Not To Us...

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. Why should the nations say, "Where, now, is their God?" But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man's hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them.
O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield. The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless {us;} He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the LORD, The small together with the great. May the LORD give you increase, You and your children. May you be blessed of the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth. The heavens are the heavens of the LORD, But the earth He has given to the sons of men. The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor {do} any who go down into silence; But as for us, we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!--115th Psalm



Idol worship is alive and well; not just in the Catholic church, but I am reminded that my heart creates idols that are just as helpless as this statue of Mary.


HT: Jay Adams

Standing Up for Truth

John MacArthur was recently on the Larry King Live show again. (I cannot imagine the difficulty of this task; being accurate and winsome in a sound byte culture. All with Larry having the authority to interrupt or change the subject on a whim!)

At one point, the gentleman on the right responds to MacArthur:

Reverend, as a Catholic I'm really offended listening to you. You're so busy looking for specific words in the Bible that you actually miss the message of the gospel. We're supposed to love each other...love ourselves and love each other. And you're really missing the core mission of the gospel.

Click this link to see MacArthur's gracious and accurate response. I praise God that while King had him on the show for a political issue, MacArthur is clear from out of the gate that his concerns are not political in nature.

You and I will never appear on Larry King Live, but oh that we would seek every opportunity to proclaim the message of our Glorious Savior!

HFW: Romans 10:8-17

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (6), the final reading is Romans 10:8-17. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What was the message Paul had been preaching?

2. What role does ethnicity play in coming to know Christ?

3. How central is hearing the gospel to becoming saved?

4. What is our role for others to hear the gospel?

5. What does God use to generate faith?

I Guess It's Official

I took the Calvinist Quiz, here's how I scored:





Obviously, the quiz is just goofy and for fun.

HFW: Romans 11:11-15

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (6), the third reading is Romans 11:11-15. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. How has the Jewish rejection of Jesus resulted in our hearing the gospel?

2. Though Paul is an apostle to the Gentiles, what was his attitude toward Israel?

3. Who was Paul primarily speaking to with the book of Romans?

4. What is being accomplished by this message?

5. How could this result in Jewish salvation?

Wow!

Thabiti Anyabwile pointed out that the Gospel Coalition are hosting free classes on their site, classes from:



Reformed Theological Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary
Westminster Theological Seminary

Click here to check it out!

Praise God for their generosity!!

HFW: Acts 1:6-8

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (6), the second reading is Acts 1:6-8. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What were the disciples looking for from Jesus?

2. What does Jesus say in regard to establishing the kingdom?

3. Where will their power come from?

4. How will the message be spread?

5. To what are they witnesses?

A Must Listen

I generally do not enjoy watching sermons on video (I have an ipod shuffle, therefore I can't download and watch them while I drive/mow/etc.) but this one was well worth sitting down and listening to.



HT: Luke MacDonald

HFW: Matthew 28:16-20

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (6), the first reading is Matthew 28:16-20. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. How do the 11 disciples respond when they see Jesus? What can this tell you?

2. How does Jesus’ authority impact His calling to the disciples?

3. Where are we to seek making disciples?

4. According to this passage, what does discipleship look like?

5. How long did Jesus see this commission lasting?

Getting Your Remarriage Permit

I often have someone come in my office and inform me of their desire to divorce. Whether invoking what they consider to be the "adultery exception" (as they often call it) or not, I always know what is coming later in the conversation. I listen for it, yet never have to press for it. Eventually, their motive is fully exposed. They don't simply plan to divorce.

They plan to remarry.

Sometimes, they already have a future spouse in mind. Other times, they have no one in mind, but they do believe that their spouse's adultery not only gives them permission to divorce, but gives them permission to remarry as well. Nearly every time, I hear a statement like, "I'm leaving my spouse because I deserve a husband who will be faithful to me." (Or the sister statement, "My kids deserve a father who will be faithful to the family.") While it is true that God's design is for a man to be a faithful husband and father, I would also argue that His design is for your current spouse to play that role, not someone else.

I have yet to counsel a person who wants to invoke their "right to divorce" that does not also see it as permission to remarriage. Therefore, before they are divorced (read: still married), they are already thinking toward sharing a marriage bed with another partner. There may not be a name or face attached, but they are already entertaining the thought of someone other than their current spouse.

Isn't such thinking adultery?

[But the person is no longer my spouse, for they have broken the marriage, I have heard some protest. But such thinking is inconsistent. If the marriage is broken, why seek a divorce? It's simply the legal formality, they argue. But again, would they apply the same rule to engaged couples? Are engaged couples free to engage in intercourse because all that waits is the formality? Would you be content with your child taking such an approach?]

This does not end with a hard-hearted-learn-to-live-with-it exhortation, but rather, with a time of reflection at the cross. Jesus died for those who are unfaithful. Even in the midst of pain and hurt created by someone else's unfaithfulness, I am called to see my own propensity to wander. I am given the privilege to take them to Christ who endures my unfaithfulness, but also remained faithful even in the midst of Judas' betrayal and the disciples' denials. Though difficult, the believer is granted opportunity to greater intimacy with Christ as they share in the fellowship of suffering. In the face of their spouse's unfaithfulness, they can choose to be faithful to their covenant, just as Christ remains faithful despite our unfaithfulness.

In the end, additional adultery is not just avoided, but the gospel is also exalted!

Getting Your Adultery Permit

If a married man came to you and told you he was having sex with another woman, you would call that adultery, right?

If a married man came to you and told you he was entertaining the temptation to have sex with another woman, you'd show him that Jesus calls that adultery, right?

What if the married man shares there is no woman specifically in mind but that he regularly finds himself fantasizing for someone other than his wife? Isn't this an evidence of an adulterous heart (not to mention greed, covetousness and pride)?

You see, the pit of adultery goes much deeper than what the eye first beholds. Often, we are tempted to see adultery as beginning the moment physical contact takes place. However, Jesus said the act of adultery began long before that. In the same way, we are often tempted to think lust occurs the moment sexual thoughts cross my mind. However, the pit of lust is much wider than just sex. Lust manifests itself in any form of wanting someone else. Take a movie character, for example. The man is often (though not exclusively) tempted to want a woman who looks like a female character. On the other hand, the woman is often (though not exclusively) tempted to want a man who acts like a male character. Either situation is lust.

Therefore, if a man came to you and said he was leaving his wife because he deserves one with a better figure, you'd smack him around, right? Such a statement shows and attitude of covetousness, discontent, lust, greed and pride (probably should tell him to check out his shape in the mirror too, eh?). Obviously, the man is not justified in his desire.

Now, what if the same man said he was leaving his wife for one of a better personality? Is that excused? How about a better cookbook? Better bargain hunting skills?

What if she is a gossip? A liar? A drunk? Do any of these sins give him permission to divorce her? Even if she is an unbeliever, he is not free to divorce her. (1 Corinthians 7:12-13; Read the context as well to see that I am not calling it sin if your unbelieving spouse left you. Paul very clearly says there is nothing you can do about that.) God does not call the believer to condone their sin or facilitate it, but He does not call them to break their covenant either. You made a covenant "for better or for worse" and God will grant you the grace to endure and grow into the image of Christ as you go through the worst.

Someone who denies the Betrothal View says, Ah, but marital unfaithfulness is different, Jesus gave permission to divorce in this case. Is marital unfaithfulness really that far and away beyond other sins we are called to endure in our spouse, especially in light of Christ, who has been faithful to His unfaithful Bride since her formation?

I would argue that the Betrothal view is the best hermeneutic as well as the most consistent way of engaging sin. Tomorrow, I plan (Lord willing) to give one last example that any other view almost always is a sign of an adulterous heart in both parties.

HFW: Colossians 3:15-17

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (5), the last reading is Colossians 3:15-17. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. How do you let peace rule?

2. How does our calling play into this peace?

3. How does one let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you?

4. What ways can we express the Word of God to one another?

5. What should be our overall attitude?

Getting Your Divorce Permit?

The Marital Faithfulness Exception...

Nearly every time I counsel a person suffering the tragedy of adultery the person claims their right to divorce. Sometimes, the person claims the right, yet shares they will use restraint from invoking it. Other times the person comes in declaring they are going to divorce and they have been given the right to do so from God. Sadly, I've even had some encounters where the person is now seeking divorce for adultery that was committed (and repented of) in the distant past. Like a Monopoly game card, the victim considered their spouse's sin as having created an optional nature to their marriage from here on out. They've now earned a free pass out of the marriage, to be used at their convenience.

Over the years, I'm not sure which I find more fascinating; that the unbeliever is aware of the exception clause, or that the believer thinks this "hold onto it until a rainy day" attitude fits into the Biblical understanding of forgiveness.

Each time I share that I believe the Betrothal View is the most faithful hermeneutic of these exceptions, I get a blank stare in return. Some are so tragically bitter, they will not even consider that there is another way to look at the text. Others, by God's grace, are willing to investigate the texts, but also admit they have never seen this perspective advocated.

Recently, I've begun to share not only that the Betrothal View is the most faithful hermeneutic, but also that any other perspective is usually evidence of adultery on the part of the person wishing to invoke the exception.

I'll explain more tomorrow, Lord willing.

HFW: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (5), the third reading is 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What role did the Scriptures play in Timothy’s upbringing?

2. How can the Word of God transform a believer?

3. What is the relationship between preaching and the Word of God?

4. Will this perspective be popular?

5. What is the relationship between Scripture, preaching and evangelism?

Well Done, or Well Known?

James MacDonald writes an excellent (and convicting) article on his blog. His article concludes:

In about 10 more minutes (or so it will seem), we are gonna be standing before Jesus Christ and the words we will be longing to hear are not “Well known,” but “Well done!” Let’s believe that others are going for that too, whether we know their names or not and let’s rejoice when we see others fruitfulness, reflect upon our own motivations for serving Christ and let’s rest in the knowledge that . . . “Promotion does not come from the east or the west, God is the judge, who sets up one and puts down another” (Psalm 75:7).

I was comforted to see that James MacDonald struggles at times with comparing ministries and feeling inadequate.

I chuckled when I realized two guys on his list of famous preachers were totally unknown to me. A good reminder that just because someone is famous in my book, doesn't mean they are to others...and vice versa.

I was convicted to see some of the names in his list. Do I give those guys the benefit of the doubt, or do I scrutinize their ministries?

I recently met with a pastor (more famous than I) who encouraged me to be a "gospel guy." Cheer on anyone who is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ! I want to be there and must battle the torment of my soul that always weighs and evaluates things. (Questions like, "Yeah, but Paul confronted Peter, not on his doctrine, but on his practice" swirl through my head.) One problem is that I never weigh and evaluate myself to the same level I do others!

Yes, we should desire faithful ministry. A faithful pursuit of Christ in ministry is fruit created by Him, regardless of the response we may see from it. However, when I speak to another, I need to make sure my desire is to encourage them to more faithful ministry (a process I hope we do mutually) rather than trying to convince the person my ministry is the more faithful one (which is an attitude of pride).

Lord, provide me the grace to see that I fail miserably in shepherding like the Chief Shepherd does, but joy to see that I am completely incapable of any form of shepherding without your grace!

HFW: 2 Peter 1:16-21

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (5), the second reading is 2 Peter 1:16-21. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What didn’t Peter follow?

2. What event does Peter reference?

3. What role does prophecy play in the trustworthiness of Scripture?

4. For how long does Peter say we should pay attention to Scripture?

5. How does Peter describe inspiration?

HFW: Acts 2:37-47

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (5), the first reading is Acts 2:37-47. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. How did Peter respond to the crowd?

2. To whom was this message made available?

3. What were the believers doing?

4. How were these things centered on the Word of God?

5. What was the result?

Creation Museum Review

Monday, QT and I celebrated our 12th anniversary with a trip to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY. Below is my review:

Expectations: Honestly, very low. Though I wanted to believe it would be good--and had received a few positive reviews from others--I didn't think I'd be impressed. No matter how generous donors may be, their funding simply must pale compared to other museums. As an overly critical (which I hate and fight against) pastor, I expected them to present many things about creation properly, but for them to miss the boat in other areas of theology. Simply put, I anticipated disappointment.

So it's not saying much to say the museum exceeded my expectations. However, even if I had come with high expectations, I think they still would have exceeded those!!!

Top 10 Things I Liked:

10. Botanical Gardens--Beautiful gardens laid out around the property with a walking path through them. There were probably quite a few people walking the gardens while we were, yet you were able to walk and talk and experience privacy.

9. Dinosaur models--I'm anxious to return with our 5 year old son; I think he'll flip over the dinosaur models. The quality of the models really surprised me. There is also a dinosaur during the museum tour that roars and moves...I know my kids will jump every time he does.

8. "Prepare to Believe"--You encounter this slogan several times throughout the tour. The phrase alone would never make my top ten, but the tone behind it was very encouraging. They make no bones about the fact that faith is required and just lay out the Biblical perspective. When they deconstruct evolutionary theories, they do not attack the people behind those theories, nor suggest some grand conspiracy of the government to keep you in the dark. They merely show that you will view the evidence differently depending on your starting point. I didn't pick up any we creationists are oppressed/victims/on the brink of extinction type attitude.

7. Emphasis on the Word--Literally, they start here. You begin the tour and are introduced to debate between creation and evolution. They suggest that your starting point will change how you view the evidence. Then, the very next thing they do is put you in a room where you learn about the writers of the Word of God and its formation. While reading, there is a touching video loop of people reading Scriptures about the Scripture. It's really cool.

6. Smiles--Whether paid or volunteer, the staff was simply friendly. They were helpful, but not intrusive. I wondered how they responded to loud scoffers and critics, but then wondered if their gracious tone was one reason I couldn't spot any mockers or critics. Even the law officer directing traffic in the parking lot smiled and wished us a good day as we left!

5. Responsibility of the Church--The Museum does not place responsibility upon the world or secular science. It is quite humbling when they use timelines and quotes to show how evolution gained traction as the church softened her view on the inerrancy of Scripture. It's humbling and depressing as you see the results and the church's lack of faith in the Word...but it is also spot on.

4. Noah's Ark--There are models, computer generated animation and even a model of the ark (1% of the mass of the original ark). There are also facts displayed and information that is beneficial to understanding how such a large vessel could be built. The display does a good job of teaching ship building techniques as well as displaying them. For people--like me--who struggle to visualize concepts...this model helps significantly.

3. The 7 C's--No, this is not where Noah sailed. It is the guide to regularly remind you of when considering history: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation. They do an excellent job of tying all of these together!

2. Planetarium--Breath-taking display. Blows Lois Guiglio's presentation away and messages I have seen by Francis Chan (and I enjoyed both of those)! You are amazed at the size and intricacy of our universe.

1. Last Adam--After seeing a display on the Tower of Babel (Confusion), the last three phases are presented in video form. The video does a beautiful job of tying Adam to Christ, using Paul's writing to make the connection. I was overjoyed to see the museum desire not just to win people to creationism (I would argue that with the relatively new age of evolution, most people suffering in hell were probably creationist while on earth...believing in creation does not save.), but to Christ. I sat there and cried during the video. So thankful for the Second Adam whose obedience gained my salvation.

Will scoffers go through the museum and laugh and mock? Certainly. Would I have been one of those scoffers had Christ not opened my eyes? Yes, but praise be to Him that He lifted the veil!


Three [relatively insignificant] Things I Didn't Like:

3. [Lack of] Petting Zoo Signs--The petting zoo has a zorse (zebra/horse hybrid) and a zonkey (zebra/donkey), along with other animals. I may have simply missed them, but I did not see signs labeling the animals or their pens. That would have been helpful.
2. Church dead in 40 Years?--At one point, where the display shows the affects upon a community when the Word of God is neglected by the church, there is a quote about the church dying in 40 years. The area was crowded and I couldn't see the whole sign, but I heard a woman in the front conversing with her son. She was explaining that by the time he was 50, this sign is saying the church will be dead. I hope she's wrong and the sign doesn't say that. Christ will build His church. She ain't dying. (Again, hopefully the sign didn't say this.)
3. Subtle Building Design--Perhaps this is intentional, but the architecture is rather understated from the parking lot. As we entered the building from the parking lot, it looked pretty much like you are entering an average cinema. However, when you turn back to the building from the botanical gardens, the building is quite beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Evidence alone won't win your friend to creationism. Creationism won't win your friend to Christ. However, this museum recognizes that faith is necessary for receiving creation. More importantly, they know that it is by faith that we come to Christ. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. And this museum presents a lot of the Word of God with the purpose of exulting Christ.

It was a thrill to see them embrace a historical-grammatical approach with an emphasis on redemptive history. I wish more pastors would take such an approach to their exposition.

Lord willing, our family will be going back...often!

HFW: Acts 6:1-7

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (4), the last reading is Acts 6:1-7. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What is the essence of the conflict?

2. Why were the apostles hesitant to focus on feeding widows?

3. What kind of men should the church choose for deacons?

4. How is Stephen described?

5. What was the result?

HFW: 1 Timothy 2:9-15

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (4), the third reading is 1 Timothy 2:9-15. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What should a woman focus on more than her appearance?

2. Is this focus extraordinary?

3. What restrictions does Paul give women within the church?

4. What is Paul’s reason for this restriction?

5. What virtues should a woman strive for?

Public Sin; Public Confession

A little over three months ago, I posted a question with a couple of pictures that I should not have. Though veiled to some readers, there was a connection between the pictures and two specific pastors.

My post was not about their practices. It was not about their actions or beliefs. It was about them...ad hominem.

It was wrong.

It was sinful.

Both men have responded to my private apologies very graciously. I praise God for that.

But here's the bummer. Since the sin was public (yes, I consider all four readers of this blog to constitute as "public"), the confession should also correspond.

Sadly, it is not enough that I sin. Sometimes I even flaunt my sin publicly. I want you to know that my actions (and worse, the heart that generated the action) was not focused on the glory of God, nor the edification of these men. I was also not showing adequate concern for my readers when I posted it publicly.

[Simply deleting the post was tempting, however the sin was public, so the confession should be as well.]

[It also crossed my mind to delete the post, but add a public apology. Personally, I felt convicted that this would not work appropriately either. The confession stays on the site permanently, so the offense should as well...with an appropriate statement attached.]

Very thankful that I will not stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords trying to claim my own righteousness, but having His granted to me instead!

HFW: Titus 1:5-9

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (4), the second reading is Titus 1:5-9. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What office was to be established in every city on Crete?

2. How important is this task to Paul?

3. What kind of man does an elder need to be?

4. What is his primary function?

5. How can establishing elders further establish the church?

HFW: Colossians 1:13-20

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (4), the first reading is Colossians 1:13-20. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. How is the gospel central to this passage?

2. What does “firstborn of all creation” mean? Does this mean Jesus was created?

3. What is the purpose and scope of all creation?

4. What is Christ’s role in the church?

5. In what does God find pleasure?

[Tried something new with this video. I could not get the audio/video to synch up well, so this style spares you the disconnection between my face and my words.]

Signs of the Apocalypse 3

Church Sign Generator sites are down, so I had to make rudimentary signs myself. Therefore, the statements on these signs were not actually found on the church signs shown below:


Ok, bread & vitamins, but where's the sign that warns that church signs often equal cheese?


Hopefully, they don't mean in a 1 Corinthians 2:14 sort of way:



Sadly, this sign has not been altered at all:

Piper Bowling?

Just so you know the level of therapy I need, every time I see this picture:





I think the tiny "twitter picture" actually looks like this:

Dream Machines

Here's what I've been craving lately, in order of preference (least to greatest).(I've never seen them without the goofy plastic spoilers, but I think it looks better without them. Of course, it's probably attached to the truck with giant mounts into the bed.)This combines my craving for a truck with my high school set of wheels.





Would have to drive to Arizona, but it would be worth it!


Make sure you notice the tailgate!

HFW: 1 Corinthians 2:1-9

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (3), the last reading is 1 Corinthians 2:1-9. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What does superiority in speech and wisdom look like?

2. What was the point of Paul’s preaching?

3. Why was Paul’s preaching powerful?

4. What is the mystery that has been revealed?

5. Why won’t the whole world receive this message?

HFW: Habakkuk 3:17-19

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (3), the third reading is Habakkuk 3:17-19. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What were the conditions for Israel?

2. What does it mean to exult?

3. Why does he rejoice?

4. What does it mean to make his feet like hinds’ feet?

5. How does the writer find strength and encouragement in tough times?

HFW: Romans 1:1-17

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (3), the second reading is Romans 1:1-17. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. How does Paul describe the church in Rome?

2. Why is Paul thankful for the church?

3. How has Paul shown his concern for the church?

4. What can’t Paul wait to do when he arrives?

5. What is the power of his message?

HFW: Matthew 16:13-18

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (3), the first reading is Matthew 16:13-18. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What made the answers of “the people” incomplete?

2. What doctrines are within the title “the Christ, the Son of the Living God?”

3. How does Jesus say Peter “came up with” this answer?

4. What is the “rock” upon which Jesus will build His church?

5. How powerful will it be?

Matthew 26:52

How does one reconcile this picture (or the pastor's comment in the caption section, which read, "Ken Pagano, pastor of New Bethel Church in Louisville, Ky., says America wouldn't exist without God and firearms.") with Matthew 26:52:

Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.

But perhaps the bigger question is, How does one reconcile speaking from the pulpit on matters such as politics and America in light of 2 Timothy 2:4?

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

Thoughts?

HFW: Philippians 4:14-19

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (2), the fourth reading is Colossians 1:21-27. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. What churches are listed in this passage?

2. How did the Philippians participate with Paul?

3. How did their gift benefit Paul?

4. How does Paul view the churchs’ cooperation?

5. When they gave the gift to Paul, who was really receiving the offering?

For Your Tool Shed

It was a bummer to me when zhubert.com went down over some copyright issues.

However, this seems to be a good alternative:

Reader's Version of Greek and Hebrew Bible

Type the reference you would like into the gray box and hit enter. Slide your mouse over different words to see parsing and definitions. Even if you can't read greek text, I think this tool can be helpful for you. How?

[For example, the pronoun "you" can always be problematic in english. We regularly have no way of knowing if the text is speaking to the individual or to the corporate. With a tool like this, you can scroll over the text, find the word "you" (even if you didn't know it is: σύ, σου, σοι, σε, ὑμεις, ὑμων, ὑμιν or ὑμαϛ) and also find out its part of speech. Then you can know if "you" is singular or plural.]

HFW: Acts 5:1-16

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (2), the third reading is Acts 5:1-16. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:

1. Who was filled with fear?

2. What kinds of things were happening in the church?

3. How did those outside the church view the believers?

4. What was the effect?

5. How clear was the distinction between the world and the church?