the form of ending a friendship, quitting a job, filing for divorce, or leaving a church. Flight may be legitimate in extreme situations (see 1 Sam. 19:9-10), but in most cases it only postpones a proper solution to the problem (see Gen. 16:6-8).

Suicide—When people lose all hope of resolving a conflict, they may seek to escape the situation (or make a desperate cry for help) by attempting to take their own lives. Suicide is never a right way to deal with conflict (see Matt. 27:1-5).

What about you? Are you guilty of these kinds of escape? Be honest and notice our tendencies in this regard and through the Gospel, seek to change. More to come on this...

I KIssed My "Quiet Time" Goodbye...

In a thought provoking response to a previous post, David Powlison urges us to get away from "quiet time" and tells us that "[God] wants to catch your ear to awaken your voice. When you have your 'quiet' time, or as you walk outdoors, or during your commute, may the decibel level rise to joyful noise and cries of need--and may God listen to the sound of your voice!" Read more here.