Sunday Leftovers (1/25/09)

One of the values of Scripture is that it teaches us — for we do not know and understand. Given that we are taught by Scripture a fair question to ask, then, is “what kind of learner are you?’ It is possible to be a Bible learner that learns without a Biblical purpose. We might […]

Today’s Quote – Worship (Hughes)

R. Kent Hughes, John: That You May Believe: Irreverence toward God is only a symptom of an idolatrous image of God that is man-made. Dry ritualism indicates that our God is far away and dead. Joyless performance reveals an arid Deity. But on the other hand, reverence for God indicates our belief that he is […]

After the wedding

Having conducted a wedding this afternoon, I’m still thinking about some of the things I wanted to communicate about God and marriage to the couple and to those in attendance. Taking my thoughts primarily from Ephesians 5, I addressed the couple (particularly the husband) and exhorted them to follow the example of Christ in His […]

Catholics and Evangelicals, the Pope and Justification

In an interview posted yesterday at Christianity Today, Charles Colson commented on the recent death of Richard John Neuhaus, and the effect that his death might have on the movement Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT). In the interview, Colson makes this remarkable statement: Pope Benedict on November 19 in what was otherwise a routine audience […]

Today’s Quote – Obedience (Calvin)

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion: …what is the beginning of true doctrine but a prompt eagerness to hearken to God’s voice? [1.7.5]

Today’s Quote – Marriage (Mason)

Mike Mason, The Mystery of Marriage: One thing that is very important to know in marriage is that there is always a way out. And the way out is not divorce! No, the way out in marriage (no matter how bad things may get) is simply to put everything back on the line, our whole […]

Today’s Quote – Idols (Lewis)

C. S. Lewis, quoted in Christian History: There are three images in my mind which I must continually forsake and replace by better ones: the false image of God, the false image of my neighbors, and the false image of myself.

Thinking about weddings and marriage

In two days I am performing a marriage ceremony and I am currently in the process of doing premarital counseling with another couple and I just finished reading John Piper’s new book, This Momentary Marriage (which is excellent — a review will be coming next week). So I’ve been thinking a lot about weddings and […]

Today’s Quote – Prosperity (Calvin)

John Calvin, Commentary on Zechariah, Malachi: It is therefore necessary that we should be subject, from first to last, to the scourges of God, in order that we may from the heart call on him; for our hearts are enfeebled by prosperity, so that we cannot make the effort to pray. (HT: John Piper)

Bible Reading Reflections, Mark 1-6

“And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach…” (Mark 3:14) Seven words form the foundation of Christ’s discipleship process for His band of twelve followers. So that they would be with Him. A few fishermen. A couple little brothers. A tax collector. A […]

A prayer for the new President

I spent today at the library reading and studying, so my attentions were away from the inauguration this morning. When I left the library for a few minutes to get a sandwich for lunch, a television in the restaurant pulled me back to reality as President Obama was giving his inaugural address. Which precipitated a […]

Today’s Quote – Love of Scripture (Watson)

Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture: A godly man shows his love for the written Word of God — by diligently reading it (Acts 17:11; 18:12) by frequently meditating on it (Ps. 119:97) by delighting in it — it is his recreation (Jer. 15:16) by hiding it (Ps. 119:11) by defending it (Ps. 119:111; Rev. […]

Today’s Quote – Scripture (Lundgaard)

Kris Lundgaard, Through the Looking Glass: God has served up a great feast in his Word. But if we sit in front of it and refuse to eat, it’s no wonder that we shrivel up like spiritual raisins. If we’re too lazy to dig into his Word, or if through sin we think so little […]

Grab bag

A list of various resources that I’ve come across while catching up on some blogs through my Google reader: Playboy is in trouble, but it’s not exactly the good news you might think it is A short paragraph about sin and redemption Ligon Duncan, “How to pray for your pastor” John Piper, “How Barack Obama […]

Scripture memory and meditation

Continuing the thought from Sunday’s sermon on Psalm 119, and the significance of meditating on the word of God, here are several resources that I have found helpful in thinking about and being encouraged in Scripture memory: Justin Taylor, “Meditating on God’s Word” Don Whitney’s resources on meditation John Piper, “If My Words Abide in […]